February and March and well...most of April

Just in case you were thinking of calling me a blogging slacker I'd just like to recap what I've been doing the last few months

Since January I've...

Sung in an Opera-What a great way to end my last night (s) in Monmouth and Salem. Noah's Flood was one of my favorite ensemble experiences and made me realize that I can still enjoy performing without having it consume my life.  I know I will continue to have many more opportunities here in the Rogue Valley to pursue singing.

Started a new job-I can't say enough how much I love working at SOU.  Starting a new job is always tough, and this was no different.  I can't accurately describe both the depth and breadth of training and knowledge I have had to absorb in the past few months and continue to expand upon.  My new coworkers are a great group of people and working with students is so rewarding.  Some of my coworkers have remarked that they are surprised that I am still so cheerful and positive now that I've settled into my job, but I just tell them that I truly enjoy my job, even the tough parts.  It's teaching me how to be firm, but kind. My works challenges my beliefs and perceptions of people in a way that has made me a more compassionate  and understanding human being.

Moved across the state-The very next day after finishing Noah's Flood we moved down to Medford and settled into our new apartment and two days after that I started my new job at SOU.  We live in a cozy apartment complex and are in very close proximity to so much!

Went to Hawaii-When I was hired, I requested that I be able to go on our longstanding family vacation to Hawaii.  This was the first time I had been to Hawaii, and it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.  We had a blast from the minute we stepped off the plane. We ate too much, drank too much, got sunburned, snorkeled, zip-lined and hiked Kilauea. The best part is we will be able to return probably every other year since we are now part owners in a timeshare.  We decided probably every other year would be best as we still have to save up for the plane tickets!

Finished my MBA-That's right I am officially a Master in Business Administration, with a nonprofit management focus.  I fought tooth and nail to the very end to turn out a killer Capstone project and was rewarded with an A.  I will be walking at commencement at June and will proudly strut across the stage.

Found life after grad school-I've finally emerged from the haze of grad school, but am still adjusting to life without term papers and weekly forum discussions and midnight deadlines.  This has almost been a more difficult transition, because I am such a busy body sometimes.  I am doing my best to live in the moment as they say, and enjoy life without looking ahead to what's next.  I'm at a place of great peace in my life.


And what have I learned from the last months you say?

Singing in an opera, starting a new job, moving, finishing a master's degree and going to Hawaii all within three months may not be the best idea I ever had, but I made it.

Salt is an important nutrient. Salt is particularly important for those of us with naturally very low blood pressure which can make one prone to feinting episodes. When in doubt, toss a little salt on your food.  I definitely have noticed the difference in my energy levels.

And damn...it feels good to be a gangsta.

Karen Adams, MBA, ESA...



NBD.