Dear Red Line,

11/17/2008

Atlast! I was at work today. I looked out the window to see pecular pieces of frozen water swirling around aimlessy. Now, no need for worries, good friends. This is normal... well, unless you live in Florida.

We live in Indianapolis. Every year it gets cooler, and cooler until cooler turns to cold. Now, I know in Science class they taught us how seasons work and how the Earth tilts on its axis.... or something to that effect. You would love to believe that we could get used to these funny season things, but it seems harder and harder as you get older. Now, by no means am I old, but I do remember liking winter alot more as a child than as an adult. You could have snow days at school (well, you still can........) and meet your friends (again, you still can) and go play outside and make snow angels and snowmen and snow forts and..... and..... and..... well you get the idea. Surely, my friends, I show no enthusiasm any longer to frolic in the snow.

So, back to the Red Line. I get on the bus, half frozen. Luckily, the heater on the bus was cranked up, pre-heated and ready to defrost me! As I got on the bus, I must have been the only one on the bus. I gladly took a seat. A few stops later, a young lad got on the bus as well. He sat across from me awaiting his next destination. I looked down at my shoes and across the isle. What did I see, you ask?

I couldn't believe my eyes. Perhaps I was at work too long and was halucinatng from the long day at work. I blinked once. I blinked twice. I blinked three times to be sure. Were my eyes failing me?

[Dunt dunt dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn]

The nice gentleman across from me was wearing flip-flops.

Then, as to mock my disbelief, he took his feet OUT of his shoes and began to swirl them around in the air. Now, I have two theories on this.............

One: It was fun to watch the snow and his feet had to take part in the snow swirling. They were doing a happy dance!

Two: The kid doesn't watch any weather before he leaves the house for the day.

I felt silly bundled up in my gloves, scarf and wool coat. I sat in disbelief (and almost disgust from bare feet dancing around in the air). I shook my head, and got off at my stop to go home for the day.

Lesson of the day: Check the weather report. Then, you won't have to defrost your toes on the public bus.

Until we meet again, Ciao.

10/24/2008 Friday

Dear Journal,

It was very cold today. It rained ALL day. It's a sad show outside my window when I have to look at Gloom and Gray all day long. Ya know, the sun just makes ya happy. I don't know why, but when it's not around, even if it's not raining, you just feel ... well, gloomy.

So, I worked a very long day. It wasn't busy, but busy enough. I felt bad for the FFA (Future Farmers of America)visitors walking around downtown. When I left for lunch (with my big umbrella in hand), I witnessed many FFA's with their blue jackets wandering around downtown without umbrellas. Sure, some had baseball hats on, but many had nothing.

I left work. My feet hurt and it was Friday Night! Well, I couldn't WAIT to get home. I noticed it was getting colder. I didn't need my umbrella any longer. I sat down at the bus stop waiting for my One-Way Ticket outta here: The Red Line! Eventually it showed up. I got on the bus (which is usually not crowded) to find about a trillion people on it. I desperately found a seat and sat down.

Each bus stop, more and more people got on. The bus could have exploded with people (okay, I'm being dramatic..... but hey, it's my recap). Eventually, it was standing room only! By the way, I'd love to thank the guy who sat next to me who constantly leaned into me on every turn (sorry, I'm married, sir). AND he wore tooooooooo much cologne (another lesson of the day).

I eventually got off the bus and walked to my car.

Until we meet again, Red Line, Ciao!

10/20/2008

Dear Journal,

Since starting my new job downtown, I now take the Red Line Shuttle Service thru IndyGo. You know? The FREE downtown circular that goes thru IUPUI and Downtown Indy! Well.... where do I start?

A couple of days into my sojourn, I stumbled upon a peculiar package. I was leaving work one day, boarded the Red Line, and immediately took a seat before I was thrown about. I sat down almost sitting on a brown bag. I sat next to it. As we traveled around Downtown, I wondered what could have been in that mysterious little brown bad. Perhaps someone had hit the liquor store a little early? Could it be a valuable treasure that was missing? Could it be....? Oh, what could be in the bag? I mustn't look. Or should I? Is it my duty to look in the bag? Perhaps it was someone's medicine, just sitting there forgotten? Oh, what should I do? What could I do?

"Oh, I wouldn't sit there. I don't know what's in the bag. It was there when I got on," I told a girl feverishly looking for a seat on the bus.

"Oh... O... Kay?" She said very confused. She sat as far from me as she could get on that little bus.

Finally, I couldn't take it any longer. I leaned over the bag cautiously. Perhaps there was a rabid squirrel? Perhaps not.

As I looked in the little brown bag, I felt relieved and disappointed at the same time.

I pulled the cord to signal to the driver that the next stop was mine. I stood up, grabbed my purse and continued towards the doors.

"Ma'am?! Ma'am?!!! You forgot your bag!" a stranger yelled. I turned to look at her.

"Oh, that? That's not mine. It was there when I got here," I said back to her. The whole time everyone thought that little brown bag was mine. Oh, but I know it did not belong to me. It was someone elses.

What was in the bag you ask? Leftover Chinese food.

Until we meet again, Ciao!

'Twas the night before class when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The packs filled with books and ready to go,

in hopes that we'd get 12 feet of snow.


The students were all snoozing in bed,

while visions of more Summer danced in their heads.

From the silence arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the alarm clock I flew in a flash

With a quickness, I hit Snooze with a clash.

Well, again, it's time for our favorite time of year! A brand new fall semester! I hope everyone had a wonderful Summer break and is rested and ready to learn! (Well, at least work on that one!)

Hello everyone....

I'd like you to see this photo of another rare Jaguar sighting on campus. Don't be alarmed, he looks friendly enough.... But, I still must keep my distance.

Unfortunately, he still doesn't have a name. So c'mon now and give me some suggestions!

Until then, keep on a lookout for this ferocious Jaguar!

Coming to a Jungle near you!

Hello Friends!

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member we've spotted (get it, SPOTTED? I know, lame-o...) on the IUPUI campus......

He needs a name and we would like for you to help! So, leave a comment with suggestions!

As the Holiday decorations start going up (earlier and earlier every year, might I add), we start thinking whimsical thoughts about sitting around the fireplace, hot cocoa in hand, carols on the radio.... And, more thoughts of what should I get such-and-such, where should I put the tree, how many lights will I put out this year....

Sometimes we forget though, that not everyone has those luxuries... worrying about gift-giving (and receiving), wrapping paper, putting cards in the mail......

Some people are a lot less fortunate and have to worry about where their next meal will be, how they will stay warm, who will help them in their time of need....

I would like to ask everyone to think of someone less fortunate, and donate warm socks (new or gently used) to the Sock Drive going on next week (November 12th-November 16th). Many people think to donate clothes, but socks are in demand. And, dry socks are very important to those trying to stay warm.

There will be collection boxes around campus, and if you can't find one, drop off donations at UC 3140 (The Honors Program Office).

What a whirlwind....

My last post was so long ago, I barely remember anything that I had said.

This semester I am taking Statistics, Macroeconomics, Business Law and Speech. This semester is so so different from any other semester I have been through. And, I'm not sure why. All I can figure out is that each of my teachers have entirely different teaching styles as well as test styles. I would have to say that knowing a teacher's test style is one of the single most important things to figure out, and as early as possible. (Or, your grade could suffer).

Some teachers give study guides, some offer an in-class review, some courses have university supported tutoring, while others offer zilch. So what's the best tactic when your teacher expects you to know all without any aid? Well, if I could answer that, I would be getting all A+++'s.....

But, a few recomendations for better test grades would be:

1. Go to class! ( I know this sounds boring, but listening to lecture helps you retain the information better than reading alone. And, sometimes teachers will even "hint" that a certain topic would be "a good test question".)
2. Take awesome notes! (Again, this may be a little geeky, but writing everyting down the teacher says can really help you out when you're studying!)
3. If you miss class, email your teacher! (Let them know you will be missing class and see if there's any way you can meet for office hours to cover missed class. Or, if office hours are not available, ask a friend for notes. Many times have I scanned notes for friends (and vice-versa) when class must be missed)
4. Make a friend in each class! (Okay, I know this sounds like some Mr. Roger's Neighborhood cliche, but it helps, trust me! Find someone you know (or introduce yourself if you don't know them) and get their email. Find out which way is easiest to get ahold of them ... Oncourse, Webmail, etc. If you don't understand, you can ask your friend. What are the chances that both of you will misunderstand the same subject? Or, maybe both of you can figure it out together. This also helps when you need help on homework or notes from a previous class)
5. Study in small sittings... (I would guess after 15-20 minutes of hardcore studying, your brain gets zapped.... Stop, take a break, get a snack (lower sugar, high protein), whatever you need to do to refresh yourself. I like to switch between subjects and then go back. This makes sure I don't get frustrated or "space off" the subject at hand.
6. Do your homework and review it! (Again, a little of a cliche, but teachers aren't handing out homework because they have nothing better to do..... Homework is supposed to re-enforce topics covered in class. When test time comes around, get out your homework and see if you can still answer the quesitons)
7. Get a tutor or a studygroup! (If you absolutely cannot study by yourself (or have trouble staying on task) join a study group. If you bring a few people together who are in the same class, chances are at least one person there can figure out the problem for the test and then can explain it to you! Or, if you cannot find anyone who wants to join your group (chances are you can!) go to a tutor. The tutor should know the subject matter well and can help explain anything you may not understand. Hint: Don't wait until the night before the exam to find help. If you know you are struggling, seek help ASAP!)

Well, I hope I have helped! Now, I'm going to take my own advice and go study!

Okay, okay.... So, I've glanced at the calendar a FEW times making sure that THIS is the week we go back.... Yes, there's no mistaking August 23rd is in this week.

Could IUPUI push back their start date?!

Probably not. And anyways, who really wants to be in school over the winter holiday? Not me.

So, my "relaxing" summer entailed: work, Accounting and Microeconomics....

[Sighs]

One other important thing I did over the summer was go to Kelley's Orientation for new Fall Admits.

This was a brief orientation that introduced the new Kelley students to some key members of the school. Faculty informed us of the high standards that Kelley holds to its students, which is great because Kelley students can expect a top notch degree when they leave the school. Who wants to have a degree that's not worth the paper it's printed on? Well, Kelley students won't have to worry about that problem.!

The orientation also allowed students to meet others interested in business, sign up for information on business clubs offered thru Kelley and get important tips.

One of the best tips I heard is to use Kelley's Academic Advisors! Which to some seem silly, but if you think about it it's really not so silly. One of the speakers referred to "Self-Service Advising"..... This meaning that students use online guildlines for their majors.... which is okay until they miss a few classes they didn't know they had to take ... This leads them to going to school for one more semester...... Doesn't sound fun to me. I think taking 30 minutes of my time is definitely worth graduating on TIME! And even if you aren't a Kelley student, take the time to see your advisor! It could save a semester!

 Well, this is it my friends. Another beautiful beginning to another beautiful school semester.

Good luck to all! :)

I'd love to take the time to say CONGRATULATIONS to all Alpha Lamda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma members for winning the Order of the Torch award as one of the top 5 chapters in the NATION!

I'd also like to say congratulations to the new officers of Alphar Lamda Delta and Eta Phi Sigma!

Candidates sent in an application to be considered. A large amount of people applied and they decided to go with Co-Presidents! The new officers are as follows:

ALD Presidents:
> Gayle Brunner
> Stephanie Flagg

PES Presidents:
> Ashley Horstmann
> Jenae Huffman

ALD VP:
> Tiffany Blackgrove

PES VP:
> Amanda Hartman

ALD Secretary:
> Meredith Lindgren

PES Secretary:
> Erica Foreman

ALD Treasurer:
> Stephen Reusser

PES Treasurer:
> Jennifer VanMeter

ALD Membership/Publicity:
> Brittany Moser

PES Membership/Publicity:
> Rose Soliven

ALD Historian:
> Samantha Deitz

PES Historian:
> Katrina Durbin

ALD Webmaster:
> RJ Finch

PES Webmaster:
> Edgar Torres Ponce

If you'll notice, I've been elected Treasurer of Phi Eta Sigma!

Well, I am happy to report that I survived yet another birthday. I think I'm finally at the age that this annual reminder isn't so welcome any longer.... However, my 27th birthday proved to be not so bad after all.

[Flashback Sequence Music plays....]

I had to work on my birthday, but no big deal. It gave my husband, Jeremy, plenty of time to go out and get me something fabulous! I came home to find a beautiful happy birthday cake waiting on me and a new cd to add to my collection!

As a birthday tradition, my husband and I went out to eat for dinner that night, my choice, of course! I decided that I wanted to go to Olive Garden, my all-time favorite! After eating entirely wayyy too much, we left the restaurant and went to a pet store.....

[Dun-Dunnnn Dunnnnnnn]

Now, we've always wanted a pet.... But for some reason never got around to actually getting one. I don't know if we were just drunk off the carbolicious noodles from Olive Garden, or what.... but we finally decided to pick out a kitten!

Let's see.....

Eenie....

Meenie....

Minie....

Mo?

After much looking around, we finally found a beautiful, black kitten that seemed to like us as much as we liked her! She was a little, black, shy girl who needed a home.

 Awwwwwwe!

Anyways, she's settled at home now and is very healthy and happy! After a week of calling her "Kitty" my husband and I decided on a name to suit her personaity: Vixen. I also have to take her to the vet tomorrow to get shots....

[Gulps]

Wish us luck! I'm sure I will have more adventures (or misadventures) with her!

Okay, okay... The last time I posted I was sweating my A201- Financial Accounting class..... studying for the dreaded final.... praying for an awesome grade.... waiting feverishly for my final course grade to be posted.....

[Pauses to build suspense...]

Well, obviously I didn't combust into a firey pool of left-over remains of a once sane student.

[Cheers]

Needless to say, I did survive (unlike what the Urban Legends suggest) and I've moved on to my Summer Session II class....

[Dun Dun Dun]

I'm taking E201 Microeconomics... which so far hasn't been so bad. We've reviewed Marginal Cost Curves [flashbacks to Calculus], Supply & Demand, and other basic ideas of Economics. These (and other ideas) will build our base foundation so we will be able to analyze "Real World" economic issues going on around us in business. I'm not saying it's a walk in the park, but it is more familar than the Perpetual-Inventory-Cost-of-Goods-Sold-Wages-Payble-General-Ledger thing we did in Accounting...

[Breathes in a paper bag]

Don't worry... I will be fine.

Okay, okay......

So, I'm floating along in my Summer I course... A201.  Did I mention that we cover a chapter or two a day?!??!! Okay, so I'm floating along, trying to stay alive.... wishing I wasn't as school....

I'm working a part-time job as a bank teller, also, so the flip-flops don't get to come out very often! However, I know that I need money, so I keep showing up so I can get a paycheck....

(Objects in the picture may appear larger than they really are!)

But, my husband and I have been saving up for a new home! So, until then, I will be Staying Alive.....

Or, at least trying to! After I'm done with Financial Accounting, I move on to Microeconomics..... Check in to see if I make it to the fall semester!

Okay, okay.... We've all heard the Old Wive's Tale about how easy summer courses are... how laid-back the teachers are... how teachers don't even have to give finals if they don't want to.... how EASY it is to get an A in ANY class you take....(COUGHS)

Well, if you believe that, then I have ocean-front property in Kansas I'd like you to invest in .... Just mail me the check. (Wink-wink)

(Pauses a moment for you to get your check book)

Okay, here's my story. I thought I'd get ahead on my classes and take A201 (Financial Accounting) in Summer session one. Hey, I heard summer classes are ALWAYS easy and the teachers are easy, too.  C'mon, fiip-flops, sun, shades and easy classes....

Boy, was I WRONG there! I have found out that we cover a chapter a day, take a quiz (either online or in-class) everyday. I've been in class a total of 4 days. The first day was "meet the teacher" day (yeah right). We jumped right in and covered EVERYTHING we learned in A100 (Intro to Accounting) in ONE day.... The next class meeting, we covered chapter 3, the third day chapter 4, and the fourth day we had our first test.... Yes, a TEST only after 3 days of class....

So... if someone tells you summer classes are easy.... Beware... perhaps they are pulling your leg.

Disclaimer: The opinions above are the opinions of the author! Perhaps others have had better luck than I have had this summer (hopefully)

I would just like to say CONGRATS to the NEWEST members of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies!

These pictures and more are located online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/67134631@N00/ 

As I sit and think about my freshman year, I think of all the exciting things that have happened to me....

• I came in second with the Biz Blog name which won me an Ipod and the right to write this blog....
• I was accepted into the Honors Society....
• I survived my Problem solving report in X204- Business Communications! (I will never be able to look at Ethanol the same again!)
• I survived my Accounting A-100 course and I will now be well prepared for more to come!
• I survived FINITE MATH... I think I deserve an applause for this one!
• I made it through my freshman year working on my pre-rec's to get into Kelley....
• I applied and have been accepted into KSB this FALL! This will be my top accomplishment this year, I would say.

So, LOOK OUT KELLEY.... Here I come....

Okay, okay.... I'm not the only one here that's feeling the end-of-the-term-squeeze-stress-thingy.... I'm sure that's not the technical term, but it will work..

I've recently had to turn down a job offer to accept a more fitting to my studies job. After I accepted the job, I got a call for a different interview. I went to my orientation on Monday and found out wonderful information about my new home, National City Bank! I haven't started working yet... but the anxiety of starting a new job is kicking in....

I got my grade in A100 (Intro to Accounting)...This was one stress that was lifted off my chest. Who would have known that little 1 credit hour class could be so mind wrecking?!?!? Definately don't take this one for granted....

I've got three tests this week (Whew!) AND 4 more next week.... AND I have to study for my finals....

So what's stressing you guys??? Drop me a comment and let me know. I will come up with some remedies for your stressers.......

Okay... It's that time again.... The Spring Semester is winding down and everyone's planning their summer. My summer includes Micro-economics and Accounting 201. Okay, it's not as fun as a trip to Florida, but we all do what we have to do.

I'm sure a lot of you are looking for jobs, since money pays the bills. In my X204 (Business Communications) class, a representative from the Career Placement Office stopped by to offer awesome tips on Resume writing to find that job. She offered a Powerpoint of information that was very helpful to young resume writers. She even showed us 5 examples of different resumes and asked us who we would interview. AND, at the end of class she even took a peek at my personal resume and gave me good pointers on how to make it look even better! (How awesome is that? Free advice!)

Anyone in the Kelley School of Business can go to the Career Placement Office located in BS4090. They can help you with your resume, help you find internships (some are FOR college credit), perform mock interviews (by appointment) and much more! Their website is www.kelley.iupui.edu/careeropps if you'd like more info!

Good luck to everyone on their job hunt! And, if you're not looking for a job, it's never too soon to build that resume! You never know when you might be in the right place at the right time. You want to be prepared!

By the way, I recently got a job myself at the Plainfield JC Penney's!

Hello everyone!

I am a freshman here at IUPUI and am a returning student. I graduated from a high school right here in the city in 1998. I enrolled here at IUPUI in the fall of 1999. I quit after a year, but now I'm back after working in the "real world". The "real world" made me realize that if I did not finish my college education that it was going to be hard to get that promotion. I call this period my "School of Hard Knocks" and learned a lot in my 6 years away from school.

I will be sharing tons of tips and things to do to get involved on campus. I have much respect for this school and all it has to offer, including the wonderful people who have helped me get back in the swing of things around here. My first year coming back has been wonderful and I have learned so much. I hope I can reach out and help people, even if it's only one person at a time.

So, if you have any questions, post me a comment. If I can't help you out, then I will find someone who can. That's a promise.

Take care of yourself and each other!