Busy.

Hello everyone, so I see that it has been almost over a month since I last posted. My apologies for not posting more frequently and also for having to cut this entry short.

Well, plenty has happened in the last month or so, but a lot of what happened has come and gone in a whirlwind blur since it has been so busy recently. I find myself darting out emails while at the same time uploading new conferences onto the website one after another. I have also been kept busy with making newsletters and sorting out last minute details of journal papers in a rush to get Issue 4 of Control and Intelligent Systems published. On top of all that, the conferences taking place in Cambridge, USA, and Marina del Rey, USA, are approaching very quickly which means helping the conference planners compile conference folders and proofing, proofing, proofing.

Phew, October has been a busy month.

There have been non-work related office events that happened as well. We held a surprise baby shower for my co-worker who is expected to have a beautiful baby girl at the beginning of next year. There have been suggestions of baby names thrown throughout the office, but nothing has been made official yet ;). Furthermore, there has been quite a bit of cake and ice cream passed around due to many birthday celebrations. Also, one of my closest co-workers has left IASTED in order to pursue studies (and adventures) abroad. I want to wish her the best of luck in everything she does!

Workplace Survival 101 Tip: Do not become overwhelmed by work. Always, always remember to take a breather and remind yourself that no matter what, it is NOT the end of the world.

Well, that is about it. For all those celebrating Halloween next Sunday: HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


-Poppy.

Communication is Key

So, I unfortunately do not have much time to blog. I have gotten a large load of work mainly consisting of proofing, proofing, and more proofing. Did I mention proofing?

Anyways, my main (and I would like to think “short”) entry today is about a basic but very important aspect when working anywhere: Communication.

When I say communication, I am talking of all forms, from word-of-mouth to responding to emails or even texting. The better the communication, the less confusion and the more productivity (since you don’t waste time asking each other back and forth what is going on).

A perfect example happened last week. I had e-mailed a request to change something on a cover page to our graphic designer. She emailed me back with the changes and said that if I needed anything else to email her. I thought that the cover was perfect, so did not email her back. A few days later, she sent me a message and said that she likes confirmation when she emails. She asked me whether or not I received her email. I felt bad that I didn’t email her back, and emailed her right away and told her that the cover was just fine.

The lesson (and Workplace Survival 101 Tip) here? Communication is key. I could have saved my graphic designer stress and time if I had just replied to her.

Well, there we go. That’s it for now, back to –well, more proofing.

Yours, tired and working,


-Poppy.