January 14: Annual Report

I spent most of the work day compiling the annual report.  No, it's not due until July 1st.  However, I want to make sure that the transition to the new director is smooth, thus I'm doing all I can to help.  

The other thing I did throughout the day was hound Hank in the registrars office.  Last week I found out that they were waiting to pull my names and email addresses until I got IRB approval.  However, if they had read my request carefully, they would have known it was approved.  I even included the IRB approval number.  Grr.  Between this goof up, and them not allowing graduate students to request, I'm on my last bit of patience with them.  Hank told me he'd work to get me the sample.  At least he's followed through with emailing me about details.  This is a step in the right direction.  Thanks Hank.

January 13: Starbucks Goofed

I waited and watched as the barista called name after name, drink after drink.  I stopped listening after awhile and got caught up writing.  A few minutes later, a guy came up with my drink, apologized about forgetting to make it, and then offered me this... a free drink next time.  Woohoo.  Thanks Starbucks.  I wasn't mad about it, it totally happens, but so nice of them to go above and beyond.

January 12: 5&10

I learned something new.  The famous 5&10 has a bar (Hugh Acheson from Top Chef owns/cooks there).  Mallory is moving next weekend, and I'm going to miss her being so close.  She has been such a dear friend these last three and a half years.  Wow, I can't believe it's been that long.  Her friendship has been a God-send.  From sharing life through breakups, classes, writing retreats, snowpocolyspe, surgery, and so many other memories, I am incredibly grateful for Mallory!

We went to the 5&10 bar for drinks.  It was a wonderful time catching up and talking about the next stages of life.  Ohh, and the drinks were great too.

January 11: iSL Leadership Summit

A rainy, rainy Saturday.  I wanted to be in my PJs, on the couch, with a book.  Instead, we had our iSL leadership summit for our 30 student organizations leadership.  It was pouring as we carted all our papers, food, etc across campus (other duties as assigned).  Frankly, I wondered how many would show on such a nasty day.  I was shocked almost everyone came, and they had wonderful attitudes about being there.  These students make my job so enjoyable!  

Oh, and these crazy grads (the third isn't in the picture) are almost reason alone to take the job fulltime.  I am going to miss working with these great grads!

January 10: Shnizhana

One of our iSL interns (last three summers) passed away last Tuesday.  She had liver cancer, but rarely told people because she wanted to live her life.  She didn't want pitty.  During coffee hour today we had a table dedicated to honor her. She was so involved in iSL her death hit the staff and students really hard.  Both of her parents had passed, so iSL was her family.  Friday night there was also a Greek Orthodox service (what she wanted). It was a beautiful way to say goodbye.  

Life is fleeting.  An Irish proverb was spoken at her funeral.  Death shall find me living.  This was true for her, let it be true of us. 

January 9: Advisor Mtg

The first (of many) advising meeting of the semester happened today.  We talked about the class I'm teaching, the job search, and of course...the dissertation.  Thus far, it still looks like I'm in a good place to graduate in May. :)

January 8: Deadlines for Graduation

I was back at Starbucks working and writing, surprise, surprise.  Part of what I did was add all the deadlines for graduation forms to my planner.  This one, however, was the most exciting to add!