Last spring my friend Jenn and I went to On the Tracks. Held in Downtown Opelika, this event features a wine trail with different samples of wine and appetizers at local shops, restuarants, etc. We had a blast in the spring and I found out this week that another one was being held last night.
Jenn and I arrived just after 7 pm, but quickly realized that we wouldn't be there for long when we almost ran into someone from the past. So, we visited a couple of shops instead. Sadly, I didn't find anything I just needed to buy at Taylor Made Designs (super cute jewelry store). I did find a great jacket at Fringe though. We also noticed that in 2010 an Irish Pub will open Downtown. Fun!
After the quick shopping trip, we decided to head to head to Laredo's for dinner and a margarita. Good food, good strawberry margarita for me (regular/rocks for Jenn), and good conversation. Not exactly the evening that we had planned, but sometimes it is more fun to let the night unfold into something unexpected.
This morning Collins picked me up and we headed to Downtown Opelika for the Think Pink Walk benefiting the fight against breast cancer. Just last week I had thought about finding a walk to take part in, however wasn't aware of one taking place. I always seem to miss them and find out about them after they happen. My mom is a survivor and I really wanted to do some active to show support. Thankfully I found out about this one just in the nick of time to pre-register.
We arrived early for registration, paid (we registered over the phone), and changed into our Think Pink shirts. Then we had some breakfast (Panera...yum) and did some people watching. The funny thing is that in the sea of people out there for the walk Collins and I wind up getting interviewed for a story in the Plainsman. What are the odds?
Before the walk started, the organizers said a few words and there was some entertainment. The main performers were the Yahooters...yup, that is how you spell it. They have one person who sings and several other ladies (of all ages) dance. It was funny and entertaining. Collins and I danced a little and I of course took some pics. Shortly thereafter the walk started. Downtown Opelika really is a cute little area. Collins was on the lookout for a loft space...one can hope.
We did a little shopping and then headed home. It was a great start to the day. Sadly, the Auburn Tigers did not have a great game day. Although the outcome of the game was not what I was hoping for...I still believe in the team. I think that this game will only make them stronger. Looking forward to the game against Kentucky next week (my parents alma mater) and the UPC family and friends tailgate. Come out and join us for good food and fun!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
NACA
This past weekend I traveled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina with eight students and my two graduate assistants for the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) South Regional Conference. I love conferences...all kinds. Love meeting new people, networking, attending educational sessions, etc. Sadly though we did not get to explore Winston-Salem. We did have the chance to eat at two local restuarants. Highly suggest NOMA. It was delicious!!! If you are in Winston-Salem, it would be a crime not to go. Had Kernel Kustard for dessert...popcorn and ice cream...yum! We also went to Foothills. The food was good, but the service was way to slow. Not sure if I would recommend.
Ok, onto the NACA recap. The conference is typically held the first weekend in October. This comes at the end of the first month and a half of classes, tons of events, and four home games in a row. Needless to say, a good excuse to get away, but already tired before we even arrive.
Auburn presented three educational sessions at the conference. Melissa presented to staff on student development theories. Collins and one of our students presented on Basic Programming Skills. I presented with one of our student on Co-sponsorships. All presentations went well. I had planned on finishing the co-sponsorship presentation much earlier than I did. The student that I presented with met several times, but everytime I went to work on putting the information together I was needed by someone else. So, my own needs and that of the presentation got put on the backburner. Thankfully, I finished the powerpoint and we were able to work well together to deliver a great presentation. Whohoo!
This year for NACA Auburn applied for the Board of Excellence Award. We haven't applied for any awards in the past. The selection process was broken down into two parts. The first was written materials. There was a series of questions that we had to answer about UPC. We also had to provide letters of support from staff and students. We had to include budget information, but also added some of our forms (event evaluation and co-sponsorship), as well as promotional materials and publicity. In total, the final document was probably around 45-50 pages. We had it bound and if I do say so myself, it was AUsome!
Well, we were selected as one of two finalists in the $325,000 and over programming budget category. By the time we found out our students had one week to prepare. Well all we knew is that they would need to prepare a 30 minute oral presentation...but covering what. Our VP led the presentation team that included three other delegates from UPC. We guessed that it would be an elaboration of the written materials and through email clarified that. Once the information was compiled...the students had approximately two days to finalize preparations. The team rode in my car up and we went through the presentation a bit. Then Thursday night they "presented" for the rest of us and we gave them feedback. The next day they did one last run through before the presentation before the six judges.
The presentation could not have gone better. The students did a fantastic job! I was so proud of them. There were a few funny parts when they may have said something that they didn't practice, but that made it all the better. While we knew they had done well, we had no idea how the competition had done. The next day at the closing banquet, the awards were presented. And.....drumroll please.....Auburn UPC won the Board of Excellence Award! So AUsome:) I was proud of their presentation and their efforts, but so very thankful that all of their hard work and the great things that our students provide for Auburn were recognized. This award is for our current council, but also for all of the students that have participated in the past working long hours, working up a sweat, and brainstorming lots of ideas. Thank you UPC for serving Auburn!
Ok, onto the NACA recap. The conference is typically held the first weekend in October. This comes at the end of the first month and a half of classes, tons of events, and four home games in a row. Needless to say, a good excuse to get away, but already tired before we even arrive.
Auburn presented three educational sessions at the conference. Melissa presented to staff on student development theories. Collins and one of our students presented on Basic Programming Skills. I presented with one of our student on Co-sponsorships. All presentations went well. I had planned on finishing the co-sponsorship presentation much earlier than I did. The student that I presented with met several times, but everytime I went to work on putting the information together I was needed by someone else. So, my own needs and that of the presentation got put on the backburner. Thankfully, I finished the powerpoint and we were able to work well together to deliver a great presentation. Whohoo!
This year for NACA Auburn applied for the Board of Excellence Award. We haven't applied for any awards in the past. The selection process was broken down into two parts. The first was written materials. There was a series of questions that we had to answer about UPC. We also had to provide letters of support from staff and students. We had to include budget information, but also added some of our forms (event evaluation and co-sponsorship), as well as promotional materials and publicity. In total, the final document was probably around 45-50 pages. We had it bound and if I do say so myself, it was AUsome!
Well, we were selected as one of two finalists in the $325,000 and over programming budget category. By the time we found out our students had one week to prepare. Well all we knew is that they would need to prepare a 30 minute oral presentation...but covering what. Our VP led the presentation team that included three other delegates from UPC. We guessed that it would be an elaboration of the written materials and through email clarified that. Once the information was compiled...the students had approximately two days to finalize preparations. The team rode in my car up and we went through the presentation a bit. Then Thursday night they "presented" for the rest of us and we gave them feedback. The next day they did one last run through before the presentation before the six judges.
The presentation could not have gone better. The students did a fantastic job! I was so proud of them. There were a few funny parts when they may have said something that they didn't practice, but that made it all the better. While we knew they had done well, we had no idea how the competition had done. The next day at the closing banquet, the awards were presented. And.....drumroll please.....Auburn UPC won the Board of Excellence Award! So AUsome:) I was proud of their presentation and their efforts, but so very thankful that all of their hard work and the great things that our students provide for Auburn were recognized. This award is for our current council, but also for all of the students that have participated in the past working long hours, working up a sweat, and brainstorming lots of ideas. Thank you UPC for serving Auburn!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Keep the Faith
Keep the Faith...last week I did just that several times.
First test was Tiger Nights. This event is a late night program and this semester we expanded. It has been a UPC goal for several years and this year it happened. It was not without challenges though. The fall concert actually took place at Tiger Nights. This was a combining or pooling of resources between two committees. We had several things that had to be worked out in order for both to happen, and the event certainly tested our event planning skills and sanity at times. I will say, I work with some incredible students and fantastic team of graduate assistants and support staff. This event would not have been successful without this team. Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your hard work and dedication!
AU vs. West Virginia...Wow what a game! First a monsoon hit the stadium and sent many seeking cover from the storm on the concourse of the stadium. I went to the game with my friend Jenn. We decided to seek cover. I think that I would have rather stayed in the rain. The concourse was way overcrowded. Seriously we were packed like sardines. People started pushing at times, etc. I am not closterphobic...but I got a little panicky at times. Too many bodies too close together. No fun at all...not good times.
Finally the weather subsided and we were able to head back to our seats. The game got off to a rocky start, but the fans and the team kept the faith and fought back. The student section was crazxy the entire time...so full of spirit. At half time, we were only one point behind. The second half was just as exciting. Despite being wet, and really not caring...the game was super fun. It is up there in favorite games for me along with beating Florida a few years ago.
I feel like there is so much more to write about this game. It was fantastic, exhilarating, and exhausting all at the same time. So glad that we won and were able repay West Virginia the favor of last years game. Jenn and I headed to Toomer's after the game. It was my first time there this season. Didn't get to throw any toilet paper, but did get some picks. Hopefully this season will see many more rollings of Toomers.
War Eagle!
First test was Tiger Nights. This event is a late night program and this semester we expanded. It has been a UPC goal for several years and this year it happened. It was not without challenges though. The fall concert actually took place at Tiger Nights. This was a combining or pooling of resources between two committees. We had several things that had to be worked out in order for both to happen, and the event certainly tested our event planning skills and sanity at times. I will say, I work with some incredible students and fantastic team of graduate assistants and support staff. This event would not have been successful without this team. Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your hard work and dedication!
AU vs. West Virginia...Wow what a game! First a monsoon hit the stadium and sent many seeking cover from the storm on the concourse of the stadium. I went to the game with my friend Jenn. We decided to seek cover. I think that I would have rather stayed in the rain. The concourse was way overcrowded. Seriously we were packed like sardines. People started pushing at times, etc. I am not closterphobic...but I got a little panicky at times. Too many bodies too close together. No fun at all...not good times.
Finally the weather subsided and we were able to head back to our seats. The game got off to a rocky start, but the fans and the team kept the faith and fought back. The student section was crazxy the entire time...so full of spirit. At half time, we were only one point behind. The second half was just as exciting. Despite being wet, and really not caring...the game was super fun. It is up there in favorite games for me along with beating Florida a few years ago.
I feel like there is so much more to write about this game. It was fantastic, exhilarating, and exhausting all at the same time. So glad that we won and were able repay West Virginia the favor of last years game. Jenn and I headed to Toomer's after the game. It was my first time there this season. Didn't get to throw any toilet paper, but did get some picks. Hopefully this season will see many more rollings of Toomers.
War Eagle!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
He's Just Not That Into You
People want to love and be loved. Whether it be family, friendship, or a romantic relationship the comfort and security of being in a loving relationship makes us feel good and happy. For a loving romantic relationship, we don't know when it will happen. For some, it happens early on in life...for others it may take longer than they thought. Some date often, others not so much. I wish everyone the best of luck in current or future relationships.
On that note, this week we had a two part event series. On Monday we showed the film He's Just Not That Into You. On Tuesday evening we held "So You Think You Want To Be In Love" featuring Greg Behrendt co-author of "He's Just Not That Into You" and his wife Amiira. Greg and Amiira co-authored "It's Called a Breakup because it's Broken." The students had a great set up on the stage for the speakers.
The format of the program was great. Greg started off with some stand up. He is a former comedian. Greg thanked all of the men for attending...of which there were probably no more than 10. Very much a female dominated audience. Who would have guessed?
Then he spoke about his time writing for Sex and the City and how the concept of He's Just Not That Into You evolved from advice to episode on the show to book. He credits Oprah for making the book into a success. She booked the authors for a show after two weeks in print. After Oprah, the book sales went crazy. And then they made it into a movie.
Next Greg and Amiira discussed relationships and did a Q&A with the audience. Lots of people had questions and they were very open asking them in front of everyone. They didn't hold back on giving the advice and confronting the brutal facts so to speak in the relationship or non-relationship scenarios discussed. Made me think.
At the end, Greg and Amiira, posed for pictures and answered more questions. Overall I thought that the two events were successful. The speakers, while a bit racy at times, was one of my favorite events that UPC has sponsored. Great format, engaged audience, and fun speakers. Would highly suggest it to any university to bring to their campus. Many thanks to all who participated.
On that note, this week we had a two part event series. On Monday we showed the film He's Just Not That Into You. On Tuesday evening we held "So You Think You Want To Be In Love" featuring Greg Behrendt co-author of "He's Just Not That Into You" and his wife Amiira. Greg and Amiira co-authored "It's Called a Breakup because it's Broken." The students had a great set up on the stage for the speakers.
The format of the program was great. Greg started off with some stand up. He is a former comedian. Greg thanked all of the men for attending...of which there were probably no more than 10. Very much a female dominated audience. Who would have guessed?
Then he spoke about his time writing for Sex and the City and how the concept of He's Just Not That Into You evolved from advice to episode on the show to book. He credits Oprah for making the book into a success. She booked the authors for a show after two weeks in print. After Oprah, the book sales went crazy. And then they made it into a movie.
Next Greg and Amiira discussed relationships and did a Q&A with the audience. Lots of people had questions and they were very open asking them in front of everyone. They didn't hold back on giving the advice and confronting the brutal facts so to speak in the relationship or non-relationship scenarios discussed. Made me think.
At the end, Greg and Amiira, posed for pictures and answered more questions. Overall I thought that the two events were successful. The speakers, while a bit racy at times, was one of my favorite events that UPC has sponsored. Great format, engaged audience, and fun speakers. Would highly suggest it to any university to bring to their campus. Many thanks to all who participated.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
War Eagle
Football season has started and the Tigers are doing a great job! The first game was held over labor day weekend at 6 pm on Saturday. We played LA Tech and won. Good game overall.
My friend and co-worker Tim came with me to the game. He wasn't sure if he was going to be able to make it because he hadn't been feeling well, but he rested all day and was able to attend. My seats are on the first row again, however in the endzone with a better view of the field and jumbotron. We had a good time at the game and made it onto the jumbotron several times. We were actually getting food when the best play of the game was made. Sad we missed it. We did see some action though because we got funnel cake and something dropped and grease splashed onto the person working this concession stand. No worries though, I found an EMT to help.
Switch to game #2. Auburn vs. Mississippi State in SEC play. Tailgate was fun. Mama Sparrow didn't want to drink alone, so Tim and I joined her in an adult beverage. I didn't really make anything for tailgate. I bought a pound of chicken salad (Fruity Fran) from Chicken Salad Chick (yummy) and then some mini croissants from Kroger. Not homemade, but tasty nonetheless.
My friend Jenn came with me to the game and we had a blast cheering on the tigers. We made it onto the jumbotron 2 times and Aubie came to visit us 4 times. Not to mention the tigers scored 49 points for the win. Excellent game! Thankfully it did not rain. Looking forward to West Virginia next weekend. War Eagle!
My friend and co-worker Tim came with me to the game. He wasn't sure if he was going to be able to make it because he hadn't been feeling well, but he rested all day and was able to attend. My seats are on the first row again, however in the endzone with a better view of the field and jumbotron. We had a good time at the game and made it onto the jumbotron several times. We were actually getting food when the best play of the game was made. Sad we missed it. We did see some action though because we got funnel cake and something dropped and grease splashed onto the person working this concession stand. No worries though, I found an EMT to help.
Switch to game #2. Auburn vs. Mississippi State in SEC play. Tailgate was fun. Mama Sparrow didn't want to drink alone, so Tim and I joined her in an adult beverage. I didn't really make anything for tailgate. I bought a pound of chicken salad (Fruity Fran) from Chicken Salad Chick (yummy) and then some mini croissants from Kroger. Not homemade, but tasty nonetheless.
My friend Jenn came with me to the game and we had a blast cheering on the tigers. We made it onto the jumbotron 2 times and Aubie came to visit us 4 times. Not to mention the tigers scored 49 points for the win. Excellent game! Thankfully it did not rain. Looking forward to West Virginia next weekend. War Eagle!
Yard Sale
I recently had a yard sale with my good friend Melissa and her husband Matt. I cleaned out my closets this summer and had a ton of stuff to sell...a lot more than I anticipated. Where did it all come from? At any rate, Melissa and I decided on the Saturday between the first weekend after school started and labor day weekend for the sale. It worked perfectly.
Getting ready for the yard sale takes some work. I can understand why some people don't even bother. My family used to have yard sales growing up. We would always have so much to sell, which makes since I suppose with four kids. For our yard sale, we held it at the Melissa's since I don't have a yard. Thought it would be hard to sell items without one. Melissa put ad add in the local paper, we made signs to put up directing traffic and we had different colored price stickers for our items (yellow for me, green for Melissa).
Pricing all of the stuff took so much time and was really my least favorite thing of the entire yard sale. Well transporting it all to Melissa's was a close second. So many items to price and move. Took me more than two days to price and several trips to drop it all off. Matt even had to come and pick up some of the pieces because they wouldn't fit in my car.
People had warned us about the hagglers and early risers. We saw both. The yard sale was scheduled from 7:30-11:30. When Matt opened the garage at 6:15 to move the cars, someone jumped out of their car to look over what we had. Apparently some other people had already been by and left. The guy was interested in my table but was only willing to pay $20. I passed. We had a good crowd and sold lots of stuff and then looked at the time. It wasn't even 8 am yet.
We had lots of hagglers come through. We had priced our items with some room to negotiate. Some really tried to get things for nothing, others paid what the price tag was. When we had a slow moment I went inside to use the bathroom and get something to drink. I came back outside to lots of people. Matt told me to go to the bathroom more often.
I think Matt enjoyed the yard sale at times more than Melissa and I. He got so excited when his items would sell...it was cute and funny. His items were actually the big ticket items. Way to go Matt! He even considered going back in the house and looking for other things to sell.
Sadly, my table did not sell even though it had some interested people at times. Melissa's prom dress also did not sell...shocking I know. The sale was profitable though. I made over $140 and Melissa and Matt made over $200. They are putting the money towards a stroller. I think I am going to buy a new comforter set. Goes to show....one man's junk is anothers treasure. People don't buy things that you think would sell, and they buy the most random things that you put out for sale.
Getting ready for the yard sale takes some work. I can understand why some people don't even bother. My family used to have yard sales growing up. We would always have so much to sell, which makes since I suppose with four kids. For our yard sale, we held it at the Melissa's since I don't have a yard. Thought it would be hard to sell items without one. Melissa put ad add in the local paper, we made signs to put up directing traffic and we had different colored price stickers for our items (yellow for me, green for Melissa).
Pricing all of the stuff took so much time and was really my least favorite thing of the entire yard sale. Well transporting it all to Melissa's was a close second. So many items to price and move. Took me more than two days to price and several trips to drop it all off. Matt even had to come and pick up some of the pieces because they wouldn't fit in my car.
People had warned us about the hagglers and early risers. We saw both. The yard sale was scheduled from 7:30-11:30. When Matt opened the garage at 6:15 to move the cars, someone jumped out of their car to look over what we had. Apparently some other people had already been by and left. The guy was interested in my table but was only willing to pay $20. I passed. We had a good crowd and sold lots of stuff and then looked at the time. It wasn't even 8 am yet.
We had lots of hagglers come through. We had priced our items with some room to negotiate. Some really tried to get things for nothing, others paid what the price tag was. When we had a slow moment I went inside to use the bathroom and get something to drink. I came back outside to lots of people. Matt told me to go to the bathroom more often.
I think Matt enjoyed the yard sale at times more than Melissa and I. He got so excited when his items would sell...it was cute and funny. His items were actually the big ticket items. Way to go Matt! He even considered going back in the house and looking for other things to sell.
Sadly, my table did not sell even though it had some interested people at times. Melissa's prom dress also did not sell...shocking I know. The sale was profitable though. I made over $140 and Melissa and Matt made over $200. They are putting the money towards a stroller. I think I am going to buy a new comforter set. Goes to show....one man's junk is anothers treasure. People don't buy things that you think would sell, and they buy the most random things that you put out for sale.
Welcome Week
Sorry it has been so long since my last post. Needless to say, I have been going nonstop since school started. Let's start with Welcome Week. It is hard to believe that it has been almost a month since Welcome Week first began. We had a few weather difficulties to overcome, but overall the week was a success.
The kick off event was great! We had approximately 1200 people attend (students and families) and great entertainment. The student leaders really pulled together to make this event a success. It was the first time that this event was held and we plan on making it a part of Welcome Week in the future. Word to the wise, don't put on new shoes no matter how comfortable they appear to be for an event. I didn't have blisters...tore the skin right off and I couldn't wear real shoes for over a week. No fun.
The rest of the week went well also. Events included class tours, Outdoor Movie (indoor because of rain), Tiger Town transit run, grocery madness, AU Idol, Meet and Greet the VP, Popsicles with the President, Trivia Night, Block Party (also moved indoors), and Pictures with Aubie. There were so many more events that were apart of Welcome Week. Many thanks go out to everyone who helped make it a reality.
The team leaders were fun to work with...crazy at times, but good hearts and they worked hard. I look forward to debriefing with them and finding out about their experiences with Welcome Week. In addition, we are planning a Volunteer Appreciation Night soon where I get to share all of the pictures that I took before and during Welcome Week. See, I do share pics...
The kick off event was great! We had approximately 1200 people attend (students and families) and great entertainment. The student leaders really pulled together to make this event a success. It was the first time that this event was held and we plan on making it a part of Welcome Week in the future. Word to the wise, don't put on new shoes no matter how comfortable they appear to be for an event. I didn't have blisters...tore the skin right off and I couldn't wear real shoes for over a week. No fun.
The rest of the week went well also. Events included class tours, Outdoor Movie (indoor because of rain), Tiger Town transit run, grocery madness, AU Idol, Meet and Greet the VP, Popsicles with the President, Trivia Night, Block Party (also moved indoors), and Pictures with Aubie. There were so many more events that were apart of Welcome Week. Many thanks go out to everyone who helped make it a reality.
The team leaders were fun to work with...crazy at times, but good hearts and they worked hard. I look forward to debriefing with them and finding out about their experiences with Welcome Week. In addition, we are planning a Volunteer Appreciation Night soon where I get to share all of the pictures that I took before and during Welcome Week. See, I do share pics...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
