M.S.E.L. Students Blog

So, I just finished watching Keith Oberlmann’s October 5th rant about President Bush. If you haven’t seen it, you should check it out at msnbc. But, let me give you the 5 word summary - President Bush is a liar. That is the gist of Oberlmann’s comments. And you know, I agree with him. President Bush is not fit for office. The things that he says and does are a vain attempt to keep the his party in power. He is no longer on a quest to protect Americans from terrorists, but rather, he seeks to protect his party from critics. I hope and pray that the American people will be smart enough to see through the Republican lies and remove the party from power. The Republican party used to be about Christian values and fiscal constraint. But now, Republican’s are making sexual advances at teenage boys (Foley), taking bribes from lobbyists (Ney), and spending, spending, spending, spending, spending. What happened to the fiscal constaint plank in the Republican party? Where’s the strong moral fiber that Reagan embodied? Gone.. Gone because the Republican party became so enamored with the power, that they forgot about the values they supposedly represented. It’s a shame, a real shame.

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It is a very small world. I know, it’s a cliche. But, it’s true. You see on Friday, I was in Gaylord, Michigan, about 2.5 hrs north of my home in Lansing, attending a forest stewardship advsiory council meeting. This group advises the Michigan DNR on all things forestry. I was there to network with individuals, while my boss unveiled our Michigan Forest Carbon Program. During the meeting, I recognized a women. So, during the break I talked with her and discovered that she and I were in the same class of foresters at Michigan State (class of 97). Normally, meeting an old classmate like that, would be kinda cool. But, most everyone who works for the DNR is a MSU forestry grad – so, it’s not all that unusual for me to meet an old classmate. Now, this unexpected meeting is not the reason that I believe it is a very small world.

Also at that meeting was a gentleman named Mike Hanley. I didn’t recognize Mike, but the moment that he introduced himself, I went speechless. Mike and I worked together for 6 months on the timber crew on the Tongass NF in Petersburg, Alaska in 1997. Hell, we lived in the same house with five others who were on the timber crew. Mike isn’t from Michigan, but here he is, working for the DNR. In fact, he works in Lansing! Mike is the last person that I ever expected to see again and illustrates that it really is a small world. wow!

So, not much else is happening. I’m still plugging away at the new job. My first paycheck came today, so that is exciting. I’m in kalamazoo on Friday, presenting a workshop at the West Michigan Energy Summit. Hopefully, the session will generate some additional leads for the P2E2 program.

The fence men came out today and installed my posts. The will be back later in the week to stretch the chain link fence. Butter will be a very happy dog. I also bought 315 landscaping stones on Sunday, so I could begin edging all of my flower beds. Ironically, I almost didn’t get the stones home, because the pallet was so heavy that it nearly caused the back of my truck to bottom out. I have a 1/2 Ford and I was carrying at least 1000 lbs, if not more. I was worried that my tires would blow out. As it was, they looked flat as I drove away. But, I got the stones home and unloaded them into the garage. I started placing some into my landscaping, but there is no way that I’ll be able to get them all on the ground this fall.

Bedtime..

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We might see snow tonight! They are not forecasting anything major, just some light flurries if that. To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind seeing a little snow. I have always felt that is it is going to be cold it might as well snow. Let’s see if I still feel that way next year!
Apparently, because the wooly worms have a wider then usual black stripe, this is supposed to be a very cold winter. The other day they were all over the road, and I felt so bad driving home because I knew that I wasn’t able to dodge all of them. Every time I looked in my rearview mirror I saw at least one flying through the air (kicked up by my tires).
On to another topic- Fall Break. I had so much fun. I stayed here and was able to get school work done and have some fun I caught up on sleep, went hiking, and picked tons of wild apples. My husband and I created a huge mess in our kitchen making applesauce and other wonderful baked goodies with the wild apples. Everything turned out great and was delicious. I filled my belly and our freezer. I definitely overdosed on apples over the weekend, but they were sooo good!

Ahh, October.. deep inhale The trees are beginning to change into a million hues of yellow, orange or red. The squirrels are frolicking around the grass, in a futile quest for buried treasure. The night air is crisp, with a slight scent of firewood burning in a distant fireplace. These are the sights, sounds, and smells of fall.

Unfortuately, these sensory pleasures have been replaced by a blazing white wall of snow, covering the green grass and the green leaves of the stubborn Norway maple in my back yard. Instead of frolicking squirrels, you see people leaning into snowy wind as they walk down the street. The branches of trees, crack and pop, as the wet, heavy snow clings to green leaves and weighs them down. This is the reality of October in Michigan and it sucks! Of course, snow in October brings back some VLS memories. Last year, I received several inches of snow at my apartment in Sharon. (see my blog from October 24, 2005). I don’t like snow in October – I like crisp, clear, calm evenings, not ones with howling winds and blowing snow. ugh..

To make matters worse, I have to leave home at 6am tomorrow and head 175 miles North to the City of Gaylord. The Delta Institute is proposing a carbon sequestration project for working forests to the DNR. My boss is giving the presentation, but I must attend, since I am Delta’s Michigan contact. Plus, if this program is approved, its guarenteed that I’ll lead it, since I have a forestry background and strong knowledge of forest carbon sequestration (thanks to the Marsh fellowship). But, it’s a trip that makes for a very long day.

I spent several hours this afternoon looking over office space. I reviewed an executive suite in a 10 story building downtown. Nice office, with a very cute office manager/receptionist. By the way, I told this to Lisa, and she just rolled her eyes and said, “ah hah.” yeah.. sometimes I just need to keep my mouth shut. Anyway, I also looked at an office within a law firm that specializes in property law, specifically working with developers to redevelop brownfields. I’m guess that my boss will want to come here, since there may be ample opportunity to gain some business. I suppose that I’ll know more tomorrow.

Well, I suppose I should finish up my work this evening and head to bed. Tomorrow morning will come way to early. I should also mention that my classmate Sara Cavin is now employed, having found gainful work with a local land trust. Congratulations Sara! Slowly, but surely, the MSEL class of 05 is hitting the working world.

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Well, in the grand scheme of things, Columbus Day is a rather meaningless holiday. But, all government offices are closed and some businesses, such as my employer, the Delta Institute. But, I’ll probably work a half day anyway, because I can’t afford to take too many days off right now. I’m hoping to secure two firm commitments by the end of the month to jump-start my work and take some of the pressure off of me. I’m not sure why I’m worrying so much about this job and the performance expectations. I’m going to work hard and do the best work that I can. If it turns out that I don’t meet the performance objectives laid out for me, then so be it. If I lose my job, then I lose my job. I can always find another one. But you know, it’s not failure that I worry about – it’s disappointment. I don’t like disappointing people, whether it’s my friends, my family, or my employer. I don’t want the great people at Delta to say, “Todd Parker is a big disappointment. I guess we’ll have to let him go.” That’s what scares me. So, no days off for me.

I may have finally found an office location. The deal with Dykema fell through, so I’ve been searching downtown Lansing for some office space. I’m going to look at a place above a popular downtown restaurant tomorrow. And, I hope to look at several by Wednesday. Hopefully, I’ll can secure a spot by the end of the week. My boss is giving me lots of leeway to choose an office. In fact, I have so much discretion to make decisions, it kinda scares me. I’m not used to working such little oversight. So, I’m being overly cautious at this point, until I’m comfortable making all the decisions.

I finally finished my porch project today. I decided to paint the porch white, to match the body of the house, and the railings burgundy to match the house trim. I know, I know, a white floor will show dirt. But I have to tell you, I used a paint specially designed for porches. So, it is a high gloss finish, which makes clean-up very easy. I still have to install the mailbox, but unfortunately, Miss Dig has not arrived to flag my underground utility lines. So, I may have to call them again. Oh, before I forget. I made the first payment on a chain link fence. Yup, I’m giving Butter the fenced in backyard that she deserves. Hopefully, the fence will be installed by the end of the month. Speaking of Butter, her birthday is Tuesday – she turns 6. Doggy treats for everyone!!

Alright, I should get back to work. I’m rehearsing my presentation on Tuesday for a business-to-business luncheon in Ann Arbor. Hopefully, this presentation will generate several solid leads.

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I went to my first yoga class on Tuesday morning. The class was awesome. Lynne Hadley, a resident of Tunbridge, teaches the class at her home. Her and her husband built a small addition to their house and it serves as Lynne’s yoga studio. It is a beautiful room with large windows on all the walls, so it provides an excellent view to accompany your sunrise salutation. I really can’t think of a better way to start my morning. I am already looking forward to class next week.
We don’t have classes on Monday and Tuesday next week. It is Fall Break!! Many of my friends are going home for the break, but as home is 1000 miles south, I will be staying here. I am not complaining. It gives me time to catch up on reading and reorganize my notes. I also have set a personal goal to get a good portion of my semester paper for Environmental Ethics written. Hopefully I will get all of that done and still have time to have some fun. I hope to go hiking on Monday. A friend is taking me to some great trails near Woodstock. Mostly, over this break, I hope to be able to spend some quality time with my husband. I have been so busy that I feel like I never get to see him. We joke with each other that I will see him in 4 years.

Talking to other students that have spouses or significant others, the general consensus is that we all feel like we are neglecting our partners. I guess that goes with the territory of being in law school. Time management is very difficult. Between classes, homework, student organizations, study groups, work study jobs or other jobs, there is hardly time in the day to make sure you eat let alone spend quality time with the one you love. I feel that as the semester progresses that I am gaining a better handle on managing my time. Hopefully by next semester I will have figured this all out.
Enjoy the fall foliage. Apparently this week is the peak of leaf season. Watch out for all those leaf peepers on the road.
Till next time.

So, I’m Chicago again, getting my formal Delta Institute new employee orientation, meeting the staff and attending the staff meeting tomorrow.  The staff is great – friendly, exciting, supportive.  Delta is run much like a business, rather than a typical non-profit.  I suppose this is because Delta runs on grant money, which dictates strict accountability.  Because Delta has an entrepreneurial mission, there is very little micromanaging and a great deal of discussion and sharing among staff.  In other words, it’s a great work environment. 

So, I have another Amtrak experience.  Word of advice – never board behind senior citizens because they pack huge bags that they can’t get up the stairs of the train or in the overhead compartments.  For instance, I was stuck behind 3 seniors in a row, who could not get their bags in the train without assistance.  Normally, I’m a patient guy, except for today, because it was pouring rain!  I got soaked, just waiting to get into the train. Grrrr!!  This may be the frustation talking, but come on.. If you can’t lift your bag up three steps, you are packing too much!!  It’s that simple.  Alright, I needed to get that off my chest.  Otherwise, it was an uneventful trip. 

So, I’m staying at the Hilton Towers this trip.  Last time, I stayed at the ultra modern Hard Rock – now, I’m at the overly stuffy Hilton.  Interestingly, I’m only paying $106 per night, so it’s a great deal.  But, I think it’s a longer walk to the office.  Oh well.. I’m young and fit. 

Okay, time to eat. I’m heading down to the Irish pub in the lobby.  Yup.  Time for a burger and a beer!

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