La Voz: Summa Cum Laude & Paralegal Duties

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

I brought home the school newspaper last week and had never looked at it. BF read it today and discovered they'd published all the graduates' names with an * if they were Phi Theta Kappa honor students and a number 1, 2 or 3 for Summa, Magna or cum Laude. I was one of two students to have both * and 1! Out of 1900 graduates! I was floored! If only I had been that stellar a student when I was younger!

Matt and I made some headway on our treasure hunt. We have started setting up meetings with people who might have information and are chipping away at the search plan.

In the late afternoon, I went down to work on the drawn-out overtime project and ran into the VP of Legal. He was my boss when I started the Paralegal program, so I think very highly of him. He said he'd asked my current boss to give some time to the department. I will get to do some paralegal duties for one of the other attorneys. This attorney is one who is a bit abrasive, so I see this as an opportunity to learn from her and get a thicker skin...LOL.

Then I found out that a deadline that I thought was the 12th is tomorrow morning! Instant stress! I found myself thinking about chewing something (I didn't think long enough to figure out what I would have chewed), but I realized that it was the stress giving the trigger, drank some water and ignored it. Never did that before!

At the end of the day, I received an email from one of our technical folks. (Where I work, admin folks like me are on the low end of the totem and technical staff get the star treatment.). He was emailing to let me know that I need to relinquish the auditorium for my party so he can host a meeting. We have no other room nearly that size. But, his event is a corporate one, so I can't say no.

I was disappointed and could have gotten upset. Amazingly, I sat there are realized that "diet" thinking is the same thing. It's all or nothing thinking. I could have thought, "Since I can't have the auditorium, I might as well not do it at all!" but I replied that the company is generously letting me host my party there (it is just employees coming), but I know business comes first. The logistics will be a challenge, but........it won't defeat me!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIBBYFITZ 7/1/2010 5:55PM

Well done! It looks like you are dealing with you're stress in a very healthy way. All the best for the party. Report Inappropriate Comment

VICD25 7/1/2010 5:51PM

Congrats Madame Summa! And even better, congrats on your new found resiliency. You've come a long way, baby! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 7/1/2010 11:49AM

The news from you just gets better and better! Love to hear you are doing well with your program and are able to deal with set backs without resorting to emotional eating!! You are an incredibly smart, talented woman! The sky is the limit for you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHAOTIC-KITTY 7/1/2010 11:07AM

That is that you didn't give into chewing on something and just had water. :) You have such an amazing attitude... I really like reading your blogs. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Treasure Hunt and Other Thoughts

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Amazingly, I had over 12K steps and that was with a short walk at lunch. I had a longer walk in the evening. Tomorrow will probably be a low step day - my tendonitis is threatening to really flare up.

This morning, I dropped my car off for service which meant taking my coworker to Le Boulanger for coffee and bagel. I had an "Everything" bagel that was really flavorful. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was glad to treat my friend for her willingness to pick me up at the shop and bring me to work. The service is going to be very expensive, but it's all necessary. I talked to the tech later in the day and he says the rear-ending did not weaken my bumper, so the only thing I need to do is get the license plate light replaced. That will probably be the least expensive of all the repairs.

We had an "all hands" meeting at work today complete with bagels, eggs, bacon and hash browns. That is not normal, but was the result of some miscommunication. I took a bagel for lunch and had some eggs (I had not had any protein). I skipped the bacon, the hashbrowns and the OJ.

The treasure hunt is starting about the way I thought it would. No concrete facts yet, but the supervising attorney liked our list and action plan. We had something on there she had not thought of, so that was a brownie point. I just need to figure out some way to keep our student involved without him feeling that I am patronizing or controlling and, at the same time, present myself as someone worthy of a leadership role or more responsibility.

Thank you, EVERYONE, for the comments on my graduation photo and for your continued support! I would not succeed in this journey without your support!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CMRAND54 6/30/2010 7:53PM

Congratulations on making such good choices. A treasure hunt sounds interesting. You'll have to keep us posted. Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 6/30/2010 9:53AM

You continue to make good choices as you move through your days! The student you are working with is lucky to have someone who cares about his feelings and goals as he learns! You are a wonderful person who always radiates care and compassion for others. Stay positive! Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

VICD25 6/30/2010 9:46AM

Whew! Lots going on. However, sounds like work is going better for you! Thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 6/30/2010 1:48AM

I get these mini whole wheat bagels, no cream cheese, just almond butter with honey. You are going places!! Keep up the great work! I love to hear about your successes! Report Inappropriate Comment

NISA-JOE 6/30/2010 1:28AM

Bagels... I haven't had one in ages. I love bagels but they're so hard to get in my country. I just had my car serviced too earlier this month. That really dug a whole in my wallet but yup, it's necessary! Good luck on your treasure hunt! Report Inappropriate Comment

ROX2013 6/29/2010 11:54PM

Sounds like slowing down is not a option right now! Loved your grad. picture. It looks like your grin could light up the room! Again, congradulations! Sounds like you are ready for your party, it will be a great time I am sure. Report Inappropriate Comment

JAVALOVERTOO 6/29/2010 11:10PM

Oh I love bagels! And on resisting the other things Car services are a necessary evil we have one that needs to go in, not looking forward to that. Best wishes with the work stuff. Report Inappropriate Comment

"Congratulations! You Did It!"

Monday, June 28, 2010

I came in to work to find a sign in my office that had that caption. It was festooned with silver swirly things and paper mortar boards at the ends. It was a real charge! It made the Graduation Day euphoria continue. Several people came by to offer congratulations and to comment about my FB picture.

Last week I said I was more or less going to coast until after my "Mahalo Party" on the 7th. Little did I know how hectic it would get. School is out, but I feel completely overwhelmed! I took the longest walk I've had at lunch time and really got my heart rate up. I am well within range and dinner still to eat, so today was a great success.

The VP who got me started on the Paralegal program stopped by and I know he could tell from my smile that I am just so happy! I had a meeting with our top attorney today that I did not know about last week. She needs help with a treasure hunt - finding documents that are over 15 years old! I get to work with our summer student in the legal department...He is considering going to law school, so the attorneys are trying to get him involved in interesting projects.

Nothing was said, but I take this as an opportunity to show my paralegal skills and my people management skills. I'm not sure what they might be thinking, but I know Sal and Norma never do things without more than one idea behind it.

I chipped away at the yawner project. I need to finish it on Wednesday. It felt good to make progress!

School's over, but I am overwhelmed! I need to do a ton of little things! Write my thank you notes, mail my nephew's birthday present (after I wrap it and write the card), fill out the SR1 form for DMV after I round up the info I got at the accident site(the rearending I had on Saturday). I need to go to the bank, to the post office, and I need to ----------endless list!

I still have to put in the OT on the other project and I just can't get my head wrapped around it! The deadline looms!

Yawn! Good night, Spark family! THANK YOU for all of your support!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CHAOTIC-KITTY 6/29/2010 4:28PM

you are always such a busy woman... do you ever take a moment to relax? Report Inappropriate Comment

MEGANC1988 6/29/2010 10:16AM

How sweet that you came to work with such a supportive note! Hope you get some rest here soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSY455 6/29/2010 12:15AM

Best way to not get overwhelmed is to break the bigger projects into smaller portions, and just keep moving forward. Try to get some of those small things taken care of and off your plate...it does help. Glad to hear that the office is continuing your celebration though, that is nice that they want to celebrate your success! You need to too!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NISA-JOE 6/29/2010 12:15AM

You certainly did it! Glad to hear you had a great day. Report Inappropriate Comment

Squeamish Courage

Sunday, June 27, 2010

I am still feeling wonderfully euphoric about graduation yesterday! My SparkFamily has contributed with their comments on my blog, page and new photo. My facebook page is full of wonderful comments from former coworkers, current coworkers, family and assorted friends. I truly feel wealthy!

My fellow student posted a picture of me on Facebook that she had taken with her camera. I did not have mine with me, so I saved a copy of her picture to my desktop and then posted the picture she took of me to both Facebook and SparkPeople.

I do not like pictures of me. I look at them and am always disappointed because I look different from how I feel. Also, being scared of identity theft and knowing that a lot of people are more tech savvy than me, I've hidden behind the picture of my adorable niece for a long time. (There are some creative pieces of software out there and, in the hands of nefarious types...) In sharing this, I am NOT fishing for compliments. I am sharing an increased level of comfort with me. That is part of my SparkPeople journey. That being said, I won't turn down feedback! :)

Look at it, if you want to, while it's there. I may lose my nerve and take it down. But for now, it is up. A reflection of euphoria, of not wanting that great feeling to end and a tentative thrust towards whomever the person I will be farther down the road of this SparkPeople journey.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NISA-JOE 6/28/2010 11:23PM

Love the smiley pic of you! You look so happy. You are in many ways. Don't ever doubt it for a second. Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 6/28/2010 12:39PM

You are doing well, it is great to reieve compliments and it does take time to larn to accept them. Glad you are having such a positive time. Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 6/28/2010 10:21AM

I used to avoid the camera, too - but I think accepting ourselves as we are is so important to make progress in this "lifestyle change" we have embarked upon. It's still not pleasant and I cringe every time I post one, but it's something I have to do for myself. I think you look wonderful in your graduation picture! Your joy shines from the photo and you look so happy! Be proud of yourself for all you have done and continue to do! I'm proud to say that you are my Sparkfriend! Stay positive! Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

TURQUOISELOTUS 6/28/2010 8:44AM

Congrats on your achievement!! You do look really happy! That's what matters. And you can always take your photo down - but I hope you leave it up so you can look back and see how happy you were, and how much the gown and cap symbolise. Yes, definitely... feel euphoric! You've earned it Report Inappropriate Comment

CHRISADONNER 6/27/2010 11:20PM

I know how what you mean. I hate pictures / mirrors for the same reason. That fat, old person I see looking back isn't me. It isn't what I feel like inside. How did I get this way? I used to be attractive and full of life, but that isn't what or who I see looking back at me. That makes this journey seem so strange. It's more than just losing weight. I don't know if I'll ever feel comfortable with what I see in front of me. So I've chosen to just go along with how I feel from the inside out. And if people want pictures of me, they can take them, but that doesn't mean I have to look at them. I'm allowing myself to love the me that is inside. That's what's important to me. There may come a day when I love what I look like on the outside, too, or there may not. And that's ok with me. Keep on the journey. Focus on what feels good and makes you smile. And don't sweat the other stuff. You are an awesome, successful person. Report Inappropriate Comment

MELA1953 6/27/2010 10:26PM

WOO HOO!!! DO YOU LOOK HAPPY OR WHAT!!!!! Congrats!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 6/27/2010 10:14PM

You are lovely. Your beaming face says it all. Report Inappropriate Comment

NADJAZZ 6/27/2010 9:49PM

Congratulations! Not only did you graduate, you overcame the fear of posting your pic online. You look so happy in your graduation pic! I personally love to see the smiling faces of my Fellow Sparkers. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHAOTIC-KITTY 6/27/2010 9:30PM

you are such a beautiful woman. thank you for posting your photo. I hope you do keep it up on your page .. but, if you get uncomfortable then do what you shall. You still are gonna be beautiful whether or not your photo is up or not! ;) Congrats *again* girlie for Report Inappropriate Comment

NWLIFESRC 6/27/2010 9:25PM

Congrats Report Inappropriate Comment

Graduation Day! AA Paralegal Studies!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

What a fabulous day! It was a long day, but a marvelous one! I had to be on campus by 7:30 am for 9:00 graduation. We were running late, so we stopped at Mcdonalds (cringe) and I had a sausage mcmuffin. Getting there that early meant lots of standing around. I parked on the edge of campus which meant I had a lot of walking to do. That was very necessary because the day also meant a lot of sitting!

I was blessed to get the chance to sit next to my favorite fellow student during the service. We are both Phi Theta Kappa honor graduates and there were not many of us there. There were lots of honor graduates, but only a small handful sporting the PTK regalia. From what I could see, we received extra loads of congratulations from the faculty, which was heartwarming.

I had no family there, but my BF was there. A close friend from work was there with her friend and my paralegal mentor also came. That meant a lot because it's a big deal to ask people to give a chunk of their Saturday!

As we left the field, we walked a gauntlet of faculty to rousing congratulations and applause. I was thrilled to see the director of the paralegal program there. He is not usually at the ceremony and for him to greet me by name and for me to be able to shake his hand and say thank you meant a lot!

I did not get to meet with my fellow graduate for the photo we wanted. That was one of two disappointments of the day.

We drove about half an hour away for lunch at Black Bear Diner. Again, I was humbled that people chose to come. Joining those who attended the graduation was my fellow student Dee (she has 3 more classes to go) and her husband. We had a great time. Excellent food, good conversation and lots of laughs. As it happened, BF and I were the last to arrive. He had forgotten his meds, so we drove home before going to the restaurant. About a block from the restaurant, we were rear ended at a stop light. Not seriously damaged, but I do have to fix one of the license plate lights because I think I risk a ticket if I don't. The bumper is dented a smidge and some paint is leaving, but I think it is structurally intact. The other driver did not have her license with her and I could have called the police. However, due to budget cuts, they don't like to come out if there are no injuries. She could have been arrested and had her car towed, I think. I did not want to keep my friends waiting any longer and I didn't feel like making her day any worse than it was. I did file a claim with my insurance company and also spoke with hers. I don't have a good feeling about that company, but it may be because we are already in an adversarial relationship. As it happens, I have already scheduled my car for service on Tuesday for other things and would like to get the light fixed at the same time. I told the agent I don't want to take it in twice and I don't want to risk a ticket. They want me to wait for an inspection by their agent and there's telling when that would happen since they may not even call me until Tuesday. ARGH! Yvonne had her camera there so she took pictures of the light and other damage.

The food was great and I ate way over the daily limit, but, for a week's time, I am still in range because I was low most of the week. Back in the saddle tomorrow!

It was a fabulous day! I felt great! I looked great! I enjoyed the entire day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KAATII 7/2/2010 8:59AM

Congratulations on your achievement. Sorry my wishes are a little late but the blog fell off my subscribe list. Report Inappropriate Comment

ROX2013 6/27/2010 1:47PM

I am so excited for you! This is should a great accomplishment for you! I know how hard it is sometimes juggling work, home and school! Glad you didn't let the couple of hiccups mess your celebration up. and also very very glad no one was hurt. You get a gold star for giving that other driver a break. If there was ever a day to go over the food allowance this was it. Have a great Sunday!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TURQUOISELOTUS 6/27/2010 12:07PM

Congrats on your achievement! Glad that you had such a wonderful day! So pleased that the mishaps didn't derail your happiness and well-deserved enjoyment! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHAOTIC-KITTY 6/27/2010 12:06PM

. . sounds like a fantastic day.. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 6/27/2010 10:40AM

That is fantastic to see! You were so worried about how the day would go. Even getting back ended wasn't going to spoil you're day! Report Inappropriate Comment

CMRAND54 6/27/2010 9:42AM

Congratulations on a job well done! You didn't let a couple of mishaps keep you from enjoying your success, and that's a good thing. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNIE924 6/27/2010 6:53AM

Congratulations on your accomplishment, both school and personal. Good luck with the insurance company. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEGANC1988 6/27/2010 1:34AM

Congrats! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHRISADONNER 6/27/2010 1:03AM

You did it! Congratulations!! That is so awesome. You're working your program and making the changes you want in your life. That is incredible. You are so strong and have such great vision. Report Inappropriate Comment