What if we always told the truth? All of the time. What if, when we stood in front of someone, our censors were turned off? What if we told everyone exactly what we really felt / thought, without worrying about the consequences or our own pride / egos?
They say that we should keep our friends close, and our enemies closer. What if, the next time I stood in front of an enemy, I really told her how I felt? What if I really told her where I feel she belongs?
What if I stopped intentionally dating those who I know I will never fall for? What if I really told them how I felt? That I've never really been that interested? That I just like having someone to go home with late at night? That, as much as I hate myself for it, I don't like being alone?
What if I stopped caring about what my superiors thought, and just did what I wanted...without saying a thing...without caring a thing? Just letting my actions speak for themselves.
What if I told those who I really cared about how I really felt? What if I threw my pride and my ego to the side? What if I confessed love every time I felt it?
What kind of world would that be? Would it be better? Or worse? Would it be selfless world? Or would it be a selfish one instead?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Blare It
What do you think is playing on my Ipod? What is playing on anyone's Ipod? I can bet you that what's on mine is not what you would expect.
What's on your Ipod?
What's on your Ipod?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Smile Like You Mean It
The faux-smile.
What is it?
You know.
We all know...because we all use it. It's that half smile. It's the grin that doesn't show teeth, but somehow constitutes as enough of a hello to substitute for the real thing. It's nonchalant, simple, and extremely versatile.
Option 1...the do I know you? faux-smile: It's often used in the most awkward of situations. For example, that guy/girl whose room mate we hooked up with last weekend. We kind of remember their face, as we ran past them on our way out the side door, totally disoriented. We tried to block out everything prior to the final steps of our walk-of-shame...and now, that face, the one of the receiver of this faux-smile, is somehow familiar.
Option 2...the is it okay to recognize eachother? faux-smile: This one is utilized when you definitely know each other. I, personally, am sometimes confused on whether or not I should officially recognize someone. From that professor who almost failed you, to that ex-best friend, to the ex of your new best friend who totally screwed him/her over...it's seen all to often on so many faces.
Option 3...the secretly disgusted faux-smile: We save this one for special circumstances. I'm often guilty of saving this one for the guys I loath most, but have too much pride to blantantly ignore. I may, secretly, desire nothing more than to act like he doesn't exist, but, unlike him, I do not validate myself by acting like a 12 year-old.
Let's start giving real smiles a whirl. They're so much more attractive.
What is it?
You know.
We all know...because we all use it. It's that half smile. It's the grin that doesn't show teeth, but somehow constitutes as enough of a hello to substitute for the real thing. It's nonchalant, simple, and extremely versatile.
Option 1...the do I know you? faux-smile: It's often used in the most awkward of situations. For example, that guy/girl whose room mate we hooked up with last weekend. We kind of remember their face, as we ran past them on our way out the side door, totally disoriented. We tried to block out everything prior to the final steps of our walk-of-shame...and now, that face, the one of the receiver of this faux-smile, is somehow familiar.
Option 2...the is it okay to recognize eachother? faux-smile: This one is utilized when you definitely know each other. I, personally, am sometimes confused on whether or not I should officially recognize someone. From that professor who almost failed you, to that ex-best friend, to the ex of your new best friend who totally screwed him/her over...it's seen all to often on so many faces.
Option 3...the secretly disgusted faux-smile: We save this one for special circumstances. I'm often guilty of saving this one for the guys I loath most, but have too much pride to blantantly ignore. I may, secretly, desire nothing more than to act like he doesn't exist, but, unlike him, I do not validate myself by acting like a 12 year-old.
Let's start giving real smiles a whirl. They're so much more attractive.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The Final Days in the Experience Journal - WEEK 10
My last week with Project Vote Smart was rather uneventful. I finished up a few bios from the Colorado State Leg., answered an absurdly high number of hotline phone calls, and, toward the end of my week, made a few candidate phone calls. On my last day, I learned how to use the postage machine so that I could mail VSDM’s (Voter Self-Defense Manuals) to individuals who inquired about them. It’s too bad I never really had a chance to fully utilize my new-found skill.
As my flight to Iowa left early Friday morning, my last day was Thursday; I had been making up my missed eight hours during my previous nine weeks. That morning was my final evaluation. I was busy making some calls to candidates when I saw, out of the back corner of my right eye, two of my three supervisors looming in the aisle. I was so nervous I tried to make another call, only to immediately be shot down by JJ (the staff member who is in charge of hiring interns). Unfortunately, when I tried to stand up, I was still attached to my iPod. My neighbors got quite the laugh out of the scene I made during my near-nervous break down. All of my nerves were, surprisingly, settled when they sat me down on the office porch to tell me how fabulous of an intern I had been. Despite the fact that it was my very last afternoon in the office, I tried to look uber-productive so no one would realize what a colossal mistake they might have actually made when deciding to give me only positive feedback regarding my great communication skills, excellent work-ethic, and insanely quick calling abilities. I think my efforts to appear productive turned into actual productivity. Who would have thought?
During my ten weeks with Project Vote Smart, I learned a lot. I gained valuable knowledge key to enduring a grueling 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. job, while at the same time learning a lot about our democratic process. I also, somehow, avoided the jaws of all mountain wildlife. Overall, I’d say it was a successful summer spent in the middle of nowhere.
As my flight to Iowa left early Friday morning, my last day was Thursday; I had been making up my missed eight hours during my previous nine weeks. That morning was my final evaluation. I was busy making some calls to candidates when I saw, out of the back corner of my right eye, two of my three supervisors looming in the aisle. I was so nervous I tried to make another call, only to immediately be shot down by JJ (the staff member who is in charge of hiring interns). Unfortunately, when I tried to stand up, I was still attached to my iPod. My neighbors got quite the laugh out of the scene I made during my near-nervous break down. All of my nerves were, surprisingly, settled when they sat me down on the office porch to tell me how fabulous of an intern I had been. Despite the fact that it was my very last afternoon in the office, I tried to look uber-productive so no one would realize what a colossal mistake they might have actually made when deciding to give me only positive feedback regarding my great communication skills, excellent work-ethic, and insanely quick calling abilities. I think my efforts to appear productive turned into actual productivity. Who would have thought?
During my ten weeks with Project Vote Smart, I learned a lot. I gained valuable knowledge key to enduring a grueling 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. job, while at the same time learning a lot about our democratic process. I also, somehow, avoided the jaws of all mountain wildlife. Overall, I’d say it was a successful summer spent in the middle of nowhere.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Experience Journal Numero Dos
I successfully made it through my second week in the wilderness - without being eaten, drowning, or falling off the cliff of one of the many surrounding mountains. Last week, I was a little doubtful I’d make it this far. Now, I feel like a real-life Indiana Jones, minus the sidekick.
After spending my first week going through (literally) a few thousand biographies of our fabulously entertaining State Legislatures, I have officially been allowed to move on to members of our U.S. House and Senate. Comparatively, it’s thrilling. In the scheme of life, probably not so much. I’m not complaining though. After intently researching everyone from Iowa's State Legislature, I was starting to have my doubts about the capabilities of those we trust with our government. It’s really refreshing to find that when you enter the national level, it’s a whole different, more advanced arena.
During the time I’ve spent focusing on these political superstars, I’ve realized that I pretty much qualify as a huge nerd. I get so excited when I’m on some of their sites that I will spend an hour doing nothing but reading up on their past accomplishments, current position, and future goals. I always knew I had nerdish tendencies (my desire to knit and habit of listening to NPR are proof), but, while here, I think I’ve pretty much confirmed that I am 100% nerd. (Don’t worry though; I’m not even half as nerdy as the kid who got 2 points higher than the national LSAT average…when he was in eighth grade.)
According to my supervisor, she's working on putting together a "special project" for me. It's making me nervous. I need to stop going through these biographies so quickly. A "special project" could go either way. I could learn something new and enjoy every second; I could also be stuck doing something like entering statistical data on the voter demographics of every county in North Dakota.
One of my favorite things about being here is hearing different perspective from everyone. There are about 30 interns right now, and we are from all over the country. I’ve never heard so many different viewpoints from so many different people who are the same age. A lot of the conversations are absolutely enthralling. The only time people aren’t talking is when we’re hiking in an altitude too high for breathing and speaking to both occur in the same sentences.
On a side note, I did the most ridiculous thing ever on Sunday. After crawling out of bed (I was so sore from hiking up 7,600 ft the previous day that it took around 10 minutes to stand up), I drove almost two hours to see my new, all-time favorite movie on its opening weekend. In case there was question in anyone’s mind, however, it was totally worth it. Aftereffects of this particular movie include my current, perpetual smile.
After spending my first week going through (literally) a few thousand biographies of our fabulously entertaining State Legislatures, I have officially been allowed to move on to members of our U.S. House and Senate. Comparatively, it’s thrilling. In the scheme of life, probably not so much. I’m not complaining though. After intently researching everyone from Iowa's State Legislature, I was starting to have my doubts about the capabilities of those we trust with our government. It’s really refreshing to find that when you enter the national level, it’s a whole different, more advanced arena.
During the time I’ve spent focusing on these political superstars, I’ve realized that I pretty much qualify as a huge nerd. I get so excited when I’m on some of their sites that I will spend an hour doing nothing but reading up on their past accomplishments, current position, and future goals. I always knew I had nerdish tendencies (my desire to knit and habit of listening to NPR are proof), but, while here, I think I’ve pretty much confirmed that I am 100% nerd. (Don’t worry though; I’m not even half as nerdy as the kid who got 2 points higher than the national LSAT average…when he was in eighth grade.)
According to my supervisor, she's working on putting together a "special project" for me. It's making me nervous. I need to stop going through these biographies so quickly. A "special project" could go either way. I could learn something new and enjoy every second; I could also be stuck doing something like entering statistical data on the voter demographics of every county in North Dakota.
One of my favorite things about being here is hearing different perspective from everyone. There are about 30 interns right now, and we are from all over the country. I’ve never heard so many different viewpoints from so many different people who are the same age. A lot of the conversations are absolutely enthralling. The only time people aren’t talking is when we’re hiking in an altitude too high for breathing and speaking to both occur in the same sentences.
On a side note, I did the most ridiculous thing ever on Sunday. After crawling out of bed (I was so sore from hiking up 7,600 ft the previous day that it took around 10 minutes to stand up), I drove almost two hours to see my new, all-time favorite movie on its opening weekend. In case there was question in anyone’s mind, however, it was totally worth it. Aftereffects of this particular movie include my current, perpetual smile.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Experience Journal - WEEK 1
I have to write a weekly 'experience journal' in order to receive university credit for this internship...here's my entry for my first week of fun...I kept it PG for my professor.
Week 1:
I love pearls, collars, sushi, paved running trails, text messaging, not sharing a room, and knowing exactly where I am at all times. Not one of my favorite things in life, however, is privy to an ounce of existence in the middle-of-nowhere. I knew this would be a different experience, but I don’t think it really hit me until my plane landed in an airport the size of my bedroom. I almost cried when I realized I couldn’t even call my mother to tell her about the terrible conditions; they warned me there would be no cell phone service where I was staying, but I though I’d at least have a few bars in town.
After dumping my belongings into one of the log cabins, a temporary home, my first move was to head back into town, 45 minutes down a road too small to be registered on Mapquest. Once there, I attempted calm myself with a Tangueray and Tonic with lime. It’s a good thing the name is self-explanatory; the bartender had never actually heard of my favorite beverage, except for in the movies. This cowboy-looking man with hair longer than my own was not, unfortunately, a very calm-inducing character. He was actually someone who made sure to regale me with a variety of stories regarding the people-hunting moose who roam the area. I had a first-hand experience with one of these dangerous animals the next morning. Three miles out, on my first Montana run, I, apparently, trespassed into moose territory. After hearing the bartender’s horror stories, I’m sure anyone can imagine my feelings on the unfortunate predicament I had somehow ended up in. I sprinted my entire way back to “the ranch,” despite the severe lack of air allotted to me in such a high altitude. Slowly, I’ve somehow come to accept my new, meager existence here at “the ranch,” and am trying to take it all in as a valuable learning experience.
I met Richard Kimball, the president of Project Vote Smart, this morning. He had a really weak handshake. I’ve always heard that if you ever want to make it in the political arena, you had better have a firm grip. I blame his loss to McCain in their battle over Goldwater’s old seat on his inability to sufficiently grasp onto the hands of others. I’m totally kidding, but I bet it was noted at the time. Back in the day, if I had been a member of the press, I would have made a pointed remark regarding the issue.
This summer, Project Vote Smart is expecting 50 interns on a rolling basis; there are only about 15 of us here right now. We work 40 hour weeks, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with an hour for lunch each day. We are split into 8 departments; I’m in the one for research. I’m so jealous of one of my room mates, she’s in the Key Vote Department. All day, she gets to sit there reading bills in order to come up with easy-to-read summations for our website. I think I might ask to be transferred over.
In the Research Department, I’m currently passing away my week with each of our (almost) 7,424 State Legislatures. My job is to do the research for each of their biographies. I like to think that I’m making a difference for the uninformed voters of our country, however, I sincerely doubt that anyone would notice if I happened to forget to enter in that Christopher Yost (WV, R, State Sen.) has a daughter named Laura or that Alaska has a subcommittee (under their Fisheries Committee) focused on the status of the state’s salmon population. At least I get something out of it. I’m currently hacking away at Iowa’s State Legislature. (I was happy to request my own state when asked if I had a preference.)
Besides learning from the minor details I intently cover during work, I’ve gotten a lot out of the other interns. For example, last night I had around a 30 minute debate with someone. I was trying to argue the reasoning behind Clinton’s hesitance to pull out. After giving my fabulous speech, I, of course, had to add in that Obama has not won quite yet; he and his campaign need to calm down. Just like Clinton’s recent note regarding his little gathering in Iowa said, he needs to not announce his win pre-maturely. On a side note, I really laughed a lot at that note; her subtle references to recent history would have been hard for anyone to overlook. I wish I could summarize fun things like that for our website. However, here at Project Vote Smart, we “leave our politics at the door.”
Over tonight’s dinner, I lost in the fifth round of a nerd-off. The first four were easy: Harry Reid is the current Senate Majority leader, the President shares with the Senate the power to make treaties and appointments, Kennedy was released today from the hospital after his biopsy uncovered a malignant brain tumor, and Ferraro was the first female to be elected to a major party’s presidential ticket. Round five was rough: What year did Minnesota go RED in a Presidential election? I was so mad. I even had to talk about it this past semester in a presentation I did over Johnson for Hoffman’s Modern Presidency. Whatever; who wants to be nerdy enough to dominate in the world of nerds??
In short, I’ve learned a lot this week. Next week, I will avoid moose territory, be sure to do some bed-time reading over American history, and climb the nearest ‘hill’ so that my cell phone connects to the nearest Verizon tower…I’m sure my mother would love a phone call from the middle-of-nowhere.
Week 1:
I love pearls, collars, sushi, paved running trails, text messaging, not sharing a room, and knowing exactly where I am at all times. Not one of my favorite things in life, however, is privy to an ounce of existence in the middle-of-nowhere. I knew this would be a different experience, but I don’t think it really hit me until my plane landed in an airport the size of my bedroom. I almost cried when I realized I couldn’t even call my mother to tell her about the terrible conditions; they warned me there would be no cell phone service where I was staying, but I though I’d at least have a few bars in town.
After dumping my belongings into one of the log cabins, a temporary home, my first move was to head back into town, 45 minutes down a road too small to be registered on Mapquest. Once there, I attempted calm myself with a Tangueray and Tonic with lime. It’s a good thing the name is self-explanatory; the bartender had never actually heard of my favorite beverage, except for in the movies. This cowboy-looking man with hair longer than my own was not, unfortunately, a very calm-inducing character. He was actually someone who made sure to regale me with a variety of stories regarding the people-hunting moose who roam the area. I had a first-hand experience with one of these dangerous animals the next morning. Three miles out, on my first Montana run, I, apparently, trespassed into moose territory. After hearing the bartender’s horror stories, I’m sure anyone can imagine my feelings on the unfortunate predicament I had somehow ended up in. I sprinted my entire way back to “the ranch,” despite the severe lack of air allotted to me in such a high altitude. Slowly, I’ve somehow come to accept my new, meager existence here at “the ranch,” and am trying to take it all in as a valuable learning experience.
I met Richard Kimball, the president of Project Vote Smart, this morning. He had a really weak handshake. I’ve always heard that if you ever want to make it in the political arena, you had better have a firm grip. I blame his loss to McCain in their battle over Goldwater’s old seat on his inability to sufficiently grasp onto the hands of others. I’m totally kidding, but I bet it was noted at the time. Back in the day, if I had been a member of the press, I would have made a pointed remark regarding the issue.
This summer, Project Vote Smart is expecting 50 interns on a rolling basis; there are only about 15 of us here right now. We work 40 hour weeks, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with an hour for lunch each day. We are split into 8 departments; I’m in the one for research. I’m so jealous of one of my room mates, she’s in the Key Vote Department. All day, she gets to sit there reading bills in order to come up with easy-to-read summations for our website. I think I might ask to be transferred over.
In the Research Department, I’m currently passing away my week with each of our (almost) 7,424 State Legislatures. My job is to do the research for each of their biographies. I like to think that I’m making a difference for the uninformed voters of our country, however, I sincerely doubt that anyone would notice if I happened to forget to enter in that Christopher Yost (WV, R, State Sen.) has a daughter named Laura or that Alaska has a subcommittee (under their Fisheries Committee) focused on the status of the state’s salmon population. At least I get something out of it. I’m currently hacking away at Iowa’s State Legislature. (I was happy to request my own state when asked if I had a preference.)
Besides learning from the minor details I intently cover during work, I’ve gotten a lot out of the other interns. For example, last night I had around a 30 minute debate with someone. I was trying to argue the reasoning behind Clinton’s hesitance to pull out. After giving my fabulous speech, I, of course, had to add in that Obama has not won quite yet; he and his campaign need to calm down. Just like Clinton’s recent note regarding his little gathering in Iowa said, he needs to not announce his win pre-maturely. On a side note, I really laughed a lot at that note; her subtle references to recent history would have been hard for anyone to overlook. I wish I could summarize fun things like that for our website. However, here at Project Vote Smart, we “leave our politics at the door.”
Over tonight’s dinner, I lost in the fifth round of a nerd-off. The first four were easy: Harry Reid is the current Senate Majority leader, the President shares with the Senate the power to make treaties and appointments, Kennedy was released today from the hospital after his biopsy uncovered a malignant brain tumor, and Ferraro was the first female to be elected to a major party’s presidential ticket. Round five was rough: What year did Minnesota go RED in a Presidential election? I was so mad. I even had to talk about it this past semester in a presentation I did over Johnson for Hoffman’s Modern Presidency. Whatever; who wants to be nerdy enough to dominate in the world of nerds??
In short, I’ve learned a lot this week. Next week, I will avoid moose territory, be sure to do some bed-time reading over American history, and climb the nearest ‘hill’ so that my cell phone connects to the nearest Verizon tower…I’m sure my mother would love a phone call from the middle-of-nowhere.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Packing Adventure
I'm interning with Project Vote Smart this summer...in the middle of nowhere Montana. My plane takes off late Friday; I'm gone for 10 weeks.
I haven't even started to pack. I, the most intense list-maker EVER, clearly need a list.
Packing List: Montana - Summer '08
1. Ipod -- charged!!!
2. cell phone charger
3. cell phone
4. umbrella
5. calendar
6. lap top
7. lap top charger
8. camera cord
9. running head phones
10. clothes + hangers
11. running attire
12. shoes
13. accessories
14. make up
15. shampoo / conditioner
16. deodorant
17. face lotion
18. sunscreen
19. perfume
20. face wash
21. make up remover
22. soap
23. lotion
24. purses / bags
25. towel (s)
26. pillow cases
27. first aid kit
28. inhaler (s)
29. jacket (s)
30. camera
31. notebook
32. writing utensils
33. sudoku book
34. knitting
35. reading material
36. phase 10 cards
37. playing cards
38. wallet
39. water bottle
40. travel mug
41. battery charger
42. Nyquil
43. Ibuprofen
44. Luna bars
45. dictionary
46. thesaurus
47. RUNNING SHOES
48. tea bags / propel packets / lemonade packets
49. brush / bobby pins / hair ties / head bands
50. laundry detergent
51. nail polish / mani-pedi bag
52. laundry bag
53.
TO BE CONTINUED...
I haven't even started to pack. I, the most intense list-maker EVER, clearly need a list.
Packing List: Montana - Summer '08
1. Ipod -- charged!!!
2. cell phone charger
3. cell phone
4. umbrella
5. calendar
6. lap top
7. lap top charger
8. camera cord
9. running head phones
10. clothes + hangers
11. running attire
12. shoes
13. accessories
14. make up
15. shampoo / conditioner
16. deodorant
17. face lotion
18. sunscreen
19. perfume
20. face wash
21. make up remover
22. soap
23. lotion
24. purses / bags
25. towel (s)
26. pillow cases
27. first aid kit
28. inhaler (s)
29. jacket (s)
30. camera
31. notebook
32. writing utensils
33. sudoku book
34. knitting
35. reading material
36. phase 10 cards
37. playing cards
38. wallet
39. water bottle
40. travel mug
41. battery charger
42. Nyquil
43. Ibuprofen
44. Luna bars
45. dictionary
46. thesaurus
47. RUNNING SHOES
48. tea bags / propel packets / lemonade packets
49. brush / bobby pins / hair ties / head bands
50. laundry detergent
51. nail polish / mani-pedi bag
52. laundry bag
53.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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