Thursday, April 7, 2011

Time and Again

Time is flying by so fast that I can't even catch a glimpse of it.  By this time next week I'll already be back from my quick visit to Montana and maybe even will be getting news back from RF about the internship.  Probably not... but maybe.  I'm really, truly thankful for all the opportunities that God has been giving to me.  Time and again I catch myself thinking, "ahhh! But which one do I choose?!"  Rough life, right?  Except for I'm really indecisive. I ALWAYS have been.  My mom likes to share a story about me from when I was little.  Before the new school year started, I got to pick out ONE outfit.  My mom took me to the MOA to try to find one - and it took me two days. A total of 11 hours to find that one outfit because I just couldn't decide what I wanted. Now imagine my struggle with choosing what I want to do with my life after graduation (which is in 24 days).  It's been a little stressful.  Of course, I can't even devote full thought to that because I'm too worried about the big projects that always seem to be piled up at the end of the semester.  Luckily for me, one group presentation is scheduled for Tuesday (when I am in Montana) - so my group has to present without me.  The other one I have to present on Friday of next week.  But I guess after that one is done, things get a whole lot easier academically. 

Other than post-Concordia drama and projects, my life has been rather uneventful. I am just getting over a mega cold (today marks one week from when it started - usually I suffer for a week and a half or a full two weeks) so I'm pretty thankful it was kept short. Today also marks the first day that the city has measured above 50 degrees - awesome!  I didn't expect much when I woke up to clouds and rain hitting my window, but it shaped up nicely and really brightened my day on my walk to class.  I even wanted to go out and get some exercise but the friend who I know would be up for going with me is at work. So, back to homework it is.  Next time, I'm going to try to do a vlog - I wanted to this time but my stupid video won't even come up for some reason.

Stay crazy, lovelies.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Belated Resolutions

I'm not really the kind of person who makes New Year's resolutions.  It's a fad and if I don't truly want to make the resolution and am just doing it because I'm supposed to find something to do... it'll never last.  But there ARE a few things I have been wanting to do lately - and now that I am choosing them because I want to, maybe they will stick.

My first resolution/goal is to make as many people smile each day as I can.  I hate seeing people upset - I'm too empathetic and it kills me when those I love (or even those I'm fond of on a lesser level) are not doing well. I've been going out of my way to do things to try to make everyone show those pearly whites.  I've held doors, cracked jokes, listened, and made a fool of myself.  I even went so far as to share a little secret with my PR class. 

What? Now YOU want to know the secret?  Well, okay. First, the background: as an assignment, we were divided into groups and given different organizations that were experiencing a crisis and we had to represent them in a mock press conference with a hostile audience. (Isn't it said that public speaking is the #1 fear?  Add simply speaking in front of people to having to answer difficult questions termed in ways that make you look bad.)  Sweating yet?  Our professor knew that perspiration would be a bit of an issue and told us not to wear light colored clothing that would show pit stains easily.  Well, guess what?  I only have a light blue or light pink dress shirt... and I'm a broke college student.  Never fear, though. I am a woman and will use anything at hand to solve a problem.  My lifesaver this time? Panty liners.  You betcha - these puppies can just be stuck on the armpit section of your shirt (I used a couple on each side).  My professor was horrified to see me show up in the shirt I did and then mystified as to how I managed to avoid pit stains.  She loved the idea of the panty liners so much that she wanted me to share it with the class. Who am I to refuse?!  Boom. 20+ smiles.

My second resolution/goal is to try to take better care of my body.  Please take note: the goal isn't necessarily to lose weight.  That's not a major concern of mine.  God gave me this body.  It's my temple.  Therefore, I should learn to love it and treat it in a way that reflects that love.  My two new purchases? Celery and grapes.  I also had my first day of swimming laps today.  I try to get a friend to go with me, because the thought of going alone makes me want to stay snuggled up in bed all. day. long.

Finally, I am hoping to reduce the amount of time I spend on Facebook.  It seems like I am on there ALL THE TIME.  Maybe because I am.  In my defense,  I am usually just logged in while doing other stuff - writing a paper, typing out my answers for advertising homework... searching YouTube, catching up on Twitter job postings, etc. But I still get distracted every once in a while when I see a new notification.  If you see me on Facebook (mom, I guess this is for you since you are still my sole follower at the moment), you have full permission to kick me off.

Jumping back to resolution #2 - taking care of my body.  One thing that's good for it? SLEEP. So to my bed.

Good night and good luck. (Kudos if you know whose tagline that is)

BE

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Decisions, Decisions

In the words of Elvis, I'm all shook up.  And not even in the good way.

Today I got great news. Fantastic news, even.  I have officially been accepted into the University of Montana-Missoula's Communication Studies program and offered a position as a TA.  So why aren't I ecstatic?  For once, I don't know if my heart is set on graduate school.  Yes, it's a great opportunity - which makes me think I shouldn't pass it up.  But it's far away from friends and family and it means two more years of grueling schoolwork with an additional 20 hours of teaching on top.

Making the decision even harder is the fact that I found a company that I think I would love.  I'm in the process of applying for a position... and who knows if I will get it or not.  I feel like I would fit in well there.  The two downfalls that I foresee are that, once again, it's far from home (it's in Chicago) and they expect employees to work 50-60 hours a week.  Can I do that?  I think it would be a great learning experience if nothing else.

These were the two things I sort of had it narrowed down to... until I got a call from the 'rents. Neither seemed too excited about me leaving the TC area and although they meant well and everything they said had a good point, I felt like during the conversation it was just one critique after the next about the two opportunities.  So now I feel like I'm back at square one - no idea what to do.  I wish I could rewind to my semester in Spain.  Things were so much easier at that point. 

I guess I shouldn't spend too much time pouring my little heart out on here when I should be looking for jobs after school or doing homework. 

Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu, Ciao

Monday, February 21, 2011

Just a Minnesotan Girl

Hello, world!

Although I'm not completely new to blogging, this is my FIRST EVER personal blog!  I bet you are excited now, huh?  Let's take a few minutes to learn a little more about me. Ready? Go!

My name's Beth and I'm from the great state of Minnesota.  Wait... did I really just say that?  The great state of Minnesota? Why is it so great? I am sitting at home because good old mother nature decided to dump over a foot of snow on us and the plow blocked my driveway.  So maybe it isn't so great everyday, but a quick google image search will show you some of the reasons I love this place.

Here are a few glimpses of what the year brings!

Photo credit: burisonthecouch.wordpress.com

Here is a great picture of the colors and beauty that Fall brings in MN!  A serene moment captured on Lake Minnetonka.  This picture is credited to Sky.fm's member, LaBonBon.


Again - a breath-taking landscape shot!  Northern Minnesota is a a popular place to escape to for all sorts of winter sports.  Hit the slopes in Lutsen, go ice fishing on one of MN's 10,000 lakes, or hibernate in your cabin with the fireplace ablaze, a good book, and a hot cup of cocoa.  Sounds nice, doesn't it?  (Photo credit: northlandsnewscenter.com)





Northern Minnesota brings yet another surprise to non-residents.  Since when does MN have visions like this?! Mounds of winter snow melting brings bright green vegetation and helps this little waterfall stun its visitors. (Photo credit: cutcaster.com)

And finally, for those of you who thought Minnesota never saw the sun.... welcome to summer.




This was me working for the Chevy Riders last summer at the Cokato Corn Festival.  SCORCHING HEAT.  I was surprised I looked as good as I did since I felt like my face was melting off.  Usually, though, summers have great temperatures averaging in the mid 70s-mid 80s.  Okay, but enough of my face... let's go back to MN landscape.



So, I think you get the picture (ha, a pun!) that MN is beautiful -- which has a lot to do with the lakes.  But overall, I do feel like it is a great state.  And if you aren't into the laid back feel, just visit the Twin Cities and you are sure to find other things to keep
 you busy.  But don't take my word for it.

 


Alright. We get that I am a proud Minnesotan and that I love it here (for the most part).  But the other thing to know about me is my love of traveling.  So far I've been to El Salvador, Ecuador, and Spain.  I hopped over to England, Rome, and France for a few days, too, but it just wasn't enough!  Now I'm dealing with the travel bug and trying to figure out how to travel on a students budget... or lack there of.  My other passion in life is PEOPLE. I love meeting new people, making connections, and discovering different cultures.

I'm going to leave it at that for today... what's life without a little bit of mystery?

Ciao!