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".
Saturday, December 19, 2009
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.
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