Friday, February 23, 2007

friday


It's finally Friday. I fell asleep in a meeting yesterday (awesome, I know). So last night I went to bed at like 10. I'm freaking exhausted. I know it's the commute and learning everything about a new job. Tomorrow I'm going to sleep in. But the job is going well, I feel like I'm learning a lot (and hopefully enough to do this job on my own when the other girl leaves). Luckily I've got another whole week with this girl for more training.


What I have to really learn is how to get around this building. It's so confusing and every hallway looks exactly the same. AND there are something like 7 half-floors. Not 7.5 floors, I really mean, like, 7 half-floors. I can go from the security entrance to my office and to the bathroom, but that's about it. I still haven't figured out how to get to the break room or the cafe. Luckily there's a fridge close by that I can use. My boss Susan suggested I get myself lost (not difficult), so I might do that after Erin's gone. We'll see.


Alright, time to work!
P.S. Grey's was awesome but I'm honestly a little bummed that Meredith lived. I would have liked to see how they would continue the show without her.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

day one


I know you want an update!

It went well. I'm exhausted. The commute is about an hour an 20 minutes. Boo. Everyone was extremely nice but I do have to admit it looks like a lot of extra hours I hadn't anticipated. But if the girl about to leave (whose job I'm taking over) absolutely loves it and has been there for 5 years, and everyone else I've talked to that works there loves it and everyone seems to get along and are about the same age and seem really nice, I'm sure the extra hours will be worth it.

I'd better see lots of concerts, though! =)

It wasn't too overwhelming, just as overwhelming as any first day at a job is, where you know absolutely nothing and have to learn everything. I'm really lucky (and glad) this girl is there to train me for a week and a half before I leave. I just hope I'll be able to stay afloat with the workload while still learning how everything goes. And hopefully it will take less than 8 months-1 year to feel comfortable with the job and be able to answer the phone with confidence. =)

Saturday, February 17, 2007

surprise!


Last night Chris and I went to B. B. King's to see this guy, Damien Horne, perform. It was a great show. The chick after Damien, however, had Dolly Parton sized you-know-whats, and had scary red hair and a really nasally voice.

After that Chris surprised me and took me to The Melting Pot, my favorite restaurant EVER. When the hostess seated us, there was even a long stemmed red rose waiting for me! I hadn't been to The Melting Pot in a couple years or so and the food is always amazing. Chris had never been before and he really liked it too.

It was such an awesome night (in spite of the scary red-haired singer)!

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

facebook album of the move

here

welcome home


So I'm here in Tennessee. Yay! The move went well, the drive went well, no problems. The weather was great. We stopped in Harrisonburg and thought we'd be there for like an hour. I'm pretty sure we were there a few hours. It was really good, I know we're both glad we spent some time there.

We had lunch at Dave's Express. Mmmmmm, souvlaki!

We stopped for dinner at a Craker Barrel and it was delicious.

Also, it was our one-year anniversary the day I moved. How cool is that?! It was a great anniversary. =)

Everything's gone well since I've been here. We're going to try out the commute tomorrow morning and meet with a potential roommate. Don't get me wrong, I love Katie's house and Katie and Colleen are awesome girls, but it'd be nice to be a little closer to work.

Now it's time to go grocery shopping. Woo!

Thursday, February 8, 2007

music people rock


I was emailed this from one of our music association people that know I'm leaving...

Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell on the arts
Sunday's (2/4) Nashville Tennesssean includes a commentary by Mayor Bill Purcell. Purcell writes: "The arts speak to the soul of a city. Here in Nashville we know that, and we have known it for the past 200 years ... It is essential, however, for government to help make sure that this reputation flourishes and expands so that the arts can continue to play a central role in the life of our city ... Over past seven-and-a-half years, the Metro Nashville Arts Commission's grants budget has been increased by almost 50 percent ... With the cooperation of the council, Metro has been able to provide substantial support for the Schermerhorn Center, as well as planning dollars for the long-awaited Museum of African-American Music, Art and Culture ... It is vital for us to remember that it takes vigilance to make a city's cultural life prosper. It takes funding, of course, but it also takes an unswerving conviction that the arts are not merely a frill or an afterthought. They are a treasure. They are part of what makes our city great."

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

the national office


I feel the need to make a quick post because I can copy/paste these kind words.

One of the best things about this job with NASM/NASAD/NAST/NASD is the people I get to work with. Especially the Associations' "big wigs." They're the directors of schools, deans, and presidents of colleges and universities. They're a million times busier and smarter than I am. Yet they still check up on me to find out which new car I bought and do I love it. I sent them an email to let them know I'm leaving and gave the contact of the incoming Accreditation Coordinator. And I've gotten so many kind farewells and good-lucks and well-wishes. My cup overflows.

"You are terrific! Where are you going next? I wish all good things as you take on your next adventure."

"I wish you the best, you have always been such a great colleague! I'll send you my new LSO disc when it is released on Naxos next year. Marin Alsop has scheduled the premiere of one of the works at Cabrillo this summer. Let's keep in touch, OK?"

"Please know that you will be missed."

"Congrats to you Adrienne, how exciting!
GOOD LUCK TO YOU.. THEY ARE LUCKY TO HAVE YOU."

"Ohhhhh, we'll miss you!"

"It has been great knowing you, and I hope that you have the really great life you deserve!"

"Where are you going?!"

"Yo, Adrienne! I'm going to miss being able to do that, and miss visiting with you in Reston. You are a charming dinner companion.

My very best to you in your future pursuits."

Monday, February 5, 2007

marine corps museum


I went with my parents to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico on Saturday. They have Phase 1 finished and will do Phase 2 after the "current era" is over around 2010. It's a bit of a drive but it's free. And amazing. I mean AMAZING. Each section has its own walk-through area (like you can go through the boot camp section, or World II section, or Vietnam, etc.). Each era also has its own experience-it-yourself thing. Like Boot Camp has a thing you can step inside to get yelled at by a drill instructor. There's also a general 10-15 minute movie about the Marine Corps.

My parents' church had an interim pastor for a year a few years ago and he was one of the directors. He gave us a general tour then sent us on our way to look at whatever we wanted to.

I was on the verge of tears the ENTIRE time. Even though my dad was in the Navy I felt like I could understand him a little better. And since I'd previously made an eye dr. appointment in Sterling before my parents invited me to go with them, we couldn't stay more than a couple hours. I could have spent at least 2 full days there. Joe (our past interim pastor) said there are 3 types of people that go through: the streakers, the strollers, and the students. The streakers go through the main corridor that has the general information and timeline and artifact type stuff and might go through one era and they will spend a couple hours at the museum. The strollers spend some time in a few eras and do some of the interactive stuff and will spend half a day or so there. The students will spend two full days and still feel like they didn't learn everything. So I'm the student.

We went through some of the boot camp section and I went inside the "female drill instructor" dome/room thing. Freaky! It's all in surround sound and it sounds like the instructor is walking back and forth behind you and yelling at you.

We also went through the Vietnam section. The interactive thing was that you walked through the back of an H-46 and that's the type of helicopter my dad flew. So he showed me a bunch of the buttons and cords and hoses as we walked through. When you walk through, it's warmer and there's wind from the helicopter rotors. They have guys wounded, a guy dead under a tarp, gunfire sounds and lights, and real sandbags. Real Marines modeled for all the mannequins so everything looks real. Joe told us everything is historically correct and with the correct ambiance to show people what it was really like for the marines but not gory enough to give kids nightmares or veterans flashbacks. Dad seemed to do well and he really liked talking about everything, and pointing out people on the wall of honor that he knew or fought alongside (again, even though he was in the Navy).

I highly recommend everyone check the place out. FREE ADMISSION. FREE AUDIO TOURS. It's definitely 100% a must-see for anyone who has or had relatives or close friends in the military regardless of whether they were in the Marine Corps or any other branch.

super bowl bash

I fell asleep during the 4th quarter. I'm such a party girl.

Mom walked me through the house making sure that I get everything I want. She even offered furniture. I'm not quite sure she understands this is when I'm trying to downsize the amount I have to pack, not add stuff.

I ordered new glasses yesterday at Costco and am VERY excited to get them. Of course, Mom will pick them up and mail them to me then I'll have to get them fitted because, of course, one of my ears is higher on my head than the other.

Really, I don't have any more exciting news. I met up with Amanda, my little sister (sorority) for lunch on Sunday and had a great time.

How often are you supposed to change your car battery??