Pretty much every night when I go to sleep I hear a weird tapping sound outside my door. At first it was scary and I kept envisioning a gollum-like man crouched outside my bedroom door, sadistically tapping away. Now I'm pretty sure it is just the heater going on and off. I laid my seven-pound hand weights in front of my door to keep the bad men out, just in case.
I listened to Delilah on the way home from the gym and Jacson's tonight. I don't care what you say, cheesy love songs and personal accounts of blind amore make entertainment radio. Someday, I will ask for Delilah to pick me out a song. Or, you could dedicate one to me instead, just call in and tell her that I am your unrequited love.
I think I am going to be offered the marketing job in burlington. I actually am getting more excited about it. In the meantime, I have picked up a couple extra shifts at my old work. Even though I DREADED going back and have been complaining for the last few months about how MBI is the bane of my existence, something has changed. I didn't miss it at all before I went back. Now that I am back, I realize I missed it, or I do miss it. I like my coworkers, I like the little old patients, and I am really good at what I do. It will be weird to start a job where I don't know what's going on. Today I was thinking, MBI is like a second home for me in a way. I have spent nearly 6 years there. I know the ins and outs of that place. I know how everything works together and how to work with everyone. It might just be new job jitters, but I am finally experiencing that sadness-to-be-leaving that I didn't experience before heading to Europe. Weird.
I got a threatening text from KJW to write this blog. And I have to say, scary as that was, I am glad someone reads this thing... hahaha
One other thing. Even though I am excited to start a job and make some much needed money, I will miss my life as a bum. A typical day in bumdom consists of waking up around 10, watching tv while eating cereal in my pjs. Sometimes the gym fits in. Sometimes I go to the Woods and study for the GMAT (aka, put the study book on the table in front of me and instead read Infidel). And I do a lot of catching up with friends. I feel way more relaxed than I have in a long time. Hopefully some of that will pervade my "young working professional" life. If not, there is always time in Grad school haha.
I also used some free time this week to make myself a Christmas cd. Pretty sweet. If you are nice to me, maybe I'll burn you a copy of this fabulous mix.
Okay, I don't hear the tapping. I am heading back to bed before it starts again. Love Love Love
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Back to the Lacuna
I have decided to continue writing in this blog, thanks to some inspiration from KJW. (Amazing I know). So even though I doubt that many people will read it, they may. I love blogs and wish more of my friends wrote them...
Unemployment is so discouraging. I am beginning to feel like the stereotypical lazy unemployed slob i.e., I sleep till 10, eat banana cream pie for breakfast and live in my sweatpants all day. It's not a very fulfilling lifestyle. The most exciting thing in my life this week is that I found my Daffy Duck socks from middle school.
At the gym today I wore a t-shirt that said "I heart Boston", a value village find. Three separate people came up to me and said "I heart Boston too!!" Because it would seem weird to stop and explain to them that I had never been to Boston, only to value village, I just smiled and said "yeah it's really great." Kind of lying, but way shorter than explaining something that they don't care about anyway right? Who knows, maybe I would love Boston.
Gosh this week and this part of life (post-college, pre-purpose/career)is so frustrating it makes me want to cry or move away to a place with opportunities. Blah, must snap out of it.
Unemployment is so discouraging. I am beginning to feel like the stereotypical lazy unemployed slob i.e., I sleep till 10, eat banana cream pie for breakfast and live in my sweatpants all day. It's not a very fulfilling lifestyle. The most exciting thing in my life this week is that I found my Daffy Duck socks from middle school.
At the gym today I wore a t-shirt that said "I heart Boston", a value village find. Three separate people came up to me and said "I heart Boston too!!" Because it would seem weird to stop and explain to them that I had never been to Boston, only to value village, I just smiled and said "yeah it's really great." Kind of lying, but way shorter than explaining something that they don't care about anyway right? Who knows, maybe I would love Boston.
Gosh this week and this part of life (post-college, pre-purpose/career)is so frustrating it makes me want to cry or move away to a place with opportunities. Blah, must snap out of it.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Two Tulips
Two little tulips have sprung up in our front yard, one white and one purple. Somehow, amidst all the choking moss and litter and snow, they survived and shot up right next to the walkway like little spring greeting cards. I love them, I have taken pictures.
So much to do, so little time. I am getting the travel bug that I always get every spring. I can feel it coming on and it makes me nervous. Part of me wants to just pick up and head to scenic lake powell for a summer spent in the sun away from the usual distractions. But there are so many other reasons to finish out the summer in bellingham before my europe trip. Money being a primary one but also relationships that I'm not ready to leave for four months.If I could take everyone important with me wherever I went, I would have an adventurous and happy life.
When will I ever grow out of this restlessness?
I think my Guatemala trip is coming at a perfect time, being away from bellingham and from everyone for ten days will give me a chance to think about things.
Have been so tired all the time lately, could probably spend thirteen hours a day sleeping peacefully if I had the time. Have a bunch of 'informational interviews' set up around town to find out what in the hell I am supposed to do with my degree. They want me to bring a resume, so that's intimidating. Mostly because I haven't done anything. The career center at school is showing me how to fluff myself up. Pretty exciting.
Anyway, got to shower from PE and head back up to campus in the rain. It's almost not even worth the shower at this point...
So much to do, so little time. I am getting the travel bug that I always get every spring. I can feel it coming on and it makes me nervous. Part of me wants to just pick up and head to scenic lake powell for a summer spent in the sun away from the usual distractions. But there are so many other reasons to finish out the summer in bellingham before my europe trip. Money being a primary one but also relationships that I'm not ready to leave for four months.If I could take everyone important with me wherever I went, I would have an adventurous and happy life.
When will I ever grow out of this restlessness?
I think my Guatemala trip is coming at a perfect time, being away from bellingham and from everyone for ten days will give me a chance to think about things.
Have been so tired all the time lately, could probably spend thirteen hours a day sleeping peacefully if I had the time. Have a bunch of 'informational interviews' set up around town to find out what in the hell I am supposed to do with my degree. They want me to bring a resume, so that's intimidating. Mostly because I haven't done anything. The career center at school is showing me how to fluff myself up. Pretty exciting.
Anyway, got to shower from PE and head back up to campus in the rain. It's almost not even worth the shower at this point...
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Ralph B. Stearns
Yeah, so the whole myspace blog abandonment hasn't gone so well. Have barely written anything in my other blog. If I weren't so busy writing for school it would be easier...
So I am back with myspace, at least for now.
Let's think what is new to update on. Have watched about 5 hours of Sex and the City in the last week or so. Finally watched the Newsies, a "must see" for all journalism students, so I am told. Went to the Lighthouse valentine cocktail party in a dress I could barely breath in, with the first v-day date I have had in years. Went ghost hunting behind Sycamour Square because one of my sources for my 'Haunted Bellingham' piece told me it was a hotbed of paranormal activity. Caught Abe Lincoln in a cuddly mood last night and we watched the end of a movie together, at least I watched and he purred and tried to nip my chin. Found out recently that in 1928 a person named Ralph B. Stearns died in my house, hopefully it was in Kelly's room.
Latest love: old men, specifically the man who runs the Up and my mailman, who wears a floppy, white, wide-brimmed hat and short little shorts that show off his bony knees. Also love Charlotte of S&C, and the little red haired boy on Love Actually. Have been going through a huge Tracy Chapman phase, folk music is most excellent. A little boy at Wiser Lake church today asked for my help finding a hymn in his hymn book.
Latest Gripe: Miscommunication, fact-checking on other reporters' drafts, cramps, the washer and dryer never being free because people forget to cycle their laundry, then it gets piled in the kitchen, expenses and poor money management on my part, vain Christian men who brag incessantly and act like they are God's gift - and the Christian women who are desperate enough to indulge this conceited behavior. Nauseating.
This is my last SERIOUS quarter at Western. Next quarter will be all 100-level lecture hall courses on British literature and art history and some afternoons spent kayaking on Lake Whatcom. I have been waiting for all that hard upper division, huge credit load crap I have done my whole college career to pay off, and now it finally is. Spring is all about sunshine, walks to boulevard, slacklining, frisbee, kayaking, hiking, staying out late and drinking good beer, bluegrass and reggae, roadtrips and sandals. I just have to make it through March first...
Love.
So I am back with myspace, at least for now.
Let's think what is new to update on. Have watched about 5 hours of Sex and the City in the last week or so. Finally watched the Newsies, a "must see" for all journalism students, so I am told. Went to the Lighthouse valentine cocktail party in a dress I could barely breath in, with the first v-day date I have had in years. Went ghost hunting behind Sycamour Square because one of my sources for my 'Haunted Bellingham' piece told me it was a hotbed of paranormal activity. Caught Abe Lincoln in a cuddly mood last night and we watched the end of a movie together, at least I watched and he purred and tried to nip my chin. Found out recently that in 1928 a person named Ralph B. Stearns died in my house, hopefully it was in Kelly's room.
Latest love: old men, specifically the man who runs the Up and my mailman, who wears a floppy, white, wide-brimmed hat and short little shorts that show off his bony knees. Also love Charlotte of S&C, and the little red haired boy on Love Actually. Have been going through a huge Tracy Chapman phase, folk music is most excellent. A little boy at Wiser Lake church today asked for my help finding a hymn in his hymn book.
Latest Gripe: Miscommunication, fact-checking on other reporters' drafts, cramps, the washer and dryer never being free because people forget to cycle their laundry, then it gets piled in the kitchen, expenses and poor money management on my part, vain Christian men who brag incessantly and act like they are God's gift - and the Christian women who are desperate enough to indulge this conceited behavior. Nauseating.
This is my last SERIOUS quarter at Western. Next quarter will be all 100-level lecture hall courses on British literature and art history and some afternoons spent kayaking on Lake Whatcom. I have been waiting for all that hard upper division, huge credit load crap I have done my whole college career to pay off, and now it finally is. Spring is all about sunshine, walks to boulevard, slacklining, frisbee, kayaking, hiking, staying out late and drinking good beer, bluegrass and reggae, roadtrips and sandals. I just have to make it through March first...
Love.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
The Nine to Five
Why is it so hard to have a social life while you work full time? During breaks, when I know I will have an eight hour work day in front of me, I rarely go out. When I have an early class however, it doesn't seem to faze me at all. It's kind of a shame because break is for relaxing from school and having fun and catching up with people but I mostly spend it working and vegging out and going to bed decently early. I also end up listening to mushy Delilah wax poetic on 104.3 easy listening a lot more, then I feel really old. Blah.
Watched Amadeus with the boy last night. It was my Christmas gift to him, I kept hearing how amazing this movie is from him and from the video store guy. The way they talked this movie up you would think they had written the trailer for it. It is pretty long, about three hours and we didn't start watching until 11, so I was out pretty late for a work night. It really was good though. Amazing music. Also recognized the actress who plays Miranda on Sex and the City, only twenty years younger. I was pretty excited about that, the boy just shook his head.
A coworker linked me to a BBC News list called 100 things we didn't know this time last year. It is pretty funny. (I am so productive) Here are some of my favorites:
8. Devout Orthodox Jews are three times as likely to jaywalk as other people, according to an Israeli survey reported in the New Scientist. The researchers say it's possibly because religious people have less fear of death.
11. One in 10 Europeans is allegedly conceived in an Ikea bed.
19. The = sign was invented by 16th Century Welsh mathematician Robert Recorde, who was fed up with writing "is equal to" in his equations. He chose the two lines because "noe 2 thynges can be moare equalle".
20. The Queen has never been on a computer, she told Bill Gates as she awarded him an honorary knighthood.
23. In America it's possible to subpoena a dog.
32. "Restaurant" is the most mis-spelled word in search engines.
35. The name Lego came from two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well". It also means "I put together" in Latin.
37. Cyclist Lance Armstrong's heart is almost a third larger than the average man's.
42. Britain's smallest church , near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, opens just once a year. It measures 4m by 3.6m and has one pew.
43. The spiciness of sauces is measured in Scoville Units.
50. Only 36% of the world's newspapers are tabloid.
52. You're 10 times more likely to be bitten by a human than a rat.
59. Oliver Twist is very popular in China, where its title is translated as Foggy City Orphan.
63. It takes less energy to import a tomato from Spain than to grow them in this country because of the artificial heat needed, according to Defra.
68. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has sold one copy every minute since its 1969 publication.
71. Jimi Hendrix pretended to be gay to be discharged from the US Army.
76. The day when most suicides occurred in the UK between 1993 and 2002 was 1 January, 2000.
87. Pulling your foot out of quicksand takes a force equivalent to that needed to lift a medium-sized car.
89. Spanish Flu, the epidemic that killed 50 million people in 1918/9, was known as French Flu in Spain.
92. You are 176 times more likely to be murdered than to win the National Lottery.
93. Koalas have fingerprints exactly like humans (although obviously smaller).
94. Bill Gates does not have an iPod.
98. Nettles growing on land where bodies are buried will reach a foot higher than those growing elsewhere.
100. Musical instrument shops must pay an annual royalty to cover shoppers who perform a recognisable riff before they buy, thereby making a "public performance".
Pretty awesome all the random stuff that is researched, eh?
Sars is coming into town very soon, I am excited!! I am also excited for New Year - bought sparkly bright red dress, but if you can't be ostentatious on New Years Eve, when can you be?
Watched Amadeus with the boy last night. It was my Christmas gift to him, I kept hearing how amazing this movie is from him and from the video store guy. The way they talked this movie up you would think they had written the trailer for it. It is pretty long, about three hours and we didn't start watching until 11, so I was out pretty late for a work night. It really was good though. Amazing music. Also recognized the actress who plays Miranda on Sex and the City, only twenty years younger. I was pretty excited about that, the boy just shook his head.
A coworker linked me to a BBC News list called 100 things we didn't know this time last year. It is pretty funny. (I am so productive) Here are some of my favorites:
8. Devout Orthodox Jews are three times as likely to jaywalk as other people, according to an Israeli survey reported in the New Scientist. The researchers say it's possibly because religious people have less fear of death.
11. One in 10 Europeans is allegedly conceived in an Ikea bed.
19. The = sign was invented by 16th Century Welsh mathematician Robert Recorde, who was fed up with writing "is equal to" in his equations. He chose the two lines because "noe 2 thynges can be moare equalle".
20. The Queen has never been on a computer, she told Bill Gates as she awarded him an honorary knighthood.
23. In America it's possible to subpoena a dog.
32. "Restaurant" is the most mis-spelled word in search engines.
35. The name Lego came from two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well". It also means "I put together" in Latin.
37. Cyclist Lance Armstrong's heart is almost a third larger than the average man's.
42. Britain's smallest church , near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, opens just once a year. It measures 4m by 3.6m and has one pew.
43. The spiciness of sauces is measured in Scoville Units.
50. Only 36% of the world's newspapers are tabloid.
52. You're 10 times more likely to be bitten by a human than a rat.
59. Oliver Twist is very popular in China, where its title is translated as Foggy City Orphan.
63. It takes less energy to import a tomato from Spain than to grow them in this country because of the artificial heat needed, according to Defra.
68. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has sold one copy every minute since its 1969 publication.
71. Jimi Hendrix pretended to be gay to be discharged from the US Army.
76. The day when most suicides occurred in the UK between 1993 and 2002 was 1 January, 2000.
87. Pulling your foot out of quicksand takes a force equivalent to that needed to lift a medium-sized car.
89. Spanish Flu, the epidemic that killed 50 million people in 1918/9, was known as French Flu in Spain.
92. You are 176 times more likely to be murdered than to win the National Lottery.
93. Koalas have fingerprints exactly like humans (although obviously smaller).
94. Bill Gates does not have an iPod.
98. Nettles growing on land where bodies are buried will reach a foot higher than those growing elsewhere.
100. Musical instrument shops must pay an annual royalty to cover shoppers who perform a recognisable riff before they buy, thereby making a "public performance".
Pretty awesome all the random stuff that is researched, eh?
Sars is coming into town very soon, I am excited!! I am also excited for New Year - bought sparkly bright red dress, but if you can't be ostentatious on New Years Eve, when can you be?
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Happy Happy Joy Joy
Oh Christmas. Was a good one as it always is. The older I get the more I appreciate Christmas for it's true meaning rather than for it's commercial meaning. When I was younger I understood that Christmas was a celebration of one of the most historically significant events of all time - the birth of Christ, but it is sure hard to remember when you are tearing through a pile of gifts and stockings. My family was late to church this year. As in the service started at 5:30 and we showed up at 6:20 because we thought it started at 6:30. So we got in a good 15 minutes of hymn singing before we were ushered out. My dad said, "Well it's quality, not quantity" and no one was motivated enough to wake up and get dressed for the Christmas morning service. So it goes.
I got a pair of snowboarding boots for Christmas, to go with the board I got for my birthday last month. Now if only I could snowboard well. Everyone is always saying I will get good if I just keep practicing. While I know this is true and I want to be a good snowboarder, it is discouraging to know that I will have to go up and fall on my ass several times before I can get anywhere. My toughest time is getting off the chairlift. It was particularly embarrassing last time I went because my friend Jameson was working the first run I went on, so every time I had to get off the lift, he was there. This is kind of my style: scoot to the edge of the chair, halfway hanging off, set my board as steadily as possible on the ground and push off from the edge of the chair with as much momentum as I can get, so that when I fall over in a heap on the ground it is as far away from the oncoming chairlift people as possible. Then, because I can never seem to get far enough away from the chairlift when I fall down, I basically crawl/bunny hop/drag myself as quickly as I can to an area clear of oncoming skiiers and snowboarders. It's pretty graceful as you can imagine.
Met the boy's parents yesterday. I think it went well, I did my best to be charming but it is so hard to be charming when you are nervous... Relationships are kind of weird. On the one hand its really strange to have to feel even semi-responsible/accountable to another person, having to check in with someone everyday is not something I'm used to at all. Independent streak. On the other hand, it is really nice to hang out with someone who's company you truly enjoy, who can make you laugh and brighten up your day. Someone you want to see all the time, even despite the obligation to do so, which is inherent in relationships. Still have no super long term designs however, still want to travel, go to grad school and live a little. I am not the settling down type right now at all, luckily, neither is he. The end of college is the beginning of a whole world of opportunity right? Well I like to think so.
I got a pair of snowboarding boots for Christmas, to go with the board I got for my birthday last month. Now if only I could snowboard well. Everyone is always saying I will get good if I just keep practicing. While I know this is true and I want to be a good snowboarder, it is discouraging to know that I will have to go up and fall on my ass several times before I can get anywhere. My toughest time is getting off the chairlift. It was particularly embarrassing last time I went because my friend Jameson was working the first run I went on, so every time I had to get off the lift, he was there. This is kind of my style: scoot to the edge of the chair, halfway hanging off, set my board as steadily as possible on the ground and push off from the edge of the chair with as much momentum as I can get, so that when I fall over in a heap on the ground it is as far away from the oncoming chairlift people as possible. Then, because I can never seem to get far enough away from the chairlift when I fall down, I basically crawl/bunny hop/drag myself as quickly as I can to an area clear of oncoming skiiers and snowboarders. It's pretty graceful as you can imagine.
Met the boy's parents yesterday. I think it went well, I did my best to be charming but it is so hard to be charming when you are nervous... Relationships are kind of weird. On the one hand its really strange to have to feel even semi-responsible/accountable to another person, having to check in with someone everyday is not something I'm used to at all. Independent streak. On the other hand, it is really nice to hang out with someone who's company you truly enjoy, who can make you laugh and brighten up your day. Someone you want to see all the time, even despite the obligation to do so, which is inherent in relationships. Still have no super long term designs however, still want to travel, go to grad school and live a little. I am not the settling down type right now at all, luckily, neither is he. The end of college is the beginning of a whole world of opportunity right? Well I like to think so.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
The Ten Pillars of Delaying the Real World, by Colleen Kinder
The Ten Pillars of Delaying the Real World
Throughout Delaying the Real World you'll come across quotes and anecdotes from twentysomethings who've played their independence the right way and taken off running down the road less traveled. The tales and tips of these wise young folks echo one another and all point to a few crucial bits of advice. Follow these great pillars and you'll be off to an impeccable start in life:
Thou Shall Not Rush in Vain. This is a crucial truth to get through your antsy little mind. Repeat after me: THERE IS NO RUSH! Many of the young adventurers who contributed to this book mentioned how they were initially nervous about "taking a year off" while peers dove into the real world. They later saw that they hadn't missed a beat and could pick right back up in Normalville (if they wanted to, that is). In the meantime, while everyone else had mastered PowerPoint, they'd gained invaluable experience out in the wide world that helped them sort out their goals. Considering you will likely retire in your late sixties isn't rushing into a monotonous grind a tad ludicrous?
Remember What Year You're Living In and Keep It Holy. In order to make a good decision today you don't have to know what you want to do twenty years from now. Throw the question "What should I do with my life?" to the dogs and just handle your next step as a twentysomething. Take a minute to imagine a situation in which you might thrive, rise to challenges, and feel satisfied every day that you work. Sound easier than charting your entire professional career? Just a bit.
Thou Shall Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Salary. Trust me, it's not worth envying. Most people who get high paying jobs right out of college end up giving up their lives in exchange for money that they don't have time to spend. Be willing to live on less and you'll buy yourself priceless freedom.
Vary, Vary, Not the Contrary! Don't think everything you do has to be neatly related to your background and future goals. Having a diverse array of experiences can be even more impressive than a perfectly coordinated resume. The earlier you diversify and dabble in a number of areas and jobs, the quicker you will find your way to what you really love. Once there, your previous stints will come in handy. You might bring to the table expertise that no one else in your venue can provide. Never hesitate to vary.
Blessed Are the Adventurous, They Will Stay That Way (and Then Inherit the Earth!). Don't underestimate the power of momentum. One pattern I've noticed among peers is that people who start off their twenties doing interesting things usually keep right on doing them. My theory was confirmed when I emailed young adventurers to gather tips and anecdotes. My token Alaskan wilderness tour guide was now finishing a novel and planning a volunteer vacation in Belarus (and by the way, did she mention she was in the Peace Corps and hitchhiked across Ireland?). My poster child for around-the-world traveler was currently job hunting in Boston, but PS-Ed that he would be in Havana (where I was, delaying the real world Cuban style) for an educational trip next week and might I want to meet up for a mojito? Let the serial adventurers of this book illuminate the power of momentum for you. Do yourself a favor this year and it may just last for life. Most people who have interesting jobs got them by doing interesting things first.
A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Google Search. So said one insightful contributor to the book, and she couldn't be more right. You can access millions of opportunities and acquaint yourself with just about any organization or potential employer through the Internet. In fact, your real challenge will not be finding enough information, but sifting through the excess of it. The best approach is to copy and paste all of the information that appeals to you onto one word document. Once you are through web browsing, you can format the document to your liking and compare all of the options you have amassed. For example, a global volunteer program that was the first link on your web search might have a six thousand-dollar program fee. A similar organization listed a few pages later in your search results might actually pay you a monthly stipend. Laying all of the information out in on one printable document will also gather all phone numbers and contact details in one place. Once you start eliminating some possibilities and focusing in on others, you can easily highlight and write notes in the margins of your printed record (ie. "Called and spoke to director. Said to call back Tuesday.") Make things easy for yourself from the beginning.
If It Seems Like a Long Shot, Shoot Long. One of the most remarkable things about the success stories in this book is that many of them came about through a move that seemed impossibly ambitious at first, then all too easy when it actually worked. Take Arianne Page-Eighty-Eight, for example. She was web browsing late one night and came across an English-language paper in Cambodia that piqued her interest. While others might have assumed that the publication was large (since the website was fancy) and that the editors would think she is a little American punk if she contacted them without reason (like a job posting), Arianne Page-Eighty-Eight decided she had nothing to lose. The publication might have been a three-man operation for all she knew! She shot the editor a carefully crafted email and he got back to her in minutes with an eager reply: We'd love to have you! Remember, people don't always publicize their needs. If you cold-call or email someone and display your passion for their line of work, they are likely to be impressed by you. Pay attention to how many of the contributors to this book made their plans a reality by taking a step that most other people wouldn't consider taking. Have some balls and always reach farther than you think you can.
If Money Is Standing in Your Way, Plow it Down. You will notice that many of the young dreamers featured in the pages ahead faced serious financial difficulties. If you are like most youngins' and don't have a penny to your name, you'll just have to search a bit harder, send out a dozen more applications or resumes, and log in more hours of grunt work before making your grand plans a reality. There is no adventure listed in this book, perhaps with the exception of the pricey trek up Mount Everest, that could not be financed through some hardcore minimum wage work or temping. There are also plenty of cool jobs, internships, and volunteer programs that offer loan deferment and financial aid. Don't let money be your excuse to be lame; take it as a challenge.
Just. Do. It. Could that sound any simpler? Yet it's by far the hardest step: actually carrying out those plans that seem too good to be true. This book can inspire your pants off, but in the end, it's up to you to score...(ahem), the mind-blowing job, I mean. The stories ahead illustrate how things have a tendency to fall in place once you take the first leap of faith. Moving abroad, for example, seems like such a drastic life decision that we want to have everything perfectly in place before buying the ticket. However, many young adventurers said that it didn't so much matter what they set up, but that they went ahead and made the move. Once in a foreign country, you can navigate through the opportunities much more easily and countless doors open. Of course it's a good idea to do your homework, but don't let the logistics keep you from committing to what you really want to do. Make a promise to yourself first-write it down if you think it will help-then dive into the practical questions of how you are going to make it happen. Be ready to act before you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
Redefine Real. In one way or another, every contributor to this book expressed that their adventures exposed them to a world more real than any fluorescent-lighted cubicle could have. They all swear by the value of what they pursued and insist they are fuller, more knowledgeable, worldlier people for doing something "a little different" than their peers. And lastly—the best test of a good decision—none of them have a regret to speak of. Neither will you.
**Some words of wisdom I plan to live by come this summer...
Throughout Delaying the Real World you'll come across quotes and anecdotes from twentysomethings who've played their independence the right way and taken off running down the road less traveled. The tales and tips of these wise young folks echo one another and all point to a few crucial bits of advice. Follow these great pillars and you'll be off to an impeccable start in life:
Thou Shall Not Rush in Vain. This is a crucial truth to get through your antsy little mind. Repeat after me: THERE IS NO RUSH! Many of the young adventurers who contributed to this book mentioned how they were initially nervous about "taking a year off" while peers dove into the real world. They later saw that they hadn't missed a beat and could pick right back up in Normalville (if they wanted to, that is). In the meantime, while everyone else had mastered PowerPoint, they'd gained invaluable experience out in the wide world that helped them sort out their goals. Considering you will likely retire in your late sixties isn't rushing into a monotonous grind a tad ludicrous?
Remember What Year You're Living In and Keep It Holy. In order to make a good decision today you don't have to know what you want to do twenty years from now. Throw the question "What should I do with my life?" to the dogs and just handle your next step as a twentysomething. Take a minute to imagine a situation in which you might thrive, rise to challenges, and feel satisfied every day that you work. Sound easier than charting your entire professional career? Just a bit.
Thou Shall Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Salary. Trust me, it's not worth envying. Most people who get high paying jobs right out of college end up giving up their lives in exchange for money that they don't have time to spend. Be willing to live on less and you'll buy yourself priceless freedom.
Vary, Vary, Not the Contrary! Don't think everything you do has to be neatly related to your background and future goals. Having a diverse array of experiences can be even more impressive than a perfectly coordinated resume. The earlier you diversify and dabble in a number of areas and jobs, the quicker you will find your way to what you really love. Once there, your previous stints will come in handy. You might bring to the table expertise that no one else in your venue can provide. Never hesitate to vary.
Blessed Are the Adventurous, They Will Stay That Way (and Then Inherit the Earth!). Don't underestimate the power of momentum. One pattern I've noticed among peers is that people who start off their twenties doing interesting things usually keep right on doing them. My theory was confirmed when I emailed young adventurers to gather tips and anecdotes. My token Alaskan wilderness tour guide was now finishing a novel and planning a volunteer vacation in Belarus (and by the way, did she mention she was in the Peace Corps and hitchhiked across Ireland?). My poster child for around-the-world traveler was currently job hunting in Boston, but PS-Ed that he would be in Havana (where I was, delaying the real world Cuban style) for an educational trip next week and might I want to meet up for a mojito? Let the serial adventurers of this book illuminate the power of momentum for you. Do yourself a favor this year and it may just last for life. Most people who have interesting jobs got them by doing interesting things first.
A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Google Search. So said one insightful contributor to the book, and she couldn't be more right. You can access millions of opportunities and acquaint yourself with just about any organization or potential employer through the Internet. In fact, your real challenge will not be finding enough information, but sifting through the excess of it. The best approach is to copy and paste all of the information that appeals to you onto one word document. Once you are through web browsing, you can format the document to your liking and compare all of the options you have amassed. For example, a global volunteer program that was the first link on your web search might have a six thousand-dollar program fee. A similar organization listed a few pages later in your search results might actually pay you a monthly stipend. Laying all of the information out in on one printable document will also gather all phone numbers and contact details in one place. Once you start eliminating some possibilities and focusing in on others, you can easily highlight and write notes in the margins of your printed record (ie. "Called and spoke to director. Said to call back Tuesday.") Make things easy for yourself from the beginning.
If It Seems Like a Long Shot, Shoot Long. One of the most remarkable things about the success stories in this book is that many of them came about through a move that seemed impossibly ambitious at first, then all too easy when it actually worked. Take Arianne Page-Eighty-Eight, for example. She was web browsing late one night and came across an English-language paper in Cambodia that piqued her interest. While others might have assumed that the publication was large (since the website was fancy) and that the editors would think she is a little American punk if she contacted them without reason (like a job posting), Arianne Page-Eighty-Eight decided she had nothing to lose. The publication might have been a three-man operation for all she knew! She shot the editor a carefully crafted email and he got back to her in minutes with an eager reply: We'd love to have you! Remember, people don't always publicize their needs. If you cold-call or email someone and display your passion for their line of work, they are likely to be impressed by you. Pay attention to how many of the contributors to this book made their plans a reality by taking a step that most other people wouldn't consider taking. Have some balls and always reach farther than you think you can.
If Money Is Standing in Your Way, Plow it Down. You will notice that many of the young dreamers featured in the pages ahead faced serious financial difficulties. If you are like most youngins' and don't have a penny to your name, you'll just have to search a bit harder, send out a dozen more applications or resumes, and log in more hours of grunt work before making your grand plans a reality. There is no adventure listed in this book, perhaps with the exception of the pricey trek up Mount Everest, that could not be financed through some hardcore minimum wage work or temping. There are also plenty of cool jobs, internships, and volunteer programs that offer loan deferment and financial aid. Don't let money be your excuse to be lame; take it as a challenge.
Just. Do. It. Could that sound any simpler? Yet it's by far the hardest step: actually carrying out those plans that seem too good to be true. This book can inspire your pants off, but in the end, it's up to you to score...(ahem), the mind-blowing job, I mean. The stories ahead illustrate how things have a tendency to fall in place once you take the first leap of faith. Moving abroad, for example, seems like such a drastic life decision that we want to have everything perfectly in place before buying the ticket. However, many young adventurers said that it didn't so much matter what they set up, but that they went ahead and made the move. Once in a foreign country, you can navigate through the opportunities much more easily and countless doors open. Of course it's a good idea to do your homework, but don't let the logistics keep you from committing to what you really want to do. Make a promise to yourself first-write it down if you think it will help-then dive into the practical questions of how you are going to make it happen. Be ready to act before you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
Redefine Real. In one way or another, every contributor to this book expressed that their adventures exposed them to a world more real than any fluorescent-lighted cubicle could have. They all swear by the value of what they pursued and insist they are fuller, more knowledgeable, worldlier people for doing something "a little different" than their peers. And lastly—the best test of a good decision—none of them have a regret to speak of. Neither will you.
**Some words of wisdom I plan to live by come this summer...
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