Ah, vacation, where are-est thou?
Today, I have managed to down-size my "To-Do" list to three items still not yet complete. I am taking an extended weekend break to not do anything library related except read my book that I got written by Sue Monk Kidd. Hooray for me.

New Position start date, 24 days and counting........
It has been a flurry of activity for me as it relates to pending work as the Reference/First Year Experience/Education Librarian. I am getting excited by the day. My future work has possible perks! YooWHO!.......:

Going to Hawaii for an AWESOME conference anyone?
http://www.sc.edu/fye/events/international/
Felicia and I both agreed that this would be an awesome experience being that both of our positions require First Year Experience Students and Outreach. The presentations being offered would justify our attendance.

University of Illinois: Undergraduate Library and the Division of Housing. Check out this creative collaboration between the Undergraduate Library and theDivision of Housing at the University of Illinois:http://tuxedo.housing.uiuc.edu/video/UGL/07UndergradLibrary.wmv

Excitement from I.R.I.S. (aka Reference Services):
The Reference area of Hesburgh is looking more modern these last couple of days....we have a new reference desk, and the cutest furniture that was delivered this week. "Library as AWESOME Collaborative work space" is looking up. I am concerned about it looking too cluttered, but changes/deletions/arrangements of the space is still happening. So any final opinions of the "newness of it all" is still pending from me. I actually would love to have the new green like chairs/loungers in my house (Smile).

May Institute redux...
Pat L. & I have partnered for 30 days to examine how we are going to incorporate May Institute tools into our everyday work. With that, I have agreed to "SOCK" her as a reminder to incorporate learned principles. She loved the socks I brought her this morning. Thanks also for the sound reflective tools of knowledge you gave me this morning Pat. I carried it with me in my work today.

REFLECTION FOR TODAY'S LEADERS:
The Phantom of the Opera is a classic example of how not to motivate others. Wanting love, the Phantom subverts his true talents, dons a mask, and lives in the underground, trying to motivate people through tricks, loud organ music, smoke, and other negative special effects. The end result is that people fear him and hunt him down. Only when the mask is ripped off does he receive an honest, sincere kiss from the lovely Christine. Do you operate like the Phantom, using half masks, closed doors, and whispers in smoke-filled rooms?
A Fact about the Human Condition:
People can handle the truth. In fact, they probably sense it already. When you are totally open with them, true collegiality and learning has begun. Jesus did not hide his tears or his fears. He was transparent before his people.
What are the obstacles that keep you from being a transparent leader?
Source: Jesus, CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership (1994). Hyperion Books, New York; ISBN#0-7868-8241-7. This was a gift from my former boss, Sue Yowell at Christmas- 2000 during my transformational experiences at the University of Detroit Mercy.