A J.K. Rowling Education

There isn't much in life I enjoy more than a good book. My mom will sometimes come across a couple and will email me the names so I can pick them up at McKay's. Recently, she thought I would enjoy the book A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter by William Deresiewicz. I was immediately interested because I like Jane Austen and could relate to having books instill valuable life lessons. While I'm sure Deresiewicz makes some valid points defending Austen's teaching (I've not read it yet), I already know where I stand on the issue.

There isn't an author out there that will ever teach me more, or even as much, as J.K. Rowling did in the Harry Potter series. I grew up reading the books over and over so much my Dad forbid me to continue to reread them and then spanked me because he caught me late at night attempting to sneak and read them after I said I had gone to bed! I truly believe that in hundreds of years our great-great-great-great grandchildren will recognize our generation by Rowling's novels, if nothing else.

It seems I'm not the only one who acknowledges the lessons to be learned from the Harry Potter saga. My cousin, Sydney, recently graduated high school and her class quote was from Albus Dumbeldore, Hogwarts Headmaster, rather than Thoreau, Emerson, etc. Maybe I should write a book about my Rowling rearing, surely it would outsell plain, ole Jane Austen!

PS: the final installment of the Harry Potter movies comes out July 15th. Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_kDb-pRCds
I'm sure you'll be just as excited as I am after you see it. Feel free to bring all of your enthusiasm over to my apartment the night before the premiere. Yes, we are having a Harry Potter party, and yes, I will be dressed like a witch!

Purpose-driven

As I have just finished my first full-time week of work, I have been doing a lot of thinking about where I want to be in five, ten, twenty years. Whenever I thought about what I wanted to do when I "grew up," I always thought I would want to make enough money that I could always completely support myself with enough extra spending money that I can go to the movies, travel, eat out, and buy gifts without fear of not being able to pay the bills. Other than financially, I thought I would grow to love any job I have, so I never thought about what specifically I want from a job other than a paycheck.

My dad got a call the other day from a former player who proceeded to tell my dad how much he impacted his life and his career path. I cannot count the number of people my dad has positively impacted through his profession, and I am always so thankful that I have had him around my entire life as such a positive role model. Even my mom, who pursued a mathematical profession, has greatly impacted many lives through her career. She helped a not-for-profit organization increase the number of foster parent inquiries by over 1,000% so that kids who would have normally been raised in state orphanages were able to be placed in individual homes instead. Both of my parents sleep easily at night. They know they have made a difference in so many more lives than just mine.

While I enjoy my job, I certainly do not feel as if I am fulfilling some greater purpose or helping humanity. I research, coordinate events and meetings, and do more research. I suppose that is what is expected right after college. I am determined to have a purpose-driven life, so it will be interesting to see how I can manage that suit-clad with a window view. Stay tuned.

Bona Fide Businesswoman

Nothing says "welcome to the adult world" quite like getting your first business card. Nothing has for me anyways. I walked in this morning and a pretty, paisley box was sitting on my desk full of my business cards. Even the cards are pretty! My name is spelled correctly, it has the number for my direct line with my personal voicemail, and my own work email address. It's amazing how one little card can make you feel so bona fide!

The other night a friend of mine told me I should always carry a business card on me when I go out. I initially thought I wouldn't because I always find it annoying when someone tries to sell me something, or themselves, when I'm trying to enjoy myself. I like to keep work and play separate. After seeing these cards, I have changed my mind. Networking, here I come!

Exhilaratingly Terrifying

My mom has recently become a fan of blogs. She repeatedly sent me the daily posts of one in particular, until I finally signed up for it myself. The blog is called Chookaloonks, and today it gave me some inspiration. The author of the blog points out that the best ideas are always exhilaratingly terrifying. I think she's right.

Every great decision I have ever made is a little bit scary. Maybe that's why I haven't been too eager to graduate; it's scary! Maybe that's why I rarely let people see the real me; vulnerablility is scary! From today on, I will be more open, seek risks and uncertainties, and do it all with the knowledge that the best decisions come from having the courage to put your head up, fake confidence if necessary, and dive headfirst.

Bring it on, graduation!

The End of the Beginning

I graduate in 9 days. All of my friends have been counting down since December. Just typing the sentence saying I graduate next week makes me want to cry. I can't tell you how many times I have said the words, "I don't want to talk about it," whenever someone brings up graduation.

I think something may seriously be wrong with me. For my high school graduation, everyone was sad and somewhat scared to leave. I didn't even care if I walked. I was so ready to start college and the next chapter of my life. Now, when everyone is so excited to graduate, I want to absolutely refuse to do so. It got so bad a few weeks ago that I actually took the time to see what would happen if I did not complete another assignment in any of my classes. Turns out not even that would keep me another semester.

All of my life I have loved being a student and learning new things. I still get excited to call my parents and tell them about my classes and lectures! I love, I mean love, buying new school supplies every August and December to prepare for the upcoming semester. I love sitting on the front row. I love looking back on all of my notebooks from previous semesters filled with notes, doodles, and memories. I even love cramming for exams until the wee hours of the morning.

It seems this is the end of the beginning of my life. Boy, it has been a good one. If I happen to see you at graduation with tears streaming down my face, don't be alarmed. It's 21 years in the making.

Unsung Heroes

I woke up this morning to find out that my nephew, Stetson, got Prep-Xtra Sophomore of the Year and had a feature article in the newspaper. Needless to say, I was smiling all the way to work. After reading the article as soon as I sat down to my desk, I finally got around to checking my emails and getting started for the day. I got even more good news when I checked my email; I was selected to be a staff writer at thetwentylife.com.

I am thrilled at the opportunity. The more I started thinking about the position, the more thankful I became. Although I would love to think that my new position is due to my superb writing skills, I know better. The chain of events, and people, that shape and mold you into who you are create your opportunities. The most successful people I know are the best at realizing just that.

So today I thank all the people who helped me realize my passion for reading, writing, and the English language: Judy Blume is the first that comes to mind because her novel, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, is the first novel I ever remember rereading. Little did I know JK Rowling would come around and cause me to get in trouble because I reread her books entirely too many times. Mrs. Connell was my seventh grade English teacher and would not let me settle for simply loving to read. She forced me to analyze poetry and pursue creative writing. I love both now. Finally, my parents are the biggest contributors. I can't tell you how many nights they would stay up and critique my papers. With my mom's formal, editorial style and my dad's creative suggestions, they certainly helped create, inspire, and encourage my writing.

Here's to those who have helped us along the way. May anyone who gets an award, job, whatever, realize and acknowledge those people.

Simple Pleasures

Ah, the first post in a while. Simple pleasures have been on my mind all day today. I have a quote hanging up in my room that says, "Do ONE thing EVERY day that makes YOU happy." When I first saw it, I thought it was brilliant! The more I read it, however, the less brilliant I think it is. One thing? I cannot imagine how unhappy I would be if I only did one thing every day that I enjoyed.

Every single morning I wake up and have milk with my breakfast. I surely have the world's strongest bones. That used to be pleasure enough, but since I came to college and was able to experience all the new-found wonders that come from complete freedom, I took it a step further. I drink milk out of the jug-and I love it! I have an internship this semester that causes me to wake up every morning at 6:30. Despite the early rising, I always make time to go downstairs at 7:00 and take the time to eat breakfast. I sometimes can't help but giggle at how I am sitting in the middle of my kitchen floor smiling because I am chugging milk right from the gallon. What would my mom say?!

That being said, I start off every morning with something that brings me true pleasure. People have asked me in the past why am I always so happy. I was never able to really give an answer other than, "I just am!" Maybe I finally have the answer: I do tons of things every day that make me happy when it seems the rest of the world has to have a sign to remind them just to do one.

I came across this link for the 30 Most Satisfying Simple Pleasures:
http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/03/23/the-30-most-satisfying-simple-pleasures-life-has-to-offer/
I loved those, but in case you need more inspiration, here are ten of my favorite simple pleasures that I would add to the list:

1. Taking my shoes off the second I sit behind my desk to work
2. Driving a little too fast around the curves I know so well leading to my apartment (maybe this one is a little guilty!)
3. Listening to music really loudly
   
4. Using this jumbo pink chapstick from Palmer's that I found in the ethnic section at Wal-Mart. It looks like a giant crayon, and it makes my lips look, feel, and smell great!
5. Reading a book that makes me laugh out loud or gasp with the thrill of surprise or terror. I always have a book on me.
6. Listening to Christmas music no matter the season
7. Learning something new
8. Looking down at my toes and seeing them painted a bright, funky color
9. Walking on the hardwood floor at work in my heels. That sound makes me feel so sassy and powerful.
   
10. Wiggling, shaking, and dancing for the entire duration you microwave something to eat or drink. I read in a magazine a long time ago that this was guaranteed to boost your mood. It sure does. I'm not sure if it's the actual movement that makes me so happy or thinking how funny it would be if someone saw me. Either way, I love it!

ps: If you ever come visit me and want cookies and milk, you were forewarned about my jug-drinking passion :)