What made you decide to start a blog? If you've blogged about this before, go back and read it. Is that still the reason? What's changed? #postaday2011

I have a wonderful job that provides me the opportunity to engage in conversations with others. Frequently I do must of the listening. Sometimes I talk a bit more than those I'm in a conversation with. On more than one occasion I have been told, "You should write a book" or "I wish more people could hear you say that." I might write a book one day. I will continue to have conversations with people. In between I thought I would blog some of my thoughts, experiences, curiosities, and conundrums for others consideration.

The reason I began blogging hasn't changed but I have gained more reasons to blog since beginning. It is a refreshing release on some intense days. Blogging causes me to pause and reflect who I am, where I am, what I am, and how that is working out for me. I haven't promoted My Two Cents other than including the link on Twitter and Facebook. If folks find this, sweet. If they don't I'm still enjoying the place to put my thoughts.

Now specifically about the #postaday2011 challenge. I struggle to pass on a challenge. I struggle to not take someone's "double dare." I don't know what that is all about except that I enjoy a challenge. So when I hear about the Word Press Post-A-Day 2011 Challenge, I signed on. It has been a joy to have prompts to begin my writing moment each day.

She Deserves More Credit Than She Gets - Here's a Bit About Why I Think So #postaday2011

Michelle Boettcher

Michelle is an outstanding woman, writer/editor, parent, and student affairs professional/leader - just to name a few of her roles. I have had the honor of working with her for many years, most recently in the Dean of Students Office at Iowa State University. Michelle takes care of students who make choices that bring them to the attention of the Judicial Affairs Office. She addresses issues with a balance of care and accountability that helps the student learn and grow. Michelle possesses high ethical standards - for herself and those she works with. She sets the standard high for all of us.I believe this makes us all better professionals and people - she brings out the best is those around her. Being the Director of Judicial Affairs is not an easy job and frequently comes without words of thanks and appreciation. This is one of the reasons Michelle came up as I thought about today's #postaday2011 prompt. But wait, there is more...


Michelle brings joy and smiles to people's days in a number of ways - one being her writing. She writes a hilarious blog: http://realingzen.blogspot.com that makes her followers laugh daily as they read what is going on inside Michelle's head. I really think this blog should be published and given to everyone to bring smiles to their faces. Follow Michelle's blog! She deserves more credit for the time and details she puts into her bits of sunshine! 


I watch Michelle during meetings and wonder what she is writing (she takes notes on everything in her day - I suppose some are for blog postings at a later date). When she takes her glasses off and speaks at meetings, she always contributes in meaningful and valuable ways. I think she deserves more credit for the notes she takes, the listening that she appears to be doing, and the contributions she makes to our work team.  


As a co-parent with her partner Michelle teaches their daughters to think critically, act responsibly, and respect each other. Michelle's co-parent is pretty awesome too - but being the "incoming" parent to a family is a tough job. I think Michelle deserves more credit for the outstanding work she is doing parenting two amazing young women.


Michelle is patient, intentional, thoughtful, and incredibly sarcastic. A great mix for the world in which we live and work.