M.S.E.L. Students Blog

So, I had bad computer karma all week..  First, my cable modem was installed on Wednesday, but I couldn’t get the wireless broadband router to work. For whatever reason, my laptop wouldn’t recognize the router.  I was so frustrated.  My bad karma continued on Thursday and into Friday and I bought “Drive Scrubber” software, which I planned to use on my old desktop computer.  Today (Saturday), the City of Lansing had a computer/electronics recycling day.  So, I wanted to get my old computer and Lisa’s old computer wiped clean.  Well, turns out that the software package requires a floppy drive – my computer doesn’t have a floppy drive.  So, I tried it on Lisa’s old machine, which has a floppy drive.  Everything seemed to work, until I had to reboot the machine with the newly created bootable diskette in the a:/ drive.  Well, for whatever reason, the software wouldn’t recognize the DOS command that I typed, even though I typed it exactly as written on the screen!  GRRRRR!!  In the end, I spent $60 on software that I did not help my wipe the hard drives on these two computers.  Oh, and no, the computers didn’t get recycled.  They are in my basement, until next year’s event.  But, I’m happy to report that the router now works.  Just for kicks, I tried running the set-up CD again this morning, following all the same steps as I had tried each of the last 3 days.  And it worked. Go figure.. My only remaining computer issue is trying to figure out a way to add my wireless printer to my wireless network, so I don’t have to go offline each time I need to print. 

Well, my career is off and running at the Delta Institute.  On Monday, I’m off to Chicago for a Tuesday staff meeting at the main office.  I also have to begin making my networking and client calls next week.  I only have until January to create a secure network of projects.  Not alot of time to sit and strategize.  Delta is run very much like a law office.  For starters, I have to bill my hours to various projects, with 95% of my time spent on projects.  I also have to keep detailed records of my travels.  Delta is a carbon neutral organization, offsettin all the GHG emissions generated by their employees.  Thus, I have to account for my travel, so the organization can determine it’s carbon footprint.  As you can see, Delta is a very progressive organization, as you would expect from an organization that prides itself on finding entreprenuerial solutions to environmental problems. 

Alright, I’m going to head back downstairs on watch more football. My alma mater lost again..  Of course, I’m not surprised.  Michigan State football has disappointed my for years..  I don’t know why I thought this year would be any different. 

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Fall is officially here and classes are in full swing. I have come to the realization that I will be legally blind in 4 years with all this reading. Where do I get 4 years from you ask? I want to do the JD program next year. My husband swears it isn’t possible to read all day, but I have found that it is. I feel that all I do is read. Even my kitties are frustrated with all my reading. When I am home, I am reading instead of loving on them. They have started climbing on top of my text books and my laptop to try and get my attention. It is pitiful. Good thing I am interested in what I am reading. I have come to the realization that I need to manage my time better and make sure that I am doing activities for me that are not in any way related to school. I have decided that I need a scheduled activity so I can’t put off “me time” for later. I am going to start taking yoga on Tuesday mornings from 7-8:30 in Tunbridge. Hopefully yoga will teach me how to breathe and relax. I feel like school has thrown me out of balance so I hope that yoga will teach me how to center myself. I have also realized that it is essential to take your vitamins and eat well everyday. Law students are so busy that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. Food is essential to nourish our minds so we can think. Cold season (and I am not talking about the temperature) has also arrived. Vitamins can do wonders for your immune system. I try to remember to take a multi plus extra C, B, and Zinc every day. I cannot afford to get sick and miss class. I am going to go and grab lunch now so I can nourish my body. It is sushi day at the Co-op! Later.

Well, it’s my first day on the job for the Delta Institute.  Actually, I’m not officially hired yet, since I haven’t signed any paperwork – that happens tommorrow when the Exec. Director comes to Lansing for a meeting.  Regardless, I’ve been plugging away at my new job.  I met with the outgoing contractor who began the p2e2 pipeline to get his contacts and leads.  Turns out, he’s booked several presentations for me already, beginning on October 10th, in Ann Arbor.  Then, 2 weeks later, I’ll be presenting to a business group in Kalamazoo.  Wow.. Not much of a learning period.  Looks like I’ll have to learn everything really quickly.  Thankfully, I have some experience with this sort of accelerated learning schedule – the MSEL program! 

Anyway, I went over to OfficeMax today to buy some vital office supplies – planner, folders, cable modem, wireless router, etc..  All the cool stuff!  Actually, the cable modem is for my house, but I figure I’ll need it, since I’ll probably be working long hours every day.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t get installed until Wednesday..  In the mean time, I’m working for Lisa’s house, since she has wireless internet.  I was hoping to acquire office space this week, but it doesn’t seem likely right now.  The good folks at Dykema haven’t provided cost information yet. 

My job looks to be very interesting, although there are six distinct projects that I’ll be working on, including a DNR grant.  At this point, I’m not sure how much time I’m expected to spend on each task.  Although, it seems like p2e2 is a priority.  At least, that has been the focus of my indoctrination thus far.

alright, back to work..

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I have made it a month at VLS, and so far things are going great. Classes are not as bad as I thought they might be, but keeping up with all the reading can be a challenge. Overall I love all of it and I am glad that I made the decision to attend VLS and move almost 1000 miles north. That’s right 1000 miles! I am a southern girl.

I was in the local co-op the other day eating lunch and I started talking to an older woman who was eating next to me. We got on the topic of the weather and I was commenting on the fact that I can’t believe the leaves are starting to change color. (At home the weather is still 95 degrees with 100% humidity, so the heat index is approximately 110-115 degrees.) She told me that she has been living here 30 years, and that she still can’t believe how early fall comes every year. She asked me if this was going to be my first winter up north, to which I replied yes. She laughed so hard at me that food fell out of here mouth! Apparently I am in for a long winter of freezing my hind end off. She told me that once the storms (not snow, storms!) start coming, they don’t stop until May (May—that is crazy!). She says that the weather pretty much alternates between snow, sleet, and freezing rain. I kept thinking what have I gotten myself into. Back home it is not uncommon to be able to wear shorts in December. Later that day I got onto campmor.com and started checking out winter boots and other winter clothing.

I knew it was going to be cold and snowy; I just didn’t think that it was going to be that cold and nasty or that it would last till May. At least all that cold weather will make me want to stay inside and study. 

But winter isn’t here yet and the weather is beautiful. So I am going to quit typing and go outside and soak in some sun.

Till next time.

Well, I normally don’t begin my blogs with such a forboding title.  However, when I left the hotel bar this evening to walk around time, an elderly women was lying face down in the hotel lobby.  Apparently, she stumbled while walking down 3 steps.  Hotel staff was rushing around and a few people were staring.  I didn’t know what to do, so I just walked by.  When I returned a few minutes later, a fire engine was there giving the women oxygen.  So, I guess that she wasn’t dead.. Thank God..

Anyway, the conference is good - not too many dry, boring sessions. Like I said before, it’s kinda surreal to meet the individuals that I was citing in my Marsh Fellowship paper.  After listen a day’s worth of speakers, I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t know nearly as much about carbon markets and carbon policy as I thought.  In fact, I feel outclassed here.  Such is life, I guess. One of the panelists today was a VLS alum.  I guess isn’t that unusual to meet a VLS grad in D.C.  They are everywhere in DC.   

I enjoyed my walk to the hotel on Mass. Ave.  I passed through DuPont Circle and a host of Embassies, like Australia, Indonesia, Peru, and Italy.  I passed by many more, but I couldn’t recognize the flag nor read the plaque near the door. You know, there are statutiary everywhere! I saw memorials to people I’ve never heard of!  Oh, I love the architecture in DC!  Amazing brick buildings..  Brillant!!

Well, a few more people to email before going to sleep.  And, I still have to figure what to do with my suitcase for tomorrow. I return to Lansing at 11pm tommorrow.  Looks like it’s going to be a long day..  Ugh..

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Well, here I am in D.C.  I’m staying at the Hotel Helix, which is a boutique hotel operated by Kimpton Hotels.  Umm, I’m not sure how to describe this hotel.  It’s like a modern interpretation of a 70’s lounge!   My desk chair is orange, animal skin vinyl.  The couch is framed in wood, with an orange, green, yellow and red striped fabric.  The dresser is lime green.  Heck, I’m having flash backs to my childhood and my parents house.  At any rate, the hotel has a bubbly hour from 5-6 with free champagne.  And then happy hour is 5-7 with half off drinks and burgers.  So as soon as I’m done typing, I’m off to the lounge! 

A couple of comments on my flight to DC.  First of all, security at the Lansing airport kicked two people off the plane for bringing on bottled water – wow!  Ironically, a guy got on the plane in Detroit with a bottle of water and the flight attendents said nothing!  In fact, the guy gave the bottle to the attendents when they were collecting trash.. So, they knew about it.  It seems to me that some flight attendents are more sympathetic to passengers than others.  So, beware if you fly – if you are caught with prohibited items, you may not be allowed to fly. 

Washington Reagan National Airport is a concrete dive!  Ahh.  Awful, awful airport.  It’s one big piece of molded concrete from the the concrete craze of the 70’s!  Ugh..  Of course, the airport is named after President Reagan – how appropriate! Oh, that’s mean.  I shouldn’t say that.. Of course, if I were Nancy Reagan, I don’t think I would be that pleased that a crappy airport bears my husband’s name. 

Allright, I’m starved..  Time to get my free champagne and half-off cosmo and burger..  Woo hoo!!

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Well, the title says it all. On Friday, I accepted a job offer from the Delta Institute in Chicago to build and manage a pipeline of pollution prevention, energy efficiency and carbon sequestration projects in Michigan.  Yup, I get to stay in my home in Lansing!  Halleluah!!  In all, I will receive a great salary, 5 weeks of leave time plus government holidays, medical & dental, 401k, office space in downtown Lansing and business expense reimbursement – an incredible package of benefits!  I’m so lucky.  Interestingly, my MSEL degree earned me an additional $8k.  That is, my salary at Delta is $8,000 higher than my final salary at the Michigan Senate.  Thought of another way, that salary bump will pay for the MSEL degree in only 2.5 years.  So, I’m very happy and excited to start working on the 25th.  Of course, the job will not be easy, as I have to close at least 20 deals in 12 months.  So, the pressure will be on me to perform and show results right away.  gulp  Looks like I’ll be putting in many 50 and 60 hour weeks.  Wish me luck, I will most definitely need it! 

In other news, my classmate Somer has accepted a job offer in Sacramento, California.  Way to go Somer!!  Say hello to Arrrrnuld for me!  

Well, I need to finish packing for my trip to Washington DC tomorrow.  I’m attending the global cap-and-trade conference on Monday and Tuesday at the Westin Hotel, Embassy Row.  It looks like a marvelous conference, where I’ll have the opportunity to meet some of the scientists whom I cited in my Marsh Fellowship Paper..  How cool is that?  Until next time, have a huge day!

tp

Would you believe that I still use my course outlines?  Yup, I have referred to my Environmental Law outline frequently as I have prepared for my various job interviews.  In fact, I used it today to refresh my memory about ‘New Source Review,’ which was mentioned in a Delta Institute Boiler Study that I read.  So, Kudos to Prof. Firestone for providing me with pertinent information and kudos to me for preparing such an awesome outline!  Who would have thought that after graduation, I would still be referring to Firestone’s lectures?  Not me..

Oh, nothing much else is happening in Michigan.  It’s rained for three straight days, so I’ve been unable to finish work on my front porch.  I’ve also been unable to ride my bike or take Butter for long walks.  Spring rains in September – go figure. 

I talked with my pal and fellow classmate, Jessica, today.  She’s having a good time at her home in Florida.  Laying by the pool, reading books and scoffing at feeble hurricanes, i.e. Ernesto, it appears that Jessica is enjoying post-MSEL life.  Ironically, I still call her for advice and conversation on environmental and job issues.  1500 miles apart and the same routine. 

There is a great blog over in the JD section about the death of an IPod.  You must read it.  The writer is an artisian..  Makes me wonder if he writes his legal memos with the same creative skill!  Of course, I wonder where he finds the time to write with such prose..  Oh, that’s right, he’s a law student. There is always enough time to do something else other than studying! 

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Hey Y’all.  Not much happening today..I’ve been watching some football.  But, I think that I need to continue prepping for my interview on Thursday.  Interestingly, I went out with friends last night and discovered that one of my buddies, who has a law degree from Cooley Law School in Lansing, works for the consulting firm that leases office space to the guy that I’m interviewing with on Thursday.  In fact, my buddy Joe, has worked with the interviewer in the past and knows a little bit about Delta.  I was trying to pump Joe for some information, but he couldn’t tell me anything that I didn’t already know.   Anyway, it was a cool coincidence.   I hope that he puts a good word in for me.   

Oh, Lisa just called me. She’s coming over for dinner and a movie.  So much for prepping for the interview..  Such is life..  Before I forget, I finally got my last grade, which is a relief.  I did superfabulous in my year at VLS - not too bad for a guy who had been out of school since 1997.

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Well, the Delta Institute has made a decision.  They want me to interview again. So next thursday, I’m interviewing in Lansing with one of their contract employees.  Plus, they have given me a formal job description.  The gist of the job – “build and manage a pipeline of pollution prevention, energy efficiency and carbon offset projects in Michigan.”  All of the work is through Delta’s P2E2 (Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency) Center, which provides “technical assistance and financing for the implementation of efficiency measures among manufacturing, municipal, and institutional facilities.”  Of course, the P2E2 center also aggregates and trades carbon offset credits from agricultural and forestry projects. So, I have a few days to become conversational in industrial energy efficiency measures.  Ugh..  So, I’m at Lisa’s place, trying to find as much information online about energy efficiency as possible.  At any rate, I’m hopeful that this second interview, if I do well, will lead to a job offer, especially since the job will be based in Lansing.  I mean, it would be a dream come true, if I could work for Delta and remain in my Lansing home.  So, here’s hoping for a few days of productive research and study. 

With that, I’m must leave.  I’m hoping to take a few hours off this afternoon to watch my alma mater, Michigan State, play football today.  I see that fellow blogger, Ellen, is a Penn State fan.  Well, I won’t hold that against her – I’m sure she is still a great person!  hehehehehe

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