Independent Woman...part 2!

As a dear friend commented on a previous post about my independent
woman life style (which I am simply enjoying) it made me realize that
the oh so common song lyric that reaffirms every spelling lesson I
have had is absolutely the best way to be living my life right now!

So part 2 in the traveling nomad independent woman (and yes every time
I type that word I silently add "do you know what that means") life of
mine has began to unfold yet again. As many of you may know I am now
living in Phoenix (currently house sitting). The adventure getting
here was quite a ride, as my life seems to be these days.

I woke up bright and early last friday around 4am and quickly dressed,
zipped one last bag and made the contacts/glasses decision by choosing
glasses as I had grand hopes of sleeping on the plane! I make it down
the elevator and out the door with my 7000lbs of luggage (and this
trip should have been easier as I shipped two boxes home to alleviate
weight issues I had traveling to DC) I start the trek to the metro and
its starts raining...rain I figured was the least of my worries as
long as I made it to the metro to catch the 523 train....well I didn't
really realize how much longer it was taking me to walk the usually
short 7 min walk to the metro until I looked at my phone and it was
519 and i was having to stop every couple minutes to switch bags and
give my tired body a rest (I had a bag that I later found out weighed
61lbs, another that was 20, and two shoulder bags which together were
close to 30). At one of these routine rest breaks I realized I
couldn't really see anything...because...I had left my glasses in the
apartment...so much for early morning decisions!

I finally made it to the metro and had missed my train...but all was
good there are always more! I finally made it to the bus stop, after a
transfer and endless stares as though I was crazy or even infringing
upon other people's comfort zone, although I never got in anyone's
way. I got on the bus and there was really not a lot of room for my
life in bags and this nice guy noticed and offered to make sure my
body bag sized luggage didn't fall and was out of the way! It was
really a great thing at 630 in the morning!

So I finally made it to the airport, checked in, and had to re pack my
body bag because it was 11 pounds over weight. The man behind the
counter goes "when that bag bursts your skivies are gonna be going
around the conveyor belt! At least someone had a sense of humor that
early in the morning...right?

Check in was a success, made it to the gate as the attendant was
asking for volunteers to give up their seats...for the price of the
one way ticket to phoenix plus $200 on top of that! So I decided to
take the offer! After all I didn't have to be in phoenix by any
particular time...but the catch was that I had to be shuttled to
baltimore (I was at dulles). So they hired a shuttle van...I got on it
and barely made it to BWI in time for my flight. I went thru security
in 3 minutes and got on the plane just as they were closing the doors!
Talk about perfect timing!

I realized thru this somewhat disheveled experience that blessings
come in quite mysterious ways!

I'm in Phoenix now and have been enjoying laying out, watching movies
and relaxing! Some might call this being a bum or even laziness but I
can assure you that is not the case! This is my mental break before I
need to scrounge for jobs! A job is my next priority...hopefully one
will come my way soon!

I hope you...whoever you might be... are doing well, enjoying life and
appreciating the little things! Take time to relax and look at the
stars, read a book, or paint your nails! Oh yea...if u know of a
job...I would love to chat!

Peace!

S

Posted via email from Samantha's Posterous

The hovering epidemic

Now maybe epidemic is a bit of an exaggeration but I have come to
notice that folks in large metropolitan cities become expert hoverers.
As I write this entry I am standing outside some random office
building, staring at the metro..and all those other hovering by
because they really don't have much else to do. For example, there is
an older gentleman standing with his back to the wall with one leg
crossed in front of the other. Business suite, shopping
bag...something small...maybe for the wife, phone in hand, and sun
glasses. Now either he has a lot of time to burn or he is waiting for
someone/something. But the fact of the matter is...his hovering
abilities. Now some of you might be wondering what do u mean hovering?
Well let me explain!

I have found that living in a city where a significant amount of the
population travels with mass transit, either metro or buses, that when
their is down time, the only options are to wait outside and hover in
an area...not necessarily around people...or go somewhere and spend
money. I.e. Restaurant, starbucks, boutique...you get the point! As
spending money goes...there just isn't an unlimited supply of it in
many cases so that means hovering is the next best option! If people
had cars they would probably want to drive around, nap, or would even
spend their time most likely walking the 5 miles to the parking spot,
which happened to be the closest available in morning rush hour.

I know this is a strange observation but what can I say...its
everywhere...the hovering epidemic! Due to the fact that I am creepily
watching people as they aimlessly stand by buildings and store
fronts...maybe the real obscurity is my sense of entertainment!

Love

S

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Independently Wealthy

As I sit on BoltBus to NYC I have a great dream of magically becoming
independently wealthy...not so much to baste in materialistic
possessions but to have experiences! Imagine the glorious jungles,
beaches and mountains that could be shared and conquered!

Although affording such lavish travel would be wonderful, I sincerely
enjoy working and giving back some of the gifts I have been blessed
with. Finding a job to use these so called gifts I have awarded myself
has become another issue for my life! I keep applying and networking
and am just hoping to get a break! I am excited to work, as that is
what I have decided to do come hopefully the beginning of May (at the
latest). I find myself searching for meaning and truth and am going to
continue searching that out...until I feel satisfied...or...

I can continue to dream of being independently wealthy!

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Ask yourself...

 

 

 

Posted via email from Samantha's Posterous

A Searck for TRUTH: droppingknowledge.org

At work and did a google search for "truth". This is what I found

 

 

 

Really powerful...but there are more...go to www.droppingknowledge.org

 

thought provoking...I think so!

 

S

Posted via email from Samantha's Posterous

Adventurous adventurer

I thought I would take this time as I patiently wait for the metro to
arrive to colorfully relay to all of you (my very loyal and faithful
readers) my random adventures of the last few days!!!

Last week I decided I wanted to find out where things were so I
started walking! I discovered a UPS store, an amazing happy hour ($1
sushi rolls and $2wine) and that homeless people enjoy tall hot
chocolates from starbucks just like those politicians and lawyers!
Seriously, I stopped into a starbucks to get a skinny soy cinnamon
dulce latte and found a homeless woman buying a hot chocolate! What I
find to be most surprising about this encounter was her decision to
spend $4.06 on a cup of hot chocolate! I guess if I had no home and
limited resources starbucks would be my last choice....but everyone
has to have their BUCKS fix!

Following my unusual encounter I decided heading home was good
considering I had dinner plans with margie and her friend from home!
We went to have mexican...margaritas and all...except my beverage
tasted like pinesol and the food was mediocre....I mean it was a good
experience...just no Arrandas..(.for you Austin people) I guess I
learned that real mexican food has to be found down south!

The next day I decided to walk home from work!! I discovered I live
Sooo close to where I work...considering people commute an hour! I can
walk to work in about 25 minutes! The walk is awesome...great
neighborhoods, the national zoo, and a cute cupcake place! I had a red
velvet cupcake with gnache as frosting! It was quite delicious!! This
day was also monumental to my time here for the sheer reason that I
discovered my building has a steam shower in the "health spa"...yes
you read that right steam shower gloriousness!!! It is AMAZING! And
the best part is that no one is ever in there so I get it to myself!!

My next adventures took me to the national mall! This was a really fun
day for me! As I have never been to DC before all of the monuments and
museums are like a sparkly treasure for me! I had so much fun being
really touristy! I saw the capital, hope to go in it one of these
days! The washington monument was beautiful surrounded by flags and
set in a crisp blue sky. The Lincoln memorial was really awesome
because of the magnificence of the monument in itself but also because
of his words...inscribed into the walls!! So powerful!

This same day I decided that a visit to a museum would be a great
idea...and hey they are free...I like free things...so I went to the
Museum of American History...3 levels in an hour and a half...not too
shabby I must add! I saw Julia Child's kitchen, presidential stuff,
and the first ladys exhibit which was probably my favorite of the day!
The museums were pretty awesome but I was exhausted! It was a great,
crisp, and clear day! I couldn't have asked for anything better!

Adventures wil continue..as I am visiting the White House tomorrow and
heading to NYC next weekend!

Peace y'all

S

Posted via email from Samantha's Posterous

This week...in DC with a little grad school flare!

Soooo this has been a really fun week for me! I am getting to work on
great things at work and when I leave work I go on mini adventures! My
adventures took me to target because everyone has got to know where to
buy those must have's and not such a high cost! The target I chose to
visit was in Columbia Heights...so I jumped on the metro,
transferred..only once and made it to one of my favorite stores. This
target was especially special because it was in a larger building with
a best buy, marshals, and another store...so by larger store I really
mean city block! As I walked in I was greeted with the familiar aroma
of cooking/stale popcorn and a flash of red! As I ventured around
Target I came upon escalators...in the store...it was in fact a two
story target...which I thought was quite special! After I purchased my
dry fruit and essential black tights I left with the hopes of
exploring Columbia Heights a little before it got too dark! Well turns
out the only 'safe' part of that area was where all of the shops are.
Now don't get me wrong I hadn't walked into a terrible part of town,
but I could tell things were getting run down pretty fast so I
promptly turned around and walked the other way...of course playing it
cool the whole time just listening to my music. I had almost gotten
back to the metro when my rommate texted me to meet her at the
mall...so I jumped right back on the metro and headed to Pentagon
City. I, by chance, ran into her at the transfer station, and when we
got to PC I was slightly shocked to find the metro lead directly into
the mall. Seriously, you walked out of the metro and didn't even go
outside and straight into the mall! This mall is GINORMOUS. But really
just your average mall filled with too many teenagers!

Shopping was fun..I didn't buy anything...which is fine..except I
really really wanted to!!

So, I think I should mention my grad school adventure while I am
thinking about it! Last saturday (yes 2 days after I made it to DC) I
traveled to seattle for Seattle University's preview days. While I was
there I got to see my grandfather and his wife...and actually enjoyed
a couple bottles of wine with them...which was so funny! Seeing him
was great! I even got him to go to Mass with me which totally shocked
my Aunt and Uncle who I also got to see. They cooked me amazing fresh
caught (as in that morning) white salmon, with fruit salad and
couscous! I had not seen them in almost 4 years so it was great to
take a relaxing evening and spend time with them.

Traveling back to DC was a crazy emotional rollercoaster! I almost
cried like 5 times! They made me check my cloth Vera bradley at the
door because the red eye I had to take was completely full. Did I
mention I sat in the middle and the man to my right was pushin 6'7''!
I did open my eyes once and notice I was kinda cuddling with
him...then I noticed his wedding ring! Best, no sleep, exhausting,
emotionally charged night EVER!

I did finally make it back to DC after I took a 20 seater from
philadelphia, and was glad to be back...to work! I went straight to
work for my second day! My supervisor got right down to business and
gave me all these great things to work on! Articles for a newsletter
to write, book descriptions and research! I was fine at first and then
everything started to fade! I met with my supervisor at the end of the
day to talk about a few things and he had an article I had written. He
started out saying it was half my fault and half his...those are never
the words you want to hear on your second day! I had written a
paragraph that was absolutely false in every way...and in my delirium
I didn't know the difference! Again the waterworks almost started but
I got it together and finished my day and left!

The moral of my semi-sob story is this adventure sure has its ups and
down! But its all for a reason right??

Still loving DC and can't wait to share more!!

S

Posted via email from Samantha's Posterous

A typical day...not so typical.

Right now as I sit in a turkish restaurant called Levante I am
thinking of how lucky I am to have this opportunity.

Today I worked from 8:30 till 4:30 writing articles for a newsletter,
creating spreadsheet for a seminar in Rome, read Ex Corde Ecclesiae
and worked on a blurb for a book cover. All of these tasks were
different in their own way but all had a valuable leson to be learned.
I am so utterly thankful for this internship, for those that have made
it possible, and for the courage to come out here.

As I walk to work in the morning I find myself hoping to fit in with
the crowds on the train, to do great work for the ACCU and to learn
something about myself in the process! I think that this whole
experience will bring me knowledge about myself that I might not
otherwise be able to find. I am searching for something greater than
myself, somewhere to place my energies, something to say 'this is my
purpose'. I hope to start this discovery on this adventure and of
course along the way I will stumble, but I am excited to get back up
and learn!

PS greatest hummus of my life! I love this city for its diversity and
culture! I am excited to be here, and to share my journey along the
way!
Now, time to eat and enjoy the environment!

Posted via email from Samantha's Posterous

DC-the first few days

I have finally made it to DC, however currently I am racking up those
frequent flier miles and traveling to Seattle for a graduate school
preview days program...these airplanes are great places to catch up on
posts!

So thursday I left for DC with literally 115lbs of luggage. Now for a
normal travel experience where someone is picking you up from the
airport that much luggage is no problem...but that was the farthest
from my experience. I landed in Baltimore and knew I needed to catch a
shuttle to the Amtrak station. So I did that with only minor
problems...I get to the Amtrak station and buy a ticket on the Marc
because it was $44 cheaper!

Waiting for the train I met a nice lady who wasn't scowling at me for
packing my entire life in 4 bags! Finally I got a chance to sit down
and attach my rolley bags together creating this monster of a bag. So
now I didn't have to pull two and have two on my shoulders which was
really starting to be awkward! Getting onto the train was funny
because I had to go around this sharp corner to find an empty place
with my bodybag like contraption! At this point all I could do was
laugh, and thank the Lord that I could somewhat manage myself!

Departing the train I needed to find the red line metro, buy a ticket,
get through the turnstiles, and make it onto a metro train. I had
never done any of that in DC before, heck I had never been to DC nor
had I ever met my roommate or really knew where I was going! So I
just smiled, apologized to all the kind, very nicely dressed people
(oh did I mention...it was rush hour) and mastered my independent
woman gig! The only hiccup I had was getting all of my stuff thru the
turnstiles while inserting a tickets and then pulling it out, while
walking thru. I literally got stuck in between the little doors that
open and close! So..I forced them open with my sheer adrenaline that
was absolutely flowing at that moment, played it cool and survived!

The metro ride wasn't bad except for the merciless stares due to the
absurdity of my packing abilities! I got on the right train, made it
to the Cleveland park stop and managed to drag my belongings with the
last bit of strength I had left off the train only to find that the
escalator was out of service! So I toughed it up and started dragging
all of my luggage up two flights of stairs! I got up the first stair
and thought I was gonna throw my back out so I devised a new plan. I
sat my carry on bags a few stairs up, turned and with all my might
heaved everything up. I did this a few more times, all the while
thinking this is what I deserved for packing for 6 weeks for 3
different climates and bringing 11 pairs of shoes...I was being
smited!

Finally this really nice man saw my struggles and probably thought if
he didn't help me I might keel over and die so we both lifted the bags
and made it, alive, up the stairs.

Meeting my roommate was kinda nerve racking especially because I'm
sure I looked like a crazy person! Margie is so so sweet, and
considerate! She has red curly hair like me, and her apartment is
phenomenal! The front door has a doorman, the lobby looks like
something from an Audrey Hepburn move adorned in crystal, and gold
with regal mirrors and flower arrangements! There is a sitting room, a
members only lounge and of course a state of the art health club and
spa! Ok so for real...I never want to leave! Think old glamour, a 5
min walk to restaurants and an organic supermarket, and wood floors!
What more does a girl need in her life! Seriously its amazing! I am so
blessed to have found this opportunity!

Friday was my first day at the internship working with the Association
of Catholic Colleges and Universities! I made it to Dupont Circle
found the building, got my badge and started what I hope to be one of
the most informative and worthwhile experiences to date! I began work
almost right away thinking about my professional and personal goals
while at the ACCU! I also began writing an article for their quarterly
newsletter which is sent to 3000 people, made website notations of out
of date information, and researched the Center for Earth and
Jurisprudence. All in all, it was a perfect first day, including the
delicious lunch my supervisor took me to at a delightful Turkish
restaurant!

After work I decided to take an adventure of my own to a Verizon
Store! I mapped it out, and started walking! I only made one wrong
turn and found the store thanks to my trusty crackberry! Then I rushed
home, changed and headed out again to see Avatar...for the first
time...cuz I'm super lame!

So far DC is everything and more than I expected it to be! I am super
excited to explore the city, meet new people and learn!

So that's all for now! I am waiting in the Chicago airport and might
get bumped which means a free roundtrip voucher from United! More
later on my Seattle adventure and graduate school excitment!
T
Wish me luck!

S

Posted via email from Samantha's Posterous

Mardi Gras recap

As I am sitting on the plane reminiscing about the whirlwind of the
last few weeks I have to. remind myself that that whirlwind is about
to become a hurricane! Right now the only dilemma is to figure out
where to begin...

After my 9 day stint as an administrative coordinator at the
Counseling Center at St. Edward's, I participated in what is probably
one of my favorite things to do: MARDI GRAS!! This holiday has so many
negative underpinnings and receives so many scoffs because of the
inappropriate and degrading experience many people believe this
extravaganza contains. Now, don't get me wrong, if you are lookin for
a show you absolutely can find it in New Orleans at Mardi Gras, BUT
that is definitely not what I went to find nor is that my experienced.
My version of Mardi Gras is made possible by the amazing Dugas Family!

This particular Mardi Gras started with a trip to a great Cajun
Restaurant where I enjoyed my first shrimp Poboy (of the many to come)
and a walk down Bourbon to find Hurricanes! We were absolutely
successful in the Hurricane endeavor and we even got a great cup with
a handle to take home! Now maybe I should clarify who WE is... My dear
friend Anna from Kansas City, Kristie whose family kindly coordinates
much of the trip, Rachel from Kansas city who played volleyball with
Kris and is a huge riot, Michael from Lincoln-we went to high school
together and is of great importance to Kris, then all of the people
Kristie's older brother brought along...Chuck, Scott, Matt, Anthony,
Josie, two other girls who I didn't really get the chance to talk
with, and Robs gf Nikki. So as you can see the WE in this story is
quite an entourage, one which only got larger by saturday...there were
36 people in 9 hotel rooms...you get my drift!

After the stroll down bourbon, we proceeded to get bundled up because
it was becoming quite a cold night. With gloves, scarves and countless
layers we made it to Mike Serio's Poboy shop on St. Charles...which
happens to be on the parade route. Due to the weather the previous day
the parades that were supposed to roll thursday couldn't so we got to
see 4 parades on friday night! My favorite of the night was Muses
because its an all women Krew and they throw great things...eye masks,
rings, bracelets and all adorned with high heels in pinks and reds.
But the prized possession of this parade are the hand decorated real
shoes they throw out. Now you might be asking why are throw and beads
such a big deal...and I honestly don't have an answer except you just
can't help but want more and more once you are in that
atmosphere...and the high heels are just icing on the cake! People
fight over these things..literally. A man said to Anna that once the
parade starts that he goes all out and to not excpect him to be kind
or considerate...this man caught 3 shoes this year...simply unfair!

After the parades Anna and I decided to go find the rest of our people
because they had decided to leave and go to Pat O'Briens the famous
piano bar on Bourbon. It took us almost 25 minutes to fight our way
thru the crowds. When we finally got there, the line to get in was an
entire block long! So...we left and randomly met up with on of the
guys in our group on the street. We then found out that everyone had
gone back to the hotel, so that is where we headed too! After a day of
drinking, parades, friends, and Beads we were all exhausted...but not
tired enough for a trip to Arby's!

Saturday morning started out well...woke up early then tried to get
breakfast at Arby's and lost out! Anna and I made it 5 min after they
stopped serving...and all I wanted was an egg soo bad! I seriously
almost jumped over the counter! After our breakfast disappointment
came the most epic Mass of my life! Saturday is an important day for
the Dugas family because the Endymion parade rolls saturday night, and
this is the parade Kristie's dad rides in, which ends in the Super
Dome at a Ball! All of this craziness begins with a Catholic Mass
celebrated in the Super Dome with the Krew and family members. The
reason this experience is so epic is because the guys are dressed in
their outfits which generally are bright colored clown suits, across
the aisle from us were men drinking beer with feet propped up, people
laughing and talking but what is so strange is it all seemed so
normal! And yes, the Bishop of New Orleans did allow that mass to
count for Sunday!

After mass we ventured back to Mike's with a quick stop for some
pizza! Anna and I decided to stay a little longer at Mike's and when
we tried to get back to the hotel we were stuck because there were day
parades going on we had to cross the parade route twice! This is not
allowed and kristie almost got arrested because she tried to right as
she was across from the hotel! We finally found a place to cross and
by this time it was almost 330 which means Ball preparation time!
Every year there are about 10 girls trying to get ready for a formal
ball in two rooms with 2 showers and 6 mirrors...you can see the
problem! But getting ready is always so much fun! Sharing make-up,
doing hair, sewing dresses...it all happens in those rooms with just
enough time to take one team photo and then catch the charter buses to
the Dome!

This Ball is not a sit down dinner, classy affair. Its essentially is
a formal tailgate! You bring your own food in coolers, and your own
alcohol. They provide popcorn, mixers and ice! The rest is history.
This year we danced the night away, watched as the parade came thru
the Dome, I got "married," enjoyed drinks, sang to Leonard Skynard as
he performed live, and took countless hilarious pictures! The dresses
were fabulous, the music was amazing and before I knew it it was 4 am
and we were headed back to the buses! 8 hours of dancing, Laughing,
drinking and making memories I was exhausted! Somehow I ended up with
a tux coat, and thank goodness for that because it was really cold in
my dress...and we had to walk because we are idiots. We got off the
bus early for some crazy reason and walked along side the bus back to
the hotel! After discovering the new shade of black on my feet and
eating popcorn with a little girl talk mixed in...Saturday was over!

Sunday was supposed to be a day of recovery but with all thing comes
room for changes. I finally got to eat at Mothers which is quite
famous in NO due to its block long line...constantly. The food was
everything I needed in my life at that moment. Crawfish Etoufee
omelet, grits, french fries, and biscuits with butter and jam! Talk
about perfect hangover food! And this was such a good change from the
poboys I kept obsessively eating. Following the cure to all my
problems Anna and I went back to the hotel and sat on a wall and
people watched for a good long time! I was asked if I was saved, saw
middle aged women wearing matching purple and yellow argyle tights,
homemade feathery hats, and bedazzled sun glasses, and got to watch
another parade.

Sunday evening led us back to Mike's to watch the Bacchus parade! It
was a ton of fun, I talked to my "husband" about out prenup agreement
and continued to enjoy the delicacy of BudLight! The weather was
chilly, the people were excited and life was good! Following the
parade and a short hotel stop a few of us went to Pat O'Briens...but
did I mention that it had begun to rain?? Oh well cuz it had! This
mean soaked clothes but tons of rain dancing fun. This particular bar
has enough over hangs to keep people dry, but who can resist some good
old bad music dancing.

After meeting a 35 year old man dressed as Tigger it was time to
leave! Sunday was so fun and relaxing, the perfect end before everyone
left.

As most people know, no trip to The Big Easy is complete without a
stop at Cafe Du Monde for some beignets! For the 5 people at out table
we asked for 7 orders...which means I ate 5 beignets...yes I was
slightly hungry and couldn't really control myself. After feeling
mighty satisfied it was time to say goodbye to almost everyone! With
the departure of my old friends, and some new ones I realized I had
just taken part in quite possibly the most fun and random weekend of
my life!

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Fantastic Finds for February

1. myfitfoods.com (austin) --> healthy meals prepared and delivered to your home: from chicken and veggies to atlantic salmon to trail mix. All very reasonable priced with tons of different options

2. Groupon.com --> find the best daily deals in Austin from Daily Juice discounts to laser hair removal, you can save 50-90%!

3. Fage --> Greek Style Yogurt with 19g of protein for 1 cup and only 4.5 grams of fat, wonderful mixed with chopped almonds and dried cranberries. Has a thick texture and can be subsitued for a small meal with a side of veggies or a salad

4. Genisoy sweet crisps/soy crisps --> delicious snack made with soy products but with enough protein to sustain hunger.Forsavory flavors-- try the zesty bar-bq for a great snack or the cinnamon streusel sweet crisps for a great dessert.

5.Annie's Organic Whole Wheat Shells and White Cheddar --> your average mac and cheese with a healthy twist. One Serving has 250 Calories and low fat. I always combine with veggies either sauteed or frozen (the frozen can be added right in with the boiling water towards the end of the cooking time for the pasta) Perfect for a rainy day, or when that craving for comfort food attacks!

 

Just a short list of the things that keep me busy from day to day!

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The ADVENTURE has come to pass!

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Cooking

Cooking is something that more people should embrace earlier on in life. There is so much joy and discovery that comes by creating sustainable food for ourselves! Just a thought!...

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A direction for my LIFE and some updates!

So these past two weeks have been filled with new developments in the life of ME. I think a list is appropriate and easier

1. I have a set date to intern at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in DC--> February 25-March 25. This opportunity is going to be amazing and I cannot wait to live in DC for 4 weeks!

2. I will be leaving DC and flying to Phoenix to house sit for my uncle for two weeks. Perfect vacation...although it will be by myself. I will have really great quality time with a book and the pool.

3. I will be working at St. Edward's for almost two weeks as a "secretary" (I don't think that word is PC anymore) but basically scheduling and phones and stuff like that. It will be a great opportunity to work with new people and fun as well to be back on campus.

4. I have met my first babysitting mystery. The child I am supposed to be sitting this week will not entertain the thought of looking at me for more than 30 seconds. This has never happened in all of my years of babysitting! Quite strange, but her mom is very nice about it!

5. I have temporarily moved in with Austin and Jayme and so far it has been great! Park Terrace definately needs its own reality TV show. The people are great and the DRAMA is even better!

6. I have started reading "Are You There Vodka? It's Me Chelsea" by Chelsea Handler. Every time I pick up this book to read I end up looking like a fool because I laugh out loud almost every other page. It really is that funny! An awesome mindless read filled with great insight.

7. I have (sorta) learned to control my shopping and spending habbits. This has been a very challenging process for me as I love to spend money and buy new clothes. Due to my lack of a plan for my near future I really need to be careful of how I spend my hard earned money, although it is almost like pulling teeth!

8. I have decided to try out this whole fitness thing (AGAIN!). So far I have not become obsessed which is a really good thing and it feels great to do something for myself! I have learned that I can workout for 2 hours as long as there is something fantastic on TV.

9. I have become increasingly obsessed with Twitter and finding new social networking/blogs/really cool idea sharing opportunities. A few that I would say are mentionable are Quora and Posterous! Check them out for yourself to see what all of the rage is all about!

10. HAITI. This has been such a dear subject to my life! I was absolutely obsessed with the rest of the world for the last few weeks. It breaks my heart to see the people of Haiti in such a time of pain and suffering. I want to help them so bad. I really want to go in the later part of the Spring to work there, however, that is a prayer that is still being worked out!

So basically what I am saying is LIFE IS WONDERFULLY PERFECT!!! I have tried this whole no manipulation and controlling thing for my life and I think that it has really worked out. I am having a blast and cannot wait for the adventure to continue....MARDI GRAS HERE I COME!

Life Update #1

This will be my last night in my apartment with my wonderfully dear roommate Elyse! Our lease ends tomorrow, but, this is just one end amist a series of new beginnings and the start to my newest adventure!

I will be in Austin until February 5, babysitting and nannying, hanging out with people and relaxing (hopefully finishing a great book on personal finances and great money management tips..but thats another entry)..then the real adventure begins! I will be traveling to Baton Rouge to stay with my dear friend Kristie for about a week and a half..then its on to Mardi Gras 2010 which I am absolutely so excited about! Last year was an amazing experience and this year is goona be even better (many pics to come!)

I will then be leaving Baton Rouge and heading to Austin for my first homecoming as an Alumnus of St. Edward's. Following the wonderful weekend full of catching up with friends and participating in events begins what I have started calling the great mystery!

This great mystery will include graduate school decisions, an internship in Washington DC, possibly a trip to Colorado, and then Phoenix to house sit for my uncle, and could include visiting relatives in Seattle! With so many decisions and lots of fun traveling I just simply cannot wait! This great mystery will soon unfold its course, but until then I hope to soak in every experience I have in the mean time!

An update with more final decision will be coming soon! In the mean time...keep all those in Haiti and those volunteers and doctors giving of their time your prayers.

A Productive Day

So today has been quite a productive day in life of...yours truly. I met a new family I will be nannying for later this month, found a gown for the Endymion ball which is quickly approaching, came up with the greatest sandwich invention ever, laundry, searched for more babysitting/nanny jobs, made tea, checked the mail, and now I get to do my favorite activity...blog and check all of my FB and Twitter stuff.

I find that productivity makes one feel accomplished, energized, and ALIVE...well I guess I feel that way! Crossing items off my never ending to-do list is always such a joy. Now some might call this obsessive, controlling or claim I have complete Type A personality issues going on, but really who doesn't like to see what has been accomplished in a day, week or well, even month, because lets be honest, we all know that to-do lists can be quite idealistic.

The moral of my day and really this entry is that being productive really feels great, especially to an unemployed graduate who is just trying to make things happen. I think I will have to have more days like today a lot more often!

My Life Thus Far...Post College

So this whole graduating thing has so many emotions that follow it--> Boredom, excitement for the future, sadness, stress, happiness, joy, relief....and the list can go on and on! This particular week for me has been very interesting. My apartment lease ends next weekend, I have not signed another lease and have decided to be a nomad for a few weeks, I have discovered the art of finding babysitting and short term nanny jobs on-line which means I have random jobs for most of the month which is a really good thing, not having a real job is kind of weird and its feels strange to say that I am unemployed, I think I have the internship in DC worked out to be able to go sometime in March or April, finding a ball gown is a real challenge when it is not prom season (Mardi Gras Ball is QUICKLY approaching), and to top everything off I just generally am confused about my future because I am trying to not be controlling...BUT all of this is not sad, it is my new adventure and it has been an exciting experience.

On another topic, I really enjoy social media. I really find it interesting this lifestyle that so many of us lead...updating and checking out twitter and facebook accounts endlessly, stalking celebrities day in and day out, and finding most of our news sources from CNN online or from Chelsea Lately. Now I know that this type of social media has its ups and its downs, but I really see the value in this opening of the world. The idea sharing and spreading that takes place truly is magnificent-something I am truly thankful for! So, although being sucked into such cultural ideas can negate more personal relationships, if you don't have a twitter, think about getting one. If not for your friends, for all of the information available, same thing applies to facebook and linkedin, and any other social networking and media sites. (blogging is a great idea too!) I promise you will not regret it!

I guess that is all for now, and I hope that your new year is off to the right start! I sure know that mine is!

Stuff White People Like

Stuff White People Like

As I sat in Baton Rouge this Holiday Break, Kristie's brother Rob asked if we had heard of this website called stuffwhitepeoplelike.com. Immediately I was interested in what kinds of things I am supposed to like, then to my great surprise it was this hilarious list of 130 "ideas" of things white people like. The list includes camping, hating people who wear Ed Hardy, the idea of soccer, unpaid internships, and sea salt...just to name a few.

What I found to be clever after more scrutiny of the website was that each entry had a description and justification as to why white people would like such a thing. For example, the camping description explains that in theory camping should be a very inexpensive activity, yet with white people the more simple it appears the more expensive it really is. My favorite part of this description was the last paragraph were it says, "Ultimately the best way to escape a camping trip with white people is to say that you have allergies. Since white people and their children are allergic to almost everything, they will understand and ask no further questions. You should not say something like “looking at history, the instances of my people encountering white people in the woods have not worked out very well for us.”

Most of the entries to this website are quite witty, however people take offense to some of the things posted. It really is quite amazing what will set a person off, and I do think that some of these things that white people are supposed to like definately do that! Also, there is a full length book on the same topic and if you are interested read the description below>

If you have a minute, take a look at the website. It is a great conversation starter, or maybe a debate starter..either way...its quite comical to find out what white people like!

Stuff White People Like: A Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions
They love nothing better than sipping free-trade gourmet coffee, leafing through the Sunday New York Times, and listening to David Sedaris on NPR (ideally all at the same time). Apple products, indie music, food co-ops, and vintage T-shirts make them weak in the knees.
They pretend to be unique, yet somehow they’re all exactly the same, talking abut how they “get” Sarah Silverman’s “subversive” comedy and Wes Anderson’s “droll” films. They are also down with diversity and up on all the best microbrews, breakfast spots, foreign cinema, and authentic sushi. They’re organic, ironic, and do not own TVs.
You know who they are: They’re white people. And they’re here, and you’re gonna have to deal. Fortunately, here’s a book that investigates, explains, and offers advice for finding social success with the Caucasian persuasion. So lose yourself in the ultimate guide (featuring brand-new entries and extras!) to the unbearable whiteness of being.

Source: http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/stuff-white-people-like-the-book/

2009-A Year in Review

2009 was a year of many new things for me!


January 2009 also brought about fun travels! I went to Cabo San Lucas with a leadership program sponsored by St. Edward's Student Life. It was absolutely one of the most defining moments of my college career and I learned how to step outside the boundaries I set for myself and learned to take risks...one step at a time!





February 2009 was the greatest Mardi Gras experience EVER. Spending the weekend in New Orleans, going to the Endymion Ball, Eating PoBoys for every meal except the king cake we ate for breakfast, walking barefoot home from the bars, the parades, beads and friendships, sewing Kristie into her Dress, Cougars, Kid Rock...every part of the weekend was absolutely unforgettable! I simply cannot wait for mardi gras 2010...the countdown has begun!


March 2009 meant spring break in Conroe Tx, with my dear friend Austin Wood. It was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable weeks I had in a long time. From spending time in the hot tub every night, going to the Houston Zoo and accidentally finding ourselves at a free Ben Kweller concert at Rice, Spring Break 2009 was absolutely everything I ever needed!


April brought about Easter and Miss Kristie and I did our usual hang out, watch baseball, and spend time with random St. Eds people. It was a lot of fun but did not include our usual impromptu trip to Houston!


May 2009 meant the end of my first senior year, the last event I worked with UPB, driving to Nebraska for Lucy (my sister's) graduation, and enjoying the first part of the summer. Leaving UPB (university programming board, where I had worked for two years) was an interesting transition for me. It was like leaving my home, and it was exciting to know that I left having made a difference but was hard to let go.

June meant my 22nd birthday which was spent working orientation at St. Edward's. I did get a wonderful cake and a pineapple, and beautiful flowers from my best friend! After my birthday I worked orientation and it was a lot of fun. The beginning of the summer is always such a fun time for me, and this year was no exception!


July 2009 started off with a wonderful weekend trip to Houston to spend the 4th with Sara's family. We had wonderful drinks, fireworks, food, and friends. The rest of July meant orientation and spending time at the pool. However, I did have to move out of my apartment in July and this was just so inconvenient! I moved onto campus for about 2 weeks until I could move to my new apartment, which I love by the way! As July ended the weather was as hot as ever, but life was good!

August brought about a family trip to Denver to visit my great grandmother on her 98th birthday! This trip was absolutely amazing! We hiked, ti-died t-shirts, cooked meals together, toured DT Denver, played tennis and went to a water park! This vacation was simply Amazon. The end of August was also the start of my last semester of college as an undergraduate student. This time was so strange because I knew that everything was coming to an end, but I still had so far to go!

September meant I had started to get into the swing of things! School was a challenge because I was so excited to be done with everything. One class in particular was killing me! Strategic Management seriously caused me immense stress! But I did end up making and A in the class, so I guess all of the stress and hard work paid off. The end of September meant a trip to San Diego to help my sister move into school. I had never been to San Diego so it was a wonderful trip and it was so exciting to see my sister go off to school, to a place that she absolutely loves.

October was an epic month for me because my 12 year dream to see Hanson in concert was finally fulfilled. On October 31, I got to see Hanson in Houston on Halloween with Hello Goodbye at the House of Blues. It was SO AMAZING!!! The show was so fun, we had such a good standing location, and the pictures I got were fun! October 2009 will be remembered for a long time to come!

November 2009 meant the first year I did not spend Thanksgiving with my family. I had one lunch with my boss/mentor/friend and then another dinner with Sara's Family! It was nice to be included with other families but still strange to not see my family. November also meant Sara's 21 Birthday. Her parents came and took us (sara, erica and me) to dinner to Perry's Steak House in Austin. It was one of the best evenings I had ever had. The food was exquisite, the company was wonderful and the atmosphere was amazing! That dinner will be forever dreamed about.


December 2009 will probably remain one of the most important months of my life to date! December held my graduation, which was then followed closely by applying for graduate school. I forgot how miserable filling out applications and writing essays really is! But, I finally sent in my first application to Colorado State, and now the waiting begins! Graduation was so amazing and it feels so accomplished to be done. However, now my friends can introduce me as their unemployed friend, because of my lack of a job!

2009 was filled with many laughs, tears, travels, memories, friends, relationships, accomplishments, new beginnings, and fun! Sitting in the kitchen of a dear friend and writing about the past makes me really excited about the future months to come!

I hope that your 2009 was as wonderful as mine, and that your dreams and accomplishments come true in 2010. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Samantha

It's That Time of Year

As all of you are aware it is the Christmas season, which means lots of shopping, pictures, and family time. All of this also means so much to write about. I have been brainstorming some ideas for new entries and I cannot wait to share! Be excited for a new book review, stuffwhitepeoplelike.com, recipes, dancing Christmas Trees and MORE!

I hope that your holiday season is off to the right start and that the stresses of this time do not hinder your merriment or joy. Smile, sing Christmas music, eat delicious food, and stay up late, there is not better time to let loose a little... so just do it!

Remember also it is the season of giving...just a friendly reminder to give back for all you have been given. I wish you the most Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!