BUMegan's Blog

traveling...part 1

BUMegan — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:38:00 GMT

So, I've definitely lost track of time with this....SO much has happened in the time I've been here, it's CRAZY to me that it's already the end of October. Travel season goes by so quickly, but it never seems that way when you're in it, if that makes any sense.

It's late here, after a fair, and I FINALLY HAVE A COMPUTER! My computer died about a week and a half ago, and let me tell you-it has NOT been fun. Because email is the most convenient way for a lot of my students to get a hold of me, it's been hard not have a computer to come back to at night and get through all the emails I need to respond to. Thankfully, Zach over in IR was very nice and had a loaner sent to my hotel in Chicago. Things like this make me love my alma mater even more:)

The first part of the month was great, albeit busy. I've seen a lot of students, a lot of GREAT students in the visits I've had and the college fairs I've attended. My first couple of weeks were non-stop, but things have slowed down (a TINY bit....not really enough for me yet!) but don't worry-I've still had time for some shopping, relaxing, reading and spending time with some of my friends. Because this is my third travel season, I've been more cognizant of trying to get more sleep, and finding ways to de-stress after a long day-so far, it's worked, as I haven't gotten sick yet. (keep your fingers crossed!!!)

I've been reading some of the other blogs, and I know it's Homecoming this week. I'm very sad that I can't go, and jealous of the friends I have going back to Indy. It promises to be a great time, and with the football team at 5-1, the game should be pretty awesome.

I promise to write more later this week, but one thing is on my mind right now-NOVEMBER 15TH. Our application deadline is FAST approaching, and I just wanted to remind everyone of that date-please, PLEASE let me know if you need anything or have questions. Hopefully I can help!

Hope all is well to anyone reading-to Jerry and Chris especially, I miss you guys! (You're probably the most likely to read this thing;)

Have a good Wednesday everyone! Stay tuned for another update this week!

is it really my third travel season?!

BUMegan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:11:00 GMT

So, I really can't believe this is my third travel season...I'm sitting in my hotel room, thinking about how just how much has changed from my first travel season to my third. I'm currently in Chicago, and have done about a week of travel. I love it here (well, minus the traffic and construction...but what are you going to do?!) and have been really pleased with how my college fairs and visits to high schools have been going.

I spent two weeks in St. Louis, and had a GREAT time. I got to stay with my parents, who are now empty nesters! It was a good two weeks, but it went by VERY quickly. The fairs, visits and everything was awesome. I already know the area, but I feel like I have a better handle on everything than I did last year!

My first week in Chicago also went well. I had three fairs and was able to see all the people I travel with/hang out with-it was SO, SO, SO good to see everyone! Its funny how close you get to people you only see three months out of the year, but yet I love all these people like we all went to school together or something. Chicago is such an interesting territory to have because everyone is up here so long, you can't help but become good friends with other college reps. I'm just lucky I've met some AMAZING reps. I love travel, and love spending time up here. Chicago is definitely one of my favorite cities. It also helps that one of my best friends lives up here, and I get to see her this week!!!!!! (Can you tell I've had an overabundance of coffee?? That's what happens when you travel a lot...at least for me;)

This week is a little quieter than last, but I'm actually up here for two weeks straight. I have a fair on Saturday, so I'll just stay here over the weekend. Any suggestions as to what I could do?? Please feel free to leave me a message:)

Its good to see our new bloggers up and running-I'm very impressed with the group that Brad put together. I've been reading some of their stuff, and it's exciting to see, especially as an alumna of Butler. Keep up the good work! (It's also good to get to read Jerry's blog. I miss him AND ALL of the other counselors:)

I know I said this last fall, but if any current applicants have questions-PLEASE don't hesitate to let me know. I'd be more than happy to answer your questions!

Finally-since it's surprisingly colder up here than when I left, a quote about my favorite season:

I've never known anyone yet who doesn't suffer a certain restlessness when autumn rolls around... We're all eight years old again and anything is possible.
-- Sue Grafton

Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.
-- Carol Bishop Hipps

on the road again...

BUMegan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:26:00 GMT

I haven't been so good at updating this thing...my once a week rule has turned into once every two weeks...at most...WHOOPS....

I do have a good excuse though...this time;) I am planning travel again! I honestly can't believe I am going into my THIRD travel season. It seems so crazy that I've been doing this for over two years. I'm VERY excited though, because I finally have a good handle on my suburbs in Chicago, and obviously love getting to go home to St. Louis for two weeks. I'm a very lucky girl when it comes to travel territories. It will be good to see all the other counselor friends I've made in the St. Louis/Chicago areas. I just can't believe it starts next week! I'll be going home on Saturday for two weeks, with fairs and visits to a lot of great schools. After that, its up to Chicago for 5 weeks. I'll be sure to keep you posted of ALL my travel adventures. :)

I feel like a lot has happened since I last posted. I turned 25 (gulp) and actually had a REALLY amazing birthday. My sister and I didn't do a lot for it, but it was a great birthday, one of the best I've had. ;) We also, last weekend, moved my little sister Caitlin to Butler. It was VERY surreal, to walk around Schwitzer and get everything from the van unloaded and moved in. It made me feel old! She seems to be doing ok, and for that I'm grateful. I definitely had a period of transition here, which I wasn't prepared for experiencing. I was homesick, and not truly comfortable until October. I wish someone could warn students moving to college that it's like for a lot of people. It would have been nice to know I wasn't the only one. (which I definitely wasn't!!!!) However, Cait is very adaptable and hopefully is enjoying herself. I love it here, and I only hope the same for her. :) All three of us have been teasing my parents, however, about their new "empty nesters" status. I was honestly more worried about them! Thankfully, they seem to be doing ok, and keeping busy. They both seem really excited about me staying with them for two weeks, and I must admit, it'll be nice to be a "temporary" only child. HA!

I think the thing I am most excited for during my trip to St. Louis is getting a new computer. Unfortunately, the laptop I've had since sophomore year of college died. Because Butler offers discount programs through Apple and Dell, I've decided to get a MacBook. I've never owned an Apple computer before, but have used them throughout school. Obviously, I'm expecting a period of transition to understand everything, but I'm really excited. I've always wanted to get one, and I finally am. Dad and I are going sometime during the two-week period I'm in town, so I'll FINALLY have a computer at home again. It's been rough...and shows me just how dependent I am on it!

Other than that, life has been pretty amazing as a 25 year-old. I had a great weekend with my sisters and friends, and it was a perfect way to culminate the end of summer and end of my normal life for the year. ;) APPARENTLY, BUJerry has decided he wants his blog to be read more than mine, which I think is hilarious, being that I don't REALLY know who reads this to begin with. I definitely appreciate anyone who does, and it makes me happy to know that someone could be enjoying the blog entries I come up with and write. HAHAHA Anyway, good luck to BUJerry on his quest. I would say I hope it works, but I like people reading MY blog....so read both?! HA!

Like always, if you have questions, let me know. I'd be happy to help!!

august is a great month....

BUMegan — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:46:00 GMT

BECAUSE MY BIRTHDAY IS THIS MONTH!!!

Now, I'm sure someone reading this will make fun...but I'm turning 25 on August 17th. I shouldn't really say anything, but I really do feel kinda old now. When I was little, 25 sounded SO old. I had all these big great plans that were going to be accomplished by the time I was twenty five. It was a lifetime away, and now it's definitely 12 days from now. Weird. I feel like I really want to celebrate though, but how I'll do that is undetermined. :) All I know is that I'm very happy. So maybe my 8 year-old self didn't get everything she wanted (a.k.a. married with kids and either a famous actress/author or chef....yea don't ask...) but right now, that really doesn't matter. I have a great job where I get to travel to some pretty awesome places (obviously a biased opinion), the world's best coworkers and boss, amazing friends, a really funny and close-knit family and tons of special people I've met along the way. My sister and I live in a great area in a nice apartment and I finally feel like I've gotten the "grown-up" thing down. It's definitely not as easy as I thought it would be, and my life is wayyyy different than what I expected. But I learned awhile ago to let go of expectations. That's usually when you get the best results;)

The last weekend in July, Erin and I went to a party in Connorsville, IN. My friend Tyler graduated from Butler this year, and is headed to med school at Northwestern in the fall. (I can totally visit him when I travel Chicago, which I love:)) Anyway, it was really good to catch up with some of the Butler friends, the younger ones who just graduated this year. It was also good to see Tyler and Greg (both of them, especially Greg Zahn, who my last entry was dedicated to!) and just catch up with how everyone is doing. It's easy sometimes, to let things slide and not keep in touch with people. I know that's happened with a few of my friends, but seeing some of the people there that night gave me a renewed confidence in that fact that if you are truly friends with someone, you'll always be friends. (Molly Pop, E-star, Laurie, Jamie and Leslie-SO good to see all of you!!!!)

August has had a couple of firsts for me-my first trip to a Farmer's market, getting my ear's pierced and my first trip to downtown Noblesville. (Yes, random but I like it that way!) The Farmer's Market in Carmel was amazing. I love the idea of buying from local places. It was a really cool experience, and I'll definitely be going back. Later that day, I FINALLY worked up the nerve and got my ears pierced. Yes, me at 25 (almost 25) walked into Claire's amidst the Hannah Montana craziness that was going on in the store and got them done. I LOVE THEM! The novelty of them hasn't worn off yet, and I'm so excited that I got them done. It definitely didn't hurt as much as I thought either, which is good. I can definitely be a baby about that kind of stuff. :) Also-my good friend Jamie lives in downtown Noblesville, and getting to walk around their town square and get ice cream was so fun. I love her and it was great to catch up!

This week has been good so far, and this weekend should be more of the same. I'm SO excited for the start of the Olympics-I am definitely a junkie when it comes to that stuff. Also, one of my good friends from home, Ryan, is getting married on Saturday, so Erin and I will be heading home Friday for that. Its crazy because all my friends from school and home are getting married, while three people in our office have had or will be having kids! I'm surrounded by major life changes! ha! I'm just hoping that all of it will prepare me if I ever decide to get married and have kids. ;) (You'd hope, right!?)

These next few weeks will be crazy, with lots of things to do before travel season starts. As weird as it is to be turning 25, it's even weirder that I will be headed into my THIRD travel season this year. Blows my mind. Anyway, let me know if you have questions about anything-I'd be more than happy to help!

Enjoy the rest of your summer while it lasts...Class of 2012-Welcome to BU! (SO SOON!) I'm very excited to have you all here:)

how is it the middle of July already?!

BUMegan — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:21:00 GMT

So I'm kinda in disbelief that it is already the middle of July. Time is FLYING by this summer! The wedding I attended over July 4th weekend was awesome-it was SO good to see a bunch I people I hadn't hung out with in awhile. Other than that, life has been relatively normal- I definitely feel a lot busier now than I did in June, and I'm happy for that. I'm one of those people that likes to have a lot of stuff going on. However, it is nice to relax once in awhile, and I unfortunately don't know when I'll be able to do that again.

A few major things have happened though, in terms of our office. Aaron Mooney, an Admission Counselor here, decided to explore an opportunity with another company and had his last day last Friday, July 11th. Andy White, the counselor for the Indianapolis area, and his wife had their baby this past weekend. It's definitely been crazy around here! Lucky for me though, I was given the opportunity to move offices and now reside in Aaron's old office. It's much bigger and I'm really excited about it:) I was in my last office for two years, so this was good for me! :)

This weekend I'll be in Chicago attending the Summer Send-Offs in Long Grove and Naperville. Our office and the Alumni Office hosts these events for incoming freshmen students and they seem to go over really well. I'm excited to be back in Chicago with an awesome rental car (black xterra!!!) and to see some some of the kids I recruited. Tomorrow though, is the first Young Alumni Board meeting I will attend since I was elected to the Board last year. I'm hoping that everything goes well with it, but I'm sure it will. It's a great group of people. :)

Finally-Caitlin, my little sister came to visit my sister and I this weekend. I was SO excited to see her and get to hang out. She'll be a freshman in the fall, so it's fun to see what it will be like come August. We took her to Naked Tchopstix today for lunch, and tonight we are going to see Dark Knight at the IMAX theater in Noblesville. She'll leave tomorrow, but thankfully will get to hang out with Erin before she leaves.

Life is definitely crazy right now, but I'm definitely in a good place. Everything's going really well, and I am SO excited to start travel again in the fall. It's cool to see so many 2009 students coming to campus, getting on the forums and emailing our staff. I can't wait to work with such a great group of students. It'll be the third class I help recruit, which totally blows my mind. I don't feel that old!!

Anyway, if anyone has questions, please don't hesitate to let us know. Have a good rest of your summers! Enjoy it while it lasts:)

Finally, to Greg-if you are reading this, this blog entry is dedicated to you, since you finally noticed I write for Butler. Hope you enjoy your dedication;)

summer breeze...makes me feel fine....

BUMegan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:00:00 GMT

I am MUCH better at keeping up with this thing during the school year. I'm blaming it on the nice weather in Indy (FINALLY!) and wanting to be outside all the time! I just hope that's a good enough excuse;)

Life has been crazy hectic, but good. My main responsibility as of late has been to get out the June e-newsletter, which I hope everyone who received it liked it! Incoming freshmen students-if there are things you like (or don't like) about it, please let me know! My email address is morourke@butler.edu. I am definitely looking for suggestions for the upcoming months, and even beyond that. I would very much appreciate the suggestions:)

My sister Erin and I just got back from St. Louis, where we spent the weekend with my family for Caitlin's graduation party. It was a great weekend-super busy and crazy, but it was good to see family and friends AND meet some of Caitlin's friends. The party was all day Saturday, and I think our whole family spent ALL day Sunday recuperating. Erin, Dad and I watched The Departed, which is a GREAT movie. Pretty violent and really long, but overall a very good movie. I also got to see a good friend perform at The Muny, an outdoor theater in St. Louis. He was one of the leads in High School Musical, and he was AWESOME. He played Ryan (for those who know!) and he seriously did SUCH a great job. :) I'm so proud of him!!

Erin and I also tried a new sushi restaurant (well, the restaurant isn't new, but we've never tried it before:) It's called Wasabi on 82nd, and it was SO good. I love getting to try new restaurants (non-chains, for all of you who might not know yet!! :) and finding new sushi restaurants is especially a big deal. We finally have another place to go!

Work has been really good, if not a little quiet as of late. We've had some visitors to campus, and I've been working a lot with the Alumni Office on some projects. It's good, because as an alumna of Butler, I have a vested interest in what happens here. I love this place and I love being able to give back in SOME way here. The nice thing about the summertime is that we all have projects or charges we are given (the counselors, I mean) and we have time in these months to get a lot of stuff done in regards to whatever our project is. My two major projects are working with the Alumni Office and working on the admitted student newsletter. (hence why the feedback is so important:)

This week will be busy-I've been house sitting for two weeks, but they'll be back this weekend. My sister and I are also going to Chicago for the weekend for a wedding-two of our friends from Butler are getting married in Naperville! I'm so excited, because we'll get to see them and a bunch of friends that I haven't seen in awhile. Tonight is dinner with my good friend Jamie, and hopefully we'll be trying a new place. I'll keep you posted!

Finally-I am SO excited to visit the IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) this summer, because the owner of the Colts has given them a chance to put something on display-Jack Kerouac's manuscript of "On the Road." It's handwritten, on ONE sheet of paper. I really can not wait to go see it. I love this city and what it has to offer. Its one of my favorite things about Indy-how much there is to do here, and how much I still have left to discover. I'll keep you posted!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summers! I know I am-have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone!

back in the swing of things...

BUMegan — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:19:00 GMT

"I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired."--Fannie Lou Hamer

Now while I don't know what this quote is entirely in reference to (and doubt it means what I'm using it for), it PERFECTLY encapsulates my feelings toward the past two weeks. I have been sick,and I think that being sick in the summer is possibly one of my least favorite things. I was out most of the last week of May and the first week in June and all the while, my doctor couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. Finally, yesterday, I received a phone call. Apparently, I have something along the lines of mono. Now before anyone can make any cute and clever remarks, I've already had mono. I'm not sure how I got what I have, all I know is that it took two weeks to feel better. Now, I'm just tired. (Apparently, whatever I have is very similar to mono. Produces similar effects and symptoms, but isn't as severe and doesn't last as long. Thank goodness:)

I had mono when I was a senior in high school. It's SO much easier then, to miss school, make up work and get better. When you're an adult, it becomes so much more complicated, with sick days and missing meetings and events and not being able to respond to emails and phone calls. Right now, it's 11 and I am SO unbelievably tired. I told BUChris this morning that it felt like I slept two hours, when really I got a reasonable 8 and a half. I am so grateful though, for my sister, family, friends and the people I work with at Butler. Everyone has been great and very understanding about it, and I've only been teased a couple of times about it. :)

Before the mess of my illness, our staff retreat was held at the Speedway, and it was AMAZING. I think our entire staff enjoyed ourselves, but we had beautiful weather, great food and the chance to tour the pit and garage area of the Speedway. Even non-race fans realized how cool that experience would be! I went down with a couple of the guys who work here, and we got to see Team Penske practicing their pit stops for Ryan Briscoe. (Who only know what drama he would cause that Sunday at the 500!!) It was really amazing to see something so up close, and just how FAST those crew members have to work. I was really impressed! My friend Klint, who works for Sarah Fisher, took us on a mini tour of their garage and we got to see her car and a bunch of other things. I had never really seen anything like it before or been that close to an IndyCar. Very cool-thanks to Klint for letting us do that:)

Then I was sick. For two weeks. So when I felt better this weekend, my sister and friends jumped at the chance to get me out of my apartment. So, we went to dinner at a Thai restaurant by our apartment, and to see the Sex and the City movie. Both were amazing!!! The Thai restaurant was a mom and pop type place (would you expect anything less?! Gotta love those type places:) and the food was phenomenal. The movie too, was wonderful. As a student (and sorority member) a lot of bonding took place in our sorority house TV room watching old episodes of SATC on DVD. The movie MORE than lived up to expectation-in fact, we've even talked about seeing it again!! (Yes, lame, but its good girl bonding!!)

This coming week is a little busy-I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, answering emails and catching up on everything I've missed. We are currently in the process of hiring a new director, and interviews for that position are taking place this week. I also have a college fair in Chicago on Saturday morning, so I'll be headed up on Friday for that. I'm SO glad Shawna is there, because now I have plans for Friday evening to dinner with her. (can't wait!)

Hope everyone is well-a shoutout to the little sister Caitlin who is in Europe right now (I think Florence?!) with some girls from her HS. I hope you are having fun and know that I am extremely jealous:) Miss you!!

road trips, weddings and black dresses:) It's the start of summer!

BUMegan — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:59:00 GMT

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-- beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. --unknown

I don't know where I saw that quote, but I decided it's a quote kind of day and thought it would be good to start my blog entry!! :) Life has been really good lately.I finally feel like I've gotten caught up, have regained my life in Indy. It's weird, because I spend so much time in Chicago and now St. Louis that it takes me SO long to get everything under control and get my life back together. That's definitely what this past week has been for me, and I'm sure I'll use the weekend for that as well. Being productive is a REALLY good feeling. :)

This past weekend was really, really good. A good friend from home, Mary, got married on Friday night in St. Louis. She looked SO BEAUTIFUL and the wedding location was just amazing. They had their wedding and reception at the Coronado Ballroom which is just such a pretty place for any kind of event. I had been shopping ALL day to try and find a dress. It took FOREVER! I just really needed a black dress and those apparently aren't as easy to find as I thought! I did, however, find one at Macy's, which will serve as the dress I wear to the rest of the weddings I'm going to this summer. :) After the wedding, Erin and I met up with some friends at Llewellyn's Pub, which is an awesome little pub and restaurant just down the street from the Coronado Ballroom. My parents got back that Saturday from a trip to Las Vegas and I spent the rest of the weekend with them and my little sister Caitlin. All in all, it was an AMAZING weekend!!

A shoutout to the little sister who graduated last Monday. Her graduation was at the Blanche Touhill Center in St. Louis. It's an absolutely gorgeous venue and was perfect for Caitlin's graduating class. Congrats to her, and to all of our 2008 graduates!

Tomorrow is our staff retreat and I'm really excited about what we get to do. Our staff is going to the Speedway and hanging out for the day there. We have a suite, which should be pretty cool-I've only been to the Speedway once before, so I'm hoping tomorrow is fun!

Other than that-we have an Early Registration on Friday, which I finally get to go to-I've only been in town for one other Early Reg, and I hate missing them and not getting to see my students. Friday's weather looks promising, so I hope the nice weather and sunshine stick around for at least the rest of the week. ;)

One final thing-please let Brad or me know if you like the updates of what the Blogger's are doing on our main page. (go.butler.edu/cs) It's a new thing Brad's been trying and testing out through Twitter, and he wants to see if people like that. So let me know!

That's it for now-hope everyone is well. Good luck with the rest of school, finals etc. Here's to a great summer 2008:)

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN A MONTH!

BUMegan — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:04:00 GMT

So, now it's been over a month since I've last written, and I feel AWFUL. I do have to wonder though, how many people actually read my blog. Truly! I'm just one of two staff bloggers, and I know the student bloggers are the highlight of this sight, and rightfully so. I feel like my blogs tend to be a little less exciting, a little more mundane, so it always surprises me to hear that people read this thing. I can only hope they like it as much as I enjoy writing it. If nothing else, it serves as way for me to see the things that have gone on in my life, and some of the cool things I've done in the past however many months. I've definitely been slacking too, with keeping up the forums that we have on this site. It's cool though, to see just how many students have joined the site and are contributing to the forums, asking questions, getting to know each other and accomplishing what Brad had hoped for so many months ago (and me too! I love getting to see how all this plays out!!)

I've finally finished my spring travel, and I am, generally speaking, VERY happy to be back. I will definitely miss all the people I travel with, (SARAH!, Troy, Mike, Corey, Melissa, Jae, Brian, Kelly, Meg and everyone else!) but am SO excited for the fall and being back in one of my favorite cities. This spring's travel was DEFINITELY busy, SO much more busy than last year. I met a lot of great students though, and I'm really excited to be working with them in this coming fall. I went to a lot of great fairs: Barrington, the Glenbrooks' Fair, District 211, Fox Valley, Lyons Township and so many others. It amazes me how great of a response we get in Chicago.

My trip up there was really successful, and a lot of fun too. I was able to try some new things, and it's ALL thanks to a couple of my friends up there. ;) I went to a sushi restaurant, RA, in the Lombard area which was REALLY good. I had never been and was nervous to try it. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone-I loved it! I also tried oysters and alligator at restaurant called Pappadeaux, and let me tell you-I surprised myself by trying them!!! Oysters are really not something I foresee myself trying again, but at least I did, right?! (I'll just keep telling myself that...) Another cool restaurant to check out would be Harry Caray's. Now, as some of you know, I'm from St. Louis, and therefore a definite Cardinals fan. HOWEVER, I figured that Harry Caray had his start in St. Louis and went with a friend for lunch. The food was awesome, and it was really neat to see all the history and memorabilia that they have hanging up. They even had toasted ravioli, which is a St. Louis thing. I had a blast there:)

I also saw a movie which I really liked, 21. Now I know the main guy is from Across the Universe, which I haven't seen, so I really didn't know what to expect. It was a great movie!! I was really impressed with him, and will be renting Across the Universe, for sure. :)

I would be remiss if I did not mention my boss, Aimee had her baby and has been on maternity leave for a little while now. She had the most adorable baby boy, and I'm really hoping she likes the present my mom and I picked out for him. I'll be sure to keep you posted! It's weird, though, to come back and not have her here. I can't wait for her return to the office! COME BACK SOON AIMEE!!

My final bit of travel was a conference, held at the end of April and beginning of May. It was good to get see people I haven't for awhile, and to attend some really good sessions on a variety of topics. I love how much you can learn from attending a conference like that. We are truly blessed to have so many people in our profession who've been in the field for awhile, and have SUCH a depth of knowledge when it comes to higher education. Education is such a passion of mine,but when I graduated, I really didn't know the impact it would have on me. Its hard to imagine ever leaving the education field, in whatever capacity that encompasses. Time will tell what the will hold for me, whether I stay with admission or switch to another area with higher ed. It's something I truly love and am excited for this upcoming year.

Things have been a little quiet around here, with finals ending yesterday, and the amount of visitors slowing. I'm sure we'll see an increase come summer, but this is the time for finals, proms, graduations and the like. I know that I will attending a graduation, as my little sister Caitlin graduates from high school this year. I'm SO excited, because she will be attending Butler in the fall!!! She made her final decision, and I could NOT be happier. She is one of my most favorite people in the world, and I love knowing we will be in the same city. My hope is that she has as great and wonderful and fantastic an experience as I did when I was here, in whatever way that means. I leave on Sunday and will be home for a few days with them. I'm also lucky because I travel St. Louis and get to be at home with my family too. I was actually home for a couple days in April, doing a couple of fairs in the St. Louis area. Very fun. :)

I hope all the students having to take finals this week and from now on do well, and if anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to let me know. I promise I will be doing a MUCH better job than I did in April of keeping up. :)

yikes...it's been awhile....

BUMegan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:30:00 GMT

So it's definitely been awhile...I feel kinda bad, but I've been on the road for the past two weeks in Chicago, and things have finally settled down here, enough for me to post a recap!

My travels to Chicago are always fun, and these past two weeks were no different. My first week of travel took me to the city of Chicago for a fair at Richard J. Daley College, and then to Rockford, IL for a fair at Rockford College. I think both fairs went pretty well, and it was SO good to see all the people I travel with in Rockford. I tried a new restaurant when I was there (new to me, as they've been around for awhile!) called Red Robin. I'm not sure if we have them in Indy, but it was SO good. I went with one of my friends, Mike, and he had a burger that had a fried egg on it. SO weird, I know, but it actually was really good! My burger was a little on the weird side too, as it was Teriyaki flavored and had PINEAPPLE on it! I know, I know...I was a little weirded out at first, but it was soo good. I think I'm one of those people who will try anything once, and it just so happens that trying both burgers actually worked out for me. :)

I also got to hang out with some friends from Butler when I was there, Shawna-who is doing rotations in Chicago right now, and Josh-who is spending the month of March in Chicago for some work training. We went to a place called Hackney's, a great burger place that was up in Glenview. It was SO good!! (There was a definite theme to my trip that week....) It was really, really good to see both of them. Shawna actually lived with my sister and I for awhile, and I miss her SO much. Josh too-because he lives in California, it was great to finally catch up and hang out with them both. Overall, an awesome week.

Round two to Chicago was spent in Oakbrook. I stayed in a REALLY nice hotel that was in a more secluded, quiet area. Very nice:) We had a fair on Tuesday at College of Lake County in Grayslake which was actually really busy for me. I met some great students who I will hopefully being meeting again in the fall. The other fair I attended was at Depaul University on Thursday night. That was a quiet night, as there weren't many students and families there. Overall all, though, it was a good trip. I got some quality time in with my friends on the road, and I am VERY excited for April and getting to spend more time with all of them. It's such a good group of people!! This was an amazing week, regardless. I'm just really happy with how everything turned out:)

I'm back in the office for two weeks. It seems so crazy that it's the end of March already. I was able, however, to spend my favorite holiday in the office-St. Patrick's day. LOVE IT! I posted a couple of pictures from our potluck lunch that was truly an Irish FEAST! I'm lucky to have such amazing co-workers!

This weekend promises to be pretty good-a good friend from school, Jamie, is getting married on Saturday. Josh and Shawna are coming on Friday and spending what will be a crazy but fun weekend here. So excited for it! I need to find a dress, but have a great date-so it should be a good time. I'll be sure to keep you posted. :)

The family also came in last weekend-it was my mom's birthday and Caitlin (the little sister) registered for classes. She isn't dead-set on Butler, but I can keep my fingers crossed, right?!

That's about all I have from here. Hope everyone is enjoying/enjoyed/will enjoy their spring breaks. I know that I'm definitely ready for warmer weather!! Hope everyone is doing well!!!

The sun'll come out...tomorrow....(is it spring yet?!)

BUMegan — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:12:00 GMT

A little sleepy today....It's gray and overcast and definitely a GREAT day for a nap. Its just TOO bad that I can't take one!

So how much did you love the weather yesterday?! I was in St. Louis yesterday, and it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL there. Sunny and warm, it reminded me of how much I love spring, and how I can't wait for warmer weather! The trip to St. Louis was definitely an abbreviated one, as I had to work on Saturday giving presentations and talking to families. Each Admission Counselor works two Saturdays a semester, and this was one of mine. Erin and I got home and hung out with my parents before eating an amazing homecooked meal (can't beat mom's cooking!!!) and heading to Incarnate (my alma mater!) to see Caitlin in Annie. She was one of the main orphans, the one that says "Oh my goodness!" if anyone is familiar. She was BRILLIANT. She also had a tap solo, which was really cool to see. I always forget just HOW talented my little sister is, and she so proved (AGAIN!) that she can hold her own on stage. The show was a little long, but I really, really liked it. Incarnate has definitely stepped up their shows in the past few years and it's obviously worked, as this year they sold out!!

I got to do a little bit of travel in the end of February and went with Tara to a college fair in Chicago. It was SO, SO good to see Troy, Mike, Justin, Dan and Jae. It definitely got me itching for spring travel, which starts next week. The fair was at St. Ignatius, which is an absolutely beautiful school in downtown Chicago over by UIC. Tara and I got there kinda early, so we just hung out and walked around before an amazing dinner and a pretty busy fair. Can't wait for the rest of my travel, which is partially in March and a lot of April. It's nice because I get to meet so many of the students I'll be working with in the fall!

Last week, the Alumni Office hosted a Young Alumni event before the basketball game against Wright State. SO FUN! They had food and drinks and I got to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen in awhile and had a really good conversation with Tyler.(twice!!) The game was awesome, and it was good to see us beat Wright State in one of the last games of the season. Erin and I stayed to watch the seniors cut down the nets, and heard the announcement of home court advantage and a first-round bye. Definitely a great game to have attended, and I am very excited to see what will happen for the team in these coming weeks!

Other than that, this week promises to be pretty quiet. We've been getting a lot of random questions in the forums about housing, meal plans and the like. If you need ANYTHING or have other questions, please let me know. Hope everyone has a good week!!

happy president's day!

BUMegan — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:37:00 GMT

So I've been putting off this blog entry for almost a week now, and I figure now is the time to just buckle down and do it! I seriously can't believe how fast this month has gone. For some reason, it has been FLYING by, and I really can't figure out why that is, because life really hasn't been too crazy as of late. Last weekend, Pam, Chris, Andy and I went to a conference in Chicago. It was interesting, to say the least. I really couldn't believe just how cold it was there and how much I just did NOT want to go outside. Thankfully, I only left the hotel once in the time we spent there, and I was more than ok with that. It snowed on Monday and while I'm sure Chicago/IL/Iowa residents are done with the snow, I thought it was absolutely gorgeous outside. I'm not sure what it is about snow that I love so much, but it's beautiful to watch and fun to play in. Must be the little kid in me! The conference itself was fine. Some of the sessions were just ok, and a few were really interesting to me. It was a lot of fun to get to hang out with Pam, Chris and Andy though. I am SO, SO lucky that I have such amazing coworkers with whom I truly enjoy spending time. Overall, it was an awesome three days and fun to be back in Chicago again. I definitely missed it!

So Valentine's day was last week...There have been some random posts on the forum about it, which I thought was kinda funny. I'm really not a big fan of Valentine's day, but this year wasn't THAT bad....I guess;) Erin and I rented a movie that night, No Reservations, which was AWESOME. I think Abigail Breslin is such a good actress for someone who's so young. I was really impressed-I really liked it! Other than that, I didn't do anything, and that's how I prefer it. Definitely not a favorite! HA! (However, I promised I would give a shout out to Tyler Johnston. I saw him at Starbucks on Valentine's day, and said I would give him a call-out. So Tyler-YOU'RE AWESOME! how's that?? ;) )

This weekend was the first in awhile that I didn't have to work, and it was SO nice! Friday night, Erin, Nisha and I went to Don Pablo's and waited for Shawna, who got to Indy late Friday night. She had to finish a project, so came in for the weekend to finish it. It was so good to see her, and for the four of us to hang out. It's just so nice to have such amazing friends-we had a really good time going out on Saturday night together, but we usually do. I also got to go shopping on Saturday afternoon, which of course I loved. I got a lot of fun stuff, so I'm considering the trip successful!! All in all it was a really, REALLY good weekend. I'm really lucky to have such good people in my life! :)

This week promises to be busy, at least work-wise. We are finishing up with applications, meeting with families and I get to go back to Chicago for a college fair with Tara, the other counselor who covers Chicago. I can't wait for that!

That's it! One last thing- I have to give props to my little sister Caitlin-she's a senior who applied and got accepted to Butler AND she joined this site. Nice job! ;)

life is good!

BUMegan — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:19:00 GMT

I really just don't understand how it's almost February already. I really can't believe it!! Thankfully, February doesn't seem like it will be boring at all, thanks to having to work some weekends AND getting to go to Chicago a couple of times. So maybe life isn't exciting in the traditional sense, but there is definitely alot more going on!'

My parents and little sister Caitlin were in town this weekend. I absolutely LOVE when they come visit. I had to work on Saturday, but then we went out to dinner to a restaurant called Sahm's which was SO, SO good. Shawna (Mine and Erin's old temporary roommate and totally a member of the O'Rourke family!) was also in town, so we got to go out with her and Nisha too. I love when the four of us are together because we have such a good time and it is just really nice to have them here! :) Sunday was brunch with the family (Cafe Patachou=AMAZING.) and watching the game. Can I say that I was actually bored for the first half? I was really disappointed with how it was going, UNTIL the fourth quarter. TOTALLY BRILLIANT. Eli Manning was awesome-it was definitely worth it up to the final seconds of that game. I loved it! It was really good to see the Giants win-I am such a fan of the Manning family, because to me they are such good representations of how professional athletes should act and carry themselves. Glad to see the Giants pull of such an awesome upset...

In response to the last time I posted, I did go see 27 dresses. A pretty cute movie (a little predictable) and James Mardsen is really cute in it. AshleighTaylor left a really good post about an idea for a girls night, and I definitely used her suggestion this weekend! Friday night Nisha, Shawna and I got sushi and just hung out. (There MIGHT have been some ice cream involved too, but it seems a little crazy to say that we wanted ice cream in February. No judging though, right??!!)

Last week was a little crazy as we had our Scholar's Forum program on Saturday, but also had the Bloggers chatting with students last Wednesday. BUBrad and I were here to witness the craziness that IS the student bloggers. Brad posted a lot of the video that was recorded on youtube (if you want to check it out, the website is: www.youtube.com/butlerbloggers) I had never met a couple of the bloggers and they are AWESOME. I definitely had a very fun night with them, even if I'm the...adult of the group....HA! On a side note....apparently knowing the Cupid shuffle helps with the admission process....thanks to ChristinaD for showing everyone how it's done!!! (HA...riiiightttt...)

Work might be a little crazy this week, with trying to read applications that are still coming in, making phone calls and plan spring travel, but I am definitely ok with crazy. I LOVE it when it is and when we are busy...to me it means we are doing something right, and I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to work here with all these wonderful people to get to do what we do. I've been presented a lot of great opportunties and have met a lot of great people along the way ( not to mention all the cool experiences I've had here!!!) so hopefully this year is EVEN better. :)

Another thing I'm excited for is a conference this weekend. (Ok yes, sometimes conferences can be boring, but I've got high hopes for this one!) Andy, Chris, Pam and I (all three are other Admission Counselors here) are going to stay at the Renaissance hotel in downtown Chicago for the conference, which is Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. I absolutely LOVE downtown Chicago, so I'm excited to get a chance to travel there next weekend! I'll be sure to keep you posted as to whether or not the conference was boring ;)

Finally, if any senior has questions about the enrollment forms, Early Registration or anything, please let me know. Hopefully I can help!

why is life so boring in january?!

BUMegan — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:13:00 GMT

To be honest, I don't really have a lot to talk about. Life has been pretty uneventful as of late, and while I welcome the change, it also can be boring! I'm hoping this weekend brings a little more excitement back into my life!

There's a movie that's coming out I am really excited to see-27 Dresses. Yes, I know TOTAL girl movie and definitely a chick flick, but I'm a really big fan of Katherine Heigl and James Mardsen so I'm hoping we can go see it this weekend when it comes out! I am definitely one of those people who always think about going to see movies I like, and NEVER end up seeing them. It sucks, because then I forget about them entirely after they leave the theatre. My new goal is to watch some movies that I haven't seen during spring travel when I'm up in Chicago. Spring travel is wayyyyy less stressful, as compared to a really full schedule during the fall. I love travel, and especially love the time I get to spend in Chicago in the spring. It starts the process over with Juniors, and it's a lot of fun to meet the students I'll be working with so early on in their college search process. I don't start though, until March, so I'll keep you posted as to how that goes and where I'm headed!

I had to dogsit this week for a friend....she has a yorkshire terrier that's about a year old, and let me tell you, it really made me NOT want any pets. I go back and forth, thinking I'd like a dog. I think, after this whole thing, I'm giving up the idea permanently. No offense, but I really don't think pets are my thing...as witnessed by my week of dogsitting....

I would, however, like to point out that (speaking of dogs) bulldogs broke the top ten most popular dogs list this year, which is apparently compiled by the American Kennel Club. (seriously! who would have thought they make lists like this?!!) Our mascot, Blue 2, actually blogged about it, and you can see what he said here:

www.butlerblue2.blogspot.com

It's a really funny site, so be sure to check it out!

Other than that, life is pretty quiet here. Colin Powell is coming to speak in about a month which is REALLY exciting for campus. Even now, as a staff member, it still amazes me, the opportunities afforded to the students, faculty and staff here. I'm excited at the idea of it!!

Finally, to end, our basketball team is doing SO WELL THIS YEAR! Props to them, to Coach Stevens and all the other coaches. It's been a great season so far!

Have a great holiday weekend:)

somebody's got a case of the mondays....(on a wednesday!!:)

BUMegan — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:36:00 GMT

I'm back at work today, after a long and WONDERFUL break. (and much needed!) My twin sister Erin and I were home for a week and it was really good to just hang out and do nothing.

The drive home on Friday was boring, but I've done it so much that it's super easy now and I think Erin really appreciated that I drove. (I drive so much for work nothing really phases me anymore!) Caitlin had her party the day after we got back, and it was good to see some of her friends. I really like the people she hangs out with, even if they were REALLY loud;) Friday, Saturday and Sunday were all lazy days...it was rainy and gross on Saturday, but I did get what I needed to get done, which was good. Sunday, Erin and I FINALLY had a lifers reunion. It was AMAZING!! I am so, so lucky to have such wonderful friends from home. We finally all got to catch up, which who even knows when the last time that was! I didn't get to see Brian or Ryan, so hopefully the next time I'm home we can meet up with them!

Christmas Eve was a lot of fun, my family has a funny tradition for that day-we play board games, watch movies and order pizza. Its kind of a weird thing to do, but we've been doing it for so long, I think it's too late to change it. (And it's definitely one of my FAVORITE things about Christmas, sooo.....) Christmas is always with my mom's side of the family, and I'm glad we got to see all of them. Erin, Caitlin and I are usually the only kids there, so we try to make our own fun. ;)

All in all, break was really fun-everytime I go home, I realize how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family-they truly are people I enjoy spending time with, and such wonderful friends. Getting to see everyone was enough of a present for me!!! (I did get some VERY nice presents, new running shoes, some really pretty jewelry and a lamp for my nightstand!! let me tell you...it was a great Christmas;))

Crazy to think, however, that it's 2008. I'm not the biggest fan of resolutions, because I think they never last anyways. I do have some things I want to accomplish this year, some things I'd like to do for myself. I'm ALL about new life experiences, and trying new things, etc. I think thats the best way a person can grow-and you only live once, so why not?! 2007 was a crazy year, but very good and I can only hope that 2008 will be just as good. I'm excited to see what this year holds for me:)

I hope everyone enjoyed their breaks, or will continue to do so, since some people I know are still out!!

One last thing-if anyone saw Sweeney Todd, please let me know if you liked it. I saw it over break and I'm still not sure how I feel about it...