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. :-)
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.
