A year in review

Hello UB!

It's been a year since I have graduated with my Master's and let me tell you... with the economy we are in, I wonder if it was worth it? Yes, I have a higher degree than most. But does that guarantee automatic employment?... The answer, in most cases, is... NO... I gave birth to my daughter a month after I graduated, and although I choose to stay at home with her for the first year, beginning to apply for jobs now... nothing is coming up. I even applied for the management trainee program at Enterprise Car Sales and they said no. Not sure if I'm "over qualified" or what. But I find that in many cases I could either be over qualified on paper with my degree, or not qualified with the number of years in experience that they want. With that disqualification, don't I need to work in order to get the years of experience they want? Yeah, I get that a company doesn't want to train a person if they don't have to, but geesh! How else am I to learn?! At this point, a job is a job and a check is a check to pay the bills and get by in life... so anything (within reason) is fair game to apply for... wish me luck! Back to the drawing board!

End of Semester - Not

Being the alumni blogger for the UB Blog has definitely been an interesting and fun thing to do.  While it is the end of the semester for my fellow bloggers, I will keep plugging along in my job with no end in sight (well, at least for the next 20 years - give or take a few.)  It has been fun sharing my thoughts and I hope I was able to entertain with one or two of my postings. 

I am not sure if I will be back in the fall, it all depends on my work and the one thing I gave myself for my 41st birthday - a registration to run/jog/walk/crawl the Disney Half-Marathon.  So, between now until we head to Orlando in January 2011, we will be steadily working to be able to finish the Half Marathon in less than 3.5 hours. I will also be trying to lost 40 pounds during this time as well.  All this takes time and dedication.  If I may...let me tell you a little bit about what I am doing and why.

2011 - Get your Indy On

So maybe you weren't the biggest fan of the new Preakness advertisements encouraging you to get your preak on. Well in 2011 hopefully we won't be submitted to the same crude ads when the Indy Race league "hopefully" comes to Baltimore in August of next year.

The contract that was approved by the City of Baltimore and announced fabulously by Mayor SRB will begin immediately as road crews transform the streets around the scenic Inner Harbor into a race track capable of handling Indy cars traveling up to 200 miles per hour.

Some groups have estimated that the race will bring over 100,000 people to Baltimore and have an economic impact similar to that of the Preakness. I hope that they can also estimate the traffic delays and headaches that already plague this area.

Overall I think that this is a great step forward for Baltimore and becoming more then just that place from "The Wire." I certainly beeeelieve that we can turn this area around and become a thriving city. With mainstream events like the Indy Racing League coming to Baltimore it significantly increases our chance of landing bigger projects like Google Fiber.

Last blog for the semester hopefully they'll have me back! I hope that you all enjoyed reading as much as I did writing.

The end, and the beginning

This is my last blog entry, at least until Fall. Once per week for 10 weeks, I've posted a review or rumination of some sort that I hope has been interesting to someone out there. What's been most interesting for me, however, has been the process.

In searching for interesting stuff to write about, I've found that inspiration has come from everywhere: local events, news, classes, fashion, the world. Blogging has made me more observant and engaged with my neighborhood, city and environment. I learned that even the most mundane task might unearth some kernel of information that could grow into a new blogging idea.

A big step for me in actually hitting the "publish post" button and walking away from the computer has been silencing my inner critic. I'm a long-time perfectionist with a history of not finishing something unless it's perfect. The great things about blogs are: (1) readers don't expect you to be perfect, and (2) you can update them frequently with new content if your last post doesn't do you justice. Plus the law of averages goes into effect: the more you write, the better your chances of writing something good.

Will I feel the post-blogging blues, a sense of loss and emptiness next Wednesday morning, with no UB outlet for inspired online release? Probably not. But I will be searching for another creative outlet soon.

Semester Wrap Up

Well, with this being my last week this semester, I thought I would take some time and reflect back. Read on to learn more about how my philosophy developed during this semester, towards both life and school.

The Laws of Finals

Ahhh its almost over. As exciting as it is, its probably the most nerve racking time of the year. I'm ready for the next couple of weeks to be over but I'm honestly not prepared for it zip by. I have soo much work to get done. Just within these next couple of days, we have 2 essays due, I have 3d modeling to get done, a couple of programming projects to get out the way. STRESSED is an understatement of what I'm feeling right now. And I found it funny that the last few posts from everyone were about how stressed we are. Well I thought I would share something with you and hopefully it will lighten your mood for the day.

first law of finals:
your instructor assumes that you having nothing else to do except study for that instructor's course

second law of finals:
When reviewing your notes before the an exam, the most important ones will be illegible

third law of finals:
80% of the final exam will be based on the one lecture you missed and the one book you didn't read.

fourth law of finals:
the more studying you did for the exam the less sure you are as to which answer they want.

fifth law of finals:
if you are given an open book exam you will forget your book
Corollary:
if you are given a take home exam, you will forget where you live.

sixth law of finals:
At the end of the semester you will recall you having enrolled in a course at the beginning of the semester--- and never attending.


GOOD LUCK!!!

Writing Central Baltimore

Last semester, we published an article, "Filling the Hole in the Donut," in the University of Baltimore magazine about UB's involvement in revitalizing Central Baltimore. It's the area just north of campus, between MICA to the west, Johns Hopkins to the north and Greenmount Cemetery to the east--and long neglected, it's sorely in need of some assistance to again become the thriving area it once was.

UB, along with several other organizations--one of which includes the Central Baltimore Higher Education Collaborative--is involved in the area, investing time and resources as a "community engaged" institution to redeveloping and reviving the community. Now Jane Delury, a lecturer in the School of Communications Design, has teamed up with Tristan Davies, a senior lecturer in the Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins, to offer Writing Central Baltimore this past semester.

home stretch

while reading the last two posts from marni and charlene, i giggled. i couldn't help myself. i'm delirious... it's nearly the end of the semester. i have precisely two more tuesdays to get through to finish. one presentation and two finals to go. and then...

One More Week !!!

Yea......Can ya'll feel it? Can you see it? It's the end of the semester and by golly I am SOOOO READY for it to end. Semester started off rocky and well, it's ending rocky. Not because of anything I did or didn't do. .....GROUP PROJECT.

You know what they are... Professor gives you that one assignment, usually with people you wouldn't think of working with. I know I'm not the only one. In the beginning of class, you sit and try to feel people out. See who does what. See how people answer questions. You know what you doing. You screening the room just like at a party or club !!!

Walk up in the club or party. You looking around the room....do I know anybody here? Any of friend's friends here? Wondering where people from? All that. Only in class, you end up with people that are sitting closest to you in your group. You've been trapped. You're forced to work with somebody you have absolutely nothing in common with. Okay maybe one thing....you're students !!!

So like I said I'm counting down on this Monday. Counting down the hours to my evening class so I can get my half-put-together "group" project over with so I can leave that "party". It's just not on and poppin like I thought it would be !! I'm counting down to the no more days of leaving work, rushing to campus to find a park on the street to try and stretch my parking dollars !!! I'm counting down to no more nights of rushing home to see my baby off to bed. No more waiting for a grade. No more waiting to see if an unnamed professor has put marks on my paper pointing out my punctuation errors :(

I can't wait !!!!!

If only ya'll could see the smile on my face through these letters. I'm telling you I'm RUNNING away from this campus come Thursday, May 13 !!!! See you in the fall peeps !!

The End Is Very Near

The semester is finally coming to an end. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. It seems like so much stuff is due right now. I feel like I'm going to have a melt down but I think I'm going to hold it together. Trying to keep my momentum up and display the same enthusiasm that I had when the semester began, but I feel it wavering.

I'm not supposed to drink coffee but it's been my late night friend. I'm trying to get all my work done timely and often find myself up into the wee hours of the morning, some nights barely getting 3 hours of sleep. Now I can get some rest.

The semester's end means bye-bye Starbucks. I don't have to hear it softly whispering my name as I walk by...Marni, Marni, Marni. I can save some money now.

No summer classes for me. I need a break. I will be back in the fall though for my last two classes. Finally, it'll be over. I'll have to stock up on more coffee by then.

Food Run-in

So the other night, we went out to eat with my carpooler (yes the one that may have a third world country disease) and his wife. We decided to try out the local Indian restaurant, which none of us have been too.

Narrow-minds Still Exist

SO. If anyone has not been keeping up to the news, recently Arizona has passed a law in which any authority figure can take into custody anyone whom he/she feels is an illegal immigrant after experiencing lawful contact. To me, that equals 100% racial profiling. Since the law does not exclude the elderly or even children, it means that anyone is subject to question.

To top off all of this nonsense, Tim James, a candidate for Governor of Alabama started off his campaign with a bright idea of "We Speak English, Learn It." In an effort to remove the 12 different languages offered on the driver's licence exam, James launched his campaign within a week after the law was passed. Is it honestly necessary to take 20 steps back into history to develop your state for the future? I thought we were past the civil rights movements? Hmpf, I guess not

I feel as though anyone who cannot accept diversity, is not a good figure for politics. With our nation on the diverse edge these days, it is crucial for one to be open minded.

Just thoughts, I don't know after reading an article I was infuriated and wished to share my views.

For anyone interested in the campaign, I included a link to his recent commercial.
Tim James Campaign

Who to Tweet in Baltimore

There are a lot of twitter naysayers out there who don't want to tweet about what they're eating for breakfast nor do they care that there's a traffic jam on I-95 making me late for work! I understand this, but you can get involved locally in Baltimore without all of those random tweets.

The best thing about twitter and Baltimore is that we are a major hub. Baltimore is a location on twitter's map and you can see trending topics specific to our area. This separates us from other metropolitan areas where this feature is unavailable. So make the best of it and see what people in your area are talking about.

Here is my list of who to follow in Baltimore

1. @BaltimoreMD - great guy for the best local events & news.

2. @RayRice27 - pro bowl running back for the Baltimore Ravens. He responds to fans gives out his number and answers questions. LEGIT dude

3. @WNST - Sports Radio in Baltimore with real honest opinions and not afraid to say them either

4. @CharmCityNews - a Baltimore newswire specifically for Twitter stay updated

5. @CharmCityNow - an up and coming Baltimore news & community site

6. @Duffstar - Mike Duffy a staff writer for the Baltimore Ravens

7. @ben_hebert - This is me of course. I'm a lot more interesting then you think.

8. @bringdapain33 - Le'Ron McClain pro bowl fullback for the Baltimore Ravens. He's got some funny tweets and always like to shout out to gym.

9. @mayorSRB - So what if you're against the beverage tax? SRB came in after someone got caught stealing gift cards and then had to deal with the snowpocalypse.

Krazy Kinetic

Kinetic Sculpture Race (n). An organized contest of human-powered amphibious all-terrain works of art. If you haven't heard of it, read the history of the Kinetic Sculpture Race and then learn the logistics of Baltimore's annual event. Or just go directly to my quick-start users' guide on how best to be seen and really SEE this Saturday, May 1st!

1. By bike. Two wheels is better than four or none. You're not only more maneuverable but an unofficial extension of the race. Take a lock so you may leave your bike and stroll as desired.
2. Before crowds arrive. The staging area and requisite brake safety test at the American Visionary Art Museum allow a look at the sculptures in their original "unsullied glory" (i.e., before any later untimely demise).
   
3. With a camera. Spectators are often as outrageous and colorful (in all senses of the word) as the sculptures. Have a camera at the ready - which brings me to the next item...
   
4. In costume. Organizers recommend wearing "something absurd" and suggest visiting a thrift store to create a sufficiently ridiculous outfit if you don't already have one.
   
5. Near the Korean War Memorial. If you watch the race for only an hour, do it here. The famed Canton water entry not only tests the sculptures' floatability (and water navigability) but provides for great people watching and/or comfy napping. Don't miss The Moderately Famished Caterpillar, a train of 6 bikes dressed as a caterpillar; according to the program guide, "at the water they'll enter a cocoon and magically transform into a butterfly--look carefully to see their surprise flotation!" (From the creators of 2008's famed It's Ben Hur, Hon).
6. Through Patterson Park. The second most entertaining (IMHO) race location and challenges, these terrains usually cause the demise of yet more entrants.
   
7. At the awards ceremony. I don't always make it until this 5pm-ish ceremony, but these non-traditional awards include my personal favorites: Grand Mediocre Champion (the team finishing in the middle of all entries) and Worst Honorable Mention.
   

Enjoy, Hon!

BLOCK PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I know it happened last week, but I haven't yet gotten a chance to cover the Spring Block Party, so that is what I am going to do. Trust me though, my coverage is going to be pretty awesome.

Casino Night

Reeling everyone back into the pool of the Shady Grove campus. I try and maintain relating most of my posts to weekly experiences, spending time with friends, homework. Although my primary focus this semester with my blog was intended to keep everyone in the loop with activities going on the Shady Grove campus, keeping everyone in the loop. But unfortunately because we were in a transitional phase, changing academic advisors and such, most of us were out of the loop all semester as well. Thankfully this has finally come to an end. We have a new academic advisor on the Shady Grove campus. Thus far he has been doing an amazing job. Every other day we get updates from him letting us know whats happening on campus. So now I can actively give everyone updates.

Last Thursday, we had Casino Night, the multipurpose room had beaded curtains gating the entrance to the room (the beads shaped as diamonds, spades, hearts and clubs, perfectly complimenting the theme of the event). Music blasting, mostly Lady Gaga, being that Pokerface would probably be the most appropriate song for this event. Tables and wheels were spread across the room, where students could come and play a round of Texas Hold'em and other games. My main focus was not the games, it was definitely the food, and for $5 donation it was definitely worth it.

The one thing that I truly love about our campus is the food! We definitely have amazing food. The event was catered by our cafeteria and the foods were appetizers. They served finger sandwiches, spinach artichoke dip (my absolute favorite), spring rolls, humus, and lots of other things that I currently can't remember. I'm realizing more and more, I'm such a fatty at heart.

Besides the great food, it was nice seeing and meeting new people from other programs. Since we are commuter sister campus of many campuses, we have the opportunity to meet with students that are business, bio, criminal justice, and communications majors at UMCP, as well as students that are social work, psych, and history majors at UMBC, or they get to meet us the Simulation and Digital Entertainment majors and the Health Management majors at UBalt. It offers great networking as well as the opportunity to meet people outside of your own major, and not have the confinement that most of our classes entail, because we are in the same classes with the exact same people every semester. Although it does build an intimate environment, for someone like me that is one of the only females in the Simulation and Digital Entertainment program, it definitely nice to branch out. And build friendships and meet females in other programs. Especially since this semester, I'm taking a Psychology course with UMBC, its nice to meet up with those classmates outside of the limited class time that we have together and just mingle. As well as spend time with the classmates from my own program. While playing games and eating good food, and donating money to a good cause.

I'm really looking forward to the next event, I doubt I'll be able to attend too many events with finals coming up and all of our projects being due pretty soon. But if I do, I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

curbing the shenanigans

did any of you hear about/see the article on the potential new measure to decrease the amount of public drunkenness in baltimore? as reported in the baltimore sun, city council president young wants to increase the fine for public drunkenness anywhere up to $1000. this is a huge jump given that current penalties can be as low as $50 for unruly behavior

Carpooling is fun...or How to catch pertussis in 30 miles

So I have about a 30 mile commute to work - one way - everyday. A lot of people (and by a lot of people, I really mean my best friend who could walk backwards using one leg and still get to work in 3 minutes) ask me how I do it, and I tell them that I am used to it, since it used to be 40 miles one way. We actually moved two years ago, and one of our prequisites was to live closer to work...and we did find that perfect house which met this condition. It lessened our commute by one mile...hey, we cut off two minutes.

UBee Spring Block Party

I will be blogging from the event later today; uploading photos, more content, and my thoughts! Looking forward to it and interacting with everyone here later on tonight.

BLOCK PARTY :D

so im sitting in class, waiting to rush out and see how the block party was getting organized. I am super excited for this event because we actually have a mascot now! With a new mascot, I'm hoping over the years, our sports can develop as well. I'm excited to see the new mascot because all of my friends who go to other Universities say that my school isn't a "real" school. WELL for all of those losers who didn't chose UB, I'd like to show them the amazing bee (or hope that its amazing)!

I'm also excited to try some of the international foods that will be offered because I love all types of food! :D

Hope to meet some of you guys!