Stuff.

I don't know about you guys, but I am the busiest I have been in a long time.  

This time of the semester just seems to creep up...you know, when everything is due and you have papers upon papers to write....don't even get me started on the tests!  All at once!  

Then on top of it, even though I have had some of my jobs slowed to a halt, I have been working my butt off!  There just seems to be more work growing by the day and not enough hours to complete it.  

I love the madness of a crazy schedule, but sometimes it just can get crazy. In order to calm my brain, I work out and veg in front of the TV.  Two opposite spectrums, I know!  I work out at Orange Theory Fitness and I absolutely love it.  It has been the only "class" that I have been able to stay 100% committed to.  I have had real results and I couldn't be happier.  I've been with them for over a year now and this weekend they hosted a "dri tri."  It is a 2,000 meter row, 300 body weight movements and a 5k.  I took first place in the females!  I was completely ecstatic!  I did it last year and improved my time by almost 18 minutes.  Real results!

My favorite veg TV show are the Housewives.  I just love reality TV.  Those chicks are all crazy and I love it!  And Friends.  Classic show with funny one-liners.  I am actually going to NYC this weekend and "Central Perk" (the coffeehouse where they used to hang out) was recreated in one of the neighborhoods.  I am hoping to hit it up for a cup of coffee!  

Looking forward to chilling in cooler weather and away from the madness for a few days.  Hope everyone has a fantastic week and happy international coffee day!

Let's talk MUSIC

I am a huge fan of all types of music but my favorite bands are 311, Blink-182 and Metric. Their music makes me so happy.  

I am such a huge 311 fan that I have been to over 50 concerts!  They are hosting, yet another, cruise in February 2014 - it's going to Jamaica, the platform and inspiration for their Soundsystem album. (I just paid one of the payments for this cruise, hence the excitement for this trip that's happening in 5 months).  They are going to play this album in its entirety from front to back.  I love when they do that.  I have seen 4 other shows where they have done that type of line up, and they are so awesome to see live.  

They have done 3 other cruises, and they were so much fun!  You get some serious interaction with them and the MANY other bands that cruise with them.  And the fans are all (pretty much) so much fun to hang out with.  Everyone there is down to have fun and chill.  It's great.  

Here I am in Turks & Caicos - 2011

This was in 2012 at a private island in the Bahamas.
I'm in the lower left hand side - see me?  :)

We always have so much fun!  I also got engaged right before one of the cruises.  So, these cruises have special meaning to me.  

I would say, come along for the next cruise with me but this cruise sold out in 2 days!  So, I'll take pics for ya! 

What bands do you like??

Career Services Write Up

For my Career Services blog post, I decided to "attend" a webinar.  It was on "How to Find a Job Using Sun Devil CareerLink."  Crazy thing, the Host never showed up!  So, one of the students attending called up his teacher and she was able to host the event.  

It was very interesting!  I was so surprised to see all the opportunities that are provided to us ASU students!  The CareerLink website is so user-friendly, I think my kids could find an opportunity if they really wanted to.  (I think I may task them on that!  It could be a fun way to see their interests!) It's cool because you can pick and choose how far away from your, school or wherever you decide.  There are out of state opportunities as well.  

So what you do is:

• Go to this website: https://eoss.asu.edu/cs/sdcl 
• Create a log in
• From here you can really decide how deep to get into it - there's a place you can upload your resume, store a cover letter, look for jobs, apply for jobs, keep track of where you have applied, "favorite" jobs, and so so so so much more.  It's really cool!

I was really excited to learn about all these things and the attendees and I were able to chit-chat about some of the things that we learned.  I know it will be a tool that I will use in the future, FOR SURE!

P.S.  I'm excited...I just finished RSVP-ing for the 'Idealist Grad Fair'!!  That will be something I will be looking forward to.  If you are serious about moving forward in school and getting a Masters (or beyond) in the Social/Public Sector, this is going to be very informative!  http://www.idealist.org/view/fair/SfhxgDwGxMJd/view

OH THIS HEAT!

Ok so I am over this heat.  I have had to spend a lot of time outside for work and some stuff for my kids and I have realized that I am done.  It has been almost 6 MONTHS of temps at least in the 90s!  No, really...it has.  I looked it up.  The first day of 90 degree temps here in the Valley started April 8, 2014.  http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/phoenix-az/85004/september-weather/346935?monyr=9/1/2014) I mean....??? UGH!  

And I love all the people out there that say, "Well, at least you don't have to deal with the snow."  Umm, last time I checked it doesn't snow for 6 months in the lower 48 states.  I grew up in Cleveland and because of some personal stuff, I have had to go to Ohio quite a bit this summer.  And man, do I love it.  And because it's been so muggy here, I have literally not missed anything from Ohio!  In fact, it has been more muggy here than in Cleveland!  

Sorry to complain the whole time, but man...I am over the heat. It makes me so cranky.  I cannot wait to turn off my AC, not sweat in my clothes and enjoy a cup of coffee outside in cooler weather.  It doesn't help that my husband lives in Washington DC and I have to keep hearing about HOW BEAUTIFUL it is outside.  Makes me chuckle and...cry a little inside.  Good thing is that I get to go to visit him in a few weeks for a little R&R with him in DC and NYC.  My favorite place in the fall is Central Park and you better be sure that I will be enjoying my coffee there!  

:) Thanks for reading :)

Central Park

My hubby and I in Central Park

Typical Day

One great thing about my job is that I work from home.  I really love the freedom and flexibility.  It is nice because I am able to travel as well!  So, needless to say, my day starts with a big ol’ cup of coffee in my most comfortable jammies!

Typically, my morning starts off with emails and getting my priorities straight for what is needed for the next couple days.  I usually review my project list to ensure that I am up-to-date on what my client and my other vendors need from me.  

This typically takes a few hours then I’m off to the gym.  I like to work out in the mid-morning as I feel recharged from a good night’s sleep as well as fueled effectively for my workout.   From there it’s back home where I shower and get back to work. 

My mind now clear, I am able to dig into some of the parts of my job that require some close attention to detail and my utmost attention.   This includes looking at drawings, reviewing contracts and putting together submittals.   I am very detail-oriented so I make sure that my team is on their game.  I do not want errors to be made because ultimately any mistakes will fall on my shoulders if there are things missed in the drawings, contracts or submittals.  My face is attached to these (all three of the aforementioned items) and I am the one meeting the clients, landowners and jurisdictions when the time comes.

During that time, I am emailing changes to my designers, attorneys and client.  I like to get emails answered and returned within the hour.   But some things are out of my control and I work with whomever necessary to get my responses out and complete as soon as possible. 

I have meetings to discuss design as well as design walks to ensure that we are all on the same page.  All drawings go into the cities for their approval and many of the cities are picky on how their submittals look.  So, I make sure that all are following the “rules” of the jurisdictions. 

At the end of the day, I scan through my emails to ensure that I have gotten the priority emails out and look at my calendar to make sure that I know what is going on for the next few days.  My typical workday lasts from 5:30 am to about 4:00 pm.  It’s a long day but I do love the work. 

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Hold On and Move Ahead

Last week, we were given the news that the budget had run low on many of the small cell sites.  At this point, I was working on 61 projects, all in different phases of completion.  Not to mention, I didn’t find out from whom I report to at Verizon but another vendor that works for me!  While it was a bit crushing, especially because we had been told we were going to be getting upwards of 150 sites by the end of the year, it is what it is.  (I’ve really learned to embrace that saying.)

Anyway, so how they handled the slow down of projects is by “ranking” each site by the lack of cell coverage in the area.  My RF (Radio Frequency) Engineers at Verizon placed all 350 sites they have going into the Valley, by most important to least important.  Again, this is ranked from how much data is being pulled from each Macro site.  If they are to capacity, small cell sites are needed NOW!!  We are able to work on any sites that are ranked 1 – 100.  Many of these are ‘SuperBowl’ sites and I only have 4 of these sites.  I didn’t fare too badly as 35 of my sites are in the top 100.  So plenty to keep me busy…which makes me happy. 

Much to my surprise, Verizon handed over 14 more sites that fall under the top 100 to me yesterday!  I was ecstatic!  Working these sites from the beginning is very time consuming and these are to be built in 2015.  So it is up to me to ensure these sites get through the system!  Along with that, he has given me 2 new jurisdictions to get to fall into my small cell web….I am looking forward to reaching out to new areas and getting them onboard to this interesting project. 

Project Steps from Start to Finish

Ok, so last blog I discussed what Shaw does and I spoke of what I did for them very briefly.  Well, I more spoke of the exact projects that we handle for Verizon.   In this posting, I hope to cover all aspects to my job (as I now know them…each day seemingly more items get added to my “to-do” list), starting from exactly what processes I have to do for the projects, start to finish.

For both Macro and Small Cell sites, I follow the same plan of action, and at the end, we have a new cell tower in the sky. 

• I receive the job profile from Verizon.  This includes a search ring, tower height, and targeted areas that the radio frequency that Verizon wishes to “hit.”
• I research the areas around the “pinpoint” located on the search ring.  This area is the spot where Verizon would prefer I stay close to.  This is because with the work that their engineers are doing, they see that this area is a “problem” area and the last thing they want is an unhappy customer who can’t pull data or drops a call. 
• For all sites, I need to find 3 candidates.  These candidates can be jurisdictions or private landowners.  Essentially, whoever will work best for Verizon, will “win” and we will then move forward to the next step.
• The design walk is then set up.  My portion of this step is coordinating everyone from the landowner to the engineer to the design firm assigned to the project.  I am there to ensure that what happens on the walk is depicted on the drawings. 
• After the drawings come through from the designers, I recheck that these are correct and route them around Verizon to get their sign off.  I also route the drawings to the landowner and discuss any problems or comments they may have. 
• After the drawings have been approved, it is time to submit for zoning and/or permitting.  This step varies from jurisdiction, but what doesn’t vary – is it is a TIME CONSUMING part of the job!  There are a ton of steps for some of these submittals:

o   Photo simulation

o   Project narrative

o   Coverage maps

o   Environmental reports

o   Public notification

o   Public hearings

This is some, to name a few.  By no means is this comprehensive, but these are some of the things that I must do to get through the P&Z (Permitting and Zoning) at the different cities. 

• Hopefully, if all goes well, there are no changes.  But that rarely happens.  SO, you go back to the drawing board (sometimes) and get it right – because ultimately, the city has the final say.
• At the same time, P&Z is happening, there is a lease that is being negotiated between the landowner and Verizon.  This, as you can imagine, can be very time consuming because when dealing with people and money….it can get hairy. 
• After the negotiating is complete with the lease, oodles of paperwork is needed to be complete and then the “lease package” is sent off to Verizon’s legal team.  This is then checked, the Lease Memo recorded and the final lease is routed for signature.  
• When the final signature has been collected, the last step, for me anyway, is to get the landowner the final executed lease.  This is usually a very happy time for the owner.  The question I always here at this point is, “When can we expect first payment?”
• This is when construction of the site is complete.  Which is usually about 6 months after the lease is signed.  Permitting from construction needs to occur, and then construction starts. 

Time for all these steps – IF it is an “easy” site takes anywhere from 8-10 months.  There are some that take years.  It is not simple to get people to agree OR working around setback issues with the jurisdictions.

I’ll get more into drilling down on each specific bullet point in future posts. 

Thanks for reading!  :)

Shaw & Associates?? What in the world does that have to do with Cell Towers?

I know, I know…Shaw & Associates sounds sooooo…well, corporate (not that there’s anything wrong with that), but in fact, is not.  My boss, Rick Shaw, has been in the cellular industry for almost a decade.  He is also an attorney that deals with leases and development.  He knows anything and everything about cell towers, placement and planning and zoning for almost every jurisdiction here in Arizona.  It’s a great environment to learn, as it is a ‘hands-on’ setting that is comfortable.  He is a good leader with several different styles of teaching.  It has been great for me as I have caught on and have moved up quite quickly in the company.

There are so many aspects to this job that I manage and everyday is different, which is so nice!   Our main client is Verizon Wireless and it’s my responsibility to acquire land that can be used specifically for placement of cell towers or antennas.   And cool thing is, I essentially work from home, so I can travel anytime I want!

There are two types of projects that we handle for Verizon; Macro sites and Small Cell sites.  Macro sites are what you see along the road – poles that have antennas.  Many times they are “faux” trees.  Like palm trees and pine trees.  We also do bell towers in churches.   All depending on the jurisdiction and how close they are to residential areas will depict what type of tower is acceptable in the area.  The range these reach is depending on what is in the surrounding areas.  If there is nothing blocking the antennas (trees, buildings, etc.) the “reach” of the signal is about 1 -2 mile around in a circle.

"Palm" Tower - called a Monopalm

Bell Tower

The second type of project is the Small Cell site.  These sites are very new to jurisdictions and Verizon is the first carrier to implement them here in the Valley.  These fill in the “gaps” of the frequency emitted from the Macro sites and are essential now because of how much data people are using now that everyone and their grandma has a smartphone.  I had the awesome task of going to the jurisdictions and proposing these new sites.  (It really was! **NERD ALERT!**)  It was both really cool to teach the City Planners something new as well as educate myself in the cellular world!  Anyway, we are working generally with jurisdictions because these are 2 or 3 antennas that are attached to a street pole – even traffic signals in some places and Verizon would like to work with the jurisdictions because it can be easier when you have to go through Zoning and Permitting.  In Korea, these are spaced every 200 feet!  Mainly, we are in the Right of Way (the area between the property line and the city-owned street) because the sizes of these sites are small.  Two antennas pointed in a specific direction covers about 750 – 1000 feet.   I just finished getting 4 of these through the City of Glendale and I am excited to see them constructed. 

More exciting news coming soon!