Careful about putting your opinions online

If you'd like another lesson in making sure you think twice about putting your opinions online (like my lessons learned found here) check out what I was prompted to do after being insulted and annoyed by a local San Diego business owner -- Mike -- for The Cask Room.

Here's my review from Yelp in it's entirety:

I wanted to like this place, I really did. It's not in the heart of downtown and so you avoid the annoying college kids who order the cheapest wine and sit and complain about their oh so hard lives. Instead of annoying college kids, you get horrible wait staff and a different annoying patron at The Cask Room. 

I've been to Cask Room five times. My first time I went with friends the few things we tried to order off the menu they were out of due to "poor ordering" and so we ended up not eating anything. Convenient they didn't mention half the overpriced menu was out prior to us ordering a bottle of wine. Anyway, the wine was good, but couldn't judge the food that night. 

I went another time with a different friend to show them this new place I found and it took more than half an hour after we asked to get our check brought to us after we'd been sitting around waiting for it. Finally we went up to the bar to get it all cleared up. Keep in mind, there were MAYBE three other couples in there. Not busy at all. 

I was ready to write Cask Room off at this point because it was nothing special, parking is really hard to find (REALLY HARD) and I still hadn't had a chance to try food because (shocker) they were out of food AGAIN. 

Then much to my delight Groupon ran a $15 for $35 special at the Cask Room. Me and a couple girlfriends bought the Groupon in hopes to turn our opinion around of this place. After three more chances, I still probably won't be back. 

My friends and I always wait a couple weeks to use a food Groupon in hopes that most people who have bought them would be gone by then. So that's exactly what we did. 

The first time we announced we had a Groupon up front (like you're "supposed" to do) and pretty much got scowled at and ignored from then on. We had to go up to the bar to order and we decided to try and get the chocolate fondue and SHOCKINGLY they had the stuff to make it. While the fondue IS AMAZING, it's overpriced for the amount of dipping items you get. However, it is fantastic and I ordered it the fourth time I was there. 

The fourth and fifth time I was at Cask Room were nothing but the same ol' horrible service, stuck up staff who look down on you if you ask questions about the wines (isn't that their job?) and pal around with the snobby patrons who blab loudly about tannins and aroma while ignoring us normal people. 

What prompted me to write this review is the owner and his attitude toward "low tipping, & entitled peeps who are almost always just there for a deal" Groupon buyers. (Direct quote from a tweet @thecaskroom) I've been in there when Mike (owner) has been in there and he's the worst of them all. Just because I'm younger than some of the other patrons, my money and my love of wine is just the same. 

Mike also wrote a blog on their website about how Groupon was a horrible thing and urging people to boycott Groupon and other sites like it because it's killing small businesses (http://www.caskroom.com/blog/Entries/2010/12/28_groupon_is_sucking_the_lifeblood_out_of_our_economy.html)

I urge people to learn just who is running this place and see if they want to support someone who thinks oh so highly of themselves and so lowly of people who don't make 6 figures but still love wine and want to enjoy a good night out and can't afford to do it blindly without some incentive to try a new place. 

All in all, wine is fine, but don't count on getting food. Parking is AWFUL and the wait staff makes you, well WAIT a long time for anything. 

If you're looking for a good and fun wine bar, try The Wine Pub in Point Loma or Wine Steals in Point Loma. Really anywhere else but here. 

There's my $0.02 Mike, and this time I paid full price for it.

Yet another lesson in what you say online can be misinterpreted for something you don't (or in Mike's case DO) mean.

Until next time...

Sunday Supper - Balsamic Bruschetta

First of all I know it's Monday, but I came up with this idea today and so it's only a day late but I like it so I'm going with it. Just think of it as a good thing since you'll get a double dose this week! (You'll get it later)

With that out of the way, I'm introducing a new portion of my blog. I'm going to upload photos and recipes of something I cooked throughout the week and call the segment, "Sunday Supper". They will (most likely) be easy and inexpensive, edible delights for you to try or just wish you lived closer to my apartment.

Some things explained... anyone who has looked at a cooking website and seen all these weird codes and descriptions of time, ease of recipes etc and wondered who was actually making the judgement call on how to gauge the recipe. Well here's what you'll see with all my cooking posts and so you'll understand where I'm coming from.

Level: Easy, Medium, Hard, Top Chef
I am not a seasoned chef by any means. I do enjoy meddling around in the kitchen and trying out new things, but in no way do I say I'm a "cook". So you can trust that if I get at all frustrated or confused, the recipe will be gauged correctly. I will also explain why and where the recipe gets tough if that applies.

Prep Time: Under 30 minutes, 30-60 minutes, more than an hour.
This will be the, you guessed it, time it takes to actually make the meal prior to cooking it. Keep in mind again, I am not a chef and it takes me longer to core a tomato and cut it up than say my dad would need.

Cook time: whatever the recipe calls for.
Pretty self explanatory. Leave a comment if you have questions.

What you'll need:
All the tasty ingredients!

With that said, here's the first installment.

"Balsamic Bruschetta"

Thanks to: AllRecipes.com

Level: Easy

Prep Time: Under 30 minutes

Cook time: varies 

What you'll need: 

4 medium tomatoes

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 gloves garlic (minced)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bread

All the ingredient measured out

Once you have all the ingredients measured out, you mix all the tomatoes, cheese, and garlic together then add the rest of them. It's that simple.

Cover it in plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for a couple hours at least in order to have the flavors blend together.

Finished product

How to cook the bread:

Pick a loaf of your favorite bread that isn't super fluffy or falls apart easily. Cut the bread into think enough slices that can support the bruschetta toppings (no less than an inch thick), butter both sides of the bread and then grill on a hot skillet until golden and crispy on both sides.

Then top with bruschetta and enjoy!

Tips from the chef:
I am a huge fan of garlic and basil and so I added a lot more than what was called for. It smells amazing and will be so great on the rosemary bread I plan to cover in the mixture. I also added some more vinegar than called for because I used a LOT of tomatoes to ensure I have enough to share with the family. I have a feeling it might need a little bit more salt than the recipe says, but I LOVE salt (sodi-yum as a co-worker says) and so I didn't over salt it to see what it would taste like as is.

Did you make this? Let me know your tips and thoughts in the comment section below!! 
 

DELISH!

Until next time...

Because wearing jeans is hard...

Really?



Until next time...

It's a Christmas carol not the marriage of Figaro

Hey lady... yeah you. The one who thinks Christmas carols at staff chapel is a time to let your closet opera diva out. Guess what... no one else thinks it's as pretty as you do so please stop it. 

Thanks! 

A couple times a year at PLNU we have staff chapel. It's a time for staff and administrators to get together, enjoy the ever so amazing (no joke, it's delish) catering coffee and fruit spread while singing songs and hearing from a speaker.

Well the Christmas one is always fun because there's a funny video from Dr. Brower's grandkids and a collection of Christmas carols. Well today I was behind (thankfully) a lady who fancied herself a top shelf singer. She was belting the songs at a nice octave above everyone else and swaying to make sure she got those high notes. I pity the people in front of her. Annoying.

Thought I'd share!

Until next time...

Sometimes I can't help but GLEE!

While I'm reading tons of application files for my job, I listen to music to keep myself sane. Sometimes I forget that even though my door is closed, people can still hear me. (Sorry co-workers) I recently acquired the Glee Christmas CD (it's amazing) and this is one of my favorite songs on it... Enjoy!



Until next time...

Words to life by

"Listening is not just waiting 

for your turn to talk."

Now if everyone could put this to work. One of my applicants had this one her application. I like it a lot. 

Until next time...

Countdown to December 23...

December 23 is going to be a great day... not only does that start my Christmas break it will also be a day when I do some major changes!

Well just one change, but yeah I'm excited. At 4:15 on December 23... I will be a happy girl! 

Hint: It's not a permanent change, but it could be continued...

Until next time...

Kids say the darndest things!

My boss has two kids (one is 10 and the other is seven) and this morning we were talking about the funny things they've said in the past and this one is by far my favorite.

Yesterday, I asked Macey (7 yr old) who she was rooting for, Brazil or the Netherlands. She said, "Brazil becuase I don't like pirates". I thought, what are they teaching kids in second grade... why would they discuss dutch pirates? I was telling Michelle the story later, so she asked Macey where she heard about pirates from the Netherlands. Macey said, "from Peter Pan"... ah, yes, Neverland...

Background... it's the World Cup and my boss is a pretty big soccer fan. Oh and Michelle is his wife. Gotta love how kids think and what they say!

Until next time...

Can people change?

I've been told the past few days that people can magically change and be everything you've ever wanted.

I'm skeptical and not falling for it. 
What are your thoughts? Can it happen?

Until next time...

Tis true.... I'm single!

After two and a half years, I am now single. Don't adjust your computer screen or restart the browser... you didn't read that wrong. Ryan and I are no longer an "item".

Many are asking what happened, but honestly it's not some horrible story of cheating or a knock down drag out fight. It just became clear to me it wasn't working out and there were things in the relationship I didn't see working for a marriage. Since we were obviously heading in that direction, these past few months I've been doing some serious analysis of where we were as a couple and where we were heading in our futures.

Many know Ryan is trying to go to law school in Fall 2011 and is in the middle of applying for those right now. While I was very excited for him at first when he brought up law school, I started to get less and less thrilled about it when the schools he was applying to were getting further and further out of San Diego. I originally jumped on board with the law school idea when he wanted to go to California Western School of Law which is in downtown San Diego. When that was deemed "not good enough" and he started to apply to places in DC, Chicago, Texas and North Carolina and expected me to pick up and move, I was less than stoked.

Many of you may also know, I'm one third done with my MBA program at PLNU and I have an incredible job (my dream job actually) which amazing co-workers and so why would I leave either one of those to be unemployed with no friends or family close? It wasn't something I was willing to do. His idea was to have me transfer to a school near his and that would be that. No thanks. 

There were many other circumstances that came into play with this decision and without getting into details, we just aren't a good marriage fit. As I told Ryan yesterday, "I can't marry you, but I can be friends with you". Nothing is more true. 

As for now, I'm stoked to get back to me and focus on my goals and dreams and have sleep overs and girl's night in at my apartment. Things I didn't have time for when I wasn't single. I want to explore San Diego, meet new people and just enjoy my 20's and not have to think about "when we're married" or "in 10 years will we still want this?" It's now, "what will I want in 10 years?" AWESOME!

While it's annoying to think I have to start dating again at 24 (I turn 24 on 12/12) and I thought I was done, I am surrounded by awesome co-workers who are reassuring. One hadn't even met her husband yet when she was 24 and a few aren't married. It's not the end of the world if I'm not married by 25. *deep breath*

If y'all have any questions, I'm happy to answer them. I'm not going to start crying when you ask about Ryan and I (PROMISE) and so don't be shy if you're curious.

There's the story!

Until next time...

Yup, it's true!!

I'll post more about it later, but to answer the "NO WAY!" comments and questions... it's true!

From my phone...

I just unlocked blogging on my phone! Look forward to very up-to-date posts and thoughts on my life!

Until next time...

(from my phone)

Black Friday was a SUCCESS!!

I can officially say I was a Black Friday shopping warrior! Not nearly as crazy as those people who camped out in front of Best Buy for hours and hours, but I did start at midnight and crawl into bed around 6am and then shop some more that afternoon. I'm weirdly proud of myself.

Where the Seybert women went and when: 

12-Midnight: Pismo Outlets
1:45 am: McDonalds for a pick me up
2:45 am: Kohl's (store opened at 3am and we were there!)
4:14 am: Old Navy
5 am: Bed Bath and Beyond
6-10 am: Sleeping at home
2-5 pm: Downtown SLO

Since we didn't get left overs (my mom's favorite) since we ate Thanksgiving at my uncle's, my dad cooked while we were gone and we came home to Thanksgiving number two! Delish!

Saturday was Small Business Saturday and so my mom and I went to a few places today, but not nearly as successful as Friday. Not even close.

All in all the Seybert women contributed to the economy and had a blast doing it. I'm still tired and haven't caught my body up to the fact it's still only Saturday and we didn't skip a day even though I shopped all night long. Weird feeling.

Until next time...

Black Friday Game Plan

Every year my mom and I get up and join the crowds of crazed shoppers on Black Friday. However, every year our start time seems to be later and later the older we get. Not this year!

The Pismo Outlets open at midnight tonight and then Bed Bath and Beyond at 5am and then World Market at 7am. My  mom wants to go to Kohl's which opens at 3am, but we'll see if we do that. I'm not a huge Kohl's fan, but we'll see. 

This year is going to be interesting to see how long we last. I bet the adrenaline will kick in and we'll be good to go, but you never know! All I need is a huge diet coke or coffee and I'll be set. Oh and crazy shoppers be warned, if you elbow me even once, you'll get it even worse back. You've been warned. 

Here's to great deals and all night shopping! 

Until next time...

Remember how I said I loved my job?

When I was ending my college career, my very wise dad gave me some great advice.

"There are three things to juxtapose when considering a job. Location, Money and Job Satisfaction. You can love your job, make great money and hate where you live. Or you can love where you live, make great money but hate your job." 

You get the picture. I judge a lot of things based on this principle but recently I've wondered about where the fourth factor of bullshit comes into play. How much is "too much" or when do you just wipe it off and keep trudging?

The past two days have been a form of an all-you-can-eat Vegas buffet but rather than yummy food and drinks, it's been utter bullshit mainly from my job and those crybabies who work around me.

You may be wondering what I'm talking about or why my blog has been locked down. Welcome to my hell of a workplace when it comes to having a personal life. It's a myth that you have a "personal life" at the ol' Naz and that's starting to come to a head.

I love my job, I love the people I work with (for the most part) but I can't stand how people take it on themselves to point out to their bosses who then tell my boss about things they don't like about me and my personal life. Keyword... PERSONAL.

Case one: Anyone who knows me knows I'm very passionate about PLNU and I wouldn't do anything to hurt to negatively impact this place. It would kill me to think something I did made someone not want to come here. Anyone who knows me also knows I'm not the biggest college sports fan. Oh and you know I have a sense of humor too. (Obvi)

Now to the real point of case one... one of the assistance coaches of the basketball team told his boss about one of my tweets on my PERSONAL account. The tweet said,

"I love how PLNU played some no name school (not a Naz Uni) in hopes to win Homecoming, but instead kept up the tradition and lost anyways."

Now if you know PLNU men's basketball, they're not very good, most would say "awful" but hey I didn't go that far. And if you know anything about Nazarene Universities, there are eight in the country and we're all "sister schools". We usually (while I've been a student) played another Naz school for Homecoming (and lost). So the fact we played some school from South Dakota and STILL lost. I find that funny. Sue me.  Well it got back to the head coach who happens to be the athletic director (my luck right?) who then tells my boss he's "disappointed" that the "face of PLNU" would tweet such things and that a recruit saw it. Hold up... a recruit saw it because YOUR assistance coach took it on himself to try and make me feel bad (he didn't ps) and so that's HIS bad... not mine. Just so we're clear. 


Granted I probably shouldn't have tweeted that, but hell it was funny and I did and so put your big girl panties on and get over it!

That all happened last night ps.

Case two: This morning my boss comes in and tells me one student googled my name, found my blog and was offended by it. They then turned around and emailed Eric (my boss) about it and said something along the lines of "I can't believe you'd let this type of stuff happen."

Well, first you know it's some crazy mom who is EXACTLY the type of person I make fun of on here so you know that's why she's offended. Her kid probably couldn't get accepted, or they missed the deadline or what have you, but you know she's all offended because it's like I'm talking directly to her. So again, my job takes away another level of my personal life. Awesome. 

So there are my explanations of why this blog is no longer open to everyone. If you know people who read this but can't see it now, please have them email me and I will add them to the "allow" list.

During fall travel I could see why people don't stay in this job long, but now I'm really starting to see it. It's unfortunate how my dream job has really reared it ugly head in the last few months. *sigh*

Until next time...

I'm changing permissions on this blog....

Due to circumstances, I'm locking down my social media outlets and will only be allowing certain people to read this starting next week. if you'd like to be on the list to read this blog in the future, please email me your email address you use to sign into Google/Blogger. Email me here

Until next time...

Tales of a deadline day

So today is our Early Action deadline for fall 2011 admission. It couldn't be more stereotypical of a deadline atmosphere with all phone calls and emails I've had to experience today. Here's my letter to those I talk/type to today... (If only I could actually say it to them...)

Dear student (and parents) who are frantic about the deadline being today -

Is it really that big of a shock to you that today is November 15th? Please stop calling/emailing me pissed it's the deadline and YOU didn't get things done on time. I am pretty sure November 15th came in the order it was supposed to and didn't creep up on us like BOO! HERE I AM!

All over the website we say we need extra materials beyond the application itself. Is it that big of a shock that a college needs your high school transcripts along with your application? Isn't it a no brainer that if you took the SAT or ACT, we'd want your scores with your application?

Sorry for assuming anything from you since you've told me numerous times y

ou're overworked and this is just oh so much for you to handle. My bad. Won't happen

again.

Thanks to all, from your exhausted Admissions Counselor,

Noelle

If only I could. Nonetheless I love my job and off I go to keep typing emails, returning voicemails and conducting last minute interviews.

HAPPY DEADLINE DAY!!

Until next time...

Two things that made me smile today

I LOVE this song and it's a popular wedding song... wonder if this version will catch on?

Are you an animal lover? Then watch this!!

Until next time...

This would be in my "won't care" folder...

Subject: Reduced Tackle Box & tackle - $15!!!!!!!

Message: "As the packaging proves, this could be you."

Photo:

Until next time...

I wish Outlook had a "you won't care" filter....

I don't know if you have ever worked in an office or company where people send emails out about things you couldn't care less about. I do. I think we all do.

However, I get really excited when the pointless emails come with an AWESOME photo.

See exhibit A:

Though I couldn't care less about this, receiving this email during the final stretch of my first day back in the office was quite fabulous.

What would be better? If Outlook was smart enough to figure out what I care about and learn my deleting patterns and came out with a "you won't care" filter that I would check every few days. That would be awesome. Agree?

Until next time...

Fall Travel Moment of the Day: I'm a blue state Christian

Those who are unfamiliar with my job, here's the down-low. I'm a recruiter for a private Christian university in San Diego. Here's a peak into me (it'll make sense later, promise). I am a democrat and a Christian. Oh and I'm traveling in Arizona right now, Phoenix and Scottsdale to be exact for today's travels.

So, to my moment of the day. I have never been to this school yet, because they don't even have a senior class yet because it's a three year old charter school. As a good admissions counselor (aka recruiter) I am, I asked for a profile sheet about the school so I could learn a little bit more. Beyond other classes I saw and smiled and nodded as the counselor went on and on about how fabulous this charter school is, I noticed they read five books of the Bible.

I (kind of) interrupted her bragging and asked if this was a Christian charter school (I'm still new to this whole charter school vs magnet vs private vs public high schools) and here's the following conversation:

Counselor: "oh no no, we're strictly public"

Me: "Oh, I notice you read five books of the Bible."

Counselor: "oh yes, we read them as a historical text, and not religious value."
Me: "Oh it's an elective." (read that as a statement, not a question.)
Counselor: "No, it's required."
Me: *Insert Noelle's confused face"
Counselor: "It's part of a history class."
Me: "I see, how does a public school get away with requiring the Bible without any other religious texts read? That just wouldn't happen in California as a required class."
Counselor: "It must be a difference between the red states and blue states. It must be hard to be a Christian in that blue state. Is it?"
Me: "umm ha *insert uncomfortable laugh fix bangs*"
Counselor: "Well hopefully in November the rest of the country will vote correctly and we'll be back on the right path."
Me: "ha oh yeah, the election is coming up. So um we're meeting with John?"

Welcome to my uncomfy conversation. Awesome!

I'm usually not as blunt about my views like I was in the beginning of this blog. I really don't think a person should be defined by their politics. It just starts fights which is ridiculous.

Honorable mention moments of today:

A counselor with dentures that were too large and she keep slurping them into place.

A kid who asked if all the girls at Point Loma were as hot as me. (Flattering if he wasn't 17)

A girl who told me I was fly and when I asked "Like a G6?" she started singing that song.

Welcome to my moment today and look forward to tomorrow's moment.

Until next time...

"Um... what?" Tales from the elevator...

Today has been a complete whirlwind to say the least. It started at 4am when my alarm went off, then off to the airport to catch a 6:55am flight to Phoenix that didn't end up leaving San Diego until 8:15am due to construction at the Phoenix airport. Because of that extreme delay, I completely missed my first appointment at a high school but was able to make my next three appointments back to back to back. Phew! I'm done for today.

I head to my hotel to unwind and work on accounting and in the elevator I have the following conversation with a lady I've never met before.

Lady: "So what insurance company are you with?"

Me: "Hm what?"

Lady: "I'm with (insert company here)"

Me: "oh um yeah I'm with Progressive?"

Lady: "Ah yeah, lots of claims since the storm last week?"

Me: "Hm what?"

Lady: "Are you guys processing a lot of claims from the hail storm last week?" (She's sounding frustrated)

Me: "Hail storm? Oh no I'm not WITH Progressive, I pay them for my insurance..."

Lady: "Oh... so you don't work FOR an insurance company?"

Me: "oh no no no. I mean, no I don't. Do you?"

Lady: "Sure do! Going on 20 years and love it!" (Sounded pissy and offended)

Me: "Well congrats! Here's my floor... bye!"

Lady: "yep"

Not only was a sort of bummed I LOOKED like someone that could be part of the insurance world, I can't believe she got all pissy when I semi scoffed at working for the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are like lobbyists. No one likes you. Get over it.

Tomorrow I have another busy day with a crazy week next week. I CAN DO IT!

Until next time...

Overheard at lunch

I'm sitting at lunch listening to four VERY nerdy white boys/men (probably in their mid to late twenties) all talking about how the recent noble prize in physics winner isn't that cool and how'd they'd change it and then very quickly switching to their choir drama and "can you believe so and so got that solo?!". Wow. Then someone mentioned a song their little choir group just got assigned and one said,

"we just went up four cool levels hooooomieeeees!"

The might has well just said "chika chika" (McLovin reference) and I would have lost it with laughter.

Until next time...

Something that made me laugh

This time last year I was getting antsy with my current job and really looking for a change. Somewhere I could see myself for many many years doing something I thoroughly enjoyed. While applying for a job at a rival university to my alma mater, I stumbled across my dream job being posted. I applied and the rest is history. I've been at my current job since October of 2009 and LOVE it.

All that to say that I'm helping my boyfriend with his cover letters for future jobs (because I'm the writer in the relationship) and he asked to see some of my old ones for ideas on how to compose his. I sent him a few with the comments "didn't get a call back or anything from this one" or "wasn't a fan of this one, but sent it anyway" until I opened THE cover letter. The one for my current job. When I read it, I remembered my nervousness and meticulous attention to detail while writing this specific cover letter, because I wanted it so bad. I laughed out loud reading this again. While you're reading this, keep in mind I worked with this same group of people I'm applying to for four years and then graduated and had to leave due to no openings in this department. For your reading pleasure, my cover letter for the admissions position I currently hold.

PLNU Undergraduate Admissions Counselor

Posting number: 0600423

Noelle Seybert

Cover letter

Research shows that it can take only seven seconds to create a first impression. However, it could take years for that first impression to be redefined. When it comes to private school admissions, first impressions play a key role into whether or not a student chooses to apply to the college in question. With my four years of experience within this field,

I know what it takes to show a good first impression and work with a student through the admissions process.

From August 2006 to December 2008, I played a key role in the planning and implementation of Preview Days at Point Loma Nazarene University. I took in hundreds of registration forms, had a staff of five current students help me find housing within the dorms, and then I found homes for the prospective students who arrive on campus with wide eyes and anticipation Thursday afternoon to kick off the event.

Two years in a row I was nominated for the Student Employee of the Year for PLNU. In 2008, I was awarded the title of Student Employee of the Year and then captured the title for the State of California as well, for my work within the Admissions Department during the 2007‐2008 school year.

I also worked with Parent Weekend for PLNU, which gave me practice of how to speak with parents and to find out what they’re looking for. I was an event intern for Parent Weekend 2008 at PLNU and watched the event come to fruition.

With all the events and programs I have been involved in, I have relied heavily on my public speaking experience. I competed in speech and debate all four years of high school, going to the state tournament a couple of times. When I thought my debate career was over, Skip Rutlegde of PLNU’s debate team contacted me and during my freshman year of college at PLNU, I competed extensively and went to nationals in Oregon.

Attached you’ll find my résumé, but I encourage you to also look at my LinkedIn.com profile to find all my recommendations and more information about my work history.

I have found my passion with the idea of admissions recruiting and would thoroughly enjoy coming back to work within this field. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Noelle Seybert

805.458.5655 – Cell

Noelle@JimSeybert.com

www.LinkedIn.com/in/noelleseybert

I hope you enjoyed that even half as much as I enjoy rereading that. Oh where I was a year ago... ha

Until next time...

Balancing life and work

PLNU Undergraduate Admissions staff November 2009

"Frig" Nazi got a phone call from said "Frig"

It's been far too long since the last email/update from the self proclaimed "frig" nazi. I knew the silence wouldn't last forever and I was right. Here's the latest update from Friday.

Hello Everyone:
Woohooooooo!!!!! It’s FRI-DAY!!!!!!!

I just got a call from our breakroom refrigerator, and they brought to my attention that several lunches are being stored in plastic grocery bags in the frig. The frig is complaining about chest pains…!!!!! :(

Please note that this rule is specifically listed on the list on the frig door.
Rule 2: Please do not use plastic grocery bags to hold your lunch, as they can block the airflow, making it hard for the refrigerator to breathe and keep air circulating.

Please remove your lunch from the bags and label your lunch. Grocery bags inhibit proper airflow, making it more difficult to evenly cool everyone’s food.

Today is Friday, so by 4:00pm, all food must be removed from the frig, except for the shared condiments on the door, or it will be tossed out.

Thanks for your help,
XXXX

So there you have it... a "frig" complaining of chest pains... no words.

Until next time...

I want to camp in paradise

"As of July 2, 2010 Limekiln SP will reopen for hiking and camping. The Falls Trail will remain closed, but the Limekiln Trail and the Hare Trail are open. Campsites are available on a first come first serve basis and will not be on the reservation system. Visitors should be aware that construction noise will be ongoing during the summer due to work on the bridge." Limeklin State Park Website

What AMAZING news!! Ryan has been telling me about Limeklin State Park since he first found out I love camping. I've heard about the views, the hikes, the location... everything. Then the Chalk Fire ripped through the Big Sur area and destroyed Limeklin. Sad face. However, that was back in 2008 and through the years they've been slowly working on Limeklin and it's NOW OPEN!

Now to just line up mine and Ryan's work schedule to find a few days to escape up there for a few days in paradise and eating an amazing ambrosia burger from Nepenthe's!

I'll leave you with a view of what I'm talking about. Thanks to Ron Niebrugge for the photo.

Until next time...

Two happy years!

Happy Anniversary to my love Ryan! It's been two wonderful years and I'm very excited for what this year may bring.

Until next time...

My Co-worker said it best...

"Much like parents wish they didn't have to have dirty diapers to clean, we wish freshmen could just come in with the experience of sophomores."

Absolute genius.

Until next time...

Lessons Learned on the road

As my previous post mentioned, I am on a month long (almost) adventure in the month of June. From the midwest to the northwest to the southwest desert, I have been gone from San Diego since June 4th. *sigh* It's soon (thank goodness) coming to a close however.

How does an introvert who craves alone time yet has a very public interaction job handle life on the road you ask? Yeah, I'm still figuring that part out everyday of my adventure.

Things I've learned throughout my trip:

When traveling with groups, go with the flow.
My office is full of pretty strong personalities and the majority of the people I work with are women. Put them all in a mini-van going around a city few have been to and don't know where to go and the best thing to do it just go with the flow. I really enjoy being the laid back one and having only two objectives in Chicago... hot dog and pizza. I got those two things without having to push and so I was a happy little clam.

When in someone else's wedding remember that it's someone else's wedding.
I was in a stunning wedding on June 12th and was constantly reminded that it isn't MY wedding (not to say it wasn't perfect) but it just reminded me that though I was friends with the people in the wedding, we have different takes on things. Again, go with the flow and let it be. Their timeline, events and practices are for them and not you. Good lesson learned.

When your boss tells you you're going to Arizona in the summer, remember it's a desert.
Prescott and Phoenix Arizona are DRY and HOT. Couple that with running around with high school students all day and even the biggest extrovert is bound to be zapped. I wish I would have known how dry it would be out here. My poor nose is screaming at me all day "WHY IS IT SO DRY!?!?" and my poor skin is loving the sun's rays, but hating the lack of San Diego moisture.

When walking around Scottsdale, AZ, make sure you have your best outfit, makeup, hair and brand names at the ready at all times.
I was walking around Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale and have never felt SO out of place in my life. Let me paint a picture for you readers. I have just spent the last week at camp. So my attire consists of jeans, flat, closed toe shoes and a PLNU tshirt with my hair in a curly ponytail and minimal makeup on. Got that? Ok so then I go walking around Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale and am not only slapped in the face by the heat at 8pm but the fact that it seems like EVERYONE just walked off the runway for a high fashion photoshoot or off the magazine pages. Perfect hair, makeup, HIGH heals, name brands slapped across every stitch of fabric, designer bags (the bigger the better) for purses... you get what I mean. I was ignored at EVERY store, even Forever 21!! Awesome. Welcome to Scottsdale. I thought Orange County was shallow and sad.

When you're in high school, you will love you church camp boyfriend FOREVER... or at least until the last day of camp.
When I was at high school camp this past week, I watched relationships bud into full on soap operas within hours. It all starts with a simple high five, to a hug to a "whoops is that YOUR hand?!" to sitting next to each other at evening service to "OH EM GEE YOU WERE STARING AT MY BEST FRIEND!!" to "of course I'll love you always!" to "sniff last day at camp" and then tearful waves as the van drives off leaving the other in the dust. Cracks me up!

A lesson for you male hotel clerks...

Just because a female is checking into a hotel all by herself does NOT mean she's single and welcomes your comments about wanting to take her out to show her the nightlife and that you'd be willing to put her sunscreen on. Please, grow up. Thanks!

It doesn't matter how old you are, when you're away from those you love for a while, it's ok to be homesick.
I really do love my job and have always wanted to travel for work and not be stuck at a desk all day, but I never factored in the fact I really crave my alone time with those I love. Just being in the same room, not talking and watching a movie, or working on things on our respective computers is some of the best time ever. I can't wait to get back to that in a couple of days. Just hearing voices over the phone doesn't do it for me. I need that personal interaction and can't wait to get it again.

All in all it's been a good trip so far and can't wait to get home and get back into my routine of San Diego living.

Until next time...

My month long adventure

For those of you who are my friend on Facebook you've seen my status updates of my travels in the month of June. So far it's been 13 days on the road with six left to go. It's been a great time, but very draining to be honest.

To recap my trip for those who are unfamiliar...

June 4: Chicago with the girls in my office
June 5: Chicago
June 6: Chicago to Mishawaka Indiana to Bethel College
June 6-8: Mishawaka IN
June 9: Breakfast in Mishawaka, Lunch in Chicago and dinner in Portland with my head on a pillow in Salem Oregon
June 10: Salem Oregon
June 11: Portland Oregon to Hood River Oregon
June 12: Hood River Oregon
June 13: Hood River Oregon to San Diego
June 14: San Diego to Phoenix Arizona
June 15: Phoenix Arizona to Prescott Arizona
June 16-June 22: Prescott Arizona
June 22: HOME!!!!

Phew! Long, eventful and fun trip but man I can't wait to be home!!

Reasons for my trips:
Chicago - Fun with the girls in the office before a conference
Indiana - NACCAP conference
Oregon - I was in a wedding for a from from college
Arizona - Arizona Nazarene District summer camp for high schoolers (first week) and junior highers (June 21&22)

All in all it's been a great growing and learning experience for me since most of the places I've been have been new and it's been a great learning time for me to know that while yes, I want to travel for my job, I truly miss the comfort of home and having a routine that is familiar to me.

I can't wait to be home and in my own bed, but I think I will miss my crazy traveling life. Then I remember that fall travel is just around the corner!

Until next time...

I ran into the side of a mountain...

It was supposed to be a nice drive to a farmer's market in the Julian mountains with Ryan to add to the enjoyment of our camping trip before life gets crazy with work for the both of us.

No signs prepared us for the incredibly curvy roads ahead.

All of a sudden I knew I hit that turn all wrong and then I look up and the front

of my car is crunched in.

"OH MY GOSH IS RYAN OK!?" Screams in my brain. "Ok, phew he is... now what the hell just happened? Am I bleeding?" I wasn't.

I get out of my car and look at the damage. "Oh shit, this is going to be expensive. Wait, where are my glasses?" They had flown off in the crash into the passenger side floor.

"How did we end up 180 degrees the other way in the other lane and smashed into a mountain?" I turn around and check for gravel, there really wasn't much but man was that curve TIGHT.

*sigh* I call my dad, "hey dad, I just got into an accident, we're ok, but my car won't start and it's pretty banged up, what do I do?" Answer? Call Progressive.

I do, they take my information and then send a tow truck with a 1-2 hour time frame. Awesome.

So Ryan and I assess the damage, figure out there is no way my car is ok (it's leaking green stuff and there are pieces all over the road) and tell all the curious onlookers we're ok and waiting for the tow truck. One of those onlookers was a park ranger who told me that this is the second car TODAY that crashed... uh might want to put some signs up ya think? Oh well, damage done. Lots of damage.

So the tow truck guy gets there, chuckles when I ask him if he thinks it's totaled and then we ride all the way back to my apartment (1.5 hour drive) to drop my mangled vehicle off. Then Ryan and I pile into his car and drive ALL the way back to Julian to get our camping stuff and then aaalllllllll the way back to my apartment for the night.

The "communication" with the insurance company continues Sunday night and Monday. All the while I've had my car towed to an auto body shop on Monday morning and I went to CarMax to look at cars because everyone with any car knowledge (and even those without any) tell me my car is toast and so I should start shopping.

Not knowing how much my settlement would be, car shopping wasn't that much fun, but I tried to make light of the situation. Despite the fact my neck and lower back were killing me and I was pretty shaky and afraid to drive, I tried to put a smile on my face. I ended up finding a Honda Civic that I loved and put my "circle circle dot dot" on it with the car salesman, Rudy. (PS If you're in San Diego and need a car, Rudy at CarMax is the BEST!!)

The "communication" continues with the insurance company only with my calls to them going "hey when will I know anything?" every couple of hours. I think that paid off because by Wednesday I had my settlement check (almost twice what I was expecting!!) and was off to CarMax to put the downpayment on my 2008 black Honda Civic.

All in all Ryan and I are no longer hurting (minus the intense bruise on my thigh from my car door slamming into my leg) and I have a new (to me) car and the crash itself could have been much worse. We're definitely thankful that if we had to crash, the way we did was best. No one was hurt, we didn't roll the car or slide down the mountain, just slammed into it. Positive thinking is definitely helping.

I'm able to sleep the night now but still have random flash backs about the crash itself and the "what ifs" that could have been. Hoping those will go away soon.

I pick up my car tomorrow mid-morning and can't wait to put this all behind me!!

Until next time...

Phone calls with students are bad for your health

I love my job, I really do. 99% of my job is amazing. What is that 1% that you loathe you ask? Phone calls!!

I have to call 250+ accepted high school seniors, most with entitlement issues who make comments like "uh yeah I got your email and I haven't made a decision yet" or ones that are FULL of awkward pauses until they finally tell me PLNU really wasn't their number one choice like their application said. LIARS! (juuuuust kidding! One less person to chat with who doesn't care)

As much as I hate these phone calls, the BEST ones *insert sarcasm here* are when clueless students call in and have "questions" for you.

Actual dialog with a student today:

Caller: "um yeah hi this is *unintelligible*, can I apply?"

Me: "Great question! What are you looking to apply for?"

Caller: "uh PLNU"

Me: "*chuckle* Well I figured that much, when are you looking to apply I guess I should have asked"

Caller: "uh now" *insert attitude*

Me: *Eye roll* "What term is what I'm looking for"

Caller: "um the next one" *insert more attitude*

This is when I literally put my head on my desk and closed my eyes. I then regurgitated the deadlines and asked if they had any questions, to which they ("uh no") didn't have any.

Don't read what I'm not saying. I do love my job, I just hate clueless students.

Until next awesome phone call...

Cooking tips

Kitchen Wisdom

Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of an ice cream cone to prevent ice cream drips

or

Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete's sake! You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway!


To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

or

Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix. Keeps in the pantry for up to a year.


When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

or

Go to the bakery! Hell, they'll even decorate it for you!


If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant 'fix-me-up.'

or

If you over-salt a dish while you are cooking, that's too bad. Please recite with me the real woman's motto:
'I made it, you will eat it and I don't care how bad it tastes!'


Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

or

Celery? Never heard of it!


Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.

or

The Mrs. Smith frozen pie directions do not include brushing egg whites over the crust, so I don't.


Cure for headaches: take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

or

Take a lime, mix it with tequila, chill and drink! All your pains go away!


If you have a problem opening jars, try using latex dish washing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.

or

Go ask that very cute neighbor if he can open it for you..


Don't throw out all that leftover wine. Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

or

Leftover Wine?????? HELLO!!!!!!!


Lastly, if you don't forward this to 1 of your friends within the next 5 minutes your belly button will unscrew and your butt will fall off.

Really..... It's true!

Have I ever lied to you?!


Until next time...

Proof I'm a complete nerd...

This made my day....

Until next re-tweet...

Now I'm not just a good pooper...

Hope you laugh as hard as I did when I first saw this...




Until next time...

"uh yeah what is your out of state tuition policy?"

I wish you could have heard this conversation... it was glorious!

Me: "Point Loma Admissions, this is Noelle."

Caller: "uh hey yeah I have a question about in state and out of state tuition."

Me: "yeah sure, what's your question?"

Caller: "what are your requirements?"

Me: "good news, we don't have that because we're a private school only public schools have that." (thoughts right about now: duh and you're wanting to go to college?)

Caller: "uh yeah ok so what is a public school? san diego state?"

Me: "yup. Any CSU or UC will be a public school." (Continuing thought: really buddy?)

Caller: "uh ok so what is SDSUs requirements?"

Me: "you know what, I bet SDSU would be able to answer that for ya"

Caller: "oh yeah uh what's their number?"

Me: "I'm not quite sure, but I'm sure their website could tell ya" (again, really?)

Caller: "uh yeah ok" *click*

Keep in mind this has been a long day and pretty busy on the phones and meebo... Also notice he didn't even do an awkward "uh yeah thanks bye." Nope, just *click* and he was gone. Wonderful.

Until next time...

Addendum to the "frig" rules

These just don't stop!! I have typed the letter JUST like Miss "frig" Nazi has. Colors, bold, size and all! (My comments, again, in the burnt orange colour)

###

Hello Again,

I have emailed what is now listed on the fridge door for rules. As expected, after sending out the rules yesterday, we received even more feedback. Please see my tweaks below in RED. (Side notes in BLUE)

Draper Hall Fridge Rules

(based on awesome feedback received from numerous people in the building)(again, not me)

1. Please only bring what you plan to consume that same day, to help avoid over-crowding.

2. Please do not use plastic grocery bags to hold your lunch, as it causes airflow issues for the fridge.
3. Please label your food containers with your name.
4. Please do not leave food uncovered. If your container leaks, please clean spills immediately.
5. Leave bottles/containers of condiments at home, unless you will share it with everyone. (See ‘Shared Condiments’ shelf) (I snapped a photo and shared it below) (we will designate one door shelf for shared condiments that won’t get tossed on Fridays. Please: no sticks of butter… please bring a tub instead)
6. :( PLEASE DO NOT STEAL FOOD. :( Although the fridge may remind you of the buffet you have at home, please help avoid the emotional scars caused by lunch theft.
7. When given approval for department office parties, please do not hog the fridge. (Cooler?) Take home or throw out leftovers the same day. Housekeeping does NOT clean the fridge or throw away food that is left out.

8. PLEASE MAKE SURE FRIDGE DOORS CLOSE TIGHTLY!!! (Really? We have to remind adults about that? Thanks, mom!)

:) Thank you for helping keep our fridge neat and clean. :)

*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Fridays @ 3:00pm- Rotating Department Cleaning schedule:

1st Friday of the mon

th – Student Accounts

2nd Friday of the month – Admissions

3rd Friday of the month – Financial Aid

4th Friday of the month – Accounting

5th Friday of the month – VP for Finance

###

Until next time... bc there will be a next time with this "frig" I can just feel it!

Drumroll please... "frig" rules are here!!!!!

These are golden. I can guarantee my department does not care about this as much as say the self appointed "frig" Nazi.

I can say that "frig" lady obvi did enough complaining to the "frig" delivery company and they came at 11:30 (not 12:30 as stated in the previous email) and when I walked by the break room there were three women in there "ooo-ing" and "awww-ing" over the new "frig". It's the little things in life right?

Feel free to snatch these up and implement at your office.

My thoughts or how I would have written the rules will be in this burnt orange color in parenthesis.

Based on feedback received from numerous people in the building, these are the rules we have come up with for the refrigerator: (weird, I wasn't consulted, I'm hurt)

1) Please only bring what you plan to consume that same day, to help avoid over-crowding. (What if I PLANNED on eating the entire tub of lunchmeat, but ended up not doing so?)
2) Please do not use plastic grocery bags to hold your lunch, as they can block the airflow, making it hard for the refrigerator to breathe and keep air circulating. (How I would have written it: Hey you Earth haters, ask for PAPER not plastic at the store and don't bring your Earth destroying bags to work. The "frig" hates them.)
3) Label your lunch with your name. (Sharpies in the drawer) (So when I don't like someone and I see their labeled lunch, I can snatch it without wondering if it really was said disliked person... AWESOME!)
4) When making room for your lunch, take care not to smash a co-worker’s lunch. (Again another reason to not mark your food if you're disliked... but if you're loved, people might think twice before slamming their wonder bread on top of yours)
5) Do not leave food uncovered. If your container leaks, please clean spills immediately. (So what you're saying "frig" Nazi is that even though your emails are very mom-like, you're not my mom and won't clean the "frig" for me? DANGIT!)
6) Leave bottles and containers of condiments at home. The door would best be used to store lunches, giving more room for all. (Referring back to rule one... what I PLANNED on eating that ENTIRE bottle of mustard? Well if I didn't do it today, I'll for sure do it tomorrow... maybe...)
7) Do not eat or drink foods that do not belong to you. Although the fridge may remind you of the buffet you have at home, please help avoid the emotional scars caused by lunch theft. (How I would have written it: Don't mess with other people's food or they'll mess with your face!)
8) When having office parties, please do not store leftovers in the fridge. (Perhaps bring a cooler?) Please take these items home at the same day. (How I would have written it: To cut down on the overweight problem here, no more office parties involving enough food to have leftovers will be allowed.)


We will start a rotating schedule by department, to clean out the fridge on Fridays, and everything not consumed or removed by 3:00pm Friday afternoons will be discarded. (I'd love to see this actually enforced without pissing someone off... can't wait for those emails!)

We believe that if these rules are followed we can all enjoy the benefit of the office refrigerator once again. (Again, who's "we"? I wasn't consultant and so what if I don't agree?)

*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Friday @3:00pm- Rotating Dept. Cleaning schedule:

1st Friday of the month- SFS/Financial Aid/VP for Finance
2nd Friday of the month- Admissions (Yeah right, we won't care that much...)
3rd Friday of the month- SFS/Financial Aid/VP for Finance
4th Friday of the month- Accounting

Reasoning behind grouping: In consideration of group size in the cleaning schedule, since the SFS/Fin Aid/VP for Finance group accounts for almost half the population of the building, we decided to assign this group for two Fridays a month. Breaking the groups up any other way did not provide equity in numbers. (Because we would all bitch if we had to clean the "frig" more often than another department...)


Department Directors: Please help determine and coordinate who from your department will clean the frig each time. :o) (Don't even think about it Eric)

Thanks,
XXXX

So I'd I'm not this woman and I'd love to see how long this is enforced and how many more amazing emails I'll get regarding this "frig".


Until next time...