Wednesday, day of something I "need."

Okay so today, what I "need," isn't a new set bowls for my kitchen, or a new Coach bag, or a sewing machine, or a pedicure, or a vacation. What I "need" today is to go to a professional development conference called UMR ACUHO (Upper Midwest Region Association of College and University Housing Officials), Fall Conference, I would really like to go to the conference because of the workshops that I will be able to attend that will benefit myself as a Hall Director and because I would like to have a chance to network with other professionals in the field.

BUT... I may not be able to attend, because I went last year and my department will only pay for people who have not been to the conference before. I feel that I need to go, to at least try to make some connections with possible employers, because I will be job hunting in just a few short months, and if I could get to know some people at other institutions, I would be able to include or rule out some interviews.

SO... I am filling out a conference fee waiver application, the questions are easy enough and the application isn't to bad, all I have to do is answer a few essay questions and get a nomination letter. The questions will be EASY, since I pretty much got my B.A. in B.S. (HA, I sleigh myself)! But I am a little worried about the nomination letter, my department already said that I was not first choice to go (although not because of performance issues, but because I had already been to the conference), none the less I will do a little buttering up and try to get a nomination letter. Which is another thing, I'm asking someone to nominate me??? Seems a little convoluted, but when has that gotten in my way, HA!

So in conclusion, I "need" to go to UMR and I "need" to not be so worried about asking people for help when I NEED it.