M.S.E.L. Students Blog

Well, I hope that everyone had a nice holiday. I’ve been extremely busy since Thanksgiving, embarking on what I’m calling Todd’s speaking tour. In my last blog, I told you about my presentation to the land conservation group and the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts. Well, I followed-up those meetings with a trip to Marquette, Michigan on Wednesday, to speak to the Michigan Forest Products Council. I was there to promote our forest carbon sequestration pilot program, which is now up and running in Michigan. We are enrolling a select group of landowners with working forestlands so we can calculate the extent of carbon sequestration on these lands, generate carbon offset credits, and sell those credits on behalf of the landowner on the Chicago Climate Exchange. In short, I’m doing everything that I discussed in my Marsh fellowship paper at VLS.

Anyway, I spent the better part of 2 hours answering questions about the program. At first, the questions were very specific.. But after a while, the questions became more academic and more policy oriented. For example, how can an offset credit generated from a working forest be beneficial when there are no guarentees that the landowner will maintain the land in forests for perperuity? The ringleader of all the tough questions was Dr. Dan Keathly, the Dean of the Forestry Dept at MSU (and the man who taught me everything that I know about Forestry)! Now, I’m all for tough questions and I’m glad the Dr. Keathly asked them. But, I really felt like I was defending a dissertation! Ugh. It was a tough meeting. And, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that I got pummelled! But you know what, VLS prepared me for that. After you’ve sat in the front row for two semester of Prof. Firestone or been randomly called on by Prof. Parenteau to answer a question on standing, you can handle anything the professional world throws at you.

The other day, I was thinking about the past year and a half. I left my good, secure job at the Senate because I wanted a challenge. I was bored and uninspired at the Senate – I wanted to do more with my life. I wanted to be a part of something bigger and more exciting. My three months with the Delta Institute have certainly provided all that and then some. I’m juggling two pilot projects and (what amounts to) a small environmental consulting business. I work 50 hour weeks, cold call companies, answer questions from landowners, and wonder how I’m ever going to get my hands around all the work and my head around all the information. Despite feeling completely overwhelmed, I don’t regret a thing. I got exactly what I wanted – a challenge. Although my job is difficult and exhausting, I feel better knowing that I’m working toward something grand.. I feel better knowing that I am pushing myself, taking chances, and developing my mind, rather than settling for the safe, predictable and comfortable route.

So, here’s my advice for JD’s, MSEL or any potential VLS student. Stop sitting in the back of the room – move to the front and start participating. Start taking risks by answering the tough questions. The only thing that you learn from the back of the room is how to play it safe. The best attorney’s, the best advocates, the best professionals are those who willingly put themselves in vulnerable situations for the sake of knowledge. The intangible skills that I learned at VLS are the ones that rely on everyday – maintaining composure under pressure, preparing for meetings, simplifying complex issues into everyday language. These are the skills you learn when you sit up front. These are the skills you will use everyday in your career.. Practice now or face humility later. Trust me.. I speak from experience.

Things are going well for me, during this week of public speaking. It all started Tuesday, when I spoke to the Heart of the Lakes Land Conservation Policy Summit in Lansing. My talk on carbon sequestration was scheduled for 30 minutes but ran to 45 minutes, after questions. While I was answering questions and getting skeptical looks from people, I remembered things that Prof. Firestone taught in Environmental Law. In fact, I don’t think that I would have been able to answer the tought questions without the knowledge I gained in Prof. Firestone’s class. Also, when you have survived two semesters under Prof. Firestone’s unrelenting, confidence-robbing stare, standing in front of an audience answering questions becomes easier.

My carbon sequestration tour took me to the beautiful city of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The “Soo” as it is know in Michigan, is one hour north of the Mackinaw Bridge, along Lake Superior and the Canadian border. Four hours after I arrived yesterday, I found myself explaining carbon sequestration in TWO sessions. Both times, my discussion was impromptu and unaided, i.e. no powerpoint slides to guide the discussion. Ironically, both of those presentations were bonus talks, as my ‘real’ presentation is tomorrow morning. I have one hour and 36 slides in which to introduce cap-and-trade mechanisms, the Chicago Climate Exchange and the role of carbon offset credits. I’m speaking to a bunch of agriculture professionals, so I’m sure to get lots of technical questions on how no-till agricultural practices sequester carbon. I’m excited for the talk. Interestingly, I’m beginning to make a name for myself in carbon sequestration. After my Heart of the Lakes talk, I’ve received several emails from Land Trusts who are interested in enrolling land. (Ironically, some of these land trusts are the very organizations that denied me job interviews 2 months ago!). My boss also tells me that the State Director of the Nature Conservancy, Helen Taylor, gave me a 10 out of 10 on my presentation on Tuesday. It’s great to get those nice comments, especially with my 90 performance review approaching in 3 weeks.

I wish I could say that my work on the pollution prevention and energy efficiency project was going as well. To date, I have yet to secure any contracts for P2E2 projects. I’m supposed to have 11 by June.. I have (or will have) submitted 4 proposals by the end of this month, but none have been accepted yet. The biggest proposal was rejected by the company. I’m trying to talk with them about scaling it down, but they won’t return my calls. I’m hopefully that something will come from the other three. Whatever the case, I need some success in this part of my job, because the grant, which partial funds my job, expires in June.

Alright, I’m going to read through my presentation one more time and prepare myself for lots of questions. Wish me luck!

Todd

Well, December is my public speaking month. I have two major presentations next week, as the Delta Institute launches its carbon sequestration program. The first presentation is Tuesday, at the Heart of the Lakes, Land Conservation Policy Summit. HOL is a consortium of Michigan land conservation organizations that exists to debate and influence public land policy. I am discussion our partnership with the Little Traverse Conservancy, where we would enroll Conservancy forestland on the Chicaco Climate Exchange. I’m excited to be a part of this groundbreaking project. In fact, once the project is complete, it will mark the first time the Chicago Climate Exchange has accepted carbon-offset credits from conservation lands. It’s a bit intimidating to see my name as a speaker on the agenda. All the other speakers are Directors of Land Trusts or goverment agencies. And then, the last speaker of the day is little ole me! I’m a bit nervous about the questions that might be asked, so I’m preparing by reviewing all possible information about carbon markets, the chicago climate exchange and carbon offset credits. And, I’m trying to prepare responses to some of the more common questions which might be asked. Gosh, I feel like I’m preparing for a VLS exam..

The second big presentation also occurs next week, as I drive up to Sault Saint Marie for the three day conference of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts. I will be presenting the carbon program on Friday, as part of a concurrent session of workshops. I think I’m also talking with the Michigan Tree Farm System on Wednesday. As you can see, lots of speaking this week.. I hope that everything will turn out okay.

Lisa and I put up our first Christmas tree yesterday, during our normal Friday date night. It’s a fake tree (much to my dismay) because Lisa has allergies. But, it’s the most realistic fake tree that I could find, so it’s not too bad. At $270, it better look like a real tree! Here’s hoping that the dogs don’t yank it down, or any of the expensive, glass, Pottery Barn ornaments that are on it.

Well, exams are approaching for all my VLS friends. Let me send good luck wishes to my friends Craig, Kane, Rachael and Carolyn, as they prepare for their final exams.

todd

So, it’s been a while since I’ve blogged. Things have just been so busy with work. I’ve had some success in developing the pollution prevention and energy efficiency pipeline. In fact, I’m submitting two proposals to businesses for investment grade energy audits next week. Hopefully, both organizations will sign the proposals, allowing us to work with them. When I took this position at the Delta Institute, I was told that I needed to find 13 projects by June. At this time, I have 6 projects that look promising, although nothing has been finalized yet. At any rate, I’m doing well at work and enjoying the work.

On Tuesday, I moved into my new office space, We are subleasing space from Public Sector Consultants, a firm that works on environmental public policy. It’s nice to be in an office, free from all the distractions that I have at home. I think that I’ll be much more productive there.

I noticed something quite interesting today. While reading People magazine, I saw an ad featuring female golfer, Paula Creamer. Well, a women by that same name, commented on one of my blogs, titled “what’s in your fridge?” Is it the same women? I don’t know. It would certainly be interesting if a celebrity were reading my blog.

Last week, I received my diploma. Very cool!! I can’t wait to have it framed!

Well, the OSU-UM game is starting. Go Buckeyes!

todd

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.

tp

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..

tp

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.

tp

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.

tp

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!

tp

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. 

tp