I'm back from a whirlwind of a trip to TX. And let me just say that my sister and I had a BLAST at the Madonna concert. I'm actually reconsidering my career options and adding to the list: backup dancer for Madonna. Not that I really have moves, but can you even imagine??? I can. It would be amazing.
While I don't agree with Madonna on all of her life style choices (like dating Vanilla Ice back in the 90s among many other things)...I do think that we could be long lost BFFs. Why, we have so much in common.
1) I also speak basic Spanish. Si, lo entiendo, Madonna. I can sing both La Isla Bonita and Spanish Lesson with you
2) I also have a fake British accent, although it is best used for reading my favorite novel by you, The English Roses, to my nieces or saying good morning to my old roommate
3) I also have a name that could have been used as a stand alone if a little known jewelry company and singer had not done it before me.
Clearly, I am one step away from being a member of the fan club, despite being a very rational person. Oh, and just one more thing, I think that "Tommy", the gentleman who got to request a song at the concert, should have been booted out. I mean really, Tommy. Secret? That was the song you requested? Did you not even think for one minute about Like a Virgin or Holiday? Even my BFF was shocked by your choice.
Friends, it really was a good show, but this is me procrastinating. I have a thesis deadline, which always seems to prompt blogging -- maybe it's because it gets my creative juices flowing for writing. I better get to it. Only 4 weeks left.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
I'm still kicken'
Sorry, it's certainly been a while. Lots of happenings. First things first, I couldn't be happier about the elections. DC has been all a buzz with the upcoming transition. And I guess I can see myself here for at least the next four years ;) I don't want to jinx myself, but I do hope to have some good news to share in the coming week or two on the job front. Keep sending good vibes to the universe. And I promise to blast the world with news when I have it. But in the mean time, I'm still interviewing. I'm going back for a third (yes, THIRD) round with a consulting firm that interviews in a "speed dating" format. I'm hoping to have more than 2 minutes to ask them questions this time and love that the HR person reassured me by saying that interviews would be 30 minutes this time rather than 20 minutes. Wow. Don't you like only need 8?
Today it feels like winter, but DC has been gorgeous with all the leaves falling. My mom and dad had a nice visit including a beautiful trip to Monticello. Mom taught me how to make chicken and dumplings (yum!) and homemade apple pie (crust and all), so I guess I'm set for my DC Thanksgiving this year. My thesis deadline is shortly after so I'll be staying in DC. I'm looking forward to seeing the lighting of the National Christmas tree in between writing my heart out.
Oh, and speaking of that little thing called school. I'll be done in -- count'em -- 5 weeks! My thesis is coming along and I should have a final draft in the next two or three. The results are interesting -- in that they prove me wrong. I'll try to post more about it when I have it all completed, because lets be honest, this is the only place it will ever get published.
And this week I'm off to TX for my good friends' wedding, but also some much needed time with my sister. She's been going through a rough time but we're going to cheer her up with some girls nights -- including the Madonna concert on Sunday. Stay tuned for vogue photos.
Today it feels like winter, but DC has been gorgeous with all the leaves falling. My mom and dad had a nice visit including a beautiful trip to Monticello. Mom taught me how to make chicken and dumplings (yum!) and homemade apple pie (crust and all), so I guess I'm set for my DC Thanksgiving this year. My thesis deadline is shortly after so I'll be staying in DC. I'm looking forward to seeing the lighting of the National Christmas tree in between writing my heart out.
Oh, and speaking of that little thing called school. I'll be done in -- count'em -- 5 weeks! My thesis is coming along and I should have a final draft in the next two or three. The results are interesting -- in that they prove me wrong. I'll try to post more about it when I have it all completed, because lets be honest, this is the only place it will ever get published.
And this week I'm off to TX for my good friends' wedding, but also some much needed time with my sister. She's been going through a rough time but we're going to cheer her up with some girls nights -- including the Madonna concert on Sunday. Stay tuned for vogue photos.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
cause we all need a laugh
The last couple of days have been a whirlwind with two job interviews and my first day at the new job (yes, FINALLY for those keeping track). I stopped by the grocery store on my way home -- all spiffy from the day's events. I headed straight for the apples and noticed that a guy in line was looking. Then he got out of line and was in the produce section -- I figured he forgot something as he was headed for the apples and gave me a big smile. Well, right after as I was looking down at the spinach, I realized that my "apples" were, well, how should I say this...showing? Yep, all dressed up in my lovely suit with an oh so very important button undone. I guess it explained the over the top smile the man gave me.
And then as I was leaving, the giggles set in. There was an old woman playing the recorder and singing her heart out to "Don't worry be happy" by Bob Marley. LEB can appreciate this -- we agree that the recorder is one musical instruement that is just so under utilized. If I don't get a job, I'm going to join her band as the triangle-ist. With all the bad news with the economy, I like to think of alternative job options -- the possibilities are really endless.
Now for the serious update...the interviews went well I think. At the very least, I did some great prep work for them and interviews from here on should be a lot easier. I have a huge deadline for the thesis today -- notice I'm procrastinating? I won't go into the details, but basically my data is still not all in one file and my advisor suggested I do two different models today -- a bit of a change of plan, but one that he thinks will make it a better paper. Hate to break it to him, but there is a point in all of this where you really don't care about the quality -- you just want to be done. But he's right, and I'll power through it -- only 2 months and one week to go. Wowzers.
And then as I was leaving, the giggles set in. There was an old woman playing the recorder and singing her heart out to "Don't worry be happy" by Bob Marley. LEB can appreciate this -- we agree that the recorder is one musical instruement that is just so under utilized. If I don't get a job, I'm going to join her band as the triangle-ist. With all the bad news with the economy, I like to think of alternative job options -- the possibilities are really endless.
Now for the serious update...the interviews went well I think. At the very least, I did some great prep work for them and interviews from here on should be a lot easier. I have a huge deadline for the thesis today -- notice I'm procrastinating? I won't go into the details, but basically my data is still not all in one file and my advisor suggested I do two different models today -- a bit of a change of plan, but one that he thinks will make it a better paper. Hate to break it to him, but there is a point in all of this where you really don't care about the quality -- you just want to be done. But he's right, and I'll power through it -- only 2 months and one week to go. Wowzers.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
No ballerina costume
Thankfully, I landed the part time gig that I really, really wanted so there will be no ballerina costume for Ellie the cat. It's going to be a wild, busy fall but one that I'm really excited about. I should start in the next week or two, but it depends on the paperwork. In the mean time, I'm going to get my act in gear with the thesis and two other projects I need to wrap up by mid-October, not to mention assignments for my classes...
Did I mention recently that I can't wait to be done, done, done? And that I've realized that this blog was way more entertaining for all the Americans when I was traveling about in Europe, but now has become an outlet for me to vent about the last leg of this race? Well, I'll try to be a little more entertaining and start posting pictures (when I find my camera charger) and updates on life in DC. The latest bits of fun in DC:
1. Took Kel and K both to Eastern Market, one of my favorite little areas of DC. Perfect for brunch and then some shopping in the open air flea market.
2. Friday night we checked out Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Highly recommend it.
3. Visited the monuments at night. Again, highly recommend it. My personal favorites are the WWII Memorial and Lincoln.
4. Checked out Old Town for the first time. Really nice area, kind of like Georgetown, but a little more quiet and quaint. Followed that up with a visit to Gravel Point Park to watch the planes take off at Reagan. All of this was today making for quite a lovely Sunday.
5. And most importantly, I have enjoyed lots of great evenings with friends at home on the rooftop over the last month - one of my favorites and even complete with a view of the WA monument.
So I might not be traveling as much these days, but DC is really starting to feel like home.
Did I mention recently that I can't wait to be done, done, done? And that I've realized that this blog was way more entertaining for all the Americans when I was traveling about in Europe, but now has become an outlet for me to vent about the last leg of this race? Well, I'll try to be a little more entertaining and start posting pictures (when I find my camera charger) and updates on life in DC. The latest bits of fun in DC:
1. Took Kel and K both to Eastern Market, one of my favorite little areas of DC. Perfect for brunch and then some shopping in the open air flea market.
2. Friday night we checked out Jazz in the Sculpture Garden. Highly recommend it.
3. Visited the monuments at night. Again, highly recommend it. My personal favorites are the WWII Memorial and Lincoln.
4. Checked out Old Town for the first time. Really nice area, kind of like Georgetown, but a little more quiet and quaint. Followed that up with a visit to Gravel Point Park to watch the planes take off at Reagan. All of this was today making for quite a lovely Sunday.
5. And most importantly, I have enjoyed lots of great evenings with friends at home on the rooftop over the last month - one of my favorites and even complete with a view of the WA monument.
So I might not be traveling as much these days, but DC is really starting to feel like home.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Count down: 3 months, 1 week
I started back to school this week and am already counting down the days until I'm officially done -- more out of anxiety. Today's job market report didn't help.
Still no word on the part-time gig, but I'm told I should hear today. I applied in July and was told I would know about 3 weeks ago. and at this point I really could go either way. If I get it, it will be great experience, but if not that will give me more time to focus on landing the big grown up job. So the full-time job search has begun in earnest. I applied for two positions with a consulting firm this week. Wasn't thinking I would go that route, but the travel is minimal and the projects look very interesting.
And despite the ridiculously high unemployment rates reported today, I think there is some good job mojo in the universe. Congrats to all those I know that have landed new gigs in the last month. I sent you lots of positive vibes to the job universe so you could land those sweet gigs and now it's your turn to do the same. Or at least review my resume and cover letters -- thanks Mom and Meg ;)
So about school. I'm taking a great class on media and politics by a Washington Post columnist which should be very entertaining given the presidential elections and my love for the media. And I have a short 7 week class on management within governments. So far, pretty easy. The data for the thesis is in the mail from the govt of India, so it's a go. It was quite a pain to get, but after a call to the Minister of Stats, all was good. His assistants told him someone from Washington, DC was calling so I suspect he thought it was someone important based on the scramble you could hear going on. Much to his disappointment it was just a sweet little grad student...He seemed a bit annoyed, but he got it taken care of after hanging up on me. Thanks Mr. Minister :) I'll send you a copy of my research with your holiday card.
And I've been a little less stir crazy this week because of all the visitors I've had. I joked that I was running a youth hostel. The door is always open, so please come visit. But I do have to go get some work done now. The first big deadline for the thesis is fast approaching.
Still no word on the part-time gig, but I'm told I should hear today. I applied in July and was told I would know about 3 weeks ago. and at this point I really could go either way. If I get it, it will be great experience, but if not that will give me more time to focus on landing the big grown up job. So the full-time job search has begun in earnest. I applied for two positions with a consulting firm this week. Wasn't thinking I would go that route, but the travel is minimal and the projects look very interesting.
And despite the ridiculously high unemployment rates reported today, I think there is some good job mojo in the universe. Congrats to all those I know that have landed new gigs in the last month. I sent you lots of positive vibes to the job universe so you could land those sweet gigs and now it's your turn to do the same. Or at least review my resume and cover letters -- thanks Mom and Meg ;)
So about school. I'm taking a great class on media and politics by a Washington Post columnist which should be very entertaining given the presidential elections and my love for the media. And I have a short 7 week class on management within governments. So far, pretty easy. The data for the thesis is in the mail from the govt of India, so it's a go. It was quite a pain to get, but after a call to the Minister of Stats, all was good. His assistants told him someone from Washington, DC was calling so I suspect he thought it was someone important based on the scramble you could hear going on. Much to his disappointment it was just a sweet little grad student...He seemed a bit annoyed, but he got it taken care of after hanging up on me. Thanks Mr. Minister :) I'll send you a copy of my research with your holiday card.
And I've been a little less stir crazy this week because of all the visitors I've had. I joked that I was running a youth hostel. The door is always open, so please come visit. But I do have to go get some work done now. The first big deadline for the thesis is fast approaching.
Monday, August 18, 2008
I like good enviro ideas
And here is a good one: Envirosax. I got one of these bags as a gift and they are just the greatest, sassiest little bags. They're small enough and cute enough that I have no excuse to not use them rather than all those horrible plastic grocery bags. So I'm officially breaking up with grocery bags and have my new favorite gift to give (no surprises at Christmas).
And I'm on a bit of a tirade about consumer packaging these days. Just look at all that goes to waste in consumer packaging the next time you are at the grocery store. My big one -- the deli meats in the plastic containers drive me nuts-o. I actually had a talk with someone at Procter & Gamble while I was in Geneva to test a little business idea I had on this very issue. Her feedback was that the supply chain and manufacturing is established and changing it would be a huge cost that consumers would not be willing to pay for -- and consumers typically don't buy for the environment, convenience wins every time. Seems like there is room to do both in my book.
Get ready for more of this random blogging. It's better than dressing Ellie in a ballerina costumes I suppose and its enironmentally friendly.
And I'm on a bit of a tirade about consumer packaging these days. Just look at all that goes to waste in consumer packaging the next time you are at the grocery store. My big one -- the deli meats in the plastic containers drive me nuts-o. I actually had a talk with someone at Procter & Gamble while I was in Geneva to test a little business idea I had on this very issue. Her feedback was that the supply chain and manufacturing is established and changing it would be a huge cost that consumers would not be willing to pay for -- and consumers typically don't buy for the environment, convenience wins every time. Seems like there is room to do both in my book.
Get ready for more of this random blogging. It's better than dressing Ellie in a ballerina costumes I suppose and its enironmentally friendly.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Home sweet home, at least for now
I'm all settled back in DC after a long visit in Texas. I thoroughly enjoyed my time -- no matter where I live, Texas will always be home. Here are some pictures from the Texas family time.
But for now, DC is home and feels like the right place to be. My mom came to DC with me and Ell (yep, the cat is back) and got me all settled into my new apartment (huge thanks to her). I'm back in the same area and have a nice view going into Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan and a running trail right out the front door.
But I'm going a bit stir crazy already, so I'm thinking I'm going to have to get some hobbies before I lose it and start dressing my cat up in ballerina costumes. I start classes in 2 weeks, but I only have about 4 hours of class time a week, the rest is independent study. I've thought about training for another marathon to fill some time, possibly Austin in February. Any takers? ;)
But I certainly have things to keep me busy -- i.e. finding a job and finishing my thesis. My thesis topic is set -- I'll be looking at vocational training programs in India, specifically their effects on women. This is all dependent on getting some data from India, but fingers crossed it will come through this week. Otherwise, I will be looking at the same topic, just in Nicaragua. Very interesting area and one that I have become a bit obsessed about and you will certainly be hearing more about it on this blog...
I also have a project that I've been working on this summer in a similar area that is getting more and more interesting, perhaps with a possibility to work on it further post graduation. More to come on that as it develops as well...And this week I will find out if I got a part time research position looking at public-private partnerships -- which is right up my alley. So all in all, good stuff is going on in the Plowperson universe.
But for now, DC is home and feels like the right place to be. My mom came to DC with me and Ell (yep, the cat is back) and got me all settled into my new apartment (huge thanks to her). I'm back in the same area and have a nice view going into Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan and a running trail right out the front door.
But I'm going a bit stir crazy already, so I'm thinking I'm going to have to get some hobbies before I lose it and start dressing my cat up in ballerina costumes. I start classes in 2 weeks, but I only have about 4 hours of class time a week, the rest is independent study. I've thought about training for another marathon to fill some time, possibly Austin in February. Any takers? ;)
But I certainly have things to keep me busy -- i.e. finding a job and finishing my thesis. My thesis topic is set -- I'll be looking at vocational training programs in India, specifically their effects on women. This is all dependent on getting some data from India, but fingers crossed it will come through this week. Otherwise, I will be looking at the same topic, just in Nicaragua. Very interesting area and one that I have become a bit obsessed about and you will certainly be hearing more about it on this blog...
I also have a project that I've been working on this summer in a similar area that is getting more and more interesting, perhaps with a possibility to work on it further post graduation. More to come on that as it develops as well...And this week I will find out if I got a part time research position looking at public-private partnerships -- which is right up my alley. So all in all, good stuff is going on in the Plowperson universe.
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