Woman seeking… mosquito repellent. Specifically, a mosquito repellent-infused lotion that doesn’t smell like my childhood. Have I ever mentioned the citronella s’mores?!
Sun’s out, ‘squitos out
Also, a Gummy-repellant would be nice, too. For the first 45 days, I had a life lifter which meant the available lives were increased to 5 from 3. Now, I get 3 lives. First world problems.
On average, it takes me about 10-12 months to fully learn a position, enough to become the SME of responsibilities. So, lately when I’ve had extra time on my hands, I find small projects to share whatever knowledge I possess. At this moment, it’s records management, which everyone despises. Necessary evil. Next year? Who knows. But my 5 yr plan most definitely includes a sword and dragon. I’m partly there.
_________________
I ask you –
What are your thoughts on mosquitoes?
How long does it take to learn your role?
Name something in your 5 year plan!
(The post Sun and Swords first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
We could beat people when they’re down, but it doesn’t make us leaders, it makes us tyrants. Recently, a leader in my organization approached me without fanfare, without ulterior motive, to share a situation encountered unbeknownst to me. He was concerned, he expressed empathy. And although I knew of the logistics of the situation, I hadn’t known the full picture. He offered grace rather than condemnation. He offered care as opposed to vindication or punishment. That’s a leader.
It has arrived!
Although the photo is not inherently leadership related, and neither is the following story, it will get me there. Standby.
The past few weekends have been packed with conferences. One I spoke at, the other I did not. However, each brought together hundreds of people looking for connection and community, and offered an opportunity to share stories. One may never know what another is dealing with until their story is shared. There were several what not to do’s, also.
I have probably never shared on this platform the struggle with my name, but I find others with similar issues when I share. Even mini has expressed an issue with her own name and its similarities to a popular name which causes people to mispronounce it. She despises this. All this to say, we each have struggles. In an effort to overcome these struggles and become great leaders, we must listen first and act second.
_________________
I ask you –
How often do organizational leaders jump to conclusions?
Care to share a story of your own?
Tell me your best advice.
(The post Order of Leaders first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
A short collection of the common (not really) assumptions I have/do made/make –
In this age of water bottle availability of all types, sizes, and beverage capacity, I just assume any time I see someone drinking from a can, that they must be drinking beer.
I also refer to anyone who smokes cigarettes as a “rich person” because you must be rich to afford $9+/pack cigarettes.
I assume if someone knocks on my front door, they are there to sell me something or share the news someone close to me has died. Both are reasons I won’t answer the door.
I’ve previously shared about my irrational fear of dumpsters, but it’s a very real fear in my life. As is my disdain for convenience stores – they’re terrifying.
In researching other things, I found this article: 25 Assumptions Examples, a straightforward description of common assumptions. Many I had heard of but many I didn’t know the exact name for.
The more you know, the less a-ssumptions you make.
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I ask you –
What is one assumption in your life?
Did any listed in the article surprise you?
If all else fails, you know what happens when you assume.
(The post A-ssumptions first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
Bonus points for the Good Mythical Morning reference.
On this blog, I’ve talked about pregnancy, postpartum issues, perimenopause things, and a whole lot of other stuff.
We haven’t talked about menstrual cycle-related cravings. We’re about to!
I don’t know about other women, as I’m only one, small blessings, but 7-10 days prior to my cycle, I crave chocolate like it will never be there for me ever again. And, somehow, my 39 yr old body has now discovered the joy that is peanut butter and chocolate. Together. Big shocker. From no bake cookies to no bake fudge to Lindt truffles to huge chunks of dark chocolate, there are no boundaries. And the longer I deny the craving, the worse it gets. I once woke up in the middle of the night to raid the cupboard for chocolate.
No Bake Cookies beginnings
Of course, chocolate has all the feel good properties of illicit drugs, at least that’s how it’s perceived by our human brains. But the origin of a craving is bizarre. Most research points to fluctuating hormone levels as the cause behind what we know as a craving, commonly for sweet or salty snacks.
Cravings are selective and intense, meaning the desire for a specific substance is overwhelming. Even the most trusted self help literature falls short of tried-and-true ways to overcome a craving. Nonetheless, I’ve lived with them for this long, what’s 50 years more.
Finally, I like to play a fun game affectionately titled why do my boobs hurt today? Running in an ill-fitting sports bra? Possibly. PMS symptom? Most likely. It’s always a blast around here, lemme tell ya’.
If I don’t start doing things with my life, I may be forced to research blog topics to keep this one going.
Name something you pretend to like! I really struggled with this question. The two people I asked upon hearing the question were met with resounding answers: a specific person, and their job. Definitely answers.
Even at this moment, I haven’t come up with an answer. I’m loving hearing others’, just haven’t come up with my own.
The photo below is an indicator of what goes on behind closed doors, aka Parts taking a math test. For 4 hours!
Other things –
Spent some time in the dark last week due to a power outage so I ate my standard salad in the fitness center lobby with my feet propped up. Glorious break.
There’s a nearby home with both a for sale sign and a garage sale sign out front. I’ve often wondered what the inside looks like. Bonus points for the continual police presence. Finally got my chance to poke around indoors – beautiful high ceilings, missing carpet, and a borderline hoarding issue. Hopefully someone rich will renovate it with an open-to-the-public invite. Nosy.
_________________
I ask you –
How long have you ever been without power? 23 days. Yes. Really.
Any guesses on Parts’ math test grade? Hint: it wasn’t pretty.
Name something you pretend to like!
(The post Pretending first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
Full disclosure: I read a post from another blogger who chronicled what she would talk about if she was the recent New Jersey senator who filibustered for 25 hrs.
As explained, there’s rules during a filibuster: “you can’t leave your desk area, you have to keep speaking for the entire time (unless you yield the floor to others to ask questions), you can’t go to the bathroom, you have to remain standing, and the only liquids allowed on the floor are tap water, sparkling water, and milk.”
Here’s my take if ever presented the opportunity to filibuster for a lengthy amount of time (because it’s so possible in my line of work) –
1. Read my entire 470+ page dissertation, complete with a detailed explanation of every graph, chart, and figure.
2. Demonstrate every known Pilates and yoga exercise.
3. Enunciate every word ending in -th in the KJV Bible.
4. Recount, then promptly forget, every historical sexual partner. This is hilarious, Kel.
And now I’m just writing random crap on here to see who actually reads these posts because I know it will garner some comments. On that note, I’m done.
_______________________
I ask you –
Were you aware of the 25 hour filibuster?
What would you share, if it was you on the senate floor?
…I’d like to request coffee be added to the list of available beverages…
(The post 25 Hours first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
In my unlimited extra time post-PhD, I’ve included a near daily yoga session into my morning routine. I feel amazing and I’ve almost mastered feet to knees.
Then there’s volleyball up to 3x a week. Sure, we haven’t won a single game but the fun levels of this team I am grateful to coach is unmatched. Off the charts…but not our scores.
I planned a skating party for my 9 year old. She was an infant yesterday. I don’t understand how this is happening. Spare Parts will be a grandma at the end of the summer while I have a 9 yr old. Still makes me laugh.
I’ve been researching adjunct professor positions; there’s a few leads. For now, I’m working through the process of publishing my dissertation to the university and public databases. I’ve also looked into some think tank-type work to impact immigration legislation. Policymaker stuff is my forte.
The comfy corner came together nicely. Mini reads her books there at night while I hoard the space in the early morning hours. My wake up time has only shifted by 30-60 mins yet somehow those precious minutes make all the difference in my rest levels. Most days, I’m a new person!
As time passes, I’m sure it will fill with other responsibilities, requirements, or space takers. No need to hurry.
———————–
I ask you –
After completing something which took a large portion of your time, how did you fill the space?
When did you last plan a birthday party?
Share your wakeup time! 0500
(The post What to do now first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
Undoubtedly, the song I chose (it chose me) from the beginning of the PhD process to its culmination might be inappropriate. Like the time I thought the song Unholy just had a good beat.
Side note. Lyrics are important, Kel.
I’ve listened to the song at least once a week for 3 years. When I felt stuck in the suck of monotony, of writing another 30, 40, 50 page paper on a subject I wasn’t 100% in love with, my anthem came in handy.
Prove 'em wrong every time 'til it's normal Why worship legends when you know that you can join 'em?
When I joined the Navy, I was told only 1% of the population has served in the armed forces. I’m proud to be part of the 1%.
Then, when I obtained a PhD, again I was told only 1% of the population have a doctoral degree. Despite questioning the accuracy of the numbers, my question now is how many present or prior servicemembers have a PhD? Food for thought. I’m only a legend in my own mind.
Never listened to replies, learned a lesson from the wise
From the start, I knew I wanted something special to commemorate this event in my life, a visualization of what this process took from me and, alternately, gave me. A token, if you will.
I kept the images to myself for over 2 years, afraid to admit I might be able to achieve a moment in time where it would be reality. Only last summer did I show anyone the photos, and only in a moment of excitement where it seemed I was embarking on steps I could never not finish. And only when I had returned from the border did I consider maybe I should actually consult with a jeweler soon because this process is getting real. Little did I know I would be finished in less than 6 weeks.
An incredible woman, Landri, somehow took my vision for a unique class ring and magnified it by a million. Her eye for beautiful things, her love for jewelry, and somehow her knowledge to ensure perfection is evident in the piece she lovingly crafted. Sure, it’s designed by me, but she turned a vision into a piece of art.
Don't ever say it's over if I'm breathin' Racin' to the moonlight and I'm speedin'
The 6 tiny black gemstones (black spinel) represent academia, specifically higher education. Black is regal, it is effort, it is foundational. The 6 tiny blue gemstones (blue sapphire) represent water, ocean, and sky. I was fortunate to have the ability to use my GI Bill for the cost of this degree. My time in the Navy, in the ocean, with its perfect open water views is what I choose to remember of my time there. When I close my eyes, I can’t unsee the sun rising and setting across the ocean. The blue gemstones are homage to a tumultuous yet rewarding experience. Finally, the blue sapphire represents wisdom. From knowing when to start and stop, I don’t believe this path in my life was by mistake. I do believe there’s an element of divinity in everyone’s life. The sapphire is brilliant yet unassuming, beautiful yet not boastful.
I'm headed to the stars, ready to go far I'm star walkin'
There were 3 of us. Three very different individuals who came together somewhere along this journey, who banded together to offer words of encouragement, venting, and overall support for something none of us had previously accomplished. I always felt like the hype man, the one who would definitely make it across the finish line, but unapposed to taking the final steps at the rear of the group. Life is funny. I wanted to watch them succeed from my vantage point in the back so I knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Somewhere, my self-designated position got mixed up and I ended up at the front, leading, doing what I do. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it now – it’s lonely at the top. Not alone, but lonely. Fortunately, my role as the cheerleader for our band of perfectionists is still intact. And I’m overjoyed to support them in the final stages of accomplishment.
———————–
I ask you –
Feel free to share your thoughts here. No questions today.
This is the story of many unrelated topics with little to no context. Admittedly, I love context. It makes me happy to consider all angles of a single sentence. I like to know things, I like to wonder. But I really like to know the back, front, and sides of the thought process. This time – I’ll let these statements sit without much explanation.
Found this article while perusing other blog posts. I love the Texas border. And I love border communities.
I walked down the street with an empty cup, a glass bowl of salad, and no fork. Frantic about menopause. This is my life. Headed to a book club about a discussion over a book I hadn’t read. Hadn’t even purchased.
How to Job 101. Someone remind me I want to build a training curriculum around this title.
Recognizing our biases has unspoken importance, more powerful than anyone could believe. Which is why I admittedly share mine. Because I’d rather say why or how I’m biased than have someone use it against me. I may be biased but I am fair. And this is undoubtedly the single best compliment I’ve ever received, courtesy of my muse. Because, of course.
Lately, work is like taking a daily sucker punch with no consideration for recovery. I just get there, start swinging, and hope a few connect.
What was the slang these young people once said? I remember. It be like that sometimes.
_________________________________
I ask you –
How often do you forget the proper utensils for a meal?
Solution to above: just take chopsticks, Kel!
Tell me your favorite, or most loathed, slang. Anything with “bruh”
(The post It…What? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)
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