Dress for "Success"

That has so many different meanings but usually means a business suit that is completely impractical for movement and less than comfortable, which I will argue actually decreases productivity and creativity but I have yet to find the statistics to prove that claim; and, for women shoes that are equally uncomfortable and probably lead to more workplace injuries than any other single item (assuming blisters count).  On a couple different occasions, I have had people say, you should really wear business suits as you want to dress for the job you want to have.  While, to those speaking these 'kind' words, this was sound advice, there is a flaw in their logic:  You assume my measure of success is some kind of job that requires a business suit. 

And, so, I give you "The Outfit"

Looking classy on my first day of work, if I do say so myself... (More on my work later, but if you want to see some of what I am doing, check out Deaf Development Programme on facebook or at ddp-cambodia.org  the blog content there is one of my responsibilities)

As many of you know, I am not a buyer of clothes but this outfit I did buy, based on the principle that you should dress for where you want to be (and because I left all my work clothes in MD when I went to OR with a broken foot, but let's focus on the profound). 

100% linen pants that are loose fitting = great for working in heat and appropriate for more conservative cultures.  100% cotton Columbia Sportswear shirt that doesn't show much skin, same idea (and both were under $10 at the second hand shop).  I bought this specific outfit almost two years ago on a whim, knowing that I saw myself working overseas somehow in the international development realm.  I said, "why not try dressing for the job I want to have."  Especially since applying to it was getting me no where :) 

I remember thinking at the time, "This shirt has a rather Asian-style neckline."  With a background in Spanish and a dabbling of French, I always saw myself in Africa or South America, but I guess I bought the wrong style of shirt.  :)  Or, the exact right style for where I was meant to be.

So, I guess it is true, we all really should dress for 'success' - defining that as we may. 



To stick with the theme of great sayings, they also say,



"You are what you eat."




(Weak of heart be warned...)

 

Why, yes, those are spiders...

 

Don't mind if I do... (note the look of sheer terror in my eyes)

 

Chewy leg...

 

 

All in the name of cultural experiences.  With John, one of our Notre Dame student summer volunteers.  This is how the Holy Cross taught us to eat...

 The thorax was like burnt BBQ chicken... But hairier...

And, yes, I ate the whole thing.  Go big or go home baby!

 

John was brave enough to hold the arachnid.  I shrieked when it was almost dropped in my lap.  Holding it is a fear I have not yet mastered.

And, if we combine the two great sayings from today, I guess it is time I buy a blue and red suit ideal for swinging from webs, attached to buildings, as I fly through the night stopping evil doers...