ouch

Tonight I was walking across campus after picking up yet another stack of papers and such from my mailbox over in Student Life. I ran into two international students along the way that were visiting. One is a new resident of my building, so I stopped to see how his first day on campus and in the US was. We chatted a bit and his new acquaintance - another student from him home country - chimed into the conversation. He commented how he had worked here this summer and had cleaned my residence halls. He said that he thought that I should have cleaned them because I am so fat and I could have burned some of that fat off while cleaning. I stood there with eyes wide and I'm sure my mouth dropped for at least a few seconds. I gained my composure and laughed it off saying that I had other work to do during the summers. Then I wished them a good evening and headed back to my apartment.

As I walked across campus I warred inside my mind about whether I could be offended or hurt, or if I just had to let it roll off my back. After a quick call to a friend, I knew that I had to let it roll off my back. I'm sure it was an appropriate comment where he is from and that he didn't intentionally mean to hurt my feelings...at least I hope that's the case!

The joys/sorrows of interacting with those from different cultures. Should I have told him it was an offensive comment? Did I do the right thing by laughing it off? Is it better for him to not be embarrassed by knowing that he insulted me or is it better to let him know so that he doesn't make comments like that to others? Or do I just let it roll off my back and expect that others should do the same? I don't know what the right thing to do in that situation is.

RA training is over.

RA training is over and the first years move in tomorrow! It's an exciting time of year around here. I'm never sure which day of school I like the most...the first or the last. Both bring their own joys and change of pace.

I am very excited about the staff that I am working with this year. They seem to be excited about the job and ready to do it. The men bring a lot of maturity (2 are juniors -one took a year off before coming to college, so he's actually the age of a senior) to the team. They are able to see the big picture of their actions and how it affects those around them. The women are a good crew also - having lots of excitement about the role and what they will be doing with their floors this year. I think that we will work well together. It might be the perfect group to end my career as an RD with...we'll see! I make no promises about the future. :)

I told my boss today that I think this is the best RA training that I have been a part of. We started out with an overnight retreat at Merry Lea, which was AWESOME...a great time to get away from technology and just be together - casting vision, playing together, and eating good food. We were busy everyday, but had time to do some personal stuff in the midst of it all. I remember the first several years (every year if I'm totally honest) that I would break down in tears - usually in the middle of the student life office because I hadn't had any time to take care of myself. This year I had time for taking care of myself...heck I even dyed my hair last night and am going out for dinner with the Rissers tonight! So, I've been going strong for 10 days so far and no tears! yipeee!

Well, I need to go do something with my hair before I head out for dinner with the gals. bye!

I did something today that I have never done before.

Today was my last day of freedom before the school year starts. I should have spent the afternoon with my head buried in a book for school, but instead I went to an afternoon movie...alone! I have been wanting to see "No Reservations" starring Catherine Zeta Jones and saw that there was a matinee showing today at Linway Cinema, so I went....by myself. It was a little weird in that I couldn't whisper to someone when I had a thought about the movie, but other than that it was no big deal. It was actually pretty fun!

I am slowly getting used to doing social things like that alone. It's not my favorite thing to do and I doubt I would ever go to a evening showing (esp on the weekend) alone, but for a matinee I didn't feel like too much of a freak!

BTW -I'd give the movie a 7 or so. It was good, but not great. :)

Too cute!

I found a website with photos of cats on it.

Isn't the face on this kitten just too cute?

It's almost time

Wow! Where did the summer go?! The school year is quickly approaching and I can hardly believe it's been almost 3 months since the students left. It was a good summer. Not the best ever, but good none the less. I got to travel a bit, work with some fun folks, and rest up for the upcoming onslaught of busyness.

I'm having a few last hurrahs with friends before I disappear into the world of GC for the next 10 days or so. I'm getting together with a friend who is visiting from Minnesota this afternoon and then will go out with the Rissers and Rebecca this evening. Tomorrow evening I am spending some time with Mom.

I have faculty retreat on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. I have mixed feelings about it as usual. I am always eager for the opportunity to connect with others after a summer of everyone off doing their own thing. There is a buzz of energy and excitement that I really enjoy. It gets a little long and heavy on the academic side of things, but will be more fun this year since Deanna is coming for the first time!

On Friday my staff arrives. I am very excited about this. I enjoy working with them so much! I'm eager to get to know them all better and to see them grow in this role! We are going up to Brunks for the weekend to do a retreat. It should be a good time - relaxing, fun, and full of laughter!

I'll try to post again soon.