Busier and Busier as the End Nears

Hello Everyone!
There are so many things to share with you all! Last Monday I attended one of the first training sessions for my PA job. They gave an overview of where the different positions "fit" in the University and shared the mission and value statement of Housing and Residential Life (from here forward referred to as HRL). Also, as we said goodbye to winter it was in the 60's. Tuesday was a wonderful first day of spring. On Wednesday I had a spanish exam, my WAM and USG meetings, and more staff training for the PA job. On Thursday there was the Budget Hearing appeals, where student organizations could come in an appeal WAM's decision on their budget for next year. On Friday I attended a fundraising event called Standathon. The premise is that everyone stands from 7pm-7am Sat. morning. There was a donation at the door and then all night there were activities and games to do to keep you from seating! (See the pics) On Saturday there were many students on campus for Preview Day, a day tailored to prospective students to see the campus. I will mention that this event marks one year from when I decided to attend Michigan Tech myself! It's hard to believe how much as occurred in the past year (HS graduation, college, upcoming summer job, job for next year...the list goes on!).

From Tuesday to Friday of last week I did a different job when I went to work. I normally enter data of the moose, but last week we were taking bone measurements and photo documenting all the bones in the lab. I got touch, look, examine, and take photos of the bones. See the pics!
This week as been pretty busy too. On Tuesday I registered for my classes for next fall. I will be taking Forest Ecology (w/ Lab), Soil Science (w/ Lab), Compositions, Spanish Lev. III, and Statistical Methods.

On Wednesday I submitted a few pieces of photography to an art show here on campus. They had only a few entrees so all those who submitted work received gift cards! The art is currently displayed in the dining hall for everyone to see.

Yesterday was the Forestry symposium. I went and listened to a woman speak on climate change and how to adapt our forest management techniques to adjust for the change. Last night was Overstory, which is the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences' end-of-the-year banquet. We honor the seniors, outstanding students and faculty of the year, and yes, give out some gag awards too (best beard, best laugh, etc.). There was absolutely delicious food and great music. The event was held in Atlantic Mine, a tiny town about 5 minutes south of Houghton. Look for some pics!
So, a few general things. Over the last two weeks I have been working on renewing my passport and applying for a passport card. After much delay and a few hiccups, I finally got all the paperwork and documents I needed to submit my renewal application earlier this week. Hopefully that will all go smoothly so I can go to Canada!

I have also been dealing with the government in other capacities lately. I filed my taxes and received both my state and federal refunds..hooray! Every little bit I can get back helps! Northern Tier, as my future employer, has been working on my behalf to obtain my work permit to work in Canada. And, in addition to all those things, I registered to vote!

Weather: Well, spring came in awfully nice (70's and sunny). This week as been a bit cooler (40's) and now just this morning we all woke up to a nice coating of snow. You can see some photos I took out my window during the past few weeks. It is amazing what one week can do. One week = snow storm where you can't see out the window and the next it is sunny and 80 degrees.

Be sure to take a look at the photos I have added in both the "Feb/March" link and the "March-Present" link. New white board messages are up too. Look for pictures of a map showing where I will be in Canada this summer!

Well, that's what I've got! The coming weeks will be stressful as only three weeks of instruction remain and then finals. I have a spanish speaking exam, a calculus exam, some more staff training, a group presentation, a chemistry exam, and lots of other things next week...not to mention it is Holy Week and the Triduum. Hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner.

As this is a busy time for most people, I hope you are all staying healthy and keeping up with this fast-pace world we live in. Have a fantastic weekend!

CANADA!

Hello Family and Friends! I have some pretty exciting news to share. It seems as if all my summer job searching has paid off. Last week I was contacted by Northern Tier National High Adventure Base. It is a Boy Scout camp that has three locations, and is based out of Ely, MN. You may recall that I have attended their winter camping program, called Okpik, twice (in Ely). They also have two other bases (locations), one in Atikokan, Ontario, Canada and one in Bissett, Manitoba, Canada. I have been offered and accepted a position as a trading post staff member at the Don Rogert Canoe Base in Atikokan, Ontario, CANADA! I am really excited about this opportunity and the great summer ahead! I will be working in the trading post (camp store) selling equipment, souvenirs, etc. I will be gone (either in Ely, MN or Canada) from late May to mid-August, in just enough time before I have to head back to Michigan Tech for my fall training for my PA job. Atikokan, Ontario is almost directly north of Ely, MN, just into Canada (see map in my pics soon). To get there you have to go through International Falls or Thunder Bay. I'm sad that I will be gone the whole summer, but I will blog my experiences and keep in touch. This job will be a great experience working at a different camp, getting paid to do so, and being in the great outdoors and wilderness of Canada! The camp is in almost the middle of nowhere and is really secluded. Again, I can't think of a better way to spend my summer; Boy Scouts, the outdoors, and providing great customer service! I could talk your ear off about this, but I won't now. Let me know if you want to know more about my plans!

In other things....I had an extremely busy week returning back to school. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were jam-packed and I had to plan those days out hour-by-hour. Between a presentation Monday, papers for Tuesday and one for Friday, a chem exam on Wednesday, a generally high amount of homework, and a host of other things, my brain was an high function all week.

On Tuesday I attended an advising meeting through my department that was used to explain how to best utilize a degree and helped to define where a student can go in the future.

On Wednesday I was part of a group that met with the AQIP evaluators. AQIP is the organization that grants Michigan Tech its accredidation. We discussed things the University is doing well and where it could improve.

We also had a lengthly USG meeting on Wednesday were we discussed many good issues. At this meeting we voted on carry-over representatives. Every class has six representatives and each year two of the six are voted to stay on USG for the next year (called carry-over). This means that those students don't have to re-run, they are then automatically on USG again next year. I was lucky enough to be elected to USG (via carry-over ) for next year!

On Thursday things took a small break...phew! It was an extremely nice day (60's and sunny). I had class, lab, and I worked.

On Friday things became busy once again. I had a tight schedule with a lot of things to fit in, including my classes, regular meetings, and work. I then started budget hearings at 4:45pm. I explained budget hearings in my last post, but in essence they are where student organizations on campus come before the WAM committee (which I sit on) and explain to us why they should get funding for next year. We sit down with each org. and talk over their budget (expenditures, revenues, etc.) in ten minute time slots. We then propose, debate/discuss, and vote on a recommended amount of money that USG should give each org. We began this process at 4:45pm on Friday and did not finish until Sunday at 9:30pm. I got done each night extremely late (just enough time to "nap" before getting up again) and then was back up really early (BH's resumed at 8 or 8:30am each morning). We ordered food throughout the weekend (because we didn't have much time for meals). Also, it should be noted that it was 80 degrees out and really nice all three days and we were stuck inside :( Also, the AC was not on yet so it was extremely hot, uncomfortable, and humid. But, I had a great time being cooped up with the same five other people for three straight days and we feel great about our work (we ended in the dollar range we were shooting for!).

So, because I was in meetings, literally all day, all weekend, my homework is just receiving its share of time. No worries though, I am pretty caught up at the very moment. In other notes, the Husky hockey season came to an end on Thursday as we lost to Colorado in overtime in the WCHA Final Five, which was held in Saint Paul. This next week I will be attending the first of some training for my PA job, an Honors Institute meeting, and my regular WHSA, WAM, and USG meetings. I will also be attending the next step in the budget process. After org.'s learn of the amount we are thinking about giving them they have the opportunity to come in and refute the amount and ask us to reconsider and increase their allocation. We then rethink, redecide and then all of our recommendations are given to the whole USG body to be voted upon.

Well, it certainly has been unseasonably warm (hot!) here. We have very little snow left (what is left is where the piles use to be -- like the 3M pile :)

Thanks for reading this far down on the post...it has been a pretty long blog, I know. Thanks for reading about me and my activities! I always look forward to hearing from any of you!

Only a few weeks left!

Well, here I go! I am now headed into the final six weeks of instruction and then a week of finals. This first year has gone by faster than I thought.....but let's focus on more current events.

This past week I had my spring break. I went home to MN, as many of you know. Nothing extra special, but still fun. My break consisted of a whole host of smaller things that added up to be pretty good.

On Saturday I got a haircut :) Saturday afternoon I went and toured some Parade of Homes, including two homes that were "green." One of these homes is Don Shelby's new house! It was pretty cool to get to see him in his future home and to discuss with him how to "green" a home. He and I also talked about policies and how he is currently working to change them!

On Tueday I had a doctor's appointment. I now officially measure over 6 feet tall :)

The begininning part of the week was spent doing homework that I had to do. ARGH.

Hill-Murray's boys hockey team made it to the state tournament and played Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! They made it to the championship game! Unfortunately they lost to Benilde-St. Margarets. But, second place in the "state of hockey" isn't bad! They should all be proud of their season!

Other time over break was spend working on applications for summer jobs. We will see if anything "comes to life" soon!

On Sunday I came back to Houghton. With the Daylight Saving Time change I only got 22 hours!(I also had to cross back into the Eastern Time Zone).

Anyway, school is back in full swing. I have exams, papers, presentations, online homework, etc. to do and it doesn't look like it will let up for a while! This coming weekend is budget hearings.

Budget hearings are where student organizations come before the WAM committee (which I sit on) and discuss why they should receive money from the Student Activity Fee (SAF) fund for next academic year. WAM then discusses each request and makes a recommendation to USG. This means that I will be sitting in a room from about 7pm on Friday to about 7pm on Sunday (minus time to sleep and eat) listening to people talk in ten minutes stints. Not sure how my homework is going to get done, but it should be fun!!

I hope you all are enjoying the spring-ish weather! Soak up those rays and let'em out in smiles!

Spring Break Time!

Hello Everyone!

I know, I know...it has been over a week since I've blogged. So, going back, here's what's new!

You may recall that I applied to become a part of Michigan Tech's Honors Institute. Last week I received my acceptance letter! Hooray! More details on this new committment will come later.

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the lenten season. I have given up a few things and have committed to doing some things as well.

Last Thursday morning I attended the Board of Control Meeting. The Board of Control makes the big decisions for the University as a whole. It was an enlightening experience, giving me an idea of how things are approved by the board. At the meeting the Room and Board rates for next year. They also had an IRHC representative speak on behalf of the students about students' voices being heard.

Last Friday I turned in my acceptance papers for the PA job! It's now official!

Also last Friday, some friends of mine and I had tickets to the mens hockey game up in the boxes at the John MacInnes Ice Arena, Huskies versus St. Cloud State. It was pretty cool! There are lots of fun pics from the game in my photos. My friends and I enjoyed a great view, pizza, and even a visit from Blizzard, our school mascot. All in all, it was a great night of fun!

On Saturday morning I played in our playoff game for broomball. We lost 7-1 :( But, it makes me feel a bit better that the team we played ended up winning third, I believe. The season was really fun and my team was great. Special thanks to all those who helped me learn the rules and the ropes of the game and to those who watched our games!

On Saturday afternoon I went snowmobiling with my friend Shane. He took me and a few friends out for a ride. We each went for a ride and then he let us each drive it, with him on it with us of course. It was really fun! Look for the pics!

On Sunday I did my usual activities....church, laundry, and homework.

This week I have been in high gear trying to get things done on time and get things all squared away before spring break. I was so busy this week that I didn't work at all.

On Monday I attended a meeting regarding the possible closure and conversion of one of our three dining halls on campus. The Douglas Houghton Hall (DHH) Dining Hall will most likely be converted to a retail dining type operation, similar to the food court in our Memorial Union Building, but with a focus on healthy, organic, and ethnic foods. Many students are opposed to the closure of the Dining Hall, others are just opposed to the new idea, and some dislike both proposals. If you care to know what I think on the issue feel free to ask...too much to write in the blog :)

On Tuesday night and all through Wednesday we had a blizzard hit. With extremely high winds (over 40mph) and 10 inches of new snow, things moved slowly around here. The entire Michigan Tech campus closed as of 3pm on Wednesday, one of only three times they have closed in the last 20 some years! If that isn't an indication of how bad it was, I don't know what was! I was suppose to have my regular meetings as well as a Calculus exam Wednesday evening. The meetings got cancelled and my exam was moved to Thursday evening. It was a great afternoon and evening to just hunker down.

On Thursday morning I woke up early and went and worked out at the SDC (Student Development Complex - a.k.a. the gym) with some friends. I ran a few miles and then we played risbee. What a great way to start the day! Thursday evening I had my calculus exam and a chemistry review session.

And that brings us here to today. This morning I woke up extra early because Austin left at 8am. I finished up the last of my school work, did laundry, and packed. I have spanish class at noon and then we should be on the road by about 1pm! I can't wait to be home for spring break!

Also, good luck to the Hill-Murray teams that are playing tonight or this weekend, especially the boys hockey tonight in the 4AA section final versus Roseville. Make us proud!

I will see you all soon!