One thing I tried to do more of this semester was read. I hadn't done any actual personal reading in a long time. I have found that as we grow up, and as we get busier, adults don't have the time to read. For me, it was trying to find the time between school and work and any amount of a social life. It was nearly impossible.
This summer we went to Texas to visit my brother and his girlfriend. On the trip, there wasn't much to do other than read. I read something like 3 books throughout the week. I read so much that I had to download the Kindle app on my phone, because I ran out of books.
At first, nothing was mind-blowingly amazing. And then there was the Hunger Games series. Justine had been bugging me to read them, but I had so many other books that I wanted to read, and I was afraid I wouldn't like them. She finally convinced me, and the first book was like $6 on the Kindle- I couldn't pass up that deal.
I don't read very quickly; I never have. At that point, I was forcing myself to read at least one chapter of whatever book I was reading per night. I needed a way to turn my brain off and just relax. It took less than a week to read the first book (that is good when you're usually only devoting an hour to reading every night). It's one of those series where you have to start the next book right away; so I did. In the end, I read the series in about two and a half weeks. I read the third book in about two days. It was an accident. I had read about 30 percent, and then I sat down to read and next thing I knew- it was done!
I've read the series twice, and each time I finish I have this moment of, "what now?" I get so incredibly lost when I finish; not to mention the emotional destruction the book causes (yes, it is the book's fault).
I've recommended the series to so many people, and I have yet to find someone who didn't like it. The movie comes out in March. In fact, the movie comes out three months from today. I don't have that kind of patience. I want to see it now. One song came out from the soundtrack today. I about died. Literally, It was the most incredible thing I've heard. It's actually probably not even that good, but the Hunger Games association makes it 100000x greater.
I would love to go into all the intricacies of the book; I have found so many, but I don't want to give anything away. Maybe when I read the book again I will keep a whole blog series on it (ohh that might actually be a really good idea). I have to finish the Harry Potter series first, though. I've never read it before. I know, I know. I just never cared to read them until recently. I'm almost done, though. I might read Hunger Games again next. I just can't help myself.
23 December 2011
17 December 2011
Look who's back!
Wow! It has been quite a while since I have had time to do any amount of personal writing. I write so much for the paper, and design so much, and edit so much, that when I get home I have no desire to write for myself. Plus, most of the time my life isn't that exciting that it needs to be put on the Internet for everyone to see (can I mention how much I loathe the fact that AP Style says that Internet be capitalized? What kind of shit is that??).
The semester is over- finally! I feel like this whole semester went so slow, and yet so fast at the same time. It was a whirlwind of hard work, and I hope it paid off. I mean, I'm certain it did. The paper this semester was a whole new experience for me. Instead of just being a lab writer and taking random stories, I started the semester as a page designer for the opinion section. At some point things got twisted and I was taking on more work than was actually necessary, and the editor wasn't communicating with me what he wanted on the page. So, thanks to some awesome people (read- David) a discussion was had and I walked into the newsroom a few days later and became the opinion editor.
I know what you're thinking- I don't want to be an opinion writer. I mean, sure I can write opinion well. At least, I can write it well now. It's just not my thing. I want to write sports. I grew up playing sports. I grew up around sports. It's what I love.
Actually, though, I became really good friends with our sports editor. I just happened to grab the computer next to her on the first night of production, and it just stuck. Throughout the semester we discovered how much we truly had in common. The biggest thing for me was that she is a Christian. Her faith goes beyond what I have imagined to find within my chosen industry. I knew going into the media that it is, in fact, a very liberal industry. I have worried about that so much. I realize that not believing in God does not necessitate a liberal bias, but for some reason I have always made that connection in my head. I know I am strong enough in my own faith that I can handle the naysayers. I just didn't want to go into a newsroom full of people who were going to attack me from every direction. Finding someone with very similar life goals to mine who also has a very strong faith is exactly what I prayed for, and He obviously saw the need.
Remember that conference I posted about a few months ago? I went to the SoCal conference this past October. That could have been an entire post all on its own. Suffice it to say, I am the number 2 copy editor in SoCal (Please don't judge anything I do on here as being worthy of that. My personal writing has a very different tone to it than my professional writing).
I'm getting ready to apply to UT Arlington. I want my grades to be posted before I do that. There are a few other schools that I may consider, but I do want to go to Texas. I need to get out of California. There isn't much here for me anymore. I've been in a bit of a rut for a while now. It's getting a little better, but I spent the bulk of my semester locked up in my house, or at work, or at school. My social life was abysmal. I think my parents were actually getting worried about how little I actually went out. I didn't even get to see my best friends as much as I would have liked to see them. Actually, as I think about it, I didn't do anything this semester. That's probably not a good thing. I have every intention of working on it, even though next semester is going to be very intense.
I did go to some incredible concerts throughout the summer and this fall. I saw Miranda Lambert thanks to my amazing grandma who knows how much I adore country, and Ashley and Jeremy went with us. I went to a few more with those two as well: Eric Church, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and a one day festival that featured Montgomery Gentry. I also saw Gary Allan and went to a private concert thanks to my mom. I went to Taylor Swift with Ashley... that is a story in-and-of itself. We won't be reliving it, because I don't need to incriminate myself further.
Sorry, that was quite the mundane list. And this was quite the mundane post. I should really try to get back into this thing...
The semester is over- finally! I feel like this whole semester went so slow, and yet so fast at the same time. It was a whirlwind of hard work, and I hope it paid off. I mean, I'm certain it did. The paper this semester was a whole new experience for me. Instead of just being a lab writer and taking random stories, I started the semester as a page designer for the opinion section. At some point things got twisted and I was taking on more work than was actually necessary, and the editor wasn't communicating with me what he wanted on the page. So, thanks to some awesome people (read- David) a discussion was had and I walked into the newsroom a few days later and became the opinion editor.
I know what you're thinking- I don't want to be an opinion writer. I mean, sure I can write opinion well. At least, I can write it well now. It's just not my thing. I want to write sports. I grew up playing sports. I grew up around sports. It's what I love.
Actually, though, I became really good friends with our sports editor. I just happened to grab the computer next to her on the first night of production, and it just stuck. Throughout the semester we discovered how much we truly had in common. The biggest thing for me was that she is a Christian. Her faith goes beyond what I have imagined to find within my chosen industry. I knew going into the media that it is, in fact, a very liberal industry. I have worried about that so much. I realize that not believing in God does not necessitate a liberal bias, but for some reason I have always made that connection in my head. I know I am strong enough in my own faith that I can handle the naysayers. I just didn't want to go into a newsroom full of people who were going to attack me from every direction. Finding someone with very similar life goals to mine who also has a very strong faith is exactly what I prayed for, and He obviously saw the need.
Remember that conference I posted about a few months ago? I went to the SoCal conference this past October. That could have been an entire post all on its own. Suffice it to say, I am the number 2 copy editor in SoCal (Please don't judge anything I do on here as being worthy of that. My personal writing has a very different tone to it than my professional writing).
I'm getting ready to apply to UT Arlington. I want my grades to be posted before I do that. There are a few other schools that I may consider, but I do want to go to Texas. I need to get out of California. There isn't much here for me anymore. I've been in a bit of a rut for a while now. It's getting a little better, but I spent the bulk of my semester locked up in my house, or at work, or at school. My social life was abysmal. I think my parents were actually getting worried about how little I actually went out. I didn't even get to see my best friends as much as I would have liked to see them. Actually, as I think about it, I didn't do anything this semester. That's probably not a good thing. I have every intention of working on it, even though next semester is going to be very intense.
I did go to some incredible concerts throughout the summer and this fall. I saw Miranda Lambert thanks to my amazing grandma who knows how much I adore country, and Ashley and Jeremy went with us. I went to a few more with those two as well: Eric Church, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and a one day festival that featured Montgomery Gentry. I also saw Gary Allan and went to a private concert thanks to my mom. I went to Taylor Swift with Ashley... that is a story in-and-of itself. We won't be reliving it, because I don't need to incriminate myself further.
Sorry, that was quite the mundane list. And this was quite the mundane post. I should really try to get back into this thing...
09 June 2011
Epiphany
You can now access my blog on your phone! Yup, blogger added another new feature and it makes it easier to be viewed on a smart phone.
The never ending name saga is OVER! I am no longer in an identity crisis and officially have my maiden name back :) It was such a drama to get it switched back. But, I got it done for free (minus the pesky DMV fee for my license).
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. I have a friend, I'll call her K (I don't want to divulge her name, her story is not mine to tell), we have been friends for almost 10 years now. She has been there through everything. And when I say everything, I literally mean everything I have ever gone through in my life, she has stood there by my side never faltering.
When I was in the beginning stages of my divorce we went and got matching tattoos. I always said that I would never get a tattoo of someone's name, and I thought matching tattoos were creepy. But this was something important to me. I absolutely make sure my tattoos mean something to me- they're permanent. We have two hearts intertwined, one is teal and the other is black (colors we chose with no reason other than we liked them). Every time I look at it I remember that no matter what, our hearts are connected.
Anyways, K is going though a break up that is something awful. I've been hearing her say things that I remember saying at the beginning of my divorce. I remember feeling so broken and miserable that just getting through the morning took more effort than I had.
I've been trying to be there for her, as much as our schedules permit. And sometimes, I just don't have the words. And it occurred to me that I don't have to have the words. I don't remember a single word that was said to me when I was trying to deal with the shock, the stress, the pain, and just everything. But, what I do remember who was there for me. I don't mean the people who said "Oh I'm here if you need anything." As much as I appreciated it at the time, who of them really was there? The people I remember are the people who got tattoos with me, that met me in the driveway with wine, that helped me move out, that drove down just to see the tattoo. And I especially remember those who are still here and listening whenever it comes up.
This epiphany has led me to this, it doesn't matter what you say as long as you are there for them. Of course, support them. Be there for them. But the exact words that you say won't matter. As long as you are helpful, they will get through this.
I did.
The never ending name saga is OVER! I am no longer in an identity crisis and officially have my maiden name back :) It was such a drama to get it switched back. But, I got it done for free (minus the pesky DMV fee for my license).
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. I have a friend, I'll call her K (I don't want to divulge her name, her story is not mine to tell), we have been friends for almost 10 years now. She has been there through everything. And when I say everything, I literally mean everything I have ever gone through in my life, she has stood there by my side never faltering.
When I was in the beginning stages of my divorce we went and got matching tattoos. I always said that I would never get a tattoo of someone's name, and I thought matching tattoos were creepy. But this was something important to me. I absolutely make sure my tattoos mean something to me- they're permanent. We have two hearts intertwined, one is teal and the other is black (colors we chose with no reason other than we liked them). Every time I look at it I remember that no matter what, our hearts are connected.
Anyways, K is going though a break up that is something awful. I've been hearing her say things that I remember saying at the beginning of my divorce. I remember feeling so broken and miserable that just getting through the morning took more effort than I had.
I've been trying to be there for her, as much as our schedules permit. And sometimes, I just don't have the words. And it occurred to me that I don't have to have the words. I don't remember a single word that was said to me when I was trying to deal with the shock, the stress, the pain, and just everything. But, what I do remember who was there for me. I don't mean the people who said "Oh I'm here if you need anything." As much as I appreciated it at the time, who of them really was there? The people I remember are the people who got tattoos with me, that met me in the driveway with wine, that helped me move out, that drove down just to see the tattoo. And I especially remember those who are still here and listening whenever it comes up.
This epiphany has led me to this, it doesn't matter what you say as long as you are there for them. Of course, support them. Be there for them. But the exact words that you say won't matter. As long as you are helpful, they will get through this.
I did.
26 May 2011
People are living in my past, and they can't let me move forward
It seems like it is harder and harder to get people to take me seriously. I have no idea why that is? Do people see me as someone who isn't serious? Smart? What is it? It seems like more and more often I'll say things and it's not even just disputed- it's flat out ignored. And then, maybe 30 seconds later, someone else says that exact same thing. Did you not hear me? I feel like I am screaming into an empty canyon sometimes- or screaming into a brick wall. Like, c'mon!
The other thing is like I'll tell someone that I can't simply stay home all summer. I just can't. And instead of people being helpful, I'll get "me too" or "uh huh." Okay, soooooo you're ignoring me? I just don't get it.
I'm back in that place of feeling totally alone. I never meant for things to go this way. I really didn't. I don't think I'm a bad person, I just can't explain what happened.
It drives me absolutely nuts when people point out my past. As if I didn't already know what happened there... I never once saw my life at this point, so do you think I'm happy with how it turned out? This trip to Texas has actually made things worse. 1. I've HAD IT with people pointing my errors in life out to me. I FUCKING GET IT!!! I don't need you constantly bashing me for what I've done, because I can GUARANTEE that if you know enough about me to bash me on my mistakes, I know enough about you to bash your mistakes you. You ain't perfect either. 2. It has made me realize that, while I'm happy with what I'm doing with my life currently, I'm not satisfied with how things have turned out- and that kills me. It absolutely kills me.
I guess I just have a lot to think about. I need to pull myself out of this again.
The other thing is like I'll tell someone that I can't simply stay home all summer. I just can't. And instead of people being helpful, I'll get "me too" or "uh huh." Okay, soooooo you're ignoring me? I just don't get it.
I'm back in that place of feeling totally alone. I never meant for things to go this way. I really didn't. I don't think I'm a bad person, I just can't explain what happened.
It drives me absolutely nuts when people point out my past. As if I didn't already know what happened there... I never once saw my life at this point, so do you think I'm happy with how it turned out? This trip to Texas has actually made things worse. 1. I've HAD IT with people pointing my errors in life out to me. I FUCKING GET IT!!! I don't need you constantly bashing me for what I've done, because I can GUARANTEE that if you know enough about me to bash me on my mistakes, I know enough about you to bash your mistakes you. You ain't perfect either. 2. It has made me realize that, while I'm happy with what I'm doing with my life currently, I'm not satisfied with how things have turned out- and that kills me. It absolutely kills me.
I guess I just have a lot to think about. I need to pull myself out of this again.
30 April 2011
Royal Reality
Yesterday I got up to watch the Royal wedding. It's not like I've had an obsession or anything, but I knew that this would be history and I felt the need to do it. I wasn't sure if I would actually feel like getting up at 3 am, and I most certainly was not getting up any earlier, so I DVR'd the wedding on two channels. It's kind of a good thing I did because I turned the TV on as Catherine was getting in the car. I felt like I had missed a lot, but I saw the important part live.
The whole concept is overwhelming. Catherine is a commoner (which in and of itself is a hard concept for an American to grasp). But, 29 years ago Catherine was born. A year prior Princess Diana married Prince Charles- who was in love with Camilla Bowles, but she was "unsuitable." When Catherine was born, commoners did not marry royalty. The fact that Common Catherine is now Catherine Duchess of Cambridge is huge.
I realize that this does not directly affect me. But, the Royal family is known world wide. And it really is a huge piece of history. And an heir to the throne will not be married now for another 20-30 years. Which means if you missed this one- darn!
Americans have nothing to compare this to. That's what is sad. We have no family that has been historically significant for any amount of time.
But, who could be in Catherine's shoes right now? Would that not be some serious pressure? I personally would not. That is a lot of work. And she looks perfect every time she steps outside. I rarely look "perfect."
But, there is a reality of this whole thing. I've been very intrigued by it all, watching how it came to be and learning some. But then, I realize that I have to come down to reality. And, it hit me today. America is pretty uncouth. It's annoying.
But it also made me see that, I'm 25 years old and it's time for life to start. And it hasn't. It should have started a while ago (oh wait, it did!). And yea, I'm back in school, but I feel no closer to finishing than when I started a year ago. And I haven't been dating. Yes, it was a conscious decision, but now it isn't. And I've made the attempt. But, it isn't.
It's not that I want to have this high profile, expensive wedding that is seen around the world and get a royal title out of it. The point is, I see these two people (whether royal or not) who have been successful and it makes my life feel- stalled.
The Royal Reality of it all is there was this giant royal wedding and it was seen all around the world. And now we all have to go back to real life. Although, I see some girls struggling with that part and continuing to be stuck wishing to be a royal princess.
Not me, I do not want to be a princess- planning that wedding would suck.
The whole concept is overwhelming. Catherine is a commoner (which in and of itself is a hard concept for an American to grasp). But, 29 years ago Catherine was born. A year prior Princess Diana married Prince Charles- who was in love with Camilla Bowles, but she was "unsuitable." When Catherine was born, commoners did not marry royalty. The fact that Common Catherine is now Catherine Duchess of Cambridge is huge.
I realize that this does not directly affect me. But, the Royal family is known world wide. And it really is a huge piece of history. And an heir to the throne will not be married now for another 20-30 years. Which means if you missed this one- darn!
Americans have nothing to compare this to. That's what is sad. We have no family that has been historically significant for any amount of time.
But, who could be in Catherine's shoes right now? Would that not be some serious pressure? I personally would not. That is a lot of work. And she looks perfect every time she steps outside. I rarely look "perfect."
But, there is a reality of this whole thing. I've been very intrigued by it all, watching how it came to be and learning some. But then, I realize that I have to come down to reality. And, it hit me today. America is pretty uncouth. It's annoying.
But it also made me see that, I'm 25 years old and it's time for life to start. And it hasn't. It should have started a while ago (oh wait, it did!). And yea, I'm back in school, but I feel no closer to finishing than when I started a year ago. And I haven't been dating. Yes, it was a conscious decision, but now it isn't. And I've made the attempt. But, it isn't.
It's not that I want to have this high profile, expensive wedding that is seen around the world and get a royal title out of it. The point is, I see these two people (whether royal or not) who have been successful and it makes my life feel- stalled.
The Royal Reality of it all is there was this giant royal wedding and it was seen all around the world. And now we all have to go back to real life. Although, I see some girls struggling with that part and continuing to be stuck wishing to be a royal princess.
Not me, I do not want to be a princess- planning that wedding would suck.
12 April 2011
JACC- Part 2 and Looking Forward
As it turns out, I don't feel like outing the offending party. There was some drama, but in the grand scheme of things, I'm glad I went. It was an opportunity that I'm not sure I will get to have again. If I stay at my current school, then I will probably have the chance. But, given that I am applying to three 4-year universities this summer, who knows what my future holds.
I learned some incredible things this weekend. I just wish that I would have had more time to attend more lectures. I got to attend two... two. I'm a bit upset that I didn't get to go to some more. There were some that I would like to have seen. But, now I know for next year.
Yes, next year. If I stay at this school, then I fully intend to write and be an active part of the newspaper.
But, when all is said and done, I am very glad that I went this weekend. It left me wanting to do about 1,000 things. I'm thinking about sports writing. And being a country music reporter. Or still, social media marketing.
They never should have let me go to this conference.
If I knew how busy I would be this weekend, then I would have had my homework prepared in advance. It's definitely not the most stressful week I've ever had at school. But in retrospect, waiting until AFTER the conference was a terrible idea. But, I thought I would have a minute to stop and write part of my paper. Nope. I did get one page read in my communications book. Go me. But, as of now, I am caught up. I have two articles to do this week. So maybe "caught up" isn't the right word. "On schedule" may be more accurate. It will work out alright.
I learned some incredible things this weekend. I just wish that I would have had more time to attend more lectures. I got to attend two... two. I'm a bit upset that I didn't get to go to some more. There were some that I would like to have seen. But, now I know for next year.
Yes, next year. If I stay at this school, then I fully intend to write and be an active part of the newspaper.
But, when all is said and done, I am very glad that I went this weekend. It left me wanting to do about 1,000 things. I'm thinking about sports writing. And being a country music reporter. Or still, social media marketing.
They never should have let me go to this conference.
If I knew how busy I would be this weekend, then I would have had my homework prepared in advance. It's definitely not the most stressful week I've ever had at school. But in retrospect, waiting until AFTER the conference was a terrible idea. But, I thought I would have a minute to stop and write part of my paper. Nope. I did get one page read in my communications book. Go me. But, as of now, I am caught up. I have two articles to do this week. So maybe "caught up" isn't the right word. "On schedule" may be more accurate. It will work out alright.
JACC- Part 1
My toes are trying their hardest to defrost, and I've been inside and warm for over two hours now.
I'm in Sacramento, CA for a journalism convention (JACC) and it is freezing. I spent tonight watching the Sacramento River Cats, their minor league baseball team. And then I had to write a story on the game. The main goal is to learn more about journalism and what we need to know. The school paid for us to go- all but $100.
Journalistically its been a great experience. Socially- eh. We all know I have social anxiety, so getting here was a bit of a task. With the Southwest issues going on lately, there was a part of me that hoped that my flight would get cancelled. It didn't. So, then it was me wondering if I really wanted to come. I didn't. But, I'm here. Sitting in the airport, I was by myself for a long time.
I'm getting along with most of the people on our staff, but I still feel slightly awkward. There have been a few issues that have come up. There is a part of me that is fighting with myself, trying to decide if I should post the issue. But, for now, I'm not going to. Let me sit on it a while and cool down from the anger, and then we'll see what happens.
I'm learning a lot. I went to a social media lecture today. But because of the aforementioned issues, I went to the wrong one. But, this one was pretty entertaining. It was exciting to get to see the real world applications of these things!
Interspersed with the conference are competitions, on-the spot competitions. We have to write articles, quite literally, on the spot. It wasn't too bad. A bit stressful. Though, it was worse writing my lead and deleting it. Then writing it, and deleting it. And over and over and over. The problem was, we had an hour. I was still deleting my lead when people were getting up because they had finished. I now understand how stressful that is (typically, I'm one of the first done with everything).
This was actually supposed to be published on Friday- and it never did. So here it is now.
I'm in Sacramento, CA for a journalism convention (JACC) and it is freezing. I spent tonight watching the Sacramento River Cats, their minor league baseball team. And then I had to write a story on the game. The main goal is to learn more about journalism and what we need to know. The school paid for us to go- all but $100.
Journalistically its been a great experience. Socially- eh. We all know I have social anxiety, so getting here was a bit of a task. With the Southwest issues going on lately, there was a part of me that hoped that my flight would get cancelled. It didn't. So, then it was me wondering if I really wanted to come. I didn't. But, I'm here. Sitting in the airport, I was by myself for a long time.
I'm getting along with most of the people on our staff, but I still feel slightly awkward. There have been a few issues that have come up. There is a part of me that is fighting with myself, trying to decide if I should post the issue. But, for now, I'm not going to. Let me sit on it a while and cool down from the anger, and then we'll see what happens.
I'm learning a lot. I went to a social media lecture today. But because of the aforementioned issues, I went to the wrong one. But, this one was pretty entertaining. It was exciting to get to see the real world applications of these things!
Interspersed with the conference are competitions, on-the spot competitions. We have to write articles, quite literally, on the spot. It wasn't too bad. A bit stressful. Though, it was worse writing my lead and deleting it. Then writing it, and deleting it. And over and over and over. The problem was, we had an hour. I was still deleting my lead when people were getting up because they had finished. I now understand how stressful that is (typically, I'm one of the first done with everything).
This was actually supposed to be published on Friday- and it never did. So here it is now.
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