Monday, May 21, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
VISA!
GOT MY VISA FOR IRELAND! Thank you so much to everyone who wrote letters for Sam and I! I am legally allowed to reside and work in Ireland for the next year!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The Waiting Game
Hiya everyone! It's the most gorgeous day here...so lucky to have an office with a window. Really wish I could be outside to enjoy it, but this weekend is supposed to be equally sunny so I am looking forward to taking advantage of that.
Sam finished his course and got excellent marks! I am so happy for him. Next year he enters into the general arts degree and will pick two subject areas to focus on for his major. He also won the Mayor's award for his work with Foroige (for the youth in Irish), the youth organization he volunteers with.
I am still waiting to hear back from IBEC about my internship. I was contacted by them in late April saying that they had not yet reached their decision. They are narrowing it down to 6 out of the 16 who where interviewed and then there will be a final interview round of which they will select 4. I am slowly but surely studying back issues of the Industrial Relations News in preparation for what I am hoping is the opportunity to advance to the final round. I hope, hope, hope I get it. I know it would be an insane amount of work with a very steep learning curve, but it is my dream internship! With everything that is happening both within Ireland and within the EU there is so much for me to learn from interning with an organization that is so intimately involved.
My course materials for my FE1 review course arrived....HOLY COW! Me thinks I am a bit over my head with this one. It's all interesting information, but just the sheer amount of it is ridiculous. I come from a liberal arts background, I'm used to essays and analysis, not memorizing information and it's even more difficult when I don't have anyone to de-brief with. So this will keep my on my toes! Any recommendations for some magic solution to memorizing MASSIVE amounts of information would be appreciated. I know med and law students do it all the time, so it's not without hope. Maybe if I sleep with the books under my pillow I will learn through osmosis.
I need 182.5 more hours and then I am done my current job. WHOOOOHOOOO! I've learned so much this year, it was a really excellent experience that need not be repeated. This position has taught me more about corporate workplace politics and management style than I think any corporation ever could.
I hope all is well with everyone and you're enjoying spring! It's crazy to think summer is almost here.
Sam finished his course and got excellent marks! I am so happy for him. Next year he enters into the general arts degree and will pick two subject areas to focus on for his major. He also won the Mayor's award for his work with Foroige (for the youth in Irish), the youth organization he volunteers with.
I am still waiting to hear back from IBEC about my internship. I was contacted by them in late April saying that they had not yet reached their decision. They are narrowing it down to 6 out of the 16 who where interviewed and then there will be a final interview round of which they will select 4. I am slowly but surely studying back issues of the Industrial Relations News in preparation for what I am hoping is the opportunity to advance to the final round. I hope, hope, hope I get it. I know it would be an insane amount of work with a very steep learning curve, but it is my dream internship! With everything that is happening both within Ireland and within the EU there is so much for me to learn from interning with an organization that is so intimately involved.
My course materials for my FE1 review course arrived....HOLY COW! Me thinks I am a bit over my head with this one. It's all interesting information, but just the sheer amount of it is ridiculous. I come from a liberal arts background, I'm used to essays and analysis, not memorizing information and it's even more difficult when I don't have anyone to de-brief with. So this will keep my on my toes! Any recommendations for some magic solution to memorizing MASSIVE amounts of information would be appreciated. I know med and law students do it all the time, so it's not without hope. Maybe if I sleep with the books under my pillow I will learn through osmosis.
I need 182.5 more hours and then I am done my current job. WHOOOOHOOOO! I've learned so much this year, it was a really excellent experience that need not be repeated. This position has taught me more about corporate workplace politics and management style than I think any corporation ever could.
I hope all is well with everyone and you're enjoying spring! It's crazy to think summer is almost here.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Ireland Again!
Hiya,
I hope everyone had a happy Easter! I just got back from a second trip to Ireland in as many weeks. I got called back for an interview with IBEC, or the Irish Business Employers Consortium. I will be extremely surprised if I get called back for the final interview, but it was an excellent experience and I am feeling much better about the whole moving to Ireland thing. I made it into the top 16 candidates out of hundreds of applicants. I am, if I may take a moment to indulge my ego, actually extremely proud of myself. I am extremely thankful to all of the people who helped me with the process! Lets hope this level of success translates to finding a job once I am over there!
I'm back in the states, more than a little bit tired and hitting the ground running preparing for our second to last family night, for Washburn Elementary. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take on a larger role in the planning an implementing process, and got to give the presentation for the English speaking families. The feedback was really positive and it's the first time in a long time I've given a presentation, so it was great to get the practice. TEFL teaching is surprisingly excellent prep. for giving presentations. This year has had it's ups and downs, but it has really helped me learn how to make alliances and find a role for myself within an organization that allows me to utilize my skills. Both invaluable lessons for future employment.
Wishing everyone a wonderful spring! It was so nice to return to Minnesota and find that everything was green! Winter sure does make spring all the more spectacular.
I hope everyone had a happy Easter! I just got back from a second trip to Ireland in as many weeks. I got called back for an interview with IBEC, or the Irish Business Employers Consortium. I will be extremely surprised if I get called back for the final interview, but it was an excellent experience and I am feeling much better about the whole moving to Ireland thing. I made it into the top 16 candidates out of hundreds of applicants. I am, if I may take a moment to indulge my ego, actually extremely proud of myself. I am extremely thankful to all of the people who helped me with the process! Lets hope this level of success translates to finding a job once I am over there!
I'm back in the states, more than a little bit tired and hitting the ground running preparing for our second to last family night, for Washburn Elementary. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take on a larger role in the planning an implementing process, and got to give the presentation for the English speaking families. The feedback was really positive and it's the first time in a long time I've given a presentation, so it was great to get the practice. TEFL teaching is surprisingly excellent prep. for giving presentations. This year has had it's ups and downs, but it has really helped me learn how to make alliances and find a role for myself within an organization that allows me to utilize my skills. Both invaluable lessons for future employment.
Wishing everyone a wonderful spring! It was so nice to return to Minnesota and find that everything was green! Winter sure does make spring all the more spectacular.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Ireland
Oh dear....seems I've been a bit remiss at updating. Just got back from Ireland. I submitted my visa application and the waiting game begins. I'm hoping they get back to me soonish, but I am so happy to have it in and out of my hands. I also had the opportunity to do some shadowing while I was there and it's official....I LOVE EMPLOYMENT LAW. That's a sentence I never expected myself to write. It wasn't all business though, I had a wonderful time catching up with friend, Sam's family and most importantly Sam. This whole seeing each other every two months is working out pretty well!
Went on an amazing hike with Sam's mom and brother out in Connemara, so beautiful! And I was in Galway again for St. Patrick's Day, which was actually really fantastic. Normally I am not a fan of the city during any holiday associated with drinking, but this year it was a good crowd. Watched the parade, watched Ireland get totally demolished by Wales in Rugby and then went out for the night with Sam and co. Ran into Sam's middle brother out on the town, which was a bit surreal for me. It's kinda shocking to think that he's all grown up now. Doesn't seem like it's been that long.
Now it's back to work. Counting down the days to the end. I enjoy my job, but some recent issues with a co-worker has made it a bit less pleasant. The weather warmed up this weekend and I was able to go for a bike ride. I saw a beaver in the wild for the first time in my life!!! So cool. I know understand why Sam gets so excited about seeing alligators.
Hope all is well with everyone!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Snow, snow, snow
Hiya,
Winter has re-arrived in Minnesota. Wind chill of 20 below zero and a harrowing drive to work this morning has really driven the point home. My goal this winter is to not get in an accident with my beautiful Olivia (my Subaru). Only problem being, some MN drivers don't seem to have clue how to drive in the snow. The number of accidents I passed on my drive to work seems to speak to the fact that no, you cannot tailgate when there are two inches of snow on the ground. On the bright side, MN is so much prettier when covered in a nice blanket of snow and it lends itself perfectly to snuggling up with a blanket and getting some studying done.
Work is going really well. There has been a staff change and it has made a huge difference in the success of our family engagement events. I have taken on more responsibility for the family engagement material that we send home, both at the pre-k level and for k-3, which has given me more to do and a sense of actually reaching some families. I've also started teaching beginning level small group EFL classes, which has been a bit of a transition. I prefer larger classes, but the program I am working with is much more supportive of the teachers, so it's an even trade. I am also still working in the reading lab, which I really enjoy, because it is one on one interaction with the students.
I am still studying for the FE1s. This has been both interesting and terrifying. It is literally possible to sue anyone for anything...apparently there is not such thing as "stuff happens" in law. Also, beware, if someone is trespassing on your property and they injure themselves, they can sue you! The levels of ridiculousness involved in tort law seems to know no bounds. I think I can fairly confidently cross that off my list of areas of law I would like to be involved in. It is the most fun to read about, but I think I would lose all faith in humanity if I actually had to practice it.
I have been extremely intrigued by the Republican race and it, much like torts law, has been a constant source of entertainment. I won't delve any further since I know I am in mixed company, but I will say the greatest highlight has come in the form of Colbert's super PAC ad. Regardless of political affiliation I think we can all appreciate it. 30 seconds of pure attack ad genius that takes "corporations as people" to it's logical extreme.
I booked my ticket for Ireland and will head over in March to submit my visa application. Fingers crossed!
I started piano lessons, in order to learn how to play my Melodica. They have been going really well, I am now ok with my right hand, and lack any ability to play with my left hand. It has been an extremely humbling experience for me. The 2nd grader who has lessons before me sounds like Chopin in comparison to me.
I hope everything is well with everyone!
Winter has re-arrived in Minnesota. Wind chill of 20 below zero and a harrowing drive to work this morning has really driven the point home. My goal this winter is to not get in an accident with my beautiful Olivia (my Subaru). Only problem being, some MN drivers don't seem to have clue how to drive in the snow. The number of accidents I passed on my drive to work seems to speak to the fact that no, you cannot tailgate when there are two inches of snow on the ground. On the bright side, MN is so much prettier when covered in a nice blanket of snow and it lends itself perfectly to snuggling up with a blanket and getting some studying done.
Work is going really well. There has been a staff change and it has made a huge difference in the success of our family engagement events. I have taken on more responsibility for the family engagement material that we send home, both at the pre-k level and for k-3, which has given me more to do and a sense of actually reaching some families. I've also started teaching beginning level small group EFL classes, which has been a bit of a transition. I prefer larger classes, but the program I am working with is much more supportive of the teachers, so it's an even trade. I am also still working in the reading lab, which I really enjoy, because it is one on one interaction with the students.
I am still studying for the FE1s. This has been both interesting and terrifying. It is literally possible to sue anyone for anything...apparently there is not such thing as "stuff happens" in law. Also, beware, if someone is trespassing on your property and they injure themselves, they can sue you! The levels of ridiculousness involved in tort law seems to know no bounds. I think I can fairly confidently cross that off my list of areas of law I would like to be involved in. It is the most fun to read about, but I think I would lose all faith in humanity if I actually had to practice it.
I have been extremely intrigued by the Republican race and it, much like torts law, has been a constant source of entertainment. I won't delve any further since I know I am in mixed company, but I will say the greatest highlight has come in the form of Colbert's super PAC ad. Regardless of political affiliation I think we can all appreciate it. 30 seconds of pure attack ad genius that takes "corporations as people" to it's logical extreme.
I booked my ticket for Ireland and will head over in March to submit my visa application. Fingers crossed!
I started piano lessons, in order to learn how to play my Melodica. They have been going really well, I am now ok with my right hand, and lack any ability to play with my left hand. It has been an extremely humbling experience for me. The 2nd grader who has lessons before me sounds like Chopin in comparison to me.
I hope everything is well with everyone!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Winter!
Hiya everyone,
Winter has arrived! I now have exactly 3 separate episodes of snow driving experience under my belt. Sam arrives Dec. 17th and I am crazy excited. I have big plans for his visit, a number of which involve snow. Sadly, the snow just melted, so fingers crossed we get a moderate amount, so we can go ice fishing and cross country skiing. The job is going well, volunteering is going well. Finally found a project that Minnesota Reading Corps is willing to support involving reaching out to ELL families. I am putting together videos of simple phrases in the Somali, Spanish, Hmong and hopefully Karen. Reading Corps tutors will have access to the videos and will be able to learn how to greet families in these languages. It's not much, but it is a small step towards making ELL families feel more connected to the school community. One of the primary complaints these families have is they feel disconnected and helpless, because English is dominate even at events for family outreach. I went to Christmas Fest at St. Olaf, for the 100th anniversary performance, which was really nice. It is also the final year for one of the conductors and the pastor who narrates, so it was the end of an era performance. I was also able to visit some of my professors and catch up with them! Serious drama happening at Olaf.
I just wanted to wish you all a very happy holiday season! It is wonderful to be somewhere that is actually cold for Christmas, it does add a certain something to the festive spirit! I hope all is well with everyone!
Winter has arrived! I now have exactly 3 separate episodes of snow driving experience under my belt. Sam arrives Dec. 17th and I am crazy excited. I have big plans for his visit, a number of which involve snow. Sadly, the snow just melted, so fingers crossed we get a moderate amount, so we can go ice fishing and cross country skiing. The job is going well, volunteering is going well. Finally found a project that Minnesota Reading Corps is willing to support involving reaching out to ELL families. I am putting together videos of simple phrases in the Somali, Spanish, Hmong and hopefully Karen. Reading Corps tutors will have access to the videos and will be able to learn how to greet families in these languages. It's not much, but it is a small step towards making ELL families feel more connected to the school community. One of the primary complaints these families have is they feel disconnected and helpless, because English is dominate even at events for family outreach. I went to Christmas Fest at St. Olaf, for the 100th anniversary performance, which was really nice. It is also the final year for one of the conductors and the pastor who narrates, so it was the end of an era performance. I was also able to visit some of my professors and catch up with them! Serious drama happening at Olaf.
I just wanted to wish you all a very happy holiday season! It is wonderful to be somewhere that is actually cold for Christmas, it does add a certain something to the festive spirit! I hope all is well with everyone!
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