official start of the summer.

Since I have been in a Maymester course, I haven't really had a true summer yet. Until this past weekend of course :)

I got to spend some time at home. It was so refreshing to be at home and not have to worry about anything at work or even what to eat at dinner because everyone was feeding me! I enjoyed the warm weather. We went to the beach and I actually swam...which is something I haven't done at the beach in a long time!

C. and another friend came with me. We had the best time! Also, Teddy endured his first road trip and overall first trip to Florida. He got to meet his cousin Zee, which was not so pleasant. Needless to say, they are not fans of eachother. Zee is quite playful while Teddy likes to be by himself. At one point, Teddy almost bit Zee for constantly bugging him. Zee almost killed Teddy when he approached his bowl. But fortunately, both doggies escaped with any bruises!

Did lots of shopping :) C. bought me a hot white blazer that I plan to wear mucho this summer. Had some car troubles. Car got towed after a night of dancing at Clearwater beach. Plus on the way home, as C. turned a curve in the highway, he ran over a piece of a tire on the road :( no bueno for sure! Fortunately, we got home safe and sound and we'll see how much damage was made to the Beamie.

Now that I am home, I am rested but grungingly going to work tomorrow. I was sorta productive today...paid bills and bought my ticket to Chicago!!! Can't wait :)

Save the Kittens!

Ok, so you know I am not really a fan of kittens...but instead of kittens, think of your doggies Divas? How would you feel if Puumba's brother was sent to the landfill? Or Zee's? Sushi's? Rambo's?

Anyways, the history behind the video is that my friend Charles (the guy in the video) and I are in this Political Science class and we did this culture jam video to help educate people on recycling and spreading the word on how important it is to recycle!

Enjoy and help spread the message!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86sW_9wc8s8

'Green' Candles

The Yankee Candle company, like other companies have dealt with a lot of backlash for having candles that use parrafin, a by product of crude oil. According to Lime.com, "burning a parrafin candle creates the same air quality as sitting behind a diesel truck inhaling exhaust fumes." When you paint a picture like that, it makes one think twice about burning candles.
Fortunately, there is a green alternative known as soy candles. Soy candles are made from soybean wax and are all natural. They are non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and have no lead or petroleum. Yankee Candle Company decided it was time to introduce a greener brand because as the Manager at the Yankee Candle store said "everyone was jumping on the green lifestyle bandwagon". The Beanswax collection is the only 'eco-friendly' product at Yankee Candle. There are over 8 scents and come in 3 different styles. All aspects of the candles (from the wicks to the jars) are recycleable. Also, on every candle jar are different eco facts and tips to educate the consumer and remind them that there is more ways to incorporate a green lifestyle beyond soy candles.

Soy candles burn cleaner than parrafin candles. Ever notice the soot after you burn a candle? Well with soy candles, the black soot will be no more! Parrafin candles also burn faster and hotter than soy candles. Overall, there are many disadvantages to parrafin candles.

The product claims to be made of 100% natural soy, 100% natural wicks, no dyes or artificial coloring and the jars are made of recycleable material and a renewable wood lid. After inspecting the product at the mall and researching reviews online, it seems that the claims are completely true! It seems as if this product is truly an aim at those interested in incorporating green candles in their lifestyle. Unfortunately, being green is not cheap. The beanswax collection's biggest drawback is the price. One online blogger (http://www.livingcheapandgreen.blogspot.com/) compared the prices of Swan Creek Candle (a soy candle company) and the Beanswax collection. For an 18 oz beanswax jar, the price is 24.99. The price for the most expensive candle at Swan Creek is 19.30 for a 24 oz candle. Clearly, while it is great that Yankee Candle has made an attempt to appeal to the consumers interested in helping keep our air clean, it is not ready to give up the costs.

My recommendations would be that Yankee Candle incorporate more green friendly products in their company. But the company has made some strides in trying to incorporate green initiatives. One way the company has done this is by reducing the size of their paper bags. Now, the medium bag is the same size as the previous small bag. Therefore, they were able to save more paper when they lowered the size of the bags. Currently, Yankee Company only has one 'eco friendly' product for sale. However, it would be great if they created a line of eco-friendly diffusers. Also, the candle accesories, such as voltive warmers and candle plates are not able to use the beanswax candles. Therefore, it would be great if the company could create beanswax tea candles so people could re-use the candle warmers and do not have to keep purchasing a new jar of beanswax candles. While the price is a huge downfall, I do believe that beanswax candles have some staying power in the company. The store employees were very knowledgeable about the product. They mentioned that when the new collection came out, each employee was required to watch a video on the new product as additional training. The video was around an hour long.

Overall, I was very impressed with the Yankee Candle Beanswax product. I am not sure if I would purchase this product because of the expense, but it definately educated me about soy candles and the differences between soy candles and parrafin candles. I will definately make every effort to purchase soy candles instead of parrafin from now on. I would reccommend the beanswax collection for anyone interested in buying soy candles. After all, they were the only soy candles found at the store. Fortunately, the soy candles collection can also be found at other retailers, such as Bed, Bath and Beyond--who also includes this line in their stores. I was also very impressed with the knowledge of the staff. They seemed to be very educated and trained about the product.

Yay 2009 graduates!

Congratulations to all the 2009 graduates! Another school year has come to an end. I have yet to find out my grade for OAG. It better be an A--i will not accept anything less.

Anyways, currently at a graduation cookout with C. I love his friends and when we get together its always slamming food. However, I am always the minority in these situations. For one, I am usually the only American...thus I am the only one that speaks English. Now it doesn't mean there is an influx in Angolans here in Cola--its more that internationals cling together like Asians, blacks, mexicans etc. So because of that factor--everyone is far more interesting and exotic that me...not used to that--i mean that was usually my job back in they day when I was the only non white & non black at parties.

This melting pot of languages and cultures makes me feel like an outsider sometimes. I guess I should get used to it--this is what Angola will be like if I end up moving there. Hopefully there I will have easy accessible internet to blog my feelings away. Good thing C is going to be a telecommunications engineer : )


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Because I am not addicted enough....

I have decided to try the whole blogging on your blackberry feature. I figure if Rev Run can do it, so can I.

Doubt I will be posting in the tub like the Rev but I am sure this will keep me busy when I am out and about and quite bored!

Much love.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Hoedown Throwdown

I will issue a disclaimer before I write about this topic. I have not seen the Hannah Montana movie yet. But one of my co-workers is obsessed with Hannah Montana and dragged a few of the girls to see the movie. They came back gushing about this new dance, the Hoedown Throwdown.

In case you too have not seen this, here are some helpful links:

Miley Cyrus Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_aRYNHjFr4

Miley's How to Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fRiT05TWwE&NR=1

So I figured I would google it and see what this craze is all about. Imagine that, Miley Cyrus already has a 'How to" video on this dance. Talk about strategic marketing!

Anyways, the dance is TOUGH. Why was I trying some of these dance moves in my office today? Oh dear! Some say it may be the next hot dance move at weddings, parties, etc. Even Hannah Montana herself says "If you're 5 or 82, this is something you can do". I am sure I will see this at the next Filipino party I attend. The little girls will start the craze and then in a few months, one of the titas will learn it in their dance class and then spread it each weekend at each party. Jessylee, let me know when your Mom learns it...please take pictures ;)

I wonder if the 'hoedown throwdown' will achieve the success of the hokey pokey, Cupid Shuffle, and my favorite...Cha-Cha Slide? Is this her attempt to have a song like her Daddy's Achy Breaky heart line dance? I guess we will see.

Until next time...Pop it, Lock it, Polka Dot it, Countryfy it then Hip hop it....

Hard Work Pays Off in the End!

So last week we had end of the year RA celebration. I was particluarly excited because my RA was going to be named RA of the year. They inform the supervisors prior to the event because one of the traditions is for the RA of the year to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the home game. I was ecstatic that one of my studnets one...she has worked so hard this year and truly deserved the honor! It was a total surprise to my staff as well...who were in the dark until it was announced :)

Throughout the celebration, they announce recognition for different areas and buildings on campus. At the end, they announce the other department awards! I was very ecstatic of the outcome :

Patterson RA of the Year: Emily (my RA!)
RSLM Implementation of the Year: A.O. (my RA!)
Learning Community of the Year: Education Community (the community I advise!)
RA of the Year: Taylor (my RA!)
Advisor of the Year: Christie (my GRAD!!!)
Professional Staff Member of the Year: MEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My team won 5/6 of the department awards! The only one we didn't win was Live in Grad of the year...but the winner was Marissa who is in my area...so it was a Central Campus sweep! YAY :)

In a year of controversy and naysayers...it felt good to justify that my tactics, my supervision and my work were superior to others!

As tradition we get a brick commemorating our honor :)

Here are the bricks of all the awards my staff picked up!!!