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.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Grace's take on jobs
I've been in Port O for a week now, and my sister brought her girls down over the weekend. I've had quite the time being a "PANK." We've been to the beach almost every day to hunt for hermit crabs and drive the "mule" (basically a super power golf cart) around Old Boggy to look for "dinosaur" bones and teach Miss Grace how to drive. We've had fashion shows and learned that sequin capes will be VERY in this fall according to GG designs. And after sharing some cheese and playing in the pool, Miss Addie is warming up to me, her "Tete" (pronounced tay-tay, not tee-tee).
So as many of you know, Grace is quite the character. Tonight, she shared with me what she wants to be when she grows up. The first option is a singer which was surprising after hearing her sing. We had a little "America's Got Talent" competition and according to the panel of judges (her mommy, grandma and me) she might make it to Vegas if she REALLY practices, which is fun because it makes the game last longer. So her plan B, is to be a vet, and she thinks she'll be good at it because she has a dog AND a cat. Plus, she likes parrots and jaguars. The only things that she does not like are elephants and hippos and that's because of the teeth. Which makes perfect sense, right?
I'm just hoping that I get as much clarity in my job search so that when I get asked that tough question I have such a precise answer. So I asked Grace what I should do when I grow up. She asked me what I liked (good question). I kept it simple and replied: people, business and governments. She said I should work in the courts like her mommy. It was a good answer, but I explained the whole law school issue. So she recommended that I become a vet since I like animals too, and I could even talk to people at the zoo. Clearly, becoming a vet is a common backup plan to aspiring singers and lawyers...or crazy aunts asking for career advise.
Not really liking either option, I reminded her about Hillary Clinton -- Grace was a huge fan and thought I was studying to be vice president for Hillary. But I had to break the news that Hillary lost, and asked, "So what should I do now?" She said, "Well, hopefully Hillary will get another job and be able to hire you then. If not? Then you need to talk to Ma-Ma (my mom)." I thought it was pretty solid career advice from a 6 year old. Mom does always seem to have the best advise.
So as many of you know, Grace is quite the character. Tonight, she shared with me what she wants to be when she grows up. The first option is a singer which was surprising after hearing her sing. We had a little "America's Got Talent" competition and according to the panel of judges (her mommy, grandma and me) she might make it to Vegas if she REALLY practices, which is fun because it makes the game last longer. So her plan B, is to be a vet, and she thinks she'll be good at it because she has a dog AND a cat. Plus, she likes parrots and jaguars. The only things that she does not like are elephants and hippos and that's because of the teeth. Which makes perfect sense, right?
I'm just hoping that I get as much clarity in my job search so that when I get asked that tough question I have such a precise answer. So I asked Grace what I should do when I grow up. She asked me what I liked (good question). I kept it simple and replied: people, business and governments. She said I should work in the courts like her mommy. It was a good answer, but I explained the whole law school issue. So she recommended that I become a vet since I like animals too, and I could even talk to people at the zoo. Clearly, becoming a vet is a common backup plan to aspiring singers and lawyers...or crazy aunts asking for career advise.
Not really liking either option, I reminded her about Hillary Clinton -- Grace was a huge fan and thought I was studying to be vice president for Hillary. But I had to break the news that Hillary lost, and asked, "So what should I do now?" She said, "Well, hopefully Hillary will get another job and be able to hire you then. If not? Then you need to talk to Ma-Ma (my mom)." I thought it was pretty solid career advice from a 6 year old. Mom does always seem to have the best advise.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Back in the States
As my grandmother told me, I'm officially back in "God's country." I had to laugh. I wasn't really sure if she meant Texas or the States. But being a 5th generation Texan, I'm pretty sure she meant TX. It's good to be back and enjoying a bit of R&R.
So obviously, this blog can no longer be about my life in Genevieve Schwitzerland, so I'm accepting ideas for new blog titles and topics. Thoughts? I am happy to entertain you all with randomness, DC happenings, thesis topics and job search stories for the next 6 months. After that who knows what's in store.
While you noodle on that, I thought I would give you all a bit of a recap of the past year in pics. Thanks to Mr. T's dad for figuring out how to do this.
So obviously, this blog can no longer be about my life in Genevieve Schwitzerland, so I'm accepting ideas for new blog titles and topics. Thoughts? I am happy to entertain you all with randomness, DC happenings, thesis topics and job search stories for the next 6 months. After that who knows what's in store.
While you noodle on that, I thought I would give you all a bit of a recap of the past year in pics. Thanks to Mr. T's dad for figuring out how to do this.
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