Travel Plans

Just registered for my summer coursework. Next up, the travel arrangements. Whenever I travel, I spend so much time researching. How do I get from the airport to my spot? What are the regional "must" eats? Do I need sheets? Where is the closet Target? Trader Joes?

I am dying to know where I will be placed.  I have my top choices, but I am going to learn and grow no matter where I am placed.  I just want someone that will push me, challenge me, and allow me to make mistakes to learn from.

It is a little sad to be leaving...Harper, friends, colleagues. I am also having some feelings of anxiety about "leaving" teaching. I have already been called a turncoat in a joking way. 

Next week, the Chicago Cohort meets.  That will be fun to meet everyone.

Conference Calls

This week I got more information about my summer voyage.  It is definitely going to be packed.  The most exciting news: We are staying at 10 Buick.  It looks like a really nice spot.  But what does "light cleaning" mean?  How far are we away from classes?  Oh yeah. Business casual attire.  That's GREAT news.  The most disappointing news: No WIFI in the rooms.  How do you build a new building w/o WIFI?  Still wondering if I can "get by" with just an iPad.  Would I be able to create documents and presentations with it?  Or will I need to buy and bring a laptop, too?  I am wondering if I could hook up a wireless router in the room...

As far as hearing official confirmation...Well, we got our new mayor and his people in place.  Interesting to see the police still parked on Indiana watching Da Mayor's house.  Maybe its like secret service benefits?

I was told this week that I have been "changing".  I don't see it, but...  I am much more relaxed and at ease knowing that I have a job for next year.  Maybe that's what they mean.  Being in limbo is rather stressful, especially when your position is being cut and all you hear about is how much debt our system is in.

On another note, I need to do some self reflecting.  I had an interesting conversation this week.  I have been told by several people at different times in my career that I "get" people to "follow" me.  I am really confused by this recurring comment.  I have never been in a position where I have people reporting to me.  I have never been a "boss".  I have never organized people to follow my lead. So HOW could I "get" people to "follow" me?  I feel that people make their own choices.  However, I am willing to voice my opinions and will challenge the status quo.  Sometimes I play devil's advocate to make sure that all the issues are addressed.  I did an internship at Intel Corporation.  They have a motto - disagree and commit.  Here is a blog posting describing the practice. Basically, when its time to make a decision, behind closed doors, it is encouraged to challenge ideas. In order to move forward with the decision, and knowing that there might not be consensus, we must agree to disagree.  While I might not agree with the decision, I will commit to it and work diligently to make that decision successful.  Publicly, I will support the organization and the decision.  I see where this philosophy can make some people uncomfortable.  I also see where people might misinterpret your "private" challenges and assume that you will continue to challenge the decision publicly.  Maybe I need to make sure that I explicitly state that while I may disagree with decisions, I will fully support and commit to them.

Give the People What They Want

Heat...Bulls...

Yes, Sir. Miami Trice vs. The Hardhats. Will the underdogs be able to pull this out? Or, will the accolades go to the team that was built to win?

Lately, all of my connections to school relate to The Association, with a dabble of The Wire references.  In regards to this series, I view it as the neighborhood school versus the selective enrollment school.  For example, Jones should be at the top.  If it's not, then that's a major problem. You recruit the top talent - so you better show and prove.  But I love the underdog storyline just as much as the next man.  Weren't you rooting for Omar, the neighborhood Robin Hood?  So, can Harper pull it out?  Can they make their expected gains?  Only time will tell...

Still waiting on OFFICIAL confirmation.  They say that we shouldn't worry, but...  The reality is sinking in more and more everyday.  I got a packet of information, along with HOMEWORK!  This summer is going to be NO JOKE.

Englewood's Finest

Shout out to D Rose. He is one of, if not the most, humble athletes that I follow.

Got my matriculation packet the other day. Very interesting letter. I've been told not to worry - it is just a formality, but...

I am getting more and more excited about moving on.

The Call

"Alright, already the show goes on
Alright, till the morning we dream so long
Anybody ever wonder, when they would see the sun up
Just remember when you come up
The show goes on!"  - Wasalu Jaco

I got the call. It seemed like I was waiting an eternity. I was getting nervous. Questions were racing through my head. It felt like Game 7...down one...time running off the clock. Was I Derrick Rose or Lebron James? Was I a closer?

I am excited about moving on. Relieved that I know what I'm doing next year. It hasn't fully sunk in but...