A Tale of Two Razors (A Random Review)

Hi all! I'll be on a consistent schedule soon, but I'm still trying to get into the swing of "normal" life after school. The summers are my craziest time of year and this summer is no exception.

I randomly have a review on razors today and I decided to do a video! I've mentioned that I want to incorporate more video, so this is the first step. We'll see how it goes. Be gentle. ;) Also, this video contains a little special announcement - so if you didn't know already, make sure you watch!!

If you like my video, make sure to give me a subscribe on YouTube and a thumbs up! It helps me out so much and is also super encouraging. Let me know if there is any content you'd like to see from me and I'll see what I can do! I'm open to feedback.

Enjoy!

ps. Take a shot every time I say 'like' and you'll be blasted in no time! ;)

Review: USC School Business Management Program

I applied for the USC School Business Management Program in early 2014 and the program started in July. Before we even met for Boot Camp, we had various assignments and tasks to complete. Nothing major, but work none-the-less.

I arrived at the USC campus a day early and spent the night with my friend Denise, who lives in the area. I slept poorly, anxious for the next day that I first experience 'campus life.' I had no idea what to expect, if my fellow cohort members would be welcoming, if I could even do this.

Turns out, I can. and I did.

If you found this because you are thinking of taking the next step in your career in California School Business, this is what I would have wanted to know: 

It's Worth It

I have been in school business for almost seven years. I have never worked so long in a job without a change in title or pay. While I have been given increased responsibility over the years, the title hasn't changed and I knew that I was ready to take the next step. My district was not able to support this step in a way that I had hoped, but I determined that my career needed to progress and it was up to me, ultimately, to push forward. So, Bryan and I did it. We used our savings, I applied for scholarships, I withdrew an annuity. We made it happen because it needed to happen. 

Every penny I spent on this course was worth it. The instructors that I worked with (the best of the best in our field) and the relationships I built (not only with my fellow cohort but with my surrounding community as I sought help in areas unfamiliar to me) have given me the ability to expand my network. This network I will be able to call on if ever I need help, advice, or clarity on issues that arise. 

It's Intense

They are not lying to you when they say that it will be intense. Boot Camp and the Mid Year Meeting is intense but a connecting experience with classmates. The content is overwhelming. Combined with the normal flow of life this program is not for the weak. I do have some tips on lightening this load, so stay tuned. 

You Will Grow

Hands down, you will grow in this program. You will define who you want to be in the education industry, whether you are a principal looking to understand the business side or a business person seeking to prepare for increased leadership. This program will refine you. At times, you'll want out. At times, you'll wonder why you even chose this profession. However, the people that you work with will renew your passion to provide the supplies, tools and training for teachers and students so that we can usher in a new generation of thinkers and world leaders. You will be revived and renewed just when you get to the point where you are looking at private industry jobs. 

It's Not What You Think

This program is not technical. You will not learn the accounting laws regarding school finance. This job doesn't give you the minutia of the position. However, this course is a leadership and preparation course. You will follow the school business calendar and you will understand the big picture of being a Chief Business Official. 

How to Make the Most of the Program:

- Meet with your group even on individual assignments. Work together and share your information. This will make your life and your understand of each assignment increase tenfold. 

- Towards the end of the program, there were less group assignments, so we turned every assignment into a group assignment. We shared our frustrations and our successes. We were all at the end of the rope, barely hanging on, and meeting, laughing and stressing together really helped get us all to the finish line. We spoke with other cohort people that didn't meet with their groups at all and they were jealous that we had a community to go to when they felt alone. 

- HELP OTHERS. School business is not private industry. Our job is to help others and to be a light when someone is in the dark. Don't hoard information and resources. Send out emails, post on the discussion boards. 

- Pay attention in Blackboard sessions. The instructors go out of their way to get the best content specialists for your assignments. Listen during the sessions. Ask questions. Engage as much as possible. 

- Develop meaningful relationships with your classmates and even stay in touch even when you are moved to a different group. 

- Start your in-depth study early. Don't procrastinate. 

- DO. YOUR. REFLECTIONS. This is essential. You probably won't want too. Do them anyways. Reflect on the assignment and what you learned. It's that easy. 

- Reach out to your community. Utilize your county office and district office. They will help and collaborate with you. 

- Find past cohort survivors if you can. It's helpful.

- Engage in after hours fun with your cohort. Some of the greatest moments I had were sitting around after a long day at boot camp, telling our stories and relating on job experiences. You'll be tired, but it deepens ties. Share a meal together. Go out. I never stayed with the late, late crowd, but I participated and made sure that they knew I was there. Find the balance between sleep and fun. It'll save your sanity. 

- Engage with instructors. I spent the year feeling like I was not worthy to call upon my instructors. Don't be like me. They will help you. They will be there for you. Utilize the relationships. 

- Do your assignments on time, every time. Get them done early and get them off your plate. Life happens and you'll be tempted to put it off. Don't do that. 

I met an amazing crop of people. I built friendships that will last and I learned a lot of content. I could have gotten more out of it, but hindsight is 20/20. You will, without a doubt, get out what you put in. It is not a cliche, it is fact. I encourage you to take the step! Dive in. You won't regret it. 

What Happened in May and June?

My husband and I bunned it up. 

I had a beverage with the Vickers Trio. 

I discovered that the Chimi-Cheesecake at Applebees came back (!!!)...

I caught two cousins sharing a moment on the back porch...

I did homework...

I watched a few swim lessons...

And I braided my husbands hair. (I hate that his hair is long enough to be braided.)

I stole moments with my precious boy...

And I did homework while others got to play. 

I surprised my husband at a gig that had a pretty great view...

And earned a good wife badge by going to another gig the next day!

I found a meme that really identifies the thoughts that run through my head...

And I took a picture for my best friend to prove that the fly-aways were incredible heinous one horrible day. It's what best friends do. 

I did more homework, but this time in my nieces bedroom, while she got crafty. It was a nice moment. We sang along to the Frozen soundtrack.

We bought our first ice creams from the Ice Cream Truck. We bought our last ice creams from the Ice Cream Truck. (These are disgusting and the ingredients are terrifying.)

Bryan and his hair, I mean, his band, played at ApCal! It was a beautiful night.

I took my son on a date, because with all the homework we hadn't spent much time together. I could have just cried with how much I missed him. 

I lived a lot of life in May and June, but I did a lot of homework and missed out on a lot of friend/family time. However, it made every moment sweeter and every break fortifying. 

My Heart Belongs to Bass Lake

*Psst - Don't forget to like Embrace the Crazy on Facebook!

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When I was a child my parents would take us camping at Bass Lake. I remember, we'd pull our little tent trailer behind us, get in our reserved spot and I'd watch as my family set everything up. Most of the time my Mom would have my sisters do small tasks and then we'd start to check out the area. We'd climb things and try to find squirrels. One particular time in general, we had a side of a mountain right behind our designated spot and there was a hiking trail. My sisters climbed up no problem and left me behind to fend by myself. This was typical. I kept trying to get up but it was just this side of too steep. 

I walked over to my dad who was setting up the dinner stuff, and asked him to give me a boost. Instead, he grabbed his hammer and used the nail pulling side to create a few notches that fit my feet perfectly. I was able to climb up and down as I pleased and to walk the trail. My dad walked away whistling and I was off on an adventure. 

I love Bass Lake.

I mention that because we recently stayed at Bass Lake because Bryan played a gig in Oakhurst. I felt so.... at peace there. It was a much needed break. The phones didn't quite work all the time and I definitely got lost in the mountains after Bryan's gig (and drove 45+ minutes out of my way) before breaking into tears and turning around. Turns out the mountains are intimidating when it's pitch black outside. 

Outside of that, it was a great gig. We were allowed to stay in a friend-of-a-friends cabin that was comfortable and amazing. There was definitely a late night sitting around the kitchen counter eating fresh baked cookies session. 

It was simple, yet soul restoring. 

Bass Lake, I love you. 

Things I'm Going to Do Now That This Program is Over

• sleep
• read
• blog
• write
• read
• sleep
• sleep
• sleep
• float around in a pool
• get a tan
• eat a popsicle 
• sleep
• read
• breathe
• see friends
• blog
• clean my house
• maybe not that last one
• do something crafty
• do my makeup
• do makeup
• play with makeup
• see a movie
• a movie I CHOOSE and not Bryan. ugh.
• be a rockstar CBO at an awesome school district and use everything I learn to improve the lives of children. 
• sleep.

At Capstone...

I just finished my presentation, like literally just finished. Tomorrow I have mock interviews and Saturday, I get my certificate. But the most stressful piece is done and I can relax. I am done.

I cannot wait to read a book. A real book about fictional characters and I can't wait to blog regularly again.

See you soon!

50 Days

School is almost over. I have 50 more days until the Culminating Event.

This has been hard. Really hard. Especially with Bryan being gone most nights, especially working full time and having a toddler. I knew it would be hard. Now that it's close to the end? It's somehow getting simultaneously better and worse. I'm so close to sweet freedom. To having my nights and weekends back. To seeing friends. To seeing family.

Mixed in with school has just been life. I'm managing to live one while juggling everything else, which is a surprising to most, including myself. Lots of changes are on the horizon which, instead of filling me with anxiety, is bringing about a peace. I don't know how any of these things will work out, but in this moment as I type, I feel peace. I feel hope.

One important thing I've been doing outside of work/school/everything else has been putting what resources I can into fighting Senate Bill 277. I'm going to be working on a separate post regarding this bill and what it means for parents.

The last time I posted was in March. What have you missed since March? I'll look at my photos to see....

We had an impromptu dinner at Harris Ranch right before my sister Kari's birthday.

I joined Snapchat.

I went to LA to visit my home-girl Denise....

And attend The Makeup Show - where I increased my makeup skills and spent waaaay to much money. 

NARS

Smashbox

We took a fantastic family photo right before the Easter Campout (in which Bryan looks amazing... ;) )

We didn't make it to my Grandma's for Easter so we went the day after.

And there is MUCH more to tell you about. But at least you are caught up to April. I'm not holding myself to blogging with any kind of regularity over the next 50 days BUT after that? I'm coming out swinging. I have lots of plans for this blog that I have been working on even though I haven't been blogging. I know it's been quiet on the front end but I've still been cooking up some fun ideas for the future. 

Until then, I created a Facebook page! Just search Embrace the Crazy and you'll find me. 

xoxo, 

Megan