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?