Thu 28 Aug 2008
Whatever you are doing, take a moment to pause for this historic week. For the first time in American history, a man of African descent has been awarded the Democratic nomination. I’ve been watching the speeches all week. Michelle is so inspirational. Hillary simply rocked and Joe Biden was real. Tonight, Miss is coming over with pizza to watch Obama’s speech. It’s pretty awesome to see history in the making. I trust that Obama has good intentions and will impress us all.
Wed 20 Aug 2008
Thu 14 Aug 2008
Tonight, I gave a presentation to the College’s Board of Trustees about Student Life. I shared my annual report from the previous school year and talked about what I thought was the backbone to making ASB so successful at Napa Valley College. One of the board members asked me what was one or two things I have learned while being in this job for the last 6 years. I answered with “I learned that I am a great leader and I know how to build teams. In the future, I think I would make a great Vice President of Student Services. . .”
As I was driving home, I thought about what I said. Did I step out too far? Was I too honest? Is that what I really want to do or did I say that because I felt confidence and powerful in my outfit? But then I read something in this month’s Oprah Magazine about how there are many us out there who constantly keep looking for more. That for some crazy reason what we have already achieved is not enough. The author called this behavior as “Self-Deprecator” The author recommended self-deprecators to write down “100 things you’ve accomplished that are valuable to you. Not anyone else. Just you”
For today, how about 10
1. Confronting a co-worker who was frustrated with me
2. Calling my parents every week
3. Have a strong relationship with my sister
4. Making time to be with my husband
5. Being there for my students when they needed me the most
6. Taking care of my health
7. Taking care of my car, and paying the bills on time
8. Staying in touch with friends
9. Starting and finishing my education
10. Co-Creating NVC Day at Napa Valley College
There are lots I want to do in my life time. But for my life right now, it feels great to WANT to do something more than feeling I NEED to do something more. I want to focus on owning a home and starting a family.
I know that if I wanted to go after the job of Vice President of Student Services some day, I would be pretty good at.
Sun 10 Aug 2008
The summer games are officially here and so is China. Wow, the opening ceremony blew me away. I loved learning about the history of China and how harmony became a huge part of their culture and survival. Bravo. However, it also reminded Matthias and I that we better start learning some Chinese if we’re going to keep up with China. Did you see the number of drummers? Wow!
Wed 6 Aug 2008
We’ve h4x0red ur blog, Victoria!
Fri 1 Aug 2008
Now that I have finished my masters, I feel like the world is an open door. However, I keep asking myself when will be the right time to use it and the right door to walk through? Should I use it towards a new job or let it come out naturally in my life right now? Yesterday morning, I was reading from a daily devotional book, that my good friend Jenn recommended to me, and I found this particular reading answering my question. I wanted to share it you.
“When you are unsure which course to take, totally submit your own judgment to that of the Spirit of God, asking him to shut every door except the right one. But meanwhile keep moving ahead and consider the absence of a direct indication from God to be the evidence of His will that you are on His path. And as you continue down the long road, you will find that He has gone before you, locking doors you otherwise would have been inclined to enter. Yet you can be sure that somewhere beyond the locked doors it one He has left unlocked. And when you open it and walk through, you will find yourself face to face with a turn in the river of opportunity–one that is broader and deeper than anything you ever dared to imagine, even in your wildest dreams. So set sail on it, because it flows to the open sea.”
–Horace Bushnell, July 31 in “Streams in the Desert – 366 Daily Devotional Readings”
Sun 27 Jul 2008
Here I am pitting for my Dad as he races at the NCK Karting Nationals in Portland, Oregon. My Aunt Marie, and Cuzs Ryan, Danielle and Serge, who live outside of Portland, joined us and are now officially hooked on racing.
Sun 27 Jul 2008
Last week, Marta and I restarted our yearly trips by making a trip to New York City. We visited our good friend Kristina, who turned us into Subway rats. I am no longer afraid of New York Subways. Highlights from the trip included walking the Brooklyn Bridge, finding the arch where Sally dropped off Harry in “When Harry Met Sally”, speeding through the MET art museum, and relaxing in Central Park. Here are photos of some New York Sites.
Sat 26 Jul 2008
Here is a fun photo from Point Reyes CA.
Sun 13 Jul 2008