"Have you heard about the lonesome loser? Beaten by the queen of hearts everytime. Have you heard about the lonesome loser? He's a loser but he still keep on trying." http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/little_river_band/lonesome_loser.html
Dear Lonesome Loser -
Embarrased. A word anyone could use to sum up the idea that when you don't check multiple [reliable] sources, false statements spread faster than the flu [it is still that time of year] and your credit then weakens.
That's all it takes in social media. One mass communicated false statement. Wave goodbye to your credibility because no one has time for you.
People look for attention to get their name out there.
I was not amused by a hoax message someone started from a Web site called Fake A Wish. http://www.fakeawish.com/ The sick rumor spread fast.
From this day forward, I was allowed one failed statement and I'm thankful that those who follow me on Twitter who accepted my apology for believing something to be true, before I checked multiple sources to confirm what I had read from someone who tweeted about the same thing just minutes before my own tweet on twitter. I'll keep that persons identity annoymous because I know this person means well.
Admit up to your mistakes. If you think about it, this can actually help you keep your credibility. Don't point the finger at someone else when you know what's been done. Speak up because the truth shall set you free.
I still think about that white sparkly glove and then just recently, after Brittany Murphy's death, which is still being investigated http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brittany_Murphy I thought to myself "please, please no more."
To whomever started the nasty rumor today about a certain actress: get off your couch and do something that's worth your time. Stop being dramatic and hurtful. It's gotten you noticed, but it will get you no where.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Any advice from the professionals? I'll take it!
The following credits @PRSarahEvans and http://www.sevansstrategy.com/
"Business is a contact sport.
Ther are millions and millions of conversations happening out there, right now. That's a powerful thing. Social media is essential if you start to intergrate it into your business or your organization. There are uses for customer service, for fundraising, for buiness development, for marketing, for advertising. The list goes on and on. You could have the strongest brand in the world or the best CEO, and if they can't connect with people, it's not going to work. It's about going to where your customers are talking about you and finding the right time to jump in and become a part of it. There is so much that goes into that and it always goes back to that strategy and buying from the right people and making sure that the right people are actually using the tools well.
Social media is a conversation.
Maybe we should talk."
I don't feel feel popular enough in media. What can I use as my voice so I can become heard? A blog is only going to get me so far.
Social media is connecting and using strategies and having the right tools.
An LV enV Touch isn't going to get me further just because I could have access to the internet --as in Facebook, Twitter, etc. I have, however, upgraded to a new phone, but it probably wouldn't be to @simonleung's standards. :)
I'm not worried about my daily voice and connecting with people since I do that at work; I know I have a great reputation there. @LifeTimeFitness has a mission and as for my line of work, I do my best to provide an educational, entertaining, fun and innovative experience of uncompromising quality. I connnect with Members daily in Aquatics and I do my best to intrigue non-members to become Members who are interested in putting their kids in our U-Swim School program. We offer great rates, reasonable prices and our instructors are first aid, cpr/aed certified.
Go ahead! Check it out for yourself: http://www.blogger.com/www.lifetimefitness.mylt.com/index.jspa We are located in 19 states.
My biggest problem right now, is finding my voice in social media.
I wanted to create something called #RRTweetMeetUp. In fact, I just wrote a blog about it December 19, 2009. The intent of this was to have people meet at a restaurant in Savage, Minn., called Axel's Bonfire and your "ticket" in was to bring non-perishable foods. So far, there's two people confirmed; myself and another graduate from Minnesota State University, Mankato, who I graduated with named Rachel (@rachellaitala). Pretty sure I'm cancelling it until I have a bigger voice and know more about what I need to do to get the word out there. I tweeted about it consistently for a while, made a Facebook event (nobody has "confirmed" their attendance --I even invited a very popular figure in the midwest, but I'm assuming they won't attend) and I blogged about it.
I don't have a 'team' to work with, but I connect with people from Southern California and Los Angeles area almost daily; @PaulTTran @RochelleVeturis @ReporterHaley @GlobalPatriot and even in Portland @Scott_Bryant! Can't forget about the East Coast, though, I'm specifically referring to @PRCog.
These people know how powerful social media is, so I ask them for tips every so often, not that the other 1,000+ people that are following me don't have advice. Unfortunately, 160 characters is not going to get me much.
Another reason I majored in Mass Communications? It's hands-on. It intrigues me. It's so broad, yet so definied.
People don't have time to teach me and in this business, things change constantly --just had a conversation with @RochelleVeturis about this and I couldn't agree with her more. We are all always learning in social media, even the pros. The classroom didn't teach me enough and I haven't "worked" and/or really been truly exposed to social media in six months; I feel like I'm losing ground and the education I paid for is 'slipping' away.
I don't attend social media events enough, but I'm not sure if that's going to be the trigger to make something happen because I'm learning that having a drink at a bar is great, but I also don't really have much reason to go because I'm not sure why it is I'm even going.
Example: there's a room with 300 people in it and I want to make it to at least 20 people in the 3 hours I have. That's not going to happen . . . I'll make it to12 of them if I'm lucky since most conversations last 10-15 minutes? I'm a talker and very, very guilty of this crime, but I've also learned that I have two ears and one mouth for a reason. I need to always keep that in mind that my next biggest problem is I'm very personable. I like to connect with people and in order to really connect, I need more than 15 minutes of their time.
What also doesn't help is that I have so much I want to do (making a difference in the lives of other people) and realize that making a list would help, but I don't know where to start.
It also rolls back to the bigger problem that I'm not popular enough in social media to be noticed. How do you get noticed?
Experience is that thing you need and don't get it until just after you need it. This might just be me at the end of my internship with BRIO, a publishing company in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. But hey! At least I'm getting back into the ball park and I know I'll be to make great networking connections through the 3-month internship.
"Business is a contact sport.
Ther are millions and millions of conversations happening out there, right now. That's a powerful thing. Social media is essential if you start to intergrate it into your business or your organization. There are uses for customer service, for fundraising, for buiness development, for marketing, for advertising. The list goes on and on. You could have the strongest brand in the world or the best CEO, and if they can't connect with people, it's not going to work. It's about going to where your customers are talking about you and finding the right time to jump in and become a part of it. There is so much that goes into that and it always goes back to that strategy and buying from the right people and making sure that the right people are actually using the tools well.
Social media is a conversation.
Maybe we should talk."
I don't feel feel popular enough in media. What can I use as my voice so I can become heard? A blog is only going to get me so far.
Social media is connecting and using strategies and having the right tools.
An LV enV Touch isn't going to get me further just because I could have access to the internet --as in Facebook, Twitter, etc. I have, however, upgraded to a new phone, but it probably wouldn't be to @simonleung's standards. :)
I'm not worried about my daily voice and connecting with people since I do that at work; I know I have a great reputation there. @LifeTimeFitness has a mission and as for my line of work, I do my best to provide an educational, entertaining, fun and innovative experience of uncompromising quality. I connnect with Members daily in Aquatics and I do my best to intrigue non-members to become Members who are interested in putting their kids in our U-Swim School program. We offer great rates, reasonable prices and our instructors are first aid, cpr/aed certified.
Go ahead! Check it out for yourself: http://www.blogger.com/www.lifetimefitness.mylt.com/index.jspa We are located in 19 states.
My biggest problem right now, is finding my voice in social media.
I wanted to create something called #RRTweetMeetUp. In fact, I just wrote a blog about it December 19, 2009. The intent of this was to have people meet at a restaurant in Savage, Minn., called Axel's Bonfire and your "ticket" in was to bring non-perishable foods. So far, there's two people confirmed; myself and another graduate from Minnesota State University, Mankato, who I graduated with named Rachel (@rachellaitala). Pretty sure I'm cancelling it until I have a bigger voice and know more about what I need to do to get the word out there. I tweeted about it consistently for a while, made a Facebook event (nobody has "confirmed" their attendance --I even invited a very popular figure in the midwest, but I'm assuming they won't attend) and I blogged about it.
I don't have a 'team' to work with, but I connect with people from Southern California and Los Angeles area almost daily; @PaulTTran @RochelleVeturis @ReporterHaley @GlobalPatriot and even in Portland @Scott_Bryant! Can't forget about the East Coast, though, I'm specifically referring to @PRCog.
These people know how powerful social media is, so I ask them for tips every so often, not that the other 1,000+ people that are following me don't have advice. Unfortunately, 160 characters is not going to get me much.
Another reason I majored in Mass Communications? It's hands-on. It intrigues me. It's so broad, yet so definied.
People don't have time to teach me and in this business, things change constantly --just had a conversation with @RochelleVeturis about this and I couldn't agree with her more. We are all always learning in social media, even the pros. The classroom didn't teach me enough and I haven't "worked" and/or really been truly exposed to social media in six months; I feel like I'm losing ground and the education I paid for is 'slipping' away.
I don't attend social media events enough, but I'm not sure if that's going to be the trigger to make something happen because I'm learning that having a drink at a bar is great, but I also don't really have much reason to go because I'm not sure why it is I'm even going.
Example: there's a room with 300 people in it and I want to make it to at least 20 people in the 3 hours I have. That's not going to happen . . . I'll make it to12 of them if I'm lucky since most conversations last 10-15 minutes? I'm a talker and very, very guilty of this crime, but I've also learned that I have two ears and one mouth for a reason. I need to always keep that in mind that my next biggest problem is I'm very personable. I like to connect with people and in order to really connect, I need more than 15 minutes of their time.
What also doesn't help is that I have so much I want to do (making a difference in the lives of other people) and realize that making a list would help, but I don't know where to start.
It also rolls back to the bigger problem that I'm not popular enough in social media to be noticed. How do you get noticed?
Experience is that thing you need and don't get it until just after you need it. This might just be me at the end of my internship with BRIO, a publishing company in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. But hey! At least I'm getting back into the ball park and I know I'll be to make great networking connections through the 3-month internship.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Time To Live Life Out Loud
A few things I have on mind.
No more just "sitting around" for me. Not that I've really been able to do that much recently since things have started moving in positive directions for me. But it's because of my drive, dedication and stubborness, that I'm even in a place where life has taken a turn for the better and return, it's given me a chance to really . . . spread my wings.
I'm going to stick with the "routine" words now, even though I usually choose to not follow the crowd, but maybe it's time to try following the crowd, yet using my voice as I gain experience in areas that draw me into opportunities that can allow me to help other people achieve their goals?
Original doesn't have to always be boring; you just have to learn when to speak up. :)
1. I'm not breaking any rules here when I say that I have a free membership to @LifeTimeFitness. Go ahead, follow them on Twitter. In fact, you might as well follow @RobertStanke, too, since he's the one (from what I know) that updates the Twitter account.
I want to actually utilize the LTF facility I work at and I want to live a "healthy way of life company." And by gosh by golly, I am an employee, so technically by not taking advantage of what the company has to offer, I'm not leading by our own example. I know how terribly cheesy that sounds.
2. I want to earn my private pilots license.
I have an opportunity not many people have. My StepDad has a 19 seventy-something plane that he bought from his Dad who passed away a while ago. I have the book right behind me, just waiting to get read. My problem? I'm so hands-on, that it's hard to focus and I really need a teacher telling me what to do, or just super good direction, otherwise, I never seem to hang on for long.
3. I began blogging almost one year ago and I had to for participation points for the my Mass Communications Campaigns class. I should blog more often.
4. I have an amazing family who knows me better than I know myself, sometimes. I want to start giving back to them and I'm gonna do my best to do so.
5. Family does come first for me, but friends are good for the soul. That's about all I have to say about that.
6. I want to take actual vacations this year and really start traveling. It'll be a year in May since my last vacation. I just feel better about life when I can get outta town for a little while.
There's more, but that's because there's always self-improvement to be made.
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!
No more just "sitting around" for me. Not that I've really been able to do that much recently since things have started moving in positive directions for me. But it's because of my drive, dedication and stubborness, that I'm even in a place where life has taken a turn for the better and return, it's given me a chance to really . . . spread my wings.
I'm going to stick with the "routine" words now, even though I usually choose to not follow the crowd, but maybe it's time to try following the crowd, yet using my voice as I gain experience in areas that draw me into opportunities that can allow me to help other people achieve their goals?
Original doesn't have to always be boring; you just have to learn when to speak up. :)
1. I'm not breaking any rules here when I say that I have a free membership to @LifeTimeFitness. Go ahead, follow them on Twitter. In fact, you might as well follow @RobertStanke, too, since he's the one (from what I know) that updates the Twitter account.
I want to actually utilize the LTF facility I work at and I want to live a "healthy way of life company." And by gosh by golly, I am an employee, so technically by not taking advantage of what the company has to offer, I'm not leading by our own example. I know how terribly cheesy that sounds.
2. I want to earn my private pilots license.
I have an opportunity not many people have. My StepDad has a 19 seventy-something plane that he bought from his Dad who passed away a while ago. I have the book right behind me, just waiting to get read. My problem? I'm so hands-on, that it's hard to focus and I really need a teacher telling me what to do, or just super good direction, otherwise, I never seem to hang on for long.
3. I began blogging almost one year ago and I had to for participation points for the my Mass Communications Campaigns class. I should blog more often.
4. I have an amazing family who knows me better than I know myself, sometimes. I want to start giving back to them and I'm gonna do my best to do so.
5. Family does come first for me, but friends are good for the soul. That's about all I have to say about that.
6. I want to take actual vacations this year and really start traveling. It'll be a year in May since my last vacation. I just feel better about life when I can get outta town for a little while.
There's more, but that's because there's always self-improvement to be made.
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Tweet Meet Up: Bring a Non-Perishable Item
CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
This will be the first #RRTweetMeetUp (Rachel Ryan Tweet Meet Up) I host.
When: CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Time: TBD
City/State: Savage, MN
Location: Axel's Bonfire
Address: 14120 S. Hwy 13
Web Site:
http://www.axelsbonfire.com/locations/mn/savage
Before you walk in the door, I will be collecting non-perishable food to bring to the local food shelf. Please have items in a brown paper bag.
I'm working on finding a key note speaker to talk about how we can help dominate and decrease the number of people who struggle to put enough food on the table and often go to bed hungry . . . who knows?! If I run out of time, it might just end up being me!
I'm also going to be working on finding a sponsor so there can be a possible drawing for a gift card at the end! Ideas are still pending.
Not only is it that time of the year where it's time for "giving", but I'd like to create a better New Year for those who struggle daily to not only feed themselves, but their own familes.
Let's make 2010 a better year for those in need!
Thank you for your help and your support!!
In order for me to get a good head count, I'd prefer if you RSVP'ed by leaving a comment letting me know how many people you plan on bringing with you. If it's just yourself, please say "1".
This will be the first #RRTweetMeetUp (Rachel Ryan Tweet Meet Up) I host.
When: CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Time: TBD
City/State: Savage, MN
Location: Axel's Bonfire
Address: 14120 S. Hwy 13
Web Site:
http://www.axelsbonfire.com/locations/mn/savage
Before you walk in the door, I will be collecting non-perishable food to bring to the local food shelf. Please have items in a brown paper bag.
I'm working on finding a key note speaker to talk about how we can help dominate and decrease the number of people who struggle to put enough food on the table and often go to bed hungry . . . who knows?! If I run out of time, it might just end up being me!
I'm also going to be working on finding a sponsor so there can be a possible drawing for a gift card at the end! Ideas are still pending.
Not only is it that time of the year where it's time for "giving", but I'd like to create a better New Year for those who struggle daily to not only feed themselves, but their own familes.
Let's make 2010 a better year for those in need!
Thank you for your help and your support!!
In order for me to get a good head count, I'd prefer if you RSVP'ed by leaving a comment letting me know how many people you plan on bringing with you. If it's just yourself, please say "1".
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Jeep Wrangler X (Sport)
I am a huge, huge fan of Jeep Wranglers. I found this Jeep beginning of June and went back to the lot a few times thereafter to make sure she wasn't sold yet. Quite literally two weeks before I had everything straightened out, I went back to the lot just one more time, only this time to test drive her. I was going to make sure she ran smooth and drool over her one more time.
It was destined to be mine. I was finally (after three years (lots of searching)), buying the Jeep of my dreams.
When I got to the lot she was gone. Someone else thought she was just amazing as I did and I'm pretty sure it was someone in my graduating high school class who bought it since I recongized the name. I asked the car dealer who he sold it to.
If anyone knows of anyone else whose selling a Jeep Wrangler X (Sport) -like this one- that is a manual, please let me know. If the price is right, I'll consider putting down an offer.
I know it's weird to blog about this, but I've been looking pretty seriously for the past month now and it's hard to come across one that you don't have to make many re-visions to.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Set your own rules and see what happens
I have rules in my life that I've set for myself.
1. Surround yourself with people who are positive and meaningful
Such a natural progression and very easy to do, yet very easy to not do. Recently and not so recently, I've recognized individuals who either throw themselves a pitty part and expect sympathy or they expect you to revolve your schedule around theirs.
I have learned what "live your life to the fullest" means. If you have not, I truely hope you get to that point, sooner than later.
2. Don't let people push you around; this doesn't mean to not take advice
Are you an expert who knows what you're doing as you progress into the area you are choosing to subject yourself to the most?
Example: it took me a few tries to 'get' how to write a cover letter. This tool is essential for me, especially in the job market as I find the best fit for myself. What I like about writing a cover letter is that it makes me think about my jobs, what I've done and how my experience is relative to the companies needs. You have to get straight the point for each job you're writing about (if that's the route you choose to take), making sure you get at least three 'bullet points' as you explain why you're the best candidate.
I have been learning that you must trust yourself and not play "dumb"; if you put yourself in the readers shoes, are you giving them what they want? If you haven't, or something doesn't match up, or you feel unsure of your pitch, don't ask someone else to read it. Make it work. Apply yourself. Think. Then ask.
Helpful hint: I worked for Kwik Trip Inc. http://www.kwiktrip.com/ for four years; I did a LOT more than I thought and realized that after I wrote it out; it equaled at least a page in a Word document). This helped me to break down (yet see the entire picture) and quickly explain what I wanted the reader to know.
3. So when you get the chance, are you gonna take it?
It's a really big, mean and cruel world out there. It also depends what part of the world you've choosen to live in, the culture in which you were raised and the ethics you've learned. Everyone knows at least this much. However, I believe at least 90 percent of people out there want to help you get to where you want to be, but you need to know who you are and what direction you're headed. Going back to rule No. 1; Surround yourself with people who are positive and meaningful.
4. Don't be fake and pretend that you know more than you do or try be someone you're not
This is the biggest turn off. If you can't walk the walk, then ask someone how you can walk the walk. Don't be afraid to stand out, but you have to know who you are before you can really stand out and shine.
5. Big salary, boring job, horrid hours?
Rewinding time a tiny bit here. When I was a junior or senior in high school, one of the things I had to do was take time out in the classroom to figure out the direction I wanted to go in when it came time to apply to universities and colleges.
Bad news: If the job paid big money, I went after it, but then realized the education I'd have to receive (it job would require me to know micro and macro economics) and this was a big turn off for me.
I had a much different attitude in high school and I didn't know it, but I at the age of 18, I was completely unaware of who I really wanted to be. I knew what I wanted to be, I knew where I really wanted to go and I knew that I wanted to make a lot of money. Keep in mind, 'a lot of money' to me was $50K. Go ahead...laugh. I just did! :)
These five rules have lead me to where I'm at now and where I'm headed.
If you do what you love
If you surround yourself with people who are positive and meaningful
If you don't let people push you around, but take their advice to heart and learn from it
So that when you get the chance, you can take it and you know in your heart that you're
Not being fake and pretending that you know more than you do or try be someone you're not,
You'll eventually find peace, be comfortable in your earnings and you won't be bored in this life.
The one thing I can't gurantee anyone though is this: you might have to put up with the rain, aka, icky hours.
In the end, it's up to you. But I've learned over a period of years that this is how it works. Oh and by the way, I'm still learning. I've accepted more today than yesterday or the day before that the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know.
1. Surround yourself with people who are positive and meaningful
Such a natural progression and very easy to do, yet very easy to not do. Recently and not so recently, I've recognized individuals who either throw themselves a pitty part and expect sympathy or they expect you to revolve your schedule around theirs.
I have learned what "live your life to the fullest" means. If you have not, I truely hope you get to that point, sooner than later.
2. Don't let people push you around; this doesn't mean to not take advice
Are you an expert who knows what you're doing as you progress into the area you are choosing to subject yourself to the most?
Example: it took me a few tries to 'get' how to write a cover letter. This tool is essential for me, especially in the job market as I find the best fit for myself. What I like about writing a cover letter is that it makes me think about my jobs, what I've done and how my experience is relative to the companies needs. You have to get straight the point for each job you're writing about (if that's the route you choose to take), making sure you get at least three 'bullet points' as you explain why you're the best candidate.
I have been learning that you must trust yourself and not play "dumb"; if you put yourself in the readers shoes, are you giving them what they want? If you haven't, or something doesn't match up, or you feel unsure of your pitch, don't ask someone else to read it. Make it work. Apply yourself. Think. Then ask.
Helpful hint: I worked for Kwik Trip Inc. http://www.kwiktrip.com/ for four years; I did a LOT more than I thought and realized that after I wrote it out; it equaled at least a page in a Word document). This helped me to break down (yet see the entire picture) and quickly explain what I wanted the reader to know.
3. So when you get the chance, are you gonna take it?
It's a really big, mean and cruel world out there. It also depends what part of the world you've choosen to live in, the culture in which you were raised and the ethics you've learned. Everyone knows at least this much. However, I believe at least 90 percent of people out there want to help you get to where you want to be, but you need to know who you are and what direction you're headed. Going back to rule No. 1; Surround yourself with people who are positive and meaningful.
4. Don't be fake and pretend that you know more than you do or try be someone you're not
This is the biggest turn off. If you can't walk the walk, then ask someone how you can walk the walk. Don't be afraid to stand out, but you have to know who you are before you can really stand out and shine.
5. Big salary, boring job, horrid hours?
Rewinding time a tiny bit here. When I was a junior or senior in high school, one of the things I had to do was take time out in the classroom to figure out the direction I wanted to go in when it came time to apply to universities and colleges.
Bad news: If the job paid big money, I went after it, but then realized the education I'd have to receive (it job would require me to know micro and macro economics) and this was a big turn off for me.
I had a much different attitude in high school and I didn't know it, but I at the age of 18, I was completely unaware of who I really wanted to be. I knew what I wanted to be, I knew where I really wanted to go and I knew that I wanted to make a lot of money. Keep in mind, 'a lot of money' to me was $50K. Go ahead...laugh. I just did! :)
These five rules have lead me to where I'm at now and where I'm headed.
If you do what you love
If you surround yourself with people who are positive and meaningful
If you don't let people push you around, but take their advice to heart and learn from it
So that when you get the chance, you can take it and you know in your heart that you're
Not being fake and pretending that you know more than you do or try be someone you're not,
You'll eventually find peace, be comfortable in your earnings and you won't be bored in this life.
The one thing I can't gurantee anyone though is this: you might have to put up with the rain, aka, icky hours.
In the end, it's up to you. But I've learned over a period of years that this is how it works. Oh and by the way, I'm still learning. I've accepted more today than yesterday or the day before that the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know.
Monday, July 6, 2009
California Trip in December; Looking for your advice
Do you live in California? I'm not focused on one area in particular.
I was sorting through a few things in my closet that needed to be put in boxes and I happened to run across this book:
CALIFORNIA'S COASTAL PARKS: A Day Hiker's Guide
I've spoken to @GlobalPatriot and @LeonardoZ about my up and coming trip in December from the 4th to the 11th at the lastest to California.
First off, dates have yet to be officially set, which means the plane tickets have not been bought. My friend and I will be flying since we're taking a rather short trip, but we're looking to schedule in beautiful hikes, a wine tasting hosted by @GlobalPatriot, a few touristy attractions and hopefully at the end of the day, we'll be stayin in a decently priced hotel that is reasonably clean.
We will most likely fly into San Diego for two reasons, one of them a being a wine tasting that will be scheduled at the beginning of our trip and the other being it's less expensive from what I've heard to fly there rather than San Fransico.
Any guidance would be appreciated!
I was sorting through a few things in my closet that needed to be put in boxes and I happened to run across this book:
CALIFORNIA'S COASTAL PARKS: A Day Hiker's Guide
I've spoken to @GlobalPatriot and @LeonardoZ about my up and coming trip in December from the 4th to the 11th at the lastest to California.
First off, dates have yet to be officially set, which means the plane tickets have not been bought. My friend and I will be flying since we're taking a rather short trip, but we're looking to schedule in beautiful hikes, a wine tasting hosted by @GlobalPatriot, a few touristy attractions and hopefully at the end of the day, we'll be stayin in a decently priced hotel that is reasonably clean.
We will most likely fly into San Diego for two reasons, one of them a being a wine tasting that will be scheduled at the beginning of our trip and the other being it's less expensive from what I've heard to fly there rather than San Fransico.
Any guidance would be appreciated!
Monday, June 29, 2009
It's been a while
"At twenty years of age
I'm still looking for a dream
A war is already waged
For my destiny
But you've already won the battle
And you've got great plans for me
Though I can't always see
Cause I've got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Tryin to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
And on my own I'm so clumsy
But on your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujenRXDu2Ik
Anyone can relate to this song, no matter how many years young you are.
Not sure exactly what I'm after in this blog, but I do know that many lives have been taken in the past week: Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Mays, Ed McMahon and a 24-year-old lady from Fort Worth, TX, Megan Porter (also known on Twitter as @megapixel).
I'd say that's five too many, but there are reasons for everything and it's made me come to the conclusion regarding the following that is a combined quote of two: "wake up each morning as if it were your first day and live it like it's going to be your last."
I'm going to do my best to blog weekly about whatever it is that is on my mind and today, I really don't have a whole lot to say except I'm doing a nationwide search for communications positions on LinkedIn. I'd prefer to find entry-level marketing/pr positions since this is what I need and that is what is realistic as a recent college graduate.
People ask me all the time what kind of job do I want.
To work with people
To inform people
To help people (non-profit)
To travel (I have no current obligations to not travel)
To write
To research
To market
To campaign
To find a company with strong values/visions, that is innovative, has direction and one that I can grow with
I'm not picky, but compaines/firms/agencies/non-profits are.
That is all I really have and I'm going to post a video as soon as I'm able to about whatever.
I'm still looking for a dream
A war is already waged
For my destiny
But you've already won the battle
And you've got great plans for me
Though I can't always see
Cause I've got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Tryin to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
And on my own I'm so clumsy
But on your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujenRXDu2Ik
Anyone can relate to this song, no matter how many years young you are.
Not sure exactly what I'm after in this blog, but I do know that many lives have been taken in the past week: Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Billy Mays, Ed McMahon and a 24-year-old lady from Fort Worth, TX, Megan Porter (also known on Twitter as @megapixel).
I'd say that's five too many, but there are reasons for everything and it's made me come to the conclusion regarding the following that is a combined quote of two: "wake up each morning as if it were your first day and live it like it's going to be your last."
I'm going to do my best to blog weekly about whatever it is that is on my mind and today, I really don't have a whole lot to say except I'm doing a nationwide search for communications positions on LinkedIn. I'd prefer to find entry-level marketing/pr positions since this is what I need and that is what is realistic as a recent college graduate.
People ask me all the time what kind of job do I want.
To work with people
To inform people
To help people (non-profit)
To travel (I have no current obligations to not travel)
To write
To research
To market
To campaign
To find a company with strong values/visions, that is innovative, has direction and one that I can grow with
I'm not picky, but compaines/firms/agencies/non-profits are.
That is all I really have and I'm going to post a video as soon as I'm able to about whatever.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Jon and Kate Plus 8 - thoughts
This isn't a "taking sides" blog. This is about 10 people who deserve happiness, love and a peace of mind.
Nobody wants to be a statistic and kids, grown adults rather, don't become proud of what had at one point happened to their family. They become thankful for the choices made for their own emotional benefit.
Nobody is perfect, but some people become controlling or too passive or allow their personality to change that brings them to the point where communication just isn't possible. Why is the communication just not possible?
It could be out of fear, resentment, uncertainty, sorrow, pain and quite frankly, the list goes on.
Maddy, Cara, Aaden, Joel, Collin, Hanna, Leah, and Alexis...these kids deserve happiness.
I don't give a rats bahooty about what TLC wants in regards to their numbers, what their public wants or contracts that have been signed.
Jon and Kate have a huge responsibility to pull through and do their best to communicate (obviously) and bring themselves back together for their family. Hopefully, when they reunite after all is said and done, they'll want to genuinely make it work and find their happily ever after again. If their hearts are not in it, even after a seperation with time to think, then it will be best for a divorce to be issued because as I stated before: This is about 10 people who deserve happiness, love and a peace of mind.
Not that you might care, but after the first episode, I turned off the television and decided to leave this family in peace, minus tonight for the "special announcement" since I'm not a fan of reading People Magazine or any magazines for that matter when it comes to gossip-filled situations like this. I just wanted to know the truth and hear it directly from the source.
I wish the Gosslin family all the love, support and guidance they will need at this point in time.
Nobody wants to be a statistic and kids, grown adults rather, don't become proud of what had at one point happened to their family. They become thankful for the choices made for their own emotional benefit.
Nobody is perfect, but some people become controlling or too passive or allow their personality to change that brings them to the point where communication just isn't possible. Why is the communication just not possible?
It could be out of fear, resentment, uncertainty, sorrow, pain and quite frankly, the list goes on.
Maddy, Cara, Aaden, Joel, Collin, Hanna, Leah, and Alexis...these kids deserve happiness.
I don't give a rats bahooty about what TLC wants in regards to their numbers, what their public wants or contracts that have been signed.
Jon and Kate have a huge responsibility to pull through and do their best to communicate (obviously) and bring themselves back together for their family. Hopefully, when they reunite after all is said and done, they'll want to genuinely make it work and find their happily ever after again. If their hearts are not in it, even after a seperation with time to think, then it will be best for a divorce to be issued because as I stated before: This is about 10 people who deserve happiness, love and a peace of mind.
Not that you might care, but after the first episode, I turned off the television and decided to leave this family in peace, minus tonight for the "special announcement" since I'm not a fan of reading People Magazine or any magazines for that matter when it comes to gossip-filled situations like this. I just wanted to know the truth and hear it directly from the source.
I wish the Gosslin family all the love, support and guidance they will need at this point in time.
Next Chapter Is Here!
There's many new exciting things happening to me and I'd like to share them with you along with thoughts I have that I feel my readers need to understand, in regards to my very last post.
On Monday, June 15, through the American Red Cross, I took classes to once again proudly became a certified Lifeguard along with earning certifications for First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
The class was a roughly 24 hours in length, over a period of three days, with day No. 4 being the day to put all of the skills we learned together and apply them to "real life" situations.
A few things I've learned through First Aid and CPR/AED material:
- taking care of bee stings
- rescuing a victim who is having a seizure in the water
- how to perform shallow/deep water rescues that could be either spinal injury related, or the victim became restless (distressed) or went from active to passive in a matter of seconds (p.s. active to passive should never happen unless there's a serious medical issue)
- backboarding victims in shallow/deep water <-- deep water is VERY challenging - rescue breathing ratios for adult, child and infant
- CPR ratios for adult, child and infant
- there's many others . . . just named a few here
On Thursday, June 18, I passed the final scenario, without hesistation (I actually had to talk one of the other students through it) and shortly after packing up, one of my instructors offered me a 1-day job for the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon 2009 which takes place at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. I feel really happy about this since I was one of 29 students (was 31; one student became ill and the other couldn't finish the 300 yard prereq. swim) and I was taking this class very seriously; I'm convinced my instructor took notice.
By the way, @ACES4KIDS (on Twitter) is looking for volunteers: http://www.aces4kids.org/2/LTFTVolFactSheet.pdf
(help to Support ACES Partnernship with Life Time Fitness)
I'm on my way to joining the awesome team at Lifetime Fitness, as a lifeguard and applying their Vision and Mission Statements; only one interivew left. :)
On another note, I'd like to say I did not continue on into a higher education and come out with a bachelors of science degree and not intend to use it in one form or another.
There are six things I've very sure of.
I enjoy media, the general public, helping people, being in the water, being crazy, creative and being active more than anything on a daily basis.
This is why I chose Mass Communications and with my emphasis being in Public Relations, I couldn't have chosen a better route for myself.
If [you] know of anyone whose looking for some to do free lance work, send them my way. I'm also working on volunteer hours right now for different events, one of them being the link I just posted from @ACES4KIDS.
I talk highly and more in depth about Aquatics since that is more prevalent in my life, but I will continue to reach out in all forms of mass media as much as I can. Please don't underestimate my dedication to Mass Communications.
On Monday, June 15, through the American Red Cross, I took classes to once again proudly became a certified Lifeguard along with earning certifications for First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
The class was a roughly 24 hours in length, over a period of three days, with day No. 4 being the day to put all of the skills we learned together and apply them to "real life" situations.
A few things I've learned through First Aid and CPR/AED material:
- taking care of bee stings
- rescuing a victim who is having a seizure in the water
- how to perform shallow/deep water rescues that could be either spinal injury related, or the victim became restless (distressed) or went from active to passive in a matter of seconds (p.s. active to passive should never happen unless there's a serious medical issue)
- backboarding victims in shallow/deep water <-- deep water is VERY challenging - rescue breathing ratios for adult, child and infant
- CPR ratios for adult, child and infant
- there's many others . . . just named a few here
On Thursday, June 18, I passed the final scenario, without hesistation (I actually had to talk one of the other students through it) and shortly after packing up, one of my instructors offered me a 1-day job for the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon 2009 which takes place at Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis. I feel really happy about this since I was one of 29 students (was 31; one student became ill and the other couldn't finish the 300 yard prereq. swim) and I was taking this class very seriously; I'm convinced my instructor took notice.
By the way, @ACES4KIDS (on Twitter) is looking for volunteers: http://www.aces4kids.org/2/LTFTVolFactSheet.pdf
(help to Support ACES Partnernship with Life Time Fitness)
I'm on my way to joining the awesome team at Lifetime Fitness, as a lifeguard and applying their Vision and Mission Statements; only one interivew left. :)
On another note, I'd like to say I did not continue on into a higher education and come out with a bachelors of science degree and not intend to use it in one form or another.
There are six things I've very sure of.
I enjoy media, the general public, helping people, being in the water, being crazy, creative and being active more than anything on a daily basis.
This is why I chose Mass Communications and with my emphasis being in Public Relations, I couldn't have chosen a better route for myself.
If [you] know of anyone whose looking for some to do free lance work, send them my way. I'm also working on volunteer hours right now for different events, one of them being the link I just posted from @ACES4KIDS.
I talk highly and more in depth about Aquatics since that is more prevalent in my life, but I will continue to reach out in all forms of mass media as much as I can. Please don't underestimate my dedication to Mass Communications.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Twitter is down, so "The Golden Key" is my topic
I'm doing my best to not bore my readers to death, which is why I'm not blogging very much. I have many things to say, but not always worth others valuable time.
For some, time is money, but not for me. I enjoy getting in touch with my inner thoughts and speaking on behalf of what's really going on, all why trying to be informative.
That "informative" part, might not happen here so just warning you in advance.
I've decided that above all things, no matter how hard you try and no matter how hard you look, how smart you are, or how savvy you are in your ways, sometimes, the doors that are usually just waiting for you to open them, won't.
Though I have The Golden Key, the door that unlocks levels which would not exist otherwise had I not continued my education as I graduated from high school, are failing to open faster than normal.
"It's not about what you know, it's about who you know" couldn't be more true, nowadays.
I believe that most people are honest and we're all trying to help each other get to the next place we most desire to be. There's very few dishonest people in the world and most of us have made embarrassing mistakes that we are not proud to admit, but it's OK. Are you learning from them? That's all that matters.
Moving on.
I had had an idea sitting in the back of my head for quite sometime, only because I was a lifeguard for 3 years and was an assistant teacher for swimming lessons. I loved it. Though I was in college for six years, I continued in my search after graduating looking for jobs I could apply for, not just because I 'wanted a job and would do anything,' but I was looking for a job that fit my personality best.
You can't fool an interviewer as an interviewee. If you think you can, either you're a natural, or you haven't found what makes your heart sing and are allowing yourself to settle for anything but what makes you the happiest.
I typed the job title "lifeguard" into the a Web site search engine I'm currently a member of called LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanr09) and looked to see what the outcome of job postings were. *Jaw. Hit. Floor* I noticed that Lifetime Fitness was in the process of hiring, though I didn't know how many people had applied for the same job.
What did I do? What most people are afraid to do -- I called Lifetime and asked to speak with the Aquatics Director.
I told her my background, why I wanted to work for Lifetime and our conversation lasted at least 15 minutes. Fifteen minutes!! And let me just say that I was pumped by the time we were done speaking.
I see myself being in Aquatics, taking classes to become a certified Swim Instructor and staying with this company for quite sometime. Not only this, I can eventually use my Mass Comm degree and put it to good use.
I hope that someday soon, I can be the hero and the "best swim teacher" (according to a future student of mine) while thoroughly enjoying my co-workers, the company I plan on pursuing a career with and the success that will occur each and everyday. Because I've chosen to take on a career in Aquatics, I'm also choosing to save lives and possibly be the swim teacher I've longed to become for the past two years.
What I desire is quite simple: a level of responsibility some may take for grantide and everyday challenges for not only myself, but my future students. This has become my own Golden Key.
For some, time is money, but not for me. I enjoy getting in touch with my inner thoughts and speaking on behalf of what's really going on, all why trying to be informative.
That "informative" part, might not happen here so just warning you in advance.
I've decided that above all things, no matter how hard you try and no matter how hard you look, how smart you are, or how savvy you are in your ways, sometimes, the doors that are usually just waiting for you to open them, won't.
Though I have The Golden Key, the door that unlocks levels which would not exist otherwise had I not continued my education as I graduated from high school, are failing to open faster than normal.
"It's not about what you know, it's about who you know" couldn't be more true, nowadays.
I believe that most people are honest and we're all trying to help each other get to the next place we most desire to be. There's very few dishonest people in the world and most of us have made embarrassing mistakes that we are not proud to admit, but it's OK. Are you learning from them? That's all that matters.
Moving on.
I had had an idea sitting in the back of my head for quite sometime, only because I was a lifeguard for 3 years and was an assistant teacher for swimming lessons. I loved it. Though I was in college for six years, I continued in my search after graduating looking for jobs I could apply for, not just because I 'wanted a job and would do anything,' but I was looking for a job that fit my personality best.
You can't fool an interviewer as an interviewee. If you think you can, either you're a natural, or you haven't found what makes your heart sing and are allowing yourself to settle for anything but what makes you the happiest.
I typed the job title "lifeguard" into the a Web site search engine I'm currently a member of called LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanr09) and looked to see what the outcome of job postings were. *Jaw. Hit. Floor* I noticed that Lifetime Fitness was in the process of hiring, though I didn't know how many people had applied for the same job.
What did I do? What most people are afraid to do -- I called Lifetime and asked to speak with the Aquatics Director.
I told her my background, why I wanted to work for Lifetime and our conversation lasted at least 15 minutes. Fifteen minutes!! And let me just say that I was pumped by the time we were done speaking.
I see myself being in Aquatics, taking classes to become a certified Swim Instructor and staying with this company for quite sometime. Not only this, I can eventually use my Mass Comm degree and put it to good use.
I hope that someday soon, I can be the hero and the "best swim teacher" (according to a future student of mine) while thoroughly enjoying my co-workers, the company I plan on pursuing a career with and the success that will occur each and everyday. Because I've chosen to take on a career in Aquatics, I'm also choosing to save lives and possibly be the swim teacher I've longed to become for the past two years.
What I desire is quite simple: a level of responsibility some may take for grantide and everyday challenges for not only myself, but my future students. This has become my own Golden Key.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
"...yet I feel empty"
Society has this image:
- Graduate from high school (18)
- Move away for college
- Study hard
- Find "The One"
- Graduate
- Find a job
- Get engaged/married
- Buy a house
- Start a family (sooooo by the time you're 26??)
Well, I'm not exactly 26, but I HAVE completed 4 of the 9 things. But the clock is ticking...
I have every right to feel behind because of society's "expectations" and it's not any fun. Society is making me feel empty and is draining me of my "belonging."
There's a quote about college that I know of and this part of it (off the top of my head):
You have "four years" here to goof off, be irresponsible, date, spend money that you may or may not have, stay up all night and become someone you never knew you could be or had the ability to become.
It's Vegas without the slot machines.
(HA. Did I really just say that? *laughs to self* That's the first time that's ever come to mind.)
This image I have in my head is starting to bug me and I'm losing sleep over it. Quite literally.
I'm at this point in life where everything is competitive though...and I feel that the world is way too competitive. Here's a question for you:
Are you a robot? Is your best friend a robot? Is your boss a robot? How about your co-workers?
We are choosing to live like robots. Yet we've been giving the ability to become anything we want. I like social media. Don't get me wrong. Gosh, I enjoy talking to people a lot. I'm one of those people never wants the night to end, usually. But I think that we sometimes need to treat each other like the human beings we know we are, not always demand.
My main problem? Not all companies are hiring, even though there's always "demand" for 'this or that.' It's far and few in between when it comes to call backs. So, I'm supposed to take whatever I can get, right? Right. *paused* Wait...what if my dream job is currently not available because of the economy, even though there will always be demand in this world? Do I make it happen by my own free will? I just personally feel very stuck. I'm graduating and society is making me feel as if I'm drowning into nothing. Yet, I asked for none of this.
I know I'm not perfect, but I promise, I'm worth it.
- Graduate from high school (18)
- Move away for college
- Study hard
- Find "The One"
- Graduate
- Find a job
- Get engaged/married
- Buy a house
- Start a family (sooooo by the time you're 26??)
Well, I'm not exactly 26, but I HAVE completed 4 of the 9 things. But the clock is ticking...
I have every right to feel behind because of society's "expectations" and it's not any fun. Society is making me feel empty and is draining me of my "belonging."
There's a quote about college that I know of and this part of it (off the top of my head):
You have "four years" here to goof off, be irresponsible, date, spend money that you may or may not have, stay up all night and become someone you never knew you could be or had the ability to become.
It's Vegas without the slot machines.
(HA. Did I really just say that? *laughs to self* That's the first time that's ever come to mind.)
This image I have in my head is starting to bug me and I'm losing sleep over it. Quite literally.
I'm at this point in life where everything is competitive though...and I feel that the world is way too competitive. Here's a question for you:
Are you a robot? Is your best friend a robot? Is your boss a robot? How about your co-workers?
We are choosing to live like robots. Yet we've been giving the ability to become anything we want. I like social media. Don't get me wrong. Gosh, I enjoy talking to people a lot. I'm one of those people never wants the night to end, usually. But I think that we sometimes need to treat each other like the human beings we know we are, not always demand.
My main problem? Not all companies are hiring, even though there's always "demand" for 'this or that.' It's far and few in between when it comes to call backs. So, I'm supposed to take whatever I can get, right? Right. *paused* Wait...what if my dream job is currently not available because of the economy, even though there will always be demand in this world? Do I make it happen by my own free will? I just personally feel very stuck. I'm graduating and society is making me feel as if I'm drowning into nothing. Yet, I asked for none of this.
I know I'm not perfect, but I promise, I'm worth it.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Liberation vs. Terrorism
I'm taking a class called Intro. to Speech Communication 190.
It's all online material and the lectures to me, are boring. Well, most are. Some students have been engaged in this art of rhetoric material, though every once in a while, I'll hear my professor more clearly in other parts of these lectures than I do in others. I heard him loud and clear just moment ago.
I came across this part in my professors lecture:
What is the nature of the world created by Rhetoric?
Social-Constructivist
Through the use of language, individuals come together & build a community. It is only through language that we can understand one another, it is only through language that we can understand the world, live & affect the world.
Therefore, the world is both a reflection and creation of our use of language.
The language we use, the symbols we use, create the world in our image.
Terministic Screen
Is like a filter that stands between each person and the world that s/he observes. The symbols that we use, create a screen or filter, and that screen changes what we’re able to see out of it. A screen or filter lets in certain things and keeps others out. As screen or filter distorts what we're able to see in the distance and magnifies other things that we can see.
Example: when we were little kids, the symbol "dog" meant just about anything with four legs and fur. We drove by a field and pointed to the cows and said, "dog." We saw a cat and said, "dog." We saw a bear in the zoo and said, "dog." All we could see through our screen, were dogs.
When we got a better screen, we could see the difference.
"A choice of words, is a choice of worlds." - Kenneth Burke
Simply put: When we use one symbol, rather than another, we create a different world.
When we say "Terrorist," we create one world. When we say "Freedom Fighter," we create another world.
When we name a situation, that situation is so devine, it requires certain actions. Those actions are discint to that situation.
Rhetoric allows for people to choose the most appropriate action for each situation.
For instance: We are at war in Iraq. We term that situation a war against terror.
When we used that term, it sets up the rules that we have to live by and we have to play by in this war.
Had we used something else, such as a term we used in the 90s, a Liberation for example when we removed Iraq from Kuwait, all we had to do was take care of moving one person out of another area.
Now we use the term "War against terror," and we have a whole different set of rules we have to deal with.
Rhetoric tells us how we should feel about situations, rhetoric tells us what behaviors are appropriate, rhetoric tells us how to draw comparisions and distinctions.
Rhetoric provides a map of that world and also provides a key for that map.
If you want a definition of rhetoric, I do not have one for you.
Go here: http://www.amazon.com/History-Theory-Rhetoric-James-Herrick/dp/0205566731/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240778279&sr=1-1
and you'll see the book I've been studying out of for this class.
I thought this was an interesting example he used. Let me know your thoughts!
It's all online material and the lectures to me, are boring. Well, most are. Some students have been engaged in this art of rhetoric material, though every once in a while, I'll hear my professor more clearly in other parts of these lectures than I do in others. I heard him loud and clear just moment ago.
I came across this part in my professors lecture:
What is the nature of the world created by Rhetoric?
Social-Constructivist
Through the use of language, individuals come together & build a community. It is only through language that we can understand one another, it is only through language that we can understand the world, live & affect the world.
Therefore, the world is both a reflection and creation of our use of language.
The language we use, the symbols we use, create the world in our image.
Terministic Screen
Is like a filter that stands between each person and the world that s/he observes. The symbols that we use, create a screen or filter, and that screen changes what we’re able to see out of it. A screen or filter lets in certain things and keeps others out. As screen or filter distorts what we're able to see in the distance and magnifies other things that we can see.
Example: when we were little kids, the symbol "dog" meant just about anything with four legs and fur. We drove by a field and pointed to the cows and said, "dog." We saw a cat and said, "dog." We saw a bear in the zoo and said, "dog." All we could see through our screen, were dogs.
When we got a better screen, we could see the difference.
"A choice of words, is a choice of worlds." - Kenneth Burke
Simply put: When we use one symbol, rather than another, we create a different world.
When we say "Terrorist," we create one world. When we say "Freedom Fighter," we create another world.
When we name a situation, that situation is so devine, it requires certain actions. Those actions are discint to that situation.
Rhetoric allows for people to choose the most appropriate action for each situation.
For instance: We are at war in Iraq. We term that situation a war against terror.
When we used that term, it sets up the rules that we have to live by and we have to play by in this war.
Had we used something else, such as a term we used in the 90s, a Liberation for example when we removed Iraq from Kuwait, all we had to do was take care of moving one person out of another area.
Now we use the term "War against terror," and we have a whole different set of rules we have to deal with.
Rhetoric tells us how we should feel about situations, rhetoric tells us what behaviors are appropriate, rhetoric tells us how to draw comparisions and distinctions.
Rhetoric provides a map of that world and also provides a key for that map.
If you want a definition of rhetoric, I do not have one for you.
Go here: http://www.amazon.com/History-Theory-Rhetoric-James-Herrick/dp/0205566731/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1240778279&sr=1-1
and you'll see the book I've been studying out of for this class.
I thought this was an interesting example he used. Let me know your thoughts!
Friday, March 13, 2009
LINKEDIN [easy access to my page]
I figured I could blog about this on here.
Go ahead and take a peek if you're interested!
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=23667340&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro
Go ahead and take a peek if you're interested!
http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=23667340&locale=en_US&trk=tab_pro
Thursday, March 12, 2009
All right. For those of you who don't 'get' it, or want to 'get' it, or are on a balance beam and haven't found your focus yet:
http://www.twitip.com/how-to-follow-alot-of-people-on-twitter-and-still-be-engaging-using-tweetdeck/
Thanks to Kelly Olexa from Chicago.
PRSSA members: I'd get in contact with her if I was you before you leave for Chicago in April. I don't know whose interested in what though. Your main focus might be agencies, but as pr people, we do know it's good to keep our horizons open.
http://www.twitip.com/how-to-follow-alot-of-people-on-twitter-and-still-be-engaging-using-tweetdeck/
Thanks to Kelly Olexa from Chicago.
PRSSA members: I'd get in contact with her if I was you before you leave for Chicago in April. I don't know whose interested in what though. Your main focus might be agencies, but as pr people, we do know it's good to keep our horizons open.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Green (but not with envy) and ready to go!
"Believe in Yourself," is a small book --maybe a 3"x 5"-- is a great inspiration to me. And once again, I'm keeping this one short. I'm exhausted.
"Don't be frustrated by your inexperience -- all green things inevitably grow."
"Sound the note that calls to your soul." - Sanaya Roman
"Be courageous. It's one of the only places left uncrowded."
"If you don't take control of your life, don't complain when others do."
"If at first you don't succeed - try setting more realistic goals."
"Being busy doesn't necessarily mean you are being productive."
"Apologize, don't agonize."
"There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from." - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
"Falling's part of the game. It's like my dad always says: "No matter how good you are, the ice is still slippery." - Michelle Kwan
I have very little experience in public relations, but I know that once I get going, I'm going to do great things. Mankato, for me, plays a different tune and I'm not so good at playing along with it, especially because my first reaction isn't to call my friends on "Thirsty Thursday" and ask them to go to the bar. I'd rather go skiing, to a movie, a theater show, or to some restaurant downtown Minneapolis that I've never been to.
I do find it difficult to be courageous in this world today, because I feel inferior. But that right there...that word "inferior," isn't an option today or tomorrow especially if I wake up and I'm given the gift of being able to awaken to the sun shining. I don't know exactly what it's like to have somebody take complete control over my life either, however, I know what it's like to be pushed into something I'm not comfortable doing. But soon, I'll have the option to be able to be the interviewee and ask questions. I'm putting myself in the interviewers shoes, for now.
School just...quite simply, isn't my thing. I'm all about entertainment.
I'm currently, busy, being me. Donating plasma twice a week, doing homework, going to class, watching The O.C. (I own all four seasons), hanging out with my friends and finding out what my "dream job" is. I'm not being productive...at all. I'm doing what I need to do, to get to the next step.
It's so, so, so, easy, to point fingers when we make mistakes. But each time I do so, I've got three pointing right back at me, unless I have an actual story.
I'm learning though, in this life. Roughly a quarter of a centry old and I'm finally starting to get this life.
It feels good and so awesome to know what it's like to really start living. Are you truely living?
I believe in myself = key ingredient. How do I know?? Because I know. I am inexperienced, but all green things must inevitably grow.
"Don't be frustrated by your inexperience -- all green things inevitably grow."
"Sound the note that calls to your soul." - Sanaya Roman
"Be courageous. It's one of the only places left uncrowded."
"If you don't take control of your life, don't complain when others do."
"If at first you don't succeed - try setting more realistic goals."
"Being busy doesn't necessarily mean you are being productive."
"Apologize, don't agonize."
"There are no mistakes, no coincidences. All events are blessings given to us to learn from." - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
"Falling's part of the game. It's like my dad always says: "No matter how good you are, the ice is still slippery." - Michelle Kwan
I have very little experience in public relations, but I know that once I get going, I'm going to do great things. Mankato, for me, plays a different tune and I'm not so good at playing along with it, especially because my first reaction isn't to call my friends on "Thirsty Thursday" and ask them to go to the bar. I'd rather go skiing, to a movie, a theater show, or to some restaurant downtown Minneapolis that I've never been to.
I do find it difficult to be courageous in this world today, because I feel inferior. But that right there...that word "inferior," isn't an option today or tomorrow especially if I wake up and I'm given the gift of being able to awaken to the sun shining. I don't know exactly what it's like to have somebody take complete control over my life either, however, I know what it's like to be pushed into something I'm not comfortable doing. But soon, I'll have the option to be able to be the interviewee and ask questions. I'm putting myself in the interviewers shoes, for now.
School just...quite simply, isn't my thing. I'm all about entertainment.
I'm currently, busy, being me. Donating plasma twice a week, doing homework, going to class, watching The O.C. (I own all four seasons), hanging out with my friends and finding out what my "dream job" is. I'm not being productive...at all. I'm doing what I need to do, to get to the next step.
It's so, so, so, easy, to point fingers when we make mistakes. But each time I do so, I've got three pointing right back at me, unless I have an actual story.
I'm learning though, in this life. Roughly a quarter of a centry old and I'm finally starting to get this life.
It feels good and so awesome to know what it's like to really start living. Are you truely living?
I believe in myself = key ingredient. How do I know?? Because I know. I am inexperienced, but all green things must inevitably grow.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Job--less . . . Fear--less: the future is my own.
I've been out of a job for longer than I expected.
What I have more time for -and more time than I desire for- is homework. But I haven't been doing homework every waking moment.
I'm using this time to find out what my desires are and finding out what happens when the sun doesn't want to shine and I feel like somewhat running out of time.
Point blank: it's a rollercoaster ride, but I'm not just sitting on my couch waiting for something to just 'fall into my lap.'
Nowadays, I'm taking control over my next destiny and I have the opportunity to take all the time in the world to find out what opportunities are out there. Just read an article by Glamour [http://www.glamour.com/] and take a look at who is on the front cover. I read this and I like it. Gave me another piece of motivation.
Right now, I'm standing up for me, even when everything is seems to be falling apart.
The life I lead isn't stressful, it's uneasy, but I have all the control in the world as to where I want to make my next move.
I know what I want and who I am: I care about people and listen to what they want, I may not always have the words I'm looking for when I need them, and your dang right I stumble, but I am picky about detail and notice the little things and then speak on them. I'm strong-willed, sometimes carefree.
Here's another thought: If the bills are being paid, I can take my vacations and still enjoy my time with family and friends and then have some left over for whatever, that's what I'm looking for. Comfort. Not a huge paycheck. I wouldn't know what to do with $1 million.
I do know what I'd do though if I won the lottery. As I mentioned before, I'm a care-giver. I'd pay off my debt, my families and a few others. I'd also buy my parents their dream retirement home, invest, buy a few cars that I'm interested in and then I'd continue working. And heck yes, I would donate a big portion of it to charity.
If you don't think you quite get who I am by now, then I don't know what you're not getting. Especially if you've kept up with the pieces I'm writing.
What I have more time for -and more time than I desire for- is homework. But I haven't been doing homework every waking moment.
I'm using this time to find out what my desires are and finding out what happens when the sun doesn't want to shine and I feel like somewhat running out of time.
Point blank: it's a rollercoaster ride, but I'm not just sitting on my couch waiting for something to just 'fall into my lap.'
Nowadays, I'm taking control over my next destiny and I have the opportunity to take all the time in the world to find out what opportunities are out there. Just read an article by Glamour [http://www.glamour.com/] and take a look at who is on the front cover. I read this and I like it. Gave me another piece of motivation.
Right now, I'm standing up for me, even when everything is seems to be falling apart.
The life I lead isn't stressful, it's uneasy, but I have all the control in the world as to where I want to make my next move.
I know what I want and who I am: I care about people and listen to what they want, I may not always have the words I'm looking for when I need them, and your dang right I stumble, but I am picky about detail and notice the little things and then speak on them. I'm strong-willed, sometimes carefree.
Here's another thought: If the bills are being paid, I can take my vacations and still enjoy my time with family and friends and then have some left over for whatever, that's what I'm looking for. Comfort. Not a huge paycheck. I wouldn't know what to do with $1 million.
I do know what I'd do though if I won the lottery. As I mentioned before, I'm a care-giver. I'd pay off my debt, my families and a few others. I'd also buy my parents their dream retirement home, invest, buy a few cars that I'm interested in and then I'd continue working. And heck yes, I would donate a big portion of it to charity.
If you don't think you quite get who I am by now, then I don't know what you're not getting. Especially if you've kept up with the pieces I'm writing.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
40 Days til Easter
I texted my friend the other day regarding what I've been thinking about giving up for 40 Days and then I paused, when she was confused. No, not because I had 'offended' her, but because she had never heard of this before. Even though we both have the same beliefs.
I also talked with one of my roommates about cults when it comes to religion. Very interesting topics came to mind. There were no arguments. We fed off each other and we're very open minded about many topics. You name it, we've talked about it, or someday we will get there if it comes to the table.
Each religion has it's own ideas as to what's 'right' and what they want their people to do to stay true and not 'wander.'
I, for one, don't have a label. I have my beliefs, that's my story, which is still being written and I continue to plan on turning the pages and allowing the blanks to fill when the time is right.
Then again, for some, the next 40 days, in a sense, is like another chance to fix what you've done to break your New Years Resolution.
Why give something up though? This is what Catholics do after all.
Why not add something to your life for the next 40 days and do something good for the next door neighbor, surprise your best friend by picking up the insane tab for dinner, find an hour of you time, send out those 'Thinking Of You' cards, make plans for another vacation just to get away and focus on life. Plan a weekly family get-together dinner or find something fun to do as a family every week. The first quarter of the year is almost gone, already.
Perhaps you've just gotten engaged, or have only been married for 6 months, perhaps your newest relationship is going really well and you want to do something to let them know what's really going on in your head.
The options are endless. Add something good to your life, don't delete, no matter who you are or what you believe.
Today, instead of going for my Diet Coke, I grabbed a Yoplait Original 99 percent fat free Strawberry Cheesecake. It was just as satifying and refreshing as a Diet Coke, but healthier for me.
Tonight, I'm going to get one of my professors off my back -he's virtually yelled at me, which is a first from all the class I've taken at MN State University, Mankato- and turn in a revised assignment that I could have turned in two weeks ago [I have until May 1], but I have 4 other classes to concentrate on. Plus for that specific class, I had studied 15 hours or so for the test and had another assignment to turn in, plus I have another assignment due before next Friday and other homework to get turned in. Oh! And I have another huge huge test coming up at the end of March.
I wish . . . I wish . . . ahhhh, I'll keep that statement to myself.
I also talked with one of my roommates about cults when it comes to religion. Very interesting topics came to mind. There were no arguments. We fed off each other and we're very open minded about many topics. You name it, we've talked about it, or someday we will get there if it comes to the table.
Each religion has it's own ideas as to what's 'right' and what they want their people to do to stay true and not 'wander.'
I, for one, don't have a label. I have my beliefs, that's my story, which is still being written and I continue to plan on turning the pages and allowing the blanks to fill when the time is right.
Then again, for some, the next 40 days, in a sense, is like another chance to fix what you've done to break your New Years Resolution.
Why give something up though? This is what Catholics do after all.
Why not add something to your life for the next 40 days and do something good for the next door neighbor, surprise your best friend by picking up the insane tab for dinner, find an hour of you time, send out those 'Thinking Of You' cards, make plans for another vacation just to get away and focus on life. Plan a weekly family get-together dinner or find something fun to do as a family every week. The first quarter of the year is almost gone, already.
Perhaps you've just gotten engaged, or have only been married for 6 months, perhaps your newest relationship is going really well and you want to do something to let them know what's really going on in your head.
The options are endless. Add something good to your life, don't delete, no matter who you are or what you believe.
Today, instead of going for my Diet Coke, I grabbed a Yoplait Original 99 percent fat free Strawberry Cheesecake. It was just as satifying and refreshing as a Diet Coke, but healthier for me.
Tonight, I'm going to get one of my professors off my back -he's virtually yelled at me, which is a first from all the class I've taken at MN State University, Mankato- and turn in a revised assignment that I could have turned in two weeks ago [I have until May 1], but I have 4 other classes to concentrate on. Plus for that specific class, I had studied 15 hours or so for the test and had another assignment to turn in, plus I have another assignment due before next Friday and other homework to get turned in. Oh! And I have another huge huge test coming up at the end of March.
I wish . . . I wish . . . ahhhh, I'll keep that statement to myself.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
My background
I have had patience, for quite a while and I’ve learned the hard way when it comes to work and paying the bills.
My background, which I’m not keeping brief, because I feel a proper introduction will give you a real taste as to who I am.
My first “dream” job was not working as a public lifeguard, but I have come to find this is/was my favorite job. If I would have stuck with it, I could have made a career out of it, perhaps moved to California and gone through more testing as well as training and then eventually, moved my way to a major university for an actual degree, but I had to leave Lakeville for college in Rochester. There was no other way for me. So! Here I go.
As a public beach lifeguard, being outside, being in the water, my feet in the sand, knowing first aid, being CPR certified and working with a team of 25 people, it was purely awesome. My boss was one of my sisters good friends from high school who now lives in Denver with her husband and we keep in touch through Facebook. As a team, we worked together, yet completely independently and yes, we grumbled when you could smell rain and then more or less when it poured, but now that I think about it, who really wants to work in rain? There’s a reason I’m not going into construction management.
I’m not a person who enjoys standing in the rain and being poured on, unless I’m on an adventure climbing through rocks and trees with a group of people I may or may not know. Or perhaps I'm puddle jumping with a friend at 2 a.m. This has happened before.
Communication is essential, especially in sticky times when people are getting frustrated. Talk the situation out and you’ll come to an ending most can be happy with. It’s like voting: even if you think the system is not fair, don’t complain if you didn’t take the time to vote. That’s four years of your life, in comparison to ten minutes to an hour of your time standing in line.
My next job position took me to Kwik Trip Inc. and I was hired May 28, 2004. I worked there for just under four years and I put in my two weeks when I least expected it. I grew and matured quite a bit while working for this company. I began in Rochester and worked at store #418 [right off Hwy. 14 and Cty. 22] for 3 years, Joe Storts if you ever run into the guy, he still works for this company after 25+ years . . . and counting. Mind you, he began working for this company when he was 17. Anyway, I was given a few pay raises, one very decent pay-raise because I left the company for a short period, just under three months to go work on Mt. Rainier National Park. I asked for my job back, before I left and my boss said “it’s yours.”
Then, I graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College in May 2007 and transferred to my next Kwik Trip in Lakeville. After the summer of 2007 was over, I moved to Mankato to start AND finish my bachelors of science. I’d love to be bilingual and this is the only thing I would have done differently with my education. Anyway, I transferred to a Mankato Kwik Trip.
First off, I didn’t want to move to Mankato, because of rumors I had heard.
Today, I don’t believe everything I hear.
Before moving to Mankato, I found a place to live, moved in –everyone was friends, great group of people, except for one of the guys [I can fill you in on the personality if you’d like], I had yet to get in my program, was in a new town -physically had been to Mankato three times, my days were mixed up, yet I managed to always make it to class and I had only one problem; the Mankato store had to call me every time I worked because I wasn’t showing up. Never in my life have I ever been this late to work so many times. In fact, last year, I was late to work twice and only by five to seven minutes, but I called and let management know what was going on.
Something wasn’t working and I don’t know what wasn’t working with this Mankato store.
Oh, I had also yet to take the diagnostic test which I had been studying for, for an entire summer. I had a lot on my mind, but still, no excuse to being late.
I transferred back to the Lakeville store around November, but my boss never scheduled me, however the team knew my situation and number, so people called when they needed a shift covered. Perfect. I was also able to work plenty of hours during Christmas Break because people quite simply did not want to work.
Well, I moved back down to Mankato after Christmas Break and my boss didn't schedule me at all . . . again. We talked on the phone and agreed that it 'wasn't working’ for me, so I put in my two weeks over the phone because my boss didn’t have any hours 'available' for me. Well, he actually chose to not have any hours for me. It wasn't that he didn't like me, he, I believe, was too lazy to let something happen. This was the dumbest thing I could have done while in Mankato; putting in my two weeks with a company who had great benefits for anyone who works for the company and now I’m jobless in a town which thrives off of college students and now had to find another job. I thought it would be easy.
I had yet to figure out that 'easy' really means 'right place, right time.'
I then proceeded to get a job at Olive Garden, as a host. I had the same attitude as before when I was hired for Kwik Trip Inc., as when I was first hired for OG: I was excited and ready to be dedicated, once again, but not as dedicated as I was when I was first hired to work for Kwik Trip Inc. What I mean by this: I bought only my bread, milk, eggs at Kwik Trip.
Anywho. Needless to say: wow. This job isn’t easy.
First off, you may find an interest in either one of these articles I found on MSN's Web site. Be prepared for your jaw to drop. However, if you've never worked at a restaurant, be forewarned. You may not 'get' what they're saying.
The 8 Kinds of Restaurant Customers
http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/cityarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=17057772
7 Kinds of Servers
http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/cityarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=17058015
Anywho, once you get the hang of hosting, you can do it in your sleep. I had 46 tables to memorize, 40 servers to get to know –this doesn’t include dishwashers, bussers, production people or cooks, 4 managers to figure out, customers to prevent from pissing off -when they want their booth they want it and when they want their table, they mean it, know what sections open at what times and when to start closing them, a bar area which was first come first serve and the wait list? Well, if you do it correctly and the ‘right’ way, you won’t get yelled at and people won’t be asking you questions. On top of this, I had a speech to memorize which changed about every 14 weeks –so easy but if you ‘drop’ a table (don’t give the speech) the managers will find out. Oh! And the menu is to be opened and placed in the customer’s hands, not on the table unless you had a party of 8 or more. You're more 'efficient' this way.
On top of this, each server waits on only 3 tables at a time. Is it a party of nine or more? You should have two servers. If you have a crabby general manager and s/he finds out what you’ve done -broken the rules, pisses off a customer, you’ll be given the cold shoulder and scolded ‘behind’ doors, most likely in front of your co-workers. If you don’t keep track of who is getting how many tables, servers will politely bitch and whine either to your face, or you’ll catch them complaining to another co-worker, depending on how big the restaurant is. It is your entire fault if they were supposed to have been given 2 tables already, but all the customers want booths. You’ll also walk around everywhere like a maniac making sure your duties are getting completed –this also includes, sometimes, helping out with getting drinks ready for a table, but when you get to the head of the restaurant, you put that big smile on your face, build rapport and walk the next set of customers –hopefully- to the correct section and seat them in server “x’s” table. Why? Because they are next and they will approach you asking why they didn’t get seated. Once again, all of that with a big fat smile on your face, like everything is okay.
Most of the time, I guarantee, when it's dinner time or there's a waiting list or it appears busy, somebody somewhere, is in fact freaking out and making someone else feel like they've done horse sh*t and only care about twirling their hair. Translated: dumb as bricks because apparently, you don't 'get' it or you can't count.
I memorized all 46 tables in less than three weeks, but it took me roughly 1.5 months to nail everything. It also took me three months to learn all the names of servers.
Like I said, I was dedicated, but only to a point.
It’s been almost six years since I’ve graduated from high school. WHERE did the time go? I fell in ‘love’ with Kwik Trip Inc., when I moved to Rochester and I would move back there again. And, I’d move within five minutes of that store, in hopes that my job would be within a reasonable distance of that part of town.
It’s growing rapidly and my best friends live there. It’s home away from home.
Mankato, it’s a hate love relationship. Yes . . . hate love relationship. Well, I guess I can turn that around and say love hate relationship. I’m not a fan of this town. On the weekends, I study. I don’t go out. I’m sick of partying. I’m tired of that lifestyle. Quite frankly, I was never into it. I’ll do it when I come back home because in the cities, it’s different. But, not every weekend. I’m growing up and I will have bills to pay, really, really, soon.
I want to find a job, relatively soon as well. I would like to move back to somewhere in the cities, but find a place of my own. I’m also cool, as I said before, with moving back to Rochester. I’d also be up for moving west. Out east? I don’t know that area so well.
I also want to break free from a shadow that’s been cast over me, mentally and I want this shadow to leave me alone. Too personal to dive into any further here.
I’m a writer, a blogger, musician, care-giver, daughter, sister-in-law, friend, niece, God-daughter, student, co-worker and I’m doing what some people are doing who are my age -or should be doing- in my position: doing their best and just starting to learn what life is really about.
What else, folks? If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
My background, which I’m not keeping brief, because I feel a proper introduction will give you a real taste as to who I am.
My first “dream” job was not working as a public lifeguard, but I have come to find this is/was my favorite job. If I would have stuck with it, I could have made a career out of it, perhaps moved to California and gone through more testing as well as training and then eventually, moved my way to a major university for an actual degree, but I had to leave Lakeville for college in Rochester. There was no other way for me. So! Here I go.
As a public beach lifeguard, being outside, being in the water, my feet in the sand, knowing first aid, being CPR certified and working with a team of 25 people, it was purely awesome. My boss was one of my sisters good friends from high school who now lives in Denver with her husband and we keep in touch through Facebook. As a team, we worked together, yet completely independently and yes, we grumbled when you could smell rain and then more or less when it poured, but now that I think about it, who really wants to work in rain? There’s a reason I’m not going into construction management.
I’m not a person who enjoys standing in the rain and being poured on, unless I’m on an adventure climbing through rocks and trees with a group of people I may or may not know. Or perhaps I'm puddle jumping with a friend at 2 a.m. This has happened before.
Communication is essential, especially in sticky times when people are getting frustrated. Talk the situation out and you’ll come to an ending most can be happy with. It’s like voting: even if you think the system is not fair, don’t complain if you didn’t take the time to vote. That’s four years of your life, in comparison to ten minutes to an hour of your time standing in line.
My next job position took me to Kwik Trip Inc. and I was hired May 28, 2004. I worked there for just under four years and I put in my two weeks when I least expected it. I grew and matured quite a bit while working for this company. I began in Rochester and worked at store #418 [right off Hwy. 14 and Cty. 22] for 3 years, Joe Storts if you ever run into the guy, he still works for this company after 25+ years . . . and counting. Mind you, he began working for this company when he was 17. Anyway, I was given a few pay raises, one very decent pay-raise because I left the company for a short period, just under three months to go work on Mt. Rainier National Park. I asked for my job back, before I left and my boss said “it’s yours.”
Then, I graduated from Rochester Community and Technical College in May 2007 and transferred to my next Kwik Trip in Lakeville. After the summer of 2007 was over, I moved to Mankato to start AND finish my bachelors of science. I’d love to be bilingual and this is the only thing I would have done differently with my education. Anyway, I transferred to a Mankato Kwik Trip.
First off, I didn’t want to move to Mankato, because of rumors I had heard.
Today, I don’t believe everything I hear.
Before moving to Mankato, I found a place to live, moved in –everyone was friends, great group of people, except for one of the guys [I can fill you in on the personality if you’d like], I had yet to get in my program, was in a new town -physically had been to Mankato three times, my days were mixed up, yet I managed to always make it to class and I had only one problem; the Mankato store had to call me every time I worked because I wasn’t showing up. Never in my life have I ever been this late to work so many times. In fact, last year, I was late to work twice and only by five to seven minutes, but I called and let management know what was going on.
Something wasn’t working and I don’t know what wasn’t working with this Mankato store.
Oh, I had also yet to take the diagnostic test which I had been studying for, for an entire summer. I had a lot on my mind, but still, no excuse to being late.
I transferred back to the Lakeville store around November, but my boss never scheduled me, however the team knew my situation and number, so people called when they needed a shift covered. Perfect. I was also able to work plenty of hours during Christmas Break because people quite simply did not want to work.
Well, I moved back down to Mankato after Christmas Break and my boss didn't schedule me at all . . . again. We talked on the phone and agreed that it 'wasn't working’ for me, so I put in my two weeks over the phone because my boss didn’t have any hours 'available' for me. Well, he actually chose to not have any hours for me. It wasn't that he didn't like me, he, I believe, was too lazy to let something happen. This was the dumbest thing I could have done while in Mankato; putting in my two weeks with a company who had great benefits for anyone who works for the company and now I’m jobless in a town which thrives off of college students and now had to find another job. I thought it would be easy.
I had yet to figure out that 'easy' really means 'right place, right time.'
I then proceeded to get a job at Olive Garden, as a host. I had the same attitude as before when I was hired for Kwik Trip Inc., as when I was first hired for OG: I was excited and ready to be dedicated, once again, but not as dedicated as I was when I was first hired to work for Kwik Trip Inc. What I mean by this: I bought only my bread, milk, eggs at Kwik Trip.
Anywho. Needless to say: wow. This job isn’t easy.
First off, you may find an interest in either one of these articles I found on MSN's Web site. Be prepared for your jaw to drop. However, if you've never worked at a restaurant, be forewarned. You may not 'get' what they're saying.
The 8 Kinds of Restaurant Customers
http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/cityarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=17057772
7 Kinds of Servers
http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/cityarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=17058015
Anywho, once you get the hang of hosting, you can do it in your sleep. I had 46 tables to memorize, 40 servers to get to know –this doesn’t include dishwashers, bussers, production people or cooks, 4 managers to figure out, customers to prevent from pissing off -when they want their booth they want it and when they want their table, they mean it, know what sections open at what times and when to start closing them, a bar area which was first come first serve and the wait list? Well, if you do it correctly and the ‘right’ way, you won’t get yelled at and people won’t be asking you questions. On top of this, I had a speech to memorize which changed about every 14 weeks –so easy but if you ‘drop’ a table (don’t give the speech) the managers will find out. Oh! And the menu is to be opened and placed in the customer’s hands, not on the table unless you had a party of 8 or more. You're more 'efficient' this way.
On top of this, each server waits on only 3 tables at a time. Is it a party of nine or more? You should have two servers. If you have a crabby general manager and s/he finds out what you’ve done -broken the rules, pisses off a customer, you’ll be given the cold shoulder and scolded ‘behind’ doors, most likely in front of your co-workers. If you don’t keep track of who is getting how many tables, servers will politely bitch and whine either to your face, or you’ll catch them complaining to another co-worker, depending on how big the restaurant is. It is your entire fault if they were supposed to have been given 2 tables already, but all the customers want booths. You’ll also walk around everywhere like a maniac making sure your duties are getting completed –this also includes, sometimes, helping out with getting drinks ready for a table, but when you get to the head of the restaurant, you put that big smile on your face, build rapport and walk the next set of customers –hopefully- to the correct section and seat them in server “x’s” table. Why? Because they are next and they will approach you asking why they didn’t get seated. Once again, all of that with a big fat smile on your face, like everything is okay.
Most of the time, I guarantee, when it's dinner time or there's a waiting list or it appears busy, somebody somewhere, is in fact freaking out and making someone else feel like they've done horse sh*t and only care about twirling their hair. Translated: dumb as bricks because apparently, you don't 'get' it or you can't count.
I memorized all 46 tables in less than three weeks, but it took me roughly 1.5 months to nail everything. It also took me three months to learn all the names of servers.
Like I said, I was dedicated, but only to a point.
It’s been almost six years since I’ve graduated from high school. WHERE did the time go? I fell in ‘love’ with Kwik Trip Inc., when I moved to Rochester and I would move back there again. And, I’d move within five minutes of that store, in hopes that my job would be within a reasonable distance of that part of town.
It’s growing rapidly and my best friends live there. It’s home away from home.
Mankato, it’s a hate love relationship. Yes . . . hate love relationship. Well, I guess I can turn that around and say love hate relationship. I’m not a fan of this town. On the weekends, I study. I don’t go out. I’m sick of partying. I’m tired of that lifestyle. Quite frankly, I was never into it. I’ll do it when I come back home because in the cities, it’s different. But, not every weekend. I’m growing up and I will have bills to pay, really, really, soon.
I want to find a job, relatively soon as well. I would like to move back to somewhere in the cities, but find a place of my own. I’m also cool, as I said before, with moving back to Rochester. I’d also be up for moving west. Out east? I don’t know that area so well.
I also want to break free from a shadow that’s been cast over me, mentally and I want this shadow to leave me alone. Too personal to dive into any further here.
I’m a writer, a blogger, musician, care-giver, daughter, sister-in-law, friend, niece, God-daughter, student, co-worker and I’m doing what some people are doing who are my age -or should be doing- in my position: doing their best and just starting to learn what life is really about.
What else, folks? If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
It's a harsh world out there . . .
Being the underdog is absolutely no fun. But I suppose there are worse things happening in the world.
I don't have the world or someone walking three feet in front of me, shoving a foot long telephoto lense in my face trying to catch a snap of my face, only to make some money off of the shot and then making up some story about my current life and what I'm feeling or doing. They don't watch my every move, trying to find a way to blame for me disappointing fans or people who look up to me either. I have no idea what that lifestyle is like, though someday, yes someday, I may come to find out what that is like.
Inquire if you must.
For example, Michael Phelps. Many people are asking, "what was he thinking??" If you have been living under a rock, or maybe you've been consumed by other media, then take a look at this article: http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/9186634/USA-Swimming-suspends-Phelps-for-3-months?MSNHPHCP>1=39002
There are posts regarding Miley Cyrus, supposedly making fun of Asian's?
Took me a while to find the article, but I made it!
What MSN had to say first: http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=350628
Miley Cyrus defends herself: http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=351051
Oh wait, that's not all . . .
Apparently the TomKat crew is trying to make money off of their little girl, who I for one, find absolutely adorable: http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=350821&affid=100055
Unfortunately, for Suri, she didn't ask to born into the spotlight. But, she has a mother who continually lets her be snapped by these photographers.
What my question is? Is this healthy? Do celebrity parents realize that not everyone is born for the spotlight? I'm not sure.
My immediate thoughts? Leave the little ones alone.
We, America, are beyond obsessed with pointing out other people's flaws or mistakes, yet we all have our own. We are so concerned about who is seeing who, who is cheating on who, who supposedly made-out at club "X" with who, but they're supposedly seeing someone else and then we're wondering why a couple like Lilo and Sam are supposedly fighting. This list can go on and on and on.
We are obsessed with reading about people, we are consumed by drama, and I don't understand how people can even watch so-called reality shows like The Hills.
I quit watching The Hills because I cannot stand Spencer and Heidi, or the image they protray on this television show. I want to think they're different in person, though. I really do. The other reason I quit watching? Lo's character in this show, specifically how she treats Audrina is sickening. If you don't know who I'm talking about click on this link: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/the_hills/cast_member/cast_member.jhtml?personalityId=10266 and you'll get a better idea.
I, for some odd reason, very much enjoy watching The City and I'm captivated by Whitney.
Does anybody remember Dakota Fanning? If you don't, I'm speechless.
http://dakota-fanning.org/
My brain actually relaxes when I think of this young lady. Fanning's smart, has grown up to be a beautiful teenager and I can only imagine how stunning she will be when she is 20 years old. Also, Fannning is talented beyond words, and smart to live the way she does. I've never met her, but recently thought of her yesterday and went to her Web site.
It's very interesting how one can live in Los Angeles -as a well-known celebrity, have a few dozen credits to put on their resume, and their face doesn't appear everywhere. Not only this, there aren't stories out there to haunt them in their sleep. In other words, it's possible to live a very down-to-earth kind of lifestyle.
To tell you the truth, when "...Baby One More Time" came out, the world was stopped dead in its tracks because we had a 17-year-old girl in a mini-skirt and -possibly- an Oxford brand buttoned-up dress shirt on which revealed her torso.
You can't tell me that Ms. Britney Jean Spears didn't have it coming, but could have stopped the attention, if she really wantd to and still would have still been just as big of a star as she it today. For goodness sakes, Christina Aguilera did it.
Is Spears really down-to-earth, or did she asked for everything she's been handed?
Now, Phelps, Cyrus, Suri, Pratt and Spears.
One of you is a regular 23-year-old who loves what he does and did what plenty of other people in this world do, yet they also have people who look up to them as role-models. Unfortunately, you [Phelps] has a whole world watching you and you have sponsors who assume that they can suspend your contract almost immediately because it's the only thing we can do to make you feel punished. Americans are too engulfed in watching other people screw up and would like to point the blame at someone else. I guess I can fairly say, you did it to yourself. But what I really want to say? Oh. My. Gosh. It's a bong and our Troops are doing the same thing overseas. I'm not sure what's more important in the American mind: saving lives and defending American freedom or being a celebrity who breaks world-records.
Cyrus, you're within three years of Ms. Fanning, I do believe. You're beautiful, young, talented, already been compared to newly divorced Madonna while on a photo-shoot or making a video for your newest recorded single. How about you take your friends elsewhere on a private jet, or go somewhere else you won't be noticed.
No, actually, how about you just be a kid. My goodness. Did you forget a step?
Suri, pictures are worth a thousand words, but I don't know what you're feeling at all. Yet, when you cover your ears and hide your face, I hope this would be a strong indication that you are trying to show your parents a sign and maybe your parents aren't listening. It is totally possible. There are no perfect parents out there.
Pratt, I do not know you and honestly, sincerely, I don't want to know you.
Ms. Spears. You know nothing else, but fame. But I am thankful you have friends and family who will never leave your side, no matter how far you try and push them away. Fans come and go. I don't care how much money they've spent on you, how many hours they've devoted to promote you, or how many concerts your biggest fan has gone to. They don't know you. However, your friends and family; they are there to catch you and guide you with their love and support. You are lucky. Blessed. Fortunate. And another thing? I do believe you are a smart woman, mother and aunt who only wants the best for their own family. You have the world pushing you around, people you work with who hear you, but don't listen sometimes.
"Love me, hate me, but can't you see what I see? All of the boys and all of girls are beggin to if you seek Amy." - Britney Spears 'If U Seek Amy'
Also, life is short. And here's a great song by Bebo Norman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn6Hi6Jq0lM
"I know love goes around the world we know and we never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you." -Bebo Norman 'Britney'
I like to learn about people, celebrities and discover who we are individually.
Remember in the beginning how I said that being the underdog isn't so bad? Well, I do have my own life to live and I just escaped my own reality. It is a harsh world out there. Now, I must go back to where I left off before I began writing this: abstract papers and studying for tests.
That is my down-to-earth life of being a college student. And like celebrities, I have a stressful life, too. I just don't have stories being written about me and sponsorships being taken away.
I don't have the world or someone walking three feet in front of me, shoving a foot long telephoto lense in my face trying to catch a snap of my face, only to make some money off of the shot and then making up some story about my current life and what I'm feeling or doing. They don't watch my every move, trying to find a way to blame for me disappointing fans or people who look up to me either. I have no idea what that lifestyle is like, though someday, yes someday, I may come to find out what that is like.
Inquire if you must.
For example, Michael Phelps. Many people are asking, "what was he thinking??" If you have been living under a rock, or maybe you've been consumed by other media, then take a look at this article: http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/9186634/USA-Swimming-suspends-Phelps-for-3-months?MSNHPHCP>1=39002
There are posts regarding Miley Cyrus, supposedly making fun of Asian's?
Took me a while to find the article, but I made it!
What MSN had to say first: http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=350628
Miley Cyrus defends herself: http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=351051
Oh wait, that's not all . . .
Apparently the TomKat crew is trying to make money off of their little girl, who I for one, find absolutely adorable: http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=350821&affid=100055
Unfortunately, for Suri, she didn't ask to born into the spotlight. But, she has a mother who continually lets her be snapped by these photographers.
What my question is? Is this healthy? Do celebrity parents realize that not everyone is born for the spotlight? I'm not sure.
My immediate thoughts? Leave the little ones alone.
We, America, are beyond obsessed with pointing out other people's flaws or mistakes, yet we all have our own. We are so concerned about who is seeing who, who is cheating on who, who supposedly made-out at club "X" with who, but they're supposedly seeing someone else and then we're wondering why a couple like Lilo and Sam are supposedly fighting. This list can go on and on and on.
We are obsessed with reading about people, we are consumed by drama, and I don't understand how people can even watch so-called reality shows like The Hills.
I quit watching The Hills because I cannot stand Spencer and Heidi, or the image they protray on this television show. I want to think they're different in person, though. I really do. The other reason I quit watching? Lo's character in this show, specifically how she treats Audrina is sickening. If you don't know who I'm talking about click on this link: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/the_hills/cast_member/cast_member.jhtml?personalityId=10266 and you'll get a better idea.
I, for some odd reason, very much enjoy watching The City and I'm captivated by Whitney.
Does anybody remember Dakota Fanning? If you don't, I'm speechless.
http://dakota-fanning.org/
My brain actually relaxes when I think of this young lady. Fanning's smart, has grown up to be a beautiful teenager and I can only imagine how stunning she will be when she is 20 years old. Also, Fannning is talented beyond words, and smart to live the way she does. I've never met her, but recently thought of her yesterday and went to her Web site.
It's very interesting how one can live in Los Angeles -as a well-known celebrity, have a few dozen credits to put on their resume, and their face doesn't appear everywhere. Not only this, there aren't stories out there to haunt them in their sleep. In other words, it's possible to live a very down-to-earth kind of lifestyle.
To tell you the truth, when "...Baby One More Time" came out, the world was stopped dead in its tracks because we had a 17-year-old girl in a mini-skirt and -possibly- an Oxford brand buttoned-up dress shirt on which revealed her torso.
You can't tell me that Ms. Britney Jean Spears didn't have it coming, but could have stopped the attention, if she really wantd to and still would have still been just as big of a star as she it today. For goodness sakes, Christina Aguilera did it.
Is Spears really down-to-earth, or did she asked for everything she's been handed?
Now, Phelps, Cyrus, Suri, Pratt and Spears.
One of you is a regular 23-year-old who loves what he does and did what plenty of other people in this world do, yet they also have people who look up to them as role-models. Unfortunately, you [Phelps] has a whole world watching you and you have sponsors who assume that they can suspend your contract almost immediately because it's the only thing we can do to make you feel punished. Americans are too engulfed in watching other people screw up and would like to point the blame at someone else. I guess I can fairly say, you did it to yourself. But what I really want to say? Oh. My. Gosh. It's a bong and our Troops are doing the same thing overseas. I'm not sure what's more important in the American mind: saving lives and defending American freedom or being a celebrity who breaks world-records.
Cyrus, you're within three years of Ms. Fanning, I do believe. You're beautiful, young, talented, already been compared to newly divorced Madonna while on a photo-shoot or making a video for your newest recorded single. How about you take your friends elsewhere on a private jet, or go somewhere else you won't be noticed.
No, actually, how about you just be a kid. My goodness. Did you forget a step?
Suri, pictures are worth a thousand words, but I don't know what you're feeling at all. Yet, when you cover your ears and hide your face, I hope this would be a strong indication that you are trying to show your parents a sign and maybe your parents aren't listening. It is totally possible. There are no perfect parents out there.
Pratt, I do not know you and honestly, sincerely, I don't want to know you.
Ms. Spears. You know nothing else, but fame. But I am thankful you have friends and family who will never leave your side, no matter how far you try and push them away. Fans come and go. I don't care how much money they've spent on you, how many hours they've devoted to promote you, or how many concerts your biggest fan has gone to. They don't know you. However, your friends and family; they are there to catch you and guide you with their love and support. You are lucky. Blessed. Fortunate. And another thing? I do believe you are a smart woman, mother and aunt who only wants the best for their own family. You have the world pushing you around, people you work with who hear you, but don't listen sometimes.
"Love me, hate me, but can't you see what I see? All of the boys and all of girls are beggin to if you seek Amy." - Britney Spears 'If U Seek Amy'
Also, life is short. And here's a great song by Bebo Norman:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn6Hi6Jq0lM
"I know love goes around the world we know and we never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you." -Bebo Norman 'Britney'
I like to learn about people, celebrities and discover who we are individually.
Remember in the beginning how I said that being the underdog isn't so bad? Well, I do have my own life to live and I just escaped my own reality. It is a harsh world out there. Now, I must go back to where I left off before I began writing this: abstract papers and studying for tests.
That is my down-to-earth life of being a college student. And like celebrities, I have a stressful life, too. I just don't have stories being written about me and sponsorships being taken away.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Miss Manners "and guest"
I read this article -below- on http://www.msn.com/ and posted it on my Facebook.
I had one person comment, so I followed up with their comment. Then someone else commented and once again, I decided to comment on their comment!
Then, I figured 'maybe this would be a great topic to start blogging about,' so here I am. I gave my URL http://www.springtoanything.blogspot.com/ this title because I want this to be any 'anything goes' kind of deal.
I'll literally be 'springing to anything' on here, myself, and feel that I may have just done something that will lead to . . . well, I'm not sure. But, I'm willing to give this a chance to see what happens!
Here's the article I was discussing with my friends:
Dear Miss Manners,
I have noticed lately, that amongst women of the same age group as myself who are engaged and planning large, expensive weddings, that my single friends are invited to said weddings without "and guest" added to their invitations.
It is almost as if the engaged women, in an attempt to keep cost down, have decided that the single women, whether they are dating someone or not, do not get the option to bring someone along to the wedding and reception.
Is this rude? I feel that just because these women are not married or engaged, they still should have the opportunity to bring a date to the wedding and that by assuming their dates just aren't as important if not legally bound by law, the engaged woman is being presumptuous and rude. What are your thoughts?
Gentle Reader,
That the invitation is to a wedding, not to an evening out on the town, and it is not rude not to be married in front of strangers who mean nothing to them and not much to you. If you must scour up a date, Miss Manners suggests looking over the single gentlemen at the wedding, who would not have been asked to bring along "and guest" either.
I know that I will want to be surrounded by only friends/family who I know well enough to the point where I'm not racking my brain making the guest list. Everyone is different though.
Also, a friend of mine, whose wedding I went to with a date - he also knew the couple and he was invited, we didn't know anyone and ended up leaving shortly after the reception began. We made sure to congratulate our friend (we both worked with her) and her husband (who was a customer at our work -Kwik Trip).
If you know that the friend of yours who is getting married, perhaps there's someone at the wedding they've invited who they can be sure to take a minute and introduce you to them at say, the wedding rehearsal. This is what happened to me at a wedding. I was good friends with the bride, dateless, but I was her wedding singer. You bet I was checking out the grooms men since my friend [the bride] told me that she wanted to introduce me to one of them. Funny part is, at the rehearsal, I remember I was scanning the guys and happened to pick out the exact guy she would introduce me to in an hour. We had fun at the wedding and went our separate ways. I have not seen or talked to him since.
Here's the deal though: not everybody will go the to reception and that's a smart move if you're alone, but if you're a chatter bug and extroverted, and are up for it, you'll find a way to keep yourself at the reception and enjoy the night. Essentially, you have been invited to a wedding to support the couple and witness something that is a very sacred moment your friend(s) life. You'll take the time to enjoy yourself and the moment. The couple wants you to enjoy their night, so do yourself a favor and get out there. You never know who you could possibly meet.
I had one person comment, so I followed up with their comment. Then someone else commented and once again, I decided to comment on their comment!
Then, I figured 'maybe this would be a great topic to start blogging about,' so here I am. I gave my URL http://www.springtoanything.blogspot.com/ this title because I want this to be any 'anything goes' kind of deal.
I'll literally be 'springing to anything' on here, myself, and feel that I may have just done something that will lead to . . . well, I'm not sure. But, I'm willing to give this a chance to see what happens!
Here's the article I was discussing with my friends:
Dear Miss Manners,
I have noticed lately, that amongst women of the same age group as myself who are engaged and planning large, expensive weddings, that my single friends are invited to said weddings without "and guest" added to their invitations.
It is almost as if the engaged women, in an attempt to keep cost down, have decided that the single women, whether they are dating someone or not, do not get the option to bring someone along to the wedding and reception.
Is this rude? I feel that just because these women are not married or engaged, they still should have the opportunity to bring a date to the wedding and that by assuming their dates just aren't as important if not legally bound by law, the engaged woman is being presumptuous and rude. What are your thoughts?
Gentle Reader,
That the invitation is to a wedding, not to an evening out on the town, and it is not rude not to be married in front of strangers who mean nothing to them and not much to you. If you must scour up a date, Miss Manners suggests looking over the single gentlemen at the wedding, who would not have been asked to bring along "and guest" either.
I know that I will want to be surrounded by only friends/family who I know well enough to the point where I'm not racking my brain making the guest list. Everyone is different though.
Also, a friend of mine, whose wedding I went to with a date - he also knew the couple and he was invited, we didn't know anyone and ended up leaving shortly after the reception began. We made sure to congratulate our friend (we both worked with her) and her husband (who was a customer at our work -Kwik Trip).
If you know that the friend of yours who is getting married, perhaps there's someone at the wedding they've invited who they can be sure to take a minute and introduce you to them at say, the wedding rehearsal. This is what happened to me at a wedding. I was good friends with the bride, dateless, but I was her wedding singer. You bet I was checking out the grooms men since my friend [the bride] told me that she wanted to introduce me to one of them. Funny part is, at the rehearsal, I remember I was scanning the guys and happened to pick out the exact guy she would introduce me to in an hour. We had fun at the wedding and went our separate ways. I have not seen or talked to him since.
Here's the deal though: not everybody will go the to reception and that's a smart move if you're alone, but if you're a chatter bug and extroverted, and are up for it, you'll find a way to keep yourself at the reception and enjoy the night. Essentially, you have been invited to a wedding to support the couple and witness something that is a very sacred moment your friend(s) life. You'll take the time to enjoy yourself and the moment. The couple wants you to enjoy their night, so do yourself a favor and get out there. You never know who you could possibly meet.
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