In The Blink Of An Eye

This morning I was on my way to the dentist office when I stopped to watch the sun rise. Yes, I pulled off the road and watched the sun rise above the mist. 

Every day I chat with you guys and you talk about what a hurry you are to get to the ‘real world.’ We won’t discuss how this is your real world again, but we will talk about the hurry that you are in and what you miss when you don’t pull off the road to watch the sun rise. 

   

Yes, it happens every day. And yes, we take it for granted every day because we are in a hurry. You think that tomorrow you will take a break to appreciate the beauty in the things around you. Justify that tomorrow I’ll slow down to enjoy those around me and let them know how I feel. Why tomorrow? Why not now? 

PARTY
The MSE Winter Pot-Luck is Thursday from 11 – 1ish in 142 Randolph Hall. Please come, bring a dish (or not). Come for the friendship, MSE Family, games and the annual Faculty Auction.

Senior News
Deadline extended until December 11 to pick up your senior picture… you need to select the pose that will be used for the senior composite.

Important Dates
December 8: Career Luncheon
December 9: Last Day to Withdraw … SEE ME FIRST
December 10: Annual MSE Winter Pot-Luck
December 11-17: Exams
January 19: Spring 2016 Term Begins

Helpful Tools
3 Things That Could Help You Sleep Better

1. Stop using all technology 30 min before bed- no cell phone- no lap top- no kindle.  The light block melatonin which can help you fall asleep.  A 30 min wind down with relaxation and reading (a paper book) can make it easier to fall asleep.
2. No caffeine after 3 PM.
3. Sleep only an hour longer during the weekend than your latest weekday wake-up time.

Random
Americans use and dispose of 100,000,000,000 plastic shopping bags each year.

Ut Prosim 
Every year I volunteer at the Montgomery County Christmas Store. One year I would love to have you guys there with me. http://www.mcchristmasstore.org/

Sandbox

  

My Schedule 
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Final Count Down

Our count down is almost over with only eight days of school left. Then we have ‘Reading Day’ and exams. Do you need ‘reading day’ … a day to read everything you should have already read! No, not my students. My students use this day for review and exam prep. Of the 100+ things you need to do let me remind you of the following…

MSE Sophomores, a reminder of one of the 100 things you need to do in the next eight days is to please meet with me for the end of fall meeting.  This is a required meeting – make your appointment in Scholar now, please and thank you.

MSE Juniors, a reminder to submit the Path to 3884 form to me by January 20, 2016. Failure to submit the form may result in your removal from MSE 3884.

All MSE, the Career Luncheon is on Tuesday, December 8. Please RSVP to the email that was sent via SignUpGenius.com. Only 13 spaces remain.

And finally, the annual MSE Winter Potluck will be held on Thursday, December 10. Details to come. Be there for the food, fun, games and friendship.

Please complete this short survey from the VT Office of Sustainability. The survey is to help to determine the sustainability issues of most concern and interest on campus.  I completed it in less than 5 minutes.  https://virginiatech.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6PhpW8AZ9RfHkGN

MEPS News
The American Society of Metals, Heat Treating Society, the International Metallography Society, and the Thermal Spray Society are all looking for Student Board Members to represent the students on their boards. All expenses are paid to attend the meetings. This is not only a great networking opportunity but also a great thing to put on a resume!

What do I get from being a board member?
All expenses to attend board meetings are paid for by the respective society.
Gain leadership skills that will benefit you throughout your career.
Add a unique and highly respected experience to your resume.
Represent Material Advantage and speak on behalf of student members.
Meet and work with leading professionals in your field of technical Interest.

We have had VT MEPS members on the board before and they absolutely loved it!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1st
http://www.asminternational.org/students/student-board-member-programs

Senior News
Deadline extended until December 11 to pick up your senior picture… you need to select the pose that will be used for the senior composite.

Important Dates
December 8: Career Luncheon
December 9: Last Day to Withdraw … SEE ME FIRST
December 10: Annual MSE Winter Pot-Luck
December 11-17: Exams
January 19: Spring 2016 Term Begins

Helpful Tools
Avoid all-nighters.
While all-nighters and late-night study sessions may appear to give you more time to cram, they are also likely to drain your brainpower. Sleep deprivation hinders your ability to perform complex cognitive tasks like those required on exams. And it is unlikely that you will retain much of the information that you study while sleep-deprived. It is better to sleep the night before an exam, even if it means studying for fewer hours. Remember: research has shown that a good night of sleep is more beneficial for learning than staying up late cramming.

Random
Human saliva has a boiling point three times that of regular water.

Words To Live By
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” E.E. Cummings

Sandbox

My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Welcome to My Real World

Yesterday was a very interesting day. Picture it… my son and I standing at the kitchen sink, him holding a wet cat above the sink, the cat crying out as if he is being prodded with hot needles, me washing the cat with flea soap attempting to avoid the two sets of razor sharp machetes on his back feet. As all of us nursed our wounds – the cats nursed emotional wounds and my bleeding hands and arms – I reflected back to several conversations I’ve had with many of you about school.

For one reason or another some of you are in a hurry to graduate and ‘get into the real world.’ First, this is your real world. Second, why are you in such a hurry? Stop. Slow Down. Enjoy yourself. You only get one chance to be 20-something. Do Not Rush It. Trust me on this. Before you know it, you will be married, paying bills and washing a vengeful cat over a sink.

MSE Study Abroad / Career Advising
On Tuesday (11/17) there will be a Study Abroad Info Session at 5:30 p.m. in 142 Randolph Hall. Please come if you are interested in learning about the various opportunities for studying abroad as an MSE student. We have partnerships with colleges and universities in Switzerland, France, China and Germany.

On Tuesday, December 8 we will host the 3rd Annual MSE Career Advising Luncheon. The MSE Career Luncheon provides you the opportunity to talk with faculty, get career advice, learn about working in specific fields, or attend graduate school. Come and gain valuable advice from Dr. David Clark and Dr. Gary Pickrell. As space is limited, you must RSVP to the SignUpGenius.com that was sent last week.

Senior News
Stop by and pick up your senior pictures. I will have to select your picture for the composite if you don’t pick your pictures up this week.

Important Dates
November 17 – MSE Study Abroad Info Session
November 20 – Last Day to Reschedule Final Exam
November 21 – Thanksgiving Break Begins
November 28 – Spring Add/Drop Opens
November 29 – Thanksgiving Break Ends
December 9 – Last Day to Withdraw … SEE ME FIRST

Helpful Tools
Making it Through the Final Stretch
Are you stressed out over all the exams, papers, and group projects that will soon be taking up your time? Learn how to stay motivated, manage the stress, and find the time to do all of the things you need (plus some time for fun!). We will also review strategies for effective test taking.

November 13 from 1:00-2:00pm
November 17 from 4:30-5:30pm
November 30 from 12:30-1:30pm
December 1 from 3:30-4:30pm
December 3 from 4:30-5:30pm

Random
A cat has 230 bones in its body. A human has 206. A cat has no collarbone, so it can fit through any opening the size of its head.

Ut Prosim 
Next week you are going home to be with your family for Thanksgiving; a wonderful time of the year. For years, I’ve made it a tradition to give at Thanksgiving. I cannot offer much, but what I can offer helps so many. As a universal donor, the Red Cross loves to see me walk through their doors. During the next week I encourage you to take a moment out of your busy day to give.

Sandbox

 

Bonus

 

My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Hash Tag #vtmaterials

How was your weekend? Mine was good. Went to the Foundry Open house and took several pictures. Most I posted on the MSE Instagram account. Did you know we have one?! Well, we do. So if you have one, please follow ours. We would love to see your MSE pictures (lab, class, foundry, VT in general)! Please tag it #vtmaterials.

Also, you can email me pictures and I will add them to the slide show in one of our two TVs in the Advising Office. The slide show is updated Monday afternoons.

This Thursday and Friday MSE will be visited by our Advisory Board. As part of their annual visit they would like to hear from students, all grade levels. This is a closed door session of students and the Advisory Board only. Students will be asked to share their thoughts on classes, the curriculum, advising, as well as other areas. Please check your email for an invitation from SignUpGenus.com

This week must not pass without a proper Thank You to all the Veterans who have sacrificed more than you will ever know.  Please take the time to participate in any of the events the Corps of Cadets will host.

MEPS News
MEPS General Meeting: November 18 @ 6pm in Holden 114

MEPS study sessions
Tuesday (11/10) from 6-10 in RAND 110 for the MSE 3204, Electronics Materials exam on Wednesday (11/11).
Wednesday, December 2 in Holden 114 from 6-11 for MSE 2044, Fund of Materials exam.

Both study sessions will have food and the sophomore's study session will have tutors!

Senior News
Several substitutions have just been processed. Please run your DARs to check.
Stop by and pick up your senior pictures by November 18.

Important Dates
November 20 – Last Day to Reschedule Final Exam
November 21 – Thanksgiving Break Begins
November 28 – Spring Add/Drop Opens
November 29 – Thanksgiving Break Ends
December 9 – Last Day to Withdraw … SEE ME FIRST

Team Work
In case you are wondering what it looks like...
(may require Facebook to view.)

Voice from the Past
What you learn in your sophomore year is foundation to the rest of your coursework, do not slack off. In addition, the work will get much more conceptual the further you go. Plug and chug will do you no favors. – MSE 2015 Graduate

Random
During the Second World War over 56,000 carrier pigeons were sent into action with some of them actually receiving medals of bravery.

Sandbox

My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Brick Wall

Do you ever feel like you are banging your head on a brick wall and nothing is improving?  This is exactly how I feel, trying and trying to help, banging my head on the brick wall but the situation will not change. But I have to try. I cannot give up. So I continue to bang my head in hopes that something will give.

I’ve decided that I cannot give up and my head hurts! I have to find a new approach. Dig in my heels, be stronger than the problem and find a new way to make it work. Because it just has to. Because head on hasn’t been working, I need to change my approach. Like the tight end on a football team, I’ve decided to take on problem from the ground up … tackle the problem from the bottom.  At least we won’t be bumping heads anymore!

Am I talking in code? No not really. I have a problem that keeps coming up and I keep taking care of it the same way I always have. And just like clockwork, it keeps coming back up. Maybe it’s time I stop taking care of it the same old way.

If you keep studying for tests the same old way and keep getting the same old grades maybe you should do what I’m doing … change your way of tackling the problem.

OPEN HOUSE
This Saturday the Foundry will host an Open House from 10-2. Be there!
Be there in long pants and close toed shoes.

Senior News
Proofs of your senior portraits are in. Please stop by my office to pick yours up.
Run your DARs.

MEPS NEWS
Nucor, is coming to campus on Nov 3rd and would like the chance to meet you! They are hosting a pizza info session at 8pm in MCB 113.
Please RSVP by Tuesday at 8am if you plan to come so they know how much pizza to buy.

Important Dates
November 7 – Foundry Open House
November 20 – Last Day to Reschedule Final Exam
November 21 – Thanksgiving Break Begins
November 28 – Spring Add/Drop Opens
November 29 – Thanksgiving Break Ends
December 9 – Last Day to Withdraw … SEE ME FIRST

Helpful Tools
Over the past weeks several of you have been commenting about the need for a study group in several classes. Ok, let’s make it happen. Please complete the simple survey if you are interested in a study group for a MSE related class.  https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1446496179990

Random
8% of people have an extra rib.

Words to Live By

Sandbox

My Schedule 
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Advice from a cough drop

As you know, I was down with the flu. I’m back and ready to take on the rest of the semester. We have 29 days till Reading Day. As the wrapper on my Halls cough drop read, “Put your game face on.”

The winner of the MSE Halloween Guessing Game will be announced tomorrow. So you still have a chance to submit your guess.

MEPS News
iMAPS
Are you interested in electronic materials and looking for possible networking opportunities? A student chapter of the International Micropackaging Assembly and Packaging Society is coming to Virginia Tech and looking for students to join!

On Friday November 6th at 3:00, iMAPS will be having a poster contest (with cash prizes) in conjunction with the weekly seminar in Mcbryde 113 and all MSE students are invited to attend. Mr. Benson Chan, a director of the society, will be there to judge the posters and to give a presentation on iMAPS, and Frank Kramer from Corning will give a talk on ultra thin glass sheets for IC packaging. Refreshments will also be served during the poster presentation.

If you are interested in participating in the poster contest or have any questions about iMAPS, please email enerd@vt.edu. We hope to see you there!

*FREE IMAPS MEMBERSHIPS ARE RUNNING OUT!!! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED SHOOT US AN EMAIL NOW!*

Resume Book
One professional opportunity we want everyone to know about is our Resume Book! We have been working very hard to build a resume book to send to companies a PDF of all of the students they are looking for. So far we have over 30 companies looking to hire you, so please give us your information & resume using the links below. If you run into any issues when submitting the resume book feel free to email jasmine7@vt.edu!

Form: https://docs.google.com/a/vt.edu/forms/d/1Q_yod-bghoYph7Ki0yKSfe-yQPndwvA-v2ACALVGGZo/viewform

Resume: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0rC5AS00BRPUUxXczZJVkluRXM

Senior News
Proofs of your senior portraits are in. Please stop by my office to pick yours up.
Run your DARs.

Important Dates
November 20 – Last Day to Reschedule Final Exam
November 21 – Thanksgiving Break Begins
November 28 – Spring Add/Drop Opens
November 29 – Thanksgiving Break Ends
December 9 – Last Day to Withdraw … SEE ME FIRST

Halloween Facts
http://paranormalpalace.org/more-fun-facts-about-halloween/
 
According to Irish legend, Jack O’Lanterns are named after a stingy man named Jack who, because he tricked the devil several times, was forbidden entrance into both heaven and hell. He was condemned to wander the Earth, waving his lantern to lead people away from their paths.

Halloween originated in Ireland over 2,000 years ago Ireland is typically believed to be the birthplace of Halloween. (My people gave you Halloween & St. Patty’s Day. This is why you love the Irish!) 

During the pre-Halloween celebration of Samhain, bonfires were lit to ensure the sun would return after the long, hard winter. Often Druid priests would throw the bones of cattle into the flames and, hence, “bone fire” became “bonfire.”

Dressing up as ghouls and other spooks originated from the ancient Celtic tradition of townspeople disguising themselves as demons and spirits. The Celts believed that disguising themselves this way would allow them to escape the notice of the real spirits wandering the streets during Samhain.

Random
Camel’s milk doesn’t curdle.

Ut Prosim
Corps of Cadets and Veterans@VT welcome all to next month's Veterans Day events

Sandbox



My Schedule 
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

7 - 0

How was your fall break? Mine was great. I got to drive 6 hours to PA; passing through stand still traffic in Roanoke for an hour, typical PA road construction all to see my nephew play football. It was so worth it – his team is 7-0. Oh, and you have to see this … VT football entrance has nothing on this team!

But it’s now Monday and we are back to classes. We are also back to course request. Fall course request is a required meeting time for everyone. So please schedule your meeting now.

I will hold after hour walk-in meetings on Wednesday (10/21) from 5 – 6:30. As always, first come first served and you must be signed in by 6:30.

Important Dates
October 19 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens – REQUIRED MEETING TIME
October 27 - Spring course request closes
November 20 – Last Day to Reschedule Final Exam
November 21 – Thanksgiving Break Begins
November 28 – Spring Add/Drop Opens
November 29 – Thanksgiving Break Ends

Helpful Tools
There are 39 class days left of this term. Let’s make them the best 39 days of the semester by attending both of these sessions offered by the Student Success Center.

Don’t Be A Pokie Hokie: Overcoming Procrastination
You try to get your work done, but there’s always a better time. All of a sudden it’s the night before your big test, or project, or paper and there’s not enough time to get it done! You stress out, stay up all night, and turn something in that you know is not your best work. If you’re tired of that routine, come learn how to use your free time more efficiently to get homework done before the final countdown. This workshop will include motivation techniques to get you started early, help to design a study/homework plan to avoid rushing at the last minute, and will debunk the idea that we work better under pressure.
October 23 or November from 12:30-1:30pm

Making it Through the Final Stretch
Are you stressed out over all the exams, papers, and group projects that will soon be taking up your time? Learn how to stay motivated, manage the stress, and find the time to do all of the things you need (plus some time for fun!). We will also review strategies for effective test taking.
November 13 from 1:00-2:00pm
November 17 from 4:30-5:30pm
November 30 from 12:30-1:30pm
December 1 from 3:30-4:30pm
December 3 from 4:30-5:30pm

Random
Lion King’s Pumbaa was the first Disney character to fart.

Words to Live By
“82d undertake not what you cannot perform but be carefull to keep your promise.” - George Washington, from his Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation. (82 of 110 rules)

Sandbox

 My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Checking Out

How was your weekend? My husband and I checked out over the weekend. Saturday we watched 3 movies & 2 episodes of Scandal. To top it off we got a large bucket of chicken and told the boys ‘here’s lunch and dinner.’ Parenting at its best! Don’t be afraid to check out and take care of yourself every once in a while.

So, if you haven’t realized, the spring time table is up for your viewing pleasure. Spring course request will be open from Tuesday, October 20 – Tuesday, October 27. You don’t have to be the first to request, but you won’t be last.
I have updated the available of appointments on my Scholar to accommodate required meetings for course request. Please schedule your meeting now; this is a required meeting time for all MSE undergrad students.

Senior News
Run your DARs before our course request meeting. 

Important Dates
October 16 - Fall Break
October 19 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens – REQUIRED MEETING TIME
October 27 - Spring course request closes

Helpful Tools
In the coming days we will be talking about the classes you plan to take. All good stuff. I will also ask you what you do for you … where is the balance in your day, your week, your life. Do you have balance? When was the last time you checked out?

These six tips will help you strike a better balance in life:

1. Make time for you. Realize that you’re important and valuable. Taking care of your happiness (and sanity) is an essential part of creating a balanced life. Even if for just two hours each week, put everyone else’s needs aside and focus on you!
2. Strive for a healthy lifestyle. Both exercise and a conscious diet are necessary in order to remain healthy and happy. Set aside 30-minutes each week to exercise. Your workout can be anything under the sun, as long as it keeps you active.
3. Leave work in the office. There’s a reason you have a work schedule: your employer is only willing to pay you for a specific amount of time each day. Do your family a favor and leave work at work. Avoid overworking yourself if there isn’t a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
4. Make time for love. Rekindle the romance by making thoughtful gestures. Bring home a candle in her favorite scent, send roses to the workplace, or maybe even hire a maid so your wife can spend more time doing the things she loves. Spend quality, uninterrupted time with your spouse.
5. Live within your means. If your finances are causing you stress, it’s time to reassess your budget. Make budget cuts in order to proactively work towards achieving your financial goals.
6. Socialize. Hanging out with friends allows you to unwind and have a few laughs. Make it a point to meet up with friends at least once each month. Go out to dinner or host a get together in your home.

Random
New Study Finds Out Why Men Won’t Ask For Directions

Words to Live By
Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value. - Albert Einstein

Sandbox  

My Schedule   
To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Cleansing Facebook

Recently I visited the Sr. Design Recitation class for a group advising meeting. During this meeting I told the class to clean up their Facebook because potential employers will be looking at it. As I think about it, everyone needs to clean up their Facebook page. 

Is there something on your page you wouldn’t show your grandmother? I can tell you what employers don’t want to see…

• 83% of employers say they are turned off by references about using illegal drugs.
• 71% are turned off by posts of a sexual nature. (Nobody wants to see that).
• 65% are turned off by use of profanity.
• 61% are turned off by bad spelling or grammar.
• 51% are turned off by references to guns, and
• 47% are turned off by photos of consuming alcohol.

Recent events have demonstrated that you can also lose your job based on things you post to Facebook and other social network sites. 

Today’s example is Geris Hilton. Mr. Hilton posted a picture of a coworkers son and his so-called friends posted racial comments about the little boy. As of now, Garis and two of his friends have lost their jobs because of the comments they posted. Years ago a woman posted pictures of her disrespectful behavior at Arlington Cemetery – she lost her job that day.
 
What you post of Facebook can prevent you for getting a co-op or job. It can also get you fired. Be mindful of who you are and how you represent yourself to the world. 

Ambassadors & VolunteersPlease be at 142 Randolph Hall by 5pm tomorrow to help with the Department Info Night. First 5 volunteers will receive a free MEPS tee-shirt.
 
Senior News
Pictures are this Thursday & Friday. Please check the Google Doc for your scheduled appointment.

Important Dates
October 16 - Fall Break
October 19 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens
October 27 - Spring course request closes

Helpful Tools
CareerShift  set of tools and applications provide a very unique opportunity to job-hunters. While other web services provide bits and pieces of the job hunt process, only CareerShift provides an easy-to-use approach for bringing all these parts together to crack the “hidden job market” and for managing the job hunt all in one place. With CareerShift, you can:
Search and store jobs from all the major job boards, company websites, newspapers and anywhere else a job is posted on the Internet.

Materials in the news
http://dangerousminds.net/comments/woman_ends_up_in_er_after_mixing_up_hair_mousse_with_builders_foam

Random
The Statue of Liberty weighs over 225 tons.

Words to Live By

Sandbox

My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Moving to Monday

Because readership of the Wednesday Blog has been on a decline we will return to the Monday Blog! If anything, I’m adaptable (or so I keep telling people!). I’m will be adding a few features that will rotate in – have to check back to see what is new each week.  

Thank you Thomas for my new art work. Still waiting on the other team members to contact me with their ideas.... group or individual art? You decide. 

MEPS News
Meeting Thursday night. 

Senior News
You must sign up for your senior portrait by this Friday, (10/2). Please see the email previously sent to you for the link to the Google Doc.

Word to the Wise  
(New section: these are suggestions from recent MSE graduates - all anonymous.)  


Don't cheat in Corcoran's class he will catch you. Don't cheat in other classes, you won't learn anything, and you will fail. - MSE Class of 2015

Important Dates
October 2 - Last day to drop a class (check with me first)
October 16 - Fall Break
October 109 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens
October 27 - Spring course request closes

Helpful Tools
5 Ways to Fall Asleep Faster
Poor sleep is nothing to yawn at—it takes a toll on everything from your job performance and sex life to overall health. Here, real ways to get the zzz’s you need.

1. Nix annoying noises: A snoring husband, that beeping delivery truck—whatever keeps you awake—tune it all out with a relaxing soundtrack. (Check iTunes for downloads of sleep-friendly sounds.) For comfort, try SleepPhones ($60), thin speakers inside a soft fleece headband; they’re especially nice for side-sleepers.
2. Prep your body: When you hit the sack, try this progressive relaxation technique, says Catherine Darley, ND, director of the Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine in Seattle. Curl your toes tightly for a count of seven, and then relax. Repeat through each muscle group, working up from your toes to your neck.
3. Take notes: Your daily routine affects how well you sleep. A sleep log can help you make those connections, says Stephanie Silberman, PhD, author of The Insomnia Workbook. Every day, record how much caffeine you drink, when and how much you exercise, what you eat, when you go to bed and wake up, and your total sleep time. Share the log with a sleep specialist.
4. Keep cool: People doze off easier and sleep better when the room temperature is on the cooler side, according to Silberman. Set your thermostat to around 65 degrees or lower. If perimenopausal night sweats or hot flashes make you kick off the covers, then try a cooling mattress pad, moisture-wicking sheets, or a pair of breathable cotton pajamas.
5. Relax right: Instead of mulling over the day’s events when you get in bed, try journaling about the big stuff at least two hours earlier, so your mind’s not racing when you turn in, Darley says. Right before bed, try a relaxing imagery exercise: Picture any tranquil scene, like a day at the beach. Over time, the new routine will help cue your brain to settle down.

Delicious Dish 
(2 points to those who know where I borrowed the section title from.)
This is one of the new revolving sections I mentioned. Today’s recipe is one of my favorite cookie recipes. I will gladly post your recipes here.

INSTANT JELLO PUDDING CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES     

• 2 1/4 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 c. softened butter
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 3/4 c. firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 pkg. (4 oz. serving) instant vanilla pudding
• 2 eggs
• 1 pkg. (12 oz.) chocolate chips

1. Combine butter, the sugars, vanilla and pudding mix in large bowl. Beat until creamy. 
2. Then beat in eggs, mix thoroughly.  
3. Gradually add flour, soda, then chips. Batter will be stiff. 
4. Drop teaspoonful, about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. 
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Pointers: If brown on top they are too done – they should look under cooked when coming out of the oven, just barley tannish. Rest on cookie sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to complete cooling. Cookies will be soft.  Makes 7 dozen. (Not enough.)

Random
September 27 is National Chocolate Milk Day

Aspire 

Sandbox

My Schedule 

Scheduled meeting times are available 9:30-11:30 & 1:30-4:30. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account. 

So Much To Do

Several important reminders today… 

First, we need your help with the MSE Department Info Night which will be on Wednesday, October 7. Complete this survey if you would like to help, indicate if you want to help with labs or something else, have suggestions or questions: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1442845403173
Ambassadors, unless you are attending MS&T is this a required participation event.

Ok, on to pesky things like required meetings. I hold these meetings with you to benefit you, to make sure you are on track, have all your questions answered, and are exploring all the wonderful possibilities that awaits you.  So, on with it… fill my calendar with meetings. As stated in a previous blog…
Seniors – I will come to your recitation class, so sit tight.
Juniors  you must schedule your first meeting with me by September 30.
Sophomores – now that I’ve come to your Professional Development class please schedule your meeting with me ASAP.

Many of you have come and enjoyed the MSE Advising Space. We want you to use the space; studying, meeting with me or Kim, group stuff… ect. As previously stated, please continue to be quiet and respectful of the others. I must also remind you that your mother isn’t here to clean up after you. (yes, I went there) Over the past two weeks the staff has been clean up after you guys – picking up your trash (receipts, candy wrappers, trash…) and pushing in the chairs. OMGosh … for my sanity, please push your chairs in when you leave. Again, we want you to use this space, but you have to be respectful of it.

MEPS News
Will have our October Meeting October 1st at 6PM! Location TBA.
Good luck to the 5 Mug Drop Teams, 2 Disk Golf and  2 Domes heading to MS&T next month.

Senior News
You were sent the link to sign up for the senior pictures that will be taken on October 8 & 9. Please sign up by Friday, October 2. (drop a class, add a picture!)

Important Dates
October 2 - Last day to drop a class (check with me first)
October 16 - Fall Break
October 109 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens
October 27 - Spring course request closes

Helpful Tools
Effective Teams have….

• A meaningful common purpose; a shared vision
• Specific performance goals
• A balance of complementary skills and roles
• Trust, and a safe environment where conflict can be productive
• A strong commitment to how work gets done
• Mutual accountability

Random
The movie Wayne’s World was filmed in two weeks.

Ut Prosim

Sandbox

My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 10-11:45 & 1:30-415. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.

Be The Duck or Darth Princess

As everyone knows we moved from Collegiate Square to Randolph a few months ago. The move has been successful except for my computer; which protested by refusing to cooperate. Just yesterday the demons were removed and it was asked nicely to please play with others. So far, so good. The reason I'm sharing this is because I may not have all my files and the swipe card wasn't working prior to now. Deep breath, and cross your fingers are we move forward.

I have been asked to share this scholarship opportunity with everyone: Ellwood Group, http://news.ellwoodgroup.com/2015/09/ If you have any questions, please contact Sean Cowden (csean93@vt.edu).

This will be posted on the MSE Opportunities Blog ... link on the left ... if you haven't already, you should visit this blog. It is a 'follow me' only blog. I do not send reminders when I post job, internship or scholarship announcements to it. So the only way to get these announcements is to follow the blog.

Senior News

Run your DARs
Look for the Sr Picture sign up info soon. Dates of Sr Pictures will be on October 8 & 9.


Important Dates
October 2 - Last day to drop a class (check with me first)
October 16 - Fall Break
October 109 - Last day to resign
October 20 - Spring course request opens
October 27 - Spring course request closes


Helpful Tools
Looking for helpful tips I found this site which is good of interesting tips.
http://removeandreplace.com/2013/06/01/50-useful-tips-and-tricks-for-making-everyday-life-easier/

The only thing I will say is that if you do finish a tube of chap stick before loosing it you deserve an award!

Random 

An Octopus pupil is rectangular.


Ut Prosim    

Be the Duck

Sandbox 

My Schedule   
Scheduled meeting times are available 10-11:45 & 1:30-415. To schedule a meeting please log into your Scholar account.