Take Back Your 9-5 Discussion Group Jan. 26!

[Rosetta Thurman]

Hello ladies! Thank you all SO MUCH for spending your Saturday sharing and helping each other brainstorm ways to advance our careers. Michele was incredible and I know we all wish she lived in DC...but my hope is that we can continue to support each other both virtually and in person, building on the tools that Michele shared with us. So we picked a date for our next meeting of the minds for Saturday, Jan. 26 when we can all get together in person to extend the conversations we had at the retreat, share resources/ideas/frustrations, and just feel good about taking control of our careers with a supportive group of strong women! We talked about potential locations a little bit, but let's test out 11am on Saturday, Jan. 26 at one of the following locations. We can do coffee or brunch to keep it during the first part of the day when it might be easier for us to make the space. RSVP instructions: I set up a Doodle poll for folks who will be attending the next meeting and for us to vote on locations. So if you WILL be with us on Jan. 26, please complete the poll with your name and choose your preferred location. See below for more info on the 3 places we could meet. Also if anyone wants to volunteer their home/apartment/community room, that would be even better! Let us know in the forum comments.

Potential Locations for Take Back Your 9-5 Discussion Group Jan. 26 (all locations are Metro-accessible)

Busboys & Poets - U St. Corridor, DC 14th & V Sts. NW (if we make reservations for 10pp, there's a $15 minimum per person)

Mayorga Coffee Factory, Downtown Silver Spring (near career retreat location)

Teaism - Penn Quarter, DC

[Michele Martin]

Thanks for pulling this together, Rosetta--I wish I could be there!

In setting up the agenda, you guys may want to take a look at this discussion that Linsey started. And as always, let me know if you need anything.

[Elisa Ortiz]

I'd be happy to volunteer my apartment (which may be a bit small) or one of the two community rooms in my apartment building in Arlington (Courthouse). One is quite large with some chairs and a kitchen (have to reserve it) and the other is more of a TV room with couches, which is basically first come, first served.

If possible, I'd like to go to someone's building or hosue rather than a restaurant. I find it hard to concentrate when there are a bunch of other people around and you have to deal with a bill, etc.

[Rosetta Thurman]

Thanks Elisa! I feel you on the restaurant deal. I think it would be much better doing it at someone's house. Could you go ahead and see if your community room with the kitchen is free on Jan. 26 and let us know? We'll just have to keep our curiosity about your slumber parties at bay ;)

[Elisa Ortiz]

No problem Rosetta. Its been a crazy week, but I'll ask the building manager this weekend. Its usually not a problem to book.
One thing: we do have to put down a $250 deposit which is completely refundable if the room is undamaged (I had forgotten about this until I double checked the policy last night). I'm willing to write a check they can hold onto, but we just have to make sure that the room is in excellent condition when we leave. I trust you ladies to help me keep it clean!

[Esther James]

Thanks for setting up this poll! I accidentally voted twice -- I know, NOT FAIR! Can u disregard the first "Esther" vote which is for Teaism and another one? I actually meant to vote for Busboys and Mayorga. Sorry... Esther James

[Linsey Shelton]

If we're going to meet at Elisa's (thanks for volunteering!) we might also consider each of us bringing a food contribution. Is there anyone who can make a chai as mean as Teaism? Ha!

[Sabrina]

I'm so glad you all are organizing a follow-up! I got sick the day before the retreat, so I'm glad I can still glean some wisdom from some fantastic women!

[Elisa Ortiz]

Ladies,

What do we think the agenda should be for the 26th? I picked up "Not So Big Life" and have begun reading it. I could probably read the whole thing before the 26th, though I don't I'd have the time to do all the exercises. Should we limit it to reading a chapter or two and completing the exercises in full?

Just trying to get an idea so I can be prepared and schedule some time for reading and journaling, etc. :)

Elisa

[Rosetta Thurman]

Hey Elisa! Can't wait until Jan 26th :) I bought Not So Big Life as well and it's awesome. Why don't we all commit to reading and discussing the first 2 chapters and completing the year-end ritual? Thank you Linsey again for suggesting this book!!

[Linsey Shelton]

Hey ladies. Do we have a final head count? This last month has been crazy for me. I am glad everone is liking the book. I told you it was good. I love the way she writes. I feel like I saw something with your address, Elisa, but don't remember where. Can we do a last email blast with all the info?

See you soon!

Linsey

[Rosetta Thurman]

Great reminder, Linsey! I just sent out a final reminder and a call for folks to RSVP. Can't wait to see you guys again!

[Michele Martin]

I'm so bummed that I can't be there. I know that it's going to be a great time! Please let me know how it goes!