MJ and JLa

IN LINE WITH THE FANTASTIC FIVE

2012-01-11T14:31:00.029-06:00

BACK STORY:

Tuition for spring 2012 courses was due at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9.

Individuals who did not make the deadline date (approximately 1,000 indviduals) were dropped from courses which opened up many previously closed courses.

At 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, in-person registration opened up and courses were available to students on a first-come first-served basis.

There are usually between 500-800 students in line. Ironically, for a day that may appear hectic to the outsider, the day runs smoothly and turns out to be a fun, successful and happy day for many of our students.

As the Associate Dean in Enrollment Services, it is my responsibility to help ensure that the 'registration' process runs smoothly. (Along with major help from Student Development, deans from various academic divisions, volunteers, cashiers, public safety and other critical departments.)

So, for fun and to gather input from our students, I like to obtain feedback directly from them. This morning, I decided to talk with the first five students in line.

(Above photo indicates the time each student arrived - the prior day.)

After sitting/sprawled on a hard cold floor and being up all night, I have to say my first impression of the Fantastic Five was very positive. They were all in great spirits, quick-witted and humored me during our interview session. When I asked each of the five if they would each be willing to be featured in the blog, they all responded positively and of course, laughed!

Our first student in line, Charlie Lisk, arrived at 1:30 p.m. - He had his sleeping bag and was in good spirits when I spoke to him. For Charlie, he needed an entire schedule because, for reasons beyond his control, at the last moment, he needed to attend SCC this semester. Charlie is taking mostly nursing pre-requisites. Charlie spent his time watching movies and sleeping. This is the second time Charlie has waited in the 'post-purge' line.

The second student in line, Morgan Bauer, arrived at 5 p.m. - Morgan needed to add chemistry and nursing classes to her schedule; the classes were previoulsy closed. Morgan was very funny and said she would never 'do this' again - but alas, here she is. This is Morgan's second time to wait in the big honkin' line. She passed the time by playing games on her phone, iPod and mingling with her fellow line buddies. Next time if Morgan does 'this' again she is going to bring more blankets.

The third student in line, Mallory Acklin, arrived at 5:30 p.m. - Mallory needed a biology course for graduation and this was her first time to wait in line. Mallory was also in good spirits and felt it was worth the wait since she needed this course for graduation. She was still not sure where she was attending after graduation - so, I named every four-year Missouri college I could think of and we talked about how cool it would be to earn a BA/BS degree here at SCC and never leave ever!!!! Joking...sort of...

The fourth student in line, 'Just Anthony,' arrived at 5:40 p.m. - 'Just' was a tad quiet but was very quick-witted and sparred with me - which is a big plus in my opinion. This is Anthony's sixth time to wait in the post-purge line! No wonder he did not want to give me his last name. (LOL!..joking). Anthony was primarily after a physical science and a history course. And since he was basically a waiting in-line expert, I asked if he had any advice for others - - stated simply, 'maybe register early.'

The fifth student in line, Alexis Crownover, arrived at 5:45 p.m. - Alexis descended from a royal family in Holland....okay...not really....but that would be really cool...Alexis had a 'not so good' schedule and she wanted to get a better schedule. Alexis is transferring to UMSL and spent her time while waiting playing on her computer. Alexis's boyfriend also sat with her the entire night. Nice guy, right? She owes him. He waited in line to keep her company.

The end of the line: Well, it was time for me to jump back to Enrollment Services to begin the registration process.

Each of the five students got the courses they needed/wanted. I do not have any hard data at this point, but I registered about a billion students that morning and quite honestly, I did not have one disgruntled student or one complaint. I did not receive one complaint from any of our awesome enrollment service assistants - so, in my humble opinion, the day went well!

Thanks again to all of the volunteers and others who help make this day a success. And thanks to our students for being cooperative and patient!

'The Molly' comes through this Christmas

2012-01-05T12:19:00.013-06:00

So - a little background. Molly, my sister, has delighted me each holiday season and birthday with her unique presents. Most people have an 'Aunt' - I did and her name was Aunt Edna. Aunt Edna's gifts were always...unique. Once for my birthday in March, I got a large 4-leaf clover golden paperweight which guaranteed good luck for the entire year. I was in 8th grade.

In Aunt Edna's footsteps, I have 'The Molly'. Each year, the presents get more unbelievable and almost funny. By request, I have even saved opening them until January when the entire office staff could enjoy the moment. Molly is a beautician who works in a very swanky shop and thinks everyone lives in a 'Hollywood' world. She refused to pump her own gas until she had to - it might break a nail. She thinks nothing of paying over $550 per month to lease a BMW with heated steering wheel - she needs warm hands. But when it comes to buying MY Christmas and birthday gifts - I get Clearance.

And the Clearance items are from the holiday before...or from the little kid down the street who is selling a 'Rudolph and the entire herd of Reindeer' figurine set as a school project. One year for my March birthday I got hot pink long johns with Easter Bunnies on them. Now seasonally, that would have been purchased a year ago after Easter! It just became comical and we have all learned to laugh in wonderment.

My son now is experiencing the joys of "The Molly Present'. Last year for Christmas he got a gallon jug of 'close-out' Redkin Shampoo. For his birthday he got nothing and my sister sent his card a month late to his father's house. He hasn't lived there for 4 years. Passive/Aggressive perhaps? After a reminder phone call to my sister, she said, "Joey - if he would remember to write me 'Thank You' notes, I would remember his birthday!"

If you are following my blogs, for my birthday this year, I got a subscription to Marie Claire magazine. I didn't even know who Marie Claire was! When I brought in the first issue, the office laughed uproariously. Guess my cheeks aren't hollowed enough, my heels aren't tall enough or my hair isn't purple enough to fit the profile of a Marie Claire reader.

So, right before Christmas break - the office and surrounding friends were all a twitter in anticipation of 'The Molly Present'. I told them they would be the first to know the treasure I got this year.

And Molly surprised me...

What to my wondering eyes did appear? Decent presents! A really pretty silvery snowflake scent jar with wonderfully smelling wax discs that you lay on top. When you put a candle inside - it melts the wax and your house smells amazing. My son? A fun college-boy beverage game. He delightedly said, "Hmh!! That's a Keeper!" My boyfriend? A bottle of Bailey's. WOW.

'The Molly' came through.

Now what am I going to write about?

OMG! SCC was on OWN

2012-01-03T14:26:00.001-06:00

So it started last summer when Kathy, my boss, said to me,"MJ, the Oprah Winfrey Network is developing a new TV series called "Sweetie Pie's" and I'd like you to give a campus tour to Charles - one of the people in the series."

She was totally serious.

She continued, "Charles wants to come to school here and the show wants to film you giving him a campus tour. Can you check your schedule and see if you are available on August 16th?"

She is not kidding.

AUGH!!!! REALLY??? So I did. And it was so fun. But because the show was a pilot and because of the unpredictable story line - we were told it might not even run and NOT to ADVERTISE THIS. In fact, they have people - and their people told our people to keep it on the down-low or the whole deal would be nixed. SO - I had to play like it was No Big Deal and I get mik'd every day with four cameras and two sound guys following me around campus.

The moment came and went - I got busy and put it on my mind's back burner. Then, just back from a heavy travel week in November, I get back to my office and my message light is flashing...so what's new. Messages could wait a bit - I needed to dig through my email first and clean up some paperwork. With that done and a fair sense of accomplishment, I finally decided to check my messages. The first one went like this: "Hi Mary Jo, this is Meagan with the Oprah Winfrey Network and I'm one of the Assistant Producers on the "Sweetie Pies" series...you remember, you gave Charles, Ms. Montgomery's nephew, a tour of SCC this summer."

AS IF SHE NEEDED TO REFRESH MY MEMORY?

"Well, the series is doing very well and we will be concluding the season with your episode. The show that you were in will be aired Saturday, December 3rd...we just wanted to make sure we have your title correct.You will be on the Season Finale."

I almost dropped the phone. I'm jumping all over the office, colleagues are clapping and J-La blurts, "There's our next blog! YOU GOTTA BLOG THIS!"

Well, I was on 'Sweetie Pies'...so was Paula Peraino from Student Development and Brian Legate from the Assessment Center. Paula's moment was shaking her head and saying, "OK". Nevertheless, it was integral to the story line.

So now, Meagan and I are BFF's and I am looking for an agent. The show is doing so well, that "Sweetie Pie's" just signed for 10-12 MORE EPISODES. They might be back -that is if Lil' Charles doesn't wreck his 6th car and doesn't get fired from the restaurant which Miss Robby threatens to do each episode.

I Love This Show-apparently so does Rosie O'Donnell. She told J-La. Check your listings for "Sweetie Pie's" on OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network)...it's a hilarious show about 72-year-old Robbie Montgomery who was a back-up singer for Ike and Tina Turner. Due to health issues, she retired and now owns two soul-food restaurants in the city...one in Florissant and one in Tower Grove. There are various runs and re-runs throughout the week.

Ciao, Darlings.

Rally Squirrel - Not Just a Nut!

2011-10-13T08:20:00.008-05:00

Typically, on my drive to work thru my neighborhood, my drive consists of the following actions: brake, swerve, swerve again, brake, CURSE. Why? SQUIRRELS.

You know that one squirrel who is trying to sprint in a serpentine fashion across the street and then midway he suddenly changes his mind and races back to where he started from.

And I silently mutter to myself each time, 'Dang squirrel; I should just run you over and decrease the surplus population. . . you are just a plain nuisance - you drive my pointers crazy by taunting them with your acrobatic stunts and that shrill voice of yours; you break into my bird feeder which is intended for what? To feed cardinals and other birds! Oh, I could go on and on....'
But now that the common squirrel has been made famous due to the sophistication of a brave city squirrel dubbed, 'Rally Squirrel.'

So, this morning, on my drive to work this morning, per usual, the typical swerve/brake action occured but minus the cursing and muttering. This time I actually looked at that squirrel a little differently - almost with a sense of admiration - more accepting of his nutty behavior and perhaps he was actually a little cute.

Which got me to thinking. Wow, look at how making a squirrel famous by putting his photo on t-shirts, towels and by giving him a name helped change my original impression of the squirrel. Making him a star worked in changing my opinion.

So, let's expand that idea. What if we did that with all the types of people that are typically bullied or made fun of because they are 'different'? Let's make them stars and rally behind them next!

Just a nutty thought!

Steve Jobs & The Weirdest 15 Minutes

2011-10-06T09:40:00.030-05:00

I feel obligated to warn people that something is definitely off this morning. In a span of 15 minutes the following odd events happened to me:

1. Driving my dogs to kennelwood. At stoplight, Hunter, the 3-legged dog, looks at the car behind us and begins to growl at the guy driving. Then suddenly he leaps from the backseat into my lap. He is trembling. I push him to the passenger seat and he is still shaking. He continues to look back at the car behind us. He finally stops shaking after the car passes us. Hunter, you should know is never scared.

2. Pull into Starbucks parking lot. Get out of car. Man in business suit; he is around 60 years old, I'd guess. He approaches me. Says, 'Dude, I like your dogs.' Thanks, I say. The compliment just didn't match up with the business man. And dude. Do I look like a dude? And aren't you too old/professional to use the word dude?

3. Drive to Kennelwood. Drop dogs off and as I am walking back to my car a man is standing in the parking lot. He says, 'Are you familiar with Seth McFarland?' I respond, sort of. 'Well, he is re-doing The Flinstones. He will ruin it.'

As I pull into the SCC parking lot, I am thinking that was the weirdest 15 minutes ever!

And then I remembered - Steve Jobs unfortunately died yesterday. That has to be the explanation! Right?

Steve Jobs is already working on improving the universe. I certainly hope so!

STEVE JOBS' POINTER:

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to to love what you do. . . Don't settle. "

SCC College Fair This Sunday!

2011-09-13T13:46:00.007-05:00

Check out which colleges are coming to the 21st Annual College Fair this Sunday from 1-3 p.m. in the SCC College Center!

Visit with representatives from more than 100 universities, colleges and technical/career schools from 16 states as well as branches of the Armed Services. It's free whether you are a junior or senior in high school or an SCC transfer student – it's a great time to start planning your next step!

OMG - I sailed the Potomac

2011-06-27T13:32:00.008-05:00

If you would have EVER told me I would be on the Potomac River, the river SO historic, the river our first settlers traveled on - I would have said, "Sure, look for me in Hawaii first." Imagine me saying you are going to the Congo, or the Mediterranean, or someplace you have heard about your entire life and never fathomed you would ever be there.

I boated and fished in the Potamac River and YES, I even caught a pretty big catfish that I would not EVEN touch.

I was awestruck by Virginia and the journey through the mountains to get there. I texted my son, "The Appalachian Mountains are beyond description," and that about sums it up... No words to describe their beauty and depth. My boyfriend and I and his two kids aged 9 and 10 were on a journey east so they could see their Grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins and so I could meet his mother. He spun the trip to me as, "Wanna go to Virginia Beach?" I said, "Really? I have never been to Virginia Beach and I love beaches!!!" Translation: Do you want to go see all the war monuments, the battle areas, the Confederate cemetery, Martha Washington's home and the naval yards in Newark... and oh, yeah, the beach, too. My boyfriend is a history buff and I am not...I am a beach buff.

So we went... two days, 14 hours, through the mountains, through a tunnel that went underwater (this was at the ninth hour and I got EXTREMELY claustrophobic) and we arrived. We were on the first floor and right on the beach. I am not kidding, open our sliding glass door and there's the beach. AWESOME. And that evening... The Little River Band was playing on the courtyard right next to our hotel. For those of you who don't know them, does 'Lonesome Loser' or 'Cool Change' spark a memory? Anyone wanting a great family vacation... make reservations for the Hampton Inn & Suites, Virginia Beach. Yes, I choked at $225 per night but yes, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

OK - so I did visit a Confederate cemetery. There was a tall, black wrought iron sign that served as the entrance that actually said 'Confederate Cemetery.' You turned down a gravel road and traveled through a tunnel of trees - it was so Civil War-ish. It was still adorned with a few Confederate flags and yes, it made me pause. I met all the family who were all welcoming and pretty laid back. Great BBQs, great time.

I will go back - I am sure of that. I will not go back with a 9 and 10 year old in the car for 14 hours - I am also sure of that. Unless we have Benadryl.

It's Thanksgiving @ SCC if you have ever worked retail

2011-06-02T10:53:00.005-05:00

So, here it is, June 2nd. After a two week lull, or not so much, the summer 'purge' happened and the hustle and bustle of class shopping really begins. I started my professional career in retail and to this day I equate everything to that experience. So, for those of you who have worked retail over a holiday season, you know what I mean.

June marks the start of summer school or when people really start thinking about their fall classes. In reality, people have been shopping since April here and that equates to Halloween in the retail world. Today is Thanksgiving and the 'official' shopping season has begun at SCC.

People are pouring in to get their 'sale' items... translation: the best classes at the best times. However, the 'early shoppers' already got their items at Halloween (retail speak), or Easter (education speak). Memorial Day is our Thanksgiving and Labor Day is our New Year's... we are wiped, done with holidays and ready to start the New Year with a fresh start.

SO, when I tell students to start their class shopping at Easter and Halloween, I am really talking retail. Of course, we ALL 'sweet-speak' so you can say the candy holidays! The fun part is remembering to pay for your items...we need a holiday for August 1st. Anybody? Anybody? Maybe I'll ask Ferris.

I Love Holiday Fridays!

2011-05-27T13:51:00.004-05:00

So, its almost Memorial Day Weekend. Many of us have started the prep already - digging out the sun tan lotion and the beach towels, getting out the bathing suits and then promptly putting them back in the bottom drawer for when you lost that 10 pounds that found you over the winter.

Right...no problem. Some are cutting out a little early, some have totally taken the day off and started the Official Beginning of Summer on this Friday before Memorial Day. But for those of us who are seeing the day through (like myself and my blog-colleague Jennifer) life in the office is hillarious.

I started my morning preparing for my 4-family tour of campus... apparently other families started their Pre-Memorial Day Festivities early with a trip to SCC... getting my thoughts together, pulling information that these families might need...and all of a sudden I hear the girls out front (oops, sorry Mike-you're just one of us) wondering where the word 'rigimorole' came from...is it a derivative of 'rigor mortis'? Then hillarious laughing and cackling - Yes, I LOVE Holiday Fridays!

Is it the anticipation of a 3-day weekend? Is it that Jen had prepared and stuffed just one too many diplomas? Is it the sugar high from sampling all the bagels, creme cheese, donuts, stollens, muffins and brownies that each department in Admin brought in and, of course, we all had one excuse or another to go visit? Holiday Fridays are the best! Now, Tuesday Day-After Holiday Mondays...that's a day when 'rigor mortis' sets in!

A NEW 'LEASH' ON LIFE!

2011-05-04T10:18:00.054-05:00

Compared to the horrendous devastation that occurred in the south, the tornado that hit Girard, Illinois seems rather small but the differences in severity does not diminish the emotional ware it takes on a family or community.

And What Keeps us Plugging Along When Tragedy Hits?

For some of us, it may be actually experiencing miracles of survival, hearing stories of bravery or reading about the tremendous generosity of strangers. When we hear about others who have persevered in similar circumstances, we feel encouraged or maybe the cockles of our hearts become a tad warmer and some of us are inspired into action.

One Such ‘TAIL’ is about a Dog, a Tornado, and Survival:

On April 19 I heard about the tornado that hit Girard. I thought of Andrea and Chet. I saw the tornado damage on TV and called Andrea the following morning. I was literally saying to myself, ‘Please answer, please answer.' And Andrea did – she said, ‘Hi, Jen.’

While listening to the horrible experience described by Andrea and trying to visualize the wreckage on their 10 acres of land, I could not help but feel for them.

Andrea said that she and Chet were very grateful to be alive but very overwhelmed.

Some of the comments Andrea made that stick in my mind are: ‘I don't even know where to begin…everything is such a mess...’ But the comment that she said with the most emotion and struck home (no pun intended) with me was that 'Patch was still missing'... the kennels, where Patch may have been were demolished... she had been calling for him and had walked around but could not find him.

Andrea called the vet and left her number in case someone would happen to see Patch.

Patch is one of the several dogs Andrea and Chet have. They were able to get three of the dogs in the basement before having to take shelter. Unfortunately, Patch was not among them.

The following day she and her neighbor walked about 8 miles around the fields looking and calling for Patch. After trudging that many miles and hours with no sign of Patch, Andrea began to lose hope. She was tired and upset.

She told her neighbor she was giving up. Andrea started to walk up her driveway and her cell phone rang.

Patch was found around 4 miles away (no one knows if he was blown that far or wandered) but he was one lucky dog. This amazing dog is 14 years old and literally lived through an EF 3 tornado.

I had the honor of meeting Patch last Friday and I asked him what happened.

Patch told me, he was outside sniffing around and he knew something was not right. His floppy ears plugged up as he sensed something was in the air. All of a sudden there was a loud noise (a cacophony of splitting tree trunks, metal clashing, glass smashing and howling wind). The wind was incredibly strong. Patch said the wind speed was between 136–165 mph and he felt every bit of it.

He said his dog house was blown to smithereens.He also saw some funny looking birds - they had no feathers, flying shingles, shards of glass, siding, and lots of unidentifiable flying debris. He saw his porch swing fly up like paper and lodge itself into the top of a tree. A rusty piece of metal (about the size of a license plate) whizzed by his head and pierced a tree like a thumb tack.

Patch eventually landed on all four paws. After that whirlwind ride, Patch rested for a while in a nearby field. Eventually, a man found him and took him to the vet. While there, Patch was checked by the doctor and given the okay to go home. A very generous stranger paid Patch’s vet bill - she had set up a fund in honor of her dog.

Patch was found about four miles from home. Upon returning home, he noticed that about 100 of the trees that landscaped his property were no longer. Nothing looked like home; he felt bruised, stiff and scared.

As Patch was sitting in the field, he spotted his mom running towards him. (Andrea said she felt like she was in one of those bad romantic movies except she was not running on a beach.)

Patch's heart beat excitedly. But he could hardly move due to recent adventures and he still felt a little sore and traumatized. But Patch said he immediately felt safe when he saw his mom.

For the second time in his life (Patch was rescued by Chet and Andrea from a shelter), Patch felt like the luckiest dog in the world - to be home with his parents and his fellow pack members!

Andrea said to me that before finding Patch she & Chet were heartbroken. Now that Patch is home safe and sound nothing else matters... 'Well, maybe that pear tree, or maybe my shed!'

(Me getting my boots on to help clean up - not many people know that I ruffly understand dog speak.)

make mom happy - Get A Job!

2011-05-02T10:04:00.002-05:00

Can you sell? Do you like to manage people(other than your children, your sister or your brother)? Is Hospitality and Entertainment EXACTLY what you've been looking for? Well, SCC not only provides knowledge and wisdom BUT an opportunity to get a job! We are holding our 18th Annual Job Fair in conjuction with the Missouri Career Center and the Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation on Friday, May 6th from 9:00-1:00 in the College Center Gym and it is FREE! WOW - it doesn't get much better than that.

Are you extremely knowledgeable about conveyer belts? Can you design and make yard signs and banners? How about children - have you watched every episode of The Nanny and now you want to be one? There's just a mecca of opportunities. Even Apprenticeships for students not quite graduated - might even give you a step-up if you want to meet Donald Trump. Bank tellers, Internet Marketers, Security Officers, RN's, LPN's...want to know more? Cut and paste this URL to find the entire list: www.stchas.edu/academics/student-resources/career-services/job-fair/index.html

I hope I have whet your appetite. Have your resume ready, brush your teeth, cut the tags off your new dress or suit coat and your professionalism will set you apart from the crowd. You can get mom off your back because you can say...I Got A Job!

Understand the Difference Between Walking in Grass or Water . . .

2011-03-08T12:03:00.040-06:00

Well, It Depends on What You're Chasing!

Arghhhh! It is that time of the year where I am processing a billion degree audits for graduation. And it still amazes me --- the number of students who apply for graduation and do not know the name of the degree they are completing.

The confusion seems to exist between the Associate of Arts (AA) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Allow me to quickly tell you the difference: The AA degree is designed to transfer to a four-year institution. The AAS degree is NOT. (See how quick that was? Ok, there are few more details that are needed – but that’s basically it.)

Which Degree to Chase . . .
Want to transfer to a four-year college or university? Choose the Associate of Arts degree. Don't let the word 'arts' scare you. You are not getting a degree in art.

With an AA degree, you have basically completed the first two years at a four-year institution.
You can complete many of the 100 and 200 level courses for your major with the AA degree.

Or do you want to gain enough skills in a career field to obtain an entry-level job? Then consider the Associate of Applied Science degree.

Check out our list of career-technical programs.
Portions of the AAS degree may transfer to a four-year institution, but you need to check with the transfer institution.

Some students earn two degrees: the AA and AAS degree. You simply need to earn 15 additional credit hours added to the degree that requires the highest number of credits.
So What's the Point? As my pointers like to remind me, the path they choose depends on what they are chasing.

Grass = rabbits, squirrels, old bones
Water = ducks, geese, random logs

Your chosen degree will depend upon what you're chasing.

Below are some resources that you may find helpful:

SCC does offer certificate and Associate of Science degrees - for more information regarding these degrees please visit SCC's website.

Let's Dull the Sheen . . .

2011-03-02T11:48:00.004-06:00

As many of you, I have been watching and reading about Charlie Sheen's rants and tirades. Kind of like watching a wreck - part of me feels bad for watching but I can't help it.

And then I was jolted back to reality while in Jefferson City listening to the Speaker of the House, Steve Tilley and Senator Engler discuss some major bills that are currently being debated in legislature and could directly impact the residents of Missouri.

I thought, 'Wow, I almost forgot there are some real issues/news still occurring that we are not hearing or maybe not seeking.'

Anyway, I happened upon this very insightful blog by Linda Holmes. Personally, I thought it was an excellent piece - one that we should all read, in my humble opinion.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/03/01/134161063/paying-a-penny-at-bedlam

Yep, It's One Big Line!

2011-01-17T11:10:00.002-06:00

The video below is a compilation of photos taken on January 12, 2011. Students were waiting in line in order to register for classes that had become open due to individuals being 'purged' for non-payment. All in all, for such a hectic and crazy day, the day runs well thanks to volunteers and patient students.

OMG-A subscription to marie claire

2010-12-23T13:33:00.004-06:00

I go out to my mailbox last week and what do my wandering eyes see but a marie claire magazine...A MARIE CLAIRE MAGAZINE? Are you kidding me? Yes, the Molly got me a years worth of marie claires...a new look each and every month. I can't wait to start practicing looking stylish and shiek. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Shalom and Caio Baby.

It's time for 'The Molly' present...once again

2010-12-12T19:05:00.004-06:00

Well, well, well...I can hardly contain myself. I am going to Indianapolis this weekend for my father's 90th Birthday Celebration with The Molly and family. Before I explain about The Molly - first and foremost - CHEERS to my dad. He is an amazing man with really, really good genes. His mother and father both lived to be 100 - my grandpa even made the birthday announcements on the Today Show with Willard. SO, dad turns 90! He tried a cell phone this past summer but gave it back. Even though it was cheaper, said it wasn't worth a D--- and that he couldn't hear a G-- D----- thing. Now, if he choose to wear his hearing aid, maybe these new fangled devices would work. But nope - chooses to not wear his hearing aid, has the tv blaring and now has gone back to his land line. He probably would prefer dialing but he can't find those anymore.

While visiting we will be exchanging Christmas presents. We won't open them, because we need to wait for Christmas and that would be breaking the rules - something my sister was never really good at. I guess there can be only one really good rule breaker in the family. So I will bring The Molly present back with me to savor until December 23 when I will bring it into the office and open it. This is something everyone lives for, including myself. For those of you who don't know what in the world I'm talking about - refer to The Molly Present Blog LAST December. I got matching black goth candleabras. One was supposed to be for Christmas and the other one was supposed to be for my birthday in March. I couldn't wait - I opened them both up, not believing my eyes. The year before, it was pink bunny long johns -no doubt an Easter Clearance item that she purchased and saved.

SO, it's time for The Molly present once again. I can't wait to see what she came up with this year. Stay tuned...

Just Checkin In...

2010-11-17T13:39:00.004-06:00

"I just called to let you know George is doing fine," said the dad. In my head I am saying, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" Dad continues, "Yeah, he came home for his allergy shots this weekend and he is doing fine." We have over 8,000 students; almost 2,000 new freshman and we were up in registration almost 70% the first day, I routinely have 12-14 calls to return daily...and you are calling to tell me George is FINE? UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!

As I am reciting this story to Jen, my Blog colleague, I suddenly realize...WOW, that was nice! He was just taking the time to let me know he appreciated me; he trusted me to take care of his son's best interest and he knew I would be interested to know that he was doing just fine. He thought me special enough to call and touch base. WOW. We need more of that.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Why don't you try and surprise someone with a phone call. Someone you wouldn't normally call. Touch base. Tell them something to make them pause. Tell them you are thinking about them and you are just checking in. Share that you are doing fine and you wanted them to know that you think of them now and again. Tell them you got your allergy shot; tell them the ginseng is doing wonders; tell them you had the best weekend enjoying life and you just wanted to let them know. Maybe they will pass it forward like I did.

Thank you, George's dad, for just checking in.

Pointer : Do Whatever You Can Do To Rid The World Of Crabs!

2010-10-11T13:54:00.027-05:00

Crabs: Comical looking critters that run sideways, forwards, backwards and in a zig-zag like manner along most beaches. On this particular beach, the crabs seemed to taunt my pointer, Bismarck. They would look at him with those beady black eyes and then bury themselves in the sand. Bismarck was obsessed with these kooky crustaceans. He would dig and dig and dig for them. He never gave up.

But these are not the crabs I’m writing about - I’m talking about those crabs that we interact with, live with, work with, mingle with, - you know - the human kind of crab.

And at times, it seems the HUMAN CRABS are OVERTAKING THE WORLD! I’m not kidding. Between the media attention, my own observations and daily interactions with this world, I am beginning to believe it. And maybe it is my age, but I am plain sick of hearing about campus/school bullying, workplace harassment, cyber bullying, abuse in nursing homes, political bashing, and the list could go on – and yes, it would be simpler to hide in my shell – but I cannot because I’m CRABBY!

So, what can we do to begin this quest of ridding the world of crabs? Well, there are currently tons of resources and ideas out there for preventing and/or dealing with the craziness - websites, workshops, organizations, speakers, videos that address the issues and those are all great but what about a simpler plan?

We all know that we cannot control another's behavior but we certainly can control how we treat and relate with others. To rid the world of crabs, we need to STOP thinking and acting like crabs. If each person would agree to shake off (go ahead - shake it off!) our old crustaceous shells, I believe we would be well on our way of ridding the world of crabs.

Ridding the world of crabs is going to take a lot of work and digging and we cannot give up. Let’s face it. Old shells are difficult to break but not impossible. And if we happen to run into a crab – try treating the crab with respect – maybe that their own hard shell will become more malleable.

Now I am not saying to stick your head in the sand when you need to stand your ground – but try to understand how your response to conflict may create even more stress. Instead, you and I need to really listen to and respect each other while engaging in constructive and meaningful dialogue. And sometimes that means that we need to actually tolerate opposing viewpoints rather than reacting in an inappropriate manner. How about that? Take that you crabs!

So, in a crab shell, it's like what that bumper sticker out in the SCC parking lot reads, 'Wag More - Bark Less!' So, simply shed your crustraceous shell and try being a non-crab with your friends, your instructors, your colleagues, your classmates, at the library, in the cafeteria and while traveling around the campus and community. With your help, we can rid this world of crabs- one at a time – and in the spirit of Bismarck’s exuberance, let’s just keep digging and never give up!

Campus Resources:

Mental Health Counseling: http://www.stchas.edu/academics/student-resources/scc-mental-health/
Student Handbook: http://www.stchas.edu/dotAsset/133369.pdf Valuable information can be found in the handbook - Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) and Harassment /Discrimination information
S.A.G.E. (Straights and Gays for Equality) http://www.stchas.edu/athletics_activities/clubs_organizations/club_detail.html?id=99652
ALLY Training - Trains and educated interested students, faculty and staff members on being an ally to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals on campus. Contact 636-922-8477 for more information.

WHAT'S YOUR POINT?

2010-09-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

As many of you know or may not know, besides an avid Starbucks fan and B-52’s wannabe, I am the mostly happy owner of three German Short Haired Pointers, Bismarck, Greta and Hunter.

GSP’s are high energy sporting dogs who love to run and need constant activity. And as much as they drive me crazy, they make me laugh with their comical antics. They motivate me (or force me) to exercise, try my patience and think I'm the greatest two-legged dog ever!

And, I must say, there is nothing better than being greeted by three over exuberant dogs….and yes, sometimes I come out of the greeting with a few bruises…but I am not complaining because the return totally outweighs the side effects.

Anyway, to make a long tail short, I have learned some valuable lessons from my dogs and guess what? You are now the lucky recipient of some of ‘these’ pointers.

Today’s Pointer: When Choosing Your Major Make Sure it is a Good Fit.

Do not force yourself to fit into a major that does not feel right to you. Don't end up feeling like poor Greta in her inadequately sized bed.

If it does not feel right, it may not be the major for you!

(BTW – the bed in the photo was chewed up shortly after this shot was taken; I do not recommend chewing up your books.)

How do you choose a major that is a good fit? Take your time when choosing your major. Choose a major based on YOUR likes, interests, and strengths. What excites you? What are you doing when you lose track of all time? What inspires or motivates you? What makes you happy?

DO NOT CHUCK that art major because your dad said, ‘what kind of job will you be able to get with that art degree?’

Do not confuse a major choice with a career choice. Whatever major you choose, it can prepare you for a number of different careers. For example, my friend Anita Job was an Literature major and just got her first job as an Account Manager with a local Fortune 500 company. (Obviously, there are exceptions – nursing, education, computer programmer, etc.)

Need help with deciding?

Attend the College Majors and Transfer Fair on October 6th in the College Center. You may wander from table to table and talk to faculty and professionals who represent a variety of majors/fields - this is an excellent opportunity to gather information in one spot.

Visit our Career Center for help with the decision making process: meet with counselors who can help you by offering services like: job shadowing; interest inventory tests; career counseling; resource materials; and much more! Take advantage of this free service while you are a student.

So, what’s the POINT? I bet many of you spend more time deciding on finding the right pair of jeans or car or mp3 player than thinking about your major or planning your career. So, the point is - instead of settling or guessing on a major –spend some time and find the right fit.

Want a Burger? Need A Pen?

2010-08-31T11:30:00.000-05:00

Fall is BACK! And there are so many cool things coming up that I just had to pass these tidbits your way. It's all about FREE stuff, right? Well, right after Labor Day - Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9 DON'T EAT LUNCH because we are having our campus BBQ called Fall Fun Blitz...free hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers. It goes from 11-2 both days and for the evening students, at 5:30 there's PIZZA!
BUT WAIT...THERE'S MORE! Natalie Stovall, a fabulous singer and her band will be set up in The Pit, surrounded by SCC Clubs and organizations offering a mecca of games, prizes and contests. I personally won a jar of Tootsie Rolls last year from the Social Science Society by guessing the correct amount of Rolls. Look for the Student Ambassadors booth and buy a Domino's card with mega BOGO offers or guess the amount of Candy Corn and Candy Pumpkins in the jar. (LOVE that stuff!) Phi Theta Kappa which is the equivalent of Honor Society in high school will be there, Student Senate which is like Student Council and makes good things happen on campus will be there and our fabulous Outdoor Crew who represent our 'green' population will be there along with MANY cool clubs and organizations - join one or two..or all 30!

Now for the pen part. On Sunday, September 19 from 1:00-3:00 in the College Center gym, we will be hosting our 20th Annual College Fair. Over 100 colleges, universities, trade schools and armed services will be here - all anxious to visit with you about joining them. You guessed it...a plethora of pens, a profusion of pencils, an abundance of highlighters plus enough literature to start your thesis on the college transfer process. Wanna see who's going to be there? Just go here!

College is bigger than just going to class, so make the most of this wonderful Fall season and join a club, meet people, go green, grab a burger and get a pen!

Joe Howe Actually Paid for Something!

2010-06-25T11:27:00.000-05:00

I will share this story only because I know Joe will enjoy it and the entire Math faculty will never let him live this down.

Joe and Melissa Howe bought, built and just closed on a fabulous new house. In celebration, he invited some Math faculty friends and two staff friends…Kelley from Student Activities and me for beverages at Old Hickory. For me to actually get invited to attend something full of Math professors is more hilarious than you know…but we have worked together for many years, I was invited and it was a tough week.

Like I said, the Ta-Dah was at Old Hickory Golf Course and Joe offered to buy everyone their first beverage. Food? On your own. Andy Stephan was starving – I guess this is nothing new – and ordered a huge plate of nacho’s. He realized he couldn’t eat them all so he offered the plate up to anyone at the table. Joe was so funny-and everyone knew what was coming. He started chastising Andy for ordering food and not eating it. “You always do this!” Joe said. “You always order food and only eat half – what a waste of money!” Everyone was laughing because this was typical Joe and typical Andy.

The next day I was sharing the lovely evening with our Enrollment Services staff and one colleague who we refer lovingly to as ‘Maxine’ said, “did moths come out of his wallet?” You see, Joe has a reputation of being frugal and my friend is oftentimes compared to Maxine due to her dry comedic sense of humor. She holds nothing back and is hilarious, just like the crusty old lady portrayed on the Hallmark greeting cards.

Everyone loves Joe – especially his fellow Mathematicians. The Department is always pranking him and in addition to instilling math wisdom to our students, they all seem to have a whole lot of fun. What more could one want in a job! I can’t wait until the Howe’s finally move in so we can see their new place. In anticipation of the “We’re In Party!” we have already divvied up who’s bringing the plastic.

‘When the blues whomp you up on the side of the head. . .’

2010-06-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I ran my hand through my hair while driving and the most overwhelming feeling hit me right then and there on Central School Road. No, I was not impressed with just how soft my new hair was.

Crazy freakin’ feelings had taken over my body. They were screaming, ‘Oh my God, do you know why your hair is sticking up right now in the center of your head? Do you realize you just went through chemotherapy, multiple surgeries…what if you would have died, what if you were still going through all this crap, what if it comes back” Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!’

And just like The B-52’s so eloquently sang, ‘the blues had officially whomped me on the side of the head.’

So, this ‘whomping’ left me in a funk for the rest of the day, and I woke up today feeling about the same.

FAST FORWARD TO TODAY:
Went for my morning coffee at Starbucks and one of the crew members, Joe (not his real name) asked if he could ask me a question. He said, ’my mom is going through her third bout of breast cancer and this time it is terminal. What can I do to cheer her up?’

Man, not at all, what I expected. I had assumed it would be a question about SCC. After a quick conversation with Joe, I came up with some ideas. I knew how I could help. Got in my car and wrote down the ideas because my memory is not so great.

And guess what? That ‘whomping’ feeling that I had experienced earlier had disappeared.

By focusing my attention on someone else, I felt better. Not only did talking with Joe distract me from my own craziness, but I found myself feeling grateful for my own diagnosis and prognosis.

Jeez, I thought I had problems. I am not saying that I did not have a right to my own feelings – that is not healthy either - but there is a point where you need to move forward and focus on the present moment rather than ruminating in the past or fretting about the future.

Thus helping someone else helped me. It is such a simple concept. And I did not need a prescription nor a shot of whiskey.

By reaching out, connecting and helping others, you cannot help but feel better. And maybe you will not know the outcome of your assistance but does that really matter?

The act of helping can be as simple as opening a door for someone or as complicated as helping a three-legged dog cross the street. So, as my friends The B-52's say,

‘When the Blues Whomp You Up On the Side of the Head. . .’
try helping someone.

The Cove PSA - My Friend Is...

2010-04-25T19:39:00.000-05:00

DON'T BE A BAD ADDRESS!

2010-04-21T09:01:00.000-05:00

Beginning this summer, ALL SCC students will receive refunds via a debit card called the SCC Access Card - which means if you throw the card away or do not activate the card, your refund will be delayed.

You will be receiving the card in the mail so, make sure you're not a bad address! To update your address stop by the Enrollment Services office (ADMIN 1113).

SCC is partnering with Higher One, a financial services company, to bring this new method for receiving your refunds - including an 'Easy Refund' option where you can literally receive your refund the same day SCC releases your refund.

Please activate your card when you receive it.

Visit sccaccesscard.com for more information!

It's The Little Things . . .

2010-04-01T15:49:00.000-05:00

Okay, I literally just spilled grapefruit juice all over my shirt trying to rip one of those plastic seals off one of those fruit container things and now everything is sticking to my shirt….e.g. a registration form, a file, a coffee cup. Very annoying. Brother. But this seems to be the way the day has been going. I cannot even type correctly and this damn wireless mouse is driving me crazy.

Oh, I know why my day is off kilter - it is all because I woke up late. In these instances, I immediately think of my brother who could wake up 5 minutes before he needed to be somewhere and not have a care in the world. But not me. I run around frantic --- heavy sighing -- tripping over crap-- slamming coffee down my throat and for emphasis I like stomping my feet so, that everyone in the house is aware that I am perturbed – even the 3-legged dog knows to stay clear.

Eventually, I make my way out of the house and somehow drive myself to school. And then things like spilled grapefruit juice occur, logins do not work, people with really bad perfume seem to want to visit me that day, and all of my paperclips are suddenly tangled up in a mangled chain . . . I could continue my list of woes but do not want to bore you… you get the idea.

And as I am writing this, I am chuckling - not about how insane I sound but as many of you know, I just completed treatment for breast cancer…and I am thinking jeez this is the crap I am mad about? Weird. But I am now just realizing ‘this’ is great!

You do not realize how much I missed getting angry about those little things! This is awesome! My life is beginning to get back to ‘normal’! Well, sort of....

The U Philosophy

2010-03-17T15:06:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year that I become a parent. Pick up your clothes, brush your teeth and choose your summer and fall classes. Yes, it is that magical time of the semester that we in Enrollment Services and Student Development get to start harping on you to check SCC Connection to see what classes are offered and make decisions. "AUGH MOM," you say. "I DON'T WANNA THINK ABOUT THAT RIGHT NOW! For crying out loud, it's only MARCH and I'm on Spring Break."

As a parent, I have learned well the "U Philosophy". It goes like this: Going to class is up to U; Paying for your classes is up to U; filling out the FAFSA is up to U and yes - CHOOSING YOUR CLASSES is up to U. Grab a purple or yellow (or pink if you are education) sheet right outside of Student Development, 1204 ADM. They are alphabetical by major. Check off what you've had and see where the holes are. U Pick what's left. You say, "but that's what Counselors are for." I say, "HOGWASH." (I really don't say Hogwash - I say something else, but I had to keep it clean.) U are in charge of U! Pick your classses by course number and section and surprise a Counselor. In fact, I CHALLENGE U to do this. When you take your selection into your Counselor, tell them Mary Jo taught U her "U Philosophy." I guarantee U they will drop their jaw.

After U choose, U can register on-line on April 19 at 12:01...almost guaranteed to get your seat. First Chance...12:01-1:00am, April 19. Then the system goes down for maintenance-usually from 1:00-6:00. 6:01(if all goes well) it is back up for those who didn't want to stay up past mid-night and are early risers. (HUH? Who in the world does that?)

For those of you on an A+ Scholarship and need to meet with a Counselor to pick classes...We are giving U a month of pre-advising! No Joke! If U want to meet with a Counselor to pick classes U can starting TODAY! Yes, Business is That Good. Then, on April 19, all U need to do is bring your completed registration form to Enrollment Services and turn it in. That means - U still get to go on SCC Connection and pick section numbers for the classes the Counselor approves.

Of course, if you like 7am Math classes and Saturday morning classes from 8:00-12:00, then U can wait until July. UR CHOICE.

Embrace or Fear Your Inner Child

2010-02-10T09:33:00.000-06:00

Several moons ago, my three German Short Haired Pointers and I went for our daily walk around the neighborhood. After years of walking the same route, we know where each sniffing point is, where the houses with dogs are and where to avoid if we do not want to get stopped by an overly chatty neighbor.

Chinese Jump Rope: The pointers are well behaved on leash and have been to obedience school. I can usually control the three dogs …except… when a stray dog (not on leash) comes shooting out from nowhere. And then all obedience seems to have been forgotten. Two of the dogs begin barking and try to lunge towards the loose dog. My third dog cowers beneath my legs. Eventually, the three leashes become twisted together and I resemble someone who is playing a very bad rendition of Chinese jump rope.

Well, anyway, a man rounds the bend on our usual path along with his two dogs. I notice that his dogs are not on leash and are running ahead of him. It is too late to avoid the impending leash dance so, I grip further down on the leash closer to my dogs’ collars and begin focusing on controlling my dogs. My dogs begin to ‘act out’ and I yank them back into heal position.

As we pass the man, he says, ‘look how well behaved my dogs are; they do not need to be on leashes!’ I smile at him and continue walking – not really thinking about it any further.

A Week Later: The pointers and I cross paths with the man and his two off leash dogs again. And I am not joking – he says once again, ‘look how behaved my dogs are; they do not need to be on leashes like yours!’ I think to myself…’what a jerk’ This man is obviously a little whacky.

Meanwhile, my dogs are performing Cirque du Soleil stunts trying to get at his dogs. I do not respond to the man. It takes me awhile to get myself and my dogs back in order.

Three Days Later: We cross paths again but at another stretch of road. My dogs go crazy because one of his well-behaved dogs leaves his side and runs over to our side of the road. I yell at his dog to get back while glaring at the man.

And he responds, ‘my dog won’t hurt you or your dogs – he is very well behaved.’ Is he kidding? Can’t he see my dogs are jumping and barking. At this point, I am getting really mad and am hoping my dog will bite his perfect dog.

I yell, ‘you know there are leash ordinances here in St. Peters; you should follow them.’ He says …my dogs do not need to be on leashes…they are well trained ….I am now really angry with this man….for all sorts of reasons… and here is my great, intellectual come back of all time…feel free to copy

‘Oh yeah, well, at least I am not wearing high water pants!’

I am 44 years-old and this is my response? I was more creative when I was 7! Where the heck did that remark come from? I was so embarrassed; we literally sprinted out of view. Is this what happens when we become extremely frustrated? Was it because this man hit a nerve? Heck, I don’t know. Well, I don’t know why it happened but let me tell you this I have not seen this man in two months. Was he planted to test my maturity? Or maybe he is in jail for violating the leash law?

we got nothin...

2010-01-28T09:07:00.000-06:00

If any of you were here for the fun in January, we started back on the 4th to freezing temperatures, 150 first time freshman taking the new 5-day Orientation to College Class and hundreds of people trying to get classes and financial aid...in a week. You see, tuition was due on the 11th and these potential students just realized this. Even though there were hardly any seats to be had in classes, every now and then we would find a jewel in a MWF at 10:00 or 11:00. We could have sold that seat and gone to Florida with the money. That would have solved our 'doldrums' problem. But at that time, Florida was having a cold spell too and all the oranges were frost bitten so all we heard about was how the price of oranges was going to triple. That helped our mood tremendously.

We managed to help as many students as we could and were actually up in student count almost 10% at one time. Then came 'The Purge'. For those of you who pay on time, you can't possibly fathom what that morning is like...we call it "The Day After Purge". Hundreds and hundreds of students line up to get seats vacated by the non-payers of their tuition. A fair amount actually show up the night before and sleep here. In fact, this January, the first person showed up at 6:30pm the night before. The line goes up the stairwells, down halls clear up to the 3rd floor of the Administration Building. I work the lobby usually and make sure all the registration forms are filled out and answer a plethora of questions. Surprisingly, people are very nice and actually form a comradery at surviving the night. It's something to tell the grandkids I guess. Jennifer coordinates the morning and makes sure all the volunteers are in place, the walkie talkies are charged, the special "I Walk The Line" t-shirts are handed out and there are registration forms aplenty. Then she gets to frantically register students, along with about 8 other staff members. This mania goes on until about 11:30. We registered over 500 students that morning and down in counseling - who knows how many.

So now, we are two weeks in to the semester, the dust has settled, it is Arctic and gray out and we need to think of something creative and fun to blog about. Well, we got nothin. We are just drained, brain dead, cold and cranky…and we got nothing. So, that explains the title of our blog this time. On the horizon is Feb 1...January is over. In February, we'll have somethin.

The Molly Present Conclusion

2009-12-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

For those on the edge of your seat...the Molly Present turned out to be a black gothic table candelabra she bought at a PartyLite candle party probably some time ago because it is no longer on the PartyLite product list. I get the matching candles for my birthday in March. Interestingly enought Hedora, I did get some re-gifted Mary Kay products from my boyfriends ex. She is so thoughtful. My son was stunned, jaw dropping stunned when he opened up his bottle of shampoo...then pledged to get her a car of soap for her birthday. I love the holidays!

The Molly Present

2009-12-16T09:37:00.000-06:00

Let Me Tell You about ‘The Molly Present’.

Do you have that one relative where every birthday and holiday you know when you open their present you are just going to say, “Ohhhh Noooo.” It’s not that you aren’t grateful – it’s more like ,“What were you thinking! Are you Serious? and OMG!” all in one thought.

The Molly is my sister and lives in the beautiful land of Gucci, BM’rs and Tiffany. She is a beautician in a very swanky shop in Carmel, Indiana. It is Indiana however, so it is pronounced Carmel, not Car-mel. She charges $40 for a haircut complete with a glass of wine or beer…your choice. She refused to pump her own gas until she absolutely had no other choice. She was afraid she would break a nail. I am not kidding.

Molly buys trendy and expensive gifts for herself, but when it comes to me – I get Kohl’s or Target clearance. My office crew always looks forward to me coming home after Christmas because I share opening The Molly Present with them.

Remember the moment in The Christmas Story where Ralphy opened up the rabbit PJ’s from his Aunt and his mother made him try them on? Well, last Christmas I anxiously opened up my gift (which I think was wrapped in recycled wrapping paper) and as I slid off the lid – I see pink. It’s Christmas and I see pink rabbits. They were pink long johns with little bunnies on them. An ‘after Easter’ clearance item, I am sure. She got them at Target, cut the tag that said ‘2-piece set’ so it would appear that she got me two separate gifts, and saved them all year long for my Christmas present. I got Clearance Easter long johns for Christmas.

I was just home last weekend for my dad’s 89th birthday and my sister sent our Christmas presents back with me, my son and my boyfriend. We peeked. My boyfriend got a bottle of wine. Not bad, she must like him. I’m sure one of her clients gave it to her and she re-gifted it…she’s not much of a wine drinker. My son got a HUGE bottle of Redken shampoo. He does not know we peaked and I cannot wait to see his face when he opens up a bottle of shampoo for Christmas. My present? You’ll have to wait until I open it up on January 4th when I come back to work. I am just giddy with anticipation.

Happy Season to All!

2009-12-02T08:59:00.000-06:00

FACING MY BALDNESS HEAD ON!

In October, I decided to sport a new hairstyle – bald. This was not a chosen hairstyle but one that comes compliments of chemotherapy.
I have to admit initially, I was nervous about shedding my cool hair and am still a little self conscious walking around in my new hairdo. However, (and there is always a ‘however’) I have learned to embrace my bald head and am enjoying some of the perks to being bald.

EXTRA TIME: Being bald obviously means no more hairstyling and guess what – no more shaving—double bonus! I can choose to either sleep in an extra 30 minutes or lounge on the couch with my 3-legged dog (that’s another tail…or tale) and drink an extra cup of coffee.

WINDBLOWN & HAT HAIR LOOK ERADICATED: I have an old clunker convertible Jeep and recently drove it with the top down – and guess what? Not a hair out of place – except for maybe a few dog hairs. And I love hats for which now I have an excuse to wear. No worries about taking my hat off and fearing that flattened hat hair look from a hat.

MORE MONEY: No more haircuts (every 3 week schedule) or product – this means extra money for music for my mp3 player.

CONVERSATION STARTER: Not only have I received amazing support from my friends, family, colleagues, and students, but the compassion received from complete strangers is amazing. Whether sitting in the cancer center or at a coffee shop, my bald head has lead me to meeting many wonderful people. People who would not normally approach me will gently ask me about my treatment. The resulting conversation is usually an uplifting exchange filled with laughter.

In fact, a month ago a woman at the Y MCA asked me about my treatment. Yesterday, I saw her and she made me a blanket. She brought the blanket with her each day for two weeks until she saw me again. She said that I was on her mind. I did not even know her name. When she handed me the gift, I was left speechless – which is a feat , believe you me.

BAD HAIR DAYS WILL RETURN:
My hair will eventually grow back and this may sound really strange, but there is a part of me (mostly the bald head part) that will actually miss the attention/comradeship that I have received while displaying my bald head. What, initially, I feared has actually turned into a positive.

Black Friday!

2009-11-24T12:07:00.000-06:00

I am seriously considering shopping on Black Friday. I have never done the midnight excursion before- ever-and I vowed I would never do it. However, I got a hot tip from a Walmart employee plus the same hot tip from someone who posts their ads on the internet that there will be a Magnavox Blue Ray (all those fancy words) DVD Player/Recorder on sale for like $78.00 that retails for $180.00…on Black Friday. I asked the Walmart employee – “but you don’t close! How are you going to do this?” He said he thought there would be a big stack of them on the floor wrapped in a tarp and at midnight:01 they would pull the tarp down. Then the bedlam begins, the hair gets pulled, the clothes get ripped and if you are one of the lucky ones – you crawl away with your ‘fancy words’ DVD Player/Recorder for $78.

Well, after doing some research, I find that the special Black Friday incredible deals will begin at 5:00am. I might as well not even go to bed. I’m going to ask my friend Mandi about this. She went to Walmart or Best Buy last year and got a flat screen TV for almost nothing. I don’t think she even ripped up her clothes or got beaten up. But 5am? MAN. That really translates to 4am. How bad do I really want this?

Well, Thursday nights are just not the same since my old recorder bit the dust. I did have my old, old combo unit of a DVD/VCR…do you bloggers and twitters even know what a VCR is? I got it out of the closet and figured out all the in and out connections and the out and in connections (thank GOD they were color coded) only to find that it would not record, it would only play and it was so ancient that Tech Support couldn’t help me. So I have been doing without for the entire season of The Office and Community and Earl because I am addicted to Survivor, Grey’s Anatomy and The Practice. I’m starting to have withdrawals so that is why I am entertaining this thought. Believe me, this has been consuming my mind for a few weeks.

Have any of you done the Black Friday thing? I will follow up with Black Friday, Part II, if I am alive to tell the tale.

2009-11-17T10:35:00.000-06:00

Parking Spot Stalkers

Parking at SCC can be a challenge; this is a given. For me, I do not mind driving up and down the rows looking for a place to park, but there is a another parking phenomenon at SCC that for some reason drives me crazy - I refer to them as the 'Paking Spot Stalkers.'

Parking Spot Stalkers….these are individuals, who sit in their cars, and lurk and sulk in the parking lot waiting for unsuspecting people making their way back to their cars. Once the stalking car spots you making your way back to your car, the stalking begins. The car lurches behind you and follows you closely in hopes of snatching your valued parking spot. For some reason, this stalking makes me feel a tad uneasy and something goes off in my head that says..'throw off the stalker.'

To throw off the Parking Spot Stalker:
- Purposely serpentine thru cars and various rows of cars just to throw the stalker off – this makes it difficult for the car to follow. Sometimes I walk slowly forward towards my car and then dramatically turn right around and head straight for the stalking car….the eye contact throws them off.

- Or I walk in a way that leads the stalking car directly to my car allowing the stalker to think he/she has an easy capture. But when I reach my car, instead of going to the driver’s side, I open the back door and grab something out of the car, shut the door and head back to the building. This usually makes the stalker a little cranky.

Okay, as I am typing this I am thinking I am nuts or need to get a new hobby or something. What do you think? Are you a parking spot stalker?

The Key to Success!

2009-11-05T10:25:00.000-06:00

Recently, I (MaryJo) was having one of those discombobulated mornings while moving a zillion mph. You know that situation, where you are trying to accomplish a billion things and then it hits you - an unplanned speed bump which forces you to slow down--- and that’s the last thing you need!

The SAGA:
Enrollment Services decided to organize a breakfast and I signed up to bring donuts. I arrived at Dierberg’s at 7:55 am and parked at the back entrance hoping to just run in and hit the donut section. –Door opens at 8. AUGH! So, I literally ran to the front doors. Sprinted to the back of the store to the donut section. Placed my keys down. Selected my donuts, boxed them up and headed to pay. Reached in my pocket for keys …no keys. AUGH!

Run back to the donut section. No keys. Sprint back to ‘Self Check’. No keys. Run BACK to the donuts, maybe I dropped them? Look under the case, look everywhere and asked the donut girl if she saw any keys. No Keys. Now running in panic mode (receiving odd glances from others) to the checker who suggested I check with Customer Service. Went to Customer Service. No Keys. By now, I am really getting miffed. Run to my car with a maniacal gleam in my eye– did I lock them in my car? No keys. Looked under my car, no keys. Looked in the grassy knoll and parking lot. No keys. My hair is now standing on end and am feeling crazed. By now, it was 8:15; I gave up. I call the office, and ask for someone to pick me and the donuts up.

I tell everyone my saga. A co-worker asked (twice even) , ‘did you check in the little round trash place for tissues?” Well, I wasn’t NEAR the little round trash place for tissues and besides. I put the tissue in the box – I didn’t throw it away. I thought this was the dumbest suggestion I ever heard.

Jen asked me to check the cuffs of my pants. No Keys…now this was not a dumb suggestion.

My boyfriend called. He said, “Check that round tissue place people throw their used tissue; I bet your keys fell in that.” He made me promise to call Dierbergs’ and ask someone to check. I said, “Yeah, Yeah.” Well, I wasn’t about to call Dierberg’s (and he knew it). He called Dierberg’s, and asked if someone would check. OMG! The keys were found. As I was boxing the donuts, the box corner hit my keys and slid them down into the trash hole. I couldn’t believe it!

So why such a valuable lesson:
Jen likes to say if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging, but I would like to elaborate. For most of us, the moment we become frantic or irrational, we stop seeing things clearly and listening. The trouble is you do not realize this at the time because you are in a panic state! I was told three times where my keys may be and yet, I dismissed the advice. At times, this happens to everyone. Each of us gets irrational at times when something disrupts what we are trying to accomplish and we get frustrated. The Lesson? Try to relax for a moment, take a step back and LISTEN next time. You know I will! Or carry an extra key!