Well, the first semester of my MBA program is complete. And without a doubt, I’m happy I made the choice. It was honestly quite enjoyable. (If you’re familiar with the Strengths Finder books, one of my talents is Learner, I happen to love to learn.)
I wasn’t sure if I would find the time or consider the money well spent. Being a district manager with a territory which spans more than 350 miles from west to east, my time is spent. And still wanting to add the pool to our new home, my money is spent. But the time and financial investments are well worth it. Going back to school is enjoyable and career enhancing.
My ultimate goal is stay on with my current employer, using my degree to broaden my perspective and understanding of the global economy and how we manage the people who bring the systems to life.
This week started a prerequisite course, MAT 300 – statistics. Considering I was once a math teacher, it’s a little more understandable that I find the class interesting and usefull…for now.
MBA, first semester completed…
Pardon us while we update, mr. caldarera’s site
We’re attempting to embrace new technology to make the page more attractive on iPads. Please pardon us while we work…
Thank You, Whitney Houston
All my friends who know me, who spend any time with me, know my appreciation of Whitney Houston’s music. Many of you can’t separate her music from your memories of me. I like that. I know I’ll never be able to think of my teen years and college years without her soundtrack playing in my mind.
Her music and movies will live on, her impact far reaching. Technology will always have her one click, one google search, one YouTube video away. Her legacy, her best moments will always be there. Unfortunately, she will not. She was called else where.
Beyond the awards, the triumphs, the demons, the headlines, she was a person: a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. To those who knew her personally, those that held her hand, I can pray comfort. She was more than most of us will ever know. She protected, she confronted, she searched, and she prayed. She was a woman, she was a person.
I will never know the personal impact she had on young girls and their self esteem. I can read stories of how she made beauty more than blonde and blue, but not deeply feel it. I am humbled by the lives she influenced, asking for nothing in return.
No, to some of her deepest impacts I cannot relate.
But to one I can…
To me, Whitney, you were an inspiration. Your tenacity, your melodic determination were constant examples. Your ability to master a lyric, to deliver an emotion were unparalleled. You moved me, Whitney Houston. To this, I can relate.
Thank you, Whitney.
God Bless.
Rest In Peace, Ms. Houston.
February 2012
Sleepout 2011 Springfield MO
It was a great night, an amazing cause, and had a deeper meaning than I realized. The Kitchen Inc. and Rare Breed Youth Services presented Sleepout 2011 to raise awareness of homeless youth. Serving hot chocolate and coffee to participants and volunteers was only the beginning. The evening culminated with the Sleepout on the Missouri State University football field. With temperatures at a 40 degrees and winds blowing all night, the comfort of the football field wasn’t a concern. (Who knew a pound of ground Starbucks Coffee could double as a pillow? “Pillow” is generous, let’s say “head prop”.)
I truly appreciate the chance to give my time and raise funds. The Youth presented art and stories telling their tales of struggle and championing the efforts of the Rare Breed program. I met children with strong spirits beyond their years. I learned a thing or two about myself by listening to their laughter and seeing their eyes, again full of more life and wisdom than their years would suggest.
I was fortunate to share my fund raising with friends and peers. Together, through direct and company matched donations, we raised $815 for Rare Breed. As the top fundraiser, I’ll challenge others to match my total next year.
Thank you for letting me be a part of your night, Rare Breed. And thank you to everyone who donated.
Learn more about The Kichen. Visit their website by clicking here.
Lost for over 30 years, childhood photos found
Jason, First Grade, Age 6
Jason, Second Grade, Age 7
Hello 1979 and 1980.
I was overjoyed to have a relative send me these long lost photos of myself. Unbelieveable. I’m quite positive in the Second Grade photo I was midsentence. Possibly telling the photographer to capture a better side or asking “Is the collar big enough?”
Sounds strange, but I almost cried when I got them. What wonderful memories.
MTV picked up my new show “Snookie’s Snack House”!! Jersey Shore Vampires
MTV made the smart move and picked up my new show “Snooki’s Snack House” based on Jersey Shore Vampires.
(Anna Paquin is not confirmed for the show, but is in talks to make an appearance. Sookie Stackhouse visits Snooki’s Snack House.)
In the show, the uberly present Snooki runs a Snack Shop on the Jersey Shore, speacilizing in warm 98 degrees bloody cocktails. Expect hiliarity and suspence to ensue as some of your favorites from the leading MTV reality show make appearances. (As an added bonus, rumor has it The Situation howls at the moon.)
The show is expected to launch in time for Spring 2011.
The Situation, Mike Sorrentino
Sookie Stackhouse, Anna Pacquin
Snooki, Snooki
