7 weeks ago today (well, technically yesterday now), my dad and I pulled out from the beautiful coastal Southern California, traveling some 1,600 miles in just over 72 hours back to the midwest. Somehow it seems like it was months and months ago I was there.
Most of the time I think it's good to reflect after a chunk of time has passed. So this is probably what this will turn out to be.
There were so many events in my last days in California and the processional road trip back home that I could bore you with the details of "what I did." But I've come to realize that "what I did" doesn't evoke the needed impressions as if I did a "thoughts and feelings" post. So in attempt to not bore you with hour-by-hour descriptions of what I did, I'll allow some of my post-California thoughts.
But just in case you wanted a taste of "what I did": So at 9:45 am Wednesday August 11, we left Ventura. We stopped at Point Mugu. Then we traveled along the PCH through Malibu. Then we turned east at the SM pier and drove to Vegas..blah, blah, blah.... ;-)
In short, this blog could just be summed up: I miss _______. Because, truly, I miss California, and the summer I had, the people I met, the ocean, beach, piers, etc. But where's the fun in just saying "I miss California"? Seems more like a facebook status or a tweet than anything. And although I'm not quite sure to dissect HOW I miss it, I think writing could bring out realizations I never knew. (Sometimes that happens when I'm writing...instead of thinking, my fingers just punch letters that turn into words that turn into sentences, and all the sudden they mean something I hadn't known before...hence my "base" blog title, "When Words Create Meaning".)
So in order to attempt to dissect my thoughts and feelings, I need to start while I was still out in California.
It was last Monday of my "summer". Gigi night. My last day of my internship. That day was terribly emotional...and even that's an understatement. (just ask the girls there just how many kleenex I used. My guess? 7 or 8)
I've said it time and time again here, but truly, this Bible Study group has challenged and grown me in ways I did not expect. It felt so intimately loving and caring to be with 20 other girls who truly, honestly, and purely wanted to love each other through prayer, accountability without judgment, and through fellowship. Sometimes there are no words to describe love, and this is an instance where I fell completely in love with the group, what they did for each other, and how God used them in my life.
The same goes for College Group. While Gigi was such an intimate atmosphere between the girls, college group was such an encouragement in my faith by exploring theology. I can't say I was MORE challenged in college group than Gigi, but it simply challenged me differently in my life than Gigi. With theological debates, or even just grappling and wrestling with God's word, and what it means to be a Christian in today's world, I came away each Sunday feeling like I knew a tiny piece of God a little more.
These people have changed my lives in ways I never expected, but in ways I have come to love. The mentors/leaders in each group challenged the cultural norms, even in Christian society, so that we might understand and grow closer to God. I was put outside of my comfort zone in many fascets, and (very abnormally for me)I loved it.The song from WICKED "For Good" seems to describe these people more than I can. (I know, I'm a true "broadway" geek when I quote song lyrics from different musicals...just wait, I'm sure RENT will pop up here soon, as well.) "I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are lead to those who help us most to grow, if we let them and we help them in return...But I know I'm who I am today, because I knew you."
So now fast-forward 7 weeks.
I'm living in an apartment (yay!) with two wonderful roommates, attending classes, while working a job 25 hrs/week (that I also love). I think the reason it feels like the 7 weeks was so long ago is because I have fallen into my norm here again. I'm back at "home", in the cities, going to the same school, hanging out with the same people, grocery shopping at my same two favorite grocery stores (Cub & target, of course). It's like I've fallen into this pattern of predictability, and I've gotten comfortable again.
Some of the comforts have been a wonderful blessing...like going home on the weekends to see my parents, play with my puppy, and hang out with my growing-up-faster-and-faster sister. It's been a comfort to see the fall foliage again, or sit by the still lakes, or take a canoe out onto one. It's been a comfort being able to just call up my best friend and hang out, or even call up a very dear old friend of mine from elementary school who's recently moved down here to hang out.
It's been a comfort to just sit in my new apartment, which I am adapting to ever-so-quickly as my "new home."
Yet some of the "comforts" have me sitting here wondering where the adventure is, longing for a little excitement. For instance, when I first moved down to the cities, downtown Minneapolis seemed so huge and unmanageable. When I brought my car down here my sophomore year, I was nervous to drive in such a huge metropolis (as it seemed to me at the time.) Now after driving through so many large cities, like San Francisco and LA (I got pretty good at LA traffic, all thanks to Chelsea's GPS), I am so unbelievably bored with Minneapolis. Nicollet Ave doesn't have the same squeal-factor (maybe it will during the Hollidazzle, who knows?). Uptown is cute and trendy and spunky, but it's just seemingly all so "blah", like "I've done this a million times."
So what does this mean? I'm just bored? Maybe. That I miss California? Duh.
I used to compare everything in California to Minnesota...I think that's the way we learn to culturally adapt. But now, it seems while I'm living here in Minnesota day-to-day, I long more and more for the Golden Coast. You see, during the summer I loved the ocean, but I longed for the lakes. Now while enjoying the lakes, I long for the ocean. Fall foliage is quickly dulling on me while I think of the green palm trees standing tall along the oceanfront. I even love my friends and family here and missed them terribly over the summer, but I miss my church family out there now.
At this point, I'm having a hard time believing I can "win". It seems like a "win-lose" situation either way. Minnesota - win. Not being in Cali - fail. But then the other way around would most likely appear if I lived out there now. California - win. Not being in Minnesota - fail. So now there's the age-old question, "What's a girl to do?"
For now? Nothing. I can't really do much of anything other than enjoy the blessing of what's in front of me and being content where I am at, working at a great job and working hard in school, while savoring the little down-time I have (which lately has included working at putting together my videos from over the summer.)
So, again, in short, I am simply going through "California withdrawals." The song says "I left my heart in San Francisco." Well, it may not be San Fran, but I sure did leave my heart in SoCal, that's for sure!
(Be sure to check back within the coming week or two for the videos of my summer! Currently working on my "pre-birthday in LA" with Critter.)
2 weeks? really?
And here comes the sappy saga of the summer quickly gone by, just to give you a heads up.
Palm Trees and the waves of the ocean. Or Pine Trees and the glassy lake.
Tomorrow will mark exactly two weeks I have left here. That's it. Two weeks.
I am excited to go home and be in a familiar area again. To drive along familiar roads and see familiar places. To see my family, my dog, my friends I've all missed so dearly. To spend a few weeks out on the lake before the summer weather dwindles into fall. To deep-fried food at the State Fair, and friends gathering for Monday Night Bowling. To moving into a new apartment with an old friend.
Yes, I am ready to be home.
Yet knowing I'll be home soon also reminds me I will have to leave this place I didn't expect to love so quickly. Yes, I knew before the summer started that California would be wonderful. C'mon. Ocean. Palm Trees. the PCH. Working 4 blocks from the oceanfront. Oh, yes, I knew this summer would be splendid.
But the thing that caught me by surprise was the close friends and relationships I have gained through church. Through college group, Emmaus, GiGi and VBS, it's been oddly unavoidable to grow so attached to a church I've been attending for not even two full months.
So as I go home, I'll be excited to finally be back in my comfort zone, with Annie's right down the road, Targets everywhere I turn, the Twins games and Vikings games that will soon transition through their seasons...
Yet a piece of my heart will be left here in Southern California. Ya know the saying, "I left my heart in San Francisco," ...well, I think the truth of the matter is, "I left my heart in SoCal."
Ok, so much for the sappy "I only have two weeks left" post.
Now it's time for some NNNNEEEWWWWZZZZ! (noos, newz, nuz, oh yeah...news.)
hmm...not much.
Work is going splendid! I have much to do as I will be working on writing 5 separate features on different reality stars from ventura county. I was struggling to find a direction for my articles, but thanks to a talk with my editor, I think I now know where to go with them.
I'm also working on an article about a cheer team from Camarillo...which is, well...AWESOME.
Dad and I just booked our "stuff" for Vegas on the way home! We'll be staying at the Monte Carlo (!) and seeing: THE LION KING! SSTTOOOOKKKKEEEDD!!
oh, and dad also flies into LAX on Aug. 7th, so we'll have a few days together here before it's time for Road Trip part deux. yay!
As far as updates and such go, that's about all I can think of.
Oh yeah...and a wave wiped away my technology, so I'm without a phone until I can get myself to Tmobile and get something figured out. Which will be soon.
Palm Trees and the waves of the ocean. Or Pine Trees and the glassy lake.
Tomorrow will mark exactly two weeks I have left here. That's it. Two weeks.
I am excited to go home and be in a familiar area again. To drive along familiar roads and see familiar places. To see my family, my dog, my friends I've all missed so dearly. To spend a few weeks out on the lake before the summer weather dwindles into fall. To deep-fried food at the State Fair, and friends gathering for Monday Night Bowling. To moving into a new apartment with an old friend.
Yes, I am ready to be home.
Yet knowing I'll be home soon also reminds me I will have to leave this place I didn't expect to love so quickly. Yes, I knew before the summer started that California would be wonderful. C'mon. Ocean. Palm Trees. the PCH. Working 4 blocks from the oceanfront. Oh, yes, I knew this summer would be splendid.
But the thing that caught me by surprise was the close friends and relationships I have gained through church. Through college group, Emmaus, GiGi and VBS, it's been oddly unavoidable to grow so attached to a church I've been attending for not even two full months.
So as I go home, I'll be excited to finally be back in my comfort zone, with Annie's right down the road, Targets everywhere I turn, the Twins games and Vikings games that will soon transition through their seasons...
Yet a piece of my heart will be left here in Southern California. Ya know the saying, "I left my heart in San Francisco," ...well, I think the truth of the matter is, "I left my heart in SoCal."
Ok, so much for the sappy "I only have two weeks left" post.
Now it's time for some NNNNEEEWWWWZZZZ! (noos, newz, nuz, oh yeah...news.)
hmm...not much.
Work is going splendid! I have much to do as I will be working on writing 5 separate features on different reality stars from ventura county. I was struggling to find a direction for my articles, but thanks to a talk with my editor, I think I now know where to go with them.
I'm also working on an article about a cheer team from Camarillo...which is, well...AWESOME.
Dad and I just booked our "stuff" for Vegas on the way home! We'll be staying at the Monte Carlo (!) and seeing: THE LION KING! SSTTOOOOKKKKEEEDD!!
oh, and dad also flies into LAX on Aug. 7th, so we'll have a few days together here before it's time for Road Trip part deux. yay!
As far as updates and such go, that's about all I can think of.
Oh yeah...and a wave wiped away my technology, so I'm without a phone until I can get myself to Tmobile and get something figured out. Which will be soon.
If cryogenics were all free ...
...then I could live like Walt Disney and live for all eternity inside a block of ice. But instead my time is set, this is the only life I get and though it hasn't ended yet sometimes I (don't) wish it might. :-) (mom, dad...you'll probably be the only ones who get that..haha)
Happy Birthday...to me. Yay!
I have to say, 23 is going to be a hard year to beat. California. Fantastic new friends. LA. Seafood. Beach/Ocean. Inception.
Thursday (my "other" birthday) Critter and I headed out of Camarillo towards LA. After a great lunch at a restaurant nearby, we waited in line...in the extreme heat...for over an hour. And we waited some more. And then we went through security, and waited. Went to the bathroom...and waited. And finally, we got in! AIR CONDITIONING! YAY! ...Jay leno?? Who's jay leno??? I JUST WANT AIR CONDITIONING. ;-)
We had dressed up in our LBD's (LittleBlackDresses for those who still don't know the acronym). And as we were walking down the line, following everyone as they were headed up the ramp to the left. We stopped at the man behind the desk who asked us "how many?" and we said, "2." "You can go down the hall to the right." We glance at each other. And we smile, thinking "Does this mean what we think it means?" Little did we know. "Wait here," another man said. 30 seconds later, "follow me." And so we did. Right past everyone...into the front row...RIGHT in front of Leno's desk and the chairs. As in we were probably 15 feet away. AWESOME! We re-applied makeup and tried to dry ourselves off from our own sweat.(yuck). As I was reapplying my lipgloss, I realized my hands were shaking. Couple minutes later I had calmed down. Another couple came and sat by us, who we learned were just on the last days of their honeymoon. Sweet. Two girls sitting behind us were from Minneapolis. Also sweet. Jay Leno's jokes - not as sweet. We were given instructions pre-show on how to make a good laugh. So, Jay Leno...yeah, sure, the Sarah/Bristol Palin shots were funny. But of course the one joke that was...well..not as funny (to say in the least), was the one where the camera caught me "laughing." (I do a pretty good fake-laugh, though, don't I?) Sad. But Ellen Page - awesome. Pawn Stars - cool. Band I've never heard of - actually somewhat good. All in all, awesome and fun and incredible experience for my "birthday." Especially with miss Critter! Would I do it again??? Maybe. But I'd rather David Letterman over Jay Leno any day. (hint...let's go to NEW YORK!)
Next up on the docket: The Santa Monica Pier! I don't think I realized just what was ON the pier until we got there. Critter and I pulled the "quick change in the car" into more comfy clothes, and we headed towards the pier for some dinner. I am so in love with the SM pier. I wish we could have something of the sort in MN. The closest thing is the adventure park in MOA. But it's not on a pier! Granted, all we have are docks in MN. Not piers. We enjoyed our dinner, soaked in the view from the pier, and then had a grand time on the Ferris Wheel..at Sunset..over the Pacific! Oh, so, so so so so so so BEAUTIFUL!!! And to finish it off with Chocolate Dip'N'Dots!? Yup, definitely a day I kept thinking, "I can't believe this is real."
So then my actual birthday..I worked, and then I did homework...and ran to the grocery store. Completely exciting, I know. (Which was actually just fine! I felt like from the day before, I needed a relaxing day! I enjoyed a chick-flick that night, too.)
Saturday afternoon. 75 degrees. Sunny. The beach at Ventura Pier. The ocean. YES! I was there around 1:30 or so, and by 2, people started "trickling" in for my "Beach Birthday Bash." Which was less of a bash and more of a chillaxin' day. So after a while of just sun-soaking, laughing, and chatting, Luke came and had brought his Skim boards. Olivia had attempted to explain this to me earlier. And I couldn't grasp the concept. Then Luke showed me. And I was like "wait..you want me to do WHAT?" Literally, it's like a combination of surfing and skateboaring. You throw this board down just as the water's receding from the shore and, well...SKIM across it! So not as easy as it looks. I attempted, and failed...alot. And then finally I attempted and KIND OF succeeded!! Fun! *note: I'm STILL not quite used to all the saltiness! It's weird to get a wave in my mouth and feel like I"m eating a salting cracker with too much salt.* By then it was time for dinner, so we walked to downtown Ventura for a good meal at...some place I can't remember the name of. After which we decided that going to see Inception sounded like a good plan at the Ventura Theater. So we did. That movie was crazy! It's kind of like the Matrix for dream sequences...it's weird.
So Saturday was great times with great friends!
23 is going to be hard to forget.
(photos and videos to follow shortly!)
Happy Birthday...to me. Yay!
I have to say, 23 is going to be a hard year to beat. California. Fantastic new friends. LA. Seafood. Beach/Ocean. Inception.
Thursday (my "other" birthday) Critter and I headed out of Camarillo towards LA. After a great lunch at a restaurant nearby, we waited in line...in the extreme heat...for over an hour. And we waited some more. And then we went through security, and waited. Went to the bathroom...and waited. And finally, we got in! AIR CONDITIONING! YAY! ...Jay leno?? Who's jay leno??? I JUST WANT AIR CONDITIONING. ;-)
We had dressed up in our LBD's (LittleBlackDresses for those who still don't know the acronym). And as we were walking down the line, following everyone as they were headed up the ramp to the left. We stopped at the man behind the desk who asked us "how many?" and we said, "2." "You can go down the hall to the right." We glance at each other. And we smile, thinking "Does this mean what we think it means?" Little did we know. "Wait here," another man said. 30 seconds later, "follow me." And so we did. Right past everyone...into the front row...RIGHT in front of Leno's desk and the chairs. As in we were probably 15 feet away. AWESOME! We re-applied makeup and tried to dry ourselves off from our own sweat.(yuck). As I was reapplying my lipgloss, I realized my hands were shaking. Couple minutes later I had calmed down. Another couple came and sat by us, who we learned were just on the last days of their honeymoon. Sweet. Two girls sitting behind us were from Minneapolis. Also sweet. Jay Leno's jokes - not as sweet. We were given instructions pre-show on how to make a good laugh. So, Jay Leno...yeah, sure, the Sarah/Bristol Palin shots were funny. But of course the one joke that was...well..not as funny (to say in the least), was the one where the camera caught me "laughing." (I do a pretty good fake-laugh, though, don't I?) Sad. But Ellen Page - awesome. Pawn Stars - cool. Band I've never heard of - actually somewhat good. All in all, awesome and fun and incredible experience for my "birthday." Especially with miss Critter! Would I do it again??? Maybe. But I'd rather David Letterman over Jay Leno any day. (hint...let's go to NEW YORK!)
Next up on the docket: The Santa Monica Pier! I don't think I realized just what was ON the pier until we got there. Critter and I pulled the "quick change in the car" into more comfy clothes, and we headed towards the pier for some dinner. I am so in love with the SM pier. I wish we could have something of the sort in MN. The closest thing is the adventure park in MOA. But it's not on a pier! Granted, all we have are docks in MN. Not piers. We enjoyed our dinner, soaked in the view from the pier, and then had a grand time on the Ferris Wheel..at Sunset..over the Pacific! Oh, so, so so so so so so BEAUTIFUL!!! And to finish it off with Chocolate Dip'N'Dots!? Yup, definitely a day I kept thinking, "I can't believe this is real."
So then my actual birthday..I worked, and then I did homework...and ran to the grocery store. Completely exciting, I know. (Which was actually just fine! I felt like from the day before, I needed a relaxing day! I enjoyed a chick-flick that night, too.)
Saturday afternoon. 75 degrees. Sunny. The beach at Ventura Pier. The ocean. YES! I was there around 1:30 or so, and by 2, people started "trickling" in for my "Beach Birthday Bash." Which was less of a bash and more of a chillaxin' day. So after a while of just sun-soaking, laughing, and chatting, Luke came and had brought his Skim boards. Olivia had attempted to explain this to me earlier. And I couldn't grasp the concept. Then Luke showed me. And I was like "wait..you want me to do WHAT?" Literally, it's like a combination of surfing and skateboaring. You throw this board down just as the water's receding from the shore and, well...SKIM across it! So not as easy as it looks. I attempted, and failed...alot. And then finally I attempted and KIND OF succeeded!! Fun! *note: I'm STILL not quite used to all the saltiness! It's weird to get a wave in my mouth and feel like I"m eating a salting cracker with too much salt.* By then it was time for dinner, so we walked to downtown Ventura for a good meal at...some place I can't remember the name of. After which we decided that going to see Inception sounded like a good plan at the Ventura Theater. So we did. That movie was crazy! It's kind of like the Matrix for dream sequences...it's weird.
So Saturday was great times with great friends!
23 is going to be hard to forget.
(photos and videos to follow shortly!)
SO sorry. The latest.
OK, I know the last time I wrote anything was...well...a long time ago.
California life has swept me away, and sometimes I forget there are people halfway across the country wanting to know the latest. (...IF you REALLY did, you'd comment, too! *wink*)
Among my daily life of enjoying palm trees and the ocean,
there have been several amazing things that have happened.
I went to Christina & Matt's wedding. It was pretty. And fun. Congratulations to them! :-)
A week ago, I scuba dived (dove, dived??? eh, who cares? well...I probably should...) off of the beach in MALIBU. As in THE Malibu. As in, "Hey, I'm in MALIBU."
The water was actually a little murky, and visibility was only about 5-7 feet. But just like the book said, diving can still be fun in low visibility if you know what to look for. And although I didn't, my instructors did. I hand-picked a couple sand-dollars off the ocean floor. (Just SAYING that is cool!) I HELD a CRAB (YES, A CRAB!) in the palm of my hand. (No not a big one. And no, it couldn't pinch my fingers off. Although as the instructor put it into my hands, I was terrified it might...and I screamed.) I found and picked up a hermit crab, which was a little fighter of a crab..although it was so tiny, it just seemed like it just wanted to stick to my glove rather than rip it off. haha.
It was an unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to go back out! (Although I still pray I won't get eaten by a shark...)
The beginning of VBS was on Wednesday, and took me by a whirlwind. It was hilarious, adorable, and enjoyable, as I was with eight 3&4-year-olds. And as expected, they had TONS of energy and made me laugh. Alot. We shall see what comes of this upcoming Wednesday.
The internship has been going fairly well. The past few weeks have been more "grunt" work than anything, but this past week has been getting back into my own work. I am currently working on a feature article about Reality Stars in the area. And it's proving to be a great and exciting article! I interviewed the guy who owns Pure Vision Designs (a custom car building & detailing shop). The guy's name is Steve Strope - and this guy has become known as one of the "it" guys across America building Hot Rods. The coolest thing (to me anyway) is that he built and made the close-out car Vin Diesel drove in Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift. Next up: Brig, who won Shear Genius, Captain Chuck Swift of Whale Wars, a couple of contestants on So You Think You Can Dance (if you know me AT ALL, you know I'm slightly MORE-THAN STOKED about this!), and HOPEFULLY a finalist for Top Chef - Fabio Viviani.
Another awesome thing! I am getting started on another article for A&C (arts & culture) about a local gymnastics club who are nationally ranked. Now, we all know that cheerleading isn't dance, and vise versa, but I respect cheerleading just as much as dance. AND I love to watch it. So it's more than exciting for me to get this article started, too....right up my alley!
And of course, there's the occasional bits of "grunt work" I still have to do. But I'm alright with that!
Ok, let's see....
Dispicable Me is a cute, hilarious, and good movie. Go watch it. Now. Not even kidding. Ok, you can go later, if you must...
Street Fairs are still awesome, no matter where you go. I got a sweet Henna tatoo on my foot, and enjoyed walking through the stands, the heat...and of course the palm trees that lines the streets. ;-)
College group and church are still amazing.
This week is..*DUN, DUN DUN DAAA*.. MY BIRTHDAY!! So come Thursday, I will be going down to LA with friends to see a taping of The Jay Leno Show - in which, Ellen Page is supposed to appear. Awesome.
Friday is my ACTUAL birthday, and I have dinner planned with Uncle Eric & Brenda.
Then Saturday is my "beach birthday bash" (because I love alliterations), so I'll be playing some beach volleyball and hopefully hanging out around the campfire in the evening...and just enjoying the beach for my birthday! Yup. 23 is going to be epic. Although, it will certainly be missing some awesome people, like my family, or the best friend...and of course, my sonny-baby. I miss my dog quite often. (Dear Sonny-Baby, I love you and miss your white puffball hair...Love, your mommy. And yes, I do miss him that much.)
Other than that, my days seem to whiz by me!
My little sister was at camp this week, which was hard for me to be here and her to be there, without me...but I figured being here is a good alternative. (But I still miss being at camp...alot. And everyone at camp. Alot.)
I would have more pictures, except the ones I took, I accidentally took in RAW, which means I now have to convert them....But I WILL get them up soon. Also, be watching for another video! :-)
and all the sudden, I'm back to a busy schedule.
Does it ever slow down? life that is? It seems that just a week ago, Chelsea and I made it here.
These first couple weeks went by a little slower, with just my internship to keep me busy. But now I feel like the "good ol" days have caught up with me again, running around with things to do and places to go.
But whether my day is busy or not, life goes on. So here's a look-back on the past week or so. (As per the saying, "I saved the best for last." So read on...and don't skip!)
My job:
Journalism is a career that can be...well..awesome, to say the least. Sometimes you get those interviews that others would kill for - whether with a celebrity (which there are plenty of here in CA...a number of them living in Ventura county), or getting your smoking gun on the latest scandal. Other times, they're not as exciting....your typical monotonous stories. But for me, the past 2 articles I've done have been incredibly inspiring - the latter of the two hosting the majority of the "inspire" factor. I had the opportunity to work on a story about a foster home that is opening for 16-18 year olds as a transition home, teaching foster teenagers how to "become adults." I interviewed the two directors earlier, but it wasn't until the day before deadline (!!!) that I was able to interview a special source: one of the teenage girls entering the program. I interviewed her on her first day there - which I'm sure was crazy for her. But she was so sweet and open about everything. Coming from the things she's had to deal with, and the aspirations she wants to attain (far beyond anything I could ever imagine), this girl was the epitome of inspiration.
But that's as far as I'm going to tell you, because I want you all to go read my article!! Go to VCReporter.com, and search "Hannah Davis". (although it hasn't posted quite yet...it should be posted online tomorrow).
The journey of getting that article to its current state, however, was a battle. This was probably the article that has gone through the most edits. Sometimes it gets disheartening and discouraging when I get a paper returned with so many red marks on it. I think it went through about 7 versions before my "final copy" was turned in.
But every time I'd see red marks, I'd just remember that this internship is a LEARNING experience, and I am in no way "professional" status. But the article turned out fantastic - a truly touching piece.
Ok...MOVING ONWARD!
Church!
Never in a million years did I think I would become THIS connected with a church so quickly! It's been not even two weeks, and I've already been thrust into this family. I love it. To give you an idea of how completely welcoming they've been: 7 hours post-meeting the group, I was invited to a graduation party. Now, not even 2 full weeks after my first morning at Camarillo Ev-Free, I will be attending a bridal shower/bachelorette party for one of the girls in the group - whom I've met once. (I'm bringing the eggs for breakfast in the morning, as it's a "sleepover." sidethought: I don't think I've been to a "sleepover" as a guest since high school! haha)
The church also needed VBS leaders, so starting in a couple weeks, I will be the "floater" leader, each Wednesday, going where they need me. I'm excited to help! I haven't been involved with a VBS since Hawley..or I guess if you wanted to count the VBS we did in Mexico when I went on the missions trip with Rick&Carol, along with the rest of the HAC gang. (carol, see following paragraph, too!)
Now, onto ... Bible studies! Goodness, if I wanted to...I could attend a Bible Study 4 times a week! haha. Currently, however, I have just gotten connected with "gigi". I know. Coolest name ever. It's really just G.G. which stands for "girls group." But they decided to make it sound more...attractive. So they came up with "gigi". Last week, it was about 12 girls, but normally I think they have around 20-30 girls. We sat around the table and worked our way through chapter 6 of John.
As I sat at the dinner table of "The Cockpit" (they have a tendency to name everything. The cockpit is Christy's sister's house, which is used quite often for church/youth/college events.) I couldn't help but hold this incredible feeling of thankfulness and blessing. God has provided me with not only some lifelong friends, but ones who encourage, push, and will help grow my relationship with Christ.
I can never tell God's "why" for his will explicitly. But sometimes I think he shows us pieces of that "why." And one big "why" that I think he sent me here is to challenge me. It challenges me to rely on him as I walk through this adventure, being stretched outside my comfort zone. There's also no doubt that God helped me find this church, and "gigi", which has already challenged my relationship with Him. I love the fact that I am being pushed and stretched, TOWARDS God. (Carol, I will never forget how you prayed over me for this specifically... that my relationship with God would grow this summer! Mom, I know you've been praying, too. And I can only attribute finding this incredible church family to your prayers.)
Anyway! Enough of church. (well, there always seems to be enough, these days, but I'm sure you won't want me to go into our Bible Study discussions. lol)
Next up: ABOVE and BELOW the ground!
Last Saturday was my first dive experience. I attended "discover scuba" on Saturday, which basically, after a 20-30 minute session, I was in the pool, breathing underwater. For some reason, it's not something I can truly write about, describing how it was, my feelings, etc. It was just one of those events that was incredible. I mean, you're breathing underwater, you're swimming under water, you're discovering what being "weightless" means - it was awesome, it was weird, it was - I don't really know. I WILL, however, have a video coming soon!! I took a video blog before and after, and during my first "dive", uncle Eric took some video of me. So I will put that together and put it up soon - (I'm hoping by Sunday or Monday.)
Yesterday, after work and before the VBS meeting, Uncle Eric took me flying in the helicopter! (man, I really am getting spoiled!) It was terrifying at first, knowing there was nothing between me and the ground, 1500-2000 feet below us, other than the window and a metal door. It was almost like riding in James' Jeep for the first time - except times 5! We flew over the mountains first, finding our way over to the filming location of "Little House on the Prairie," which I couldn't help but think of my lil sis, and Christine, since it's their favorite tv show. If it makes you feel any better (or maybe it'll make you feel worse), many of the houses have now been burnt down because of brush fires. We meandered our way over to the coast, which was, well...if you ever get the chance, I HIGHLY recommend taking a ride over the coast. It's a completely different perspective than anything else. You see the surf, you see the many sailboats off shore, you see the para-gliders out on the water...it was beautiful! I did take both video and photos of this event, and am planning to put this together on Sunday, too.
The rest of my life is filled with trying to keep up with my Distance Ed classes, and finishing up with my SCUBA manual (knowledge reviews are imperative to do, especially if I don't want to die while being 60 feet under water).
My birthday is coming up, and I'm super excited. :-) First, 23 + California = epic birthday. Next, Jay Leno will be honored to have me in attendance of his audience for the July 15th show. ;-) So be watching on July 15, cuz I may just be on camera! haha.
Well, I will leave you with a few photos I shot while out for lunch one day. I think they hold a certain California-esque style. :-)
These first couple weeks went by a little slower, with just my internship to keep me busy. But now I feel like the "good ol" days have caught up with me again, running around with things to do and places to go.
But whether my day is busy or not, life goes on. So here's a look-back on the past week or so. (As per the saying, "I saved the best for last." So read on...and don't skip!)
My job:
Journalism is a career that can be...well..awesome, to say the least. Sometimes you get those interviews that others would kill for - whether with a celebrity (which there are plenty of here in CA...a number of them living in Ventura county), or getting your smoking gun on the latest scandal. Other times, they're not as exciting....your typical monotonous stories. But for me, the past 2 articles I've done have been incredibly inspiring - the latter of the two hosting the majority of the "inspire" factor. I had the opportunity to work on a story about a foster home that is opening for 16-18 year olds as a transition home, teaching foster teenagers how to "become adults." I interviewed the two directors earlier, but it wasn't until the day before deadline (!!!) that I was able to interview a special source: one of the teenage girls entering the program. I interviewed her on her first day there - which I'm sure was crazy for her. But she was so sweet and open about everything. Coming from the things she's had to deal with, and the aspirations she wants to attain (far beyond anything I could ever imagine), this girl was the epitome of inspiration.
But that's as far as I'm going to tell you, because I want you all to go read my article!! Go to VCReporter.com, and search "Hannah Davis". (although it hasn't posted quite yet...it should be posted online tomorrow).
The journey of getting that article to its current state, however, was a battle. This was probably the article that has gone through the most edits. Sometimes it gets disheartening and discouraging when I get a paper returned with so many red marks on it. I think it went through about 7 versions before my "final copy" was turned in.
But every time I'd see red marks, I'd just remember that this internship is a LEARNING experience, and I am in no way "professional" status. But the article turned out fantastic - a truly touching piece.
Ok...MOVING ONWARD!
Church!
Never in a million years did I think I would become THIS connected with a church so quickly! It's been not even two weeks, and I've already been thrust into this family. I love it. To give you an idea of how completely welcoming they've been: 7 hours post-meeting the group, I was invited to a graduation party. Now, not even 2 full weeks after my first morning at Camarillo Ev-Free, I will be attending a bridal shower/bachelorette party for one of the girls in the group - whom I've met once. (I'm bringing the eggs for breakfast in the morning, as it's a "sleepover." sidethought: I don't think I've been to a "sleepover" as a guest since high school! haha)
The church also needed VBS leaders, so starting in a couple weeks, I will be the "floater" leader, each Wednesday, going where they need me. I'm excited to help! I haven't been involved with a VBS since Hawley..or I guess if you wanted to count the VBS we did in Mexico when I went on the missions trip with Rick&Carol, along with the rest of the HAC gang. (carol, see following paragraph, too!)
Now, onto ... Bible studies! Goodness, if I wanted to...I could attend a Bible Study 4 times a week! haha. Currently, however, I have just gotten connected with "gigi". I know. Coolest name ever. It's really just G.G. which stands for "girls group." But they decided to make it sound more...attractive. So they came up with "gigi". Last week, it was about 12 girls, but normally I think they have around 20-30 girls. We sat around the table and worked our way through chapter 6 of John.
As I sat at the dinner table of "The Cockpit" (they have a tendency to name everything. The cockpit is Christy's sister's house, which is used quite often for church/youth/college events.) I couldn't help but hold this incredible feeling of thankfulness and blessing. God has provided me with not only some lifelong friends, but ones who encourage, push, and will help grow my relationship with Christ.
I can never tell God's "why" for his will explicitly. But sometimes I think he shows us pieces of that "why." And one big "why" that I think he sent me here is to challenge me. It challenges me to rely on him as I walk through this adventure, being stretched outside my comfort zone. There's also no doubt that God helped me find this church, and "gigi", which has already challenged my relationship with Him. I love the fact that I am being pushed and stretched, TOWARDS God. (Carol, I will never forget how you prayed over me for this specifically... that my relationship with God would grow this summer! Mom, I know you've been praying, too. And I can only attribute finding this incredible church family to your prayers.)
Anyway! Enough of church. (well, there always seems to be enough, these days, but I'm sure you won't want me to go into our Bible Study discussions. lol)
Next up: ABOVE and BELOW the ground!
Last Saturday was my first dive experience. I attended "discover scuba" on Saturday, which basically, after a 20-30 minute session, I was in the pool, breathing underwater. For some reason, it's not something I can truly write about, describing how it was, my feelings, etc. It was just one of those events that was incredible. I mean, you're breathing underwater, you're swimming under water, you're discovering what being "weightless" means - it was awesome, it was weird, it was - I don't really know. I WILL, however, have a video coming soon!! I took a video blog before and after, and during my first "dive", uncle Eric took some video of me. So I will put that together and put it up soon - (I'm hoping by Sunday or Monday.)
Yesterday, after work and before the VBS meeting, Uncle Eric took me flying in the helicopter! (man, I really am getting spoiled!) It was terrifying at first, knowing there was nothing between me and the ground, 1500-2000 feet below us, other than the window and a metal door. It was almost like riding in James' Jeep for the first time - except times 5! We flew over the mountains first, finding our way over to the filming location of "Little House on the Prairie," which I couldn't help but think of my lil sis, and Christine, since it's their favorite tv show. If it makes you feel any better (or maybe it'll make you feel worse), many of the houses have now been burnt down because of brush fires. We meandered our way over to the coast, which was, well...if you ever get the chance, I HIGHLY recommend taking a ride over the coast. It's a completely different perspective than anything else. You see the surf, you see the many sailboats off shore, you see the para-gliders out on the water...it was beautiful! I did take both video and photos of this event, and am planning to put this together on Sunday, too.
The rest of my life is filled with trying to keep up with my Distance Ed classes, and finishing up with my SCUBA manual (knowledge reviews are imperative to do, especially if I don't want to die while being 60 feet under water).
My birthday is coming up, and I'm super excited. :-) First, 23 + California = epic birthday. Next, Jay Leno will be honored to have me in attendance of his audience for the July 15th show. ;-) So be watching on July 15, cuz I may just be on camera! haha.
Well, I will leave you with a few photos I shot while out for lunch one day. I think they hold a certain California-esque style. :-)
So many "s's" ...Sunday Service & Socialness
What is it with the "s's"? The temptation for yet another alliteration title with more "s's" was too much for my own good. So there you have another set of S's for the title.
I was going to write this on Sunday, and just because of time, I forgot. But now that It's Wednesday night (almost Thursday morning), I think this is a better time to write it, anyway, since I've had some time to reflect and think about things.
I cannot begin to describe just how big my God is. One thing over the past couple weeks that I've needed was some companionship with friends around my age. (Not that Eric and Brenda aren't enjoyable! I've loved hanging out with you guys so far!) But the desire to meet and build friendships with those close to my age was still there.
So began my journey toward the Ev-Free of Camarillo. The short story of it goes - I needed to find a church that was a)somewhere I could meet friends b)provide a church with similar theology to the C&MA, and c) somewhere to provide the "spiritual" growth I need for the summer.
So Sunday morning I (a little late...darn) drove up to the church. It's structure was a beautiful old-time Californian style. Cream walls with a dark maroon trip around it, with the archway as an entrance...it was a true historical building. Inside was much smaller than I had anticipated. After I found a seat and got my bearings, I compared it in my head to Hawley Alliance - the old building on the corner of 3rd & joseph. The size was about right. Little did I know just how much more similar it was than just the church size....Hawley Alliance has been quite incomparable in the "welcome" factor since we left in 2001. This one definitely compares quite nicely now.
The awkward part for me was once the service was done and waiting around for the college "bible study" (almost like Sunday School...). Standing around for almost 45 minutes feeling all alone - not exactly my idea of a perfect Sunday morning.
But eventually the college group trickled in the room. (The service let out at 10:30 am..the Bible Study didn't start til about 11:15/30 am). But not too long after I entered the room, so entered the bubbly and energetic personality that is Christy "critter" Rutledge. I went through my "schpeel" with her, "I'm from Minneapolis, MN, and I'm in Cali for the summer for an internship with the VC Reporter..." etc. And immediately, to every person who walked in thereafter, she introduces me to the group.
Following the Bible Study, I was invited to go out to lunch. So I did. And everyone talked, laughed...then I was "questioned" about my background and history by the Bible Study leader. haha.
From there I was invited to their Sunday night service, entitled Emmaus - a worship service something to that could be compared to a Vespers + a message. (except it was a small gathering, still...not quite the Bethel Vespers population.)And from there, I was invited to a graduation party.
Within that 12 hours, I met so many people. But more than that, I felt like I was welcomed into this family - a home.
As I thought about it, the only way I could put it into words so that I could convey how I was truly feeling...well..you'll see I stole it from one of my favorite movies, "Sleepless in Seattle." I felt like I had come home to a church...although it was no home I'd ever known.
Tonight proved nothing different. Tonight was spent at Christy's sister&brother's house, playing glow-in-the-dark bocce ball, and just hanging out.
God has blessed me with a "home" church here...and I can tell you all right now - it's going to be pretty hard to say "see-ya-later" after this summer is over.
I was going to write this on Sunday, and just because of time, I forgot. But now that It's Wednesday night (almost Thursday morning), I think this is a better time to write it, anyway, since I've had some time to reflect and think about things.
I cannot begin to describe just how big my God is. One thing over the past couple weeks that I've needed was some companionship with friends around my age. (Not that Eric and Brenda aren't enjoyable! I've loved hanging out with you guys so far!) But the desire to meet and build friendships with those close to my age was still there.
So began my journey toward the Ev-Free of Camarillo. The short story of it goes - I needed to find a church that was a)somewhere I could meet friends b)provide a church with similar theology to the C&MA, and c) somewhere to provide the "spiritual" growth I need for the summer.
So Sunday morning I (a little late...darn) drove up to the church. It's structure was a beautiful old-time Californian style. Cream walls with a dark maroon trip around it, with the archway as an entrance...it was a true historical building. Inside was much smaller than I had anticipated. After I found a seat and got my bearings, I compared it in my head to Hawley Alliance - the old building on the corner of 3rd & joseph. The size was about right. Little did I know just how much more similar it was than just the church size....Hawley Alliance has been quite incomparable in the "welcome" factor since we left in 2001. This one definitely compares quite nicely now.
The awkward part for me was once the service was done and waiting around for the college "bible study" (almost like Sunday School...). Standing around for almost 45 minutes feeling all alone - not exactly my idea of a perfect Sunday morning.
But eventually the college group trickled in the room. (The service let out at 10:30 am..the Bible Study didn't start til about 11:15/30 am). But not too long after I entered the room, so entered the bubbly and energetic personality that is Christy "critter" Rutledge. I went through my "schpeel" with her, "I'm from Minneapolis, MN, and I'm in Cali for the summer for an internship with the VC Reporter..." etc. And immediately, to every person who walked in thereafter, she introduces me to the group.
Following the Bible Study, I was invited to go out to lunch. So I did. And everyone talked, laughed...then I was "questioned" about my background and history by the Bible Study leader. haha.
From there I was invited to their Sunday night service, entitled Emmaus - a worship service something to that could be compared to a Vespers + a message. (except it was a small gathering, still...not quite the Bethel Vespers population.)And from there, I was invited to a graduation party.
Within that 12 hours, I met so many people. But more than that, I felt like I was welcomed into this family - a home.
As I thought about it, the only way I could put it into words so that I could convey how I was truly feeling...well..you'll see I stole it from one of my favorite movies, "Sleepless in Seattle." I felt like I had come home to a church...although it was no home I'd ever known.
Tonight proved nothing different. Tonight was spent at Christy's sister&brother's house, playing glow-in-the-dark bocce ball, and just hanging out.
God has blessed me with a "home" church here...and I can tell you all right now - it's going to be pretty hard to say "see-ya-later" after this summer is over.
of Sand, Sunsets, Surfers, & Shoreline Surprises!
(I actually didn't intend for the title to be an alitteration...but that's just the way it turned out! haha!)
This Saturday I enjoyed sleeping in. And as I woke up, I found myself terribly "homesick"...for camp. It's the end of staff training week there. And many of my friends are there. And I somewhat feel that I should have been there too...knowing that I "could have." Earlier this spring I had an opportunity to apply and be the chapel coordinator - using part of it for 2 credits of a senior project. But for a variety of reasons, I had to say no. Then later that week, God provided me with this incredible opportunity to come out to Cali for my internship. And I knew it was all in God's will.
But even though I am here, in gorgeous California, sometimes I can't help but miss what I could have had this summer - another summer at camp, with the best people, in the best place (yes, even surpassing Cali...) for the best purpose.
However, despite my somewhat "home"sick mood, I gathered up my beachtowel, sunglasses and book, and headed out the door for an afternoon on the beach - something I will never take for granted here.
I pulled up to the harbor's sandy beach, took off my flip-flops and rolled up my jeans, and walked upon the sand. There really is no feeling like walking on such fine sand. Not to mention that my mother's words "The sand is actually a great exfoliator for your feet," kept playing through my head. [ My feet are now quite soft :-) ]
I threw my beach towel down here the shore, put in my headphones and read the last 4 chapters of my book (which left me in a cliff-hanger...thank you very much, Karen Kingsbury...now I have to not-so-patiently wait for you to publish the next book in the series.)
After I finished my book, I thought that nothing sounded better like getting up and walking along the shore. It was then that I came upon my first washed-up jellyfish! (No, I did not step in it.) According to the guy standing near it, it was the biggest he'd seen in years. It was clear with maroon streaks in it. It was also very cool.
By this time, it was getting time for some supper. So I headed out and stopped by to get take-out Chinese. I figured there'd be nothing better to finish off the evening eating Chinese take-out ...taking it out to the beach. (Surprised?)
I sat upon the beach, opened up the box, broke my chop-sticks from their "one" into "two" and dug in, watching the surfers try to catch some waves. To the front-right of me, the sun glowed a resilient yellow/orange and the blue/green ocean before me crashed its white waves. After taking possibly two bites of my beef & broccoli, I looked out towards the horizon, and something caught my eye. I thought I saw a fin. My initial terror of thinking it was a shark turned into much less worry after I realized that the other California natives who were also watching the area would probably have seen something if it were. So I dismissed it, thinking I was seeing things.
I kept watching, though, and shortly after, it was unmistakable! I saw a fin! but it wasn't a shark's fin. It was a dolphin! (I would add another 500 exclamation points after that one, but I figure that will take up too much space for one sentence in one blog.) As I kept watching, they would jump out of the water. Unmistakably dolphins. As in TWO! It was exciting, exhilarating, and (ok, I'll not continue my alliterations), BREATHTAKING. As in when they would jump, a small gasp of excitement would come out of my mouth, followed by exhaling squeals and laughter. It was an incredible sight. They would jump out of the water, or poke their heads out of the water...flipping and swimming around. All of this playing against the surfers catching more and more waves as well as one of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen here!
At the beginning of the trip, I prayed that God would provide me with seeing dolphins. :-) And that he has. It didn't happen on our road trip, although he gave Chelz and me a sea lion. But now he's given me a dolphin sighting!!! I drove home smiling, laughing, and praising God for his creation!
Of course, there had to be a down-side. I had left the camera at home. Stupidly, I thought I wouldn't need it. And of course...I did. I was rather upset I couldn't capture it on camera! But after coming home, Brenda said I will probably see more. I'll have to be prepared next time.
All I can pray now, is that when I get to my "open water" dive after I've completed my dive training...that I wouldn't see any (dangerous) sharks.
This Saturday I enjoyed sleeping in. And as I woke up, I found myself terribly "homesick"...for camp. It's the end of staff training week there. And many of my friends are there. And I somewhat feel that I should have been there too...knowing that I "could have." Earlier this spring I had an opportunity to apply and be the chapel coordinator - using part of it for 2 credits of a senior project. But for a variety of reasons, I had to say no. Then later that week, God provided me with this incredible opportunity to come out to Cali for my internship. And I knew it was all in God's will.
But even though I am here, in gorgeous California, sometimes I can't help but miss what I could have had this summer - another summer at camp, with the best people, in the best place (yes, even surpassing Cali...) for the best purpose.
However, despite my somewhat "home"sick mood, I gathered up my beachtowel, sunglasses and book, and headed out the door for an afternoon on the beach - something I will never take for granted here.
I pulled up to the harbor's sandy beach, took off my flip-flops and rolled up my jeans, and walked upon the sand. There really is no feeling like walking on such fine sand. Not to mention that my mother's words "The sand is actually a great exfoliator for your feet," kept playing through my head. [ My feet are now quite soft :-) ]
I threw my beach towel down here the shore, put in my headphones and read the last 4 chapters of my book (which left me in a cliff-hanger...thank you very much, Karen Kingsbury...now I have to not-so-patiently wait for you to publish the next book in the series.)
After I finished my book, I thought that nothing sounded better like getting up and walking along the shore. It was then that I came upon my first washed-up jellyfish! (No, I did not step in it.) According to the guy standing near it, it was the biggest he'd seen in years. It was clear with maroon streaks in it. It was also very cool.
By this time, it was getting time for some supper. So I headed out and stopped by to get take-out Chinese. I figured there'd be nothing better to finish off the evening eating Chinese take-out ...taking it out to the beach. (Surprised?)
I sat upon the beach, opened up the box, broke my chop-sticks from their "one" into "two" and dug in, watching the surfers try to catch some waves. To the front-right of me, the sun glowed a resilient yellow/orange and the blue/green ocean before me crashed its white waves. After taking possibly two bites of my beef & broccoli, I looked out towards the horizon, and something caught my eye. I thought I saw a fin. My initial terror of thinking it was a shark turned into much less worry after I realized that the other California natives who were also watching the area would probably have seen something if it were. So I dismissed it, thinking I was seeing things.
I kept watching, though, and shortly after, it was unmistakable! I saw a fin! but it wasn't a shark's fin. It was a dolphin! (I would add another 500 exclamation points after that one, but I figure that will take up too much space for one sentence in one blog.) As I kept watching, they would jump out of the water. Unmistakably dolphins. As in TWO! It was exciting, exhilarating, and (ok, I'll not continue my alliterations), BREATHTAKING. As in when they would jump, a small gasp of excitement would come out of my mouth, followed by exhaling squeals and laughter. It was an incredible sight. They would jump out of the water, or poke their heads out of the water...flipping and swimming around. All of this playing against the surfers catching more and more waves as well as one of the most beautiful sunsets I've seen here!
At the beginning of the trip, I prayed that God would provide me with seeing dolphins. :-) And that he has. It didn't happen on our road trip, although he gave Chelz and me a sea lion. But now he's given me a dolphin sighting!!! I drove home smiling, laughing, and praising God for his creation!
Of course, there had to be a down-side. I had left the camera at home. Stupidly, I thought I wouldn't need it. And of course...I did. I was rather upset I couldn't capture it on camera! But after coming home, Brenda said I will probably see more. I'll have to be prepared next time.
All I can pray now, is that when I get to my "open water" dive after I've completed my dive training...that I wouldn't see any (dangerous) sharks.
Nickname change: California - the relaxed state
Everyone said it before I got here. "California's pretty relaxed and casual." Then when I got here, Brenda made a comment something about the relaxed style out here. And even then, as I entered into my internship for the first day, wearing a blouse and a pencil skirt with 3 inch pointy-toe heels...my editor was wearing jeans and a polo with comfy shoes.
And so began my constant noticing that California really is different than other states...especially in the business world.
One thing that I feared coming into work was that everything was "business." Not relaxed. Not casual. Just, well...business. Not that there wasn't a part of me that wanted business - I actually enjoy wearing pencil skirts and pointy-toe heels.
But now, even a week here, I have realized that people, even in offices, wear jeans to work. Oh yes, there are still those that walk around in business suits. But they are even fewer and further in between than Minneapolis. Or heck, probably even Watertown. For the most part, those in business suits are the managers at stores and those who work for national companies, like banks. It's just odd sometimes, comparing it to the stereotypes (true - I've seen it), of busy New Yorkers in suites rushing to their next meeting...that's just how I pictured myself, even though I was on the other coast. Yet walking downtown Ventura, I saw more t-shirts and khaki pants. Most workers I see wear jeans and some form of a business-ish looking shirt. And seeing high heels aren't as common, either.
But it's not just stylistically I have noticed the casualness. Even in work times, many offices here don't open til 8:30 or 9.
Or maybe it's mostly my profession; we're journalists, which, by nature, we need flexible schedules. Today one of the editors didn't come in until abut 10 am.
I want to relate this experience (real-life career work) to my job at Farm Bureau, where I worked at my desk from 8-5 with a 1-hour lunch break. But everything about this job (whether paid or not), is so much different than I anticipated. I have interviews off-site. I made a run to an electronics store, where I exchanged a broken voice recorder for a working one. By nature, this job allows me more freedom, more creativity. And I think I like it. A lot.
One of the biggest fears I have in life is that I will be stuck behind a desk, working from 8-5, for the rest of my working career. And as a journalist, I still wasn't sure what to expect. But now that I'm getting a taste of being a journalist, I love it. Not that I didn't understand that I'd need to go off-site for interviews and photo ops before. It's just more apparent now.
So I guess between the combination of my jeans-allowed,look-decent-but-not-overly-professional dress code, and my creative and freedom liberties, I am loving this job.
And so began my constant noticing that California really is different than other states...especially in the business world.
One thing that I feared coming into work was that everything was "business." Not relaxed. Not casual. Just, well...business. Not that there wasn't a part of me that wanted business - I actually enjoy wearing pencil skirts and pointy-toe heels.
But now, even a week here, I have realized that people, even in offices, wear jeans to work. Oh yes, there are still those that walk around in business suits. But they are even fewer and further in between than Minneapolis. Or heck, probably even Watertown. For the most part, those in business suits are the managers at stores and those who work for national companies, like banks. It's just odd sometimes, comparing it to the stereotypes (true - I've seen it), of busy New Yorkers in suites rushing to their next meeting...that's just how I pictured myself, even though I was on the other coast. Yet walking downtown Ventura, I saw more t-shirts and khaki pants. Most workers I see wear jeans and some form of a business-ish looking shirt. And seeing high heels aren't as common, either.
But it's not just stylistically I have noticed the casualness. Even in work times, many offices here don't open til 8:30 or 9.
Or maybe it's mostly my profession; we're journalists, which, by nature, we need flexible schedules. Today one of the editors didn't come in until abut 10 am.
I want to relate this experience (real-life career work) to my job at Farm Bureau, where I worked at my desk from 8-5 with a 1-hour lunch break. But everything about this job (whether paid or not), is so much different than I anticipated. I have interviews off-site. I made a run to an electronics store, where I exchanged a broken voice recorder for a working one. By nature, this job allows me more freedom, more creativity. And I think I like it. A lot.
One of the biggest fears I have in life is that I will be stuck behind a desk, working from 8-5, for the rest of my working career. And as a journalist, I still wasn't sure what to expect. But now that I'm getting a taste of being a journalist, I love it. Not that I didn't understand that I'd need to go off-site for interviews and photo ops before. It's just more apparent now.
So I guess between the combination of my jeans-allowed,look-decent-but-not-overly-professional dress code, and my creative and freedom liberties, I am loving this job.
Internship - day two: ROCKED
11:47 - I roll in 13 minutes early to work. In the front doors and up the stairs I walked, more excited than nervous this time.
I went in for my meeting with the editor, Michael. Within 15 minutes, I had 3 tasks! It was incredible.
First, Arts & Culture editor Michel had an assignment for me for this upcoming issue: write a 350-word preview about an upcoming wine festival. Of course I said I'd do it - but taking on an article in which I know nothing about, and then having no initial contacts about the article...needless to say I was second guessing myself for much of the time. But somehow I pulled it out. Not only that, I pulled it out within 3 1/2 hours. Not only THAT, my editor LOVED it! ... BIG relief! It's my first article, so of course I wanted it to be great and leave a good first impression. I think I accomplished it. (stay tuned for a link of the published article!...my first byline with the VCReporter)
Second: Start on a feature piece about a new transition home project that will host 6-8 foster teens. I started working on it, and am in the process.
Earlier, I had mentioned to the editor that I was the head photographer of my college newspaper, and have had photography experience, so in case they need anybody, I can do photos.
Crazily enough, I got into work on Friday and sure enough one of their photographers had backed out on a photo assignment for that evening. So there I was, with an article due by Monday (I got it done Friday!), a photo assignment for that same evening (which went well!), and a feature story I'm working on over the next two weeks.
Friday I came home from work so elated! It was definitely a good day. I just hope this keeps up. :-)
I went in for my meeting with the editor, Michael. Within 15 minutes, I had 3 tasks! It was incredible.
First, Arts & Culture editor Michel had an assignment for me for this upcoming issue: write a 350-word preview about an upcoming wine festival. Of course I said I'd do it - but taking on an article in which I know nothing about, and then having no initial contacts about the article...needless to say I was second guessing myself for much of the time. But somehow I pulled it out. Not only that, I pulled it out within 3 1/2 hours. Not only THAT, my editor LOVED it! ... BIG relief! It's my first article, so of course I wanted it to be great and leave a good first impression. I think I accomplished it. (stay tuned for a link of the published article!...my first byline with the VCReporter)
Second: Start on a feature piece about a new transition home project that will host 6-8 foster teens. I started working on it, and am in the process.
Earlier, I had mentioned to the editor that I was the head photographer of my college newspaper, and have had photography experience, so in case they need anybody, I can do photos.
Crazily enough, I got into work on Friday and sure enough one of their photographers had backed out on a photo assignment for that evening. So there I was, with an article due by Monday (I got it done Friday!), a photo assignment for that same evening (which went well!), and a feature story I'm working on over the next two weeks.
Friday I came home from work so elated! It was definitely a good day. I just hope this keeps up. :-)
from Calm to Power - a symbolic take on life.
Blue filled the sky as I left the house. Anticipating a beautiful sunset, I had grabbed my camera & departed for the pier (later to find out I left my memory card at the house; my phone-camera had to suffice).
Not even a few minutes into my drive I noticed clouds rolling in. Hoping they'd roll on by I stayed my course. But as I pulled into the pier, not 15 minutes later, the clouds had covered the area. Darkness crept over and the waves strengthened in power.
Determined to at least enjoy the ocean, I sat upon the rocks, breathing in its somewhat stank aroma.
I watched the waves crash hard upon the rocks for a while. What was odd was the sense of fear that pulsed through my body every time a wave smashed upon the ground. The waves' intensity & sound shook me. Every so often a wave set would reach just feet away from me before receding, and as it hit the rocks, I could feel the ground beneath me shake.
By then, the lights of the pier were now lit & reflected in the clouds, glazed over with the fog.
It's scary being adventurous sometimes. As exciting as it may be, just like the ocean before me, my summer adventure is a little frightening and overbearing.
Yet as I sit in awe & fear of my God's creation, I am calmed to know he sits right beside me, leading and carrying me through this adventure of mine.
Not even a few minutes into my drive I noticed clouds rolling in. Hoping they'd roll on by I stayed my course. But as I pulled into the pier, not 15 minutes later, the clouds had covered the area. Darkness crept over and the waves strengthened in power.
Determined to at least enjoy the ocean, I sat upon the rocks, breathing in its somewhat stank aroma.
I watched the waves crash hard upon the rocks for a while. What was odd was the sense of fear that pulsed through my body every time a wave smashed upon the ground. The waves' intensity & sound shook me. Every so often a wave set would reach just feet away from me before receding, and as it hit the rocks, I could feel the ground beneath me shake.
By then, the lights of the pier were now lit & reflected in the clouds, glazed over with the fog.
It's scary being adventurous sometimes. As exciting as it may be, just like the ocean before me, my summer adventure is a little frightening and overbearing.
Yet as I sit in awe & fear of my God's creation, I am calmed to know he sits right beside me, leading and carrying me through this adventure of mine.
Internship - First Day
Royal Blue blouse from Express - check. Black pencil skirt from Express - check. Colin Stuart black pointy-toe heels - check. News Reporter notepad - check. GPS - check. Prayer that God would calm my nerves - check. Sang along with Bebo Norman's "I Will Lift My Eyes" while realizing I am next to both the Mountains (I can't climb) and the oceans (raging wild) - check.
And so began my first day of work at the VCReporter.
My footsteps clicked as I walked up the stairs to the office, which seemed more like an attic than an office. "Here's Michael," pointed the receptionist, who had brought me up the stairs. "Hi Michael," I answered. "Hannah Davis," I said, as I shook her hand, realizing that she was wearing jeans, a sweater, and some comfy sneakers. She told me later, "As you can tell, we're pretty casual around here, so you don't have to come in wearing a skirt every day." .... "So I've noticed," said I.
I met two other editors and sat down with Michael (a female Michael). After chatting about my next 10 weeks as an intern, she handed me a pile of 8 past issues and an assignment for Friday: read them (not ALL of every one, but most), come back and tell her what I liked, didn't like, why, and a general sense of what I think the VCReporter is about. (Although I had done some research before . . . ) She also gave me the assignment to drive around the area, exploring and getting a feel for the people of the area. "To know one's people and what's important to them, is to know what stories to do." - not in her exact words, but essentially what she told me. So tomorrow I will drive around the areas in which the VCReporter is distributed and get a feel for the neighborhoods and come up with story ideas. This I am actually excited for! I already have a couple of story ideas, and I'm sure I will come up with some more on tomorrow's journey.
So begins my adventure of a true reporter for a newspaper. :-)
And so began my first day of work at the VCReporter.
My footsteps clicked as I walked up the stairs to the office, which seemed more like an attic than an office. "Here's Michael," pointed the receptionist, who had brought me up the stairs. "Hi Michael," I answered. "Hannah Davis," I said, as I shook her hand, realizing that she was wearing jeans, a sweater, and some comfy sneakers. She told me later, "As you can tell, we're pretty casual around here, so you don't have to come in wearing a skirt every day." .... "So I've noticed," said I.
I met two other editors and sat down with Michael (a female Michael). After chatting about my next 10 weeks as an intern, she handed me a pile of 8 past issues and an assignment for Friday: read them (not ALL of every one, but most), come back and tell her what I liked, didn't like, why, and a general sense of what I think the VCReporter is about. (Although I had done some research before . . . ) She also gave me the assignment to drive around the area, exploring and getting a feel for the people of the area. "To know one's people and what's important to them, is to know what stories to do." - not in her exact words, but essentially what she told me. So tomorrow I will drive around the areas in which the VCReporter is distributed and get a feel for the neighborhoods and come up with story ideas. This I am actually excited for! I already have a couple of story ideas, and I'm sure I will come up with some more on tomorrow's journey.
So begins my adventure of a true reporter for a newspaper. :-)
"talkin' bout Hollywood"
"Beverly Hills...that's where I wanna be...Living in Beverly Hills." - ok...not really. But that's what the Weezer song says.
Memorial Day 2010 was a Memorial Day to remember.
(I just need to stop and say a shout-out and thanks to two of my greatest friends, Ben Clark & Samuel Willard. Ben - an airforce man, is currently serving in an unknown area overseas, due back in a month. Samuel just deployed - a Navy man...it runs in the family. Both of them I know from camp. And both of them are close friends. So to both of them - thanks for putting your life at risk on a daily basis for my safety. Love you both and thanks for serving! . . . although for selfish reasons I just want you home.)
Aside from the actual reason why Memorial Day exists - Chelsea and I headed to the home of film and fame - HOLLYWOOD!
Our first stop was a park which held a good view of the HOLLYWOOD sign. After which, we headed down into HOLLYWOOD BLVD, walking pretty much the entire WALK OF FAME. It was fun seeing all the stars names. Although names like Matt Damon were fun to see, some of my favorites were the oldies - Humphrey Bogart, Carey Grant, Burnadette Peters, Doris Day, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Barbara Streissand, Katherine Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. Being a film buff - from the golden era to the new age cinematographers, I simply love film.
Besides the stars were the handprints and footprints in cement - of some of those stars above and others - Loren, Davis, Grant, Clooney, Johnny Depp...
We ate lunch across from the KODAK THEATRE (where the Oscars are held, and where the past couple seasons of SYTYCD finale's are held.) in "Disney's Soda Fountain" - really cute and fun, although our server wasn't that great. After lunch we basically continued on the walk of fame. Elvis & The Beatles are at the very beginning of the walk of fame.
Chelsea and I then met up with an old friend from Hawley - Deana. Deana and I used to dance with each other when we were in Dance Works - from ages 11-15. The last I saw Deana was I think 5 1/2 years ago at the West Fargo Packatahna Invitational, where the Centahnas competed and Hawley competed, too. We had a good time catching up and sharing laughs, although I'm sure our talk of Hawley eventually bored Chelsea and Deana's boyfriend. haha...sorry, guys!
After grilling dinner on the rooftop (with a view of LA's MGM tower), we chatted for a while and went to bed - only to get up in 4 hours. It was then that Chelsea and I made our way to LAX, where I dropped her off to head back to the good ol' midwest while I stay here on the West Coast.
So then at 4 am, Chelsea entered and I drove back to Ventura (about an hour drive). And so begins my summer.
Memorial Day 2010 was a Memorial Day to remember.
(I just need to stop and say a shout-out and thanks to two of my greatest friends, Ben Clark & Samuel Willard. Ben - an airforce man, is currently serving in an unknown area overseas, due back in a month. Samuel just deployed - a Navy man...it runs in the family. Both of them I know from camp. And both of them are close friends. So to both of them - thanks for putting your life at risk on a daily basis for my safety. Love you both and thanks for serving! . . . although for selfish reasons I just want you home.)
Aside from the actual reason why Memorial Day exists - Chelsea and I headed to the home of film and fame - HOLLYWOOD!
Our first stop was a park which held a good view of the HOLLYWOOD sign. After which, we headed down into HOLLYWOOD BLVD, walking pretty much the entire WALK OF FAME. It was fun seeing all the stars names. Although names like Matt Damon were fun to see, some of my favorites were the oldies - Humphrey Bogart, Carey Grant, Burnadette Peters, Doris Day, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Barbara Streissand, Katherine Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. Being a film buff - from the golden era to the new age cinematographers, I simply love film.
Besides the stars were the handprints and footprints in cement - of some of those stars above and others - Loren, Davis, Grant, Clooney, Johnny Depp...
We ate lunch across from the KODAK THEATRE (where the Oscars are held, and where the past couple seasons of SYTYCD finale's are held.) in "Disney's Soda Fountain" - really cute and fun, although our server wasn't that great. After lunch we basically continued on the walk of fame. Elvis & The Beatles are at the very beginning of the walk of fame.
Chelsea and I then met up with an old friend from Hawley - Deana. Deana and I used to dance with each other when we were in Dance Works - from ages 11-15. The last I saw Deana was I think 5 1/2 years ago at the West Fargo Packatahna Invitational, where the Centahnas competed and Hawley competed, too. We had a good time catching up and sharing laughs, although I'm sure our talk of Hawley eventually bored Chelsea and Deana's boyfriend. haha...sorry, guys!
After grilling dinner on the rooftop (with a view of LA's MGM tower), we chatted for a while and went to bed - only to get up in 4 hours. It was then that Chelsea and I made our way to LAX, where I dropped her off to head back to the good ol' midwest while I stay here on the West Coast.
So then at 4 am, Chelsea entered and I drove back to Ventura (about an hour drive). And so begins my summer.
Ventura County Life
Ahhh, sweet rest!
After a LONG day exploring San Fran and driving down the coastal highway, Chelsea and I took our liberties "sleeping in." However, since we were both still slightly on Central Time, sleeping in didn't go much past 10 am. We explored the area a little bit by heading down to the harbor, where there's a shopping area, and of course the beach. The wind whipped pretty good, however, and it was chilly enough to give me the shivers. Nonetheless, it was a sight to behold. I had forgotten just how much I loved the ocean.
We made our last stop at the Channel Islands "museum", which was just a little area with a small aquarium (where we saw a sea star eating muscles), and got a gorgeous view of the harbor and ocean.
After heading back, we had dinner and just chilled the rest of the night - which was much needed after a 4-day sightseeing and driving journey.
Sunday after the church service, we headed out to the Pier. There were so many people, with kids playing in the ocean or on the playground, families laying on the beach, people fishing off the pier.
Chelsea and I headed to a strand of rocks that poked out from the shore and climbed our way out. It was crawling atop the rocks that we discovered all the little crabs! They were almost everywhere! about the size of my fist, they would crawl across the rocks into the crevices between the rocks. I don't remember if I've ever seen a crab walk before, but I certainly have now - it's incredible and weird how they walk sideways!
Chelsea and I enjoyed the pier for a while, then headed back to chill for our last Sunday together. 13 Going on 30 is a perfect fix for the "chill" factor.
After a LONG day exploring San Fran and driving down the coastal highway, Chelsea and I took our liberties "sleeping in." However, since we were both still slightly on Central Time, sleeping in didn't go much past 10 am. We explored the area a little bit by heading down to the harbor, where there's a shopping area, and of course the beach. The wind whipped pretty good, however, and it was chilly enough to give me the shivers. Nonetheless, it was a sight to behold. I had forgotten just how much I loved the ocean.
We made our last stop at the Channel Islands "museum", which was just a little area with a small aquarium (where we saw a sea star eating muscles), and got a gorgeous view of the harbor and ocean.
After heading back, we had dinner and just chilled the rest of the night - which was much needed after a 4-day sightseeing and driving journey.
Sunday after the church service, we headed out to the Pier. There were so many people, with kids playing in the ocean or on the playground, families laying on the beach, people fishing off the pier.
Chelsea and I headed to a strand of rocks that poked out from the shore and climbed our way out. It was crawling atop the rocks that we discovered all the little crabs! They were almost everywhere! about the size of my fist, they would crawl across the rocks into the crevices between the rocks. I don't remember if I've ever seen a crab walk before, but I certainly have now - it's incredible and weird how they walk sideways!
Chelsea and I enjoyed the pier for a while, then headed back to chill for our last Sunday together. 13 Going on 30 is a perfect fix for the "chill" factor.
Mountains are disastrous, but the Ocean is gorgeous - San Fran to Ventura
"I left my heart in San Francisco," ....as the saying goes. Except, since San Francisco, my heart has stayed with me. But San Fran did steal a piece of my heart.
San Francisco was an incredible experience. Our morning began trekking to Union Square, where we were told would lead us to the cable cars and out to Fisherman's Wharf. One wrong turn later, we were in Oakland! I just kept saying that "Hey, it's another city I can cross off my list, now!" This allowed us to drive over BOTH bridges of the San Fran area (The Bay Bridge being the one we crossed passing into and out of Oakland.)
Past the Bay Bridge, and one 4-dollar toll later, we were able to get back to San Francisco. Union Square was all that and more. With huge stores such as Macy's, Tiffany's & Co., Saks Fifth Ave, etc, it left nothing unturned for top-end shopping. Except Chelsea and I were not there to shop high-end clothes or jewelry...and yes, even the shoes were left alone.
Instead, we meandered a few blocks down (PS. I should mention it is almost impossible to find a restroom available for public use anywhere downtown). We waited in line for the cable car, where eventually a couple tappers set up and tapped away. I truly believe that watching street performers are a part of every city's culture. After all, the street performers give the street a beat and a sound that the racket of honking horns and crowds passing by can't offer.
After waiting just a short while longer, Chelz and I were onto the Cable Car. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves here.
We made it down to Fisherman's Wharf, where the hustle and bustle truly was. Filled with mostly tourists and some locals, it offered a sense an exciting sea-side experience (or bay side, if I'm being particular). We quick caught a view of Alcatraz before meandering our way over to Pier 39.
Chelsea and I both grabbed some to-go seafood. After I finished with my mango-glazed shrimp from "WIPEOUT (to go)" I tried some of Chelsea's Calamari. (If you know me at all...BIG deal. I don't try awkward foods. Except this was quite good!)
We were given the hint by Chelsea's great aunt & uncle to find the seals. So we found the seals...and boy did we ever! With easily over 100 of them filling the docks, they were hilarious to watch. Barking, yapping, yelping filled the air...although most of them just laid upon the dock (or on top of one another) soaking up the warmth of the sun.
So it was then that we made our way back to Union Square and "out of" San Francisco. (After of course, we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge). I drove some of the crazy hills of San Fransico, and let me just say...I am ever so grateful I A) don't have a manual shifting car... and B) have excellent brakes.
And onto HWY 1 we went. Highway 1 was gorgeous. Absolutely stunningly gorgeous.
But also completely and utterly nervewracking. With so many curves and hairpin turns and the ocean about 5 feet away and a long way down, I was just thankful that God kept us safe with all those crazy turns. Then nightfall hit. And my nerves shot up another 100 notches. My hands gripped that wheel like it was my life or death...almost literally. Were the views incredible? By far, yes. Was it worth it? maybe. But after night fell, I was regretting taking Hwy 1..alot.
Yet God's hand was upon us, because we came out of those mountains completely unscathed...all except for my nerves, of course.
Another two hours and we rolled into Oxnard.
San Francisco was an incredible experience. Our morning began trekking to Union Square, where we were told would lead us to the cable cars and out to Fisherman's Wharf. One wrong turn later, we were in Oakland! I just kept saying that "Hey, it's another city I can cross off my list, now!" This allowed us to drive over BOTH bridges of the San Fran area (The Bay Bridge being the one we crossed passing into and out of Oakland.)
Past the Bay Bridge, and one 4-dollar toll later, we were able to get back to San Francisco. Union Square was all that and more. With huge stores such as Macy's, Tiffany's & Co., Saks Fifth Ave, etc, it left nothing unturned for top-end shopping. Except Chelsea and I were not there to shop high-end clothes or jewelry...and yes, even the shoes were left alone.
Instead, we meandered a few blocks down (PS. I should mention it is almost impossible to find a restroom available for public use anywhere downtown). We waited in line for the cable car, where eventually a couple tappers set up and tapped away. I truly believe that watching street performers are a part of every city's culture. After all, the street performers give the street a beat and a sound that the racket of honking horns and crowds passing by can't offer.
After waiting just a short while longer, Chelz and I were onto the Cable Car. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves here.
We made it down to Fisherman's Wharf, where the hustle and bustle truly was. Filled with mostly tourists and some locals, it offered a sense an exciting sea-side experience (or bay side, if I'm being particular). We quick caught a view of Alcatraz before meandering our way over to Pier 39.
Chelsea and I both grabbed some to-go seafood. After I finished with my mango-glazed shrimp from "WIPEOUT (to go)" I tried some of Chelsea's Calamari. (If you know me at all...BIG deal. I don't try awkward foods. Except this was quite good!)
We were given the hint by Chelsea's great aunt & uncle to find the seals. So we found the seals...and boy did we ever! With easily over 100 of them filling the docks, they were hilarious to watch. Barking, yapping, yelping filled the air...although most of them just laid upon the dock (or on top of one another) soaking up the warmth of the sun.
So it was then that we made our way back to Union Square and "out of" San Francisco. (After of course, we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge). I drove some of the crazy hills of San Fransico, and let me just say...I am ever so grateful I A) don't have a manual shifting car... and B) have excellent brakes.
And onto HWY 1 we went. Highway 1 was gorgeous. Absolutely stunningly gorgeous.
But also completely and utterly nervewracking. With so many curves and hairpin turns and the ocean about 5 feet away and a long way down, I was just thankful that God kept us safe with all those crazy turns. Then nightfall hit. And my nerves shot up another 100 notches. My hands gripped that wheel like it was my life or death...almost literally. Were the views incredible? By far, yes. Was it worth it? maybe. But after night fell, I was regretting taking Hwy 1..alot.
Yet God's hand was upon us, because we came out of those mountains completely unscathed...all except for my nerves, of course.
Another two hours and we rolled into Oxnard.
"the journey" - days 2&3
So I didn't post yesterday. I know. I should feel ashamed.
But here's a post to make up for it.
Day 2 - drive from Buffalo, WY to Salt Lake City. We started out with a GORGEOUS mountain view from Jenna's house. Situated right on the edge of town, the view of the Bighorn mountains was just what we needed to motivate us to wake up and get moving.
We were soon off to our drive through nowhereness, WY. The landscape was enough to enjoy, however, as we drove through several mountain passes. Driving into SLC was the most exciting however, as the mountains had grown (it seemed); We also passed a ski run from the 2002 Winter Olympics - a highlight from the road at least.
We finally pulled into SLC around 6:30, checked into the hotel, and microwaved our easy-mac. From there we decided to just head to the Mormon Tabernacle. It was fairly close by, and was free. Plus, if you know me, you would know that I love architecture.
Putting our slight fear of Mormon convertists aside, we entered the Tabernacle and received a guided tour. It. Was. HUGE!!!
From there the tour guide told us to head to the temple grounds across the street. After taking maybe just 6 photos, two girls came up to us and started talking to us. (Yes, I know what they were probably trying to do.) But they were so sweet and were not imposing and pushy at all. They very willingly took us all around the grounds into different buildings, giving us all the background of every one. They could have been official tour guides themselves.
After being graciously lead around, they suggested that before we leave we walk over to the other side of the temple to view the reflecting pool and a beautiful lit view of the front of the temple. Needless to say, it was a beautiful sight to behold.
After Chelsea and I took about 700 photos (collectively), we headed back to the hotel for a night of hot-tubbing and sleep!
This morning was an early start as we began our trek across the "desert." Since when does the desert mean 40 degrees, cold, and RAINY?! Just wondering. Because that's what we had virtually the entire way across. It was patchy rain and clouds, occasionally letting the sun poke through for a half our period or so.
The real excitement, however, came as we got to the California border.
(We got stopped at the agriculture "stopping point." (Which I thought was a toll booth at first). "Do you have any fruits in your car?" he asked. "I quickly answered 'apples & grapes'." "I'll need to see the apples." So I bent over the seat, opened the cooler, and pulled out the two Pink Lady apples purchased far away in Watertown, SD. The guard then checked our apples... Good news: Our apples were safe to enter California! Thank Goodness! (I just don't know how we could have made it the rest of the way today without them.)
But wait...there's more excitement. About 5 miles after that stop, it began to...not rain, not even in sunshine rays...it began to SNOW! It wasn't so terrible at first. Just a few streams that seemed like rain. But the farther we went, the bigger the flakes got and the whiter the ground got. Not after long Chelsea and I were ready to start singing Christmas songs. For about an hour we drove in what seemed like a really good snowstorm. Chelsea kept her calm and cool while driving, while i clung onto whatever I could, trying not to completely lose my sanity. (YOU try driving in a snowstorm with 5% grades down a mountain!)
We winded our way down the mountain, and finally the snowflakes turned into rain. And then we went farther and the rain turned to patchy fog. And then the patchy fog turned into....SUNSHINE, PALM TREES, AND GORGEOUS WEATHER??? Seriously, what is up with you California? Are you really that hot n' cold? (Nice pun, I know.)
We finally made our way to Sunnyvale, to the home of Chelsea's great aunt. It has been a BLAST here so far. As soon as we got here, they fed us. And do I ever mean FEED us!
Dinner turned to chatting in the living room - about San Francisco and their travels abroad (and boy, do they ever have stories!) Chelsea's great aunt is a firecracker - and a hilarious one at that. Some of the stories she told about her and her husband's travels and adventures together were side-splitting. Then we learned that she is an artist - in the true sense of the word. She paints (many BEAUTIFUL paintings), she makes lamp shades (also BEAUTIFUL) and just about anything else you can imagine. We kept saying "We're just trying to figure out what you're NOT talented at...and we've got nothing."
Chelsea and I will head to San Fran tomorrow for some sightseeing, then head down HWY 1! It's so surreal to think that we're in California. We're both having a great time and it's hard to keep from being too excited about whatever comes next!
For now, however, it is 1:30 am CENTRAL TIME! And even though 11:30 feels early to be going to bed, my eyes are growing harder and harder to keep open; not to mention that Chelsea has already zonked out beside me anyway.
PICTURES AND VIDEOS TO COME SOON! (turns out that it's a lot of work to edit the 500 I've taken so far! Not to mention putting together a video for each day of our travels..)
But here's a post to make up for it.
Day 2 - drive from Buffalo, WY to Salt Lake City. We started out with a GORGEOUS mountain view from Jenna's house. Situated right on the edge of town, the view of the Bighorn mountains was just what we needed to motivate us to wake up and get moving.
We were soon off to our drive through nowhereness, WY. The landscape was enough to enjoy, however, as we drove through several mountain passes. Driving into SLC was the most exciting however, as the mountains had grown (it seemed); We also passed a ski run from the 2002 Winter Olympics - a highlight from the road at least.
We finally pulled into SLC around 6:30, checked into the hotel, and microwaved our easy-mac. From there we decided to just head to the Mormon Tabernacle. It was fairly close by, and was free. Plus, if you know me, you would know that I love architecture.
Putting our slight fear of Mormon convertists aside, we entered the Tabernacle and received a guided tour. It. Was. HUGE!!!
From there the tour guide told us to head to the temple grounds across the street. After taking maybe just 6 photos, two girls came up to us and started talking to us. (Yes, I know what they were probably trying to do.) But they were so sweet and were not imposing and pushy at all. They very willingly took us all around the grounds into different buildings, giving us all the background of every one. They could have been official tour guides themselves.
After being graciously lead around, they suggested that before we leave we walk over to the other side of the temple to view the reflecting pool and a beautiful lit view of the front of the temple. Needless to say, it was a beautiful sight to behold.
After Chelsea and I took about 700 photos (collectively), we headed back to the hotel for a night of hot-tubbing and sleep!
This morning was an early start as we began our trek across the "desert." Since when does the desert mean 40 degrees, cold, and RAINY?! Just wondering. Because that's what we had virtually the entire way across. It was patchy rain and clouds, occasionally letting the sun poke through for a half our period or so.
The real excitement, however, came as we got to the California border.
(We got stopped at the agriculture "stopping point." (Which I thought was a toll booth at first). "Do you have any fruits in your car?" he asked. "I quickly answered 'apples & grapes'." "I'll need to see the apples." So I bent over the seat, opened the cooler, and pulled out the two Pink Lady apples purchased far away in Watertown, SD. The guard then checked our apples... Good news: Our apples were safe to enter California! Thank Goodness! (I just don't know how we could have made it the rest of the way today without them.)
But wait...there's more excitement. About 5 miles after that stop, it began to...not rain, not even in sunshine rays...it began to SNOW! It wasn't so terrible at first. Just a few streams that seemed like rain. But the farther we went, the bigger the flakes got and the whiter the ground got. Not after long Chelsea and I were ready to start singing Christmas songs. For about an hour we drove in what seemed like a really good snowstorm. Chelsea kept her calm and cool while driving, while i clung onto whatever I could, trying not to completely lose my sanity. (YOU try driving in a snowstorm with 5% grades down a mountain!)
We winded our way down the mountain, and finally the snowflakes turned into rain. And then we went farther and the rain turned to patchy fog. And then the patchy fog turned into....SUNSHINE, PALM TREES, AND GORGEOUS WEATHER??? Seriously, what is up with you California? Are you really that hot n' cold? (Nice pun, I know.)
We finally made our way to Sunnyvale, to the home of Chelsea's great aunt. It has been a BLAST here so far. As soon as we got here, they fed us. And do I ever mean FEED us!
Dinner turned to chatting in the living room - about San Francisco and their travels abroad (and boy, do they ever have stories!) Chelsea's great aunt is a firecracker - and a hilarious one at that. Some of the stories she told about her and her husband's travels and adventures together were side-splitting. Then we learned that she is an artist - in the true sense of the word. She paints (many BEAUTIFUL paintings), she makes lamp shades (also BEAUTIFUL) and just about anything else you can imagine. We kept saying "We're just trying to figure out what you're NOT talented at...and we've got nothing."
Chelsea and I will head to San Fran tomorrow for some sightseeing, then head down HWY 1! It's so surreal to think that we're in California. We're both having a great time and it's hard to keep from being too excited about whatever comes next!
For now, however, it is 1:30 am CENTRAL TIME! And even though 11:30 feels early to be going to bed, my eyes are growing harder and harder to keep open; not to mention that Chelsea has already zonked out beside me anyway.
PICTURES AND VIDEOS TO COME SOON! (turns out that it's a lot of work to edit the 500 I've taken so far! Not to mention putting together a video for each day of our travels..)
Day 2 - boring and exciting, all in one.
There’s something to be said about living on the edge of town. We woke up this morning at Jenna’s house – I’ve been there once before, but the view out of their living room window took me away, again. The picturesque view of the Bighorn Mountains caught my attention. It was a beautiful view to wake up to.
By 8:15, Chelsea and I were heading down I-25 for day. Once we hit Casper (which is a beautiful city, by the way) we caught a short-cut, which took us through and around some beautiful mountain ranges.
I’ve always said that I’m not much of a mountain girl. And to an extent, that’s true. I could never live in this kind of mountainous area (mainly because I feel like everything is so isolated). But driving through the mountains today has in a sense proved me wrong. But after the nothingness that is North Dakota and South Dakota, it’s nice to have something to look at.
Soon we came to Rawlings, WY – the town that connected the shortcut road and I-80. After gassing up, we drove across the road and broke out the cooler full of food. Turkey & ham sandwiches, chips & salsa, fruit – and of course the mountain dew.
Our trip to Utah was not very exciting until we hit Utah - and then it literally transformed from hills and small mountain ranges to ... well ... Utah!
Driving by the Olympic Ski run was exciting. And after getting "lost" at the SLC airport, we found our hotel, quickly settled in and grabbed a bite to eat, then headed to the Mormon Tabernacle and Temple Square, which was beautiful, amazing, huge, and historical. Two lovely Mormon girls quickly found us and gave us our own personal tour - it was nice to meet them without feeling like they were pushing Mormonism on us. We could tell they wanted us to explore and discover Mormonism, but they were very kind.
The Temple area was exquisite, as was the reflecting pool outside the temple. We had a great time wandering around before going back to our hotel for some R&R, including hot tubbing and sleep.
Journey Day 1
WE MADE IT! .... to Buffalo, Wyoming, that is.
From South Dakota, through North Dakota, and back through South Dakota again, we enjoyed the drive. Sort of. Sometimes North Dakota can get boring. And we also discovered that Custer's National Forest isn't really a forest. But once we hit the Black Hills, our spirits brightened.
MY day started at 6:30 am - packing up the last of my things. I kissed Watertown, SD goodbye (not without several tears shed as I watched it disappear in my rearview mirror) and headed north to Fargo, and west to my alma matter of a city, Bismarck. Somewhere along the way,my Odometer read this. I thought it was photo worthy:
After stopping at my "other" home and eating Lena's good hotdish for lunch, I stole Chelz away for the next week. From there, she took the wheel with a deathgrip. It was WINDY!!! And by windy, I'm pretty sure the genius' who nicknamed Chicago the "windy city" were highly unaware of the winds produced in North Dakota. MY GOODNESS they would rip. But Chelsea's grip was able to loosen after not long, and the rest of our drive continued through the nothingness that is the Dakotas.
Until, that is, we hit Spearfish. We saw the grandness of the Black Hills and enjoyed them thoroughly, as they were a welcomed change in geography.
We found a gas station, which luckily had a microwave - we had hoped for that, since our "dinner" for the night (and for the next 3) was Easy Mac. So as weird as we felt, we stuck our bowls of noodles & water into the station's dinky microwave and made ourselves some Easy Mac.
10 Miles later we were at the border of our first "exciting" state . . . Wyoming!
We saw signs and passed through towns such as Aladdin & Sundance (as in Butch Cassidy and) From there, we meandered our way up to Devil's Tower for a quick history lesson, some fun photo ops, and some gorgeous "scenic" views. (But the best is yet to come!)
*many more pictures to come!*
We pulled into Buffalo, WY into my former roommate and dear friend Jenna's house. Situated right on the edge of town, we are excited to wake up and see a stunning view of the Bighorn Mountains.
Our day will begin early, with us leaving town hopefully around 7:30 a.m. From there we will make our way down to Salt Lake City for some other excitement!
From South Dakota, through North Dakota, and back through South Dakota again, we enjoyed the drive. Sort of. Sometimes North Dakota can get boring. And we also discovered that Custer's National Forest isn't really a forest. But once we hit the Black Hills, our spirits brightened.
MY day started at 6:30 am - packing up the last of my things. I kissed Watertown, SD goodbye (not without several tears shed as I watched it disappear in my rearview mirror) and headed north to Fargo, and west to my alma matter of a city, Bismarck. Somewhere along the way,my Odometer read this. I thought it was photo worthy:
After stopping at my "other" home and eating Lena's good hotdish for lunch, I stole Chelz away for the next week. From there, she took the wheel with a deathgrip. It was WINDY!!! And by windy, I'm pretty sure the genius' who nicknamed Chicago the "windy city" were highly unaware of the winds produced in North Dakota. MY GOODNESS they would rip. But Chelsea's grip was able to loosen after not long, and the rest of our drive continued through the nothingness that is the Dakotas.
Until, that is, we hit Spearfish. We saw the grandness of the Black Hills and enjoyed them thoroughly, as they were a welcomed change in geography.
We found a gas station, which luckily had a microwave - we had hoped for that, since our "dinner" for the night (and for the next 3) was Easy Mac. So as weird as we felt, we stuck our bowls of noodles & water into the station's dinky microwave and made ourselves some Easy Mac.
10 Miles later we were at the border of our first "exciting" state . . . Wyoming!
We saw signs and passed through towns such as Aladdin & Sundance (as in Butch Cassidy and) From there, we meandered our way up to Devil's Tower for a quick history lesson, some fun photo ops, and some gorgeous "scenic" views. (But the best is yet to come!)
*many more pictures to come!*
We pulled into Buffalo, WY into my former roommate and dear friend Jenna's house. Situated right on the edge of town, we are excited to wake up and see a stunning view of the Bighorn Mountains.
Our day will begin early, with us leaving town hopefully around 7:30 a.m. From there we will make our way down to Salt Lake City for some other excitement!
Planning, planning, and planning!
It looked easy. It seemed easy. Just plug in one point to the next, and plan out your trip. But it was so much more than that.
Dad and I spent two hours solidifying the trip.
The first matter - how to get the best friend and I together. Meet in Fargo. Would she come down to Watertown and we'd leave from there? But I94 is faster from Fargo than going south and over. But then we'd be going right back through Bismarck. But Chelsea needs her car for when she flies back from LA to Fargo. Figuring out a plan to begin the trip was the majority of my first hurdle.
I will be driving to Fargo and over via '94, taking hwy 85 south, connecting with I-90 in Spearfish, SD, and then driving farther west to finally hit Buffalo, WY in our first day. Where I pick Chelsea up is TBD - probably Bismarck, as she thinks she will have a relative drive her car out to Fargo during memorial weekend.
My former roommate Jenna will host us for the night - well, her and her mother. We will have lodging for the night, and the next morning we will get up early to leave again as Jenna leaves to teach Kindergarten.
For the next 8 or so hours, Chelsea and I will drive south to south and west to Salt Lake City, UT, home of the Mormon Tabernacle, the 2002 Winter Olympics, and apparently a beautiful peace garden. Hopefully we'll have some daytime left to enjoy some sights before turning into our hotel for the night, which is apparently a pretty snazzy hotel for $60.
The following day will be our longest, as we'll drive from Salt Lake City straight across the desert through Nevada. Making our way through the width of California, Chelsea and I will then head to Sunnyvale, CA, where her great-aunt lives for the night.
Our final day will start with a trip back to San Fran, to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, see the Full House house, and then take our time driving down the Coastal Highway. We might also stop at the Monterey Bay to see if we can catch a glimpse of any whales or dolphins. From there, it's straight down the coast, driving with mountains, hills, and palm trees on one side, and the ocean right on the other.
Four days. Four long days. Four exciting days. Four days full of driving, best friend laughter, singing crazy songs, sleeping, eating munchies, and simply enjoying each others' company.
It will be four days I will never forget.
Chelsea will then spend through the 31st with me and my aunt/uncle in Ventura, then the evening of the 31st, we'll drive down to LA to spend the night at my friend Deana's...the next morning we will leave at 3:30 am to head to LAX.
This will be an unforgettable experience. :-)
A dream come true - BFF roady to take place in 2 weeks!
So my last post I shared I had found an internship for the summer. In Cali. 90 miles north of LA to be specific.
Originally, we had planned on me flying out there, but since having a car is something of a necessity, plans changed. Dad threw that at me on Sunday night, mentioning that I will need somebody to go with me. (My first thought: "AWESOME! ROAD TRIP!") So as I drove to vespers (in a hurry, since I was yet again late...only because I forgot I was parked in hell), I kept thinking how cool this road trip would be with Chels, since I had always dreamed about taking a cross-country roady with my best friend.
That very night, Chelsea and I had went to vespers together. After which, just as my dad threw the news at me, I threw the idea of a road trip to chelz. Her reaction: "Perfect timing! but I don't know if I have the money for a flight back." She wouldn't have. Flights, for the most part, were in between 120-160$, which aren't that bad....but for a poor college student, it was a little more she can afford to spend. She had asked her mom if she could use the credit card and pay her back once her first paycheck of the summer came in. But even that was iffy. So she had told me on Tuesday that chances are probably "no."
My dear friend Sara and I then started planning out the trip. She had mentioned she wanted to come with me and I was excited for her to come along, since our "buddy" title is "travel buddy." But there's something to be said for counting your chickens before they hatch. (So sorry, yia yia! I really am!!! good news: traveling BACK is still open! 2nd week in August: keep it open!)
Today things started to really fall in place. Chelsea called me late this evening. After rushing to find my phone, (which in this crazy mess of boxes and packed up belongings is difficult to find) I started spouting off about how my room was a disaster and I had much to get done. When I was done throwing my stressed-out rants about packing and cleaning at her, she's like "Are you ready for this?" I was expecting a resounding "no" from her, nixing our trip. So outloud I just said, "Yes or no. Just tell me," fully expecting the latter to be it. Then she said the craziest thing: "I am booking my flight out of LAX as we speak...." I do believe "Shutup!" was the first word out of my mouth. The next half of her sentence was even more unbelievable. "....for $40 dollars." At this point I cannot remember whether or not I actually used words, but I believe my expression was something to this effect. "SHUTUP, NO WAY, AWESOME, OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH, THANK YOU DEAR GOD, THIS IS AMAZING *SCREAMS AND SQUEALS OF EXCITEMENT*".... all whilst jumping up in the air and repeating over and over expressions of disbelief. The next half an hour we talked about how excited we were, then some more about how crazy that $40 dollar ticket was. Remember, just the previous days, they were all $120. For the same day. The same flight. But for some reason, God and the airlines agreed that $40 would be a decent price.
And so begins our journey out west together. I am currently planning out which routes are faster, easier, better for my car and our sanity. It's more work than I anticipated.
What I'm most excited for is our journey down the coast of California from San Fran to Ventura. Taking Hwy 1, we'll be driving the coastal highway for 7 hours. 7 beautiful hours of beautiful waves. 7 hours of Colbie Caillat, Israel Kamaeagokhaole (or however you spell his last name), beach boys, and so much more. 7 hours of us just driving down the coast. Together. Probably singing songs from RENT, Wicked, and every other song we can think of. Talking and laughing, screaming and squealing in excitement, and just enjoying each others company.
All this in addition to 4 days of just driving (which I'm sure will be both happy and frustrating, full of enjoyment and exhaustion.) From Fargo, ND, back to Watertown, SD, all the way out to Buffalo, WY to spend the night at Jenna's.
Then from Buffalo to somewhere around Salt Lake City. And from Salt Lake City out to San Fran, across the golden gate bridge, and down the coastal highway.
I am scared. I am excited. But mostly, so completely grateful that this life-long dream is finally coming true: Best Friends finally going cross-country together.
Originally, we had planned on me flying out there, but since having a car is something of a necessity, plans changed. Dad threw that at me on Sunday night, mentioning that I will need somebody to go with me. (My first thought: "AWESOME! ROAD TRIP!") So as I drove to vespers (in a hurry, since I was yet again late...only because I forgot I was parked in hell), I kept thinking how cool this road trip would be with Chels, since I had always dreamed about taking a cross-country roady with my best friend.
That very night, Chelsea and I had went to vespers together. After which, just as my dad threw the news at me, I threw the idea of a road trip to chelz. Her reaction: "Perfect timing! but I don't know if I have the money for a flight back." She wouldn't have. Flights, for the most part, were in between 120-160$, which aren't that bad....but for a poor college student, it was a little more she can afford to spend. She had asked her mom if she could use the credit card and pay her back once her first paycheck of the summer came in. But even that was iffy. So she had told me on Tuesday that chances are probably "no."
My dear friend Sara and I then started planning out the trip. She had mentioned she wanted to come with me and I was excited for her to come along, since our "buddy" title is "travel buddy." But there's something to be said for counting your chickens before they hatch. (So sorry, yia yia! I really am!!! good news: traveling BACK is still open! 2nd week in August: keep it open!)
Today things started to really fall in place. Chelsea called me late this evening. After rushing to find my phone, (which in this crazy mess of boxes and packed up belongings is difficult to find) I started spouting off about how my room was a disaster and I had much to get done. When I was done throwing my stressed-out rants about packing and cleaning at her, she's like "Are you ready for this?" I was expecting a resounding "no" from her, nixing our trip. So outloud I just said, "Yes or no. Just tell me," fully expecting the latter to be it. Then she said the craziest thing: "I am booking my flight out of LAX as we speak...." I do believe "Shutup!" was the first word out of my mouth. The next half of her sentence was even more unbelievable. "....for $40 dollars." At this point I cannot remember whether or not I actually used words, but I believe my expression was something to this effect. "SHUTUP, NO WAY, AWESOME, OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH, THANK YOU DEAR GOD, THIS IS AMAZING *SCREAMS AND SQUEALS OF EXCITEMENT*".... all whilst jumping up in the air and repeating over and over expressions of disbelief. The next half an hour we talked about how excited we were, then some more about how crazy that $40 dollar ticket was. Remember, just the previous days, they were all $120. For the same day. The same flight. But for some reason, God and the airlines agreed that $40 would be a decent price.
And so begins our journey out west together. I am currently planning out which routes are faster, easier, better for my car and our sanity. It's more work than I anticipated.
What I'm most excited for is our journey down the coast of California from San Fran to Ventura. Taking Hwy 1, we'll be driving the coastal highway for 7 hours. 7 beautiful hours of beautiful waves. 7 hours of Colbie Caillat, Israel Kamaeagokhaole (or however you spell his last name), beach boys, and so much more. 7 hours of us just driving down the coast. Together. Probably singing songs from RENT, Wicked, and every other song we can think of. Talking and laughing, screaming and squealing in excitement, and just enjoying each others company.
All this in addition to 4 days of just driving (which I'm sure will be both happy and frustrating, full of enjoyment and exhaustion.) From Fargo, ND, back to Watertown, SD, all the way out to Buffalo, WY to spend the night at Jenna's.
Then from Buffalo to somewhere around Salt Lake City. And from Salt Lake City out to San Fran, across the golden gate bridge, and down the coastal highway.
I am scared. I am excited. But mostly, so completely grateful that this life-long dream is finally coming true: Best Friends finally going cross-country together.
The beginning of it all
I have: a BIG announcement!!!
No, I'm not pregnant. Nor am I engaged. Nor do I have a boyfriend.
But! What I do have: AN INTERNSHIP!!!!!
Last year, God gave me the opportunity to go out to California for an internship. Then over spring break, my grandmother had her stroke, which made me rethink my summer plans. I knew at the time that I wasn't ready for California. I was quite disappointed. But I knew it was the right choice. So the following summer was spent in Watertown, SD, taking my grandmother to her therapy appointments and spending quality time with my sister, all while applying for "last-minute" jobs. Needless to say, I didn't get any bites, although I did get a week stint cashiering for a fireworks company during the week of the 4th. It was a frustrating summer, because I was jobless. At the same time, it was so wonderful to spend time with my sister and family, while knowing I'd be able to be home and take care of gramma.
Now things have changed. This summer I NEED an internship, and knowing the Watertown area, I just couldn't say "yes" to staying there for another summer, not knowing if I'd get an internship. So what was left? The cities...meh. Option, yes. Bismarck, Fargo, and even Camp were all tossed around as ideas. I sent some resumes and followed up with a few of them. But so far nothing was coming through. And I was getting increasingly irritated, frustrated, thinking that maybe I was some big failure that I couldn't even get an internship.
I would see "want" ads posted around campus for "NEEDED ROOMMATE FOR SUMMER"...and although I wanted to call them up and say, "hey, yeah, I'll take you up on that," something held me back. I'm glad I did.
Friday around 4 pm, I called up the same place that I was going to intern at last year in (CA) and just ask if they had any openings left. Immediately, she said, "YES!" And after she asked, "what are you studying?" and I answered "I am a senior journalism major," she let out another shout of praise. Having previously had English majors as interns, she had gotten frustrated with them when they couldn't catch on to the journalistic style of writing. Within 5 minutes, she had offered me the internship!!!! I asked her if she wanted me to send a resume or anything, and she said, "Yeah, sure, send it on over. But as far as the internship is concerned, I wouldn't doubt that you'll be great." So I sent in my resume and a few clippings (articles I've previously written/published.) The Ventura County Reporter will be my next place of...well...semi-employment. It is (of course as the economy goes) unpaid. But heck, to live in Cali and do an internship there...I COULD CARE LESS! (Ok, well I care a little, but not enough to dampen any elation!)
I hung up the phone more excited than you can imagine. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops!!! (I still do, and the next time i see any of you, I will probably tell you with a huge grin on my face.)
Later that night, I called up my aunt who lives in Ventura, and told her I got the internship. She was elated! Her and my uncle had wanted me to come out there to stay with them last year. When I told her, she was just as excited to have me stay there over the summer as I am to be able to stay there!!
Details are still in the works. I will most likely leave just before memorial day (to beat the high airline prices), and I start the internship June 2. As for when I am coming back, I am looking at August 8-14. But times when I intern still need to be worked out, as well as transportation. I am also looking for summer jobs while I'm out there, since I will need some extra income for cell phone bill and to help out with groceries, etc.
Am I nervous and scared and sad to leave the great state of MN for 10 weeks? Yes. Am I sad that my family will be here in the Midwest without me? Yes. Am I going to miss my sister? more than ever. Am I going to miss my parents? Also more than ever. Am I going to miss my dog??? well, don't tell them, but probably a little more than all of them combined! lol...only kidding...a little bit.
Am I going to miss the friends I have here? "Ya, Sure, ya Betcha!"
But as much as I am terrified and broken-hearted to leave these people behind for 10 weeks, I am MORE excited about being in Sunny California for the majority of my summer vacation. I will be working on stories in California. I will be working in California. And on the minimal down-time I have, I will be soaking up every last ray of the California sun on California beaches.
No, I'm not pregnant. Nor am I engaged. Nor do I have a boyfriend.
But! What I do have: AN INTERNSHIP!!!!!
Last year, God gave me the opportunity to go out to California for an internship. Then over spring break, my grandmother had her stroke, which made me rethink my summer plans. I knew at the time that I wasn't ready for California. I was quite disappointed. But I knew it was the right choice. So the following summer was spent in Watertown, SD, taking my grandmother to her therapy appointments and spending quality time with my sister, all while applying for "last-minute" jobs. Needless to say, I didn't get any bites, although I did get a week stint cashiering for a fireworks company during the week of the 4th. It was a frustrating summer, because I was jobless. At the same time, it was so wonderful to spend time with my sister and family, while knowing I'd be able to be home and take care of gramma.
Now things have changed. This summer I NEED an internship, and knowing the Watertown area, I just couldn't say "yes" to staying there for another summer, not knowing if I'd get an internship. So what was left? The cities...meh. Option, yes. Bismarck, Fargo, and even Camp were all tossed around as ideas. I sent some resumes and followed up with a few of them. But so far nothing was coming through. And I was getting increasingly irritated, frustrated, thinking that maybe I was some big failure that I couldn't even get an internship.
I would see "want" ads posted around campus for "NEEDED ROOMMATE FOR SUMMER"...and although I wanted to call them up and say, "hey, yeah, I'll take you up on that," something held me back. I'm glad I did.
Friday around 4 pm, I called up the same place that I was going to intern at last year in (CA) and just ask if they had any openings left. Immediately, she said, "YES!" And after she asked, "what are you studying?" and I answered "I am a senior journalism major," she let out another shout of praise. Having previously had English majors as interns, she had gotten frustrated with them when they couldn't catch on to the journalistic style of writing. Within 5 minutes, she had offered me the internship!!!! I asked her if she wanted me to send a resume or anything, and she said, "Yeah, sure, send it on over. But as far as the internship is concerned, I wouldn't doubt that you'll be great." So I sent in my resume and a few clippings (articles I've previously written/published.) The Ventura County Reporter will be my next place of...well...semi-employment. It is (of course as the economy goes) unpaid. But heck, to live in Cali and do an internship there...I COULD CARE LESS! (Ok, well I care a little, but not enough to dampen any elation!)
I hung up the phone more excited than you can imagine. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops!!! (I still do, and the next time i see any of you, I will probably tell you with a huge grin on my face.)
Later that night, I called up my aunt who lives in Ventura, and told her I got the internship. She was elated! Her and my uncle had wanted me to come out there to stay with them last year. When I told her, she was just as excited to have me stay there over the summer as I am to be able to stay there!!
Details are still in the works. I will most likely leave just before memorial day (to beat the high airline prices), and I start the internship June 2. As for when I am coming back, I am looking at August 8-14. But times when I intern still need to be worked out, as well as transportation. I am also looking for summer jobs while I'm out there, since I will need some extra income for cell phone bill and to help out with groceries, etc.
Am I nervous and scared and sad to leave the great state of MN for 10 weeks? Yes. Am I sad that my family will be here in the Midwest without me? Yes. Am I going to miss my sister? more than ever. Am I going to miss my parents? Also more than ever. Am I going to miss my dog??? well, don't tell them, but probably a little more than all of them combined! lol...only kidding...a little bit.
Am I going to miss the friends I have here? "Ya, Sure, ya Betcha!"
But as much as I am terrified and broken-hearted to leave these people behind for 10 weeks, I am MORE excited about being in Sunny California for the majority of my summer vacation. I will be working on stories in California. I will be working in California. And on the minimal down-time I have, I will be soaking up every last ray of the California sun on California beaches.
