Hours worked:
Sunday- 1.5
Monday- 1.5
Tuesday- 8
Wednesday-
Thursday-
Friday- 3
Saturday- 6
Sunday-
Monday-
Tuesday- 4
Wednesday- 2
Thursday- 5
Friday- 5
Saturday- 4 (Annual Leave)
Total: 40
Accomplishments:
Hi Charles,
Okay, I think one of my personal goals for how I can improve at my position is to do a better job communicating and sending updates. I apologize for sending this two-for-one weekly log. Maybe it’s because I like to move forward and not make the time to look backwards. Maybe it’s because accountability is harder working 20 hrs at home than working full-time in the office. Maybe it’s just because these last two weeks were crazy with finals and the junior ranger booklets and an out of town guest. Maybe I should just move on from excuses and just get to the updates.
-Finished laying out the text for the remaining 3 NOCA Junior Ranger Booklets!!
See nocajr.blogspot.com to see the designs. I counted up the pages and was surprised that they totaled to 76. That’s quite a lot and I think we’re going to have a stellar product for families by this summer.
-Honestly, the designs would have been in on time, Wed the 17, but I received 11 pages of content edits from Marieke on Monday that I needed to incorporate into this latest draft. These edits took a bit more time to rework the layouts because most were additions to the text. A little frustrating, sure, but I think most of the edits really helped clarify the activities.
-Worked with Julie from the Skagit County Chamber of Commerce, www.visitskagitbvalley.com
-Random stuff which take up a surprising amount of time, like: -following up on the position paperwork (are we official now?!), e-mails, reviewing a RLN strategic plan, etc.
For next week, 12.21 – 12.27
20 hours of Annual Leave! Was I supposed to get your approval on that first?
For the following week:
-Path for Youth Road Map
-NOCA Folder designs
-Illustrations/Graphics for the Jr Ranger Booklets
Monday, December 22, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Nov 30 to Dec 6
Hours worked:
Sunday-
Monday- 7.5
Tuesday- 1.5
Wednesday-8
Thursday- 5.5
Friday-
Saturday-
TOTAL- 22.5
Accomplishments:
We totally rocked the science communication workshop. Seriously.
I wasn’t sure how the workshop was going to play out—the RLN has always had weird opinions and perspectives about its direction. But with only a few terse exchanges, the group came together and rallied around a common future. We brought everyone up to speed with our current projects and got them excited about future ones. More importantly, that enthusiasm was self-initiated and I feel like myself and the other RLN staff has many more proponents for our efforts.
I shared my projects and ideas with the group through two formal presentations and received a very positive response. To the point where it was slightly embarrassing to have my name continually brought up in front of the group. While I might not imagine my work to be groundbreaking, I have to remember that I am bringing a fresh perspective.
Successes in a nutshell—
-We’re pretty much going to get the direction to go ahead with a RLN website.
-Tons of great networking
-Probably going to sit on the RLN Steering Committee
Thought: If we have a lot of momentum from this conference and we have the support of the Board, we don’t want to wait until June to start some of these projects. I’d be willing to work up to 10 more hours a week if the RLN and Board thought that would be worthwhile. We can chat more on this later.
For next week, 12.7 – 12.13
1. Go in to the office on Tuesday, 12.9.08 (last time before the new year)
2. Work on NOCA JR Booklets—text layouts
3. Administrative projs like making the travel voucher and picking out Health Care
Btw, it’s finals week! Can’t wait until Wednesday is over.
Sunday-
Monday- 7.5
Tuesday- 1.5
Wednesday-8
Thursday- 5.5
Friday-
Saturday-
TOTAL- 22.5
Accomplishments:
We totally rocked the science communication workshop. Seriously.
I wasn’t sure how the workshop was going to play out—the RLN has always had weird opinions and perspectives about its direction. But with only a few terse exchanges, the group came together and rallied around a common future. We brought everyone up to speed with our current projects and got them excited about future ones. More importantly, that enthusiasm was self-initiated and I feel like myself and the other RLN staff has many more proponents for our efforts.
I shared my projects and ideas with the group through two formal presentations and received a very positive response. To the point where it was slightly embarrassing to have my name continually brought up in front of the group. While I might not imagine my work to be groundbreaking, I have to remember that I am bringing a fresh perspective.
Successes in a nutshell—
-We’re pretty much going to get the direction to go ahead with a RLN website.
-Tons of great networking
-Probably going to sit on the RLN Steering Committee
Thought: If we have a lot of momentum from this conference and we have the support of the Board, we don’t want to wait until June to start some of these projects. I’d be willing to work up to 10 more hours a week if the RLN and Board thought that would be worthwhile. We can chat more on this later.
For next week, 12.7 – 12.13
1. Go in to the office on Tuesday, 12.9.08 (last time before the new year)
2. Work on NOCA JR Booklets—text layouts
3. Administrative projs like making the travel voucher and picking out Health Care
Btw, it’s finals week! Can’t wait until Wednesday is over.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Nov 23 to Dec 1
Hours worked:
Sunday-2
Monday-2.5
Tuesday- 3
Wednesday- 3
Thursday-
Friday- 4
Saturday-3
TOTAL- 17 hrs
Sunday-
Monday- 7.5
TOTAL- 7.5 hrs
Accomplishments:
This was an interesting work week because of the holiday and the unexpectedly laborious preparations for the RLN science communication workshop. I’ve been thinking about why putting together these two powerpoints—one on our projects and successes from this summer and another on good communication with digital media—was difficult.
First, there was the issue of condensing so much material into a 15 and 10 minute presentation. Second, I had to translate what I’ve always intuitively felt about effective design into something verbally articulated to an audience of non-designers (x,y and z are the reasons why this particular project is a successful example). Third, given my high standard for design, my powerpoints slides had better be flawless. Fourth, I’m presenting to mostly upper-management people. And finally, now that things have gotten interesting with Casey, I have a new distraction in my life. It’s all about balance, right? ☺
Regardless of the process, I’m pleased with how the presentations turned out and I hope the group finds them useful at the workshop.
-2 powerpoint presentations created
-1 RLN website mock-up created for Jerry
-A few logistical and planning phone calls.
-Ate turkey
For next week, 11.9 – 11.15
1. Refine the presentations
2. Attend the RLN Science Communication workshop, Tuesday-Thursday
3. Return to the Jr. Ranger Activity Booklets
Sunday-2
Monday-2.5
Tuesday- 3
Wednesday- 3
Thursday-
Friday- 4
Saturday-3
TOTAL- 17 hrs
Sunday-
Monday- 7.5
TOTAL- 7.5 hrs
Accomplishments:
This was an interesting work week because of the holiday and the unexpectedly laborious preparations for the RLN science communication workshop. I’ve been thinking about why putting together these two powerpoints—one on our projects and successes from this summer and another on good communication with digital media—was difficult.
First, there was the issue of condensing so much material into a 15 and 10 minute presentation. Second, I had to translate what I’ve always intuitively felt about effective design into something verbally articulated to an audience of non-designers (x,y and z are the reasons why this particular project is a successful example). Third, given my high standard for design, my powerpoints slides had better be flawless. Fourth, I’m presenting to mostly upper-management people. And finally, now that things have gotten interesting with Casey, I have a new distraction in my life. It’s all about balance, right? ☺
Regardless of the process, I’m pleased with how the presentations turned out and I hope the group finds them useful at the workshop.
-2 powerpoint presentations created
-1 RLN website mock-up created for Jerry
-A few logistical and planning phone calls.
-Ate turkey
For next week, 11.9 – 11.15
1. Refine the presentations
2. Attend the RLN Science Communication workshop, Tuesday-Thursday
3. Return to the Jr. Ranger Activity Booklets
Monday, November 24, 2008
Nov 16 to Nov 22
Hours worked:
Sunday-
Monday-
Tuesday- 7
Wednesday- 3
Thursday- 4
Friday- 8
Saturday-
TOTAL- 22 hrs
Accomplishments:
This week was primarily focused on designing the first Junior Ranger Activity Booklet. I hit some really good creative strides, spending numerous hours at coffee shops busting out page after page. But the closer I got to our deadline and the more I realized how many more graphics I needed to complete, the more the process became rushed. So I’m nearly finished, but I need to move on to preparing for the RLN Science Communication Workshop. I’ll return to the JR booklets after Dec 4th
There was also a bunch of miscellaneous catch-up work to do after being on the road for nearly 2 weeks.
-(Mostly) finished the Pacific Tree Frog JR Activity Booklet
-Administrative Tasks—travel vouchers and authorizations
-RLN Science Communication Workshop—conference call with Jerry, Regina and Dean Butterworth (Paula’s counterpart from OLYM)
-Went through the Individual Performance Plan with Charles for FY09
For next week, 11.9 – 11.15
1. Prepare for the RLN Science Communication Workshop by:
-creating a powerpoint presentation about the my projects and successes from this summer- 15 minutes
-creating a powerpoint that highlights good examples of communication (specifically targeting a younger, tech-savvy generation)- 10 minutes
-creating a mock-up web page for a future NCCN RLN website
2. Eat Turkey
3. If time permits, finish up the EBLA checklist and Pacific Tree Frog JR Activity Booklet
4. Eat leftover turkey.
Sunday-
Monday-
Tuesday- 7
Wednesday- 3
Thursday- 4
Friday- 8
Saturday-
TOTAL- 22 hrs
Accomplishments:
This week was primarily focused on designing the first Junior Ranger Activity Booklet. I hit some really good creative strides, spending numerous hours at coffee shops busting out page after page. But the closer I got to our deadline and the more I realized how many more graphics I needed to complete, the more the process became rushed. So I’m nearly finished, but I need to move on to preparing for the RLN Science Communication Workshop. I’ll return to the JR booklets after Dec 4th
There was also a bunch of miscellaneous catch-up work to do after being on the road for nearly 2 weeks.
-(Mostly) finished the Pacific Tree Frog JR Activity Booklet
-Administrative Tasks—travel vouchers and authorizations
-RLN Science Communication Workshop—conference call with Jerry, Regina and Dean Butterworth (Paula’s counterpart from OLYM)
-Went through the Individual Performance Plan with Charles for FY09
For next week, 11.9 – 11.15
1. Prepare for the RLN Science Communication Workshop by:
-creating a powerpoint presentation about the my projects and successes from this summer- 15 minutes
-creating a powerpoint that highlights good examples of communication (specifically targeting a younger, tech-savvy generation)- 10 minutes
-creating a mock-up web page for a future NCCN RLN website
2. Eat Turkey
3. If time permits, finish up the EBLA checklist and Pacific Tree Frog JR Activity Booklet
4. Eat leftover turkey.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nov 9 to Nov 15
Hours worked:
Sunday-
Monday- 3
Tuesday-4
Wednesday- 8
Thursday- 8
Friday-
Saturday- 8
TOTAL- 31 hrs
Accomplishments:
-Rough sketched the pacific tree frog booklet
-Laid out the text
-Started the accompanying illustrations
-Reviewed Ron Bend’s script for the I&M video
-NAI- met Sara Melena, Mike Whatley, others designers,
-Concurrent sessions attended:
-Interpreting Soundscapes
-Ecogastronomy
-Interpretive Media in the 21st Century- creative collaboration in the digital realm, -Science Stewardship and Interpretation
-Protected Areas Management in an era of rapid climate change: a call to revolution
-Bringing the Outside In: The Value of Film in Public Lands Interpretation
-Compelling Audio and Video Tours: How to Build Podcasts Yourself
-Google Earth and Intepretation
-Met as an interp team discuss JR booklets
-Had many informal discussions with our NOCA staff
For next week, 11.9 – 11.15
1. Finish Pacific Tree Frog Booklet
2. Get in contact with RLN staff regarding December’s Science Communication Workshop
3. Go to HQ on Friday (arriving Thursday night) to check in, get administrative stuff done like hiring paperwork, travel vouchers, etc.
Sunday-
Monday- 3
Tuesday-4
Wednesday- 8
Thursday- 8
Friday-
Saturday- 8
TOTAL- 31 hrs
Accomplishments:
-Rough sketched the pacific tree frog booklet
-Laid out the text
-Started the accompanying illustrations
-Reviewed Ron Bend’s script for the I&M video
-NAI- met Sara Melena, Mike Whatley, others designers,
-Concurrent sessions attended:
-Interpreting Soundscapes
-Ecogastronomy
-Interpretive Media in the 21st Century- creative collaboration in the digital realm, -Science Stewardship and Interpretation
-Protected Areas Management in an era of rapid climate change: a call to revolution
-Bringing the Outside In: The Value of Film in Public Lands Interpretation
-Compelling Audio and Video Tours: How to Build Podcasts Yourself
-Google Earth and Intepretation
-Met as an interp team discuss JR booklets
-Had many informal discussions with our NOCA staff
For next week, 11.9 – 11.15
1. Finish Pacific Tree Frog Booklet
2. Get in contact with RLN staff regarding December’s Science Communication Workshop
3. Go to HQ on Friday (arriving Thursday night) to check in, get administrative stuff done like hiring paperwork, travel vouchers, etc.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Nov 2 to Nov 8
Hours worked:
Sunday-
Monday- 2
Tuesday-
Wednesday- 3
Thursday- 10.5
Friday- 8
Saturday- 10.5
TOTAL- 34 hrs
Accomplishments:
This week was primarily devoted to AKR-PWR Centennial Workshop, Thursday through Saturday. Prior to the workshop, I finished up the EBLA bird checklist for Bob Kuntz and sent it off for review...
...did some administrative tasks like creating my Travel Authorizations for the upcoming conferences, and spoke with Neal from KAPOW re: the Ken Burns documentary.
I got the impression that KAPOW doesn’t really need to much from us—probably better to focus our efforts with our local KCTS station.
The Centennial Workshop was a big success in my mind because 1) I have numerous new contacts within our region, people whom I can depend upon as resources and 2) my workgroup is going to create a system that allows visitors to offset their carbon footprint from their travels to our parks. Something like the NPS Passport cancellation stamps—like sustainable stickers or something. If the PWR parks are aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2016, why can’t we extend that and provide opportunities for our visitors to be carbon neutral as well?
For next week, 11.9 – 11.15
1. Go to the NAI conference in Portland. Be fierce.
2. Keep working on the Pacific Tree Frog designs. To be completed by 11.21
3. Review the I&M vital sign film script from Ron Bend.
Sunday-
Monday- 2
Tuesday-
Wednesday- 3
Thursday- 10.5
Friday- 8
Saturday- 10.5
TOTAL- 34 hrs
Accomplishments:
This week was primarily devoted to AKR-PWR Centennial Workshop, Thursday through Saturday. Prior to the workshop, I finished up the EBLA bird checklist for Bob Kuntz and sent it off for review...
...did some administrative tasks like creating my Travel Authorizations for the upcoming conferences, and spoke with Neal from KAPOW re: the Ken Burns documentary.
I got the impression that KAPOW doesn’t really need to much from us—probably better to focus our efforts with our local KCTS station.
The Centennial Workshop was a big success in my mind because 1) I have numerous new contacts within our region, people whom I can depend upon as resources and 2) my workgroup is going to create a system that allows visitors to offset their carbon footprint from their travels to our parks. Something like the NPS Passport cancellation stamps—like sustainable stickers or something. If the PWR parks are aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2016, why can’t we extend that and provide opportunities for our visitors to be carbon neutral as well?
For next week, 11.9 – 11.15
1. Go to the NAI conference in Portland. Be fierce.
2. Keep working on the Pacific Tree Frog designs. To be completed by 11.21
3. Review the I&M vital sign film script from Ron Bend.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Oct 27 to Nov 1
Hours worked:
Sunday- 3
Monday- 2.5
Tuesday- 7 (career fair)
Wednesday- 4.5
Thursday- 7.5
Friday- 4.25
Saturday
TOTAL- 28.75 hrs
Accomplishments:
In my mind, this week was very successful. There were two main projects that I focused the majority of my time: the Junior Ranger Activity Booklet samples and an “About Us” web-page for the I&M network.
-finalized 8 sample pages of the Junior Ranger Activity Booklets, 2 for each totem. Got the go-ahead from Chip and we’re moving forward.
Marieke and I are aiming to have the Pacific Tree Frog booklet done by her last day on Nov. 21. While I work on designing those pages, she will be adjusting the text and activities to better fit the new totems and themes. Marieke seems comfortable leaving this project in my hands during the off-season but has promised to keep tabs and provide comments through the blog (seriously, she really wants to).
-About Us- used the online survey to develop a print and web staff directory for the I&M network. Ron Holmes asked for whatever I had, with the intention of discussing it at a meeting next week and then provide more direction.
-Represented the NPS at a career fair in Seattle, made 153 contacts.
-Caught up on misc. administrative logistics in the office, like creating my travel voucher through GovTrip for our upcoming centennial workshop.
For next week, 11.2 – 11.8
I can’t devote as much time as I would like on my projects because of the three-day workshop, but here are my priorities:
1. Finish the EBLA bird checklist
2. Contact Neal from KAPOW re: the Ken Burns documentary
3. Continue JR booklet designs (Pacific Tree Frog)
4. Attend the PKR-PWK Centennial Workshop
Sunday- 3
Monday- 2.5
Tuesday- 7 (career fair)
Wednesday- 4.5
Thursday- 7.5
Friday- 4.25
Saturday
TOTAL- 28.75 hrs
Accomplishments:
In my mind, this week was very successful. There were two main projects that I focused the majority of my time: the Junior Ranger Activity Booklet samples and an “About Us” web-page for the I&M network.
-finalized 8 sample pages of the Junior Ranger Activity Booklets, 2 for each totem. Got the go-ahead from Chip and we’re moving forward.
Marieke and I are aiming to have the Pacific Tree Frog booklet done by her last day on Nov. 21. While I work on designing those pages, she will be adjusting the text and activities to better fit the new totems and themes. Marieke seems comfortable leaving this project in my hands during the off-season but has promised to keep tabs and provide comments through the blog (seriously, she really wants to).
-About Us- used the online survey to develop a print and web staff directory for the I&M network. Ron Holmes asked for whatever I had, with the intention of discussing it at a meeting next week and then provide more direction.
-Represented the NPS at a career fair in Seattle, made 153 contacts.
-Caught up on misc. administrative logistics in the office, like creating my travel voucher through GovTrip for our upcoming centennial workshop.
For next week, 11.2 – 11.8
I can’t devote as much time as I would like on my projects because of the three-day workshop, but here are my priorities:
1. Finish the EBLA bird checklist
2. Contact Neal from KAPOW re: the Ken Burns documentary
3. Continue JR booklet designs (Pacific Tree Frog)
4. Attend the PKR-PWK Centennial Workshop
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Week's Accomplishments
10.13.08 to 10.17.08
Hours worked:
Tuesday-3
Wednesday-3
Thursday-7
Friday-7
Sunday- 3
Accomplishments:
Honestly, this week felt a bit hectic. A fun-filled weekend with the sisters threw me off a bit and suddenly Monday rolled around and I got slammed with homework. And then a weird head cold/migraine hit on Wednesday.
-In any case, this week was solely focused on getting pages laid out for the Junior Ranger activity booklet, in preparation for the pitch to Chip next week. 8 pages were designed and posted to the blog and are currently being reviewed
-created a Totem animal chart
For next week, 10.27.08 to 10.31.08
listed in order of priority
-Junior Ranger
-finish Junior Ranger page samples
-Tuesday: NPS career fair at the Seattle Center
-Catch up on projects that were “put on hold”- EBLA checklist, NOCA folder, RLN “About Us” section, get in contact with Sara Melena, write up a “next steps” for the digital image library, RLN website Mock-up
A busy busy week ahead. Time to put to nose to the grindstone, especially for the next month.
Note: I will be in the office on Thursday Oct 30 and Friday Oct 31
Hours worked:
Tuesday-3
Wednesday-3
Thursday-7
Friday-7
Sunday- 3
Accomplishments:
Honestly, this week felt a bit hectic. A fun-filled weekend with the sisters threw me off a bit and suddenly Monday rolled around and I got slammed with homework. And then a weird head cold/migraine hit on Wednesday.
-In any case, this week was solely focused on getting pages laid out for the Junior Ranger activity booklet, in preparation for the pitch to Chip next week. 8 pages were designed and posted to the blog and are currently being reviewed
-created a Totem animal chart
For next week, 10.27.08 to 10.31.08
listed in order of priority
-Junior Ranger
-finish Junior Ranger page samples
-Tuesday: NPS career fair at the Seattle Center
-Catch up on projects that were “put on hold”- EBLA checklist, NOCA folder, RLN “About Us” section, get in contact with Sara Melena, write up a “next steps” for the digital image library, RLN website Mock-up
A busy busy week ahead. Time to put to nose to the grindstone, especially for the next month.
Note: I will be in the office on Thursday Oct 30 and Friday Oct 31
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