Friday, May 28, 2010
Have a nice Memorial Weekend!
Some pictures of the puppies and of my pets coming soon, but in the meantime from cuteoverload.com...
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Guest Post by Alexis Montgomery: Tips for College Grads
Post-Grad Planning In Uncertain Times
College has been going great, but you feel like you’ve barely settled in before the threat of graduation reared its ugly head. You’re supposed to be excited about sloughing off the bonds of institutionalized living, but if you’re being honest, you’re just not sure you’re ready to be out in the big, bad world. You need to establish a plan for after you graduate, but all you’ve come up with so far is “get a job” and “find an apartment”, neither of which seems to be magically materializing for you. So how can you form a real plan to get you through the coming days of life in the real world?
Well, unfortunately, you do have to find a job, and fast. The first and most important part of being an adult is paying your way, and it’s pretty hard to do without some form of gainful employment. But if you’re one of the many students who find yourself facing graduation with nary a job offer in sight, don’t despair. The outlook is not as bleak as you might think. Although our country is facing a recession, making new jobs scarce and the market competitive, there are still jobs to be had, if you’re willing to compromise. Having trouble finding an editing position despite the fact that you won an award with your senior film project? Well, you can always do what so many in the entertainment industry have done before you and opt for a night job as a waiter or bartender. But you just got out of college, you need a serious job! What these jobs can offer you is neither prestige nor good pay, but rather, free time to find another job. Since many offer flexible schedules, it leaves you open to go to job interviews during the day (when most of the real world does business) or try your hand at freelancing. There is a wealth of contract work available for those with the drive to seek it out. You can also look into internships, which could lead to more lucrative employment. The point is, it’s better to have a job for now and keep looking for something better than to end up living in your parent’s basement. And never underestimate the possible benefits of staying in contact with colleagues and friends. This network can become your best resource for finding a job in the future.
Another thing you will have to plan for, once you’ve got a job, is your finances. Those student loans you took out will soon return to bite you, so start budgeting immediately for what is sure to take a rather large chunk of your paycheck each month. Some careful planning in this area could save you a lot of aggravation in the future. If you’re not sure where to start with planning a budget, ask your career counselor. They can direct you to a service on campus to help you out or recommend outside financial planning firms that cater to college students. There are many resources at your disposal, especially while you’re still on campus, so find them and use them to your advantage.
Alexis Montgomery is a content writer for Online Degrees, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Move: complete
I am basically all packed and have things put away because I cannot stand clutter and things out of place! Call me crazy...but I like being neat and organized. :)
That was a short update but maybe pictures to come next week...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Big Move: Tomorrow
Now, I feel confident in myself. I can live in a different place than my parents and flourish. I can cook my own food, do my dishes, clean up after myself, do my laundry, plan my days...all on my own. This is what learning to be more independent is. Feeling confident in your own abilities even when you make mistakes along the way. My parents are always commenting how they see a change in me: a new confidence, a new maturity, a new independence. So even as I move back right where I started...I know (and my family knows) that I can handle my life on my own. I won't go back with any regrets or sadness because I know I will be on my own again one day. Perhaps a few months when I graduate, perhaps a year...I don't know for sure, but I know it will happen. And that thought makes everything feel better.
So for now, I will handle my move with grace and look at the positives. I will be able to save money. I will be closer to the places I go most. I will be able to re-organize my room. I won't have to deal with any roommate frustrations (although there always are parent frustrations, but that's another entry :P). I can't think about freedom or privacy I may lose, I will work to make it work where I am at in my life. That's all anyone can really do.
Any last minute advice about moving back in with the parental unit?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Generation of Online
This post by Meg on Curls & Coffee really struck a chord with me. Please read it!
It talks about how with the start of social networking, texting, and all things online have become our only means of conversation. This is something I definitely struggle with. Isn't it easier to text someone all day than have a phone conversation? Isn't it easier to write out everything in a Facebook message than ask someone to meet for coffee? We're quickly becoming the generation that sits in our rooms by ourselves all day and talks to people only virtually.
I love Facebook and blogging and texting and social networking. I'm not sure I could ever give them up completely either. The thought of being somewhat addicted is a scary thought though. I never want to become someone who doesn't participate in the outside world or with real live people because I am too into the online world. I want to have that golden balance. Of keeping in touch with old friends online, but not letting it rule my life.
So as I challenge myself, I will challenge all of you. To spend some time calling a long-distance friend instead of texting all day. To spend less time on Facebook and more time with friends in person or being productive.
Now tell me, what do you think about social networking addiction?
Monday, May 17, 2010
How are you all doing today?
Today just a picture I find especially adorable. As always, found on f#$% yeah love.com. This one reminds me of my boy and I. I always look at him this way and he goes "Whatttt?" :]
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dreams
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Don't Hold Grudges
Monday, May 10, 2010
Scooby Dooby Doo, Where are You?
Friday, May 7, 2010
Complaining about Raining
I'll be the first to admit that I don't really like rain. Most people say they do and yes I can agree with liking the calming sounds and pretty pictures that can come from rain...but rain itself: yuck!
I hate being caught in the rain and feeling like I look like a wet dog all day.
I hate driving in it and being so nervous my brakes won't work and I'll get caught in a muddy, wet accident.
I have bad memories associated with bad thunderstorms.
When it is rainy and gloomy out, no matter how much sleep I got, I feel tired and blah.
Someone please try to change my mind about rain. :)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Free sponsorship!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
I love Taking Care of You..
But I wanted to say...after a day of driving around my boyfriend on various errands because he lost his car keys, I realized that when you do things like that and it doesn't bother you, you know you love someone. When you realize that you care more about their happiness than your own, you may be in love. When he is stressed, I can't help but do anything I can to make him feel better. It is almost like it becomes a mission. I want to make sure he's always happy because I love that smile so much. Part of this comes from my personality...I am definitely a care-taker. I love to make people happy and make sure everyone is doing okay, so obviously I would definitely be this way with my boy.
What do you think? What do you do when you love someone?
Monday, May 3, 2010
Kids Re-enacting Popular Shows
http://www.popeater.com/2010/
http://www.babelgum.com/