These were surprisingly challenging months. I didn’t expect that. I faced new obstacles and complicated emotions. I am happy October is here and that some of the discomfort that came from chaos (August) and change (September) is behind me. Onward and upward! What I Read: Non-Fiction
What I Listened To:
What I Worked On: Ralph Wilson Park Heritage Engagement Project (HEP): I was excited to share my September HEP article Architectural Heritage at the Park. It shares a fun discovery I made in the archival research room at the University at Buffalo this summer. I made an appointment to access the papers of a world-renowned architect in a pursuit of substantiating a claim about the architectural history of a feature of the park...and had great luck! I also started a collaborative article I will be writing with the Director of Development and Communications at the Western New York Land Conservancy, coming out in early November. I am excited about this too…it has already been an enjoyable collaboration. My Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Application for New York State: this is a HUGE and complicated application. Turns out it is hard to prove you are a women with a small business in New York State. But I got it in by an August 31st incentive that will result in a ‘sail-through’ review in which I will (hopefully) get it back faster then normal. I had a lot of help from my local Small Business Development Center. In truth, I am not sure what I will do with this right now, as I don’t have time for new contracts. But, it’s always important to be looking ahead. In the future, this will make me competitive for state consulting contracts. (Spoiler Alert...after more work and pain in early October, I found out on October 7th I got the certification!) A speech for a fundraiser for the new State Park coming to Rochester, NY. On August 1st, I delivered a speech at a fundraiser for the new park. I don’t think I nailed the presentation (although I felt good about the content). Luckily, I brought a best friend as my date who assured me I did much better than I felt. I am going to go with what she said. My 2023 Family Photo Book: This is such a big project, but I am so happy when its done! It brings me a lot of joy to capture both big events (the birth of my third child) and lots of mundane pictures of everyday life. What I Struggled With: Starting a new job: this new job came with many changes in what I do, where I do it and when I do it. I went from complete time autonomy (except class times, office hours, and meetings) to a very structured schedule in the office Monday - Friday 8-5. There are lots of downsides to this, but also some upsides. Establishing a routine and keeping work and home life more separate feels more doable now. Until you consider trying to fit in consulting outside those times... Understanding my professional identity: I am in advancement and fundraising now, but this does not feel like my professional identity. I don’t exactly know how to describe who I am these days. An anthropologist who also does advancement work? Turns out lack of clarity in your identity is actually emotionally draining. I think humans like to have a clear understanding of who they are. When that changes or becomes murky, it creates quite a bit of discomfort. At least for me. Ten inches of water in our basement: While we were on vacation, our basement flooded, along with most of the town. It was so stressful to come home from vacation to no hot water, a mess in the basement, and the fear that my holiday decorations were lost (GAH). On the upside, we realized the strength of our neighbor's kindness (he drained all 10 inches while we were away, so we didn’t come home to the actually water, stagnant for days). The luck of finding a plumber to come out at 10pm and the joy of discovering the knocked over bins of holiday cheer survived added to the upsides of this event! Back to School: I was so excited for school to start, conveniently forgetting the month of September is actually terrible. Little kids do not just glide into new classrooms and routines without bumps. The emotions and adjustments were exhausting and, for us, lasted all September. Hopefully ( if last year is any indicator) October will be much better. What I Enjoyed: A family beach vacation: Keeping many small kids alive near multiple bodies of water is very stressful to me. As are long car rides (which my kids actually did great on). I try to remember the good memories...an evening softball game (adults v. kids), morning beach walks with the baby, my kids joyful hours in the pool, cousin time, getting through a whole book while stuck in the motel room during naptime, brunch with my mom, aunts, and sister, lots of ice cream. These are what I enjoyed! My older boys’ birthdays: Two birthdays three days a part, but we make them special. Lots of decorations, treats, a birthday present hunt (they make me hid them). No parties this year…maybe next year I'll work up the nerve (their summer birthday actually make it hard…SO much going on around their birthdays). Becoming a godmother to my oldest friend’s daughter. It was so lovely, my little goddaughter was so well behaved, and I had such a nice afternoon celebrating her. I am sure there is more...in every category. But this sums up a good part of my August and September. Wishing everyone a great fall...I hope your months are filled with more good than bad, more joy than stress, and more fun than work. Cheers. Comments are closed.
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AuthorDr. Kathryn Grow Allen ('Katie'): Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Writer, Researcher, Teacher, Consultant, Yoga Lover, Nature Enthusiast, Book Worm, and Mother of Three. Archives
October 2024
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