This was the response from my staff (for all intensive purposes) when I looked at all that I have on my desk, on to-do lists and flagged emails and said “I don’t even know where to begin.”
Despite the rain, don’t worry – this is not an emo Wednesday.
My staff on loan is leaving me next week so I’m trying to push and push to get as far down the to do list as possible. It’s interesting that some agencies have dedicated solid resources to new media efforts just as they would a correspondence or press shop. We’re getting there but there are real bureaucratic processes that have to occur before bringing people on. Hopefully I can find another energetic and totally capable agency staffer to join the cause.
Regardless logistical hiccups, we have a lot going on. The USDA Blog is chugging along and more importantly, people are getting used to the idea that it is a legitimate means of communication. (Score!) I am slowly but surely developing standard operating procedures and use cases for social media within the Department and Agencies. New web sites are being designed and old ones revamped. All with the help of building momentum and awareness of our virtual activities. Once all the pieces are in place – or enough of them anyways – USDA is going to rock it.
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Dig Deep
I Truly wonder how people assess their friendships and allegiances. Truly capitalized with honest intention. When a person is your Person, they give their full time emotional support. No matter what the situation is, they will drop everything and support You. And give it to you straight.
I have been fortunate enough to have a couple of absolutely fantastic girlfriends who are nothing but true to me.
Unfortunately there are those who would rather stick with my past. Friends are friends and you can’t always choose them like you can’t your fa,ily. Only I think it’s instructive that what has become is not the original arrangement.
I’ve lost some and gained some and life goes on. It’s natural. Fortunately I’ve learned enough about myself as the cycles go to know what rings true and what is, unfortunately a one-dimensional connection.
To set the record straight. Friendships to me are what follows:
Loyalty
Trust
Truth
Good times and Bad
Respect
Notice that loyalty comes first. This is just me and it’s how I feel. And C’est la vie
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The Revolving Doctor Door
The diagnosis and treatment saga continues. For those that don’t know, I’ve been on a quest for relief with a jaw/head pain issue for more than two years now. Beyond the base problem of anterior disc displacement with reduction (uhhh what?) and doctor #4′s treatment for atypical neuralgia (facial and back through my occipital lobe – base of my skull) I’ve had it with different medications, therapy and dead ends.
Today was with an ENT doctor who specializes in neck and head surgery. She may be able to help, but insurance might get in the way. I cannot imagine someone who doesn’t have insurance trying to receive treatment for something companies find not to be a necessity.
Next up, she wants to stick a microscope up my nose to check out apparent swollen sinus that my MRI spotted last month (when I wasn’t sick). It’s on the same side as all of my head and facial pain…so it might be connected.
Unfortunately I feel as if I’m headed down to a place where my quality of life is seriously being affected. I’d like to get back to having a full day minus the pain!
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Recharge and reboot
This weekend was spent mostly on a work proposal – which is exciting and I hope to share more soon – but it turned out to be just what I needed. Summer football league started with a big win and I’m optimistic about the new and improved team (i.e. more girls = more plays).
But today was what it was all about. Woke up early enough. Made strong coffee and breakfast to start the day. Work was done, so it was all about what I wanted to do. Which for whatever turned out to be knitting. In preparation for friends trying for their next children, I want to be able to make something special and unique. Baby blankets are great, and I’ll probably try those too, but to make something that is from *me* with my personality I found the perfect toy.
This Evolving Punk gem looks like part whale, part seal, part whale and all FUN. I can’t wait to get to work on this. P.S. this site ROCKS! Her blog is awesome too – I love the mini-things she’s knitting all month
To try out some of the designers techniques, I knit this techy little guy today. Whatever a Capacitor is,
it’s cute and was super easy!
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Perspective, please.
Home for nearly one week and it seems like a month, although I don’t remember much of it. And that’s not to say that there has been an absence of activity. Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackason all died last week sending the news and people around the globe into a frenzy. Sure, talent has left this earth. But they are not the last. And another today that is even more mind-boggling. Billy Mays of Oxi-Clean, scream-in-your-face-to-buy-the-latest-home-convenience-product marketing fame.
I wonder if people are aware of how many innocent lives are lost each day due to famine, disease and violence. It is highly unlikely that people were personally touched by the lives lived by these icons.
The internet spreads stories and connects people like wildfire. It exposes people to news and information for which they may otherwise be unaware. A revolution is underway in Iran and supporters the world over are supporting the cause – regardless of whether or not they know a passage of history. Not that supporting those in Iran fighting for their rights is a bad thing.
It was great to be away. Blackberries left at home switched off. Limited cell phone usage. A different perspective of news and
relevant issues. A different approach to business and policy development – and how they interact/sect. That is the course I still want to pursue. Even before undergrad, I’ve had an eye for international relations but no specific leaning towards an industry.
After this trip, I will likely tweak my graduate program to focus on international business in the media and public affairs school. We’ll see what’s next – all I know is that life ebbs and flows in mysterious ways. Always has and I trust it always will.
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Last day out
Last day in London, last day in Europe. We finished off the stint with a visit to Westminster Abbey. The thousand-year history is astounding including the breathtaking artifacts, tombs and monuments adorning the walls and floor.
No photography is allowed inside the church, but you can imagine kings, queens and other significant figures since the early 10th century interred or memorialized inside.
It would be easy to spend an entire day poring over the ornate monuments, crypts and stained glass, not to mention the intricate architectural design of the ceiling and chapels.
Most impressive in history and design was the Lady Chapel. Two side chapels flanked the main space, holding the remains of Queen Elizabeth I and her sister (whom she ordered her execution – yikes) Mary Queen of Scots. There were a number of surprising elements of the church including the Royal Air Force Chapel constructed after WWII honoring the war dead, even recognizing American soldiers.
Great last day, short post. It’s time to call it a night – starting to feel a little under the weather 
See you soon, U.S.A.
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