Oct

It has been awhile. It reflects that I haven't had a spare moment for some time. Things are looking up and more posts will be coming out soon!

like baseball

The week is like a baseball game with Monday being the top of the first inning. Baseball of course is on my mind as the Brewers are going to the playoffs! Yeah! I'm disappointed in the Packers, but at least we have one Wisconsin team to cheer about today! Busy, busy time ahead in the office. Spent the weekend getting caught up on work and home stuff, so at least I'm entering the week at pace (not totally behind!). Here we go!

Founders Day

The campus will celebrate Founders Day with a special morning prayer service followed by CAKE! I hear the Crusader is on the loose and there is some contest to find him... hmmm... The Student Alumni Association are excited about the plans for the day and have worked hard to make this a fun event that students notice. For those of you who keep track of these things...this would have been Convention weekend. Even without convention, my anxiety remains high during the fall. It will be better after HCwest, Annual Meeting, Homecoming, Inauguration and Family weekend are over... smile.

web

It was on my radar, but it happened quickly. Last week the Guild had its web design updated to complement the University's pages. It looks good and I'm especially pleased with the CWC page. The next step there is to get the CWC e-mail template ready so we can send a mass e-mail out as a Save the Date. No save the date postcard this year, but frankly I don't think it is necessary. AlumniNews included a tidbit about the conference which goes to every alumni household - male and female. Maybe some spouses of alumni will attend. Got together with a good friend, Jenn, after work. It was good to catch up!

And, we're back

The flooding is down, but it has been a crazy week in NW Indiana. I'm thankful that my biggest inconvenience was having to find a new route to work. My house didn't blow up, my house isn't two stories under water, my car is working.

Yesterday I had the honor of taking my father-in-law to his 69th high school reunion. A great gang. They are planning the 70th!

We're saddened by the Packers performance. Rick was at the game. He'll be home late tonight and I can get the play by play.

There is a Guild gathering in Lake Co. tonight...maybe. As of Friday only two were planning to attend so it might be canceled. Lots to do today to plan for the inauguration. The "convention" nightmares have already started...but it is about the inauguration. Saturday night the dream included rain, a power outage and a public "shushing" because I was talking while the speaker, the president, was wanting to speak. Thank goodness it was only a dream!

And it rained

The rain didn't bother me for the first 72 hours. It gave me the motivation to get things done around the house - which I did. My goals were to take out all of the recycling (87% complete and the bin is full with newspapers, mags and kitchen garbage), do all the laundry including bedding, towels and clothing (90% complete - unfortunately we keep wearing clothes...so this is a losing battle), and wash all the dishes (95% complete but same as the laundry we keep cooking and eating). After an indoor weekend, I feel mostly caught up.

We had some fun, too. I took Robby to a concert at Schuba's in Chicago, we got some ice cream, came home to watch Pinocchio. Robby was content to watch his two new favorite shows - Sid the Science Guy and Imagination Movers - over and over again. We conducted two experiments: what to do with a coconut and froze fruit in water to learn about change. (thanks, Sid for this idea).

We wake on Monday to learn that due to flooding, Valparaiso schools - and therefore Hilltop - are closed. Therefore it is yet another stay at home day, but now it includes balancing getting some work done. Who would expect a "snow day" in September?

When we were at Target on Saturday they were already putting out Christmas stuff. I wanted to yell: technically summer isn't even over!!! I was wearing shorts. It felt strange to pass the aisle of Christmas cards. So, perhaps a school closing shouldn't alarm me.

We are mostly dry with just a little typical seepage in the basement. South of here there is record flooding and Valpo received nearly 9 inches of rain. I'm anxious to learn how the University buildings weathered Ike.

Sept 11

The weather is so similar today as it was seven years ago when we were all rocked by the events of September 11. Today's freshmen were 11 or 12, soon college students will not have any vivid recollection of that day. Flags fly lower, we feel lower. Somethings you can't forget.

car doctor

Had to take the car in for a repair today. At least it is under warranty. Going to the car doctor - as Robby and I call it - is one of my least favorite things to do. Unfortunately I have to do it more often than most because of the miles I put on my car. At least I have a nice rental. I'll have lunch today with KZ. The day is otherwise meeting free, so I hope to chip away at the to dos - including putting the final touches on the video to be shown at the annual meeting and prep for Homecoming/Annual Meeting/Board Meeting/National Fundraiser/CWC/Inauguration. Whew.

Tellers Meeting

The Tellers meeting took only 3 hours! A huge relief considering the nightmare we had in 2006 where we were there for 7 hours and didn't finish! Boy, the lessons we have learned. Our nine tellers from the Chicagoland area did a great job. The results will be public after the Guild Board verifies the report at their Oct meeting. Stay tuned for the results that will be announced at the annual meeting on Oct 10 at 2 pm in the Duesenberg Recital Hall! (Oh, we had about 400 votes - over 50% of members. Isn't that GREAT!)

Foot

It has almost been six months and we're still working on the plantar wart. Today the doctor suggested that we could cut it out, however I'd have a hole in my foot that could take 3 weeks to heal. Since I'm serious about getting some exercise and September is a comfortable month to exercise inside or out, I'm going to put off that step. I figure that by November I'll need to put my feet up! And, then, if we're still trying to fix it I can get the "dig out" as a 2008 insurance claim. It hurts less, but is ever present. I'm more ready for the Dr. appointments to stop.

Going to see the Brewers Saturday, then working with the Tellers on Sunday. We have a great group and I just hope all goes better again this year. 2006 tellering was a nightmare that I hope never occurs again.

Have you been goodsearching and goodshopping?

Raining

After days and days without rain, it looks like we're in for a soaker today. This may help the last of my zucchini up at the WI farm grow. All summer my father-in-law and I have a running joke about the zucchini. It is not his favorite, but is seems to be the one thing that we grow best. So far I have kept up with the supply - freezing casseroles, making zucchini brownies and zucchini crisp. This weekend I'll make a good supply of bread that we can freeze to enjoy over the winter. A friend let me know that if I shred it, I'll be able to freeze it. There are still some zucchini pancakes to make.

Tonight I've arranged a babysitter for Robby so I can work late and get caught up. Realistically, I will not get fully caught up, but I expect I will be able to push a few more rocks forward. Look for an e-update later today. There is some good content this month (hopefully, as always!).

on the right

You'll see that I added a new feature on the right ---> that gives Valparaiso University headlines. Thought that could be fun. I registered for Homecoming West and Homecoming yesterday. Homecoming will be pretty awesome with musician Mark O'Connor playing. Rick and I have scheduled a date night! I wasn't planning to attend Homecoming West in San Diego, but I'm glad that I am. I'll leave after work on Friday and return Sunday morning - so it will be a whirlwind.

Today I'm updating my Position Description (stale from 2004!), write a couple reports, and will prep the e-update. I took some of this work home to do last night but 4 loads of laundry, dinner, grocery, bathing the boy, and watching a little of the RNC took my time. At 9:30 I wasn't up to logging on, so now I have to go full force today!

Gustav

I'm tracking Rebecca's (Guild member and good friend) spontaneous roadtrip to Memphis after Gustav came to visit her hometown. Glad she is safe!

We hired a marketing intern yesterday named Ashley. I thought we'd be without one this semester, but glad that a talented student surfaced. Looking at her projects, she will be busy!

A lot of time is being consumed with Inauguration planning and report writing and fundraiser support.

Robby and Rick had fun yesterday. They got to go to the beach.

We Begin. We Begin Again.

This post's title is how the President started his Opening Convocation speech. These words echo as each day we begin. We begin again. Robby's illness was short lived, so the weekend plans went forth. I think it may be a new tooth? He is in a significant growth spurt and has complained more than once that his legs hurt.

The details for the Tellers meeting are in place: Schaumburg, IL at 1 pm on Sept 7.

Sunday was the 150th Campus Kick-off. Several years of planning done in hours. All - and there were lots - seemed to enjoy it. The dunk tank was popular (even the new president agreed to be dunked which certainly won him points with the students). The 150th. We begin. We begin again.

Ha, Ha...Funny, God

[Play game show loser music.}

Robby is sick. Home.

My prayer

My prayer continues to be that God will provide time for everything needing to be done.

We're taking Robby to his first Packer game Thursday, then to the County Fair on Friday, then to his Summer Reading program awards event Sat, then to the 150th Campus Kick-off Sunday.

Whew!

Day One

Convocation takes place at 11. Heckler gave us a preview of his speech yesterday at staff meeting. He asks himself each day how he will serve Valpo's mission. Each word is precious in the statement. This guy gets Valpo. We welcomed our new student employee Christiana. She is a freshman (can we keep her 4 years?).

In personal news, I taught Robby a game. I say, "I one the goldfish." He replies, "I two the goldfish." We go back and forth adding numbers until he ends with "I eight [ate] the goldfish." This makes us giggle. I also asked him "Why did seven get in trouble?" The answer "because seven eight [ate] nine." It is great to have an innocent audience.

this and that

First, I had a great time at the Academic Overture! There were more people there than usual...or maybe I have just left too early in the past. This annual event gets administrators and faculty together. Music, food, catching up...a great time. The rest of the weekend was pretty good. I'm feeling a little foggy - stress? lack of sleep? If you have a chance, check out Valpo's new homepage!

Meetings

Had four meetings on Thursday - three related to the Inauguration. The third of three included President Heckler to give him a run down on the plans to date. So far, so good! The fourth meeting was about the University's new web design. So many people have worked SO HARD on this. It should be launching any day (hour?) now. I also saw a preview of a new online community for Valpo folks (which, will be cool!) and learned more about online registration. The online component is being utilized more than ever by the 2009 CWC committee. It looks like all the stars will align.

Today 0 official meetings - which feels weird. Linda and I need to touch base on a bazillion details. At the end of the day, I'll attend the Academic Overture - which I consider the official pre-kickoff to the academic year (with Convocation on Tuesday being the "official" kick-off).

Over to to Old LaPointe

Our vacation to Lake Superior is still on our minds. We attended a show at the Big Top - a "Praire Home Companion" style theater. We have purchased a few of the CDs of past performances - including "Riding the Wind" a show we saw performed during vacation. One song is about ferrying over to LaPointe - the main village on Madeline Island. The words are something like "Over to Old LaPointe..." Robby knows most of the words, but will sing "Over to all the points." It cracks us up! Robby thinks we should start a band. He will play guitar, Dad will play drums and I get to play banjo!

Last night the Guild hosted its Making Dinner Fun fundraiser. I'm thankful for those who attended, however we have room for more! They said the economy is holding people back. I plan to host another in October. We're also getting geared up for football stand, cakes & care packages, pecans. Here we go again!

Details, Details

The inauguration planning is in full swing. I'm involved with hospitality and logistics - a fitting and exciting role. Now, if I could only find time to finish those summer projects. The campus is a buzz as the students have already started to return. They are finding a new football field, the Union landscaped (ready to open in January), new parking lots and generally a beautiful campus. The faculty and staff are all shaking our heads and wondering how fall arrived so soon, but overall we're excited to officially begin Valpo's 150th year. The campus kick-off on August 31 will be the first official 150th celebration.

Vacation

"Shark Boy" and his Amazing Parents are back from a much needed and much enjoyed vacation. Robby chose our new title. In every way did we have fun: kayaking, canoing, swimming, exploring, hiking, touring, ferrying, eating, napping, reading, etc. It was good to get back in touch with myself, my family and my dreams.

Answered Prayer

Specifically, I asked God to "open enough time in my day to get what must get done, done." Here and there, there have been pockets where I have been able to focus - Rick taking Robby for the day, a free evening, a day or so away so I could read a book I was assigned to read. THANK YOU, LORD! I'm also thankful for the energy I have been given. I'm almost hyper. I'm thankful for those in my world for their support and for taking some pressure off. I'm thankful that a week from now, I'll be on vacation!

In on Sunday

It has been a good weekend. I was down in my hometown. After lunch with my longest friends (we've been friends since before we could talk!) I attended a memorial service for the husband of a Guild member. They used to live in my hometown, then moved to NC for retirement. It was a 6 degrees of separation moment. Got to catch up with another Guild member while there. Then...the main reason for my trip...I attended my sis's 40th b-day party which was a lot of fun.

Since Rick has Robby up at the farm, I decided to come into the office to get a little caught up before another busy week starts. Plus, I'll be more comfortable in the office than our house that doesn't have air conditioning.

OK, I"m back

Those who know me, know that when there are no posts to the blog, there is just no extra time in my life. Forgive the lack of update. I'm excited to announce that Karen started on June 30 as the Guild's new admin assistant. She has been thrown into the fire as we're behind on getting the Annual Commitment Plan stuffed and mailed (though, we are making steady progress). Many chapters waiting until the bitter end to close their accounts, which took a great deal of follow-up. And, now they are asking how to continue projects.... Summer events are underway in Kansas City, Twin Cities, So. Cal, St. Louis and Rochester, NY. The new president, Mark Heckler, started and we've said goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Harre who are already getting settled in Nebraska. The 2nd edition of the Valpo Prayerbook arrived and it is wonderful. We had to reconcile the year-end: membership is up, endowment contributions may be steady or slightly over last year. The Board is working on an operating plan. The Loke/Guild/Memorial parking lot is being resurfaced so I have a nice walk to work and occasional vibrations. These are the highlights of what is going on. I need a vacation. Bring on the 150th year for Valpo!

Mom sandwich

This morning I felt sandwiched between the alarm clock buzzing alternating with feet kicking my back. These longer summer days are meaning less sleep for me at night! Tonight Robby starts soccer camp!

goodsearch.com

Have those of you who watch the "amount raised" on Goodsearch.com noticed that June appears to be the best month yet? It may be attributed to promoting it to parents and students at FOCUS. If every parent, student, alumni and friend of VU used goodsearch for the Guild, we would be unstoppable!

We're getting the ACP ready: ballots, stationery, inserts. I'm feeling quite behind on it all...but I just remind myself that there is a finite amount of time (and me!) to go around. So, I just keep working hard!

Update

This week has been better than last week. Pieces are falling into place and my productivity is at 110%. I had lunch with a good friend which was a special treat. Gotta get back to work!

Monday

Hello -
Today brings the following:
- First day without Diane.
- First FOCUS 2008.
- Lots of RUNNING AROUND
- Dodging more potential rain (this has been weird!)
Valpo started a summer walking program for employees to encourage us to get 10,000 steps a day. I'm guessing today it won't be a problem.

Facebook

I just love Facebook. This virtual social network thing makes it so easy to stay in touch with so many random people! The Guild Advisory Team recognized that local groups meeting on a monthly basis wasn't going to last, but didn't exactly know what would replace that. It seems that we have an answer. Although the bugs haven't been worked out and there is so much to learn, the Guild is ahead of the curve by starting to utilize this.

And, virtual connections are helping in other ways. Those of you who goodsearch for the Guild have seen that almost every month we have seen an increase in participation. At our BOD meeting on Sat a board member commented that she looked at other charities of our size and we are very competitive as far as results. And, there is very little that anyone has to "do" to make this happen.

Today I go to chat with the Orientation Assistants about the Guild. Will I be able to get through to them that the Guild is SO MUCH MORE than cakes???

bad week

Last week left plenty of room for improvement. First, I was in meetings 3 of the 5 days...which prevented me from completing my Board report and other must dos. (making me feel behind this week). There was a time when I could take home work with me and get it done, however right now that is not possible as I am busting my butt from the time I get up (about 5:30 am) until I go to bed (about 10:30 pm) trying to stay on top of household and mom/wife tasks. Then, gas hit $4 which is upsetting. There were a few other inconveniences (related to car repairs and child care arrangements). Diane resigned to take a full time position on campus. I'm happy for her, but sad for me.... This week is full steam ahead to the BOD meeting. Hopefully a better week.

Life out west

Robby found most of the parts of his 2006 Halloween costume, when he dressed as a cowboy, and decided to wear it to school. He has practically outgrown it all, but we decided to let him squeeze into it one more time. His horse, Cookie, was left in the stall (aka his cubby) during class.

Mrs. Harre did a great job at the luncheon. I was disappointed with the number of NO SHOWS. Some suspect that this class is just like that, though I also suspect it had something to do with the Brat Fry the night before. We usually try to avoid being the day after, but this year it couldn't be avoided.

I have to motivate myself to get BOD meeting prep done, but my brain has going into summer mode...almost. And, the rest of the time I'm in meetings. I have to be productive today. I'm this close () to having a lot of stuff done...so now I need to just do it.

We started a walking program on campus named Step Into Summer. For 12 weeks participants wear a pedometer and track activity. There are teams. I don't want to let my team down!

Ups and Downs

We learned that, as of yesterday, we have 668 members - last year's total. So every membership we receive between now and June 30 will add to the first increase in Guild members in years. We're wrapping up details for the Senior Lunch. Mrs. Harre will speak. I wish there were more students attending. I think they have a lot going on this senior week and the students are having to pick and choose a bit.

Happy Mother's Day

Moms will appreciate this link!

Long week

It is weird how every day this week felt like Thursday, but now that it is Friday I'm saying "eek!" So far I'm on track with my to-do list. Diane is out today. Tonight I'm going to the boss's for dinner to celebrate with some outstanding seniors who have worked in OIA over their college career - including some Guild student employees.

We're headed to Wisconsin for the weekend. The man who housed horses at Grandpa's has sold them. We had to break the news to Robby who loves the horses. His first question was whether Grandpa could go visit the horses. What a thoughtful little guy to think of his Grandpa's feelings! The horses have been there since before he came into the world. I'm bracing myself for the "May I get a pony?" question.

The new information brochures arrived. They look great and I plan to post it to the Guild's webpage later today. We have 10,000. If 10% joined I'd be happy!!!

Johnny

As a fan of good customer service (I love to receive it and TRY to give it), this story was touching and motivating:
http://www.stservicemovie.com/

This week

Friday I went back to the podiatrist for more torture. He says we've almost gotten the wart taken care of. Please God. I ended up working from home Friday, as able, because the pain is distracting. Otherwise the weekend was great. It was a real weekend with few plans. Rick went to his dad's to do a lot of yardwork, Robby and I stayed home. We went to the zoo yesterday which is one of our favorite things to do.

This is a big week. Indiana primary tomorrow. Last day of classes tomorrow. We will get our newly printed "information brochure" this week. Lots to wrap up, lots to get started.

Rick and I are seeing success after being on the South Beach Diet for the past 4 weeks. We feel healthier and clothes fit better. We just want to fit into shorts!

Quick update

Lots going on. Here is a bulleted list:
- Our outcomes video (being created by an intern to be shown at our annual meeting during Homecoming) is coming along great. Maybe I'll post it here in the fall?
- Candidates have been chosen for the 2008 ballot (announcement May 1ish...)
- Linda was in the office and we created an agenda for the May 31 BOD meeting.
- Had an AWESOME time hanging with the Guild friends before they were off "to the ball" (Harre Tribute)
- The Tribute was fantastic (so I hear)
- The Alumni Brunch was fantastic (I was there). A tribute video honored the Harres' work.
- Sitting in Chapel I realized how many people in the Valpo community have become so important to me and have been a big influence.
- After Chapel I got caught up with a fellow 94 grad that I hadn't seen for some time.
- Attended Songfest. The students did a great job...but it different than when I was here! (Got to hand out with a friend, MK, during and after the event.)
- Attended the Outstanding Student Leader dinner. One of my two nominees was honored. These students are amazing!!!
- Senior Lunch invites are out.
- Writing "Guild" stories for 150th web page
- Finishing up grant summaries to send to BOD committee
- Missed Greek awards, but plan to write the Greek leaders a letter to recognize their work.
- People are shifting offices here in Loke today.
- Will attend the Harres' retirement reception for staff and faculty today.
These are the highlights...much more to report on later!

Until I retire!

Countdown Clocks at WishAFriend.com

Will someone tip over the hour glass...

to make time stop for a second!?! Seriously, time is flying like sand through an hour glass. It is after 4? It feels like it should be noon! And, I don't think that I should still be on my first to do of the day, still! I've gotten all sorts of stuff "done" today...just not what I had planned! That said, one event that I've been doing the dets (details) for is a wine and cheese gathering for a few Guild folks coming to Valpo this weekend. Totally informal, hopefully a quick opportunity to connect before most head to the Tribute dinner. Impromptu and fun. That's me!

Otherwise I've filled my time signing the fourth quarter renewal letters for last year's givers. PLEASE REMIND PEOPLE TO RENEW by June 30! Appreciating Diane at lunch (Admin Profs day), working with volunteers on their event plans, and some internal problem solving. Yippee!

I like days like this when time flies, but I regret leaving with so many things undone. So it goes! And in a few minutes I get to go too.

For lovers of words...

I found this on another blog. Those who know me know that I'm constantly mixing up words. Maybe, English isn't my first language!

Why English is so hard

I will be curious to see if anyone needs a translation or clarification on these!
Reasons why the English language is so hard to learn:

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it
was time to present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

Another Day

When I awoke, I had been dreaming (or nightmaring) that I was chosen to represent the faculty and staff at a tribute to President Harre. My charge was to give a speech in front of the entire Valparaiso University community. As usual, my inspiration came late: about an hour before speech time. But, since the entire Valpo community was there, everyone was stopping to chat. And, for some reason I lost my shoes. Fortunately, the alarm went off!

Saying goodbye is on my mind since there is a big Tribute to the President and First-Lady this weekend, followed by a brunch on Sunday. Next week there is a faculty-staff reception (which, as far as I know, I will not be speaking at!). President Harre is the only Valpo president I have known - as a student, alumna, and employee - so it is weird to think about witnessing an end of an era. We have invited Mrs. Harre to be the speaker at the Senior Luncheon, which makes me happy since I have so much respect for her.

To respond to a reader's question: We had about 21 guests at the Web Conference. I'm pleased with this number as a good base. The age range was wide and there were attendees literally coast to coast (Maine to California).

Earthquake!

Yes, we survived our earthquake - my first! At 4:46 am I felt the earth move. With trains always going by near our house, I'm used to a certain level of vibration, but today felt different. I knew I wasn't going wack-o when Rick confirmed he felt it too. We went right back to sleep, but I was excited to confirm that our experience was an earthquake when I checked the news.

I found this on another blog and thought my readers (all six of you) would enjoy a little weekend fun. Get creative. Visit this site and start moving your mouse and clicking.

Undergrad Research and more

Today is the Celebration of Undergraduate Research on campus, to which the Guild provides funding. I plan to get over to the Christopher Center to see the projects that the students participated in this year.

We had a "cake emergency!" I got to bake a cake last night, then Diane brought the frosting and delivered it. It was a team effort! Sometimes you do what you have to do.

The web conference was a success. I learned SOOooo much in the process and there are a few things I know now to do differently. I guess we'll have to do this again so my skills stay fresh.

I've been in meetings most of the past two days (including an over the phone meeting with Mrs. Heckler, VU's first-lady elect!) so today is a huge "DIG-OUT."

conf v conv

Planning this web conf is as intense as planning conv!

Web Conference

The Guild is excited to present its web conference on April 13...but the details to get there may be the death of me! Ha! Today I will be entrenched in the details. I think we're ok on the presentation end. We have good help from IT, so all the techno-mumbo-jumbo is not for me alone to figure out. Now the trick will be getting the participants prepared. I fear that they will want to attend, but won't have sophisticated enough technology on their end to view/listen. The good news is that we will archive the presentation so people can come back later to view it. This is a giant step forward for the Guild as we prepare for more virtual connections between members. This time, the Guild may be ahead of itself (and the world)! Let everyone catch up with us! To register for the conference, contact the Guild office at guild@valpo.edu!

Goodsearch

You'll see that I added a link to goodsearch.com at the right. This site will give the Valparaiso University Guild one penny per search. Just visit goodsearch.com and make sure that "Valparaiso University Guild" is your designated charity. Buying online? Check out the many, many retailers that will give the Guild a percentage of your purchase if you connect through goodshop.com. Let's face it: This is EASY! Please spread the word as ANYONE (with a computer) can participate. I have made goodsearch.com my search engine default. Thanks for the help! It goes to support Valpo students!

The numbers

Good news! 10,000 sheets of stationery ordered today; 110 people completed the web conference survey; our 77th anniversary is in 11 days; we received 30 Guild Campus Gift grant proposals; 2 new members yesterday; 1 more chapter closed its bank account; 1 member was elected mayor of her town. A good day for the Guild!

Spring Cleaning

Something seriously got into me this weekend! I basically cleaned the entire house. We don't even have company coming!!! I picked up, dusted, vacuumed AND windexed windows/picture frames!!! I usually only do one of the above per quarter! It feels good. Now when I go home, I have manageable household tasks and I feel like doing them because I can look at the parts needing to be done rather than the whole. Sadly, at work, I have several tasks that all have the same urgency. Therefore, I'm fretting about the whole rather than the parts. Every time I get one part done, I look up to see 3 new parts have piled up! Yikes!

Toll Road Woes

Today the price to ride the Indiana Toll Road went up. Of course, the Indiana Toll Road neglected to really tell anyone. I searched and found an article posted in the NWITIMES on 3-29. In 2006 our Governor leased the Toll Road to a foreign company for the next 75 years. The state received $3.8 billion. Soon after the deal was inked, the company started installing the transponder readers. For a long time there was a big debate on whether a person could use the I-Pass (Illinois' transponder) or would be forced to buy a second Indiana transponder (I-Zoom). For someone who drives in both states with frequency, this would have been a huge inconvenience. There was also haggling over the rates. I-Pass users were going to have to pay the cash rate, I-Zoom would get a discount (making it inconvenient, but financially better to own both). 90,000 drivers were in my boat. Eventually this worked out.

A year ago, I received two postcards from the Indiana Toll Road on the same day. One provided a protective sleeve to hold my transponder so it couldn't be read (allowing me to still use my commuter card), the other just shared the "good news" that I-Zoom was coming. Was there information on the rates? No. Was there a timeline provided? No. It just said as of Winter 2007 (which, technically would have meant done by March 2007, when the card was mailed).

In November my commuter card expired. I had to write to ask what to do. I was given the ok to continue using it. Great, except none of the workers knew how to accept an expired card to charge the commuter discount. Eventually, I started using I-Pass for one toll and the card for the other.

The Toll Road has been in horrible shape this winter. Potholes have disabled many cars, construction is constant but is related to widening the road rather than fixing the road. Thankfully, they have stayed on top of salting and clearing the road.

On March 31, I was told that the commuter card would not be valid starting April 1. ONE DAY NOTICE. I drive this road almost every day and this was the first I have heard of it? The price has gone up and I still don't know what the rates are. A toll that cost me 15 cents (as a commuter) a year ago cost me $1 today. It should be less using my I-Pass (which I loaned to my husband for yesterday and today while his car is in the shop so he doesn't have to come up with $2.50 in cash for the Skyway toll - each way- which is also crazy!).

While open road tolling has become the norm in Illinois, here in Indiana you have to wait for a meaningless ticket. I have to stop three times along the way to either wait for a gate, give money to an attendant or get a ticket. Half the time the ticket machine jams. Couldn't they have inconvenienced us to install the latest technology instead of using a dated ticket/booth system?

With gas prices doubling in the past few years and the added tolls and the wear on my car with the horrible road conditions my cost of just getting to work is skyrocketing! Over the past 8 years, I have had four sets of tires, three different cars, two new windshields and one huge headache. I estimate it costs $15 just to commute PER DAY. $10 in gas, $$ for tolls, and the rest for car maintenance. That is $75 per week. If I were reimbursed at the approved IRS rate for my commute (50.5 cents per mile - which doesn't include tolls!) it costs $227 each week. Multiple that times 50 weeks a year it equals $11,350 per year! With tolls, it is going to be around $12,500.

I recognize that it is my choice to commute, however the circumstances from when I initially made the choice until now have dramatically changed in a short amount of time. And, a lot of the decisions that are effecting my day to day well-being are being made my people who do not have my best interest at heart. Wake up every one - we're being nickel and dimed to death and no one is watching out for the big picture here.

Class of 08

It was hard for the Class of 2008 to imagine that in 50 days they will be Valpo graduates when there was snow falling yesterday. Though spring has arrived, warm weather seems far in the future. Could May commencement be around the corner?

Yet hundreds of seniors attended the "Grad Finale" in the CCLIR. I was there letting them know that they can give back directly to Valpo students through the Guild. At times I had a captive audience as my neighbors, cap and gown, were taking awhile to process orders. It was fun to see FIVE Guild interns among the grads-to-be: Stephanie, Megan, Jill, Amanda and Andre. A couple interned during their sophomore year. It is exciting to hear what they are planning!

My foot is better, but walking in Thursday's bad weather and today's ice/snow mix isn't fun. Everyone has been helpful, which makes recovery easier.

Good Friday? Good Grief!

As has become my tradition, I came into the office on Good Friday to CLEAN. Robby has daycare, so he has a place to go and I have the office to myself. Since moving 16 months ago, I had YET to unpack some boxes. The work was well worth it. I love feeling organized!

While in the office, I was walking around barefoot (I wore snow boots because of a Winter Storm Warning that only produced a dusting here in NW Indy, but 12 inches up at my father-in-law's!). My foot ached a little. Foot pain happens regularly so I didn't think much of it. When Robby and I stopped at the grocery, it really ached. By the time I went to bed, I could no longer walk on it!

I hobbled around during the weekend. This made my family nervous as they feared I would break my other leg with the acrobatics I attempted. I had to miss Easter service (for they would say, "He has risen" but "The lady in the back has fallen!") By Sunday night, it throbbed and I could do no more. I propped myself up on the couch. Let the boys fend for themselves.

Fortunately, I got into a podiatrist on Monday. He examined and X-rayed. A sprain. Tendinitis. He wrapped the foot in something more sturdy than an Ace bandage, less sturdy than a cast. The good part about this is that I have had a plantar wart on this foot for over a decade. So, before wrapping it, he froze the wart beginning a treatment that will likely result in bi-weekly office visits for several months. My foot will heal (next week the brace comes off) and the wart will be gone (by Christmas?).

Everything just takes longer, but I'm doing ok. Adding insult to injury (ha-ha), Rick had JURY DUTY yesterday! So, Robby had to be my helper at the doc. He did great. Rick got out of his service around noon (No, he didn't see Johnny Depp at the Lake Co. Courthouse), and we all watched Monsters, Inc. on a Monday afternoon. That was an unanticipated extravagance. Rick is being a big help placing things where I can get them.

Today I can put a little bit of pressure on the foot, so the rest is paying off. I'm in the office and will stay put as much as possible.

Hi-Tech

If you go to our webpage, you will see on the right hand side a button prompting folks to "Take A Survey". This is to gather information about a new proposed national fund raiser. After years of selling items, the Guild is considering selling intellectual property to build its Guild Endowment Fund. This could be done through web conferences which are becoming increasingly popular within the workplace.

When the board took it through a test, it was concluded that this has the potential to reach all of the Guild's goals:
1. It was something people would potentially be open to buying
2. Therefore, it would potentially raise funds for the Guild Endowment Fund.
3. It has the potential to bring people together - both physically if someone is willing to "host" a web conference site and virtually
4. It would be good for the Guild's image, as it is attractive to younger generations (not just blue-haired old ladies).
5. It could be attractive to both men and women - depending on the subject presented.
6. It could promote Valparaiso University in a positive light.

Now, it is time to start testing and implementing. Doing this survey has involved several steps:
1. We wanted to be able to invite Guild members to a web conference so they could experience a sample of what is possible. By familiarizing them with the technology, they may be more willing to attend or ideally host an event in the future. In Nov 06 we asked the Union Director to present information on the new Union via web conference. From that we learned a lot. On April 13, 2008 Mark LaBarbera, Director of Athletics, will present information on Athletics.

2. Decide who will actually host the conference. We have used TelSpan in the past. This time we're going to try using IHETS which is free to Valpo because Valpo is a member.

3. I had to learn how to create a new webpage (not too fancy) - which serves as the invite for the 4-13-08 web conference.

4. I had to learn how to create a survey in Zoomerang. Our interns have used this before, but this was my first time.

5. I had to create a new e-update looking cover page inviting people to take the survey. As with step 3, this allowed me to learn more about the new Content Management System.

6. We had to launch the survey through Lyris. We've done this before, but as we learn more about Lyris capabilities, this involves some learning.

And, WE DID IT! So, I feel as though I've learned some new skills and overcome some fears in the past week. Now, go take the survey!

Closing

To cover our bases, we're contacting the groups who still have a local checking account open by phone. There are over 20 groups. I'm surprised that that many have stayed open - especially when from the national perspective less than half are active. The active ones may continuing operating until June. In following up with one former chapter, I learned that they had closed their account by making donations to local charities in honor of their members. My jaw hit the floor. When I hear stories of mismanagement of Guild funds, I don't regret raising the members up to the national level. We are also contacting, by letter, all the chapters that have disbanded in the past 10 years. On occasion, we still get checks closing those accounts!!! Because usually by the point they disbanded, the local leadership was not working there wasn't a person to contact. Also, we didn't have a great way to follow-up as we didn't track what we had received. Another sign that the changes in the Guild are ultimately good for the health of our organization.

you say its your b-day?

I aged overnight. No big deal at this age, but distracting. I think about the past, I think about the future. My boys fetched me breakfast and we had a little family time. Tonight Rick will be at NU's Dance Marathon. I plan to enjoy having control over the remote.
Everyone is ready for the weekend. Valpo Men's Basketball play tonight and may go on to play Saturday. It is fun to see how the Horizon League determines its champion.
We will all learn more about the Horizon League when Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera presents a web conference for Guild members and Crusader Club on April 13. Yesterday involved initiating the tech details. This is a great "practice" for when we offer web conferences as a Guild fundraiser in the future.
Best accomplishment of the week: the Bulletin is at the printer. Thank God.

Big Game

With the win on Saturday, Valpo gets to host a Men's Basketball playoff against UW-Green Bay tonight. With the students on spring break, we need to fill the seats. Robby and I are considering going - depending on the weather. This may mean that I have to wait to watch the primary returns. Rick and I have become very interested in the contest between Clinton and Obama - to the point where I started calling us political junkies. I'm hoping for two big winners tonight (Valpo, of course as one).

Rain, Rain, Go Away

However, I would take rain over snow. It is nice to see a little grass! Snow is coming back. This weekend was fantastic! The house, while not clean, is in better shape. I'm feeling relaxed. On Saturday, Lisa and I had lunch and happened upon a movie set (this kind of thing always happens to us!). The movie is Humboldt Park. It's Monday. Here we go again!

Playing Hookie

Yesterday I looked on my calendar and realized that I didn't have any meetings. I decided to request a spontaneous vacation day. I have been in desperate need of a mental health day. So far, this has been just the ticket. I have taken care of the items on my to do list that can't be done on the weekend (lots of appointments scheduled, running a couple errands). And, I took a nap. Did seven loads of laundry - which wasn't that glamorous, but now I will sleep in a bed with fresh sheets. And, the best part - I have freed up some of the weekend so I can actually relax! This was a great idea!

Deep Thought

Trees can't will their leaves to stay green when autumn arrives.

Happy B-Day

It is Robby's 4th Birthday! Yeah! So, four years ago I was in labor. Just reflecting on what he has learned in the past year is amazing: the alphabet, to go potty, vocab words. He is fitting so much together. The kid also has some great dance moves and a silly personality. He brings great joy and I'm looking forward to his fourth year. We are so blessed! As I said to a friend recently, he is wonderful all of the time and a pain just a little of the time!

Last night I hosted a conference call to teach the Guild Board to use Yahoo Groups. This is a great resource for sharing information without clogging up individual harddrives and inboxes.

This week we publicize and begin the 2008 Guild Campus Gift grant process. I'm announcing the request for proposals at today's Administrators Forum. We'll send via mail. I'm looking forward to seeing the requests this year. In 2007 we funded $25K and plan to fund more in 2008.

Off to work!

Guild Grants

So, how cool is this? Within a matter of minutes I received updates on two of the 2007 grants that the Guild awarded. First, in spite of the snowy weather - FIVE benches were delivered to Mueller Hall this afternoon. This will provide seating for students (and professors) before and after class.

Then, I received an e-mail from Doug Kocher in the Communications Department. A quick snipet from the e-mail:

"I am proud to report that VU's participation was a success on every level. Funding to establish this program was generously provided by a grant from the University Guild, and I believe that they will find their investment well-spent. Our students, faced with a highly competitive environment, a short time to prepare, and limited experience, responded admirably. Student participants, ranging from sophomores to seniors, learned how to work together as a team under pressure."

While at Morning Worship, I ran into a colleague who asked about the 2008 grants. Our spring intern is preparing the mailing that will go to all department chairs/administrative directors/key student organizations. The deadline to respond with a proposal is March 31, 2008.

Feb

Where is February going? SO FAR this week, we have been busy sending a State of the Guild newsletter, providing nominees for the Guild scholarships to financial aid, discussing the prayerbook that the Guild is funding, attending a webinar, attending a cabinet meeting, prepping the Day of Prayer postcard, etc. etc. It is a week when a lot of projects can be pushed to the next step. Last Thursday, an intern and I started filming interviews for the "outcomes" video. I'm looking forward to the weather improving so he can get some outside shots. Today I plan to go to Chapel.

On a completely different subject, for Lent, Rick and I are going to donate 40 items to a food pantry. I haven't been as good about giving up stuff in recent years. Maybe I'll donate $40 to a cause I believe in, too.

My workout in the morning is becoming more routine. I feel like I'm gaining flexibility and energy. Haven't lost a pound, but I'm not really about that right now.

Happy Heart Day!

Ah...Valentine's Day! We will be videotaping some people who LOVE the Guild for an outcomes video that we plan to premiere at the annual meeting this fall. This is the first day of taping. People may be surprised to know that I'm always a little reluctant (nervous?) to do something new- that is out of my comfort zone. I procrastinate, stall, avoid. This job certainly gives me plenty of opportunity to try to overcome this fear....
The national fundraiser committee met last night. I'm proud of this group because they are getting outside of their "comfort zone" by meeting via conference call (which isn't easy the first time), joining a Yahoo group to share information, and researching a topic that most of us don't know too much about. Yeah for getting started!

committees

A lot of Guild committees are up and running. The nominating committee "met" via conference call on Sunday to begin their work at finding the 2009-2011 board members. (Nominations are welcome!) The national fund raiser committee will "meet" Wednesday night. The 2009 CWC committee meets Saturday in Chicago. 2008 is in full swing!

bitter cold

The weather is hitting rock bottom. Each day we get closer to spring, so I'm trying to keep a happy outlook.

Students have been calling lapsed members. Most of the people who were members last year are renewing. Most of the people who didn't renew last year (were members in 2005-2006) are not - but it allows us to remove them from our list and 1) save some money; 2) move on. I'd like us to spend more time and energy on recruiting new members than continuing to try to convince the former members. What bugs me is how the former members were so invested in the Guild that was in front of them - their local chapter - that they lost sight of the national mission and influence that the Guild has. Our founding members may have felt shame. Small fundraisers are not what the Guild is about - doing what VALPO NEEDS is what the Guild is about.

I'm thankful that the students are calling. They can get through the lists much quicker. Also, it is good for members to speak with students. We risk offending the members as telemarketers. So many people screen their calls, too. We're trying to put the call in the light of a friendly reminder.

all is good

The SUN came out - just a little - today. We needed it around here. The snow just keeps on coming!!! Somehow I've managed to have safe rides back and forth so far.

I was out of the office at the end of last week to attend a work function with Rick. He learned on Friday that a staff person had passed away. That put a damper on things, but we still had a nice time being together. I spent Friday volunteering in the city. A lot of walking around in the snow, so I was also tired at the big function.

There are sooooo many projects currently sitting on my desk that just take time and concentration to complete. Not enough time and concentration....then little fires pop up that need attention.

A VERY good piece of news is that Anne Franklin has agreed to serve the rest of Sue's term. Also, in the good news section is that we have our nominating committee established. Here we go again.

The grad lunch details are beginning to fall into place. This year we will invite men and women (limit to 150 attendees). Excited to model our new Guild better.

Sad

This morning I learned that our Provost's son died on Sunday. He was 30. Details haven't been shared, but I heard it may have been a stroke or heart attack. This man's son goes to the same daycare as my son, so I actually knew him as an acquaintance. It brings even closer to home the sadness that I feel about last week's deaths of Heath Ledger (28) and Randy Salerno (45). Though I don't know these people, it serves as a reminder that life is short. Cease the day.

Board of Directors

The Guild Board came to town last Friday and Saturday. They were welcomed by arctic temperatures (which led to some car problems...). It was a productive weekend.

Unfortunately, one board member (Sue) had to resign due to personal reasons. According to the Guild bylaws, the Board appoints her replacement. Sue brought some geographical diversity to the board and she is an excellent strategic thinker.

We are beginning to think about the Guild's presence at Homecoming (when our 2008 annual meeting takes place) and during the 150th. Always moving forward!

computers

Did I mention that I received a new hard drive on Friday, Jan 4 when my old hard drive crashed? This week Diane will receive a - planned - computer upgrade. The next step is getting me more memory. Wouldn't it be nice if I could just insert a chip in my brain to receive more memory?

The new monthly e-update seems to be liked. The next step is posting it so folks can access it directly from our webpage. Unfortunately vigilant spam-blockers prevent the e-update from getting through to all. So, if we can't get to them, perhaps they will come to us.

It is MLK, Jr Day on campus. An excellent keynote speech this morning.

New Year

We hit the ground running when we returned to work on Jan 2. Since then, a letter to parents of nearly 1400 freshmen and sophomores has gone out, the new look for the monthly e-update has been sent to 909 people, and we're getting ready for the student employees (two interns and one aide) to return. My hard drive crashed Friday - thank goodness I save to the network. I'm desperate to get the Guild Bulletin off to the designer - but right now my highest priority is prepping for the Guild Board meeting next week.
Guild joys and sorrows...
joy - Beata will turn 90 in a couple weeks. Let me know if you want to mail her a card.
sorrow - Hildegarde Lutze passed away in December. She was a special lady.
joy - students are back! classes started yesterday.

I have been distracted by all the political activity, too. Very interesting stuff right now!