More pictures. Mt. St. Helens.

I apologize for not posting more pictures recently. I've been doing all sort of productive things:

• Ordering textbooks from Amazon


• Applying for the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Exam through the Project Management Institute. This will hopefully help land me a job when I finish up graduate school.


• Reviewing the Top 50 Most Prestigious Consulting Firms of 2009 according to Vault.com


• Applying for positions at many of the firms on that list in hopes of some interest. I'm sure I'll get a few callbacks.


• Following up with some contacts that I have at firms. I think I should have done this sooner....oh well.


• Catching up with friends.


• Preparing for school starting up this week.


• Finally getting my Title and Registration changed from Ohio to Illinois.

The majority of my time...anywhere from 6 to 10 hours per day has been tied up in the whole job thing. Sometimes I think it is more arduous finding a job than actually doing the job. Look at the presidential race for crying out loud. Barack Obama before and after. He's got some gray on him after the past 2 year of campaigning.

Anyway, on to the pictures.

Starting the journey....


From a Portland tunnel to a Portland bridge.



Driving along the Highway to St. Helens.



Still driving long the highway....driving through a lot of VERY small towns in Washington. But, I liked seeing the "Blue Mountains" in the background and also the giant lakes.


Yay...finally here. 460


Holy cow....snow in August at 3800 feet?!?!


Starting the climb up the mountain...through the forest.



Clearing the forest and heading into the mountain.


Getting prepped. As you can tell my cousin Brian and I were prepared. I have my jeans and polo shirt with plastic bag. No poles--no hiking gear--no camel back.


The first ridge...little did my cousin and I know that there were a few rock ridges to come. A 2-hour estimate round-trip to get up turned into over 4 hours just to get up the top. The glaciers in the background were cool.


Glaciers......


My cousin Brian excited about approaching what we thought was the top of St. Helens.



Brian a little disappointed that we had a LONG way to go.


The clouds come rolling in....yep. Clouds, not fog.



Through the clouds we go.


Ahh...above the clouds. Yay.



Yep. I added a rock to the pile. I'm pretty cool.



It's hard to picture...but this is nearly straight up. And not pleasant...very soft ground. After all, it is ash from the volcanic eruption. Actually, if you squint your eyes and look at the "path" you see 2 black dots (or a black blob). That is a group about 30 minutes ahead of us.


At this point, we're WAY above the clouds. It almost looks like this picture could have been taken from a plane.



A look down the mountain.



My cousin heading down from the summit. I took 3 pictures basically from where the last picture was (but up). You see the TINY speck moving. It's him.



Halfway down the mountain. Kind of neat to see all these glaciers....


Nearly running down the mountain so that we don't get stuck up there at night.


Approaching sunset.



Yay! We got out of there before sunset. It was then time to celebrate our climbing expedition at one of the new spots of Portland. Hooters.




After we finished at Hooters. We then drove to Bend, OR. Apparently we drove through such cities as Damascas, Boring, Zigzag,etc. Who would have thought that there were such strangely named cities in Oregon.

In the next post I guess I'll be showing the trip to Seaside, Oregon. Now that I've finally realized that what I'm doing is trying to hit the Picasa Web Album that I'd apparently created with my account...I can upload pictures REALLY quick and link to them.

Portland Rose Garden and the Pittock Mansion

Before I move on to Chapter 2 in the PMBOK or the August Case Study in the HBR I need to post some more pictures of my summer adventure. Once again all of these photos were taken with my iPhone. So, the image may not be "perfect" quality....but it can put in in the perspective of being there...or wanting to be there.

The first section is from the Rose Garden. I took a ton of pictures while I was here...and they were mostly for Michelle....if you saw the earlier picture she did for me of "Superwoman" that I posted in June (I think). Anyway...I'm posting some of the pics that I thought were kind of special or at least demonstrated how big this Rose Garden in Portland was.

This was just one of the Rose Garden Signs. There were many different signs representing the different areas of the rose gardens.


Obviously this is just a picture of one of the fields of roses. I wanted to capture the enormity of the area.









Doesn't this rose look sort of like it belongs on cake frosting?








The Pittock Mansion sits above Portland. Kind of a neat old mansion. Here are a few of the pictures that I took of the Pittock Mansion and from the Pittock Mansion's backyard. Apparently this is a photogenic spot as when I was there wedding pictures were being taken as well.

As a kid I would go running with my grandpa in the Portland Hills and he lived roughly a mile away from the Pittock Mansion. So we would frequently walk up to the Pittock and then run in the forests down the hills and then walk back up. Afterwards we'd have hot chocolate and some crackers with cream cheese. Yum.



This is a view of the front of the Pittock Mansion.


This is the view from the backyard of the Pittock. Portland, Oregon.


This is a picture of the back of the Pittock. I made sure to take the wedding party out of the picture....they were defiitely having fun though.


This is the old Butler's quarters. It is actually built into the hill and has a lower level. From the lower level they would serve as a "security gate" and the main level would serve as the living quarters of the servents. I'm not sure no matter how wealthy I am in the future (or if I am) that I'd have servents. Seems odd in present day society.


Another picture of the front of the Pittock Mansion.


This was the old carriage house at the Pittock. I think they've done a good job on this area...looks nice.


In the next section I will post the pictures from the trip to Mt. St. Helens and while I was there.....man just thinking about that climb makes my knees hurt again.

More pics to come...first Project Management

Ok. So, I took a short break from my picture posting. I will likely start that back up either later today or tonight or tomorrow. In addition to that post I will be posting the August HBR Case Study.

Right now I've been approved to take the PMP Certification Exam. So, I've been studying the PMBOK. I have read and re-read the first few chapters....to push some of my efforts in a forward direction I figured I could put some of my notes and thoughts down to paper.

Chapter 1: Introduction - Notes and Thoughts

Good practice does not mean that the knowledge described should always be applied uniformly on all projects. (I completely agree. This is the concept of standardization. While it does improve optimization efforts...it doesn't mean that it is the ONLY way to approach a situation...or the best way across all instances)

The PMBOK is NOT comprehensive or all inclusive. It addresses only single projects and the project management processes generally recognized as good practice. (While the knowledge says it is for single projects..it doesn't mean that large scale programs can't use the knowledge in this guide to help create successful outcomes--I hope.)

1.2 Project Characteristics
Projects are temporary and unique. (well, duh. But sometimes program managers don't pass on the operational responsibilities created by projects to the operational team and these operational duties can stay in the project manager's or PMO's hands. Not good practice...but this can happen in small organizations.)

The presence of repetitive elements does not change the fundamental uniqueness of the project work. (doesn't change uniqueness...but doesn't help productivity)

Progressive elaboration means developing in steps, and continuing in increments. Scope will start out broadly and become more detailed as the project progresses.

Projects are different than operations because operations are ongoing and repetitive. Projects are a means of organizing activities that cannot be addressed within the organization's normal operational limits. (I think that this is an important characteristic of projects. They are meant to create new channels of operational revenue. As such, projects terminate as operational strategies change or are achieved)

Projects are authorized as a result of one or ore of the following strategic considerations:

• market demand


• customer request


• organizational need


• tchnological advances


• legal requirements

1.3 Project Management

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. Project management is accomplished through the application and integration of the project management processes of:

• initiating


• planning


• executing


• monitoring and controlling


• closing

Managing a project includes:

• Identifying requirements


• Establishing clear and achievable objectives


• Balancing the competing demands for quality,scope, time and cost


• Adapting the specifications, plans and approach the different concerns and expectations of the various stakeholders

The triple constraints are: project scope, time, and cost. Project quality is affected by balancing these three factors.

Five areas of expertise in Project Management:

1. The PMBOK (Chapters 2-12)


2. Application area knowledge, standards and regulations


3. Understanding the project environment


4. General management knowledge and skills


5. Interpersonal skills

Application area knowledge, standards and regulations include: functional departments and supporting disciplines; technical elements; management specialization; and industry groups

(One of the key things to understand is the difference between standards and regulations. Standards are concepts that are agreed upon by a group of experts. Regulations are rules that are enforced by a "governing" body.)

Project teams should consider the project in its cultural, social, international, political, and physical environment contexts.

A program is a group of related projects managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually. Program management is the centralied, coordinated management of a group of projects to ahievethe program's strategic objective and benefits. A Project Management Office (PMO) is an organizational unit to centralize and coordinate the management of projects under its domain. Projects aren't necessarily related.

So this was the first installment of my notes for my studing of the PMP. I hope you enjoyed this. If you get any benefits or are also studying for the PMP please let me know if my cursary notes and comments helped you at all to align your studies.

Oregon....part 2

The last post was of Portland, Oregon. This is a post of Oregon in general. Pictures from all over. Still taken solely from my iPhone. Once again...these picture are taking 5-6 times AT LEAST to upload. So, I may get frustrated and limit the pictures. I apologize for my frustrations....

On the way to the Trail of 10 Waterfalls in Silver Falls Park. These are some BIG confiers people.


I believe this is the North Falls. Those little dots are people. So, kind of neat to be able to walk behind the falls.


My Uncle Dan contemplating the falls.


A picture of the water feeding the falls. Sort of a neat pic I think with my Uncle and cousin crossing the creek.


My cousin Sabrina and Uncle Dan and I at another falls. Unfortunately, my cousin Brian was taking the pic...


Neat picture of one of the trees.


These trees are mossy!!!


Family just hanging out by the creek.


Just one of the signs...yep, it rains and moss grows in Oregon.


Another Falls (The Lower North Falls). Another one of the falls that can be walked under.


On the way back from the falls we passed many interesting little shops. We drove through the town that the "Homeward Bound" movie storyline was developed. We passed fields of wild flowers that were really beautiful. But, I thought this was the most interesting. Out in the middle of nowhere was this Inn and Restaurant, the Glockenspiel....who would have guessed...that little wooden children in swings could be so ominous and creepy.



My next posting will have pictures from the Rose Garden in Portland (its famous) and some of the pics from the Pittock Mansion.

While in Oregon...Part 1.

Before I start, does everyong have to try and upload pictures like 5 times before they actually get uploaded???? Very annoying. Posting just these 9 pictures took me roughly 50 minutes. I would have posted more otherwise.

Once again...all these pictures were taken with my iPhone.....so they aren't the dazzling 10 Megapixel pictures. But, they get the message across I think. If you have any questions about Portland....or Oregon in general. I may be able to answer them, so shoot them over to me and I will respond to your inquiries.

First and foremost...while in Oregon expect to go for a walk and eat some blackberries while on your walk. This is a pic of what you may expect alongslide one of the walking paths. Lots of blackberries.


Next...it was almost too hard to pass this by. Look at this handsome devil. Yep, that would be me. I can't place my age. But, I'm gonna go with seven.


This is a view of Portland from the new tram. Now I don't think that the tram will actually make any money....but it was kind of fun to ride it to the hospital. Very peculiar that a hospital would have a tram.


So, once again...there I am glaring back at you from the marble reflection. But, I thought this was a great statement. Be a great human being. I think this means that it is important for everyone to give something to society. Be that a smile, an invention, or just an idea.


This is me hanging out with the statue in Pioneer Square. I think this is a dedication to the lovely weather of Portland. Of course there was hardly a cloud in the sky the day I was there...and possibly 90 degrees. But, we all know it rains in Portland.


Don't you think that every bar in America should have this? I know I do.


This is a picture of the NEW Pearl District in Portland. Obviously it isn't the entire district. But, it is a representation of what it is now. Modern....lots of lofts and condos. Very cool.


This is a neat old building that has some family history. My grandfather owned it and grew his business, Muckle Sales. Kind of neat. Unfortunate that it is not still owned by the family. But, even more unfortunate it isn't being used to its fullest. Right across the street from the Federal Building in Portland. Oh well....


One of Portland's famous Neon Signs...Made in Oregon.


So, these pictures are a tiny experience of Portland, Oregon. My next posting will be of the wonderful nature that surrounds Portland.

more pictures of trip from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR

Ok. So, this is a time jump backwards as I found a sunrise picture from the previous day. This was taken somewhere near Rugby, North Dakota. Very little sleep really does play tricks with one's memory...so it may have been before that. Definitely not after.

This next picture is the sunrise on the "3rd day" I have that in quotes because I left at 3pm in Chicago. So, this is technically the 3rd day. This was taken after a decent night's sleep. Possibly 4 hours. This was near Pasco, Washington. Just after this the train starts traveling along the Columbia River.

Beginning the trek through the Columbia Gorge area....A long time ago a glacier carved out this gorge. Much closer to present day Lewis and Clark traveled through the river. The water was much rougher (as there are dams in place now). But, it is a cool piece of history to travel the route. In a later post I have a picture where Lewis and Clark came across the Pacific.

One of Oregon's and Washington's main industries...lumber. This is a LOT o Wood. And these logs are BIG.

Mt. Hood off in the distance. My great uncle has a cabin up at Mt. Hood. Unfortunately, it was unavailable to visit. He rents it out for various events. I guess there will be an upcoming movie with Jennifer Aniston (unconfirmed except by him) that was recently shot there. Kinda neat.

This was just a neat picture...at least I thought so. Once again, I apologize for the glare from the plastic windows in the Amtrak observation deck.

The Portland, OR train station...yay. In the next post I will post pictures of The Trail of the 10 Waterfalls and also climbing Mt. St Helens.

Pictures on the way to Oregon

First, all of these photos were taken with my iPhone. So, they aren't the 10 MegaPixel pictures that are super clear....but good enough I think.

Some of you may know my itinerary, some may not. So, I've already posted some pictures from my trip to Penn State. Unfortunately, I didn't really take many pictures of my trip to Dayton, OH. But, it was mostly business as I was working on getting one of my tenants out of my condo and a new one back into the condo. So, the pictures that follow are from my travels via Amtrak from Chicago, Il to Portland, OR. Then some pictures while in Oregon. After that, I made my way to Albaquerque, NM (did I spell that right?) via a stopover in Los Angeles, CA. Then home. My summer travels took me through 18 different states this summer. Thats a lot of states....

Many of these pictures you will see in the coming posts were taken either from the Amtrak train or in a car....anyway, here they are.

This is the story of Havre, ND. I thought this was interesting...and may prefer the original city name of Bull Hook Bottoms.

At this point a very negative Native American man had boarded the train. This may have actually happened in Havre, ND (if memory serves me). So, this gentleman had to tell me about his troubled past while I was obviously trying to take in the scenery of the Rocky Mountains. I did tell him that I will likely never take this trip again. He didn't seem bothered by that. So, I had to make my way to the Observation car. Oh well. This was a shot of a bridge. Nothing spectacular. But interesting.

This was a shot of sunset in the Rockies. I thought it was an interesting mix of light and dark. So, this was the end of the 2nd day on the Amtrak Train on my trip. The next day I have some great shots of the Columbia River (a la Lewis and Clark)