My good friend Mark (hi Mark!) talks all the time about season's in your life. New jobs, new experiences, essentially the ever shifting change that comes with the ebbs and flows of life.
I have started to experience such a flow with my circle of friends.
Now you have your friends from childhood. No matter how long it has been since you have talked, you pick up where you left off and they are always there for you when you need them (goes for certain college friends as well).
Then there are the friends you "work" with. The student leaders you bonded with in college you talk to once in a while but the relationship you have with them is no where near your childhood friends.
Now I have moved on to my adult friends. For the last three years I have been part of a community organization in Brighton. We always strive to be friends first over organization members - putting our friendship and fun first over community goals and what not. Then Scott and I have sword friends; and we are spending more and more time with them and less and less with our other adult friends.
It is here that I am seeing a slight shift in loyalties. I miss some of my other friends, but I am finding myself wanting to spend more and more time with my new friends.
Why is that? Is it that they feed me in a different way? Or maybe they are just totally different people who really care about YOU and what you do in life and try to make to a better person along the way?
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Fustrated
Can't believe it has been almost a month since I have posted anything... if crazy David Hasseloff videos even count as a post.
This summer I have been applying for jobs at the U of M. I am being very selective applying only for the jobs I really want - mostly in academic advising and event planning. Last night I received another "Dear Jane" letter. Now most the time this isn't upsetting but last night it was because it was from my "dream department" and came from someone who verbally encouraged me to apply for the job.
To add insult to injury the letter expressed that "other applicants matched their qualifications better" when they have actually reposted the position!! Which means, they didn't like anyone from the first group so they are reposting the job to see what they get next.
Let's run down the job requirements:
Understanding of established principles and practices associated with first year experiences and students in transition;
ability to manage highly detailed projects;
skilled in using M-Pathways system;
knowledgeable about Business Objects and Crystal Reports.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders;
demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment;
excellent judgment and ability to act in a service-oriented operation.
Excellent customer service, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills with a proven track record of positive and friendly client interactions.
Ability to work effectively with supervisors, peer, and clients in a high visibility role; ability and desire to contribute to building a multicultural environment.
Willingness to seek out projects and additional responsibilities during non-peak times.
Minimum of between two and five years of professional experience in higher education or student affairs administration with experience in the delivery of student services.
Demonstrated experience utilizing M-Pathways; excellent computer skills utilizing Word, Excel, Business Objects.
Proficiency with current standard office productivity applications; specifically, Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio.
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Considerable knowledge of university organization, policies and procedures.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
So out of 16 "requirements" only 6 can be measured on a resume, the rest you would have to prove in an interview or try to touch on in a cover letter. Out of all the requirements (16 remember) I am only shaky on experience for 2 of them (which happen to be computer applications I have had minimal experience with). So... if a person you have previously met and interviewed "appears" to meet the 6 measurable requirements, wouldn't you give them an interview?
Needless to say I am pretty frustrated and feel I am dammed to roam the earth as a secretary for the rest of my life.
Anyone think I should follow up with the administrator to see why I wasn't offered an interview?
This summer I have been applying for jobs at the U of M. I am being very selective applying only for the jobs I really want - mostly in academic advising and event planning. Last night I received another "Dear Jane" letter. Now most the time this isn't upsetting but last night it was because it was from my "dream department" and came from someone who verbally encouraged me to apply for the job.
To add insult to injury the letter expressed that "other applicants matched their qualifications better" when they have actually reposted the position!! Which means, they didn't like anyone from the first group so they are reposting the job to see what they get next.
Let's run down the job requirements:
Understanding of established principles and practices associated with first year experiences and students in transition;
ability to manage highly detailed projects;
skilled in using M-Pathways system;
knowledgeable about Business Objects and Crystal Reports.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders;
demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment;
excellent judgment and ability to act in a service-oriented operation.
Excellent customer service, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills with a proven track record of positive and friendly client interactions.
Ability to work effectively with supervisors, peer, and clients in a high visibility role; ability and desire to contribute to building a multicultural environment.
Willingness to seek out projects and additional responsibilities during non-peak times.
Minimum of between two and five years of professional experience in higher education or student affairs administration with experience in the delivery of student services.
Demonstrated experience utilizing M-Pathways; excellent computer skills utilizing Word, Excel, Business Objects.
Proficiency with current standard office productivity applications; specifically, Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio.
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Considerable knowledge of university organization, policies and procedures.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
So out of 16 "requirements" only 6 can be measured on a resume, the rest you would have to prove in an interview or try to touch on in a cover letter. Out of all the requirements (16 remember) I am only shaky on experience for 2 of them (which happen to be computer applications I have had minimal experience with). So... if a person you have previously met and interviewed "appears" to meet the 6 measurable requirements, wouldn't you give them an interview?
Needless to say I am pretty frustrated and feel I am dammed to roam the earth as a secretary for the rest of my life.
Anyone think I should follow up with the administrator to see why I wasn't offered an interview?
Friday, July 28, 2006
The Evolution of Dance
| I LOVE THIS GUY!!! Judson Laipply (comedian) dances to clips of music from the 60's to the 2000's | |
New Music Video From David "The Hoff" Hasselhoff - "Jump In My Car"
| hehehe... I can't believe this. I guess there is a reason he is popular in Europe and not America. If the video was ment to be cheesy, they hit the makk! ~SMM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That's right, it's Hofficial... your favourite cult icon wants to take you home! The one and only David Hasselhoff of "Bay Watch" and "Knight Rider" fame returns with a cover of the 1975 classic 'Jump In My Car' and its a doozy. Recorded in Sydney last year with the legendary Harry Vanda (AC/DC, The Angels), the Ted Mulry Gang tune has been re-vamped with full Hoff gusto and this music video promises to rock the socks off all his Hofficial fans. Watch it, enjoy it, share it on Google Video, courtesy of Sony BMG Australia. Want more? Buy the buy the track on iTunes Australia by clicking here: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=155871591&s=143460 | |
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Taking it back...

This weekend Scott and I saw the much awaited Clerks II. Possibly one of the funniest movies I have ever seen; Kevin Smith's best movie to date (well Dogma is still my favorite); and funnier than Clerks I.
Could it be that like Dante and Randal, I entering my 30's have fallen into what is expected of me? Graduate HS, go to college, get a job, have a career, etc... When really all I would love to do in life is work in a restaurant during the day and party all night. I loved college.... But now I have too many bills to support a life of leisure such as that.
So I am working the 9-5 job hoping soon for a career move and a more secure future for the next 40 years until I can retire, hopefully with no debt, and become the porch-monkey we all really want to be.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
"Eye of God" AKA The Helix Nebula
I give you NGC 7293: The Helix Nebula
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap030510.html

Explanation: Will our Sun look like this one day? The Helix Nebula is the closest example of a planetary nebula created at the end of the life of a Sun-like star. The outer gasses of the star expelled into space appear from our vantage point as if we are looking down a helix. The remnant central stellar core, destined to become a white dwarf star, glows in light so energetic it causes the previously expelled gas to fluoresce. The Helix Nebula, given a technical designation of NGC 7293, lies about 650 light-years away towards the constellation of Aquarius and spans about 2.5 light-years. The above picture is a composite of newly released images from the ACS instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope and wide-angle images from the Mosaic Camera on the WIYN 0.9-m Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory. A close-up of the inner edge of the Helix Nebula shows complex gas knots of unknown origin.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap030510.html

Explanation: Will our Sun look like this one day? The Helix Nebula is the closest example of a planetary nebula created at the end of the life of a Sun-like star. The outer gasses of the star expelled into space appear from our vantage point as if we are looking down a helix. The remnant central stellar core, destined to become a white dwarf star, glows in light so energetic it causes the previously expelled gas to fluoresce. The Helix Nebula, given a technical designation of NGC 7293, lies about 650 light-years away towards the constellation of Aquarius and spans about 2.5 light-years. The above picture is a composite of newly released images from the ACS instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope and wide-angle images from the Mosaic Camera on the WIYN 0.9-m Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory. A close-up of the inner edge of the Helix Nebula shows complex gas knots of unknown origin.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Finally Here!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Oh Britney

When is she ever going to learn.
Now I love pregnent women, and I love nude photos of them as well. I think a monther's belly is the most beatuiful thing in the world. But this picture could have been better. It is very nice and well done, but the expression on her face looks like it belongs to a 16 year old who just got her first car. Just saying it could be a little more serious.

Now take photo #2. I LOVE IT! Very classy, sexy, and still expresses her motherhood. Bazaar should have went with #2 as their cover and done the nudes inside.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Tomb of the Unknown
http://www.tombguard.org/site.html"The soldier is the Army. No army is better that its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for ones country.
"Hence it is a proud privilege to be a soldier, a good soldier [with] discipline, self-respect, pride in his unit and his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to comrades and to his superiors, and a self confidence born of demonstrated ability." ~ General George S. Patton, Jr.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once a year I receive the "Tomb of the Unknown" email. And once or twice a year I journey to the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown web page. This is a page made and maintained by alumni sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown. It contains the history of the tomb, the meaning of the tomb, and general FAQ's. Please check it out, as I was inspired today by the quote I found above.
I was very struck by "The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country." I have never served in the military, but had always wanted to. I have a lot of friends who fight on a daily basis for not just the freedom of our country, but for the freedom and basic human rights of every country in the world. I do hope that one day, if I so choose to reproduce, that my children will find serving in the military to be an honor and enlist.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Happy 69 Day!
I am declaring June 9th officially 69 day! After 666 I wasn't sure when another cool date would come along, let alone 3 days later... so Happy 69 day!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Today's Forecast

Today's forecast calls for 20% chance of baby with high swelling in the ankle region and high irritability. Staying inside, kept cool, and well fed should decrease your chances of irritability.
Tomorrow's chance of baby increases as we move into the weekend as this front will not last till the next full moon.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Military Oaths Of Enlistment
Oaths Of Enlistment
All persons, upon entering Military Service and upon reenlistment, are required to take the Oath of Enlistment. At one time, the Oath of Enlistment was the same for all services. Due to changes in both society and the differing Military Branches, the Oath has undergone marked change and has been specifically tailored to each branch of the Military and their specific function. Here are the latest versions of the Oath of Enlistment as recently released by the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
US AIR FORCE OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, (State your name), swear to sign away 4 years of my life to the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE because I know I couldn't hack it in the Army, because the Marines frighten me, and because I am afraid of water over waist-deep. I swear to sit behind a desk. I also swear not to do any form of real exercise, but promise to defend our bike-riding test as a valid form of exercise. I promise to walk around calling everyone by their first name because I find it amusing to annoy the other services.
I will have a better quality of life than those around me and will, at all times, be sure to make them aware of that fact. After completion of "Basic Training", I will be a lean, mean, donut-eating, Lazy-Boy sitting, civilian-wearing-blue-clothes, chair-borne Ranger. I will believe I am superior to all others and will make an effort to clean the knife before stabbing the next person in the back. I will annoy those around me, and will go home early every day. So Help Me God!"
____________________ Signature
____________________ Date
US ARMY OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, Rambo, swear to sign away 4 years of my mediocre life to the UNITED STATES ARMY because I couldn't score high enough on the ASVAB to get into the Air Force, I'm not tough enough for the Marines, and the Navy won't take me because I can't swim. I will wear camouflage every day and tuck my trousers into my boots because I can't figure out how to use blousing straps. I promise to wear my uniform 24 hours a day even when I have a date.
I will continue to tell myself that I am a fierce killing machine because my Drill Sergeant told me I am, despite the fact that the only action I will see is a court-martial for sexual harassment. I acknowledge the fact that I will make E-8 in my first year of service, and vow to maintain that it is because I scored perfect on my PT test.
After completion of my Sexual.....er.....I mean "Basic Training," I will attend a different Army school every other month and return knowing less than I did when I left. On my first trip home after Boot Camp, I will walk around like I am cool and propose to my 9th grade sweetheart. I will make my wife stay home because if I let her out she might leave me for a better-looking Air Force guy. Should she leave me twelve times, I will continue to take her back. While at work I will maintain a look of knowledge while getting absolutely nothing accomplished. I will arrive to work every day at 1000 hrs because of morning PT and leave everyday at 1300 to report back to "COMPANY."
I understand that I will undergo no training whatsoever that will help me get a job upon separation, and will end up working construction with my friends from high school. I will brag to everyone about the Army giving me $30,000 for college, but will be unable to use it because I can't pass a placement exam. So Help Me God!"
_____________________ Signature
_____________________ Date
US NAVY OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, Top Gun, in lieu of going to prison, swear to sign away 4 years of my life to the UNITED STATES NAVY, because I want to hang out with Marines without actually having to BE one of them, because I thought the Air Force was too "corporate," because I didn't want to actually live in dirt like the Army, and because I thought, "Hey, I like to swim...why not?"
I promise to wear clothes that went out of style in 1976 and to have my name stenciled on the butt of every pair of pants I own. I understand that I will be mistaken for the Good Humor Man during summer, and for Nazi Waffen SS during the winter. I will strive to use a different language than the rest of the English-speaking world, using words like "deck, bulkhead, cover, geedunk, scuttlebutt, scuttle and head," when I really mean "floor, wall, hat, candy, water fountain, hole in wall and toilet."
I will take great pride in the fact that all Navy acronyms, rank, and insignia, and everything else for that matter, are completely different from the other services and make absolutely no sense whatsoever.
I will muster, whatever that is, at 0700 every morning unless I am buddy-buddy with the Chief, in which case I will show up around 0930. I vow to hone my coffee cup-handling skills to the point that I can stand up in a kayak being tossed around in a typhoon, and still not spill a drop. I consent to being promoted and subsequently busted at least twice per fiscal year. I realize that, once selected for Chief, I am required to submit myself to the sick, and quite possibly illegal, whims of my newfound "colleagues." So Help Me Neptune!"
______________________ Signature
______________________ Date
US MARINE CORPS OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, (pick a name the police won't recognize), swear..uhhhh....high-and-tight.... grunt... cammies....kill....fix bayonets....charge....slash....dig....burn....blow up....ugh...Air Force women....beer.....sailors wives.....air strikes....yes SIR!....whiskey....liberty call....salute....Ooorah Gunny....grenades...women....OORAH! So Help Me Chesty PULLER!"
Thumb Print X____________________ XX __________________
Teeth Marks ____________
Date __________________
All persons, upon entering Military Service and upon reenlistment, are required to take the Oath of Enlistment. At one time, the Oath of Enlistment was the same for all services. Due to changes in both society and the differing Military Branches, the Oath has undergone marked change and has been specifically tailored to each branch of the Military and their specific function. Here are the latest versions of the Oath of Enlistment as recently released by the Joint Chiefs of Staff:
US AIR FORCE OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, (State your name), swear to sign away 4 years of my life to the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE because I know I couldn't hack it in the Army, because the Marines frighten me, and because I am afraid of water over waist-deep. I swear to sit behind a desk. I also swear not to do any form of real exercise, but promise to defend our bike-riding test as a valid form of exercise. I promise to walk around calling everyone by their first name because I find it amusing to annoy the other services.
I will have a better quality of life than those around me and will, at all times, be sure to make them aware of that fact. After completion of "Basic Training", I will be a lean, mean, donut-eating, Lazy-Boy sitting, civilian-wearing-blue-clothes, chair-borne Ranger. I will believe I am superior to all others and will make an effort to clean the knife before stabbing the next person in the back. I will annoy those around me, and will go home early every day. So Help Me God!"
____________________ Signature
____________________ Date
US ARMY OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, Rambo, swear to sign away 4 years of my mediocre life to the UNITED STATES ARMY because I couldn't score high enough on the ASVAB to get into the Air Force, I'm not tough enough for the Marines, and the Navy won't take me because I can't swim. I will wear camouflage every day and tuck my trousers into my boots because I can't figure out how to use blousing straps. I promise to wear my uniform 24 hours a day even when I have a date.
I will continue to tell myself that I am a fierce killing machine because my Drill Sergeant told me I am, despite the fact that the only action I will see is a court-martial for sexual harassment. I acknowledge the fact that I will make E-8 in my first year of service, and vow to maintain that it is because I scored perfect on my PT test.
After completion of my Sexual.....er.....I mean "Basic Training," I will attend a different Army school every other month and return knowing less than I did when I left. On my first trip home after Boot Camp, I will walk around like I am cool and propose to my 9th grade sweetheart. I will make my wife stay home because if I let her out she might leave me for a better-looking Air Force guy. Should she leave me twelve times, I will continue to take her back. While at work I will maintain a look of knowledge while getting absolutely nothing accomplished. I will arrive to work every day at 1000 hrs because of morning PT and leave everyday at 1300 to report back to "COMPANY."
I understand that I will undergo no training whatsoever that will help me get a job upon separation, and will end up working construction with my friends from high school. I will brag to everyone about the Army giving me $30,000 for college, but will be unable to use it because I can't pass a placement exam. So Help Me God!"
_____________________ Signature
_____________________ Date
US NAVY OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, Top Gun, in lieu of going to prison, swear to sign away 4 years of my life to the UNITED STATES NAVY, because I want to hang out with Marines without actually having to BE one of them, because I thought the Air Force was too "corporate," because I didn't want to actually live in dirt like the Army, and because I thought, "Hey, I like to swim...why not?"
I promise to wear clothes that went out of style in 1976 and to have my name stenciled on the butt of every pair of pants I own. I understand that I will be mistaken for the Good Humor Man during summer, and for Nazi Waffen SS during the winter. I will strive to use a different language than the rest of the English-speaking world, using words like "deck, bulkhead, cover, geedunk, scuttlebutt, scuttle and head," when I really mean "floor, wall, hat, candy, water fountain, hole in wall and toilet."
I will take great pride in the fact that all Navy acronyms, rank, and insignia, and everything else for that matter, are completely different from the other services and make absolutely no sense whatsoever.
I will muster, whatever that is, at 0700 every morning unless I am buddy-buddy with the Chief, in which case I will show up around 0930. I vow to hone my coffee cup-handling skills to the point that I can stand up in a kayak being tossed around in a typhoon, and still not spill a drop. I consent to being promoted and subsequently busted at least twice per fiscal year. I realize that, once selected for Chief, I am required to submit myself to the sick, and quite possibly illegal, whims of my newfound "colleagues." So Help Me Neptune!"
______________________ Signature
______________________ Date
US MARINE CORPS OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, (pick a name the police won't recognize), swear..uhhhh....high-and-tight.... grunt... cammies....kill....fix bayonets....charge....slash....dig....burn....blow up....ugh...Air Force women....beer.....sailors wives.....air strikes....yes SIR!....whiskey....liberty call....salute....Ooorah Gunny....grenades...women....OORAH! So Help Me Chesty PULLER!"
Thumb Print X____________________ XX __________________
Teeth Marks ____________
Date __________________
Monday, May 22, 2006
Jeni Ready to Pop!

Jeni is about ready to pop! She is in final stage of "re-nesting" and Christopher has dropped. She has started to experience some contractions, though she has only diliated to a one (1).
She has a Dr's appointment tomorrow and we will know a little more. We should all have a new baby by the end of the week!
(Picture taken this weekend: May 20, 2006)
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
My email is breaking up with me
Hi.
This is the qmail-send program at yahoo.com. I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I've given up.
Sorry it didn't work out.
This is the qmail-send program at yahoo.com. I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I've given up.
Sorry it didn't work out.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Back In Town
Florida was awesome! 75-85, Sunny, Clear skys (with a little haze from the fires) and a slight breeze. I could not have ordered better weather. I have a few pictures on my myspace. Check them out.
The reunion was fun. I met classmates I didn't know, hung out and caught up with people I knew and loved. It was still clicky though. Made my rounds and said Hi to the "popular" people, and tried to have a good time.
My girlfriend Jennifer asked me to be her maid of honor in her wedding in October, so I will be heading back down sometime later this year. This time I am taking Scott and we are going to Disney. I didn't think I would miss him this last weekend, but by Saturday night I missed him terribly and wished I had drug him down with me.
So yesterday I spent the afternoon looking up prices for Disney. For the low price of $650 I can have a room at the French Quarter, airport transportation, park hopper passes for three days that never expire, and a few other cool things. Pricing does not include meals, entertainment, and drinks. Whew... better start saving my money / paying off credit cards.
The reunion was fun. I met classmates I didn't know, hung out and caught up with people I knew and loved. It was still clicky though. Made my rounds and said Hi to the "popular" people, and tried to have a good time.
My girlfriend Jennifer asked me to be her maid of honor in her wedding in October, so I will be heading back down sometime later this year. This time I am taking Scott and we are going to Disney. I didn't think I would miss him this last weekend, but by Saturday night I missed him terribly and wished I had drug him down with me.
So yesterday I spent the afternoon looking up prices for Disney. For the low price of $650 I can have a room at the French Quarter, airport transportation, park hopper passes for three days that never expire, and a few other cool things. Pricing does not include meals, entertainment, and drinks. Whew... better start saving my money / paying off credit cards.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Florida
I leave tomorrow at 6:20 am for a weekend in Florida. It is my HS 10 year reunion! I will post pictures when I return!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Sexual Dictionary
Shannon -- [adjective]: Fetish oriented 'How will you be defined in the sexual dictionary?' at QuizUniverse.com |
Scott -- [noun]: A new position involving a machete 'How will you be defined in the sexual dictionary?' at QuizUniverse.com |
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Prayer for Lost Books
For him that steals, or borrows and returns not, a book from his owner, let it change into a serpent in his hand and rend him. Let him be struck with palsy, and all his members blasted. Let him languish in pain crying aloud for mercy, and let there be no surcease to his agony till he sing in dissolution. Let book worms gnaw at his entrails in token of the Worm that dieth not. And when at last he goes to his final punishment, let the flames of Hell consume him for ever.
- From the monastery library of San Pedro in Barcelona.
- From the monastery library of San Pedro in Barcelona.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Summer Hours
Ahhhh.... I now have summer hours... I will be working 8-4:30 M-F.
Only get 30 min lunch though which will put a cramp on my walking. But if I actually bring my lunch and eat / snack in the morning, I will be able to walk at lunch.
My JC friends and I are doing a summer weight loss challenge, so hopefully I will loose 15-30 pounds by August 1! Well that is my goal!
Only get 30 min lunch though which will put a cramp on my walking. But if I actually bring my lunch and eat / snack in the morning, I will be able to walk at lunch.
My JC friends and I are doing a summer weight loss challenge, so hopefully I will loose 15-30 pounds by August 1! Well that is my goal!
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