Current Mood: productive
After 4 straight summers of being an Operations Assistant for Purdue University Residences Conference Services, I've been promoted to Senior Assistant (Staffing) at Earhart Hall.
My former supervisor, Lisa, was hired on as SA for this summer under the arrangement that she'd be leaving July 5th to take a job at Washington State to be a new Residence Live Manager (Purdue's term) there. Originally, the Earhart Hall general manager (Ken) had ok'd the arrangement, thinking he'd shift Lisa's duties for the remainder of the summer (about 5 weeks) to the other SA (Billing) - Tony.
Once the summer got underway, however, it became apparent that things would get pretty hairy if Tony was to take on all that responsibility. The higher ups at the Conferences Division decided to ask somebody to step in as acting SA for the rest of the summer to help out.
Conferences wanted a nomination, and both Lisa and Tony suggested me, after reviewing my experience and job performance so far. Ken was supposed to approve it, but when this happened he was on vacation, so the decision was moved farther up the chain. The women in charge of all of the conferences know who I am (I've worked there for 4 years, remember?) and unanimously approved the move. Bam.
So within the span of a week, I became interim SA, and just today, started my first official day on my own as supervisor. !
I still do everything I was doing as an OA - have duty nights, go on rounds, work the office, help set up and take down various hall functions, give tours for incoming freshmen, and work the check-ins and check-outs for the various conferences that stay at our hall.
In addition, I now am in charge of more. The biggest responsibility is scheduling - I handle the schedule for 7 OAs and myself for the rest of the summer. I also am in charge of the details for every check in and check out, mainly organizing and setting up the key packets for every guest we have. I'm also supposed to be the go-to guy for any problem that comes up - stuck keys, broken elevators, basement floods, fire alarms, angry/sad/lost guests, noise complaints, late workers, and pretty much anything else that may happen. I post signs and door tags, run orientation meetings for conferences, and attend some meetings regarding large scale issues and changes for conferences.
I've moved from part time (20 hrs/week, plus about 10 hrs/week giving tours) to full time (40 hrs/week). I also get a pretty hefty raise, which is *really* nice. The workload varies a lot week-to-week, though.
Some days are easy. I have the schedule done, no conferences are coming or going, and all of my staff does their jobs and everything hums along perfectly.
Other days I'm running around the building trying to find somebody with the training or clearance to fix something I can't, or find something I wasn't quite told where to find, or something like that. So there's quite a lot of on-the job training.
But it's not like I'm completely helpless. The other SA on staff helps out a lot, the hall GM is around most of the time to help, and I've been an OA for several summers before. I'm pretty well versed in customer service, having worked the main desk at Hillenbrand Hall for a few years, and before that I worked in a kitchen at a nursing home. Plus I've been at school for a while, so I know the answers to most Purdue questions like the back of my hand.
It's the first time I've really moved beyond the entry level at a job before, and I feel very proud. This isn't what I have in mind for a lifelong career, but it still feels good. My boss(es) seemed very pleased I was able to step up and have a lot of faith and trust in my abilities and reliability.
I had actually missed the application process to do this job from the start of the summer, so in some way this feels like a second chance. Hopefully this promotion will be a stepping stone to do it again next year.
I remember when I was a little kid, when my dad would sit at the kitchen table with a ruler and a yellow legal pad, crankin' some tunes, working on his schedule. We (siblings) always joked about how dad would completely tune everything else out while he was working on the schedule - we would have to climb up into his lap just to talk to him. Both my parents have been and currently are managers in very stressful, customer-service oriented fields, and I feel like I have a tiny bit more understanding of what that takes.
I hope I can make them proud.
7.06.2009
6.26.2009
impromptu storytime
Current Mood: pleased as punch
Steven (3:12:15 PM): so...story time... if you have time of course
Ryan (3:12:23 PM): uh, sure!
Ryan (3:12:33 PM): There once was a stegosaurus who came out purple
Ryan (3:12:55 PM): all the other stegosauri in his family were shades of green and brown, but he was bright purple and all the other stegs made fun of him
Ryan (3:13:06 PM): wouldn't let him play in any steggy games, that sort of thing
Steven (3:13:14 PM): oh no
Ryan (3:14:15 PM): jaded from a lifetime of ridicule from a genetic accident far beyond his control, and lacking both the dexterity and scientific capacity to change his pigmentation, he retired to a quiet island in the Pangea Mediterranean for a life of exile
Ryan (3:14:53 PM): there he met a nice neon orange pterodactyl named Herbert, and together they lived out the rest of their days in friendship
Ryan (3:14:57 PM): then, the meteors came.
Steven (3:15:33 PM): yayish
Ryan (3:17:55 PM): how's that?
Steven (3:19:33 PM): well he was happy, but then died a painful death in the destruction of his people
For the record, he was asking me about my recent work promotion (woo!). In the back of my mind the whole time was this comic from the PBF, which you should all read the hell out of.
Ryan (3:12:23 PM): uh, sure!
Ryan (3:12:33 PM): There once was a stegosaurus who came out purple
Ryan (3:12:55 PM): all the other stegosauri in his family were shades of green and brown, but he was bright purple and all the other stegs made fun of him
Ryan (3:13:06 PM): wouldn't let him play in any steggy games, that sort of thing
Steven (3:13:14 PM): oh no
Ryan (3:14:15 PM): jaded from a lifetime of ridicule from a genetic accident far beyond his control, and lacking both the dexterity and scientific capacity to change his pigmentation, he retired to a quiet island in the Pangea Mediterranean for a life of exile
Ryan (3:14:53 PM): there he met a nice neon orange pterodactyl named Herbert, and together they lived out the rest of their days in friendship
Ryan (3:14:57 PM): then, the meteors came.
Steven (3:15:33 PM): yayish
Ryan (3:17:55 PM): how's that?
Steven (3:19:33 PM): well he was happy, but then died a painful death in the destruction of his people
For the record, he was asking me about my recent work promotion (woo!). In the back of my mind the whole time was this comic from the PBF, which you should all read the hell out of.
6.08.2009
8 BOLD predictions for the 2009 NFL season: Way Too Early Edition
Current Mood: antsy
I've spent the offseason digging deep into the dark recesses of the internet to find articles about the draft, the CBA expiration, free agency, and a slew of of other things I wouldn't care about if there was actual football to watch. With all that information floating about in my head, I thought I'd put down for your viewing pleasure 8 bold predictions (one for each division) for the upcoming season:
AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets): Despite the acquisition of star receiver Terrell Owens, the Bills are going to finish last in this competitive group. Why? QB Trent Edwards doesn't have the physical skills to take advantage of such a weapon, nor does he have the charisma to control that kind of personality. T.O. has destroyed every club he's been with, and the financially struggling Bills made one last push for something to spark this franchise. Unfortunately, that's pretty much all they have, and it won't be enough.
AFC South (Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans): The Indianapolis Colts will miss the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. The loss of head coach Tony Dungy will be mitigated by coach-in-waiting Jim Caldwell as part of a succession plan, but there have been two other key staff members lost in part because of retirement/money problems. WR Marvin Harrison is gone, and won't be back. Injury-riddled offseason. Joseph Addai is not producing like he used to, and the current stable of RBs in reserve will take time to find its stride. Peyton Manning ain't no spring chicken, either. Look for some other club to step up and take over the division crown (Texans, perhaps?).
AFC West (Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers): Kyle Orton will outplay Jay Cutler. Denver has a powerful group of battle tested RBs and deep ball WRs as targets. Their defense will have improved enough that not every game has to be won in a shootout, and Orton will play with a chip on his shoulder. Enough to raise them over San Diego, who will be let down by L.T. (just like thousands of fantasy football fans the world over).
AFC North (Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Steelers): There will be three top 10 defenses from this division next year, and the newest member of the club will be the Bengals. Building on last year with some help from the draft and returning injured players, Cincinnati's defense will be much improved. Similarly, the offense gets a giant upgrade with the return of the God of Golden Arms, Carson "Human Juggs Machine" Palmer. These guys are gonna shock the league by earning a wild card berth behind the Steelers.
NFC East (Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Redskins): At the start of the season, all four of these teams will look like Super Bowl bound teams. Gradually, three will be exposed as a fraud for different reasons. The Redskins, because shiny new toys like DT Albert Haynesworth can't save mediocre play from QB Jason Campbell for long. The Giants, because Eli Manning has already peaked and won't bounce back without dominant weapons like Plaxico Burress and "Earth, Wind, and Fire", his RB trio. The Eagles, because Donovan McNabb is wildly inconsistent, Brian Westbrook is too injury prone, and the defense has a lost a step with the loss of S Brian Dawkins. That leaves us with the Cowboys. My bold prediction is that after a very competitive regular season, Tony Romo will silence his critics by winning one playoff game.
NFC South (Falcons, Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers): Oh dear god, the Falcons are going to destroy every opponent they face this year. Last year rookie QB Matt Ryan took this club to the playoffs, and he's only going to be better this year (unlike Joe Flacco on the Ravens). Really, all you need to know about this group is that the Falcons have acquired 10x Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez, meaning they have a trifecta of offense with WR Roddy White and RB Michael Turner. Look out.
NFC West (Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, Seahawks): Last year's Cinderella story (Cardinals) will be [barely] outplayed by the resurgent Seahawks in a mediocre battle for the division title. Matt Hasselbeck doesn't have much time left in the league, so the time is now for Seattle to make a push for the postseason. They have a strong defense (especially at linebacker) and won't have to rely on seventh and eighth string receivers after an incredible slew of injuries at WR last year.
NFC North (Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings): Injury will knock Daunte Culpepper from the starting QB position early in the season, forcing rookie Matthew Stafford to step in. And the boy will produce, following in the footsteps of last year's breakout rookie quarterbacks. He will lead the hapless Lions to within one game of .500, a remarkable turnaround but ultimately falling short of making the playoffs. While I'm at it, I'll say they win on Thanksgiving, the first time since 2003.
BONUS PREDICTION: Brett Favre will stay retired.
I've spent the offseason digging deep into the dark recesses of the internet to find articles about the draft, the CBA expiration, free agency, and a slew of of other things I wouldn't care about if there was actual football to watch. With all that information floating about in my head, I thought I'd put down for your viewing pleasure 8 bold predictions (one for each division) for the upcoming season:
AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets): Despite the acquisition of star receiver Terrell Owens, the Bills are going to finish last in this competitive group. Why? QB Trent Edwards doesn't have the physical skills to take advantage of such a weapon, nor does he have the charisma to control that kind of personality. T.O. has destroyed every club he's been with, and the financially struggling Bills made one last push for something to spark this franchise. Unfortunately, that's pretty much all they have, and it won't be enough.
AFC South (Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans): The Indianapolis Colts will miss the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. The loss of head coach Tony Dungy will be mitigated by coach-in-waiting Jim Caldwell as part of a succession plan, but there have been two other key staff members lost in part because of retirement/money problems. WR Marvin Harrison is gone, and won't be back. Injury-riddled offseason. Joseph Addai is not producing like he used to, and the current stable of RBs in reserve will take time to find its stride. Peyton Manning ain't no spring chicken, either. Look for some other club to step up and take over the division crown (Texans, perhaps?).
AFC West (Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers): Kyle Orton will outplay Jay Cutler. Denver has a powerful group of battle tested RBs and deep ball WRs as targets. Their defense will have improved enough that not every game has to be won in a shootout, and Orton will play with a chip on his shoulder. Enough to raise them over San Diego, who will be let down by L.T. (just like thousands of fantasy football fans the world over).
AFC North (Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Steelers): There will be three top 10 defenses from this division next year, and the newest member of the club will be the Bengals. Building on last year with some help from the draft and returning injured players, Cincinnati's defense will be much improved. Similarly, the offense gets a giant upgrade with the return of the God of Golden Arms, Carson "Human Juggs Machine" Palmer. These guys are gonna shock the league by earning a wild card berth behind the Steelers.
NFC East (Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Redskins): At the start of the season, all four of these teams will look like Super Bowl bound teams. Gradually, three will be exposed as a fraud for different reasons. The Redskins, because shiny new toys like DT Albert Haynesworth can't save mediocre play from QB Jason Campbell for long. The Giants, because Eli Manning has already peaked and won't bounce back without dominant weapons like Plaxico Burress and "Earth, Wind, and Fire", his RB trio. The Eagles, because Donovan McNabb is wildly inconsistent, Brian Westbrook is too injury prone, and the defense has a lost a step with the loss of S Brian Dawkins. That leaves us with the Cowboys. My bold prediction is that after a very competitive regular season, Tony Romo will silence his critics by winning one playoff game.
NFC South (Falcons, Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers): Oh dear god, the Falcons are going to destroy every opponent they face this year. Last year rookie QB Matt Ryan took this club to the playoffs, and he's only going to be better this year (unlike Joe Flacco on the Ravens). Really, all you need to know about this group is that the Falcons have acquired 10x Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez, meaning they have a trifecta of offense with WR Roddy White and RB Michael Turner. Look out.
NFC West (Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, Seahawks): Last year's Cinderella story (Cardinals) will be [barely] outplayed by the resurgent Seahawks in a mediocre battle for the division title. Matt Hasselbeck doesn't have much time left in the league, so the time is now for Seattle to make a push for the postseason. They have a strong defense (especially at linebacker) and won't have to rely on seventh and eighth string receivers after an incredible slew of injuries at WR last year.
NFC North (Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings): Injury will knock Daunte Culpepper from the starting QB position early in the season, forcing rookie Matthew Stafford to step in. And the boy will produce, following in the footsteps of last year's breakout rookie quarterbacks. He will lead the hapless Lions to within one game of .500, a remarkable turnaround but ultimately falling short of making the playoffs. While I'm at it, I'll say they win on Thanksgiving, the first time since 2003.
BONUS PREDICTION: Brett Favre will stay retired.
5.22.2009
zombies! 2
Current Mood: relieved
Having written my previous post, I'm happy to say my faith in humanity has been restored. I'm considering starting the sequel to my novel soon.
That's all.
Having written my previous post, I'm happy to say my faith in humanity has been restored. I'm considering starting the sequel to my novel soon.
That's all.
5.05.2009
zombies!
Current Mood: on alert
As you may or may not know, I take my zombie lore fairly seriously. I've studied zombies on paper, in cinema, and other forms of media. I've plotted out outbreak scenarios and formulated contingency plans, and as a result recently finished my first zombie novel (The Next Most Dangerous Game). I've begun evaluating potential groomsmen for my upcoming wedding based on fitness against the zombpocalpyse, like somebody I know once did.
My roommates and I even have a rule that any strange noises/shambling figures between the hours of midnight and 8am can and will be treated as hostile creatures looking for food. Destroy the brain first, ask questions later.
SO. Pranksters of the world, take note: this shit is not even remotely funny.
As you may or may not know, I take my zombie lore fairly seriously. I've studied zombies on paper, in cinema, and other forms of media. I've plotted out outbreak scenarios and formulated contingency plans, and as a result recently finished my first zombie novel (The Next Most Dangerous Game). I've begun evaluating potential groomsmen for my upcoming wedding based on fitness against the zombpocalpyse, like somebody I know once did.
My roommates and I even have a rule that any strange noises/shambling figures between the hours of midnight and 8am can and will be treated as hostile creatures looking for food. Destroy the brain first, ask questions later.
SO. Pranksters of the world, take note: this shit is not even remotely funny.
3.18.2009
Sports Junkie
Current Mood: sporty
I don't know what it is, but for some reason this spring I have become WAY more into sports that I have ever been. And I'm not just talking about my recent love of football, it has become an interest of sports across the board:
Hockey
*Miami University (OH) 's team, the Redhawks, made it to the Frozen Four. My sister and a few of my friends have gone/are going there, so I've made a point to pay a bit of attention to that.
*Sis seems to have rediscovered her love of hockey, so she and Bradley have been going to some Cincinnati Cyclones games, and they're in the playoffs. Get Cyc'd!
*My roommates are way into NHL level hockey, so I have been watching some with them and have adopted their team, the Detroit Red Wings - currently headed into the Western Conference Semifinals.
Baseball
*Opening Day came and went, and I watched the Reds play and it made me miss home a little, so I made Gold Star Chili for the apartment. It's way early in the season, but they're on a streak and in 2nd place in the NL Central.
Basketball
*I really don't care much for basketball, but I love brackets. I finished 3rd of 18 in my March Madness Pool.
*Purdue Boilermakers made it to the Sweet 16 with a young team, so maybe next year we'll improve and I might actually go to a game? Then I can genuinely root for Robbie Hummel.
Auto Racing
*Haven't watched any NASCAR, but from what I can tell it hasn't changed much since the Points Cup was implemented, rewarding consistency and boring racing. My driver Dale Jr. has bounced around to many different teams and hasn't made much of a name for himself, unfortunately.
Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MMA, other sports
*No thanks.
Football
*Purdue said goodbye to Coach Joe Tiller and replaced him with Danny Hope. Our main prospect for QB next year was suspended, so we'll probably have a rough year.
*I've spent the NFL offseason reading up on the draft, free agency, and the mechanics that make up the offseason. I feel like kind of a loser, but I've gotten pretty into football as a whole. I read mock-drafts, fan sites, histories and analysis of salaries, draft positions, and all sorts of projections. I'm ready for some real football, though.
*And fantasy football.
*The Bengals have made some not-horrible offseason decisions, so that makes me optimistic. Later I think I will do some predictions about the next NFL season.
There's been a few big changes happening in the NFL - Favre retired (but that could change), Madden retired (his replacement, Chris Collinsworth, is a Bengal but also looks like a bird man). Commisioner Goddell is looking to change 2 preseason games into real ones (and that would make a lot of old records disappear), and move games out of the US, and is currently negotiating a new CBA and possible rookie salary cap - all of these will change the shape of the league over the next few years.
Finally, some links:
Here's probably the best NFL draft article I've come across.
For a look at some misconceptions about the NFL busted by MATH, look here.
Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald bring the funk.
Because it makes me happy, some of the biggest sports upsets in history.
Lastly, how have I never heard of this dude?
I don't know what it is, but for some reason this spring I have become WAY more into sports that I have ever been. And I'm not just talking about my recent love of football, it has become an interest of sports across the board:
Hockey
*Miami University (OH) 's team, the Redhawks, made it to the Frozen Four. My sister and a few of my friends have gone/are going there, so I've made a point to pay a bit of attention to that.
*Sis seems to have rediscovered her love of hockey, so she and Bradley have been going to some Cincinnati Cyclones games, and they're in the playoffs. Get Cyc'd!
*My roommates are way into NHL level hockey, so I have been watching some with them and have adopted their team, the Detroit Red Wings - currently headed into the Western Conference Semifinals.
Baseball
*Opening Day came and went, and I watched the Reds play and it made me miss home a little, so I made Gold Star Chili for the apartment. It's way early in the season, but they're on a streak and in 2nd place in the NL Central.
Basketball
*I really don't care much for basketball, but I love brackets. I finished 3rd of 18 in my March Madness Pool.
*Purdue Boilermakers made it to the Sweet 16 with a young team, so maybe next year we'll improve and I might actually go to a game? Then I can genuinely root for Robbie Hummel.
Auto Racing
*Haven't watched any NASCAR, but from what I can tell it hasn't changed much since the Points Cup was implemented, rewarding consistency and boring racing. My driver Dale Jr. has bounced around to many different teams and hasn't made much of a name for himself, unfortunately.
Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MMA, other sports
*No thanks.
Football
*Purdue said goodbye to Coach Joe Tiller and replaced him with Danny Hope. Our main prospect for QB next year was suspended, so we'll probably have a rough year.
*I've spent the NFL offseason reading up on the draft, free agency, and the mechanics that make up the offseason. I feel like kind of a loser, but I've gotten pretty into football as a whole. I read mock-drafts, fan sites, histories and analysis of salaries, draft positions, and all sorts of projections. I'm ready for some real football, though.
*And fantasy football.
*The Bengals have made some not-horrible offseason decisions, so that makes me optimistic. Later I think I will do some predictions about the next NFL season.
There's been a few big changes happening in the NFL - Favre retired (but that could change), Madden retired (his replacement, Chris Collinsworth, is a Bengal but also looks like a bird man). Commisioner Goddell is looking to change 2 preseason games into real ones (and that would make a lot of old records disappear), and move games out of the US, and is currently negotiating a new CBA and possible rookie salary cap - all of these will change the shape of the league over the next few years.
Finally, some links:
Here's probably the best NFL draft article I've come across.
For a look at some misconceptions about the NFL busted by MATH, look here.
Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald bring the funk.
Because it makes me happy, some of the biggest sports upsets in history.
Lastly, how have I never heard of this dude?
3.16.2009
source material
Current Mood: peeved
Growing up I was always a Nintendo kid - NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gamecube, and later Wii were the only systems I ever played at home. It wasn't until I got to college (or visited a friend) that I was exposed to Playstations or XBoxes and the like. I never really played a wide variety of computer games, either, since the family computer really couldn't handle them and I didn't get my own computer until college - the one I'm typing on right now. Still, I watched movies and cartoons based on video game franchises, ate cereal with video game shaped bits, and bought video game toys - and those sorts of things had less company loyalty, or at least smaller entry fees.
Still, I was surprised that I recognized so many of these - The Video Game Periodic Chart . How many do you know?
Growing up I was always a Nintendo kid - NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gamecube, and later Wii were the only systems I ever played at home. It wasn't until I got to college (or visited a friend) that I was exposed to Playstations or XBoxes and the like. I never really played a wide variety of computer games, either, since the family computer really couldn't handle them and I didn't get my own computer until college - the one I'm typing on right now. Still, I watched movies and cartoons based on video game franchises, ate cereal with video game shaped bits, and bought video game toys - and those sorts of things had less company loyalty, or at least smaller entry fees.
Still, I was surprised that I recognized so many of these - The Video Game Periodic Chart . How many do you know?
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