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.
March 28, 2008
March 25, 2008
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.
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.
March 19, 2008
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!
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!
March 13, 2008
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.
March 7, 2008
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.
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.
March 4, 2008
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).
March 3, 2008
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!
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