It's All About Accountability

Hi Sparklers!

Yes, it's been a while. I'd love to say that I've been busy - and it would be mostly true - but that's really not an excuse not to check in. To be honest, there's been a swirl of energy around me, both positive and negative, and sorting it out has been tricky. I'm not one to 'just be' so I've been tinkering. No, it doesn't really change the outcome, but at least I feel like I'm doing *something.*

Time to get to the point? OK, let's do this:

I ended my last assignment at the end of February. I haven't worked since then and it's beginning to get a bit pesky. I really tried to relax, but that's tough for me. I figured that this was THE time to find a new position that leverages my graduate degree. After all, I can always go back to what I've already done (IT Consulting / Software Quality Assurance). The Hubster is being very supportive and is a good shoulder for my occasional freak-outs. I've been interviewing and have a good chance that's in the works now... and the waiting is eating at me.



I've been using my flexible schedule as a reason to try other classes at the Y. Well, I'm trying the same classes with different instructors. I enjoy change, but I'm also a fan of routine. I thought that this was a good compromise.



The weather around here has not been conducive to cycling, but I am trying to get in some training for the MS-150. Rumor has it that it will be not raining too much this weekend, so I'm going to get Utopia out on the trails (goal is my standard 18 mile ride).

If you are curious and want more ride details:
main.nationalmssociety.o
rg/site/TR/Bike/MNMBikeEve
nts?px=1904579&pg=personal
&fr_id=22278

The Hubster is looking forward to riding support in our VW Beetle. His job is to have the beer ready at the end of the trail and to make sure that I'm doing alright during the course. The last time I rode the event, he made the decision to pull me off the trail because it was too darn hot (and it was!). He's a pretty good 2nd Opinion and Voice of Reason.



We are returning to Asia this month. It's likely our last trip to China, given the costs and the fact that we're trying to focus on our careers. Being our 20th wedding anniversary this year, we justified doing this one more time. You know I'll share photos when we return!



While all of this is going on, I'm also working/avoiding a paper that I'm slated to present at the annual conference for the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM). Remember that certification test that I took in December? The paper and presentation at the ASEM Conference is a step towards professional development units, which translates into "I won't have to take that test again to re-certify." I love the topic - A Comparison of Logistics and Supply Chains in Corn Stover versus Corn Cobs - but I'm just finding it hard to be focused.


Look, a prairie dog!!

And I'm not kidding about loving the topic. It's cool - for a city girl - to consider what's involved in taking post-harvest plant material out of the fields to use for energy. In today's reality, alternative fuel sources are critical to the planet's well-being.

In other news, I'm knitting 1) my first sweater and 2) two socks at the same time. That may not seem like a big deal, but it's been a fairly relaxing distraction for me (one of the few!).

While I've been active on Spark, I've been lax on updates. It's not by design, I assure you. It's just hard to think that any of my current efforts are all that blog-worthy. I mean, it's not all that motivating or inspiring. Being selfishly motivated, I'm simply hoping that this entry helps me to straighten it out. If not... well, I'll find another way to tinker!

Have a super rest of the week, Sparklers. Keep Moving!

Oh! And I walked my first 5K. Here's a photo for AMBERNICHOLE3: