Monday, November 15, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
I have passion for ______________.
You know what's difficult? Writing. Yes, it may seem that I am writing right now, but not exactly. I'm talking about setting down my plans for the future, describing my passion and what I want to do with it. That kind of writing is difficult. The one thing standing in my way of filling out my application is me writing my letter of intent. I've started it but trying to decide what to focus on is difficult.
I enjoy journalism, visual design, multimedia, magazines, news, teaching, mentoring, learning. I feel like when you decide to go to graduate school they want you to focus on one or two subjects. I've never been like that, hence the double major and minor in undergrad. Trying to focus my broad passion for journalism makes me want to scream. I want to be able to create my own area of expertise. Nowadays journalist are better off if they know how to write, design, take photos and edit.
Maybe that's what I need to focus on. Journalism should be more of a changing genre; the news is always changing. I don't see why I can't be an expert at everything :) Sure it's a lot of work, but I get bored if I focus on one thing for too long. I need to be expanding and learning. And if there's anything I've learned since being out of school, it's that our focuses change and what we thought we were going to do for the rest of our life isn't what we want to do anymore.
A few people may be lucky enough to know exactly what they want to do and go with it. I've always known I liked journalism, but the exact way I want to work in journalism has changed and so has the world of journalism. I'm sure I will attend grad school and hone my ideas even more. Until then, I have given myself the deadline of Nov. 15 to finish writing and send in my application. Wish me luck!
I enjoy journalism, visual design, multimedia, magazines, news, teaching, mentoring, learning. I feel like when you decide to go to graduate school they want you to focus on one or two subjects. I've never been like that, hence the double major and minor in undergrad. Trying to focus my broad passion for journalism makes me want to scream. I want to be able to create my own area of expertise. Nowadays journalist are better off if they know how to write, design, take photos and edit.
Maybe that's what I need to focus on. Journalism should be more of a changing genre; the news is always changing. I don't see why I can't be an expert at everything :) Sure it's a lot of work, but I get bored if I focus on one thing for too long. I need to be expanding and learning. And if there's anything I've learned since being out of school, it's that our focuses change and what we thought we were going to do for the rest of our life isn't what we want to do anymore.
A few people may be lucky enough to know exactly what they want to do and go with it. I've always known I liked journalism, but the exact way I want to work in journalism has changed and so has the world of journalism. I'm sure I will attend grad school and hone my ideas even more. Until then, I have given myself the deadline of Nov. 15 to finish writing and send in my application. Wish me luck!
Monday, October 25, 2010
On a new adventure
It's been a crazy week but, finally, I am out of Salt Lake City and on the road towards my new life. Since the drive to Austin is 24+ hours, Adrian and I decided to make it a vacation and spread the trip over three days. For Day 1, we visited Kolob Canyon and Zion National Park. I've lived in Utah for about 11 years and never made it to any of the parks in southern Utah. They are amazing!! Especially during this time of change, it's great to have an opportunity to go somewhere peaceful and just marvel at the wonderful works of nature.
The drive through Kolob Canyon only took about an hour; yet, it had some of the most amazing red rock formations I've ever seen. Around every turn ascending the canyon, the view continued to open up and expose more breathtaking views. I was definitely grateful that we didn't bypass this short, scenic drive.
With only a few more hours of daylight left in the day, we headed to the main part of Zions. Access to the majority of the park was limited to shuttles that went back and forth along the path. The shuttles were actually a very efficient way to see the main views of the park. We even had time to take a short hike up to the Weeping Rock. I wish I had more time to hike up to some of the other sites, especially the lakes. All in all, it was a great first day. Tomorrow, the Grand Canyon.
The drive through Kolob Canyon only took about an hour; yet, it had some of the most amazing red rock formations I've ever seen. Around every turn ascending the canyon, the view continued to open up and expose more breathtaking views. I was definitely grateful that we didn't bypass this short, scenic drive.
With only a few more hours of daylight left in the day, we headed to the main part of Zions. Access to the majority of the park was limited to shuttles that went back and forth along the path. The shuttles were actually a very efficient way to see the main views of the park. We even had time to take a short hike up to the Weeping Rock. I wish I had more time to hike up to some of the other sites, especially the lakes. All in all, it was a great first day. Tomorrow, the Grand Canyon.
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| Presenting Beautiful Kolob Canyon |
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| Adrian and me in Kolob Canyon |
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| Amazing Cliffs in Zions |
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| Mini waterfall by the Weeping Rock |
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Take a dart and throw it at a map
Since I announced my move to Austin, one of the most popular questions is, "Why Austin?" Sure it seems random because I only announced it a few weeks ago, but this decision has been a long process. The timing of my move is quicker than I even thought; I wasn't planning on moving till next summer. But when everything is yelling at you it's time to move, you go.
At the beginning of this year, I made my decision to go to grad school; the first question was where. I was definitely wanting to leave Utah because I've been here for so long (11 years!!). Adrian first suggested Arizona because that's where his dad lives. Then we were looking at San Antonio. Then Austin. My family lived in Arizona for a year when I was younger and the only things I can remember are the intense heat and the fact that everyone had a pool; Arizona was not my first option. So I began to look into Texas.
I will admit that one of the main factors in deciding where to live was weather. I have lived the majority of my life in places with snow (Indiana and Utah). Winter to me equates to hibernation and cold. I loved going to California for Christmas and seeing lights on palm tress. When I went online and searched for the weather information on Texas cities, Austin was the most moderate. Sure there's the humidity and it does get fairly hot in summer, but very little, if any, snow. Winter is actually the nice, cool season!! I could go for that kind of a switch. Plus, compared to the other major Texas cities, Austin doesn't have many of those pesky natural disasters like hurricanes.
Once we decided on Austin and I looked into the University of Texas, I become excited. The university has a lot to offer: great professors in what I want to study, great resources, a progressive attitude towards journalism and diversity(!!). I'm excited to visit the school when I arrive in Austin. Hopefully everything will work and out and next year I will be attending as a grad student.
Other perks to Austin are the great community and social activities. Austin is known as one of the top spots for live music. Pretty much every night you can find a band playing somewhere. Plus there is a great downtown area, 6th Street, that they sometimes shut down for festivities. As for culturally, Austin has many museums, including the Blanton Museum, Mexic-Arte Museum and George Washtington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. I am extremely excited to be around more diversity and cultural activities.
The more I learn about Austin, the more excited I become. I'll be closer to a beach. Austin has bike trails, natural springs and a lake. Wow!! There is so much to do. My official moving date has been set for Oct. 25. In a week I will hop in my car, filled with all my belongings, and head off to my new adventure in Austin. And once I'm settled, anyone can come and visit. By that time, I'll be the perfect tour guide.
At the beginning of this year, I made my decision to go to grad school; the first question was where. I was definitely wanting to leave Utah because I've been here for so long (11 years!!). Adrian first suggested Arizona because that's where his dad lives. Then we were looking at San Antonio. Then Austin. My family lived in Arizona for a year when I was younger and the only things I can remember are the intense heat and the fact that everyone had a pool; Arizona was not my first option. So I began to look into Texas.
I will admit that one of the main factors in deciding where to live was weather. I have lived the majority of my life in places with snow (Indiana and Utah). Winter to me equates to hibernation and cold. I loved going to California for Christmas and seeing lights on palm tress. When I went online and searched for the weather information on Texas cities, Austin was the most moderate. Sure there's the humidity and it does get fairly hot in summer, but very little, if any, snow. Winter is actually the nice, cool season!! I could go for that kind of a switch. Plus, compared to the other major Texas cities, Austin doesn't have many of those pesky natural disasters like hurricanes.
Once we decided on Austin and I looked into the University of Texas, I become excited. The university has a lot to offer: great professors in what I want to study, great resources, a progressive attitude towards journalism and diversity(!!). I'm excited to visit the school when I arrive in Austin. Hopefully everything will work and out and next year I will be attending as a grad student.
Other perks to Austin are the great community and social activities. Austin is known as one of the top spots for live music. Pretty much every night you can find a band playing somewhere. Plus there is a great downtown area, 6th Street, that they sometimes shut down for festivities. As for culturally, Austin has many museums, including the Blanton Museum, Mexic-Arte Museum and George Washtington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. I am extremely excited to be around more diversity and cultural activities.
The more I learn about Austin, the more excited I become. I'll be closer to a beach. Austin has bike trails, natural springs and a lake. Wow!! There is so much to do. My official moving date has been set for Oct. 25. In a week I will hop in my car, filled with all my belongings, and head off to my new adventure in Austin. And once I'm settled, anyone can come and visit. By that time, I'll be the perfect tour guide.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Up, Down and All Around
Wow. It's amazing how many different emotions you can go through in a day. From getting up and getting ready for the day to stress over living arrangements to coming up with solutions to having a great evening with friends. All that and it's still the middle of the week.
Wednesday brought more ups and downs. The room we thought we were renting in Austin ended up not working out; probably for the best since the lady kept going back and forth. But now we are back looking for apartments. No stress like more stress. The minute I found out, I went into solution mode. I went back online, searching through Craigslist and other apartment sites. I sent out emails and am hoping some of them work out. If not, I do have a back up plan. No matter what, we're moving to Austin and nobody is going to stop us!
I was so glad my friend Oscar had his birthday on Wednesday because it was the perfect excuse to go out to eat and enjoy the company of friends. Sometimes socializing helps to get away from all the troubles. Plus I always enjoy an excuse to dress up. Happy Birthday Oscar and thanks for being born!!
Wednesday brought more ups and downs. The room we thought we were renting in Austin ended up not working out; probably for the best since the lady kept going back and forth. But now we are back looking for apartments. No stress like more stress. The minute I found out, I went into solution mode. I went back online, searching through Craigslist and other apartment sites. I sent out emails and am hoping some of them work out. If not, I do have a back up plan. No matter what, we're moving to Austin and nobody is going to stop us!
I was so glad my friend Oscar had his birthday on Wednesday because it was the perfect excuse to go out to eat and enjoy the company of friends. Sometimes socializing helps to get away from all the troubles. Plus I always enjoy an excuse to dress up. Happy Birthday Oscar and thanks for being born!!
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| Oscar and me |
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| Adrian and me not thinking about anything serious |
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
GRE here I come!!
In addition to moving to Austin in the next few weeks, I am also, finally, finishing my application and taking the GRE for grad school. Friday, Oct. 22 at 12:30 p.m. I will be taking the test that determines my future (well, not totally but right now it feels like that). One good thing about not having a steady job is the time I have had to study. I bought the study books (Princeton Review, Cracking the GRE and the ETS study book) back in April and tried to study around my two jobs, but I never gave it enough time. Since last week I have studied every day during the week (I have to give my brain the weekends off). It has been invigorating and difficult.
I have always been strong in English, so the book has given me good test strategy tips. It also makes me realize how I need to continue to expand my vocabulary; perhaps I need one of those word-a-day calendars. Reading has always been fun for me, and I can feel my brain getting excited about the learning. The verbal part I am ready for.
Now, Math, on the other hand, makes me feel like I'm going back to middle school. The only math I took in college was basic statistics and, nowadays, I pull out my phone calculator anytime I need to do basic math. I think it took me the majority of last week to get my brain reacquainted with numbers. Luckily, one day it did, so I'm feeling a little bit better. Though today and tomorrow I begin relearning Geometry. Wish me luck.
Since I made the date I am on deadline, which is a familiar situation. This is when I work my best and when my endorphins kick in; I'm counting on it. So even though the problems may seem enigmatic and my understanding ephemeral, I am intransigent on doing my best. And I am sure my work will be redoubtable.
I have always been strong in English, so the book has given me good test strategy tips. It also makes me realize how I need to continue to expand my vocabulary; perhaps I need one of those word-a-day calendars. Reading has always been fun for me, and I can feel my brain getting excited about the learning. The verbal part I am ready for.
Now, Math, on the other hand, makes me feel like I'm going back to middle school. The only math I took in college was basic statistics and, nowadays, I pull out my phone calculator anytime I need to do basic math. I think it took me the majority of last week to get my brain reacquainted with numbers. Luckily, one day it did, so I'm feeling a little bit better. Though today and tomorrow I begin relearning Geometry. Wish me luck.
Since I made the date I am on deadline, which is a familiar situation. This is when I work my best and when my endorphins kick in; I'm counting on it. So even though the problems may seem enigmatic and my understanding ephemeral, I am intransigent on doing my best. And I am sure my work will be redoubtable.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
And now for the bad news
Apparently with good news there also has to be some bad. Adrian's temp job that he was supposed to have for the rest of the month has ended (oh, Utah and it's crazy right-to-workness). It brings up money issues again. We're both trying to work temp jobs till we leave but, obviously, they are unreliable. It just overall sucks because it's money that we needed and were halfway depending on. More stress to add to the pile. I wish that we could head to Austin now and start looking for jobs. I've heard that right now Austin is one of the top places to find jobs. We've already been browsing online and it seems to be true. This situation of job or no job seems to have been a constant in Utah for the past few years. I'm not going too crazy about it because we've been here before and somehow gotten through it. Sometimes you just wish you could fast forward to a solution; the solution being moving. Right now we just have to continue on our schedule and be extra tight with money; and hope that tomorrow brings another job.
And for a little pick me up, here's a video with a perfect message for anytime you're feeling down or going through something.
And for a little pick me up, here's a video with a perfect message for anytime you're feeling down or going through something.
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