For the introvert, cold-calling people can be a daunting task. Today I called the Virginia and Colorado programs to discuss some things they've been doing that pertain to my research, but I was met with a voicemail inbox for both programs... I'm still not sure if this was an act of mercy towards me, or an irritation because I'll have to call back later. Maybe a bit of both.Between the three of us in the office, we don't have much to work on. I'm caught between wanting to do just a little bit on my projects in order to help them last until my supervisor gets back later this week, and wanting to get it all done as soon as possible like the productive over-achiever that I am. Anyone who has witnessed me studying can tell you which one of those is going to probably end up being the case this week.
My Civic Engagement met again tonight, but I left even earlier than normal from work for two reasons:
1) I really wanted to beat the rain home. Because I left my umbrella beside my bed.
Lesson: Always, always check the weather report before you leave home in the morning. It changes quickly.
2) I was scheduled to audition to be one of the commencement speakers.
Lesson: Always, always take a deep breath. Secret: If you've made friends with (or been friendly towards) TWC staff, then seeing them five feet away from you listening to what you're saying is a great deal less intimidating. Over the past weeks I have had several conversations, collectively, with the three staff members that made up the commencement committee. It was like talking with friends as opposed to auditioning. It was a great deal less stressful than I imagined it would be.
Insider Tip: Mashaal is hilarious. She's outspoken and tremendously confident in her own skin, and a number of the girls I've met at TWC admitted feeling very intimidated by her. It's unfortunate that they let these initial feelings of intimidation dictate their actions, because anyone who didn't take the time to get to know her lost out in a major way.
I did not beat the rain home.
Purposefully, I had a couple of hours before my audition to ensure I had time to talk myself out of any trees I might come across while wandering through the Forest of OverThinking that grows in my mind, and so I took my rain-soaked self and warmed up in the shower. Who knew it could be so cold in July in DC? Well. Now you know. Bring your hoodie, bring your socks, and bring your long-sleeved club shirt, because when it gets cold it gets COLD.
In addition to not taking my umbrella to work (by design), I did not take my cell phone home from work. It had slid under my keyboard while I was packing up what felt like half my life (pens, notebooks, the wallet that I have resolved to never forget again... but mostly pens...), and not seeing it on my desk made me think that I had stuck it in one of the many pockets of my backpack. How very, very wrong I was. After several minutes of panic at the NoMa metro station, retracing my steps through my journey home and realizing I hadn't pulled my phone out at all, I realized it had to be on my desk. I learned today that I can access not only my email but my office chat through my computer at home. Benedicta was still at the office, and took it home with her.
After my Civic Engagement, where two women who had been in the armed forces spoke with us, I went upstairs and changed out of the summery white dress I had chosen for my audition, and ran through the rain outside to Charlie's shuttle. Benedicta lives within his driving radius, and so he was able to drop by to allow me to pick up my phone. It's funny how the stupid technology becomes such a tie to the rest of humanity (namely: mumsie and popsicle (Wicked!, anyone? anyone?)).
While cooking food for tomorrow this evening, I spread avocado on a slice of my artisan bread. Who needs ice cream or pie when you can have this? I may have mint-chip klondike bars in the freezer, but nothing beats this:
My Civic Engagement met again tonight, but I left even earlier than normal from work for two reasons:
1) I really wanted to beat the rain home. Because I left my umbrella beside my bed.
Lesson: Always, always check the weather report before you leave home in the morning. It changes quickly.
2) I was scheduled to audition to be one of the commencement speakers.
Lesson: Always, always take a deep breath. Secret: If you've made friends with (or been friendly towards) TWC staff, then seeing them five feet away from you listening to what you're saying is a great deal less intimidating. Over the past weeks I have had several conversations, collectively, with the three staff members that made up the commencement committee. It was like talking with friends as opposed to auditioning. It was a great deal less stressful than I imagined it would be.
Insider Tip: Mashaal is hilarious. She's outspoken and tremendously confident in her own skin, and a number of the girls I've met at TWC admitted feeling very intimidated by her. It's unfortunate that they let these initial feelings of intimidation dictate their actions, because anyone who didn't take the time to get to know her lost out in a major way.
I did not beat the rain home.
Purposefully, I had a couple of hours before my audition to ensure I had time to talk myself out of any trees I might come across while wandering through the Forest of OverThinking that grows in my mind, and so I took my rain-soaked self and warmed up in the shower. Who knew it could be so cold in July in DC? Well. Now you know. Bring your hoodie, bring your socks, and bring your long-sleeved club shirt, because when it gets cold it gets COLD.
In addition to not taking my umbrella to work (by design), I did not take my cell phone home from work. It had slid under my keyboard while I was packing up what felt like half my life (pens, notebooks, the wallet that I have resolved to never forget again... but mostly pens...), and not seeing it on my desk made me think that I had stuck it in one of the many pockets of my backpack. How very, very wrong I was. After several minutes of panic at the NoMa metro station, retracing my steps through my journey home and realizing I hadn't pulled my phone out at all, I realized it had to be on my desk. I learned today that I can access not only my email but my office chat through my computer at home. Benedicta was still at the office, and took it home with her.
After my Civic Engagement, where two women who had been in the armed forces spoke with us, I went upstairs and changed out of the summery white dress I had chosen for my audition, and ran through the rain outside to Charlie's shuttle. Benedicta lives within his driving radius, and so he was able to drop by to allow me to pick up my phone. It's funny how the stupid technology becomes such a tie to the rest of humanity (namely: mumsie and popsicle (Wicked!, anyone? anyone?)).
While cooking food for tomorrow this evening, I spread avocado on a slice of my artisan bread. Who needs ice cream or pie when you can have this? I may have mint-chip klondike bars in the freezer, but nothing beats this:
Blessings,
Clarice
Clarice