Monday, September 28, 2015

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. 

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

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.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

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    

Sandbox 

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