First Impressions of Graduate School

I had my "first day of school" this week. I absolutely loved it! I wish there was a way to capture what I felt last night and remember that six months from now when I'm suffering from fatigue and burn out. I hope I never get there but have to be realistic.

It's been eight years since I've been involved with academics. My first class, Business 505 - Research Methods - seems like it will be a good introduction to getting back into the swing of things.

The hardest part of this class will likely be using APA style. I didn't have to write any research papers at Central (having done all of the basics at LCC) so it's really been more like 10 years since I have been an academic. My time at Central was phenomenal and was focused on PR and writing in AP. APA seems to be more about ways to cite sources whereas AP is more about words.

I'm still trying to figure out if I can write in AP style for class. For instance, it's AP style to write Web site as such whereas some people write website. Another example is healthcare versus health care.

The difference in library resources and peer reviewed articles is awesome. I remember having to read a series of papers at Central. There were only two or three "sets" of the papers and more than 20 students. As you can imagine, it was hard to get my hands on the articles given everyone else was jockeying for the articles too. These days everyone can access the articles through the miracle of the Internet and databases!:)

Part of my first assignment is to come up with three problems I would like to fix at work. I started out with about eight and have narrowed it down to three. Now I have to choose which one I want to write a research proposal on. Another part of our first assignment is to take the DiSC assessment. I am still a "C". I also have a boatload of reading.

I think I'm going to like this!

It's the Great Pumpkin Kids!

Halloween at work is always really fun given the nature of where I work and the population we serve. This year was no different. I was only there for about two hours at the end of the day after an off site meeting because of a last minute issue but that did give me the chance to see a pumpkin being carved. And it wasn't a small pumpkin.

It was 500 pounds to be exact! Ed Moody came to carve it for the kids. It was amazing to watch him use the knife to just shave the layers off. I'm not sure who took all the seeds but think someone will be enjoying a few toasted seeds for a while.

Breach of Ethics

I violated my personal code of ethics today. I spent almost seven hours in a Western Michigan University facility.

Granted, the physical structure was wonderful but it's the principle. I was in Bronco land for way too long. My attendance is required at this two day event. It's for a good cause - the new hospital - but the affiliated university leaves something to be desired.




Fire Up Chips!

Museum of Science and Industry

Allison, Janine and Jessica arrived Saturday morning. We had lunch at a Quartino which included many firsts for me including eating cooked pear, gorgonzola cheese and learning there is a difference between a chili pepper and a red pepper. After lunch we headed to the Museum of Science and Industry.

Riding the moo-moo. Did you know a cow produces 16 gallons of waste each day?

The tractor wheel was just calling for us to sit there....

One of the exhibits was You, the Experience. It was, surprise, surprise, all about the human being. After answering a series of questions, one of the stations created a wordle of your support network. My network is captured above.

I really liked this quote.

Chicago Getaway!

This weekend was what I'm considering one last hurrah before my life changes dramatically as I start grad school November 4. The weekend was nothing short of fantastic. Kim and I took off early Friday morning and met Tania at the hotel. Cindy arrived shortly after and we headed out to Shedd's Aquarium.

Good skyline photo ala Kim. It was rainy but not intolerable with a good umbrella.

The polka dot sting ray.

For some reason there was a crazy line to get inside. I think we waited about 20-25 minutes.


Kim, Tania and Cindy

Dry Run for October 31

Libby and Reagan came over to practice their trick or treat skills with me last week. They did an excellent job and even said thank you. Unlike most houses, they got to come inside afterwards.

The adults (me, Beth and Jon) enjoyed JB's pizza for dinner. Libby and Reagan brought their "lunch" with them which included a "circle sandwhich". They were so excited. Reagan found the whole experience hilarious and was laughing the entire time. Must have been all the candy!

After dinner I let Libby give me a "car wash". I got out some toys before they came over including two pom-poms. Libby is so creative and seemed to think the pom pom was like a car wash. We also read books including If You Give a Cat a Cupcake twice.

Happy 30th Birthday, Laura!

Today is Laura's 30th birthday. Here are a few things you may not know about her.

* She had cookies at her bachelorette party to represent her new initals. Hence the L M cookies displayed above.

* She has a brother named Steve. One time she was talking about him to me and I thought she called him Chief. A nickname for him was born.

* She introduced me to the concept of a bike rack for the car and got me hooked on the idea.

* She thought I went to Elliott Elementary for a long time because I apparently gave her a pencil noted with said school on it. I went to Midway. There is a critical distinction between these schools when you're blending into middle school, people.

* She's officially a certified counselor! There are special letters she can put after her name now and not have to be supervised. And she can officially charge people for therapy. So happy for her!

* She's celebrating the big 3-0 in Vegas. It's up to Melissa to make sure she's ringing it in right:)

Happy Birthday, Loralie!

The Gardens

Patti was in town visiting this weekend. We celebrated the fall with a trip to the Meijer Gardens. I've always raved about the huge pumpkins and plethora of mums. There weren't as many pumpkins as I remember but it was still a great afternoon to be out and about.

Fire Up Chips Themed Mums!

I don't recall ever seeing the Michigan Arch. It stands up without any glue, pins etc. It's all based on holding its own weight.

This little guy reminded me of the scarecrows we used to make in elementary school at Halloween time.

Pretty fall scene

Meet Miss Ava

Kendra and Matt welcomed their new baby on October 11. Ava Lynn arrived promptly on her due date.

She's adorable! She's got bright blue eyes and is very alert. I had the chance to meet her Saturday. What a peanut.

I had a conversation with her about the upcoming 6th annual Ginger Fun. She's really not sure what she's getting into but I assured her it would be loads of fun, lots of crazy ladies and stiff competition that causes the judges to work very hard to determine the winner.

It's going to be so fun watching Ava grow up. One thing is for sure - she's one loved little girl!

Happy Birthday, ROXY!

This weekend is Roxy's birthday weekend.

A year ago this weekend my mom and I went shopping. It wasn't your average mother/daughter shopping weekend as I bought a car. That's more than the usual sweater or pair of jeans.

She's been a great purchase thus far. Only one minor problem and that was under $100 to fix so I can't complain. She gets great gas mileage, looks super shiny after a good bath and only has a small blemish on the front bumper. That's compliments of my white plastic yard furniture in my garage.

Happy Birthday, Roxy!

New Kitchen Lights

I was never bowled over with the lights in my kitchen. They were okay. I didn't love them nor did I hate them.

Until they stopped working. I tried switching the bulbs but that didn't work.

Long story short, I have two new fixtures. My dad found them on a VERY good sale at Standard Electric for me. No builders discount but also no electrician install fee:)

I'm getting used to not having a "dimmer" switch overhead but am enjoying turning on the switch and getting light!