I am such a grouchy pants right now. My big work project is almost done, but I'm already late on the next one, and my team isn't giving me the good info....work with me people!
We are also in group project land for school, so that is always *interesting.
Plus I find all the swine flu stuff annoying. I'm seriously thinking about taking a vacation day just to lay around and read...non HW reading...doesn't that sound divine! I really need a lounge chair for the deck. ;)
Oh, and I'm reading an article about Numerati...interesting but kind of annoying, too...
At least now that things are slowing done *some, I have started exercising more & even signed up for some classes...one started Sat & one starts in June, woooooot. Next week, if the last week of school isn't too crazy, I might even go to an old class I have only been to maybe one in the last 6+ months...so, hopefully all these endorphins will turn my frown upside down.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
It's all relative/out of the storm?
I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER this week. I would still say I'm incredibly busy, but really it's not that bad compared to the last 2 months!
I got the horrible piece of my work project done about 2 weeks ago, & we just had a major milestone on Monday. Of course, things could still go wrong, but I feel like things are ramping down...I'm starting to get a big sense of accomplishment, bc this is somewhat of a stretch project for me, and I think I've done pretty well (if I do say so myself)!
I had to ask for an extension for one of my classes, though, during that time, but I got that caught up, too. I have given up on the reading, but I will do what I can to stay current...I just know I can't read every page I've missed during that period.
So, I have been able to focus my energy on some fun (yet somewhat expensive) personal things like some home projects. That just adds to me feeling like I'm settling into my groove.
I hope my management team sees it, because our promotion cycle is coming up soon! Wish me luck!
I got the horrible piece of my work project done about 2 weeks ago, & we just had a major milestone on Monday. Of course, things could still go wrong, but I feel like things are ramping down...I'm starting to get a big sense of accomplishment, bc this is somewhat of a stretch project for me, and I think I've done pretty well (if I do say so myself)!
I had to ask for an extension for one of my classes, though, during that time, but I got that caught up, too. I have given up on the reading, but I will do what I can to stay current...I just know I can't read every page I've missed during that period.
So, I have been able to focus my energy on some fun (yet somewhat expensive) personal things like some home projects. That just adds to me feeling like I'm settling into my groove.
I hope my management team sees it, because our promotion cycle is coming up soon! Wish me luck!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Somewhere....Out There
OK, I'm being selfish/self-centered/lonely here...if you have read ANY of this blog, write a comment, even if it is just 'hi'.
:P
:P
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Gone are the days when RA meant Resident Assistant
Let's go back to a simpler time when a naive 18 year old checked into a dorm room for the first time. Barely knowing anyone in the state, there to greet everyone was an RA. Sure, we never were super close, but it was nice to have some organization in that hall of excited freshman.
Fast forward to about 3 years ago. Now working full-time, I left my first organization. Shortly after, the RA's began...except this time they were "resource actions." I was sad for my friends and sad that I was not really in the loop now that I was gone.
Then, about 2.5 years ago, it was the first time we had an RA in my current department. I think that was only contractors, but it's not like it isn't still emotional for them AND us. We thought it was a matter of time before all the contractors were gone, but only one remained...the one with whom I was closest...
In the last month my area had RA's again, only this time it was "regular" employees. Since this is my 3rd time through, you would think I would handle it better. I'm afraid, though, that I am BY FAR handling this one the worst. Sure *I* am safe, but so many emails are flooding my inbox with "farewells". Some of the friendliest people I've met around here are now gone. Some of the people that did not let this work environment get them down....well, I guess now it has. :( This one has really bothered me because of how far-reaching it is. Also, because of the economy, I know these folks will have a harder time finding a new job than in the past.
Even in a selfish sense, I do not feel I can rejoice at keeping my job. This whole experience has made it harder to put in those extra hours knowing that you are just a number and possible a "cost savings" to those above you. I mean, sure, I realize that a company is here to make profit, but I think from Dr. Lewis's class I learned a lot about how to value knowledge workers & how to keep the work force productive during an RA. I have not yet seen that around here. I keep waiting for it to happen, and I hope that it will once this "final week" is over. Once everyone is gone, I really hope things get better, but I fear this is just the beginning of very tough times...."do more with less"...sure, we always hear that, but I feel like it will be felt more than ever.
Besides work, my life couldn't be much better. So, I feel like it is harder and harder to neglect my personal life to get ahead on my projects/career. How do you keep going, knowing that you could be next if you don't? How do you not let your job interfere with your personal life when you know you are expected to work the extra hours...walk the path your predecessors have worn down before you...? If you could afford to live off of your spouse's income, do you think an RA would hit you less hard or is it still the emotion of feeling rejection?
I think it is interesting how different areas handle it. For example, we still get bonuses here, etc. but have RA. My friend's company they just forced everyone across the board to take a 10% cut (wonder how high up that goes, tho!)...just heard on the news last night that there is a local co. that laid off 25% then gave execs a raise...Can anyone think how this can be justified, because it just makes me sick?
Fast forward to about 3 years ago. Now working full-time, I left my first organization. Shortly after, the RA's began...except this time they were "resource actions." I was sad for my friends and sad that I was not really in the loop now that I was gone.
Then, about 2.5 years ago, it was the first time we had an RA in my current department. I think that was only contractors, but it's not like it isn't still emotional for them AND us. We thought it was a matter of time before all the contractors were gone, but only one remained...the one with whom I was closest...
In the last month my area had RA's again, only this time it was "regular" employees. Since this is my 3rd time through, you would think I would handle it better. I'm afraid, though, that I am BY FAR handling this one the worst. Sure *I* am safe, but so many emails are flooding my inbox with "farewells". Some of the friendliest people I've met around here are now gone. Some of the people that did not let this work environment get them down....well, I guess now it has. :( This one has really bothered me because of how far-reaching it is. Also, because of the economy, I know these folks will have a harder time finding a new job than in the past.
Even in a selfish sense, I do not feel I can rejoice at keeping my job. This whole experience has made it harder to put in those extra hours knowing that you are just a number and possible a "cost savings" to those above you. I mean, sure, I realize that a company is here to make profit, but I think from Dr. Lewis's class I learned a lot about how to value knowledge workers & how to keep the work force productive during an RA. I have not yet seen that around here. I keep waiting for it to happen, and I hope that it will once this "final week" is over. Once everyone is gone, I really hope things get better, but I fear this is just the beginning of very tough times...."do more with less"...sure, we always hear that, but I feel like it will be felt more than ever.
Besides work, my life couldn't be much better. So, I feel like it is harder and harder to neglect my personal life to get ahead on my projects/career. How do you keep going, knowing that you could be next if you don't? How do you not let your job interfere with your personal life when you know you are expected to work the extra hours...walk the path your predecessors have worn down before you...? If you could afford to live off of your spouse's income, do you think an RA would hit you less hard or is it still the emotion of feeling rejection?
I think it is interesting how different areas handle it. For example, we still get bonuses here, etc. but have RA. My friend's company they just forced everyone across the board to take a 10% cut (wonder how high up that goes, tho!)...just heard on the news last night that there is a local co. that laid off 25% then gave execs a raise...Can anyone think how this can be justified, because it just makes me sick?
Friday, January 16, 2009
year one wrap up
So, I'm done with my 1st of 2 years. Do I get to call myself a senior now?! ;)
Last semester was definitely much more stressful for me. My workload was higher, my personal life was busier, and the Econ/Finance just isn't intuitive to me like the Spring classes were. So, I made my first B, but I am still very happy with my overall GPA.
At one point I honestly thought I'd get a C, even though I studied way harder than I had to in the Spring, but luckily there were some curves in Econ. Dr. Duvic was nice enough to give us an optional assignment (to raise our grade), but I chose not to participate. I would have to get a higher grade on that than anything else I had done to just go up a .33 in my GPA for that class. Plus, I was so exhausted, and I wanted to start enjoying the Christmas season! I LOVE CHRISTMAS, and I had to prepare for the 9 hour trek to my parents' house. I had also used up some vacation to do papers/studying, so I had fewer days left for this Christmas and lots of work/personal things to play catch up on!
I hope all my other classmates got a nice break & are refreshed to hit the ground running next week!
Last semester was definitely much more stressful for me. My workload was higher, my personal life was busier, and the Econ/Finance just isn't intuitive to me like the Spring classes were. So, I made my first B, but I am still very happy with my overall GPA.
At one point I honestly thought I'd get a C, even though I studied way harder than I had to in the Spring, but luckily there were some curves in Econ. Dr. Duvic was nice enough to give us an optional assignment (to raise our grade), but I chose not to participate. I would have to get a higher grade on that than anything else I had done to just go up a .33 in my GPA for that class. Plus, I was so exhausted, and I wanted to start enjoying the Christmas season! I LOVE CHRISTMAS, and I had to prepare for the 9 hour trek to my parents' house. I had also used up some vacation to do papers/studying, so I had fewer days left for this Christmas and lots of work/personal things to play catch up on!
I hope all my other classmates got a nice break & are refreshed to hit the ground running next week!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Almost half way!
So, I took a test yesterday & my last test today. I would normally be doing the happy dance, but I still have 1-2 things due. (Let this be a lesson to not schedule a meelion things right after finals, JUST IN CASE, your profs are nice & let you have some cushion to turn in your final assignments. Also, let this be a lesson that group papers "across area codes" are painful & require that extra time.)
Soooo, hopefully I can check back in soon on how it feels to be half way through the program! ....also possibly my crazy workout craze...stay tuned
Soooo, hopefully I can check back in soon on how it feels to be half way through the program! ....also possibly my crazy workout craze...stay tuned
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Taking Econ in a failing economy
Wow, what a crazy time we are going through. We are at war, going into a recession & changing presidents. I think Obama has his hands full, and if he can pull this off, I have that much more respect for him.
Anywho, I think it's cool I happen to be in econ right now. I don't know a ton about the subject (as is reflected by my grade!) :P However, I am getting a better feel for things than I would were I NOT in school right now. (Otherwise, when the news gets too sad, I shut it off.) Anyway, we watched a tape last month where the theorist thought we might go back to the standard of living during the American Revolution. I honestly don't think I know what that even means.
I mean, considering the amount of $ I make, I think I live pretty simply. For example, I could afford a lot nicer house, and we don't even have cable (just internet, which we're both in tech...). Of course, I have a small car loan & student loans, so if the sh*t really hits the fan, it could be scary. I just feel like young Americans aren't willing to live within their means anymore. Young couples live beyond both of their salaries instead of just living off one & paying off loans. Trust me, I'm not judging individuals. Heck, I make twice what some of my classmates make, and I still haven't paid off my loans. I'm not even close on my student loans! It's like you just accept that that is a normal monthly bill?
Anyway, I really hope that we don't cut back on education, but I'm already seeing student loan lenders tightening down. So, if you are poor you don't deserve a good education? Won't that just make things worse?
While the tone of this blog may seem negative...writing it makes me realize how blessed we truly are. People are worried about their retirement, but in other countries people worry about their children dying from starvation. Maybe this tough time will make us realize that "things" are not our priority, but rather people. I think depression-era folks got this, and my generation may get a reality check. Have the economic predictions made you re-assess your priorities?
Anywho, I think it's cool I happen to be in econ right now. I don't know a ton about the subject (as is reflected by my grade!) :P However, I am getting a better feel for things than I would were I NOT in school right now. (Otherwise, when the news gets too sad, I shut it off.) Anyway, we watched a tape last month where the theorist thought we might go back to the standard of living during the American Revolution. I honestly don't think I know what that even means.
I mean, considering the amount of $ I make, I think I live pretty simply. For example, I could afford a lot nicer house, and we don't even have cable (just internet, which we're both in tech...). Of course, I have a small car loan & student loans, so if the sh*t really hits the fan, it could be scary. I just feel like young Americans aren't willing to live within their means anymore. Young couples live beyond both of their salaries instead of just living off one & paying off loans. Trust me, I'm not judging individuals. Heck, I make twice what some of my classmates make, and I still haven't paid off my loans. I'm not even close on my student loans! It's like you just accept that that is a normal monthly bill?
Anyway, I really hope that we don't cut back on education, but I'm already seeing student loan lenders tightening down. So, if you are poor you don't deserve a good education? Won't that just make things worse?
While the tone of this blog may seem negative...writing it makes me realize how blessed we truly are. People are worried about their retirement, but in other countries people worry about their children dying from starvation. Maybe this tough time will make us realize that "things" are not our priority, but rather people. I think depression-era folks got this, and my generation may get a reality check. Have the economic predictions made you re-assess your priorities?
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