Things I'm digging: (a la Back to Her Roots blog)

1. Memorial day weekend with no plans. I had plans to go to DC to visit a friend, but due to me not feeling so hot on Thursday, I cancelled my plans. I then had time to actually catch up on things without feeling stressed about them. I slept in, cooked, shopped, read, and cleaned. After sleeping, I felt much better. Also, usually, I just manage to stress about things and not do them (silly, I know, I'm working on it), but I actually did them! A much needed break, eliminating stress and sleeping and relaxing. 


2. Speaking of cleaning, I love my purple Platex kitchen gloves! I used to hate doing dishes, and while they are still my least favorite chore, I can handle it because my hands don't get all pruny and smelly. I always thought gloves were weird and unnecessary, and they kind of remind me of my heavy-duty yellow chemistry lab gloves, but they are super useful. Plus, they are the best color in the world - purple! I also really like my dish detergent, making smelly things much better without being too strongly scented. I know it's kind of strange, but I was really appreciating them because this weekend I did a lot of cooking, and therefore a lot of cleaning, in my uber-tiny kitchen. Seriously, it's like a bite size kitchen. Note to self: next time, get a place with a bigger kitchen - or at least one big enough to have drawers and a plug. As I was washing them, I was thinking, "I'm digging these gloves. I should write a blogpost about what I'm digging!" 


3. Speaking of which, next up is the blog Back to Her Roots! That's where I got the idea for my post - she does this weekly. I discovered it the other day and cannot get enough of it. It's a mix of healthy eating, photos, fitness, wellness, her life, and other cool stuff. It has totally inspired me that I can eat healthier, because while I usually try, sometimes my foods are more about convenience (and only slightly-moderately healthy). Admittedly, I did also have an additional part time job until last week, so now I'm feeling like I have a lot more time to be more focused on cooking (and eating!) healthy things. Plus, she's refreshingly real, and pretty funny. And all her food looks so delicious! 


4. My anatomy course. I'm going to Ohio State for medical school in the fall (YAY!!! :)  )  and because of their redesigned curriculum, they require an anatomy course. So, I've signed up for an online class, where I watch prerecorded lectures and do a virtual lab dissection using nifty software. I've done the lower limb so far (pelvis down) and have my first test scheduled Thursday. As always, studying the body always leaves me amazed at how awesomely our bodies were created by the Maker. Every time I study, this is what's going through my mind: 'WOW! That's so cool! So much information ..." on repeat. Also, my professor is pretty funny and tells us relevant interesting facts and Greek origins of words, which I love.  They totally help me understand and study the massive amount of material. 


5. My AmeriCorps friends. They are all pretty awesome and we are coming to the end of our time together. It was nice to have a potluck in the park on Friday! Fresh fruits and veggies, delicious desserts, quinoa x2, Frisbee, and 'memories games'. Although I think it took us a little while to warm up to each other, now I really enjoy spending time with them and even hang out with them outside of the days we already get together for service/training! 


I pretty much just wanted an excuse to talk about these amazing things with the blogosphere, and I was digging the format (get it?!). Besides, I'm not always super deep, and I need every excuse I can get to try and blog more. 


What are you digging? Or are thankful for? 

Book Reviews #3 and #4

Yet another newsletter book review! Again, no free books given to me, although they came from the library, so they were technically free. After I paid my fines. Did you know you can now borrow some newer books in e-format (pdf, Kindle, etc)? 


Check these books out:
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Keith from our April training recommended 2 books by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever, "Women Don't Ask" and its sequel, "Ask for It".  This book compiles the research done by the authors on the differences in negotiation between the sexes. Right now, the gender wage gap now stands at 77¢ for women for every $1 that men earn, and these authors research shows that this gap could be eliminated if women negotiated to the same extent as men.

In their first book, Babcock and Laschever discuss cultural, societal, and gender stereotypes and expectations regarding females who negotiate.  According to their research,  women just don’t ask as often, don’t ask as much, and settle sooner than men do.  In addition,  they frequently look to others to tell them what they deserve and when they deserve it. There are a variety of reasons for these results, including females’ socialization and upbringing, stereotypes about both nice women and  bossy women, and a lack of knowledge and skill about negotiating.  However, they have seen that when women are taught these negotiating strategies, they are able to negotiate successfully as frequently and for as much as men.  Women also have a distinct advantages in that they  favor a more collaborative strategy, which produces better outcomes for all, and they make less risky moves or ultimatums in discussions which allows them to successfully negotiate more often.  

In their second book, they detail ways that women can improve their negotiating habits and strategies. They cover why you should ask, what you can ask for (hint: everything!), how to figure out what  or how much you should  be asking for, ways to bargain using what the other side needs, and when and where to ask.

I really enjoyed reading these 2 books. They went very in-depth in this area  to truly explore why women don’t ask, and how to help them. I especially loved that both books were chock-full of story after story of women. These stories provided real-life examples of how negotiations are lost and how they are won, and  both what you can lose when you don’t ask and the great things you can gain through negotiation.   Personally, I identified that I don’t ask for many of their reasons of why women don’t negotiate.  I was also very empowered to begin negotiating and in the last few weeks I have (successfully!) asked for several things I would never have thought to do or have the courage to do before reading these books.  Everyone  - not only, but especially women- should read this book  to understand how what you don’t know is holding you back and how you can  improve your negotiation strategies . It will open you up to a world of opportunities  that are available if you just ask!


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Update: I have begun to take this book to heart. I asked for a free oil change for my inconvenience in coming back to the auto shop - and got it! So empowering. I also wasn't afraid to broach a tricky subject in several conversations now, and have been able to ask for more responsibility in my clinic. I am still a little nervous to deal with financial aid, but I am working up to it. I can't wait to try out many of their suggestions and ask for more things!


How do you feel about negotiating? What are your typical outcomes? And what would you ask for right now if you thought you could get it?

Training - Resume and Interview Tips

So, for AmeriCorps we do trainings as a corps once a month. I wrote up a review of April's training for the newsletter and I thought I'd share it because A, I wrote it, and B, I think there are some super handy tips in here that I wanted to share!


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April Training Highlights

Part of April's Training included a presentation by Keith Caldwell, Director of Career Services and Alumni Affairs for the Pitt School of Social Work.  He spoke  on resume creation, interviewing skills, and negotiation strategies. The presentation was very informative!
Here are my top 5 points from his presentation:

1. Include on your resume any data collection and/or paperwork for grants, that could be a useful skill for future employers.
2. You don’t have to tell your current place of employment that you are searching for a job, and therefore, you don’t have to list them as a reference or can ask for their reference to be held until the last stage of the interviews.
3. Always include a cover letter that details how you heard about the job, your interest in the organization, your related qualifications, and a statement about looking forward to speaking with them about the position.
4. Be prepared for an interview with about 5 key takeaways people should know about you - specifically your experiences or interpersonal skills- with brief examples which you can tailor to include in responses to interview questions.
5. Negotiation is key. Include in your cover letter that your salary requirements are negotiable. You can also always ask for the salary range, and explore other benefits: insurance, savings, family benefits, etc. He also suggested keeping in mind your dream amount,  the lowest amount you’d need to live, and some ladder rungs in between to shoot for.

Go for it! Good luck to all AmeriCorps members who are or will be searching for jobs for after AmeriCorps!

Book Review #2: More on Introverts

I originally wrote this for my Corps Newsletter, and waned to share it. Unfortunately, I did not receive a free copy of the book, so no bribery is involved (although that would be cool - how can I become one of those reviewers?!).

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“Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain

I give this book a 5-star rating! Would you describe yourself as a listener and a thinker? Then this book is for you! As an introvert, this book is revolutionary in our very extroverted society.

Cain digs into the latest research in psychology, sociology, and neuroscience to answer questions about being an introvert – is nature or nurture?  Can people change?  Is it caused by fear? How does one achieve balance?  She explores the challenges for and encourages the benefits of being an introvert across all ways of life: at school, work, and church; and in relationships with a partner, boss, child, and most importantly, with yourself.  Her book is filled with clear non-technical language and intriguing stories throughout the book, making it very accessible to everyone and both easy and enjoyable to read.  Sprinkled in are tidbits of hints and tips for introverts and those who know and love one.

Cain’s debut text provides a welcome voice that whispers softly to an introvert’s soul – “There is nothing wrong with you, and there are others out there like you. Look at these successful people who have gone before you. It is more than ok to be an introvert – it’s great!”

For more information, check out the Introverts’ Manifesto and the other articles on her website:  http://www.thepowerofintroverts.com/sixteen-things-i-believe/

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Also, since I initially wrote this post I have discovered more interesting links: 

1. A long (read: 4 pages) Psychology Today article - basics of an introvert

2. Lifehacker tips on how to avoid becoming an introverted weirdo - especially key if you live and/or work alone. 


3. Another article on introverts in church

4. An advice column's look at 'faking it' versus 'being yourself'

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PS: writing for the newsletter has really made me sit down and write more, and I really want to be more disciplined because I love reading and words and blogs etc. Any tips for writing regularly when you don't (necessarily) feel like writing? Topics aren't the problem, I've created a ton of new posts but never really finished them (ok, or even really started some of them other than the title). I've set up a few posts to go up automatically over this week while I try to write some more. Yay, blogging! 

Lies

I don't know about you, but sometimes it is a daily, even momentary fight for truth in my mind. There are lies that silently whisper into my ear, sneak in through my peripheral vision, and easily roll off the tongue of my inner voice. There are thoughts that are my default in certain situations, but are nonetheless simply false. Do you know what I mean? And we must fight for truth from the inside. Or like Ben Stuart of Breakaway ministries has said, "What you think about is what you care about, and what you care about, you will chase." (subscribe to their audio podcast here - do it!!)

How often do I allow myself to be caught up in those untrue thoughts? I criticize myself, over-think things, dwell on mistakes, and compare myself to others.  I doubt God and his love and goodness. I don't stop to give thanks. Far too often.  And how often am I thinking about "what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable... things that are excellent and worthy of praise"? (Phillipians 4:8 NLT) Not enough. But I'm praying that God will continue to teach me how to hide his word in my heart and mind. I beg that he will show me ways I am being deceived by these lies, and that he will speak his truth and love into my life. I pray these things for you as well. 

For it is written: "We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world." Ephesians 6:12. And I especially like verse 10: "Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong." I don't have to do this myself. I know I don't have the strength, and I keep trying to make myself strong and failing because I am not drawing from His strength. I am truly in awe of how he helps us:

  "So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you WILL be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit." Ephesians 6:13-17 CEV. And according to John 10:10, "A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I [Christ] came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest." 

What are the flaming arrows in your life? How have your shield of faith and your sword of the Word extinguished them?  How is Christ giving you life to the fullest, despite the enemy's attempts to steal and destroy? What do you do to focus your thoughts on Christ throughout the day, particularly when you have a tendency to hear and believe a lie? 

May you be protected with God's armor and made strong by HIS mighty strength.