Game Day in South Carolina

This weekend my dear friend Tanja reminded me to blog.  To support my writing and creativity? NO, because it provides good entertainment at work.  Well, Wyo, this one's for you :) I was further reminded when this appeared at the Clemson football game:

Apparently, the Boston College football team rolls in buses registered in Wyoming.  Did you know Wyoming is the only state to have a university logo on their license plate? Keep that one in your back pocket for when you are on Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and give credit where credit is due via cash or check.

I attended the Clemson homecoming game this weekend with Jazzy Poet, and I was excited to meet some of her sorority sisters.  The best part of Greek Life is definitely the life long friendships. I can't wait to meet up with my KD besties in 25 years for CSU homecoming.  Hopefully by then, the Rams won't loose their homecoming game, and there will still be individual conferences.  Can you imagine the PacWacBig24EastWestACSEC? Whoa!

Although CSU "tailgating" and football games were better than a DIII gameday, I feel I really missed out on Southern style college game day.  Most of my collegiate tailgating experience involved drinking enough to not feel the bitter cold anymore and watching the Rams lose while looking across at the never more than 3/4 full non-student section. Lame.

I was in for quite a treat this Saturday at the Clemson game:

The Stadium

 My uncle and cousin hauling our tailgating supplies to the baller tents. Thanks SigEp for the Tiger Paws down the street. I don't think Ram tracks would have the same effect...

That's more like it. "Welcome to Death Valley"

While releasing a ton of balloons in "the most exciting 25 seconds in college football" is very exciting, it does kinda go against the SC anti-littering campaign, no?

Just one section of tailgating. Want to party here? $30K donation to the school. Ok, Rams we really gotta step our game up. I don't think I've ever even seen a Ram Head Tent.

Aside from the the awesomeness of college football, there was of course plenty of other things to watch: Boys From the South (Pistol Annies sum it up pretty well)

Well back to the grind at work this week.  I actually have some blogs posts planned for this week, so be on the look out!


Cheers!

Why isn't it Fall Yet?

At random points during my day, I think "I should blog about this" and then never actually end up doing it....and another month passes.  Well September has been pretty good.  Earth, Wind, and Fire's hit 'September' is always creeping its way into my head during showers and car rides.  Fall is my favorite season by far.  The crisp weather, the start of school, changing leaves, a reprieve from the sweltering Southern summer, I love it all.  Right now I am missing having a real Fall in Colorado.  Here in Carolina, despite the fact it has been overcast & rainy for well over a week, it is still hot.  I can't imagine partaking in my seasonal favorite pumpkin spice latte when it is 77 degrees outside. Nope, no way.  I did however take the opportunity this morning before the 70 degree mark was passed as I was coming home from a weekend of house/dog/teenager sitting.  September also means my little brother's birthday; he turned the big 2-3 this year.  That actually made me feel really old. Although I am only 18 months older, I don't like being reminded that I am rapidly approaching a quarter century of life and am in no way where I thought I would be. On well, such is life, right?  I know that makes everyone a day over 25 scoff at me and say something like "That is so young!"  Whatever, you know you felt the same way at my age!  Enough griping, here are the goods:

1.  35-across: Lady of the night. Wow, really? I admit I giggled. shame on me. Thanks Observer.

2.  Introducing...GROWLERS on Folly Beach! Yipee!! I finally have a use here for my O'Dell growler that has gone empty way too long since Growler Fridays were celebrated in Fort Collins.  Too bad a fill at 'Bert's market' runs upwards and over $20. Thanks for spoiling me BIG TIME, Colorado. I'll take the $6.50 fill at New Belgium again, please and thank you.  Also, in South Carolina they 'pressurize' the caps on and add a plastic seal.  Huh? You weird Southern law makers...

3.  To supplement my income, I nanny in the afternoons.  As someone who really hasn't been around people younger than teenagers probably since I was 18, this has been a new and surprisingly rewarding experience.  The kids make me laugh and say some pretty insightful stuff sometimes.  One of the kids drew this portrait, and at first I thought it was funny because Jesus is depicted as a jellyfish.  I then thought about the Talladega Nights conversation between Ricky Bobby and Cal Naughton Jr. on how they like to 'picture' Jesus.  Everything from "tiny 8 pound 6 ounce newborn infant Jesus" to "Jesus in a tuxedo t-shirt" (see Prayer to Baby Jesus).  I guess we all have our own interpretation of Jesus.  

4.  Southern Art. Old truck, old dog, all on old metal. Cool find at Sleepy Poet, which features the wonderful Jazzy Poet.

5.  They sell growlers IN THE Beer/Wine STORE in NC. Whoaaaa. Jade and I would be in A LOT of trouble.

  

6.  I have always thought the family stick figure stickers are creepy and weird.  Who wants any rando driving around that they have two daughters at home and only a guard cat, probably named miss kitty?  Maybe I've watched too much crime centered television, but I wouldn't want to be giving that kind of information to everyone on the road. I also always wondered what happens when someone is no longer in that happy stick figure family? Well I found my answer, ouch.

7.  I have no idea why SportSouth would be broadcasting the Rocky Mountain Showdown here, but I was SO thankful.  Unfortunately, it was on at the same time as the Clemson game, so I had to watch it alone in my cousin's 'lounge.'  After an awesome start, the Rams couldn't keep it together, and let those dirty trust fund hippies from Boulda escape with the W.  After this weekend, the Rams are 3-1. Go Rammies!

 

 8.  There are a lot of trails like this around my neighborhood.  While this stretch is flat, the majority are actually really hilly.  Much more hilly than my former mountain homes...go figure.

I follow several blogs, and noticed how they all write pretty short entries several times a week.  This is the direction I want to take with my blog.  It has also been suggested to me that I start a blog solely dedicated to topics in science that interest me.  While I think this would be exciting, and perhaps get me more exposure in my field (it feels weird saying my field...), if I can't even get on the ball with this personal blog, can I make myself do a science one?  I should give it a try- it will give my family a break from my random animal facts and figures (Did you know that if fishing continues at the current rate, there will be no edible seafood when I am 50?!) and maybe even get me some jobs leads or something.

In the words of Harry, age 4:

"Try, Try, Try. That's my motto"

Cheers!

Hurricane Season

This weekend, we weathered Hurricane Irene as she came ashore in North Carolina.  Now being in Charlotte, this meant just some stronger winds and what amounted to fall-like weather, which my aunt and I enjoyed while sitting outside drinking wine.  But my mind was elsewhere.  Almost 6 years ago to the day, I was a giddy freshman at Tulane University.  I was worried about 1000 things besides the hurricane churning around the Gulf.  After living in Tennessee my whole life, I knew the dangers of tornadoes, but was blissfully unaware of the power of hurricanes.  After getting most of my things unpacked and meeting my roommate, my dad and I were going to go to the bookstore when the RA's called everyone out into the hall.  Since Katrina was not suppose to directly hit New Orleans, they decided to just postpone school for 3 days.  My dad and I left New Orleans with every intention of coming back shortly.  I was thrilled to have a few more days of summer with my Memphis friends.  However, 3 days turned into 2 weeks, which turned into the cancellation of school until January.  So while I only lived in New Orleans for 1 night, all my things and clothes got to stay there for 3 months.   I was allowed to return to Tulane in November to retrieve my things from the dorm.  Here are some of the photos I took while there.  This was almost 3 months after Katrina hit.

I was thinking about this experience a lot the past couple days as I read tweets and new articles about Hurricane Irene.  While many people found it a pain in the ass and superfluous to have the NY transit system shut down, mandatory evacuations across the east coast, and so many other precautions taken, I am glad that government officials actually learned from Katrina.  While Katrina was a cat 5, with 175 mile an hour winds, and caused over 1800 fatalities, Irene seems to have mellowed out quite a bit.  I am thankful for this, and am eagerly awaiting the news from the coast.
 

A Belle's Return to the South

The Move from Colorado to Carolina!

2,078 miles.
115 highest temperature (Oklahoma)
40 42 mosquito bites.
7 days with my grandparents.
6 days at Folly Beach.
5 siblings visited.
4 days in Memphis with family and old friends.
3 dolphins spotted in the river.
2 JOBS SECURED IN CHARLOTTE
1 nearly dead Mountaineer.

I made it! I managed to fit all my earthly possessions in my Mountaineer with the help of a rooftop bag, including the Detective, Lola, and myself.  Lola didn't have much wiggle room but she did very well.

Although she did enjoy stretching out on her very own bed at the hotel in Wichita...

I made it to Memphis and was happy to see my family and catch up with old friends.  Memphis was, as expected in August, unbearably hot and humid.  It immediately reaffirmed by decision NOT to move there. It was good to catch up with some of my mother's friends and my Rhodes friends.  While I was there my friend Whitnaynay got engaged to our favorite Law Ginger, so that was exciting. When did we get old enough to get married?! I was very excited to see my brother Chef Aleks in his element at Silky O'Sullivan's.  I am so proud of him, especially for working at what I assume is the only bar east of the Mississippi with a CSU flag hanging on the wall!

After Memphis, I met up with my brother Drew, the Mississippi geological engineer, to meet up with my grandparents in Atlanta then head to Folly Beach for a week.  We are both interested in living in Charleston someday, so several of our days were actually spent touring Charleston and exploring.  Although I did get a pretty wicked Chaco tan from hanging out on the dock.

 Two places in my future.

 View of the Folly River.

 Chaco tan!

 This iron fence and gate has been standing around St. Philips Episcopal Church since before the Revolutionary War.

I love old Southern homes like this! Saw this on our tour of Charleston.

So I've been in Charlotte a week now.  Over the past week I have interviewed for, got offered, and accepted a job offer at a KD alum's small law firm, set up a job to nanny for 2 kids in the afternoons, and already made money dog sitting.  After much apprehension, prayer, and tears, things are finally coming together and I feel like this was definitely the right move to make.  I am very optimistic right now.  I have been networking and even have a meeting set up with the Director of Sustainability for Duke Energy to just discus her career and learn more about perhaps a career for me in that field. We will see where it goes. I finally feel excited about the direction I am going.  Everything is a learning experience, and I am trying to enjoy the ride.

PS- Follow  The Jazzy Poet!!

Cheers!

Interviews in the Carolinas

Things have been moving pretty quickly the past two weeks.  I did not get the job in Denver, but I went ahead with several interviews in Charlotte, NC.  I was very nervous since these were my first interviews since September, but I know things will work out if its meant to be.  I discovered a Southern friend from Ft. Collins got a job and moved back to NC this past weekend.  Although 2 hours from Charlotte, it would still be nice to know someone out here.

So the first interview, at a company that I though I liked better from the info on their website, was an interesting experience.  After madly running around Jazzy Poet's house fixing clothes, make-up, and hair, I arrived to a modest building in downtown Charlotte.  I entered the reception area to find three other women in various states of nervousness and varying takes on 'business professional' attire.  I quickly realized that this consulting firm was conducting interviews every 15 minutes. Yikes.  Soon I was called up by a hiring manager who was probably not more then 7 years older than me. His office was a shrine to his football playing years at the University of Alabama.  A proud accomplishment indeed, but with only 2 binders on the bookshelf appearing to have anything to do with work, I became a bit skeptical.  I thought the interview went alright, but again he seemed to be in autopilot. I'm sure it was the 40th interview he had conducted that day.  After a quick run down of the company and the client, the questions "What are your 3 best attributes?" "Describe yourself in one word." and "What do you like to do for fun?" It was over before I knew it. He said they'd call between 5-7 if they wanted me to come back. I went back to the house and after several nerve wracking hours, no call.

Wednesday brought a new day and a new company.  I wasn't so sure about this company because I had trouble getting in touch with them, but I went anyways to chalk it up to more interview experience. I drove to the Northern/University section of Charlotte, and rolled up to a nice clean office building.  Riding to the 4th floor, I found the office. This time, there were two guys already in the reception area.  One in an oversized suit around 30, and another guy maybe 23.  The first guy was in and out in maybe 7 minutes. I thought, oh no, this is going to be just like the last one.  While the younger guy was being interviewed (for what seemed like an eternity), I was left alone with the receptionist, who soon began asking me questions about my resume.  She was tickled to see I was in a sorority, and we compared our Greek Life experiences, which put me in a better mood.  Soon enough the hiring manager called me up.  He was a nice chatty guy in his early 40's.  After extensively explaining his company, the position (Account Manager for Staples Warehouse Division), and discussing our common hatred of the CU Buffs, he said he really wanted me to come in and shadow one of his best account managers and talk further about my future with his company.  He asked when I could be back or was planning on moving there, I said probably not till early August.  I know he is planning on opening  4 new offices between now and December, so he said that he wouldn't normally wait a month for someone to come back, but he is always hiring good people.  I am to call him as soon as I get in town, and set up the shadowing day.  While I have not officially gotten the job, the hiring manager really liked me and it feels like a good fit.  As I was leaving, I thanked him and he said "No, you earned it. And you scored major points for being anti-Buffs!!"  I'm glad I made a memorable and good impression.

Given these circumstances, and my current financial situation, I have made the decision to move to Charlotte, North Carolina.  Pick one and leap. After a year of stagnancy in Boulder, I need a change. Even though sales is not what I see myself doing forever, everything is an opportunity to learn and grow.  If the job with Notch works out, they will teach me not only sales, but everything it takes to manage an office (Sales, marketing, HR, accounting, etc.).  Knowledge of these things will only help me in future endeavors, whether it be in science or my 'reach dream' of opening my own brewery.  Even if this particular job doesn't work out, there seems to be a lot more opportunities here.  My 5 year goal is to get to Charleston, SC, which will be much easier to attain to from Charlotte. College of Charleston has a great masters program in Marine Biology, which I would also like to be able to start by 5 years from now.  I am taking a small step to get where I want to go, and a job I have to take to be financially responsible.  Leaving all my friends in Colorado is going to be very hard, but I took the very same scary leap 5 years ago when I moved to Colorado, so I know I will be OK.  I'm very ready to take on this new chapter in my life!

I was watching some Animal Planet (my closest friends have been subjected to many hours of Animal Cops and nature docs, and I thank you for putting up with my love of the AP), so I looked up a quote to use today.  Out of all the ones I came across, this one made me smile.

"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies" - Unknown.


Cheers!

Red Rocks Realizations

I set a goal to blog once a week in May. That didn't happen. Then I said I would blog once a week in June. Failure. Pet-peeve:  "Failure" vs. the recently popular phrase "fail".  Shall I rant about that? A friend on Facebook posted an awesome link to a blog that went over the complete misuse of the words 'fail' and 'epic' in modern vernacular.  Wish I still had that link... look for it if you are so inclined.  Anyways, that's not really what's on my mind today. I haven't heard back from the job I applied for in Memphis, and I'm actually OK with that.  As I've entertained images of my life back in Memphis, it was familiar and comfortable, but not easy.  One big realization occurred when I went to see one of my favorite bands Dispatch at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.  Looking at the amazing rock formations that dwarfed even the largest of SUVs, it makes you realize how small you are. You are merely a quick visitor to the rocks that have seen thousands of years of people, animals, and seasons.  This place is truly special, and reminds me of part of what drew me to the West.  I can't believe I lived in Colorado for 5 years before I went to a show there. Shame on me! I was also touched by the band members stopping the show several times to talk about how that had come to Red Rocks while recording their first album in Denver, and saying "One day, we will play here" and the night I saw them "their dream came true." It was cool to hear that even a band that seems larger than life to me, is still just a group of guys chasing their own dreams.  It was very inspirational and an amazing concert.

So now I'm back to the drawing board with the whole job situation.  The Jazzy Poet lit a bit of fire under me the other day, and I spent the better part of today applying to an array of jobs I'm only remotely interested in, and solely for the pay increase.  I applied in Denver, Charlotte, and South Florida.  I'm still very conflicted on where to move.  I got a call back within the hour from one company, and get this- I applied to the Charlotte office, and they said "We see you are in the Denver area currently, and we are actually calling to talk to you about working there." Maybe this is a sign?? With the deadline of August to get a job here or move, my frenetic anxiety has nearly upped to full blown panic. I've just begun to really meditate and mull the pros and cons. On one hand, Colorado is such a unique place, one which I feel like I've only just begun to explore. I have a network of friends, sisters, and alumni to lean on.  I really feel at home here. This is my place.  On the other hand, I took a complete leap of faith to move here in the first place, leaving Rhodes and Memphis, everything I'd ever known. And it was actually kinda fun (my father is always quick to recall the intense culture shock and resulting tears and homesickness I encountered my first 4 months or so here).  Honestly, I'm a bit bored. But would moving to a completely new state satiate my thirst for adventure, or could a road trip down to Moab do the trick?  I suppose I can only pick one and leap.  As I'm thinking about this, the words of Jeffery Jensen Arnett echo in my head "we told them as kids they could grow up to do anything, and they believed it..."

I will admit, my quotes usually come from a song that strikes a chord with me while I'm writing, but today I was listening to the debut album from The Backstreet Boys.  Anyone who was in middle school in the late 90's understands.... so this post's quote come from Niecy Nash's twitter, which has been tumbling around my head the past 2 days:

"God's delay is not his denial"

Cheers!

My Big Break?

Whew 18 days went by really quickly! Shortly after my last post, I found a great opportunity in Memphis.  I applied, contacted my connections there, and now I await anxiously for a response.  I don't want to jinx it, so I'm not going to say where or doing what, but I am really excited.  It doesn't involved zoology at all, but I feel like its a good fit for now.  It would be great pay, travel, meeting lots of new people, and the opportunity to live and work in Midtown Memphis.  This job is something that had never crossed my mind.  My family has been telling me that the thing that will work out will be the least expected option that will come out of the blue. Could this be it? Please keep your fingers crossed, pray, send good vibes, or whatever works in your experience.  I really need this job!

I've been slacking on taking the everyday photos.  However, I did take several with the purpose of making them a topic of discussion, and even doctored a photo I call the "Ultimate Boulder Car". Enjoy:

 May 11, 2011: Kitchen Creation- spiced up a grilled cheese with turkey, avocado, jalapenos, cilantro, and onion. Super tasty!

 May 12, 2011: I could write an entire entry on this one. A Thursday night at the bar Mo Jeaux's in Ft. Collins. This seems to be the typical twenty-something Colorado male. Are you F*CKING kidding me? First of all, sir, you paid $36 to provide free advertising for Monster energy drink. But did you pay? Cause you left the stickers on... You probably spent time perfecting the backwards tilt too. If you're old enough to be in a bar, you're too old to wear your hat like that.  And while girls are expected to sport some dressy cleavage flashing top to our fav watering holes, you sir have selected an oversized t-shirt falsely advertising your wealth. So here's to you, Colorado douchebag. After the table of sorority women laughed at you, don't think we didn't noticed that you left alone. Time to step your game up. (Thanks to the Swiss for fake posing so I could snap this shot)

 May 13, 2011: The Swiss and I helping our bestie, JKP, move outta the sorority house. I was sore for two days. You're welcome.

 May 15, 2011: Yes, in MAY it was 36 degrees, sleeting, and hailing. I can never get used to insane Colorado weather.

 May 16, 2011: Checked out the lizards and such at Petco while buying Lola's food. The zoologist side of me just loves these.

 May 19, 2011: Really cool bike rack outside O'Dell Brewing Company. They are hops!

 May 20, 2011: The Ultimate Boulder car.

 May 21, 2011: Outdoor lunch with JKP.  She hates eating outside, but took one for the team so I could work on my Chaco tan.

May 22, 2011: Lola being funny watching me.  This moment bought a smile and laugh to me. The joy of having a dog!

 May 23, 2011: Its just juice....made with real bits of dragon!

 May 24, 2011: Got a coup for Lola's favorite treats Zuke's. I pay up for these to support a local Colorado company.  They use all natural ingredients, lots of love, and give back to the pet cancer cause. I highly recommend!
 

 May 27, 2011: Best view from the hike I took with the Stats Ninja and Lola. Its so Green!!! Just north of Fort Collins.

 May 28, 2011: I finally convinced myself, with the assistance of JKP, to pay up for a manicure. No match for 8 hours of retail.  Oh well, It was fun while it lasted.

"Lead me with strong hands, stand up when I can't, don't leave me hungry for love, chasing dreams...Lead me, cause I can't do this alone" - Sanctus Real

Cheers!