Life in General

I believe in Providence. The random functions of life do not work in such a way as to ensure that your iPod shuffle will play two obscure songs back to back on the same day that you have them stuck in your head. When that happens, you have witnessed Providence.

I have been thinking about this idea for roughly the past two months, mainly because the events of my life have warranted such philosophic thoughts. First instance: Back in May I was looking for some way to make money this summer, since I had nixed my Alaska plans in favor of summer classes. I applied for a position at a local greenhouse; they needed someone to water the plants on the weekends so that the weekday staff could get a break. Of course, I was chosen over the other applicants because I have a great resume and I look studly. However, the key part of this job was being able to work every weekend, otherwise the normal staff would have to work 12 days straight. After accepting the job, I found out that the Visual Journalism class that I really wanted to take REQUIRED that I attend one weekend conference in July. (Read as "Dilemma.") So I called my "employer" to ask for one weekend off. Her reply two days later: We've found someone who can work the whole summer. Thank you. So, though I was willing to sacrifice my summer weekends -- and even drop the Vis J class to keep this job -- Providence kept me from that decision...

...Because I really like this Visual Journalism class and I really didn't want to drop it. So it is rather fitting that I am in this class. Lately, I have been contemplating my major (Environmental Journalism) and considering sticking around college to double major with Visual Journalism or Graphic Design. Writing for Journalism is like riding a bike: you never forget how to do it, but if it's been awhile you question if you can still do it. Thus I've been unsure about my writing ability. The chaos that surrounded my first week as a reporter for the Western Front didn't help either. And just when I needed it most, Providence brought me some encouragement.

I got my first article back today. Even though it didn't get printed in the newspaper, I got the only A in the class. My professor even read parts of it aloud. I didn't think the article was anything special, but then again I tend to sell myself short. I do know how to ride this bike.

There are many other notable and recent examples where the decisions of my life have been guided by Providence. How do I know? Because if left to my own devices, I would be in a totally different position right now and probably not be the cheery person I enjoy being.

Enough said. I shall wax poetic more once I have a cup of coffee
Ike -- "It's tough to admit and admit and admit"

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I'm not a die-hard soccer fan, but I am sad to see the American team leave the World Cup Tournament in such poor standings. I didn't wake up at 6 to see the game -- I don't have a TV and I'm too young to watch it at a bar -- but it was inspiring to hear about people who did. Who knows, perhaps the US will finally catch the soccer craze?

In other news, I'm back in a newsroom (sort of). I'm writing for the Western Front this summer and I am already racking my brain as to how I'm going to meet deadlines. Sidenote: deadlines on Sunday are ridiculous. But, I guess the news never stops.

Not much else to report (but things are brewing). Soon. Very Soon.

Ike -- I'm a journalist, not a reporter

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I am schedule person; I like having a plan of attack. When I wake up in the morning I like to have something to get ready for -- the opposite of which is waking up and having to figure out what I'm going to do. Right now, I have to figure out what I'm going to do with my time. I'm in limbo, in transition, life is in motion.

I'm done with school, I spent the last four days moving (sort of), I don't have a job yet, and I don't start summer classes until the 20th. And to top it off, Jen left today for Alaska. I know she's going to have an amazing time, but I still don't get to see her until September-ish. I hope she doesn't get eaten by bears or oil-hungry Republicans.

The Good: I am officially the News Editor for the Fall edition of the Western Front! And the 100+page Welcome Back edition! I can't wait to get back into the swing of a newsroom. I thrive on that deadline pressure; it gives me a schedule.

The Bad: I'm an optimist: I rarely ever see things as 'bad'. Perhaps that is a bad thing. Anyways, moving on...

The Ugly: I have hair on my chin. Not much hair, but just enough to make it look like I have a goatee (at night). I think I like it, but it's still in the research and development stage. It'll probably go WHEN I get a job interview.

Ike -- Music is my Motivator

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That's Shakespeare-speak for "I'm done." I made it. Nein mas. Now I am about to embark on the logistical nightmare of moving out of Birnam before I can move into my Garden Street aparatment and in the middle of that going down to L-Town to watch Candace graduate. That's right! She's done with high school and on her way to the You 2xYou (Ewe Dub) (U/UU).  I propose a toast to Candace: here's to better health, better school, better books, and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements! (clink)

I am still looking for a job. I had an interview with the UPS on Monday.....at 5:30.......AM! Jerks. And then they said "we want you to commit a full year to waking up at 3 am for 5 days a week just to load trucks." Guess what I said? "I hope the Co-op calls me back about that grocery stocker position." (I said that in my head as I smiled and shook the hand of my UPS interviewer.)

Communication is a wonderful thing, especially in a relationship. I shall never scoff at a person with a Communication major ever again. Ok, maybe once. Or twice. And it will be a respectful scoffing. As a journalism major, I constantly strive to be the most effective communicator I can be through writing. My current goal: be a better communicator than our president. I know that's a bit steep, but I think I can do it. Especially because talking to you is so freeing. 

I want to do some more of this:

 A quick 'Thanks' to the L-Town guys for coming up to visit me before ya'll leave for various parts of the world. It was great to see you again.

 Ike -- I'm not afraid of Big Ideas

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