Sunday "blues"

This is a night where I normally have a topic ready to go for a video blog, get my camera set up, do my own make up, wardrobe and hair and then it's lights camera ... action!

Unfortunately, tonight I'm dissapointed because I simply do not have the energy to do a video blog and I think my sleep is more important tonight. I was out in the sun nearly all day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. lifeguarding and then I had an in-service tonight at work.
I absolutely LOVE doing these video blogs and though I'm in the beginning stages, I just decided to write a blog and be honest about my mental state of mind tonight.

Tomorrow, my schedule is just as crazy, but I'll be teaching swim lessons so I won't be as exhausted. I'm going to do my best to pull something together tomorrow and hopefully YouTube won't be too slow for an upload. It'd be fantastic if I could get the video blog done in the morning BEFORE my lessons!! Sooooo that means, if I go to bed now, I'll be up by probably 6 or so? I don't plan on crashing for a full 12 hours as I don't think I'm quite at that level of exhaustion. I can handle 6 a.m. though!! Whose gonna call me or text me to send me a reminder though?!?! Kidding!!

I have a couple of fun things up my sleeve regarding my "Hire Rachel Ryan Campaign" (#HRR <-- on Twitter) and I'm so ready for this week to begin. My 9-hour work day is over and my night is just "beginning" through getting some much needed rest so I can be amped up for the remainder of this week! This is my blog and although consistency is important, my lack of "alertness" tonight is going to win and I'm sorry if you were looking forward to watching another video blog. I'm just as "blue" as you are! ;)

I hope that you (yeah you!) had a fantastic weekend! Enjoy Monday and do something awesome for someone tomorrow; give a compliment, buy the person standing right behind you coffee (without telling them), smile at someone if you think their having a bad day or something else that is simple and doesn't cost you more than $5. Little things make a big difference. Remember that! :)

Thank you for being *says next word in a high pitched/muted voice* FABULOUS!!

#HRRC: Societies expectations

Originally, I wanted to talk about how I manage my time, but then I realized I really wanted to talk about how society had painted a particular "run of the mill life" picture for me and I realized that I over time, I had to find out what it really meant for me and how I'm managing my own life.

Two biggest things I've learned:
1) 'Titles', also known as status's don't define who we are in the work force; it gives us an advantage to do what something we're good at, without having to 'prove' anything.
2) Every situation is an opportunity; you write your own story while remembering that you can't always control what cards you're dealt, but you sure can choose how you play those cards.

#HRRC: Twitter and Facebook: building relationships, utilizing without abusing and old-fashioned invitations

I have a pickle with my generation (maybe even a couple of others) and how we communicate with each other. This video blog is inspired by recent and past events that I've personally been affected by through the use of Twitter and Facebook. I'm not saying that I'm necessarily right or that I have all of the answers, but I am asking you for your opinion, your thoughts and what you think.

Think before you post an update, tweet a tweet, invite someone to an event or recognize a famous person for something they said.

Is it possible we're abusing our own self-worth or looking for the easy way out/in to do something or just slightly recognize and then leave before even saying hi?

Are you being real and actually acting on progressive and purposeful intensions? Do you know who you're even contacting? Do they even realize they're being contacted??

#HRRC: My interests outside of mass communicating

I'm not always strictly business and nobody out there is.

I, for some random reason, decided I wanted to tell you about my other interests are when I'm not "mass communicating" or thinking about it.

Part 4:


To rewind for "Hire Rachel Ryan" (#HRRC <-- via Twitter) check out the following links: Part 1: Five things you might not know about Rachel Ryan Video
Blog

Part 2: Why do I write about what I write about
Video
Blog

Part 3: What my capabilities are in the work force
Video
Blog

Feedback is more than welcome! :)

Wired, intellectual conversations

My brain is wired a good chunk of the time I'm awake and sometimes I have issues getting to bed at a decent time. Why?

I do not drink coffee.

I do not drink pop...because I cut it out of my "diet".

I have had the most intellectual conversations with someone I met this year and every time we meet, I'm more intrigued. It's like an amazing drug that I cannot wait to consume and I'm anything but "powerless" when we go our separate ways. I always look forward to when we'll meet again.

Here's the deal:
You get a new chance everyday to make something happen, so take every opportunity that feels right, take it into your possession -in whatever form that might be, use it to your advantage, ask questions or become the questionaire and deliver results (measureable or not) that in "x" amount of years down the road will allow you to tell a story that will captivate those around you.

Rules:
- Don't wait for the sun to rise but don't wait for the sun to set.
- Don't wait for leaders; do it alone...in other words, 'build it and they will come'.
- Don't pull teeth where another persons brain gets your wave frequency.
- Don't limit yourself because, well, just don't.

Oh and biggest thing to remember: be yourself because everyone else is already taken and you are the only person who knows you best. You cannot control the cards you are given, but you can definitely control how you play them.

#HRRC: What my capabilities are in the work force

There is more to me than social media, Switchfoot, Jeep Wranglers, Twitter, blogging, my Mizuno's, Facebook and Diet Coke. But these are all things that make up a big part of who I am, some more than others.

In my third video, I talk about what my career goals are. What is it I want to be doing? Please understand this is just the icing on the cake and these are just a few "visions" I have for myself. There are so many opportunitites out there and I don't want you to think that what I mention is all I'm after.

I'm continually growing and learning and I don't want to limit myself by any means. As I've stated before, this is an opportunity for you to get to know the person behind the writing and realize that I am a person; not a spammar, not a "wannabe" image of anyone else, not an "expert" of this or that because we all learn from each other daily however, I know what I'm good at. Oh, and I'm not someone whose just twiddling their fingers waiting for you to come to me.

I've thought about whether or not I want to continue making these videos in the same spot or if I want to change things up. I'm looking at blue and green screen backdrops because these videos are something I really enjoy making.

Without further ado, here's my video for part 3. Feel free to comment or contact me here on my blog.

To rewind for "Hire Rachel Ryan" (#HRRC <-- via Twitter): Here's the links to part 1: Video
Blog

Here's the links to part 2:
Video
Blog

Captain Jack's in Prior Lake

Today is my Mom's birthday. We definitely have our differences, but regardless, I still love her and there are times where I wouldn't know what I would do without her. She's a person I confide in, but also the person who has shown me what hard work, persistance, tough love and where ideal judgement can bring a person.

Well, the other day, my StepDad called me and asked me if we should go to Rudy's Red Eye in Lakeville to celebrate her birthday. Not gonna lie. I rolled my eyes and simply stated "no" and that we needed to do something different and fun. Get outta dodge...even if it only meant going to a different city.

My sister recommended a restaurant right off Prior Lake called Captain Jack's. This place was FUN!!

They had a bar on the patio (lower level) right next to the water. And at the bar there are swings. Ohhh dear. Put a few drinks in someone on one of those swings and it could easily make a scene!!

For dinner, I had their Chicken Enchiladas. Very, very delicious.

I'm keeping my post short tonight, but wanted to give these guys a shout out. Their food is delicious (they serve breakfast from 10am-1pm), the view of the lake is spectacular, the swinging bar "stools" rocked and the company of wildlife (3 ducks were on patio) added a nice touch. I fed one of them a crouton. :)

I would highly recommend if you're looking to kinda get out of the city, but still want awesome food and friendly service to check out Captain Jack's.

Let me know what you think of it!

Miracles happen everyday

Less than 5 minutes before this very moment of deciding what I wanted to write about tonight, I actually didn't think I would be writing a blog tonight. My goal is to write a blog every day this week. Why? Because it's a challenge for me and I've been putting myself up to these quite a bit recently.

Tonight, I was supposed to do another video blog and post it on YouTube and write a short blog about it since I did one on Sunday and another on Tuesday. I suppose I could wait until Thursday night since I will be far more energized and more awake. It just wouldn't make sense for me to force something and tire myself out yet again and get sick...again. Not worth it. My health comes first.

Speaking of health (and the main reason of why I decided to write a blog at the last minute), today, I learned about an incident one of my co-workers was in at the Leadville 100, a Life Time Fitness biking event that I believe takes place every year in Colorado in the small town of Leadville. I consider this guy to be a friend of mine to the point where if I saw him outside of work, I wouldn't have any problems approaching him and starting a conversation. He's the person I directed my parents to talk to about opening their membership with Life Time Fitness as well! Why? I knew he would give them the best service and not try to sell them a bunch of other stuff they're really not interested in; he's so far guided them in the right direction and both of my parents are doing very well with their goals thus far.
When I learned that he nearly lost his life on Saturday and how his life was saved by two men, I immediately thought about how every time I see him, I make a point to wave my hand or smile or stop into his office if he doesn't look busy and say hi. It also made me think about my life (all over again) and where I'm at in my career, relationships and how I've been communicating; specifically who've I've been communicating with.

From what I've heard, he's making a good recovery thus far, but I haven't really been able to stop thinking about him or his family. I've known all along he's married, but had no idea if he had kids. Today, I discovered he has two little girls; one is 11 the other is 13. He's currently in Colorado at a hospital and I really wish he was here in the Twin Cities so I could go visit him.

My heart is heavy, but I believe that he will pull through this. He is an avid biker, has a big heart, doesn't take life too seriously, but works hard to achieve the goals he sets for himself and I miss his smiling face.

To my family and friends: I love you all so much and I don't tell you that enough, but I do my best to find the right way to tell you. Sometimes, I'm just not quite sure how to say it, but I should say it way more, regardless. At the end of the day, no matter how we communicate, I am grateful for all of your support and listening to me, even when I might not make complete sense.

To my friend tonight whose about 1,200 miles away from home tonight, you are missed and I can't wait to be able to see your smiling face. Take care and know I'm thinking of you in these difficult times.

The Test; what a lot of people seem to "fail" at

Note: This is a two-part series. You can read part one here.

You have the ability and option to stand out. Right now, the economy is still not good. This is actually a “test” for people and I thought about it tonight at work. Some don’t realize how big the “test” really is.

What are you passionate about? What are your goals? What drives you? What wakes you up in the morning? What keeps you up at night from being able to contently close your eyes? What feeds your soul? What attracts other people to you?

Pause.

Re-read that last question. Well, go on! :)

Unfortunately, I’m writing this from a creative perspective. Huh. That might not be such a good thing for you though. Or it is? Did you take art class or band or theater or architecture 101? No? That doesn’t mean you’re not creative by any means. Everyone is creative, you just have your own ideas of what is creativity. There is no law telling you what the definition of being creative is. Ever thought about that?

If you want the job bad enough, show it. Prove it. Live it. Become the job. But don’t get cocky and don’t just stand there and try looking good regardless to whether or not you have natural beauty. Have a brain? Use it. It’s actually sexy and appealing.

Take life by the reigns, put your own words into actions and a terrible thing happens: no one else to blame. It's your life. As Switchfoot would say, become who you are. It happens once in a life time.

#HRRC: Why do I write about what I write about

This is my blog and I write about various topics. But, I gurantee one of the top 10 questions anyone is asked as a blogger is what they write about.

I don't think I've written about this yet, so I decided to make a video on it instead to add to my #HRRC!



A couple of things:
First off, the blog post that I reference with Switchfoot, you can find that here.

Second, as far as running in my Mizuno's, I haven't worn them in about 4 weeks. Why? I was sick for a while and had to take care of my body before getting back into any form of training. What I am I training for? I'd like to run an event with Life Time Fitness, or any 5K or 7K. I should find an online program that works best for me so I can track my progress and have real stats to base my progress off of. I don't know if I want and/or need everyone seeing my stats though, so that's something I should consider.
My first 5K, I ran? I kept the blog short and sweet and even have my stats 'logged' there on there, so if you're interested, click here to read that.
The other blog I wrote? Yes, unfortunately (for me), I only have two posts written about this. Yikes!! You can find that here and though it's a bit longer, you could say it's because I ran into some of my own "technical" difficulties! ;)

I really hope you're liking these videos.

Do me a favor and pick my brain!! I'm know I'm just in the beginning stages of this, so maybe you're not sure what to ask, but this is a pretty fun for me so I'm going to keep doing it.

Need to rewind? Here you go:
Part 1: Five things you might not know about Rachel Ryan
Blog
Video

Not just a lifeguard

Note: This is a two-part series. You can read part two here.

I wear a whistle, swimsuit and wind-breaker pants and jacket to work. My hair is usually pulled back in a bun and I cannot stand it when my legs aren't shaved. I rarely wear makeup, even outside of the "office" and I deal with people of all shapes and sizes everyday.

I went through 32 hours of training to earn my lifeguard, first aid and CPR/AED certification. I battled for 3 weeks to get my current job. The process took extra long because of a change in department heads.

Less than 1 month into my job, I became a swim instructor and went through even more training. I now teach about 70 kids, weekly. I know I'm good at it because parents keep requesting for me to be their childs instructor and I'm complimented quite often.

I was promoted to a supervisor position within 4 months and when I supervise, I'm managing a team of 6-7 lifeguards, plus taking initative on deck with members.

I'm also required to attend monthly in-services which typically last 2 hours on Sunday evening where we have about 3 real-life scenarios we act out that could happen at our pool. The water is sometimes cold, but I have to get in because it's my job, it pays my bills and I find ways to make it fun! How? I volunteer myself as much as possible at in-services to be the victim, first or second rescuer. Why?
It makes me feel:
A) Valuable
B) It's a great refresher and I'm a hands-on person

I'm fortunate to be working with kick-a** team members. My boss works her tail off and she trusts us to do our job the right way. She's not what I would call an "eagle eye" and I plan on keeping in touch with her, even after I depart from my position.

What has this job taught me?
- You have the ability to develope others perceptions of your job by how you talk about it. I don't care what position you have with any company...being positive is attractive and sexy! You never know whose listening!
- People come to the business I work at for multiple reasons and I choose to accept that I have the ability to "make or hinder" their day.
- People will walk all over you if you don't set the record straight.
- Take yourself seriously, but make sure you can have fun, too, and give yourself credit where you can; no one is perfect but there's always room for improvement.

I can't find the article from Fortune magazine that inspired these thoughts of mine on their web site. But another blog post of mine coming up is actually the whole influence behind this post. Also, a new project I've put myself up for is also making me think in a different light. Maybe you've seen it? If not, check it out!

We've put ourselves in a tough, tough market because of how we've chosen to live. You can't blame just the government for putting us in the shoes we're in today. Hey...if the shoes fits...

Also, if you don't take control of your life, don't complain when someone else does. Need some fresh air but swear you don't have time for a 15 minute break? I disagree, unless you're working on a deadline and the project is due in an hour (in that case, why are you reading this?) and you're in hot water if you don't get it done. Someday, I might be living this scenario. Scary.

A quote from this article in Fortune (August 16, 2010 in the Special Adertising Section) that I pulled:
"...human resource managers report that workers want to feel that their employers truly understand them. For Scripps Health, that means designing a workplace built around the different life stages of its employees. 'If you focus on the things that really matter to people, rather than what HR might think matters, you'll get good results,' says [Vic] Buzachero."
Note: *Buzachero, corporate senior vice president for innovation, human resources, and performance management at Scripps Health, a not-for-profit health care delivery network based in San Diego.

*Also a direct quote from article in Fortune

#HRRC: Five things you might not know about Rachel Ryan

I did a video blog yesterday and even though it took forever to upload, I FINALLY have something for you to see of me...in person. Most important part: I want to know your thoughts.

Do you like it? Hate it? Want to see more videos like this? Should the next one be longer? Shorter? What are questions do you have for me? Pick my brain. Please!! :)

The twitter hashtag to follow for these is #HRRC, which stands for "Hire Rachel Ryan Campaign".


This is essentially a "part one" of why any company out there should hire me. This is me telling you what is it I can bring to table. It's simple, but it's real and I'm just being me.


I have a couple of other ideas in the works, but those are still in the process of being ironed out. Thanks so much and feedback is strongly encouraged!



P.S. The musical group I'm referring to (I stumbled over my own tongue a little bit here) is Switchfoot. :)

Traditional media sources: A message to graduates, a new style and why I don't buy into particular pieces of technology

I said I was going to hang up both my white boards in my room today.
I did that. Oh and there's also already 'writing' on both walls. I'm happy. Very, very happy. It's kinda pathetic but hey! Whatever makes my life easier and gets me organized. ;)

I also said, I was going to buy a new filing system.
I bought my new filing system from Target and I headed to Office Max for my Pendaflex Read-Tab filing folders. I'm really actually thrilled about these folders, hence the link. Purchased a box of 20 for about $15 the tabs are super easy to 'snap' into place.

The following are all articles from the Star Tribune. Like I said, I wanted to dig back into traditional media and know what's going on the communities that are near where I live.

First off, this has nothing to do with a "surrounding community", but this is something that is inspirational to me, so I'm rolling with it. The other day, I was talking about passion in my blog and I mentioned President Obama. I guess he's given two different speeches to the class of 2010. In the article I read, he states how "responsbility for your success rests squarely on your shoulders" and "there is nothing you can't accomplish." If you don't take responsibility for your own success or you don't dare to dream big, you're taking a back seat in your own life.

Taj Salon is a Salon and Spa that was founded in 2007 --they're based out of Minneapolis and they have one in Brooklyn Park. The owners are Jeanne Strandin, Andria Strandin and Tasia Ashton. The first letter in each of their names spells the name of the salon. Why am I including them in this blog? I need a new hair cut, but I'm afraid to do layers, go short or do anything fun my hair. Why? For one, naturally curly hair and layers isn't fun to deal with from what I can recall. Two, the last time I went short was 8th grade and when I grew my hair out again, it was my freshman year of college. Only took 3 to 4 years to get it long again.
They also currently offer discounts on their website for Holiday Inn and Aloft and all U of M students receive a discount on any full-priced retail.

Smartphones: the last thing I'm touching on today. Again, has nothing to do with my community, but it has everything to do with my "virtual" community, so I'm tossing it in the mix!
I used to have a Sprint contract, but that was after I had a cell phone with Verizon. My first cell phone with Verizon, I could play snake, had caller-id and...I was livin' the college life!! Are you asking me if had a text message plan back in 2003? No, I did not. Were they available? Text messaging was just becoming hot. Or at least from what I can recall.
I don't see myself leaving Verizon for Sprint again until I get a real job --I'm also on a family plan. And if when I get a real job, I don't know that I will switch.

Why should I have to pay more than $50 for a cell phone plan with a data package? To me, it seems ridiculous. Some people pay $100 a month for their plan. Well, it's their money, not mine. I just simply right now cannot afford to shell out $100 a month for all the technology that is out there. I get along just fine checking in on Twitter and Facebook every so often with my lovely Dell laptop.

I don't check in on foursquare, I rarely update my status of Facebook for very particular reasons and if I'm on Twitter, that's because I feel like interacting. Man, I sound horrible right now, almost like I have an attitude problem.
No, actually I don't. I'd much rather interact with people in real life, unless I can somehow impact people's lives with a purpose while interacting with them. A conversation here and a conversation there (virtually) is nice, but it loses its touch after a while.

All right. That's really all I have. My plan is to dump the pile of newspapers I have saved up since June. It's really not that big, I assure you, but I'm sad now because I can't use the filing system just yet that I bought. It will serve it's purpose eventually.

Getting back on track

I called my StepDad today and asked him for a favor.

I have a white board that is sitting in my room I purchased from Target and I need it hung, as soon as possible. By tonight, it will be hung and I will be writing my goals down (they need a time line as of right now) on it for not only myself to see, but when my parents walk in my room, they can see what I'm thinking.

My goal is to move out from under my parents roof within the next six months to a year. I think that is a perfectly acceptable time line, even if another year under their roof seems like a life time. They agree to let me live here, as long as I'm job searching, working and being smart about my decision making.

What will I be doing? Here's along the lines of what I want to do for myself. And everything here is perfectly do-able to start doing today.

1. Dig back into traditional media
There is nothing more "thrilling" for me than being able to pick up a newspaper and read about what is going on in the Twin Cities.
I also believe it's important to know what is going on in your community. I tend to be a bit of a newspaper clipper and I've decided that in order to stay as organized as possible, I will buying another filing system. This is small side project of mine that I began back in January 2010, but never formally announced it since there was no reason to. I'm going to give it another shot and see what happens. I'm still deciding how far back in time I want to go or if I'm just going to start over. You'll possibly see the progression in time. If not, that means it wasn't something that worked out for me. Confused? That gives you an excuse to reach out to me and grab a friendly cup of coffee!! ;)

2. Continue blogging
I would idealy like to post 2-3 blogs per week. Three might be a bit much for me (the topic has to pique my interest), but once Labor Day rolls around, I think my schedule might shift a little bit. I have to think about it this way though: Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso had 24 hours in a day to get done what they wanted to do. They probably felt the same way I'm currently feeling at this times: a little pressed for time. So, you make it work!! What do I want to talk about? Like I just said: anything that piques my interest. It is my blog!

3. Twitter and Facebook
Twitter: I have two handles. I'm back to using my ryanr09 account more because I'm using my RachelRyanPR handle for something more specific. If you've checked it out recently, I've come to 'dead stop' at tweet No. 800. There's one person that knows what's going on with that and at this point, that's the only person who needs to know.
I have a lot of people I'm following under my ryanr09 account and right now, for me, it's just a lot of noise and I'm not feeling it right now. Yes, I did a 'spring cleaning' but I'm realizing I didn't do a very good job at it. Whoops. I'm not being paid to be on it, so I'm not paying attention to who is saying what for the most part.

Facebook. Ooooooh Facebook, how would people be able to stalk me if they weren't connected to me there? I barely post anything anymore though and as for status updates? If you're friends with me in real life, I've decided you'll reach out to me if you want to know about what I'm doing. I'm not posting it for the 'world' to see on a minute by minute or hour by hour basis. Not even random spur of the moment. My last few updates were Switchfoot lyrics and the lyrics I chose pertained to what was happening in my life. I'll still check it, but it's a big time waster.

Bottom line: drop me an e-mail or shoot me a text (or pick up the phone) if you'd like to say hi. Don't be a stranger! I promise I don't bite! :D

4. My camera
She's a beauty. I need to invest in a tripod stand. I also need to find a program for my Dell laptop so I can make movies with my Sony W370; yes I plan on uploading some of the material to YouTube. I have 14.1 mega pixels on this baby!!! Oh yeah!!! But seriously. I need to figure out how to get my camera to work with my computer so I can make movies. It can't be that hard. My biggest problem?? My heart belongs with a Mac and I should have thought twice before buying this computer when I did in March 2006. The only reason I bought this computer? Well, I'll tell you right now, it was a lazy decision on my part.

5. Getting back on track
I know what I want. I have it really, really easy right now even if it doesn't seem like it. I need to stay organized, stay focused and start treating myself instead of depriving myself. My job search is going well and by well, I mean I'm at least getting rejection e-mails from companies, therefore, I'm not having to reach out times two. I'm reading interview articles for tips, I'm learning how to stay positive even when it seems like everything is falling apart --mostly people do it to themselves by not staying on track and I'm learning (the hard way) how to take care of myself. Right now, the biggest thing for me is my health. That comes before anything else. Without it, I'm in big, big trouble, especially if I end up in the hospital.

For now, that's it. I'm ready to get this white board up on my wall and keep my stuff organized. I should probably jet off to Target.

Any comments or opinions are welcome!! I hope you're having a fabulous Friday!!

The secret of life

"The secret of life is to try not to hurry, but don't wait...don't wait."

I need security, but I want to continue to be challenged. I want to continue to push myself to new limits. I want to define my surroundings more by who decides to knock on my door so to speak.

I'd like to think I know whose going to be there in the end when all is said and done.

"The secret of life is there ain't no secret. And you don't get your money back."

My life is going in the right direction, whereas a couple of weeks ago, I was thinking way too much and over analyzing. It was hindering my decision making and my heart (emotions) became super confused with where I was really at. I have a new attitude with clearer visions and plan on focusing my direction with real intentions this time. Not that they weren't real before, I just think there was too much going on and I couldn't come up for enough air to stop and see what the heck was going on in the grander scheme of things.

Love passionately, deeply and without regret.

It starts in your heart

Lately, I've been playing that game called Tug of war and it's been opening my eyes to understand the predicaments the 2009 and 2010 college graduates have been put in.

I've kept somewhat in touch with a few former students I graduated with who are still very serious about public relations and wanting to get their hands dirty with a job that will pay them well.

I have automatic e-mails sent to me from Indeed.com throwing 100-300+ jobs at me for each area I chose to receive notices from in the following areas: event planning, communication and writing jobs.

There's a 50 percent chance I seem more interested in the communication positions because of the duties that go along with the positions, related to public relations. More often than not, my bachelors degree is one of the "minimum requirements" the applicant needs to have to be considered. Well, I have that!

However, in this economy, you're either going to step it up, or you're going to be 'lazy' and give some effort, but not give it your all even though it feels like you're doing everything you can. Maybe I'm biased. Maybe I'm tired of my wallet floating in the air. Maybe I need more encouragement.

Wait a second.

If someone is going to give me encouragement to go after something, that's great. But, if I'm not completely gungho about an opportunity than why I should even think about anyone encouraging me to go after something? If my eyes don't pop, if I'm not engaged, if I'm not learning, if I don't feel like I'm gaining more opportunity that will lead to doors opening, if I'm not on fire, if I'm not all-in, then I'm not doing it right.

That's what this economy needs! People who are passionate and love their jobs. But the passion begins with me and it begins with you. And once American has that, the economy will get back on its feet! A new fire that brings us back to life. A new reason to start living again and decrease the amount of wallets that are floating in the air. We, GEN-Y, are the new "baby boomers", technically.

Right now, I think we're too busy fighting over stuff that we have little control over. We're each small fish in a really big lake called government and we're eating each other alive. And look where it's gotten us. Every American family has different needs and if we each focused on how we can make our daily lives better and stop fighting over who spends more money on taxes, who pays more of this, who pays more of that, we'd be better off.
The control starts with us. But I don't think we "get" how to get to that point. Why? I think some of us are tired of being smacked around and we need someone to look at us and go "Hey! How's so and so going. You know, that thing you mentioned 5 months ago? How's that whole thing coming along?"

And if that person can't give the other person an answer, they need to make a list, just one, post it somewhere where they'll see it everyday and start what I'd like to call a movement. A movement in their own home.

So, we need to start at home and start thinking with our hearts and our passions. Not our wallets.

Love him or hate him, I read the speech President Obama delivered to the class of 2010. You can ultimately choose to not believe he's serious or not be inspired by him, as a person. But, you can't sit there and tell me that these words aren't true:

"It was 33-year-old Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence; a 33-year-old Elizabeth Cady Stanton who organized the Seneca falls Convention, the first national women's rights convention; a 26-year-old Martin Luther King Jr. who began his journey to the mountaintop; and a 20-year-old Bill Gates who started one of the most transformative companies on Earth.

All of these Americans faced long odds. All of them faced doubt. Many grew up in times of discord and difficulty. Yet they knew that while America's destiny is never certain, our ability to shape it always is."

If I knew, even three years ago what I know now, I would have done things a little bit differently. My attitude would be different, I would have prepped for today differently.

And it's a new week. I have my list of things I need to do that are important for my own future. And by Saturday, I better have done what I need to do, or at least have the answers I need so I can see what the next steps are. If I don't step it up and do it, no one is going to provide the map for me.

Allergies?? Say it isn't so

I woke up at about 6:30AM and ended up unloading the dishwasher and fed my cat, came back downstairs and now I'm job hunting.

I don't "have to" be up until about 8AM. I set my alarm for this time because it allows me major leeway to lay in bed for quite a while if I'm really roughin it and didn't get to bed at a proper time the night before. I know I lead a rough life, right?! :)

I have to be at work by about 9:30 today and I think I know why I'm up and not feeling exhausted or coughing like crazy for that matter...which for me has been the story of my life for the past month or so.

I'm 99 percent sure I have a slight allergic reaction to chlorine. How do I know this? I've never had allergies in my life (I've been poked and prodded many times) and for the past year, I've been in the water typically 5 days a week (it's part of my job) and not only has my asthma gotten "worse" (I've lived with it for 20 years), I've become sick more times in the last year than I have in the last 5 years.
Note: I was also a swimmer in high school and though it's been 9 years since I've been in the water this much, the same thing happened to me back then.

There's two things I need to keep doing then to fix my situation, but one will eventually "exhausted" the other.
1) "Claritin clear"; I took a 24-hour pill last night and low and behold, I woke up this morning feeling fantastic.
2) Keep job hunting; becoming sustainable is the biggest key for me.

Pretty self explaintory what I need to do, right??

It's nearing 7:30 and I'm still up, so I might as well get my day going.

Thank you Claritin, for making my life eaiser and turning around how miserable I've been feeling for far, far too long.

Love, Rachel

Falling leafs and snow = love

I look forward to fall, every year.

And right about now, I'm wishing another season were here. I'm going to say it and for your own sake, just save the rotten tomatoes for next time. ;)
Here it is: I can't wait for Christmas.

And it [fall] also happens to be that time of the year when I become another year older.

To me, what the fall season brings is a way to clear the mind of anything bad going on. It allows me to be able to see and spend more time with my family than any other time throughout the year. I get to think about the things that matter the most to me. Why? Summer is just too gosh darn busy.

People seem to slow down when September rolls around. The leafs are at the beginning stages of turning colors and even though it seems to happen slowly, it also happens VERY quickly.

My birthday is then right around the corner and the air becomes chilly. I get a feeling of liberation, my lungs fill with a different kind of air, my thought process seems to become more defined.

And then snow comes. Maybe our first snow fall will be in November (mid-October is just too early), not in December.

What do I think of when I think of Christmas?

- Ice fishing
If you know me at all, you'd know how big of a deal ice fishing is to me. It also reminds me of my late Grandpa Fossum and when I get to fish in his ice house, the rest of the world goes away. When I'm there, I'm not thinking about anything else. I'd actually like to get down to my StepDad's hanger and build an ice house this year. Just a small two-seater. I said I wanted to build one the summer before last and it never happened. Gotta make time for these things!

- Decorating the Christmas Tree
I love love love decorating and listening to anything by The Carpenters. My musical taste is not limited to just The Carpenters. I also like The Blenders because these guys have KILLER harmonization!! There are other artists I like and maybe when I repost this blog in November, I'll add more music. It [The Blenders] makes me want to join a barber shop group! Haha! When I think about decorating the tree, "Merry Christmas Darling" comes to mind. The tree doesn't go up until the day after Thanksgiving. That is a household rule under my family's roof. Same with Christmas lights. Heck! I just might go over to my sister and brother-in-law's home to help them decorate!

- Holidazzle in downtown Minneapolis
This year I plan on going even if I have to freeze my tail off!! I tried going last year, but it didn't work out very well. All I need is someone to keep me warm, or perhaps I'll just bring a blanket and go with my girlfriends. Regardless, I'm bringing a thermo of hot chocolate!

- My favorite show, The OC
In the first season there's an episode with Ben McKenzie (Ryan Atwood) and Mischa Barton (Marissa Cooper) at the mall and I think it is the cutest clip of these two at the mall. I love her whole outfit and the shoes are pretty cute as well! This might come as a surprise to some of you, but I don't own a single cd from the soundtrack. I've never found a reason to go out and buy the music when I can just listen to it while I watch the show!!

- A great time of the year to wear red
It's a very powerful color and you're really not supposed to wear it to interviews, weddings, bridal showers, bacherolette parties, funerals, etc., but in this video "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill, man would I love to have a dress like that!

- Sledding!!!!!
I'm 10 years old all over again when I get the chance to go sledding. It's fun, but I can only handle it for so long since I usually end up talking for most of it. I personally think of it as great bonding time!

- Ice Skating
I haven't been ice skating in *pauses to think* quite a while...any takers??!?

- Lake Marion
Not only do I fish there, but I take my dog for walks on this lake. It's great exercise for her and the view is MUCH better instead of being on the paths.

So sue me. We haven't even made it through mid-August yet and I'm thinking about white snow already. Hey! Tis the season to be jolly and I'm feeling jolly today, so I'm rolling with it. Maybe I'll re-post this one in November. Til then, I'll try to keep the "white talk" under wraps, although it is my blog so I'll write about what I want to write about!

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The light in my room is perfect right now and I feel like I think best when the lighting is just right.

I took my dog for a walk this morning and I thought about how much I miss college. An aquiantence of mine wrote this on her Facebook wall about an hour and I guess it's along the lines of how I feel:

"misses college.... going to class, having a purpose, preparing for an event, the people, the dorms.. even friday office hours."

My first year at MNSU, Mankato (my 5th year of college), I remember the first semester how I got up, went to class, came home, made a delicious lunch, usually ended up watching Dr. Phil and Oprah (I got over these shows quickly and realized I was waisting my time) and then went to the rest of my classes, came home and took a long, long nap.

That was it. Life was simple. I also had a job where I worked a couple of hours here and there throughout the week, but I had it really, really easy.

I am now realizing that I, too, miss college, the people, my professors and learning in the classroom. I didn't take advantage of those years like I could have, but I also have to realize that I don't have the same 'go getter' attitude like I do now. I was afraid to do a lot of things...almost as if I needed approval from someone. Mostly, I think half the time I didn't think I was capable enough.

I don't feel like I'm serving much of a purpose these days. Yeah, I'm teach life-saving skills, but I don't get breaks from it that often. And my job requires a lot of "upbeat" attitude. Hard to do that when I barely get to "step away" from it. When do I get a break? Memorial Day weekend, the day of July 4th, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving Day and then the week of/after Christmas.

If I want/need time off, I have to find someone to cover my shift.

Vacations really do not exsist for me. My last vacation was May 2009 and it was my parents graduation present to me. We went to Las Vegas, Arizona and Utah. Saw a lot of Mother Nature and I could actually hear myself think. I haven't been able to do that much recently. Lately, I've been forgetting what day it is and weekends don't exsist for me. By that I mean I could have sworn I just taught a group of students yesterday that I'll be teaching today --it's been a week.

Living paycheck to paycheck isn't fun but it's a paycheck, not unemployement. That puts a smile on my face!

Credit card debt, isn't a problem for me, but I rarely buy myself anything anyway. This is one big stressor that is not clinging on my back and thank goodness for that! I guess right there I have it easier than 99 percent of the people in my neighborhood.

I've become exhausted and I feel like I've lost my purpose but I still keep pushing on. Because that is what I have to do.

Forced progressions

The worst way to nuture an idea/feeling is to move unnaturally through a progression.

My favorite show, The OC, does this in Season 4 in such a way that made me want to puke --and it still does-- yet I was (and still am) so engulfed in this show that I felt like I was a part of the Cohen/Atwood clan.

Mind you, I haven't watched it in a while. I think I've gotten through only the first two discs this year.

The Cohen's are: Peter Gallagher (Sandy), Kelly Rowan (Kirsten) and Adam Brody (Seth).

The Atwood is: Ben McKenzie (Ryan).
Note: He's a teenager adopted into the Cohen family early in Season 1.

McKenzie's character falls in love, very quickly, and too quickly (in my opinion) with Autumn Reese's (Taylor Townsend) character. So quickly that it feels really, really off and the writers of the show, whether it's John Stephens, Mark Fish, J.J. Philbin or Leila Gerstein (these are just a few names from the episodes I'm specifically referring to) I haven't a clue. It doesn't help that in Season 4 there are only 16 episodes and not the normal 24.

Why did Season 4 get shafted? Because Mischa Barton (Marissa Cooper) made a decision --a personal decision on/off set-- during Season 3 that changed everything forever. It's no sercret that Atwood's and Cooper's characters hit it off right away in this show. Not to get too detailed here (trying to keep it PG-13!!) but you can literally feel the sexual tension between these two.

The writers of The OC made a dumb, dumb, dumb decision to force Atwoods character into something that wasn't natural. It didn't help that Townsend's character is highly annoying and extremely pushy to the point where you wanted to strangle the girl's character half the time, up until the point where her mom comes into the picture and then you get why she is the way she is.

Lessons I hope Josh Schwartz (the creator of The OC show) learned:
1. Never cut your budget and force dialogue that shouldn't be forced; your (biggest) fans will strongly dislike it forever and will think twice about getting too into another show because you might just ruin that one too! I'm talking about Gossip Girl --and I never watched an episode because it's supposedly just like The OC, except it takes place in New York where the attitudes are much different.
2. If a characters persona doesn't seem to naturally fit with anothers (or is forced to grow faster than what is unrealistic, even for a reality tv show), don't pair it with an idea that ruins the developement of a main characters prescence in the show. Even if the main character can pull it off, you can still feel how "awkward" it must be for the actor to "accept" what their character has to act out. I did!!
3. If one of your main characters makes a big decision like the one Mischa Barton did, make sure you give your audience (even the characters in the show!!) enough time to go through the denial/acceptance phases. Why?? If you give someone time to adjust to reality --even if it's NOT reality-- you'll eventually benefit from making a smooth (not quick and SUPER sudden) move.

Anywho.

Here's the deal, when you don't nurture something back to health the right way, everything becomes blurry. Discombobulated. Uneasy. Unsure. You lose direction. You can also lose the main reason it felt right in the first place. But if you do it the right way and take it easy and continue to grow within the idea again, carefully, beautiful things can happen.

I'm feeling this with my job search. I'm in the 'fuzzy' era-stage at this point. What does that mean? I feel like I'm grabbing for anything and I kind of am for a few different reasons, but mainly because I need a job where I can be sustainable and live a 'normal' life...whatever that is nowadays. Oh wait, I know.
I have time for myself, family, a relationship (if that ever becomes an option), my friends, I have weekends off to do fun things, and my evenings are mostly free. But I want to use my degree, if at all possible.

In The OC, Atwood and Townsend were "grabbing" for each other because I think their characters came from two completely different perspectives --one was in denial through-out most of Season 4 without even needing to say it (though I think his character does) and the other felt as if they found a light at the end of the tunnel so they sped up to it fast just to prove a point to someone they felt they were obligated to do so with-- and nobody really appreciated the dialogue or how any of it unfolded. Well, there was no reason to "appreciate" the "love" between the characters. I, as a viewer, was never given a reason to do so. I felt empathy for Townsend at one point, but not enough to change my mind.

I can tell you that I'm not looking for empathy because I'm lucky to have the job I have and I'm very thankful for it, but I'm still looking for that "real" job. I don't want to run to the light at the end of the tunnel and make the "wrong" decision though. But what if I do? Well, I guess I just have to have Faith and I gotta Believe.

I have a huge project on my plate right now that just might be the answer to all of my prayers, but I'm not talking about it just yet. The ingredients are still being added to the mixture and the oven is just pre-heating right now. It could be a while before I make any announcements.

My journey continues and I know I'm paddling up the same river millions of other American's are paddling up...I just plan on working my competitors to the core and I'm doing that in my own ways. Three words: Don't give up. A lot of people do and I'm not about ready to become one of those people. I have an amazing support system, so I guess technically, I have more people on my side than I even know and for that, I'm extremely thankful.

What I'm going through isn't a reality show, but it is reality and I'm not about to pull an executive decision like Josh Schwartz did.
- I'm not gonna cut my budget in ways I cannot afford to where there are better ways to slice the pie.
- I'm not going to make puzzle pieces fit if they don't.
- I have to accept what the reality is.

These are the only ways I can currently see myself nurturing my life back to a healthy state of mind, body and soul.

I'm a very determind woman though and I won't back down. But I also say that whatever happens, will happen. Just make sure you give it 100%.