Little More on the Life Update

Got a couple of minutes to kill before heading to Bible Study. Which I don't think I've mentioned before. I joined a Bible Study run by Janette Green. The doctor at Houseboat camp and an AMAZING Christian woman. It is an all girl (or should I say woman?) Bible study that meets on Monday nights. Frank (FRANK - really loud and with a French accent) Janette's hubby makes us dinner and then we do our Bible Study. Right now we are studying prophecies, which isn't something I've ever spent much time on. So I'm learning a ton.

Today was also my first real day being unemployed. I didn't get much done though. I got up, started picking up the house because the cleaning people are coming tomorrow and our place is trashed (I did everything except my room - that is for after Bible Study), did a months worth of laundry, worked out, help my aunt load up her Hummer with all the stuff that didn't sell at the garage sale, did some research for my new part-time job (remind me to blog about that more), and applied for a couple of jobs from Craigslist. Hopefully, something will pan out.

That is basically my life. Oh, and the Red Sox lost last night. Let's not talk about it.

Life Update

It has been a couple days since I blogged. So I thought I would catch people up on my life. Here it goes:

1. I'm currently watching the Red Sox game - GO SOX! For those of you who have been gone somewhere. The series is tied 3-3, which means this is the final game. I'm hopeful that the Sox will win.
2. The garage sale went well this weekend. No rain, which was awesome. Sold a lot of stuff. Especially to this lady who came three different times! She was addicted I swear. I haven't done a garage sale since I was little (by that I mean my parents did the annual block one and I hung out until I got bored and went to play with the neighborhood kids). So it was interesting to experience this one. Between the people who drive by really slowly to see what I'm selling before they get out of their car, to the people who have to touch everything, to the people who have to get a deal. My aunt is coming to get the rest of the stuff tomorrow so it will be out of our house finally. (My mom can't wait!) I'm sure most of it will end up at Goodwill.
   
3. Friday was my last day a THPRD. It was an interesting week but not too painful. My supervisor even invited me out to lunch next Thursday. That should be interesting. I really hope they make changes there but for the most part I am extremely happy with my time there. It was just time for me to grow up and start acting like a real adult.
4. Speaking of acting like an adult. Diane Sexton, a girl in my Monday night Bible study invited me to a fundraiser for Pure Life Alliance at the MAC club on Saturday night. It was formal, so I got to play dress up. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot about sexual sin and how it affects not just one person, but their loved ones, families and friends. Did you know?

• The U.S. Customs Service estimates that there are more than 100,000 websites offering child pornography (which are illegal) worldwide.
  Red Herring Magazine, 1/18/02

• Hollywood currently releases 11,000 adult movies per year – more than 20 times the mainstream movie production.
  LA Times Magazine, 2002.

• 39 million homes receive the adult channels in scrambled form, while the number of children with potential exposure to such images is about 29 million
  Morality Continues to Decay. Barna Research Group, November 3, 2003.

• One in 4 American adults surveyed in 2002 admitted to seeing an x-rated movie in the last year.
  National Opinion Research Letter

• 55%: Percentage of Porn movie rentals vs. non-porn movies in hotels in 2005.
  AVN News, State of the Adult Industry

• The average time a porn movie is watched in a hotel room is 12 minutes.
  Time.com, 3-29-05

There are a bunch more statics like this at the Blazing Grace website.

What have you been up too?

What Matters?

Check out this website What Matters. Which discusses what matters most to our Earth right now. There are some amazing photographs! EVEN A FREE E-VERSION OF THE BOOK!

They also have a blog and a book for sale.

Also, check out the CNN article about children who work in Bangladesh recycling batteries.

What issues matter most to you?

Advent Conspiracy Promo Video

Just trying to spread the word on this issue. Pretty cool stuff! Care to join? Share your thoughts?

Garage Sale - THIS WEEKEND!

In an attempt to liquidate more of my aunt's boutique shop. I'm having a garage sale at my house this weekend.

Where: 16232 NW Joscelyn St. in Beaverton!
When: This Friday, 10/17 from 9AM-3PM & Saturday 10/18 from 9AM-3PM.

ALL BRAND NEW ITEMS! ALL MUST GO!

Items for sale include, tons of clothes, belts, bags. Children's toys. Large furniture items, wine rack, mirrors, etc.

Hope to see you there! Even if you don't need anything, stop by and visit me!

Silk Pajamas

While organizing my aunt's boutique shop I came across two boxes, roughly 50 pairs of silk pajamas. All woman's styles in various sizes and colors. Any suggestions on how I can sell them or donate them? Let me know. Thanks!

Two Week Notice

It's been awhile since I wrote about my life career wise. Here is a little update.

Today I turned in my two week notice at T.H.P.R.D. Where I have been lifeguarding on and off for the past six years. It is time I grow up and find a real job that utilizes my degree. Lifeguarding is a great job when your in high school or college but not after graduating. While I believe working there has given me great opportunities and a chance to grow up and practice my leadership skills. It was time for me to leave. For the last couple of months I've felt unappreciated and taken advantage of. If you want details call me and I'll let you know.

I've never turned in a two week notice before. Has anyone ever turned in a two week notice before? If so, how did it go?

As for now, I'm trusting God has bigger and better plans for me. Counting my blessing for my family and thus lack of major expenses.

So I'm back on the market. If anyone knows of any marketing, management or non-profit jobs that are available. Please let me know. Thanks!

AIDtoCHILDREN

One of my readers told me about an organization called AIDtoCHILDREN which has visitors answer vocabulary questions. For every right answer, AIDtoCHILDREN donates .25 cents to World Vision. I think this would be fun for an entire classroom to do.

Joys in Being Sick

Odd title I know. But for the past couple of days I've been fighting this sick/cold/flu thing. Basically my throat feels like there is a sand-papered covered grapefruit stuck in there. So if I talk for very long I loose my voice. My ears feel plugged up and I'm feeling overall sluggish. But in being sick I've realized two awesome things:

1. I'm thankful that I know sign language so I can still "sing"/worship at church yesterday morning!
2. I'm thankful that I love social media and can still keep in contact with "the outside world" while being stuck at home, through email, checking blogs, and facebook!

I also like that I can take cough medicine and sleep for 6 hours during the day and still get 9 hours of sleep at night!

Transitions Cambodia

In my previous post I asked people what they were doing to make a change in this world right now. And my good friend, Melinda Groth, wrote about how she supports an organization called Transitions Cambodia, which mission is to "empowering victims of sexual trafficking with the opportunity and processes to heal from the past, focus on the present, and pursue the future." They are working to accomplish this mission by using Transitional Homes. Each home is run by four full time staff members and 10-15 clients, helping the clients gain independence and learn adult living skills. Some of the benefits of this style of transitional home care, include: lower operating cost than institutional after care, low cost of housing, high staff:client ratio, increased focus on individual client needs, limited security risks, improved independence in clients, better social models for adult living, and relatively short program time (average lenght of stay one year with two years of follow up).

I really believe transitional housing is a great way to teach better living skills. Last summer I worked at Orphans Overseas' Community House, a transitional home for teen mothers. And I saw first hand how those girls were learning better life skills, from money management, self-esteem issues, and better parenting skills while living together with help from each other and the staff.

Oh, by the way, you can check out Transitions Global's Blog here!

Women of Vision for World Vision

This morning I attended Women of Vision 2008 Fall Kick-Off Event for World Vision at Sunset Presbyterian Church. I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into. I was attracted to an announcement in last Sunday's church bulletin. I'm passionate about non-profits and thought it would be fun to check it out. I also heard that some girls from my Bible Study were going so I was sold.

The first thing that caught my eye at the event was at each table setting there was a business card sized piece of paper that on the front said "Pray - Pray for at-risk youth." And on the other side it said:

"It is estimated that 2 million children, mostly girls, are enslaved in the global sex trade. These girls - and sometimes boys - may be required to service 15 to 20 customers per day."

That is up to 100 "customers" a week! That is outrageous!

I was glad to find out that World Vision has developed a targeted media campaign to deter would-be sex tourist in Cambodia, Coast Rica, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States.

This sign says "I'm not a tourist attraction. It's a crime to make me one."

There was a really great guest speaker, named Rory Anderson, who is the Deputy Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at World Vision and works in Washington, D.C. lobby for human rights. She spoke about why it is important to advocate. One of the reasons, is because it is important to God.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." - Proverbs 31:8-9

The second reason, is because it is part of World Vision actual vision (duh!) to "Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness. Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so." Anderson also talked about the two types of change, the change of our own will, and the change of other's will. This is done through advocacy. She pointed out three ways to change policies, money, media, and masses. And the worse thing is to do nothing!

The thing that I liked most about her talk was how she encouraged everyone there to become an advocate and write letters, emails, and make phone calls to their congressmen and women. How those letters, emails and messages will help educate them on issues they might not be aware of. This is something I definitely plan on doing on Monday and I encourage you to do that same. For more information/sample writing go here.

The really cool thing about the event was "A Citizen's Guide to Advocacy" notebook given to everyone who attended. In the book it outlines ways to get involved and advocate. One of the ways to get involved was "Online Social Networking," a personal passion of mine (if you haven't noticed yet). Encouraging people to use their bloggers, MySpace, and Facebook pages to inform friends and invite them to get involved with advocating as well.

Both my mom and I signed up to be Women of Vision partners in making a change in the world.

What are you doing to make a more positive change in this world?

Consignment Adventures

This morning, my friend Katie and I hit up Buffalo Exchange and Red Light Clothing Exchange. In hopes of getting rid of some of my aunt's clothing. We did have some success:

1. Sold some clothes.
2. Katie found a really cute purse for his sister's upcoming bday.

We also hit up some children consignment stores and failed miserably. One of the stores only offered in store credit and the other one did not offer consignment Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Oh well!

Still have lots of stuff to get rid of. Let me know if you have any suggestions!!

Bentley College is Now...

"The Bentley Board of Trustees announced today that the college has received approval from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (MBHE) to change its designation and name to become Bentley University, effective October 2, 2008."

Do you know what that means? The 2008 graduates (aka 800+ of my friends and I) were the last class to graduate from Bentley College! Fun thing to ponder today. Had to update my resume though. So my resume will say I graduated from "Bentley University" however, my diploma says I graduated from "Bentley College." Maybe I'll have to explain myself...or maybe no one will notice.

Just wanted to post a fun college graduation picture. Here I am with my younger (but taller) brother, Kirk!

Green Ink Goes Pink for Breast Cancer

My family friend, Tara Green is the owner of a really cool custom announcements, invitation, and stationary company called Green Ink.

During the month of October Green Ink will be donating 25% of all sales to help advance breast cancer education and research. There are breast cancer cards for sale for only $16 for a box set of 20 cards. There is also a Holiday section so you can start picking out your 2008 Christmas cards!

Not only that, but Green Ink is also sponsoring Rachel Allen from San Diego, a 3 Day Walker, on the 3 day, 60 mile walk on November 21, 2008. So you an pay it forward without purchasing anything by visiting www.the3day.org and search for Rachel Allen. Help her reach her goal of $2,200.

Check Tara's store out and shop for a good cause.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

There will be an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in the US in 2008 (and about 1,990 new cases in men). What can you do to help? Shop! Buy everyday items that support breast cancer research. Here are some suggestions from City of Hope:

• Office products from Newell Rubbermaid's "Pink @ Work"
• Avery pink and white binders with breast cancer awareness messaging
• MVW's Mead, At-A-Glance, Cambridge, Day Runner calendars and journals
• Innovera's white and pink Swarovski crystal-encrusted computer mouse
• Samsill binders with pink ribbon decor and breast cancer awareness messaging
• OfficeMax's in-store display featuring specially market leading office products
• Designer apparel line Lyric Culture's "I Will Survive" pink T-shirt and tank top
• Sutter Home's White Zinfandel "Capsules for Hope" program
• Brita's special pink ribbon-themed water pitcher
• Living Spaces Furniture "Sleep for the Cure" mattress set promotion

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Cleaning Up Shop

I'm helping my aunt liquidate her boutique shop. And thus have a ton of stuff I need to get rid of. Everything is brand new and never been used. If you are interested, know someone who is interested or have any suggestions on how I can sell this stuff.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW!
Thank you!Various women's leather jackets in all sizes and colors.


More leather jackets and leather belts (also in various sizes and colors and designs)
Kimono-inspired men's and women's tops.
Kid's kimonos and other clothing.
Two Large 100% Silk Bathrobes.More Leather Belts.Marble vases, incense burners, eyeglass holders, boxes, and candle holders.

Paul Gillin's The New Influencers

Okay, okay, I was supposed to read this book for class last spring. But I didn't. Instead I read it this summer - see I'm a nerd.

In The New Influencers, Paul Gillin teaches companies both big and small about social media (more importantly how to blog). More importantly he talks about the importance of getting "new influencers" people who are leading bloggers in your industry, involved with your businesses social media projects. For example, spending a couple weeks researching who these new influencers are, contacting them letting them know who you are, what you are doing, and ask them if they want to be involved. Sending them products, giving them interviews, etc.

I thought the book was a really easy read. I loved the real life examples Gillin highlights. The most benefial part of the book was the chapter eight which was on podcasts (something I'm interested in getting involved in) and chapter nine which was about practical (and cheap) tools that everyday people can use to enhance their blogs.

The only part of the book that I didn't like was "Many A-list bloggers I talked to for this book said they haven't taken a real vacation in years because they're concerned about their popularity ranking." As someone who wants to make their living off social media, this is a little discouraging. Don't get me wrong, I love working hard...so I can play hard as well. Not people able to take vacations is dissapointing. Hopefully, I won't get too caught up in the blogosphere where I'm addicted to it, like some people are to video games. I want to enjoy my time here on Earth, experiencing it. I think people need to work on finding more balance between work and play and the digital world and the real one.

Auburn: First Impressions

BK is at work. So I went on my own little adventure around "main street" which is actually called College Street (I think). Here are my first impressions of Auburn:

• Stores still use styrofoam (cups and egg crates) - not a very environmentally friendly place
• Boys ride motorcycles in flip flops - boys who ride motorcycles = hot, wearing flip flops = not
  
• Boys have "the swoop" hair cut - pretty much the hair cut my little brother had when he was in elementary school...
• One could easily furnish your entire apartment/house/car/clothes with orange and navy blue
• People are really friendly in the stores
• Everyone here drinks Budweiser
• BK (and the rest of the population here) wears boat shoes (reminds me of CT)
• Power walking seems to be a serious sport here - yet no Nike gear...

More to come later.

Alabama

I just wanted to let you all (ya'll) know that I'm leaving Thursday to fly down to Alabama to visit my best friend, Beckie Kruse (BK!). Some of the high lights of my trip will include:

• Seeing BK
• Seeing Madelyn Kimbrough - a girl who I went to Honduras with my senior year and is now engaged!
• Going to the Auburn vs. LSU football game - my first Div. I football game EVER!
• Checking out BK's new school, work, and hom
• Tagging along to BK's classes with her

I'll be back next Tuesday and will try to stay in OR for longer than 2.5 weeks before leaving to go somewhere else!

Has anyone been to Alabama? If so, what should I expect? Any suggestions of places to check out?

Heaven

When I was younger I had two expectations of Heaven.

1. My cousin, April, who has cerebral paslsey, will be able to see me (she is blind). Know who I am (she is severely mentaly hadicaped). Be able to go for a walk with me (she is in a wheelchair) and be be able to tell me about her life and hold a conversation with me (she is completely mute).
   
2. In an extremely childish way. I hope that in Heaven I will be able to breath, see clearly, and be able to withstand pressure of swimming underwater. Just cause I love swimming but hate being bound by the body and our land loving ways.

But after reading 50 Days of Heaven by Randy Alcorn. My thoughts of Heaven have definitely changed. There is more to look forward too and more to prepare for. Using my talents to refine skills God gave me to do more good in this world so I will be better prepared for Heaven. Just having a better understanding of the logistics of Heaven is interesting too. You dye, go to like an interim Heaven, then go to New Earth, which is what we really expect Heaven to be like. We will have jobs and something I found extremely comforting was knowing that there is no reason why pets wouldn't be there either. So Dainty, my collection of fish throught the years (maybe I'll get to go swimming with them in my perfect body), and guinuea pigs will all be there too. We will have even more meaningful relationships then we could ever imagine, not just with God, but with our friends and family as well. How cool would it be to sit down and talk to my great-great grandmother about what life was like for her in Sweden when she was 22? There are endless possibilities and an infinite amount of time to explore them all. Reading this book also helped me realize that thinking about Heaven isn't as morbid as I thought it was. When you think about it, I will be spending more time there then I do on any trips or vacations, so why shouldn't I spend more time planning/researching that destinate then I do for my shorter trips?

Anyways, what are your thoughts on Heaven? What do you think it will be like? Include the childlike ones too!

Did You Know 2.0

Mind Blowing Video about Technology Today!

Dainty is 10

I got Dainty when I was 12 (7th grade). I had always wanted a dog, but my family's lifestyle - the constant travel - wouldn't allow it. When I was 11, I found a loop hole. If I raised a Guide Dog for the Blind, I would get a puppy for a year (that isn't that long when you compare it to the life of a dog) and it would be able to travel with us. I talked it over with my family and started attending Guide Dog meetings. Soon after my 12th birthday, I got Dainty. A white Labrador. She taught me a lot about life and responsibility. Apparently I told my mom "When I get to high school and they make us take care of a sack of flour like a baby, I'm going to tell them 'no way, I have a puppy."

I kept Dainty for a year, fully expecting to give her up and never see her again. After that year, we dropped Dainty off for training. A couple months later we got word that she had failed (few dogs actually make it through) and that she was going to be placed for adoption. Host families (those that raise the dogs) get first choice when it comes to adoption. However, I knew my family would never be able to adopt her. A couple of weeks later. I came home from school and there she was, sitting at my front door! My parents had decided to adopt her and surprise my brother and I.

That was 9 years ago. Since then I've graduated from high school AND graduated from college. If she were my actual child, she would be entering the 2nd grade. And I would be complaining of having a daughter who was in the "double digits." It has been 7 years since 9/11. Dainty shares her birthday with the this national memorial day. While I've grown older, she has too. In dog years she is 70. She has gotten a little "lumpy" from fat tumors and I know her life expectancy is only about 13 years.

Knowing all that. She is still a great dog. She is super well behaved. She can still run like a puppy (although she needs some coasting to get going). She still greets me every morning by my door, and sticks her head out the window when I leave. In her old age, she makes a great pillow when watching movies. And is still a great cuddler, no matter how much she sheds she still will always have space in my bed.

I've had other pets, fishes, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc. But Dainty has never been a pet, just another member of the family. Today, she got a bone and a play date/birthday party at the Hondo Dog Park. Pretty awesome birthday for a dog. And I can't wait to celebrate her golden birthday next year!

What was/is your favorite pet?

Awesome Weekend

This weekend was an awesome weekend! One for the books. Here is what I did:

Friday: I worked at THPRD for my supervisor who wasn't feeling well from 1:30-8:30PM. Kind of a long shift but the pool was in a weird limbo week so there wasn't a lot of actual people in the pool so we had a lot of free time. After work I met up with a friend Paige, who started her student-teacher job at Jesuit high school. It was so good to hang out with her, hear about her new job and tell her about China.

Saturday: I worked from 11:30AM - 8:30PM - for my supervisor who is getting married next weekend and had a lot of planning to do. After work, I met up with an old friend Katie, and checked out Hopworks Urban Brewery in Portland. Their beer is amazing! The food is so-so. But the atmosphere is what sold me. All organic food and sustainable products. In the woman's bathroom had writing all over the wall and I couldn't figure out what it said. When I turned around to look in the mirror, written behind me was the words "you are beautiful". Seriously the best idea ever! Being with Katie was great, we go back to 3rd grade soccer and she is by far the funniest person I have ever known. I woke up Sunday morning and my face hurt. I was laughing that much. We were so the annoying loud laughing chicks at the bar and we were totally okay with that.

Sunday: I worked AGAIN from 9:30AM - 8:30PM. And then met up with Evan, another old school friend. I've actually known him since 5th grade, we go to the same church and found out my senior year of high school he had a crush on me when we were in 5th grade. He was super mean to me back then. I guess that saying is true about little boys showing their "love" through being mean. We checked out Lucky Labrador in downtown Portland by OMSI. I loved the atmosphere while we were there, it was all penned in and there were dogs all over the place. But their beer tasted funny. I had a serious stomach ache by the time I got home.

Overall, awesome weekend. Made some money, hung out with amazing friends, checked out a two new breweries. Couldn't have been better.

What is your ideal weekend?

Marketing to the Social Web

While flying to and from China (and Thailand) I finally got the chance to read "Marketing to the Social Web: How Digital Customer Communities Build your Business" by Larry Weber. I came across the book, when Mike Proulx, Vice President of Social Media at Digital Influence Group brought in free copies of his boss' book for my entire Marketing and New Social Media Class at Bentley last May. My friend, Keith Mantia, wrote this summary of the book.

In general I was completely impressed by the book. But then I don't think I am Weber's target market for the book. The book seemed to be aimed at "old school" marketers who were trying to figure out what exactly what social media marketing is and how they can use it to be a more sucessful business. Gives general terms and how to get started pointers. Where I feel I am more of a "new school" marketer, being a recent college graduate and all and already use social media marketing on a daily basis. Before I even knew this is what I want to do with my life career wise. Pretty basic, common sense social media marketing. So my advice, if you are involved in the marketing world and have no idea what social media marketing is, get this book. It will help clue you in. If you already know what social media marketing is and have already "joined in" with the conversations happening, skip this book. Although this might be a good idea for your boss to read to help them realize when it comes to social media marketing "you're no longer in control anymore," and help them get over it.

There was a couple of things I found benefitial. One was the "A Case in Point" section, which talked about e-newsletters. Since my mom working at a wellness center she writes their monthly e-newsletters, so it was helpful to have some good tips to give her. Including:

1. Encourage visitors to your homepage to click the "Read the Latest Newsletter" or the "Read Our Tip of the Week" button.
2. Include a Tip of the Week page.
3. Archieve everything and provide an "Archives" link with the current newsletter.
4. If you have a testimonial or two about your newsletter, include it near your current newsletter, too.
5. Add a link to a Privacy Policy page so visitors can quickly and easily check your policy.
6. Add your signup form, a short newsletter description, and a link to the current newsletter on other subpages.

Since I run the wellness clinics blog which is currently lacking in reader engagement Weber's book had some general questions to ask readers to start an engagement, which I found helpful too.

One thing I found interesting was Weber's reasoning for why social networks are so successful is because "many people recognize a human need for such connections and are trying to find them as best they can." Such connections that have been lost through television, two-career families, suburban sprawl, and generational changes in values. I kind of agree with him. Anybody else have any thoughts on this?

The only thing I think Weber really got right (and I wish he would have expanded on this more) is: "To influence these communities, I believe, companies should do something for the social good...Even better, be sure that you and others in your organization get personally involved by volunteering your time and talents to whatever it is that will make you and your community prouder, stronger, healthier, happier."

Thoughts on Thailand

Aside from Hurricane Gustav and the Republican National Convention, if anyone pays attention to global news they will have some idea of what is happening in Thailand right now. There is currently a state of emergency as anti-government protesters are taking over the city asking the Prime Minster to step down due to corruption and with various labor unions weighing in the country looks like it will be stuck for awhile.

I woke up this morning and got an email from my dad saying "It looks like we got out in time" with a new attachment from an English Chinese newspaper stating the Chinese government was cautioning Chinese travel to Thailand.

On our way back to Shanghai we spent the night in Bangkok and security there was warning tourists not to leave the premises due to the first day of peaceful demonstrations happening. My family and I literally made it out of the country by the skin of our teeth. Those peaceful demonstrations over the course of a week have quickly escalated into fights, bloodshed and death.

I'm not here to post my views on the Thailand government but I do want to share with you two awesome programs that I have found while in Thailand. Since I have a passion for all things that make a positive impact in the world. I though some other people might enjoy them too:

1. Cabbages & Condoms - is a hip and trendy restaurant that I went to when I was 14 during my first trip to Thailand. It offers traditional Thai food with a twist employees also promote the health and safety aspects of condom use in a fun and amusing way. Also, all proceeds from the restaurant are used to fund the social development programs of Thailand's Population and Community Development Association. I got a really big kick out of the condom flower bouquets.
2. Doi Tong and the Mea Fah Luang Foundation - started in hopes of creating a better life for "The Hill People of Thailand" this foundation brings government support, education, and microfinancing to the area in hopes of building a stronger foundation for the community. The United Nations recently awarded this foundation an excellance award in the fight against drugs. Since Thailand's Hills are known place for drug and human trafficing. I came across this foundation while killing time in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. A store was selling products made by the Doi Tong Foundation.

Pretty cool stuff. If anyone knows of any cool foundations that are raising funds through non-traditional means. Let me know. Or blog about them yourself!

First Day of School

Here I am at my first day of Kindergarten at Oak Hills Elementary School. I'm 5 years old and in a dress. Crazy! Today is Bentley College's first day of classes. It is weird to think that for the first time since I was 5 I won't be going to school. I'm excited by the fact that I won't have finals any more. But in the real world I know I will still have papers, projects, and various group work. So not much will really change. Just the fact that I will get paid to work, rather than paying for school and I won't be living with all my best friends on a campus.

Thoughts on China

I'm still a bit jet lagged but I think I can get my thoughts organized enough to share some of my experiences while in China and Thailand.

• It was really good to see my dad. His apartment is really cool but doesn't look "lived-in" - we need to work on that. But I've also realized that I will probably get to see him more now that I'm not going to school in Boston. For example, he is coming back for meetings in October and I would totally miss out on hanging out with him if I was still in college.
• The ultimate highlight of my trip was getting to ride an elephant. Not just sit on the little thing on the top of it's back but actually sit on its neck and "drive" her.
• We also got to go snorkeling on this really awesome island called Koh Tao (Turtle Island) - it was literally a postcard.
• I don't think I've laughed so hard with my family. Mostly at the expense of my mom and I. But I am so blessed to have a funny family. For example, my dad was frustrated at the long line in customs in Shanghai when returning from Thailand. To fix this problem my brother, Kirk, placed his hand on my dad's stomach (he keeps talking about he is loosing weight) and said "seven months now?" And we all started cracking up. Or when we were sitting in our car waiting for dad and dad's driver, Feng, was getting in a fight with a traffic cop and Kirk and I started doing "voice over's" of their conversation.

I'm Back

Back from China. I had a great time. But for now I'm a bit jet-lagged and organizing my life. More updates to come.

10 Things I'm Not Afraid To Admit

I'm stuck in SFO International Airport and I thought I would copy Crystal's blog idea and post 10 Things I'm Not Afraid To Admit:

1. I still sleep with a teddy bear. His name is Teddy Betty. I got him when I was 4 months old. And he has no face.
2. I have to have my toenails painted. This is due to a tattoo on my left foot and a funny "shrek" toe on my right foot.
3. I believe in God.
4. I know I should do more of my own share to take better care of this planet. Stop using recycled bags and bringing coffee in my own coffee cup to work, for example.
5. I love going to local breweries and trying new and different beers and learning about the process. I also collect pint glasses from breweries. I have over 30 thus far.
   
6. I love my family unconditionally. However, I think they are all nuts.
7. I really enjoy q-tipping my ears. I love the feeling. I have no idea why though.
8. I love popping zits and peeling off dead skin. Especially on other people. My mom says I should have become a dermatologist instead of doing marketing.
9. I think it would be cool to get a license to carry a concealed weapon. I would never want to carry a weapon or feel like I have too. I just think it would be crazy to know I could if I wanted too. It should also be noted that guns scare me.
10. I really hope my children are all taller than me.

What are you Not Afraid To Admit?

The Girl Effect

Awesome video! This is what drives me!

Tickets are In

The plane tickets are in!

I will officially be in China, Saturday, August 16th through Friday, August 29th.

Still trying to figure out Thailand.

SO PUMPED TO SEE MY DAD IN 4 DAYS!

Question of the Day

I feel like I should ask more questions on my blog. In an attempt to find out if people actually read it and to get to know them more. So question of the day is:

"If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?"

Okay Okay

So if you hadn't noticed, I've been kind of sick/stress/anxious/miserable/negative lately. Kind of out of character for me. So I decided this morning. After getting woken up too early, that I need an attitude adjustment. I need to refocus and be more positive.

So I'm trying (failing in my imperfect human ways) but trying.

And God is still blessing me and Satan is testing me at the same time.

WHO WOULDN'T KILL FOR A CHANCE TO GO TO CHINA? More importantly, who wouldn't be totally stoked to have two whole weeks to hang out with their dad in China and Thailand (did I mention Thailand yet?)

All I have to do is survive this week and I'm golden.

Pos: Get to go to China.
Neg: Have to get a ton of last minute subs at the pool.
Pos: I was scared I was going to have to quit my job to be able to go to China, but was totally shocked at how awesome my boss was in helping me get subs. That is done with! (Not to mention she gave me a ton of Lead Guard Hours since another HG is having surgery so I'm going to break even after going to China for a week!)
Neg: I have to refill a prescription.
Pos: Call it in!
Neg: Apparently the drugs I have been taking are "black boxed" which means they could kill me. Now I have to fix a doctors visit in before Saturday - found a spot.
Pos: Figuring this out before my health benefits run out.
Neg: Need to get a hair cut.
Pos: My friend suggested this really awesome place. I got in. And they do eyebrows - two birds one stone.

China - Plan Break Down

Original Plan:
Dad, Kirk and I - Shanghai, Beijing (for the Olympics), Xi'an, Bali (for a week - Dad's vacation)

Plan 2:
Mom is coming too.

Plan 3:
No Olympics (didn't get visas/tickets in time).

Plan 4:
Thailand instead of Bali.

Plan 5:
No Beijing due to Olympics.

Plan 6:
Leave Thursday, 8/14

Plan 7:
Leave Saturday, 8/16

Plan 8:
Who knows... I'm at my wits end.

Mis-communications from the get go:

• No repeat countries for me for Dad's vacation week, thus not Thailand or Viet Nam - FAIL
• Want to see Great Wall and Terra Cotta Warriors - QUESTIONABLE
• Hang out with Dad - DEFINITE

Kirk - just wants to see Dad.
Mom - wants a free trip to China.
I - want to see Dad and make the most of my time off from work/job hunting.

Trying to be optimistic right now and failing miserably.

Stressed and Blessed

Today I felt like my body was telling me I was stressed. Sleep deprived and having the chills. Even though I don't feel stressed. I haven't felt this way since sophomore year of college, when my parents got separated, me and my boyfriend of 3 years broke up, I was getting injections into my shoulder to help it heal from collegiate swimming, and I was going to college 3,000 miles away from home.

I didn't feel stressed out then - but when my doctor pointed all that out to me I understood how I could be stressed out. Needless to say I'm taking it easy this weekend.

• Tomorrow is my first day off from working since Houseboat Camp on June 21st.
• Last night was the first time I ever slept alone in my house (just Dainty and I) so I went to bed at 1:30AM and woke up at 5:15Am to open the pool.
• My health insurance will run out August 27th (my 22nd birthday). This is something that terrifies me.
• I might be leaving for China a week from today. Something I am super excited about, but I need to get more organized before I leave for two weeks.
  

But I do have some exciting stuff going on with my life.

• I had a great conversation with my dad this afternoon - looks like I'm going to China soon.
• I got another female business women mentor. That makes two. I'm such a lucky girl. I've been working with Darcy Winslow - Executive Advisor for the Nike Foundation for 4 years. Now I'm adding Jill Eiland from Corporate Affairs at Intel to my list.
• I've applied to some really awesome jobs at Habitat for Humanity and OMSI.
• I reconnected with another family friend who is helping me get more involved with Oregon politics and is also helping me get more involved in the Komen Organization.
• I finally started helping my aunt get rid of some stuff from her previous job (we've been talking about doing it for 3 years).

But for now. I'm planning on spending the rest of the weekend resting. Regardless, I'm focusing on all the blessings God has given me this past week.

Beer Bread

One of my best friends from high school, Jon Grotz is visiting me this weekend. Today after checking out the Red Bull Flutag he taught me how to make beer bread. And it is yummy! Thought I would share the love. Here is the recipe:

Jon Grotz's Simple Yummy Beer Bread:
Ingredients:

• 3 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 3 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 dark beer (room temperature) - today we used Sam Adam's Cream Stout
• 3/4 stick of melted butter

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Grease loaf pan
• Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and beer
• Pour into pan
• Bake for 45 minutes
• Then pour melted butter on top
• Bake for an additional 15 minutes
• Cool and enjoy!
  

"Every Day I'm Hustling"

Here are some things that I am doing to make money this summer:

1. Head Lifeguard at T.H.P.R.D.'s Aquatic Center
2. Working a swim camp at Nike
3. Selling a family friend's random assets on craigslist and ebay

Although, no none of these jobs offer health benefits. Something I will need on August 27th (my 22nd birthday), when my dad's insurance expires for me. Which makes me very nervous. Here are my options:

1. Get a "real" job - still working on that.
2. Get a part time job that offers benefits (like a Starbuck's barista)
3. Apply (and get into) Portland State grad school and take one graduate school course and thus go back to being a "full time" student.

Other suggestions? Thoughts? Random insight?

Lunch Tomorrow

Tomorrow I am having lunch with Darcy Winslow, who is basically my business mentor. I have been working with her since 2005, when I started interning for her in Nike's Global Women's Fitness. She has been an awesome friend of mine. Hopefully some job leads will come from this. Nike isn't currently hiring anyone that fits my talents. But I would love to work there. Since I grew up in the Nike Tyke culture and working for the Nike Foundation is my ultimate dream job.

Side comment - tomorrow is the Cheesecake Factory's $1.50 per slice celebration? Anyone down?

Intel Job Shadow

Today I got the opportunity to job shadow a family friend, Jan Ohman, who is the Editorial Director of Employee Communications at Intel. Basically she is in charge of a team who produces Circuit, Intel's intranet for their 82,000 employees with news stories, corporate videos, and other content.

Some highlights I learned while at Intel:

• Intel offers it's employees free coffee and soda!
  
• Intel Twitters
• Intel is the #1 2008 Corporate Citizen
• Intel has accounts with Facebook and Dreamworks
• Intel is very pro-diversity and ergonomics focused

I got to sit in on a Circuit meeting with Jeremy Schultz, David Spencer, Krista Vasquez and Philip Davis. Some things in the meeting that sparked my attention:

• Focus Group Research Break Downs (I felt like I was back in GB301)
• Discussions about Intel's plasma TVs (they are attempting to go paperless - Bentley is the same way) and how to improve their effectiveness
• Local news
• Placement
• Internal news
• Emergency information
• TV/Gaming
  
• Discussions about Intel's Press Releases (and how blogging has become almost more effective - reminded me of Isreal's book - Naked Conversations)

Did I mention I got a sneak peek at Intel's Q3 video?

All in all an awesome experience. I got to meet a ton of people and had the chance to network. Hopefully something will come out of today!

Eyebrows

Tomorrow I am having coffee and then shadowing a family friend at Intel. She works with a team that produces Intel's intra social media marketing program, Circuit. I am super excited for this opportunity. This is a great networking opportunity and hopefully an awesome job will come out of this. Intel is #1 Best Corporate Citizens and it would truly be an honor to work at such an amazing company.

However, the downside of having this awesome experience, was I attempted to fix my eyebrows after living 10 days on a houseboat and failed miserably...

HELP!?!

Thoughts on Heaven

I was fortunate enough to get a copy of Randy Alcorn's 50 Days of Heaven: Reflections That Bring Eternity to Light, while I was working as a lifeguard at First Call's Family Retreat at Wildhorse Canyon a couple of weeks ago. So far I have loved reading it and gaining more perspective on Heaven and what happens after I die. Something I hardly ever give any thought too.

Last night while I was reading Day 20: Christ's Resurrection Body: The Model For Ours, which focuses on Philippians 3:20-21, "The Lord Jesus Christ...will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." I learned that our bodies will be resurrected in new and improved physical forms. Not just ghostly forms, glittering around Heaven. This was exciting to think about. But I did have one question floating around my head.

Will we still have scars in Heaven?

I know when Jesus was resurrected He showed His hands and feet which bared the scars of His crucifiction on them to His apostles. But will we?

The reason why I'm pondering this is because, when I was 13 I was in a ski accident and had a titanium rod inserted into my left femur bone. With this came a huge scar that runs down the entire length of my thigh. This scar plays a huge part in my identity, something I cherish and reminds me constantly that certain luxuries (like walking) shouldn't be taken for granted.

Now, I'm stuck wondering if in Heaven will I still have my titanium rod? I don't think so, I trust that God will return me to my original form. However, my scar I would like to keep. And I also look forward to living in a body where my shoulders don't hurt constantly from overuse from years of water polo and swimming.

Oh glorious day.

I'm Back

From Houseboat Camp 2008!

I stole this picture from Tres via Janet Fraiser.

Some highlights of camp were:

• Watching Sam just off the platform
• Laughing so hard with Jenni, Laurie, Janette that Jenni had contractions
• Watching Frank do a front flip off the party barge to school his son, Cass
• Listening to an amazing speaker, Nick L, talking about the book of Jonah and asking "What's your gourd?" about 10 times
• Learning how to wakesurf
• Catching up with past students, I can't believe I have girls who are going to be juniors and seniors in high school
• Having an outstanding replacement BK What?!? in Jen G.
• Finishing up Eragon and starting the 2nd book of the Inheritance Trilogy

I'm leaving on a ski boat...

Just wanted to let you all know I won't be blogging for the next 10 days or so. I'll be helping out at Sunset Presbyterian's Houseboat Camp! Hope you guys have a wonderful couple of days. And keep us all in your prayers, safety and open hearts, and TONS of energy. Thank you so much!

Here is a picture from Houseboat Camp two years ago. We were tied to a tree and there was a big gust of wind and we ripped the tree out and ended up pulling it onto on of the freshman girl's boats. Oh fun adventures!

Shh! It's a secret...

...I'm dying my hair pink for Houseboat Camp! I can't keep it a secret any longer and since not a ton of people read my blog I figured I could tell the world without actually telling the world.

The last time I dyed my hair was Spring Break sophomore year of college so like 2.5 years ago. And for those of you who knew me in middle and high school that is a LONG time for me. It is about time for a new color.

Plus it is only for this week, the 10 days I'm at camp and then when ever I get time to dye it back to a regular color for job interviews.

As for the job interview front. Not going as well as I though. I'm personally blaming the economy! I spend time hunting online on monster, careerbuilder, and craigslist and after an hour I decide that a nap seems more productive. Every job wants more experience (like 5-10 years). Oh well, I got a second round interview with a marketing firm when I get back from camp. Also, I am meeting a family friend to shadow her at Intel for the the morning and get coffee with her after camp. Plus the week after camp I'm having coffee with my mentor at Nike. So maybe something fruitful will come from those meetings.

Plus, I applied for this kick ass job at the Portland Art Museum. And I'm totally mentally glamorizing it in my mind, all while trying not to get my hopes up.

Anyways, PINK HAIR! If you could have any hair color what would it be and why?

Below

Below this post you will see two other posts. One has a post card that was sent to PostSecret.com and the other is a video. Both pretty much summarize my life goals. And since it has been awhile since I last posted. I've been pretty much in a non-blogging mood/been camping for the 4th of July and haven't had access to internet. I thought I would share some of my current inspiration. Enjoy!

Now, what inspires you?

I hope it never changes either!

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)

What's Your Junk?

My Junk is a song in the Broadway hit Spring Awakening. But I'm not talking about that kind of junk. This week I had to clean some space by the side of my house to allow the cable get to get to part of the wall and I removed:

• 2 wooden ladders
• 2 crab pots
• 2 lobster pots
• an old bicycle
• an old motorcycle
• various pieces of wood, pipe and terra cotta pots

Then today I had to help my brother clear at the garage a bit so we could get our camper out for our weekend camping trip next weekend for 4th of July and we removed:

• a bag full of roller blades
• various old back packs
• old projects from my mom's old business
• my dad's old weight set

Minus the roller blades which I was pretty excited to find. I'm pretty sure we are never going to use any of these things ever again. And I find myself wondering...why are they still here?

So my question to you is, what's your junk? And why do you still keep it?

1st Real Interview!

Tomorrow I have my first real interview for my post-college marketing career search. Super excited but a little nervous. I called the schedule my interview today and was expecting to say they were busy for two weeks or something and instead I got, "can you come in tomorrow at 1:30?" I'm super excited about having the chance to interview at this company. So wish me luck!

Things To Do:

1. Print out a couple copies of my resume
2. Print out my emails about the job
3. Print out a couple copies of my list of references
4. Find my Bentley Alumni notebook
5. Find my portfolio
6. Figure out/lay out my outfit for tomorrow
   

Swim Suit Stress

Sometimes I amaze myself about how stressed out I get over little things.

My current stressor is finding swim suits for lifeguarding this summer and Houseboat Camp. After investigating my current stock of swim suits I realized I need about three new swim suits. 1 more for work and 2 for Houseboat camp.

Today my mom and I went to Nordstrom Rack and the Nike Employee store. Neither of them have decent swim suits. I'm starting to stress out about spending roughly $90 for three swimsuits.

Here is what I'm looking for:

• One piece
• Competition cut
• Size 30
• Non-polyester
• Swim suit
• With no color preference

That is all. I think I feel better getting that off my chest.

The Tides Have Turned

Tomorrow my best friend, Beckie Kruse, is leaving Oregon to go to Auburn for graduate school. For four years I have been leaving her to fly to the East Coast for school and today for the first time I said good-bye to her as she gets ready to fly to the South for school. I know she will have an awesome experience there and she will be in good hands. But as selfish as it sounds: I DON'T WANT HER TO GO! Here are my reasons why:

1. She has been my Houseboat bunk buddy for the past 3 years.


2. We both worked at THPRD during the summers/holidays.


3. We are wakeboard buddies.


4. Sunset Presbyterian attenders.


5. She is my "what not to wear"/how to do make up/be a girl go to person.


6. She gets my sense of humor and understands my thought process.


7. She orders my Starbucks for me.


8. Did I mention she was my best friend.

How am I going to survive this summer with out her?

Please pray as she moves, registers for classes, gets settled into work and school. And pray for me as I let go of her. Also, if you want to be my friend and fill my Beckie-less void please let me know. Thanks!

Back to Blogging

My best friend from Bentley, Jade, came to visit me for the past week. Which explains my lack of blogging. We did some pretty cool stuff:

• Both Seaside and Cannon Beach (including a trip to Mo's for a cup of clam chowder - not as good as New England's but good enough).
• Wakeboarded - my first time since September and Jade's first time ever & she got up!
• Checked out two graduation parties, McMenamins and Dixie on Saturday night.
  
• Hiked Multnomah Falls and checked out Rogue Brewery
• Had sushi at Sushi Town and went to the Rose Garden and Washington Park Zoo
• Took Max downtown and did some window shopping and stopped at Rock Bottom Brewery for happy hour
• Watched the Celtics beat the Lakers to be become the 2008 NBA World Champions!

All in all a super busy week! I had a good time showing my friend around town. But I'm ready to get back into the groove of things, working, looking for a "real" job and saving some money!

"Unemployed" College Graduate

So I'm not really unemployed. I'm currently working as a Head Guard at THPRD. A place I have worked on and off for the past six years. I'm not using my hard earned college degree but I am making more than minimum wage. The good thing is I work mornings and nights which gives me 6 hours (12PM-6PM) to look for, apply and interview for "real" post-college jobs. This morning was our first day of summer inservice (so my 6th summer inservice). And as I layed down to fall asleep I had a bit of a mental freak out.

a. I'm a college graduate and I'm still doing the same thing I was doing when I was 15

b. All my friends graduated and got "real" jobs and aren't going to be there.

c. I'm too old to be still doing this.

e. Who am I going to hang out with at work.

d. Etc.

On the plus side:

a. I get way more flexibility with work than anyone else I know.

b. Who wouldn't want to spend their final summer being a super cool lifeguard?

c. Who really needs a "real" job when the economy is so bad? I should be thankful to at least be employed and making $$$.

Playing Hide and Seek with God

During my down time at Wildhorse Canyon this weekend (aka not lifeguarding during free time) I got the chance to listen to an awesome speaker, Bill Paige. Who gave a great example of God. Paige talked about how since he is a grandfather his grandson loves to play hide-and-seek. So while his grandson is counting, Paige hides behind a curtain. And when his grandson comes looking for him, he wants his grandson to find him because that would make his grandson so happy. God is the same way, He wants us to find Him. There is nothing separating us from God but a curtain. But that those who actively seek Him will find Him. And this finding of God is so special. It really brings joy to God heart as well as to the person seeking Him. Just like when Paige's grandson finds him.

I was at Wildhorse lifeguarding for an awesome ministry called First Call Family Ministries. Which supports first responders (firefighters, police, and EMS professionals and their families), while showing them God's love. Here are some statistics about these professionals:

• Divorce rates as high as 84%
• Suicide rates can be as high as 6X the national average (there is also a correlation between children of first responders and suicide)
• Significantly higher levels of alcohol, substance abuse and domestic violence
• Cynicism, hyper-vigilance, and isolationism become their world
• On top of putting their own personal safety on the line every day in order to protect and serve our communities

Makes you want to hug the next police officer, firefighter or EMS personal right?

Wildhorse Weekend

This weekend I will be traveling with Dr. Janette Green to Young Life's Wildhorse camp in Antelope, Oregon to work as a lifeguard for a weekend retreat for paramedics, police, firefighters, and various military people. I'll be back Sunday night (hopefully before 5:30PM to watch the Celtics dominate the Lakers in game two of the NBA Championships). Please pray for safe travels and an awesome weekend. I'm really hoping to reconnect with God since things have been a little chaotic with finals, Bahamas, graduation, cross-country roadtrip, and reorganization of my life. Need to get in a new groove and hopefully this weekend will help kick that off.

An Apology Letter

Dear Box of Nail Polish Under my Bathroom Sink,

I am sorry for letting you go to waste. But it is time for me to grow up and realize that it is time to throw you away. Your colors have separated. Your gloppy and dry. Let's be honest. Many of you cost 99 cents when I was in middle school and you chipped away cheaply then. Now 10 years later, you don't have a chance in hell.

My love for you started at an early age. From my mom painting my nails (and my younger brothers, until the other 5 year old boys on his t-ball team made fun of him) to bicycle rides up to the Bethany ACE Hardware store when it was built when I was in 6th grade before it became a Walgreens to buy a new color of Wet-n-Wild every week with my limited savings. Some of you arrived in my box before middle school, hand me downs from my mother in an attempt to keep me out of her own nail polish bag of goodies. Some of you came from presents of family friends who had know idea what to get a crazy tomboy or from close friends who truely understood my passion for nail polish.

I can honestly say I changed the color of my nails more times than the color of my hair in middle school and high school. Which is truely saying somethign. You shined through my odd and ever changing fashion statements. I'm pretty sure I went an entire year in 7th grade with my thumbs always a different shade than the rest of my other fingernails. I will always remember you amazing box of colors.

As I admire each of you individually and remember for the most part the moods and reasons for purchasing each shade. I'm pleading with you to forgive me for letting you all good rotten. I'm still the same girl. I still will have crazy electric colors when I walk into a business meeting. I will still repaint my nails on a monthly if not weekly basis. I still am attracted like a raven to shiny things including glitter nail polish - I swear half of the 50 or so bottles that now sit in the trash had glitter in them. Please forgive me. I had so many plans for us.

But I'm a grow up now. I need nail polish that will withstand the test of time. They can't chip when I'm opening a soda can or impatiently tapping my fingers on a desk. I need strong polish the like woman I am. Yes, the new polish can be blue, or green, or purple. But strong and 99 cent Wet-n-Wild, you can't be that polish to me anymore. Once again, I'm sorry. I truely loved you all. Thank you so much for helping me express my individual personality during middle school. You were such a cheap little blessing to me. And for that I am truely thankful.

Love Always,

jenna

Sex and the City

This afternoon my mom and I went to see Sex and the City. Really good movie for a chick flick only if you watched and enjoyed the TV series. (That is my review) Is someone who has seen a couple of episodes (not enough to be a fanatic or anything). I did like the throw backs to the TV series. For example (don't worry this isn't a spoiler) when Carrie is trying on old clothes while she is packing she wears the skirt from the opening scenes of the TV show. Stuff like that - I'm sure I missed a whole lot more. But whatever.

The more interesting part (could be seen as more depressing maybe) is that while I was watching the movie I realized how few real good girl friends I actually have. Girls that would drop everything they are doing to help me. I'm super appreciative of the ones I have don't get me wrong. But maybe because we are all graduating from college (or recently been out of college) and are still confused about our own lives or in my case I have good friends here on the West Coast and good friends on the East Coast that aren't connected. I feel a little lost when it comes to girl friends. Kind of sad I know. But when I look at my mom she has had a great group of ladies, who have supported one another through marriages, divorces, pregnancies and teenagers. Some from college and some from when we moved to Oregon and I feel like I don't have that and I wish I did.

Maybe that is my own fault for being a tough, independent, tomboy (probably). But I hope someday, when I'm older I will be able to look back and say "wow, I am lucky."

Going along with this I would like to point out I have amazing guy friends. But it's not the same. And over last summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas, I went through a whole re-evaluation of my friendships and only wanted to surround myself with those positive people what really wanted what was best for me and not just kids I grew up with. A decision I still stand by.

So my question to all of you is, do you have a Miranda, Samatha, and Charlette? If so, who and how do you support one another?

Lifeguards Needed

Quick post. Does anyone know any lifeguards in the Oregon area who would be interested in helping out at a Wildhorse retreat for first responders, EMS, police, fire fighters, and people in the service. It's the weekend of June 6th-8th. Let me know. Thanks!

Today

...I am still unpacking and reorganizing my life. I got an email about a new program initiative from Nike about college graduates working in China. And thought about how cool it would be to work in China and live with my dad for awhile. Especially since our bonding trip driving cross country. The deadline is already over, but because of the earthquake and my dad's pull in Nike I decided I am still going to try and apply. Worse thing that can happen is they say is "I'm sorry, you are pass the deadline," right? So I looked at my resume for the first time since graduation and realized. I AM A COLLEGE GRADUATE!?! I don't have a campus address anymore. I have a permant one. Better known as my mom's house until I can get a real job and save up some money to move out. I don't have an expected date of graduation anymore. I had a real solid date. I'm not date-present anymore on any of my college jobs or activies. It is now date-05/08. I guess updating my resume made me realize how final college is. Granted I want to go to grad school in the next 2-5 years. But for now college is over and I still haven't posted my Bahamas, graduation, and road trip pictures on facebook yet!

Anyways, so all this official life updating via my paper life resume got me thinking about my blog. I'm no longer an oblivious college senior. I'm something else. I just don't know what yet. Thus change in my blog title until further notice. If anyone has an suggestions let me know.

Back in Oregon

I'm back in Oregon and currently unpacking and re-organizing my life. So I once again might be missing from the blogging life. If you want to see me let me know.

Greetings from MO

So we weren't able to meet up with dad's friend Jennifer. Which was a bummer because I would have liked to meet another woman who does business. But she did add me to her linkedin contacts which I thought was super nice of her. We did see the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, which dad enjoyed. He has wanted to go there since he was a kid so I think he was glad he could cross that off his bucket list. The highlight of my day yesterday was the improntu stop in St. Lewis to see the St. Lewis Arch. Pretty cool! I think it is one of the 7 Wonders of America or something. But we took some good pictures and I got to actually touch it. Today we plan on stopping in Topeka, KS to see a 1928B Harley Davidson that dad is getting restored there. Pretty awesome stuff since dad has been talking about getting it restored since I was in 6th grade. There are also apparently a ton of wineries in MO so dad said if we cross any on our way into KS we can stop and check it out. Hope all are doing well. Can't wait to see you in OR!

Greetings from PA

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to send a little message letting everyone know we are somewhere outside New Scanton (sp?), PA. We got to a Choice Inn around 10:30PM and crashed. I've been going non stop since finals week and FINALLY got a good night sleep. We are a little slow getting out of here today. We wanted to leave at 8AM, which is in one minute but dad is still in the shower and we haven't eaten our free contential breakfast. Oh well. Today we plan on meeting up with a woman dad mentored at Nike who now works for Victoria Secrets and her new husband and check out the Motorcyle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, OH. Then drive until we get tired again. We did over 400 miles yesterday from 3-10PM. Hopefully we will get farther today.

I'm also thinking about joining a female roller derby league this summer. Good way to work out, make new friends, and work out some agression don't you think? Less stress on my shoulders than swimming. If anyone knows anything about this sport let me know. Thanks!

Hope everyone is doing well. Message me and let me know what you are up too.

Family Day

After surviving on less than 5 hours of sleep while at the Bahamas every day and only getting about 6 hours last night. Right now I am getting up and getting dressed because I GET TO SEE MY PARENTS TODAY! I haven't seen them since January 3rd (dad) and January 10th (mom). And I am super pumped. Not only that but I get to see my little brother (I haven't seen him since spring break) and my grandparents from both my mom and dad sides. We have a busy day ahead of us. I have to go pick up my mom and brother from the airport. Drop my brother off at my aunt's house to hang out for the afternoon and meet my dad who is driving up from CT with his parents to head to Baccalaureate. The actual ceremony I am getting honored with two certifications. Service-Learning and Civic-Leadership. We also have to go to a major/minor celebration for management. After Baccalaureate we are having a group dinner with a whole bunch of family then early to bed since tomorrow is graduation!

It might be awhile bloggers!

I will be graduating from Bentley College on Saturday, May 17th and then will be leaving Sunday, May 18th for a cross country road trip. I will have limited access to my internet during that time. I will have access to my cell phone though. Follow me on Twitter! I will be arriving in Oregon on May 28th and will be able to respond to emails then.

Mother's Day

In 24 minutes it will be 12AM here and 9PM in Oregon. However, I will be getting on a plane before it will be 3AM here and 12AM there. So I won't be able to officially call my mom and wish her a Happy Mother's Day. So if anyone wants to call her or email her she would love it and I would really appreciate it. She is an awesome mother and I really lucked out when God made me in her!

Mom if you read this. Happy Mother's Day!

Love always Jenna

See you in less than a week. And don't tear up when you read this! :)

In the Bahamas!

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that I will be out of the country from today, May 10th through Thursday, May 15th. I will be in the Bahamas celebrating graduating from college! I won't have access to my email, phone or blog.

Have a great week!

<3 jenna

Break Down

Here is my break down of tomorrow:
10:30 AM - Wake Up!
11AM - 12PM - Tanning and errands (Target - razor blades and underwater camera, Old Navy - flip flops in blue, green and black).
12-1PM - Take Adrian to get his hair cut.
1-3PM - Adventures with Karl - going to my aunt's house and his grandmother's house to drop off moving stuff).
3-6PM - Paint toenails, shower, get dress for senior ball, and pregame.
6PM - 2AM - Senior Ball!

What are you doing tomorrow?

Roommates are Gone

My roommates moved out today. So I'm all alone. I started cleaning up and organizing stuff. I bought an external hard drive today - very exciting. And finalized my Oregon graduation party list. Very productive day.

Tomorrow is my last day lifeguarding. And hopefully more packing...

DONE DONE DONE!

It's official I'm done with college! Guess I need to come up with a new title for my blog...

Suggestions?

Getting Closer...

Just submitted my MK 402 final, which is due tomorrow. So that once I finish my MK 343 final tonight I will be COMPLETELY DONE! T-minus 10 hours and counting until my final starts. Ah, that is so far away...

Tomorrow's Final

Tomorrow (well technically today since it is past midnight) is my last final of my collegiate career. Too bad it is a for night class - which means the final is at 6:30PM and it is going to be pretty easy (hopefully). Weird to think I will be done tomorrow...

Goals for Today

Here are my goals for the day:

1. Finish studying chapters 6-10 in Salesforce Management
2. Pack one box for my aunt's house (mostly winter clothes, blankets, and books)
3. Maybe see a movie - is there anything good out now?
4. Get to bed early - more lifeguarding and studying tomorrow.

What are your goals today?

Quirks

My friend Jenni, by way of my newer friend Crystal started blogging about their funny quirks. So instead of studying for my final I thought I should start brainstorming some of my own. Here is what I got so far:

1. I have to write thank you notes after each present I receive for Christmas, Birthdays, etc. or I can't open my next present - this got so bad my parents started hiding mixed presents under different parts of the tree.
2. I need to wash my hands after I touch anything.
3. My room can be a completely mess but I know exactly where everything thing is, however, anything outside of my room needs to be completely organized or I am lost.
4. I need to be completely wrapped in "Puff" (my blanket) to sleep.
5. I don't sleep with any pillows. I also don't own any which makes it really hard to have sleep over parties.
6. I still sleep with a stuff animal, Teddy Betty, which I got on my first Christmas. He doesn't have a face any more and I take him on business trips.
7. When I'm home for the summer or Christmas break I usually sleep in my mom's bed more times then I sleep in my own.
8. I hate unpacking, but love packing stuff up.
9. I enjoy crossing things off lists.
10. I enjoying popping zits, especially on other people.
11. My toenails always have to be painted. If they chip I will redo them all.
12. I never brush my teeth at night unless I drank soda that day.
13. I have to crack my entire body when I wake up in the morning and consistently throughout the day.
14. I have to call both my parents and tell them I love them before I get on a plane. Even if this requires waking them up at 3AM.
15. I have to go to the bathroom before getting on any mode of transportation, bus, train, plane, or car.
16. When I get nervous I start scratching my left hand by my bottom thumb knuckle or the tops of my shoulder blades.
17. I get nervous that one day I'm going to take off all the hairs on my eyebrows every time I pluck them in an attempt to get them to match that I need someone to watch me do it.
18. I hate shaving, and will go months without doing it.
19. I still hate wearing shorts where strangers can see the scar on my leg, but I love wearing swimsuits in public.
20. I hate that college now makes me feel like I have to wear makeup and underwear everyday.

What are some of your quirks?

Sick

So, I'm officially sick. On a Z Pack and so is my roommate. I'm feeling a bit nauseas which is a little weird. Hopefully it will go away soon. I'm hanging out at my aunt's house right now. Needed to get some laundry done. So I'm feeling productive while hanging out home alone watching The Incredibles on Disney Channel. Good movie. I've seen it before. My aunt and family are at Oliver, which both my cousins are in. I was hoping to go today, but I just wasn't feeling up to it. So I'm just taking it easy. My roommates are stuck in their room studying for a final they have tomorrow so I would probably just be hanging out in my room trying to be quiet. On the bright side, I am getting a ton of FREE laundry done. It cost $3/load at school. And I took a final today - no more Lewis & Clark ever again. And submitted another final for my Monsters and Madmen in Lit and Film that is due tomorrow morning at 9AM. I'm now down to one final of my college career that is Tuesday at 6:30PM. So I have a ton of time to study, which is nice. That is pretty much my life right now. Everything seems to be under control. All I need is for this sickness to go away. I leave for the Bahamas in 8 days!