Liz

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:14:12 GMT

I just went to 7/11 and bought tampons, whiskey, and chocolate.

The cashier put the tampons in a separate brown paper sack. What decade are we in?

p.s. I'm in Japan.

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 23:51:33 GMT

I just had to stop my experiment and move my car so that someone who is attending the KU Men's Basketball game this evening can have my parking space. ridiculous.

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:57:59 GMT

My dad just got a facebook account. I know this because I just received an email requesting to be facebook friends. creepy.

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:48:41 GMT

Interesting comments/advice on work parties from a Smith College alumnae forum
www.smith.dailyjolt.com

springflowers:

Work parties are a weird hybrid of not-quite-social-event / not-quite-interview. Speak with people, avoiding work topics unless a superior brings them up to you, and keep moving around. You don't want to monopolize anyone. You can exit a group, or even an individual with "Excuse me, I need more punch" or "Excuse me, I must say 'hello' to Bob." It is also kind to exit an individual by passing them off. Introduce them to someone else you've spotted whom you know, then exit shortly after. All this will happen a lot more naturally than you think, as others are doing this circulating, too. You can also confess that you are new and don't know many people, and ASK to be introduced around, if you fear you are monopolizing the single person you know. You can also interject yourself into a smallish group by commenting, briefly, on what you've overheard. "Did you say you just read Freakonomics? I truly enjoyed that book!" Then hush and let them draw you further in, becoming part of the group, not taking it over.

Safe topics are books, movies, sports, the lovliness of the decorations or the food, other holiday plans, where they've traveled from. You get the idea. Office gossip is NO, unless you want to concur that the X Dept. did wonderfully on the Y deal, and members A, B, and C, are to be congratulated. It's certainly fine to find out with whom your speaking, through their job title or office location, but long inquiries into someone's job or position are boring for them. Go back to being sparkling on non-work topics and you'll make a better impression than drilling them about their position and lauding your own, or its potential.

Be on your best behavior, take it easy on the cocktails, and decline invitations to dance if you don't enjoy dancing. People who insist you dance with them after several polite declines are bores - and they are committing the social faux pas, not you. At that point, you may say, "I'm so VERY sorry, I simply do not dance. Please excuse me" and head for the ladies' looking flustered, not angry. You can also accept an invitation to dance with "I really have never danced at all. I'm afraid I don't know what I'm doing but, if you're willing to muddle through with me, I'd love for you to show me." Truly, that is charming, but gracefully exit after one dance; don't force someone into being your all-night instructor.

Introduce your guest. "This is my guest, Terry Johnson" is sufficient. Unless your guest is your fiance or your spouse, you have no socially-recognized relationship beyond "friends" and this is a wonderful thing, as no one cares to speculate at what your relationship might actually be by a subtle hint at your bedroom habits (boy/girl friend, roommate, lover). Work can be a lot more permanant than relationships, and keeping everyone "guest" until the term fiance or spouse is appropriate just protects you. Please do not take this as advice to use the term fiance lightly.

Others will critique my advice as old-fashioned or out-of-date. I would respond that the superiors in your company are indeed older and, while they recognize changing times, may appreciate not having changing times shoved in their faces at what is supposed to be a pleasant event. This issue is the shoving, not the changing. No one will be made uncomfortable by meeting your guest, and manners are about making others comfortable.

There certainly are times and places for helping to change times for the better, especially at the workplace; this just isn't it. When you ask for partner benefits later, you want everyone to remember you as that lovely couple from the holiday party - not those rather affrontive two who tried to turn the party into a political rally.

It IS a party, people will be having fun. Yes, it's slightly weird, in that your reputation with colleagues is different than your reputation with purely-social friends. But, ultimately, everyone IS there to have a good time, NOT to make little marks in secret books about who is or is not promotable.

***

Monkeycat:

Ahhh, holiday parties. The weird problem of being a fun, social member of your company without making an ass of yourself.

The most obvious key to this is controling your drinking. Other people will be drinking a lot, most likely. At every holiday party I've been at, there's someone who is plainly the person who's taken too many tequilla shots. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE THAT PERSON. To avoid accidentally ending up that way (because, let's face it, after a few drinks it is harder to control oneself, and the thought of tequilla shots with random people you just met becomes more and more attractive) I religiously alternate my drinks, and have a diet coke with lime after every alcoholic beverage. This way, I have the comfort of a drink in my hand and not the hazard of gulping down three cocktails an hour.

I always, always just try to be upbeat, positive, and laugh. There's nothing worse that getting introduced to a debbie downer who bitches and moans about life, holiday stress, having to shop or travel... so don't be that person.

I also refuse to say bad things about anyone I work with. When someone complains about someone else's work or attitude, I usually let them and just say something like "that's interesting, but that hasn't been my experience."

I think SpringFlowers hit it on the head pretty much. Just wanted to share my few hints. Good luck, and have fun!

***

Springflowers:

OH! Keeping a non-alcoholic drink in your hand to moderate your alcohol consumption is EXCELLENT advice. It also fends off those who will want to get you another if you appear drinkless.

On that tangent, though, I try to keep my drink in my left hand so that when I'm shaking hands with others my hand isn't ice cold or even damp. No one likes that.

***

MarxievonTrapp

Don't dance. I danced at my first company holiday party and was mocked for weeks afterwards. Why? Because my colleagues and bosses didn't see me dancing on a regular basis, they all assumed I was wasted. And the more I denied it (because I wasn't), the more it encouraged them.

And that was the very, very last time I will dance at a company holiday party.

***

CurlyMarie

One other thing to keep in mind is to try and dress appropriately for the event. If you can find out the dress code, stick to what is suggested. Even if you don't know the dress code, err on the side of conservative. I've been to several parties and witnessed people wearing too revealing/too short/too tight outfits that made them look completely unprofessional. Though this is off-the-clock and it is a "party," you should never forget that it is still in essence a part of your job and work. Don't show parts of your body off that you would otherwise not want your coworkers/boss to see.

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:38:35 GMT

The chancellor of the university sent out an inspirational email to the faculty and staff.

Dear Colleagues:

KU has experienced a magical football season with our beloved Jayhawks going undefeated for most of the season, accomplishing things never before achieved in KU history.

Coach Mark Mangino, his staff, and the team have given us memories that will be treasured for a long time. They have taught us the value of hard work and dedication.

I have been struck by the spirit of good feeling that seems to accompany such athletic success. We have an excellent Athletic Director, Lew Perkins, who has helped teach us how to set high goals, and it all has the effect of encouraging us to focus on the meaning of winning, no matter what competition we enter.

KU’s Debate Team is ranked number one in the country, our Pharmacy School ranks third in NIH research funding, and our Public Administration program is nationally recognized for its urban policy and city management expertise. Our art history department houses world renowned scholars, whose text books shape the discipline.

I could go on and on, citing other examples of KU excellence, but I think you get the point.

We just finished a Thanksgiving holiday, one that has made us conscious of all that we have and feel thankful for. May the rest of the holiday season reinforce your sense of accomplishment as the fall semester ends, finals are taken, and we look forward to both a nationally prominent bowl game, and the continued success of the basketball teams.

It is all part of the Jayhawk spirit that leads us forward into the new year, proud and secure in the shared success of our award-winning university.

Bob Hemenway

Chancellor

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:52:17 GMT

I swear. I think I am an above average competent and responsible person, but so many things I do at work turn to mush in a way that they would not if I were a competent and responsible person. arg. Today's example is not really my fault, but the situation could have been avoided if I had been more responsible. Happy Halloween.

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:31:41 GMT

I decided not to go in to work today b/c I've been working extra a lot recently. I checked in with the grad students yesterday, but I just realized that I never told my boss. I just sent him an email that said something like "Hi. I just realized that I never mentioned that I wasn't coming in today. Sorry. I'm not used to having a boss. I'll see you tomorrow. Liz" I extremly doubt that he cares when I am present, but still kind of funny?

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:20:35 GMT

from: University of Kansas
to: University of Kansas staff, faculty, affiliates, and students
subject: RUMOR CONTROL NOTICE Oct. 23, 2007

This email is to inform you of misinformation that is presently spreading over campus in regards to the spray-painting of today’s date on sidewalks outside Lewis Hall.

The KU Office of Public Safety has investigated and determined that the spray painting has no relation to a previous incident at Lewis Hall and actually is promoting a band that is releasing a CD today. Police have investigated and have determined there is no threat to public safety.

Please inform your classes and colleagues of this information so that everyone has the correct information.

The discovery of bullet holes in Lewis Hall windows over fall break and the band sidewalk promotion are unrelated events. For more information about the Lewis Hall release, see http://www2.ku.edu/~kucops/pdffiles/crimestoppers/10152007Criminaldischarge.pdf

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Public Safety at 864-5900.

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 19:00:09 GMT

So I got a lab report back today and I got a point off for incorrect calculations. My friend had identical calculations to mine, so I showed the lab instructor (a grad student from Sri Lanke) out reports. She said that my friend had actually done it wrong, so took a point off of my friend's report. I told the grad student that in the United States, you don't typically get a point off for showing the teacher you are wrong. She just shrugged, what can you do? I went and talked to the director of the physics labs and he said "Well, if it's right it's right, if it's not, it's not" and wouldn't do anything. justice, where are you? And I feel bad. It's only a point out of many, but they weight our lab grades against our other class member's lab grades, which are weighted against lab sections taught by different TAs.

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:29:42 GMT

Still have not heard back from any of my interviews. grrr. erm. eep. One said I should be hearing about now, another was thinking a second interview and then a week from now, another was dealing with human resources stuff. me want job.

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:59:34 GMT

Ms. Agresta,

A comment on this post, in order that I know your lj name and I may friend you, would be most appreciated.

Kind regards,
Ms. Wong

Wed, 30 May 2007 18:43:13 GMT

Part of a job description for a job I am applying to:
"Strong writhing and oral communication skills in English are required."
hehe.

Sat, 05 May 2007 15:54:39 GMT

Some Tibetans are outside building a big ply board arch for the Dali Lama.

Sat, 05 May 2007 01:16:18 GMT

Today at the end of my penultimate smith class, Mr. Randy Bartlett asked whicht of us were seniors and said "With the power invested in me, by absolutely no one, I now declare you educated women." or something like that. And then it sort of stuck me. And I kinda flipped out a little crazy like in my head. But just a bit. And then I went to Microbiology and it was uneventful. And then it was over.

This afternoon I went to UMass to see Craig Mellow speak. He won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine this year for his discovery of RNAi. His speech was only supposed to be an hour, and he didn't plan for that really, and it ended up being a kinda unfocused hour with random topics. It could have been better. I would like to have heard more specifically about his research and discovery or RNAi. Cool, regardless.

On Wednesday I will see my second Nobel Prize winner in a week. Slightly more well known, the Dali Lama.

catching up on lj, and ditto,

Thu, 03 May 2007 21:55:22 GMT

I am so ready to be done with this college thing.

Tue, 01 May 2007 02:03:44 GMT

I want a job writing loan exit counseling questions.

If I do not get a bill for my loan, I do not need to send a payment.
A. True
B. False

If I move, I do not need to notify my school, they will find me.
A. True
B. False

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 23:07:32 GMT

Hey Smithies! I just saw on the library website that Smith now subscribes to the New York Times' TimesSelect. Excitement! Good evening, Maureen Dowd.

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 21:08:04 GMT

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Father, Super Dog...able to leap tall fences in a single bound.

FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG.
Looks like a rat ... Been out a while.
Better be a reward.

COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.
Also 1 gay bull for sale.

NORDIC TRACK
$300 Hardly used, call Chubby.

GEORGIA PEACHES
California grown - 89 cents lb.

JOINING NUDIST COLONY!
Must sell washer and dryer $300.

WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE .
WORN ONCE BY MISTAKE.
Call Stephanie.

FOR SALE BY OWNER:
Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes
Excellent condition
$1,000 or best offer
No longer needed, got married last month.
Wife knows everything.

woo!

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:06:14 GMT

Hi Seniors!

I know it's been a long wait but the news is here. I'm happy to announce that our Commencement speaker will be Gloria Steinam! For more information about Gloria please click on the link below.

Best,
Alexandra Woodruff
Senior Class President

Site on Gloria: http://www.smith.edu/library/libs/ssc/agents/steinem.html

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:47:36 GMT

I decided to start 'private' posting my entries. If you want to read my entries, just let me know and I will friend you. My friend was telling me about this article she read about how employers are looking at people's facebook profiles and online blogs. And not that I am planing on writing anything scandalous or mean, but it is a bit creepy that anyone can read this thing. One time while google searching for some information, I happened upon the blog of this girl I know and she said mean things about me and it wasn't cool. So, yeah. Be nice. or not.

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 20:15:38 GMT

It feels wierd that I am at the university and every group I walk by is speaking English.

Also, all the boys are wearing tennis shoes. I like it.

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:46:26 GMT

Do cell phone plans really cost $40 a month?

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 14:18:20 GMT

Prepare for two weeks of incessant lj postings.

For this fake job shindig I'm going to be working out of the science library at the University of Kansas for two weeks, finding and reading articles on bioremediation and the such. On August 10 I am going to fly to Idaho Falls, where I will work in a lab at North Wind, Inc., do dumb things and hate myself, live with my boss, and find Brokeback Mountain. I'll come back to Lawrence on August 24 before flying back to Smith on August 27.

I woke up at 3:30 this morning--I guess my body still thinks I'm in Hamburg.

My supervisor was supposed to email me by this morning with some specificisch instructions about how to start my work. But that hasn't happened yet.

I'm going to go buy My Very First Cell Phone tomorrow hopefully. I think I'm going to get Cingular, through the advice of a lovely Felica.

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:59:14 GMT

Back in Lawrence, Kansas. woot. Got in about midnight last night. Got my teeth cleaned at the dentist today. woot. My internship supervisor finally sent me an email after being MIA and making me insecure for a month. I'm supposed to call her. Don't know if I am still going to Idaho for two weeks for the internship.

Everyone who is around me who I want to hang out with, I'll probably be calling you within the next few days. Hurrah.

Chelsey: I still want to come visit you. We'll talk once I figure out what is going on with my internship.

America, fuck yeah.

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 00:10:25 GMT

packing. leave for the airport in seven hours. threw away so much stuff. tossed so much stuff into the old clothing collection bin. put so much stuff out in my floor's living room. so much stuff. feeling a little reflective about that. disgusted about that?