It's a never ending saga when you move from place to place. The moment you get comfortable, the bags get packed and you must start anew. There's something encouraging about having a support system where you don't have to explain your Idiosyncrasies. On the other hand, it's exciting to learn about new people and share yourself in a way that many of your childhood friends may not view you. Regardless, with each new transition, I, at times, find myself longing for old friends.
Chicago has been a different transition however. There are four of us (plus a spouse) who attended Darden together and hang out regularly. Thanks to knowing a couple of Darden 2009 graduates, I've branched out and joined a new soccer team. Even after multiple weeks on the pitch together, I still struggle to learn everyone's name. I'm getting better though. The girls have started including me in their invite lists and for that, I'm extremely appreciative. I missed the last one which included each lady bringing and consuming her own bottle of wine. sounds zealous and I have to imagine very entertaining. The team's fearsome leader threw a small soiree on Saturday night including mojitos, rum punch, a BBQ and delicious rainbow mini cupcakes. Everyone likes to be included and I feel like I'm finally meeting new people that could become more than acquaintances. I also received my transfer email from Junior League (6 months later.. it was about time). I'm looking forward to getting involved in the community and there's no better time than summer in Chicago!
Plus, with my new found support group and three friends coming to visit this weekend, this year's birthday should definitely be fun!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Consolidation
Have you ever seen that question on a survey that asks, "how many email accounts do you check on a regular basis?" I find myself replying with a slightly obscene number. There's the old email account that no one uses unless they only knew me when I was 15. There's the post old account that has become my main email address. There's the junk email account that is still checked because I suppose not everything that goes there is junk. There's the post-Darden account because I had to grow up and get an "adult" address. And finally, there's my work email address. Checking all the accounts never bothered me much. With smartphones, it's very simple to keep track, however, I've noticed something with my Droid lately that has been bothering me.
Two of my five email accounts use gmail. Both of those accounts flow famously to my Droid. Once upon a time, I downloaded the yahoo app for my Droid until that account stopped updating properly and I gave up the app for the preinstalled messaging app. Needless to say, the account now updates, however, I have to remember to click on the app for it to do so. It doesn't just notify me that I have messages, meaning when it does update, there's 20 notes to sift through. And then there is AOL - a lost cause that I'm more than ready to delete. I just need to figure out which of my parents is the actual account owner and get them to delete the account.
With all the email checking, I've decided it's time to consolidate email accounts. At the end, there will be 3 accounts standing. One work and two personal. What I find funny is the difficulty I've had simply changing my email address. I was overly impressed with Off5th. I clicked on their edit preferences link a the bottom of a recent message and it took me to a page where I could change the frequency of emails, unsubscribe, update my email address or change my store preferences. Brilliant! Most people assume that all you want to do is unsubscribe and so that is the only option available when clicking the little link at the bottom of the page. While I'm sure that's true most of the time, I was very impressed! The rest of these emails may simply get the boot if I can't easily switch them.
Two of my five email accounts use gmail. Both of those accounts flow famously to my Droid. Once upon a time, I downloaded the yahoo app for my Droid until that account stopped updating properly and I gave up the app for the preinstalled messaging app. Needless to say, the account now updates, however, I have to remember to click on the app for it to do so. It doesn't just notify me that I have messages, meaning when it does update, there's 20 notes to sift through. And then there is AOL - a lost cause that I'm more than ready to delete. I just need to figure out which of my parents is the actual account owner and get them to delete the account.
With all the email checking, I've decided it's time to consolidate email accounts. At the end, there will be 3 accounts standing. One work and two personal. What I find funny is the difficulty I've had simply changing my email address. I was overly impressed with Off5th. I clicked on their edit preferences link a the bottom of a recent message and it took me to a page where I could change the frequency of emails, unsubscribe, update my email address or change my store preferences. Brilliant! Most people assume that all you want to do is unsubscribe and so that is the only option available when clicking the little link at the bottom of the page. While I'm sure that's true most of the time, I was very impressed! The rest of these emails may simply get the boot if I can't easily switch them.
Monday, June 27, 2011
June 23, 2012
This is a long overdue post...
June 23, 2012 is the day my family is going to grow by one. During the 6th race of the Kentucky Derby, my little brother put on his serious face and asked his then girlfriend to marry him. She of course said yes between many hugs and kisses. I felt very special to be a witness and the boy took many fabulous pictures.
Given that my family loves any excuse to celebrate, mom quickly took the weekend the BF and I picked to go home as the perfect date for an engagement party. I met the the soon-to-be in-laws. Funny enough, most of them have names that start with J (including my brother's fiancee). One of the mother's sisters prided herself on marrying someone without a name that started with J and she has subsequently added other letters to the beginning of her children's names.
I saw friends of my brother's that might as well be brothers to me. It amazes me how time flies. One of them actually gave my brother an engagement photo which was a photo of the two of them as kids. I'm guessing elementary school and my brother, pricelessly, had a shirt on that said his childhood name (think, Jimmy as a kid, Jim as an adult). Makes me think I should go digging through my old photos as a long time friend of mine from middle school also ties the knot on June 23, 2012 (and unfortunately, I had to decline the invite to be a bridesmaid).
I'm constantly amazed how fast time flies. It's hard to think that soon enough I will cross the big 3-0. Sometimes I still feel like a kid, but then I realize I'm not. I have plenty of friends that are married and have kids of their own. Meanwhile, my little brother is growing up and getting married. WOW. Congrats NBH! I love you.
June 23, 2012 is the day my family is going to grow by one. During the 6th race of the Kentucky Derby, my little brother put on his serious face and asked his then girlfriend to marry him. She of course said yes between many hugs and kisses. I felt very special to be a witness and the boy took many fabulous pictures.
Given that my family loves any excuse to celebrate, mom quickly took the weekend the BF and I picked to go home as the perfect date for an engagement party. I met the the soon-to-be in-laws. Funny enough, most of them have names that start with J (including my brother's fiancee). One of the mother's sisters prided herself on marrying someone without a name that started with J and she has subsequently added other letters to the beginning of her children's names.
I saw friends of my brother's that might as well be brothers to me. It amazes me how time flies. One of them actually gave my brother an engagement photo which was a photo of the two of them as kids. I'm guessing elementary school and my brother, pricelessly, had a shirt on that said his childhood name (think, Jimmy as a kid, Jim as an adult). Makes me think I should go digging through my old photos as a long time friend of mine from middle school also ties the knot on June 23, 2012 (and unfortunately, I had to decline the invite to be a bridesmaid).
I'm constantly amazed how fast time flies. It's hard to think that soon enough I will cross the big 3-0. Sometimes I still feel like a kid, but then I realize I'm not. I have plenty of friends that are married and have kids of their own. Meanwhile, my little brother is growing up and getting married. WOW. Congrats NBH! I love you.
Race to Taste
I wanted more than anything to turn off the alarm on Sunday morning and go back to sleep. Instead, I forced myself out of bed and out of the house by 8a. The boy and I had signed up for the Humana Race to Taste 5K. It's been a while since I've competed in a race, if you can really call running a 5K for no reason competing.
Since my move to Chicago in February, I've been a slave to the gym, in a very good way. Over the years, the gym and I have been on everything from fantastic terms, seeing each other almost daily, to long hiatuses, often due to the fact that I've injured myself. Recently, I've taken up Pilates. Not only am I attending the free mat classes, but I've also paid for a group apparatus class. Likely the first time I've paid for any trainer related activity at the gym.
Outside of the gym, I've found a couple of soccer teams. While the rules aren't as strange as those in Atlanta or Louisville, I do miss the full 90 minute games that I played in San Francisco. My teammates likely think I'm insane when a team asks if I'd like to play again and I excitingly say YES! I even sometimes eye the teams before taking off my stuff.
With all the activity going on, I'd say I'm back in good shape. However, it was Sunday that put it in perspective. The morning was perfect for a run and the loop couldn't have been better - Millenium Park past Solider Field and back along the lake. BF paced me for most the race, which both confused and motivated me to keep my pace. We passed the first mile at 7:15, a little faster than I would like. The second mile disappeared after 15 minutes. And I kept waiting to see the third mile marker. To no avail, I soon saw the turn and the last dash to the finish started. I crossed the line at 23:59 (7:43 mile pace). Not bad given that these days I may run 3 miles, but only with a combination of a mile warm up and 8 quarter mile sprints.
The race felt good! In addition, by 10a, I felt like I had accomplished a lot. We took the couple mile walk home to enjoy the weather and let our bodies relax. Plus, who can say no to a walk through the (free) Lincoln Park zoo? I just wanted to say hi to the big kitty cat (aka Leopard).
Chicago is definitely an amazing place during the summer!
Since my move to Chicago in February, I've been a slave to the gym, in a very good way. Over the years, the gym and I have been on everything from fantastic terms, seeing each other almost daily, to long hiatuses, often due to the fact that I've injured myself. Recently, I've taken up Pilates. Not only am I attending the free mat classes, but I've also paid for a group apparatus class. Likely the first time I've paid for any trainer related activity at the gym.
Outside of the gym, I've found a couple of soccer teams. While the rules aren't as strange as those in Atlanta or Louisville, I do miss the full 90 minute games that I played in San Francisco. My teammates likely think I'm insane when a team asks if I'd like to play again and I excitingly say YES! I even sometimes eye the teams before taking off my stuff.
With all the activity going on, I'd say I'm back in good shape. However, it was Sunday that put it in perspective. The morning was perfect for a run and the loop couldn't have been better - Millenium Park past Solider Field and back along the lake. BF paced me for most the race, which both confused and motivated me to keep my pace. We passed the first mile at 7:15, a little faster than I would like. The second mile disappeared after 15 minutes. And I kept waiting to see the third mile marker. To no avail, I soon saw the turn and the last dash to the finish started. I crossed the line at 23:59 (7:43 mile pace). Not bad given that these days I may run 3 miles, but only with a combination of a mile warm up and 8 quarter mile sprints.
The race felt good! In addition, by 10a, I felt like I had accomplished a lot. We took the couple mile walk home to enjoy the weather and let our bodies relax. Plus, who can say no to a walk through the (free) Lincoln Park zoo? I just wanted to say hi to the big kitty cat (aka Leopard).
Chicago is definitely an amazing place during the summer!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Balancing
Not too long ago, a friend of mine from Darden and I had a catch up call... how's life? What have you been doing? Work? Family? Extra curriculars? La la la... you're what?! Switching jobs already!?!
It's been a year since graduation. I've had my one year anniversary at my employer. Given that I was the first person in my class (that I know) to start work post-graduation it's hard for me to imagine that people who started after me are already changing companies, careers and positions.
The hype at the end of business school subsided instantaneously. We thought we were going to make the world a better place with our new tricks from a tremendous education. In reality, we return to the working world, much like some of us left. While some are faced with daily challenges, others are simply going through the motions. During my time, I've had a couple of challenges, but nothing Earth shattering. My plate is still basically empty and while I understand I am needed somewhere, it seems that no one has the time to tell me where (a couple of changes have management spread a little thin currently). Overall it irritates me. I sit here putting in my hours because I feel I should. However, the hours aren't the least bit productive.I didn't go to business school and graduate in the top of my class to assume a lackluster position.
Over the weekend, we hosted friends for tacos. One of my good friends from school works at a company from which I did not receive an offer even though I did make it to second round interviews (little mistakes...and nerves). Recently, she was taken to a happy hour by the finance department asking if she'd like to quit her rotation program and work full time as a senior analyst. The position was interesting, yet she has decided to continue her rotations and thought it may be a good fit for me.
I'm not looking to jump ship, though I'd be lying if I said I'm not open to opportunities. In the right position, with the right company, at the right price point...I'd highly consider the switch. In the back of my mind, I'm troubled however. I think of all the people I've met including one of the champions of the program I'm in and I don't want to disappoint them. In addition, I have a relatively defined career path here, though I fear my next assignment may be in a personally less desirable city. Then I keep returning to the thought, I need something to do. If I don't get work, I don't build my skillset and subsequently, my resume. Is it wrong to look? I'm not exactly sure right now. What if I wear to apply? I'm very torn. I stayed in a position for too long prior to business school and I don't want to make that mistake again. On the other hand, it's likely I haven't been in this position long enough.
It's been a year since graduation. I've had my one year anniversary at my employer. Given that I was the first person in my class (that I know) to start work post-graduation it's hard for me to imagine that people who started after me are already changing companies, careers and positions.
The hype at the end of business school subsided instantaneously. We thought we were going to make the world a better place with our new tricks from a tremendous education. In reality, we return to the working world, much like some of us left. While some are faced with daily challenges, others are simply going through the motions. During my time, I've had a couple of challenges, but nothing Earth shattering. My plate is still basically empty and while I understand I am needed somewhere, it seems that no one has the time to tell me where (a couple of changes have management spread a little thin currently). Overall it irritates me. I sit here putting in my hours because I feel I should. However, the hours aren't the least bit productive.I didn't go to business school and graduate in the top of my class to assume a lackluster position.
Over the weekend, we hosted friends for tacos. One of my good friends from school works at a company from which I did not receive an offer even though I did make it to second round interviews (little mistakes...and nerves). Recently, she was taken to a happy hour by the finance department asking if she'd like to quit her rotation program and work full time as a senior analyst. The position was interesting, yet she has decided to continue her rotations and thought it may be a good fit for me.
I'm not looking to jump ship, though I'd be lying if I said I'm not open to opportunities. In the right position, with the right company, at the right price point...I'd highly consider the switch. In the back of my mind, I'm troubled however. I think of all the people I've met including one of the champions of the program I'm in and I don't want to disappoint them. In addition, I have a relatively defined career path here, though I fear my next assignment may be in a personally less desirable city. Then I keep returning to the thought, I need something to do. If I don't get work, I don't build my skillset and subsequently, my resume. Is it wrong to look? I'm not exactly sure right now. What if I wear to apply? I'm very torn. I stayed in a position for too long prior to business school and I don't want to make that mistake again. On the other hand, it's likely I haven't been in this position long enough.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Boredom
I wait for the minutes to pass, which is something I haven't done in months. Don't get me wrong, I have wanted time to fast forward at the end of the day, but not like this.
Last night, I composed an email requesting more work. I recognize that it's hard to give me more work from 500 miles away when the day its consumed with meetings. However, perhaps the note needed to be more blunt. "I have nothing to do." On one hand, it's my fault for not realizing how lean my workload was becoming as I sent completed tasks. So I now sit here trying to brainstorm some grand idea that would keep me busy and help the office. So far, no luck.
CNN was interesting for a while, though I've maxed out on my intake of news. Most "fun" sites are blocked and my phone signal is horrible at my desk. I'm back to, so what?
12 hours of work, the gym and a soccer game later, I'll be off to Vegas tomorrow for one of my favorite weekends of the year - soccer tournament + Vegas nightlife.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Ode to Public Transit
I'm on the bus, on my way to work. It's been one of my longer work weeks, which is likely nothing compared to my classmates and the life for which I recruited initially.
Before Chicago, I was never a public transit person. Sure I'd hop on the local metro during vacation, but almost never in San Francisco (exception: attending SF Giants games). I remember laughing about the bus names in Boulder, Hop, Skip, and Jump. Even with a student pass included in tuition, I'm not sure I ever took a route. However, I did walk frequently.
Yesterday, on my way home from soccer, I pondered the fact that my primary uses for my car are getting to and from soccer and Costco. I still have a half tank left from my arrival in February.
Public transit and primarily the bus system is my new found friend. It's my transportation to work and going out on the weekends. We even managed the metro to a Cubs game and the bus to a Bulls game.
Plus, on the bus I get my daily dose of Facebook stalking and Words With Friends! There's something to be said for a good transit system in the city. Who knew?
Sent via Verizon Wireless Droid
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