a bittersweet goodbye

Today I said goodbye to my law firm job. It was extremely bittersweet. I said goodbye to a place that has been like a second home to me for six years. I've seen so many people come and go through those doors, and now I've been added onto that list.
What's funny is that I've said so many goodbyes to that place, that it has yet to really hit home that this time it was my last. A few times I was simply filling in for someone. I also had to say goodbye when I left to complete school and took on my full-time internship. And now, I'm leaving for my dream job. Bittersweet is definitely the perfect word.
But I will miss all my coworkers and bosses. Today the 3 of us that are left went out to lunch. My boss, the gentleman he is, paid. And they gave me the sweetest card. I had to stop myself from crying, because it was that touching. These people have seen me grow up from a teenager to an adult, with an adult job. We've spent so many years together and have gotten to know each other and each others families. I feel like I'm closing a chapter in my life.
But I am excited for this new chapter. I'm scared, but I cannot wait to get to meet my students and explore science with them. I'm not entirely sure what this year has in store for me, but I'm anxious to learn.

Until then.......

-kel

questions and life

Yea, so it's been awhile....

There's just been so much going on. At least, so much going on in my head, keeping my occupied. I have 2 friends coming this week (so excited!!). I also have to clean my current roommate's room and such so we can try to show it and get yet another roommate. I've been doing tons of research and reading for my new teaching job. Plus I've been trying to get stuff together to decorate my new room (which I haven't even seen yet, boo!). Plus I've been running errands for others. I've also been contemplating switching my hair back to its original blonde.... which means yet another thing to plan.

Life is crazy. But good. Just so hectic and full questions.

The one thing I'm really frustrated about is the roommate situation. I feel like we just got one and now we have to look yet again. We've had several fall through and tons that either can't pay the asking price or have a dog. Sometimes I wish that Steven and I were rich and didn't have to worry about roommates. I'm just hoping that we find one really soon, and we get along, and they stay for more than 6 months. Cause this searching is getting old.

-kel

I can't believe that this school year is almost over. It feels like yesterday I was going in for my interview and suddenly offered a job on the spot. Since then I feel like I have grown so much, learned so much, and have gained some wonderful friends in the meantime.

I will be sad to say goodbye to my students though. Some for the summer and some for longer (since they will be graduating onto middle school). But I will forever cherish the memories I have made this year and the wonderful students that have been a part of them.

And I love that I have taken photos along the way to remember my first year as a somewhat teacher.

 

I am also especially grateful  for the pictures my students drew me (and that I was smart enough at the time to take photos to forever remember them....)

 

My students (of all ages) are incredibly smart and creative, like when they made their own chessboard from paper.

 

Or that time they got all upset about SOPA and went around telling everyone about it and how it was going to ruin the internet. And yes, they even covered the board with anti-SOPAness.

 Although, one of my favorite parts of this school year, was being with the pre-k 4s. As much as I absolutely love my older kids, it was nice to work with a younger group, that before I hadn't thought I would like working with. But these intelligent and bright little kids made my days. Especially their little drawings....

Like this one of me and one of the kids (drawn by her of course).

 And of course all of the work they made and put up in the hall. Especially these from the kindergartners.....

 But through it all, the holidays and corn picking, the cookie making, and card playing, the sing-songs, and book reading...I have enjoyed it all.

What an incredible year and learning experience.

-kellie

52 lists in 52 weeks//list 47

34 weeks ago I made a list about work.
And today I'm making another one. Only instead of making it a completely positive list, this one is more of a realistic sort.

List 47: Things I've learned from my job. (And if you don't have one, you can be creative and make it "things I've learned from being a student" or stay at home mom (which is a hard-core job if you ask me), etc.).
The point though is to think of all the things you've learned from this area in your life. Whether they are good lessons, or non-examples (which my college classes would call them) that helped teach you what not to do. Everything is a learning experience after all.

My 2 lists (for my 2 jobs):

List 47a: (the law firm):
- When calling a business, one should really use proper phone etiquette.
- When in the lobby of a business, stay off your phone!!!
- Just because you think it's a rush, doesn't mean it is to everyone.
- Don't kill the messenger (in fact, be super sweet to them, because they may be trying to help you more than you think).
- Take your time. Get things done correctly.
- Being nice goes a long way. So go out of your way to be friendly.
- Life is more about who you know than what you know.
- When it's someone's livelyhood, be very careful how you treat it.
- Money tears family apart. Even in death.
- No one is perfect.
- Not all lawyers are bad.
- Always bring a sweater.


List 47b: (school):
- Most of the time kids just want to please you, so don't be so hard on them.
- Communication is everything.
- Go beyond what is asked of you. Everyone has to do it in order to be an effective team, so do it.
- Kids need love and attention. Like a lot.
- Any and every time they do something good, praise them!! It works a whole lot better than punishing them when they are bad.
- Don't yell or raise your voice (or try extremely hard not to). To get their attention instead create games, etc.
- Kid hugs are the best.
- They are still kids. They still need to act like kids.
- Give them as much outside time as possible.
- My singing voice should not be allowed! (or at least with older kidos)
- Younger kids seem to follow directions better when things are in a sing-song.
- Snacking is the only way you'll eat.
-Use the restroom as much as you can when you have a spare second (cause they are rare).
- Respect (for kids and adults) goes a long way.


So your turn...what's on your list??

xoxoxo
kel

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 45

Let's face it, we never love our work 100% of the time. It's still a 4 letter word....
But when I start to have a bad day, or am feeling overwhelmed at work, I always seem to go back to a certain list of mine.
A list of kid sayings. You know, cause kids say the darnedest things. *True story*

So I've collected a bunch of sayings my students have said this year.

Here they are:

4 year old: Pluto died.
another 4 year old: pluto is a dwarf planet
3rd 4 year old: is pluto for real life?


teacher: what happens next in your story (to 4 year old).
4 year old: the prince marries the princess
4 year old boys: ewwwww
4 year old girl: it's not gross, its beautiful!


me: why would you kid about that?
4 year old: cause thats what 4 year olds do

4 year old boy: i didn't want to laugh, Ms. Stapleton, my body made me do it. it wasn't my thinkin'
other 4 year old boy: how did your body make you do it?
1st 4 year old boy" its magical


teacher: (to 4 year old) its time to go home
the 4 year old: myself is on the way


4 year old: all the other kids left with their grown ups


2nd grader: see whats in the middle?
me: a heart!
2nd grader: that's how i feel about you


3 year old: stop being silly and hold my hand!!


4th grader: don't be surprised if i show my moves....


4 year old: i've had popcorn chicken before. it's chicken with popcorn in it.


4 year old: when i grow up i want to be a rocket man.




I love my students.
Enough said!!!

52 lists in 52 weeks// week 13

List of the week:
Things I love about my job.
(whether your job is a teacher, lawyer, mother, daughter, sister, student, etc......)

My lists (yes...lists):


Things I love about Forever 21:
the music they play
the clothes I get to sell
some of the awesome co-workers I have
a discount (even though it's not too much)
the fashion inspiration I get from working there
the shorter hours
that I get paid to do something that's kinda fun for me



Things I love about working at a local private school:
my co-workers
the kidos I get to spend my days with
the hours
waking up late
spending mornings with little ones (pre-k) and the afternoons with the big ones (4-6th)
the school
the possibilities that could come with it (possible awesome teaching job)
the pay
the actual work


What's on your list(s)???
Don't forget to add your list to our flickr group and link up!!

visiting a business 101

Last month, I wrote a little post "calling into a business 101" filled with pet peeves and tips I've figured out and learned from being a receptionist the past 4 plus years. I'd like to think of it as helpful with a pinch of sarcasm.

Well, as promised, here are more tips...this time it's about visiting a business, because let's face it some people just don't know the dos and don'ts. :)

When visiting a buisness:

1) do not use your cell phone.

Okay, yea you're in the lobby, you're waiting to meet with who you came to see, you're bored. But really, do you need to pick up your cell phone anc start having conversations? What about the people around you trying to work. Trust me, they don't want to know about you kid's game or how pissed you are that your husband forgot to bring home milk last night. Maybe the silence is awkward for you, but it's needed for the employees that are you know, trying to work.

Tip: If you really need to use your phone, go out in the hall. Or even better, wait until later. Try reading a book instead, or magazine (both are quiet and help steer you away from boredom).

2) limit talking with employees.

I actually do like it when clients come in and I can have a conversation with them. It's nice to have some sort of friendly atmosphere with those that we work for and with. However, when they want to talk to me for the entire hour they are waiting on their attorney, I start to get a little peeved. Why? 1-I have work to do and while I enjoy talking to you, I don't have an hour to chit chat. 2-Believe it or not, my bosses hate hearing me have a conversation with clients that last an eternity when I should be working. Since they pay me to work, they kind of prefer me to work. Granted, they do like friendliness and I think they do appreciate us having a friendly (but short) conversation, so the client feels more welcome, but anything over 10 minutes, and they start to get a bit annoyed...since now it seems I'm avoiding work to chit chat.

Tip: Say hello to the emploee(s) around you. Maybe strike up a short conversation, but keep it short. They'll like you more if you're friendly AND let them work. Trust me. :)

3) your cell phone is on and you keep getting texts and calls (oh and your ringtone is LOUD)

For the same reasons as #1, loud and unnecessary noises hinder those trying to work.

Tip: try silent or vibrate. :)

Easy peasy right? And trust me, you will seem more professional and the employees will love you more (which is always good when you call later and need help...trust me, they'll remember who you are...)

What are some pet peeves and tips that you have for visiting a business?? Please share! I'd love to hear!

xoxo

kel

ps. 2 more weeks of work....it's crazy to think about, but it hit me yesterday. i've been here 4 and a half years, and i only have 2 weeks left. :( i'm gonna miss it (well, at least the people!)

calling into a business 101

I know it might come off as silly, but sometimes when people call into our law office I have to fight the urge to say what I really want to say. (Sounds horrible right?) The truth is (and I'm not bragging, I swear) but I feel I have a good amount of patience, so when clients (or hopeful to be clients) call in, it takes a lot for me to start to get pissy, but it happens. A lot.
I feel like there should be a 101 in calling a business and what proper etiquette is before they even pick up the phone to dial.
The rules would be something like this:

1-When calling, please know WHO you are trying to reach.
It sounds strange, but soooo many times people seem to have forgotten the name of the attorney they want to speak with (or have dealt with). While I understand a quick loss for the name, a pause the length of the movie Titanic is just awkward for us both.
Tips: have their card handy, so you have something to look at for those brief (or not so brief) brain farts. Or, try rehearsing in your mind what you want to say before you call, hey, I do it.

2-Remeber WHO you are talking to.
The wording is close to #1, but this item is very different! So many times when clients call in they are angry at the attorney or the opposing counsel or maybe even a secretary that didn't call back when she said she would. I get it, you're frustrated and because you're unable to talk to the person you happen to be mad at, you lash out at whoever answers the call. I get it, but I hate it. Many times the receptionist (like me!) or the secretaries have nothing to do with what's making you mad. Honestly, we are trying to help you out and get with the attornetys to help you, but sometimes it's just not possible to do in your timeframe. (No I'm not saying this is all your fault and you should just get over your anger). I understand your anger, I would be too. What I don't like is that you take it out on me or my co-workers. I'm human just like you and believe it or not, when you yell at me and tell me you think I suck at my job, I get my feelings hurt. So please, remember who it is you are talking to. However, if the person on the phone is being a complete jerk, your rudeness seems a bit justified.....just make sure their rudeness wasn't caused by you calling them a *$(&#$ or a @$#@#$
Tip: Don't call angry. It will end up only pissing off everyone and trust me, if someone's mad at you, they don't exactly want to jump to help you right away.

3-Don't belittle the staff.
Big surprise, but we don't actually like being called names. this goes hand in hand with #2, so please just calm down and don't call angry. Save your words for when no one is listening.
*Side note, even if the receptionist is only 23, please do NOT call her a little girl. Believe it or not, that is a bit demeaning.


Stay tuned for more don't and tips! :)
xo,
kel