Thank you speech - Graduation 2012

Today is December 12, 2012, and I am graduating from Valencia College in Orlando, FL with my Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. Despite already having a Bachelor's degree, I wanted to go back to school, to pursue what I thought, at the time, was "my bliss."  I learned so much along the way and worked so hard. My commute to and from school was an hour both ways, three times a week after work. Now it is done. There are many people to thank that helped me along my way.

First,my family and friends. You all were my support network. No dolphin can swim without their pod, so it was very good to have one that was always there. I was absent for so many things, and had to sacrifice so much time to pursue this degree. I am just glad that no one thought any less of me during my self-loathing stressful moments.


Second, my employer who has always been generous with providing me a flexible work schedule.  Also having the benefit of tuition reimbursement and a strong support network in my office, always encouraging me to do more. My co-workers have been my idea boards and my stress-relief.

Next, my car. Oh Nissan Sentra, you have shuttled me back and forth to school and work, then back again, without fail. We've traveled over 30,000 miles in the past two years. You've been my shelter - providing my a safe place to sleep, to wait, and to study. My kitchen, my closet, and at times, my dumpster. We nearly died a couple of times on I-4, but you never gave up until we got home safe.

My teachers and mentors. I didn't realize what a strong network I had until these past few weeks, with my mid-mid life crisis. I've learned so much and am humbled with the knowledge and guidance bestowed upon me. I have grown in maturity and professionally.

Katie Lewis - We started this crazy journey together, literally driving around East Orlando, because of a Yahoo article that we read. I am glad that we can help each other and motivate each other.

Finally, my classmates. We have been through this together, it was hard. Even going to BU, I was so sheltered from the struggles that real people faced. I've learned a lot from you all and hope that today's class is not the end of some of our friendships.

So, thank you all for your support. I feel like I accomplished a lot. While I do not know where my path will lead next, it is safe to say, that I would never be anywhere or move forward without all of you.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom: Clever Operations

Facts: Walt Disney fans love to collect things. People like free things. The Magic Kingdom tries to reinvent itself frequently. Disney is always at the forefront of technology.

Given all these facts it is no wonder that Disney created this card game. It's a mix between the old Kim Possible (from Epcot) meets Pokemon. Guests wishing to play sign up for Free at the Firestation upon entering the Magic Kingdom. You're given a Key Card and a set of five playing cards per person. After a brief introduction you are sent on your way.

The Plot:  Disney's villains are doing something bad in the Magic Kingdom. It is your job as the sorcerer to use your magic cards to stop them.

Once you begin you are sent on your way to find your first Portal. The Portals are located in each of the Magic Kingdom lands, except for Tomorrowland. The technology is quite fascinating. The key activates the Portal, either by QR code, touch, or magic. You watch the screen for the plot and are prompted to use the cards. Then you are sent on your way to the next location. Overall the game take hours to play.

From an operations standpoint, it is an interesting way to manipulate crowds. I'm sure it's not manipulating too many people, but since there are so many combinations and locations, the game can move people to less crowded areas. I found myself running from one side of an area, all the way back to another. My feet hurt.

When you add the Disney factor to anything, you have die hard people. I found a lot of them today. People who "professionally" play this game. We saw people with binders of cards, traveling alone, just playing. There are unofficial trading locations where people gather to trade cards. There's even an underground economy, where people buy these cards on eBay. Right now, the highest price card on eBay is going for $999.99. So, apparently, it's a big thing.

John and I felt like n00bs using the map to find the Portal locations. A number of times, people just told us where to go to get us out of the way. Despite playing for five hours straight, we did not finish the game. I cannot say that I am "hooked," it's not my thing, but I will definitely go back and play this again. It's good for kids to keep them occupied, but I would not pay full priced admission to run around the park all day.

Interesting concept. Fascinating subculture. Only in Orlando.

Orlando Science Center: The Crosby Observatory

John and I decided to have a date night and visit the Orlando Science Center's Crosby Observatory for SkyWatch.

I never been to an observatory in Florida, but spend a lot of time staring at the sky when walking the pup at night. Being an Aquarius, I also have a natural fascination with the stars.

As a former OSC volunteer, I love the dedication to education the science center offers. The observatory is on the sixth floor and features a powerful, 10-inch lens refractor telescope.

Upon exiting the elevator, guests encounter a board with the rising and setting times of each of the planets and the moon. Planets come into view at night depending upon the season. Tonight, we were scheduled to see Jupiter. We were immediately greeted by a very knowledgeable OSC volunteer. (I regret not remembering his name). He took us up a spiral staircase to view the telescope. After a brief introduction, he pointed out a bright spot in the sky. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and is one of the brightest objects in the sky right now.  We peered through the lens and saw Jupiter with its red and white lines very clear. We also saw four of its moons lined perfectly. We had a very in depth conversation with the OSC volunteer. You can definitely tell how passionate he is about space.

Next we went out to the patio. Not only does it have an amazing view of Downtown Orlando's skyline, but more OSC volunteers set up smaller telescopes for additional viewing. Unfortunately, a thick set of clouds rolled in and we had to cut our trip short. I definitely want to return in the Spring to see Saturn.

I highly recommend SkyWatch to astronomy enthusiasts. It makes a great date night location and also gets points for being highly educational. Admission included access to the rest of the Science Center too. 

SkyWatch occurs on Fridays and Saturdays on the first and third weekend of the month. Weather permitting. The cost of admission after 5:00 PM is $23 for adults and $16 for youth (ages 3-11). Student discounts available. 

Sweetwater Car Wash Baby DJ Marketing Plan

 
Goal: To gain 100 toy donations for Baby DJ toy drive from December 8 through December 20, 2012.

Materials Needed: Two large boxes, signs, wrapping paper.

Cost: 2-4 hours of labor. No monetary costs unless there is a need to supplement the lack of participation. 

Action Plan: Contact charity to receive logo collateral and details.  Place one box at each car wash location within the secured waiting room. The boxes will be marked with signs and decorated with wrapping paper. Printed signs posted in public locations. Gain publicity by updating with Facebook  and other engagement opportunities. Deliver toys on December 20th or December 21st to the warehouse location.

Challenges: Limited time frame. Saturated market in Ocoee. 

Catching 2012. Moving to 2013.

It's totally true, the older you get, the faster time flies. I did not do a blog of my 2012 New Year's resolution, but I can say that I met a lot of my goals and learned many valuable lessons. I set the bar high in 2012, and I think I met my expectations. Here's some awesome news: 

• Graduating next week with my A.S. in Paralegal Studies. Oh and I'm bragging that I won the Lambda Epilson Chi for highest academic record. AKA 3.99 GPA. Normally, I would not toot my own horn, but I worked so hard. I slept in my car, I never missed a day of class, I worked two jobs, I paid my way out of pocket without financial assistance. I did what I needed to do, and settled for nothing less. I did this because I know what happens when you don't give 100% percent. My first degree was given to me, this degree I earned.
• I took the LSAT and got a 149. I blogged a lot about my struggles and what I needed to do to get where I thought I wanted to go. When I took the LSAT with almost a year of preparation, I knew going in that I was not where I wanted to be. I received a 149, which is better than I anticipated. By the time I received the score my priorities changed. I need to find out what makes me happy.
• I also think I grew up a lot. I received a lot of helpful feedback and took advantage of the amazing network of people that I have around me. I've always said that each person needs someone to invest in them. I found a bunch of great people. I hope to give back, someday to. 

With that I'd like to unveil by 2013 goals:

• Back to basics: Find out what makes me happy and do whatever it is. I do not want to think anymore, why him or her and not me? This past year proved, that I can do anything I want, if I allow myself to enjoy and be brave. I need to figure out what I want, in order to move forward. 
• As always, read more. 2012 was sidetracked by practicing for the LSAT. I managed to read 12 books, but mind you the Game of Thrones series is ridiculously long. 
• Gain more experience in Social Media/Marketing. This is beginning of my next master plan. More details to follow. 
• Write more fiction. I started the first chapter of my book. I realized how lame it was so I stopped. But since the characters are still in my head, I should just finish it. 
• Take better care of myself. I'd like to actually use conditioner on my hair. Sleep more. Eat better. Exercise more. The better I feel about myself, the easier things will get. 
• Balance. I need better balance in my life. Less crazy person, more normal person. Look out for the mature, graceful, calm, less excitable, refined Kim. Not that I was not any of these things before, but I need the best in me to actually come out when it's time. (This will be a challenge in my current workplace that almost encourages this behavior.)
• Be nicer to Johnny.
• Motto: Inspire others by leading in a positive manner.

Kim's 2012 Christmas List

Every year, people buy me things with lots of dolphins. I have lots of dolphins. I have a whole room full of dolphins. While, I love dolphins, I also need other things to help me function. Here are a few items I'd like for Christmas (in case anyone was wondering):

1. Andrew Lloyd Webber: Love Never Dies (Revised Version) - Sheet music for Piano/Voice - $26.99
http://www.musicroom.com/se/id_no/01061916/details.html
-This version is different than the ones on Amazon. I prefer the revised edition.

2. Gaynor Minden convertible ballet tights - Adult Medium/Light Pink - $12.35
http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_GM301.html?pid=9231&Shop=Brand&SID=400668415

3. Barnes and Noble Gift Card

3. Since, I think I'm taking the LSAT again. I need some more material. Here are some books that I would need.
http://amzn.com/w/2BQCPZ6LDF4Q2

 4. I love ModCloth.com. They have such cute clothing, but alas too expensive.
http://www.modcloth.com/store/modcloth/gift-certificate

5. Massages are great so Johnny doesn't have to de-stress me.
http://www.massageenvy.com

I'm back! - 2 month recap

I'm back and I'm alive. My past two months have been spent drilling for the LSAT and working my butt off. Some said it couldn't be done, studying for such a test and having a full-time job. Excuse me for tooting my own horn, but I not only had a 40-hour a week job, I also got a part-time job (8 hours), started ballet (1.5 hours), and continued going to school (6 hours). There is only 168 hours in a week. Now of course, I do not know my score, but I'm just proud that I made it this far. I managed to overcome a mountain. Today was the first day that I slept over 8 hours. I can't explain why I put myself  through such metal torture, but I did.

I can say that I have the best friends and family. I don't think that I would be able to do half the stuff I do without their support. I received such well wishes and a lovely card from my co-workers, who I'm sure are eager for me to be less grumpy. My parents finally figured out what was going on and clicked into the positive encouragement field. At my other job, they truly were able to sympathize and give me good pointers. Even random people on twitter were encouraging. So with this ocean of support, I did my best. I blanked out for a good 7-minutes, which I did not prepare for. I hope that I did well, but I won't know until Halloween. So trick or treat! I can't decide whether or not I'd take the test in December. I'm also praying that of the two logic games sections that were in my test, that the second was the graded and the first was the experimental, though I'm pretty sure it's the opposite.

Once the score comes back, then I will decide the rest. Take it again in December? Can I do it again for real. Wait and take it in February? Be happy and apply for law school? Or forget the whole thing? It's a lot of questions and a few big decisions.

For now, I'm enjoying my week off and doing things that I want to do - sleep, read, eat.