It's been ages since I wrote on here, but I finally feel like I'm getting into a routine with my internship and other jobs!
May 2, 2011 was a life changing day for me. On this day, I registered for the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon! I planned on doing it last year, but I tried to register way too late and both races were sold out. So this year when I decided to commit and run it, I signed up the first day you were able to register!
Although I registered and in my eyes that means I've made the commitment to run it, running and training for it is a different story. Last week was my first week of training. I have been working out with my friend Gab, who has been a runner all of her life. We actually meant in high school because we were on the same cross country team. She transferred to public school as a freshman and I remember the first day we met. It was the first day of cross country practice in the summer and we were running the road by our high school called the axis road. I was a very slow runner, and that day, I beat my friend Gab. I was so excited and relieved because I wasn't going to be the slowest runner that year. Well that's what I thought. Although I beat her the first day of practice, every practice after that, she beat me and she was one of the best runners on the team. It was so funny that now I can still say that I beat her running once.
She has now since graduated college and we are living in the same town again. The running aspect of friendship, has been a new and exciting one. I have never trained with her directly, and we have never had chats like we have been having before. I'm loving the new branch of our friendship. It's been amazing to have a friend that I've known for so long, help me in such a different way than ever before.
The first night we ran, we were both under the impression that we would run for approximately 30 minutes or so, but we ended up running for 52 minutes, which worked out to be 3.5 miles. WOW! I was so surprised that I ran that much this early on. I just kept running and Gab and I chatted the whole time. It was insane. I really pushed through my doubts and fears of being able to run for longer than I had imagined and went for it. My pushing through has paid off.
The next time we ran together, we switched up the location and we ended up running longer time and distance wise. We ran for 1 hour and we ran 4.5 miles! What a difference a day can make. The following day, we ran for 1 hour and 4 minutes and we ran 4.6 miles.
Each day I run, I continuously thinking about the children and families that are receiving care at St. Jude Children Research Hospital and that puts things into perspective for me. I also think about my Grandpa Bob who was affected by cancer. He passed in 2000 and he was the first major relative to say goodbye to. I miss him every day and I wish I had more time with him. Now I put my time and energy into organizations and projects that I believe in and have been affected by.
Yesterday was the first day I wasn't able to run with Gab,and I knew that it would be a test day. A test day to see if I could really run on my own and for the same amount of time I had the previous days. I was nervous, but I was also focused. My run started off great and then my foot fell asleep. I ended up walking for roughly 5-8 minutes, but I ran for 1 hour and 20 minutes! I'm not sure of the mileage, but I was so thrilled. My running progress has been amazing and I'm really enjoying this journey.
I'm super excited to continue to train for this event come December 2, 2011! It's been so positive and I've never really heard people tell me they were proud of my running. People have been proud of me for other things and events I've been a part of, but never running.
Cheers to my new love for running and for my success in running the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon.
More posts to follow my progress....
Monday, June 6, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Happy February!
Wow! Its been ages since I last posted but I finally have some time on my hands and I wanted to catch you up on my current life.
I had a post that I was working on throughout December, but we all know that everyone works like a dog and Christmas and madness takes you over so I did not have time to finish that post.
Anyways.. Since I last posted some new and exciting things have been happening in my life. As of right now, I am still working a part-time job for a company I've been with since 2006. Its been on and off due to school but I know all of the managers and they are always helpful and understanding of my schedule and need for cash flow! I have moved back to my home state and that was not part of my original "post grad" plan. I have a constant push and pull relationship with living at home and having friends that love me and support me but have different views on life and are in different chapters of their lives. Some are in steady relationships, some are getting married, some are furthering their education, and then there is me. I'm trying to figure out if living somewhere new or having all of my friends around me will make me happy. I'm not sure which is the best option for me. I still want to go out and have a good time and enjoying being single and young! I won't be in my twenties forever so I'm fully trying to embrace it.
As I began to think of resources that I have and contacts that I know, I started re-connecting and reaching out to professors, speakers, and employers that have helped me in the past. As I imagined all of them were very receptive and willing to help. I had two contacts that specifically had amazing opportunities to offer me.
One of my professors who I loved in college told me about a Convention for broadcasting. He told me all of the details and I had wanted to go on this trip 3 years ago but of course I was a poor college student that could not afford it. I love radio and was a DJ for almost 2 years in school. I wish I double majored in Radio and PR but at the start of my college career that was not possible. It was only until I was a junior the school changed that and I wasn't willing to add another major due to second minor I picked up and wanted to complete. I decided that I need to go on this trip for the fact that I love radio and I had been told one by on of my PR professors that I have a great radio voice. So now a year after being told that, I'm going to this Convention with an open mind, a positive attitude, and amazing opportunities. I can't wait to see what can happen.
And on top of that I will be attending another program with a speaker that came to my school last fall. I was drawn to him after his vulnerable personal presentation to Greek students. I spoke with him after the program and got his business card. I was going through a lot at that time in my life and I believe I even broke down when speaking to him. He told me about a program he had. I kept his card and emailed him a few weeks later to stay connected. After that my last semester of school and Graduation took up time and then the pressure of trying to find a "real" job. I lost touch but I decided to reach out to him and see if he had any opportunities for me. With all the luck in the world, he had a program that was coming up and I decided to take a risk and go for it. He's a life coach and I just feel like he has a lot to offer me. He's willing to help make my dreams a reality! I do believe in everything happens for a reason, and I think this trip is going to be BIG for me.
So overall I'm going to be going to LA for two weeks for these trips. I could not be more excited. I'm not sure if LA is for me or not but I'm willing to give it a shot. I think CA is a beautiful state that has a lot offer a strong, focused young woman like myself. I think of this as a risk that will pay off big. Whether that means I know more of what I want to do in my life, or a better job and a move from coast to coast I am not sure. I think that if you don't take big risks you can make big and exciting changes in your life. I'm excited to see what can happen and I'm finally feeling like my old self.
I can't wait to blog post trip!! My advice to young graduates or students that are near Graduation is that its okay if you don't have a great job immediately after Graduation. I think you need time to process all of your success from college and time to reflect on what you want out of life. Do you want to make lots of money? be a workaholic? Have a stellar social life? Can you find balance between all of those? do you want to relocate? Although my life is not what I thought it would be like post Graduation, I'm thankful for the way things have worked out. I know that my current situation is only temporary and that things will happen when they need to for me. I wish all of the fellow students/graduates the best of luck in life and in finding the balance between work and play.
I'm ready for these trips and for my life to only continue to get better. I'm so thankful for all of the connections and networks that I've make. Each of them has helped me to become the person I am today. I can't wait to see who I will be in the future!!
Until next time.
XXX
Amanda
I had a post that I was working on throughout December, but we all know that everyone works like a dog and Christmas and madness takes you over so I did not have time to finish that post.
Anyways.. Since I last posted some new and exciting things have been happening in my life. As of right now, I am still working a part-time job for a company I've been with since 2006. Its been on and off due to school but I know all of the managers and they are always helpful and understanding of my schedule and need for cash flow! I have moved back to my home state and that was not part of my original "post grad" plan. I have a constant push and pull relationship with living at home and having friends that love me and support me but have different views on life and are in different chapters of their lives. Some are in steady relationships, some are getting married, some are furthering their education, and then there is me. I'm trying to figure out if living somewhere new or having all of my friends around me will make me happy. I'm not sure which is the best option for me. I still want to go out and have a good time and enjoying being single and young! I won't be in my twenties forever so I'm fully trying to embrace it.
As I began to think of resources that I have and contacts that I know, I started re-connecting and reaching out to professors, speakers, and employers that have helped me in the past. As I imagined all of them were very receptive and willing to help. I had two contacts that specifically had amazing opportunities to offer me.
One of my professors who I loved in college told me about a Convention for broadcasting. He told me all of the details and I had wanted to go on this trip 3 years ago but of course I was a poor college student that could not afford it. I love radio and was a DJ for almost 2 years in school. I wish I double majored in Radio and PR but at the start of my college career that was not possible. It was only until I was a junior the school changed that and I wasn't willing to add another major due to second minor I picked up and wanted to complete. I decided that I need to go on this trip for the fact that I love radio and I had been told one by on of my PR professors that I have a great radio voice. So now a year after being told that, I'm going to this Convention with an open mind, a positive attitude, and amazing opportunities. I can't wait to see what can happen.
And on top of that I will be attending another program with a speaker that came to my school last fall. I was drawn to him after his vulnerable personal presentation to Greek students. I spoke with him after the program and got his business card. I was going through a lot at that time in my life and I believe I even broke down when speaking to him. He told me about a program he had. I kept his card and emailed him a few weeks later to stay connected. After that my last semester of school and Graduation took up time and then the pressure of trying to find a "real" job. I lost touch but I decided to reach out to him and see if he had any opportunities for me. With all the luck in the world, he had a program that was coming up and I decided to take a risk and go for it. He's a life coach and I just feel like he has a lot to offer me. He's willing to help make my dreams a reality! I do believe in everything happens for a reason, and I think this trip is going to be BIG for me.
So overall I'm going to be going to LA for two weeks for these trips. I could not be more excited. I'm not sure if LA is for me or not but I'm willing to give it a shot. I think CA is a beautiful state that has a lot offer a strong, focused young woman like myself. I think of this as a risk that will pay off big. Whether that means I know more of what I want to do in my life, or a better job and a move from coast to coast I am not sure. I think that if you don't take big risks you can make big and exciting changes in your life. I'm excited to see what can happen and I'm finally feeling like my old self.
I can't wait to blog post trip!! My advice to young graduates or students that are near Graduation is that its okay if you don't have a great job immediately after Graduation. I think you need time to process all of your success from college and time to reflect on what you want out of life. Do you want to make lots of money? be a workaholic? Have a stellar social life? Can you find balance between all of those? do you want to relocate? Although my life is not what I thought it would be like post Graduation, I'm thankful for the way things have worked out. I know that my current situation is only temporary and that things will happen when they need to for me. I wish all of the fellow students/graduates the best of luck in life and in finding the balance between work and play.
I'm ready for these trips and for my life to only continue to get better. I'm so thankful for all of the connections and networks that I've make. Each of them has helped me to become the person I am today. I can't wait to see who I will be in the future!!
Until next time.
XXX
Amanda
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Worldwind!
I haven't posted in ages and I am finally in a good place where I have some things to discuss.
Since graduating in May I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.What is the next step for me? Where do I want to live? Who is going to be involved with my journey? I have had to look inward at myself and truly get to know myself better than I ever have. I had to ponder what I really want out of life. After a long stretch of time and lots of thinking, I am making the step to try to become a Regional Leadership Consultant for my sorority. The most fun I had in college was with my sisters and meeting all of the other Greeks. I don't know if I will get the position, but I am really looking forward to trying my best to achieve my goal! I love my sorority and still talk to some of my sisters from college. I try to live my life with the values of my sisterhood! Being a sorority sister has given me the chance to work through difficult situations, and learn from a variety of different types of girls! I am so excited to put myself out there and take hold of this opportunity. I have been waiting for a job where I can travel and meet new people and this is the perfect job for me!
In other news, I have been working at my part-time job and trying to make as much money as I can.Since I graduated 6 months ago, the loan payments have been coming in at a steady pace! Its not fun to see how much you owe the Department of Education but I am learning how to budget my money and trying to get my loans paid off in a decent time frame. I have heard too many stories about people that are "past the point of no return" and owe a lot more money than initially requested. I definitely don't want to be in debt for any extended period of time. Although the payments stink I feel like I am taking control of my life and trying to be more independent. I don't really depend on my Mom for anything.. besides dinner since she makes some delicious food!!
My guitar playing has been non-existence since it is out of tune and I have no time and no motivation. I got a new book and DVD so I am hoping to really get back into playing and start to play songs especially for Christmas. I would love nothing more than to be able to sing for my family and friends! I love music but I just haven't put in the time and effort yet to be able to succeed! I will get there but at this very moment I am not. I know that my writing this now I will make a promise to myself to start practicing regularly.
Other than working, a potential new job and my guitar playing, I have been trying to hang out with my friends and just take time to enjoy my time with them. I love just going for walks or coffee. Honestly, I don't really care what I am doing I just love being around my friends and enjoying their company and laughter! Its so fun to talk about old stories and just weird random things that happen each day.
In the BIG PICTURE of life, I am on my way to greatness. I knew the road would be tough but I wasn't sure how tough. I am finally getting motivated and am going to make my dreams come true. I know that I can do anything that I put my mind to and I intend to do so! I love my family and friends and really can't complain about my life because things could always be worse. I feel truly blessed each and everyday..
I really need to get back to make regular posts. Let's add this to the list of things to improve on :)
Until next time..
xoxo
Amanda
Since graduating in May I have been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.What is the next step for me? Where do I want to live? Who is going to be involved with my journey? I have had to look inward at myself and truly get to know myself better than I ever have. I had to ponder what I really want out of life. After a long stretch of time and lots of thinking, I am making the step to try to become a Regional Leadership Consultant for my sorority. The most fun I had in college was with my sisters and meeting all of the other Greeks. I don't know if I will get the position, but I am really looking forward to trying my best to achieve my goal! I love my sorority and still talk to some of my sisters from college. I try to live my life with the values of my sisterhood! Being a sorority sister has given me the chance to work through difficult situations, and learn from a variety of different types of girls! I am so excited to put myself out there and take hold of this opportunity. I have been waiting for a job where I can travel and meet new people and this is the perfect job for me!
In other news, I have been working at my part-time job and trying to make as much money as I can.Since I graduated 6 months ago, the loan payments have been coming in at a steady pace! Its not fun to see how much you owe the Department of Education but I am learning how to budget my money and trying to get my loans paid off in a decent time frame. I have heard too many stories about people that are "past the point of no return" and owe a lot more money than initially requested. I definitely don't want to be in debt for any extended period of time. Although the payments stink I feel like I am taking control of my life and trying to be more independent. I don't really depend on my Mom for anything.. besides dinner since she makes some delicious food!!
My guitar playing has been non-existence since it is out of tune and I have no time and no motivation. I got a new book and DVD so I am hoping to really get back into playing and start to play songs especially for Christmas. I would love nothing more than to be able to sing for my family and friends! I love music but I just haven't put in the time and effort yet to be able to succeed! I will get there but at this very moment I am not. I know that my writing this now I will make a promise to myself to start practicing regularly.
Other than working, a potential new job and my guitar playing, I have been trying to hang out with my friends and just take time to enjoy my time with them. I love just going for walks or coffee. Honestly, I don't really care what I am doing I just love being around my friends and enjoying their company and laughter! Its so fun to talk about old stories and just weird random things that happen each day.
In the BIG PICTURE of life, I am on my way to greatness. I knew the road would be tough but I wasn't sure how tough. I am finally getting motivated and am going to make my dreams come true. I know that I can do anything that I put my mind to and I intend to do so! I love my family and friends and really can't complain about my life because things could always be worse. I feel truly blessed each and everyday..
I really need to get back to make regular posts. Let's add this to the list of things to improve on :)
Until next time..
xoxo
Amanda
Monday, August 30, 2010
August/September usually means Back to School but not for this woman!
So its the end of August which normally indicates that its time for school but as you may or may not recall... I'm a college graduate! Its been such a great summer learning about myself and trying to see where life is going to take me.
As most of my friends are in college still or having just recently gotten their big girl or boy jobs, it has been weird to not be back at school. My college life is still really fresh. It was interesting to not have to buy school supplies and there are not syllabi anymore.
I can't believe one year ago I was fresh back from my life-changing trip to London and Ireland and then gearing up for my senior year of college. Last year was such a great time for me. I started to change my perspective on the organizations I was a part of, I started thinking about life after college and I started to see who my real friends would be post-college.
London and Ireland was the best trip I ever took. I went to London with a few classmates from my school and students from two other universities. I was ready for a new set of friends and a new and interesting culture. My first trip overseas on my own. It was eye-opening and I still keep in contact with several of my classmates.
IN OTHER NEWS...
Lately I have been seeing more of what the big picture is in my life. I'm going to get a price for a tattoo that I've been wanting for a while and I'm realizing that I need to work on not sweating the small stuff. For instance, I think it is stupid to not use things that you buy. One of my pet peeves is when people buy new cars but they don't want to utilize them. "Oh don't touch that, and please don't put your feet up the side of the door!" When I hear people say these things I think to myself... Why don't you just save your money and buy a used car and put your feet wherever you want! I believe in buying things and using them. Also I would not buy new furniture and tell guests that they can't sit on it. That's just ridiculous to me! I want to use anything and everything I have and if not I want to get rid of it so that I can let others use things I don't need.
I am feeling great and really loving and enjoying my life right now. I am so thankful for all the lovely people I have been blessed to know thus far in my life. I thank them for their continued support and love and am inspired by them. I am looking at the big picture of how my life is and what is important to me. My goal is to start to not sweat the small stuff as much anymore. I will definitely be blogging about this adventure.
I'm gonna enjoy my day off from work tomorrow. Tomorrow is my day <3
Until next time..
xoxo
Mand
As most of my friends are in college still or having just recently gotten their big girl or boy jobs, it has been weird to not be back at school. My college life is still really fresh. It was interesting to not have to buy school supplies and there are not syllabi anymore.
I can't believe one year ago I was fresh back from my life-changing trip to London and Ireland and then gearing up for my senior year of college. Last year was such a great time for me. I started to change my perspective on the organizations I was a part of, I started thinking about life after college and I started to see who my real friends would be post-college.
London and Ireland was the best trip I ever took. I went to London with a few classmates from my school and students from two other universities. I was ready for a new set of friends and a new and interesting culture. My first trip overseas on my own. It was eye-opening and I still keep in contact with several of my classmates.
IN OTHER NEWS...
Lately I have been seeing more of what the big picture is in my life. I'm going to get a price for a tattoo that I've been wanting for a while and I'm realizing that I need to work on not sweating the small stuff. For instance, I think it is stupid to not use things that you buy. One of my pet peeves is when people buy new cars but they don't want to utilize them. "Oh don't touch that, and please don't put your feet up the side of the door!" When I hear people say these things I think to myself... Why don't you just save your money and buy a used car and put your feet wherever you want! I believe in buying things and using them. Also I would not buy new furniture and tell guests that they can't sit on it. That's just ridiculous to me! I want to use anything and everything I have and if not I want to get rid of it so that I can let others use things I don't need.
I am feeling great and really loving and enjoying my life right now. I am so thankful for all the lovely people I have been blessed to know thus far in my life. I thank them for their continued support and love and am inspired by them. I am looking at the big picture of how my life is and what is important to me. My goal is to start to not sweat the small stuff as much anymore. I will definitely be blogging about this adventure.
I'm gonna enjoy my day off from work tomorrow. Tomorrow is my day <3
Until next time..
xoxo
Mand
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
My First Trip Post-Grad to MO
Last week was the first time I had been back to Missouri since moving home after Graduation. It was such a weird and exciting trip. I went out to Missouri for one of my sorority sisters weddings. I was so excited that I got invited and I knew that this was an occasion I could not miss no matter how far away I am! I did not have the money to fly, so I took a risk and took a bus all the way to St. Louis. It was quite interesting. I plan on writing a go-to guide of what to know about traveling on the bus and tips that I would tell other first time bus travelers. It was a 22 hour ride but it was worth it in the end.
I left PA at 4p.m. on Thursday and I arrived in MO at 12:30p.m. on Friday. I did manage to gain an extra hour of sleep due to the time zone difference. I read some of the way, slept a lot, and did lots of people observing. It was definitely an experience I will remember and one that I have lots of laughs from.
I went to the wedding which was in Lincoln, IL. It's a small town about 20 minutes away from Springfield, IL. In front of the hotel we stayed in there, there was a huge wagon with Abe Lincoln in the driver's seat. I got my picture taken by it! It was so big but really cool.
The wedding was beautiful. It was amazing to see all of my sisters that were in the bridal party. They all looked gorgeous and I even teared up! A rush just came over me as they came down the aisle and then when Rachel started walking, I was just in shock. She looked so beautiful and I looked at my sister as this strong woman that was taking the step to starting a new life. She was walking down the aisle to meet the man she is going to spend the rest of her life with. It was great to be able to be there and be a part of the whole celebration.
The reception was made by all of my sister because we just danced our butts off and had a great time. We all caught up on where we are in our lives and what we want to do in the future. Overall, the wedding was a great time and it was my first post-grad experience with people from SEMO. I would do it all over again and for another one of my sisters no doubt.
After the excitement and catching up with sisters, I went back to St. Louis to relax and spend time with my family. It was so nice to hang out with my cousins and just joke around. My 9 year-old cousin cracks me up and uses such big words. He was talking about conquering something and I was impressed that he knew what the word conquer meant. He is one of the first cousins that I have gotten to see grow up. I remember holding him as a baby. Its crazy and surreal.
Overall, my first trip back to MO was amazing. I got to catch up with some sisters that was much needed. I also had the chance to spend time with my brother which I loved! It was nice to see my Grandma and my Auntie Holli and the cousins. :) It was really hard to leave St. Louis. It has always been my second home and I have spent a lot of significant time there. I cherish all of my Missouri memories and I know that I will continue to go back. Every time I go back, I get the same exciting warm feeling throughout my body. Missouri has been my home at school and is a place I encourage others to experience.
So here is to the new chapter of my life! CHEERS! I am so happy even though currently I have a part-time job and not a lot of money. I am in a great place in my life and I am ready to continue to do and experience things for ME! I have had more closure on a past relationship which feels amazing and I am ready to take control of my thoughts and dreams and make things happen! I did some soul searching through my short trip to Missouri and it could not have happened at a better time.
Until next time...
xoxo
Amanda <3
I left PA at 4p.m. on Thursday and I arrived in MO at 12:30p.m. on Friday. I did manage to gain an extra hour of sleep due to the time zone difference. I read some of the way, slept a lot, and did lots of people observing. It was definitely an experience I will remember and one that I have lots of laughs from.
I went to the wedding which was in Lincoln, IL. It's a small town about 20 minutes away from Springfield, IL. In front of the hotel we stayed in there, there was a huge wagon with Abe Lincoln in the driver's seat. I got my picture taken by it! It was so big but really cool.
The wedding was beautiful. It was amazing to see all of my sisters that were in the bridal party. They all looked gorgeous and I even teared up! A rush just came over me as they came down the aisle and then when Rachel started walking, I was just in shock. She looked so beautiful and I looked at my sister as this strong woman that was taking the step to starting a new life. She was walking down the aisle to meet the man she is going to spend the rest of her life with. It was great to be able to be there and be a part of the whole celebration.
The reception was made by all of my sister because we just danced our butts off and had a great time. We all caught up on where we are in our lives and what we want to do in the future. Overall, the wedding was a great time and it was my first post-grad experience with people from SEMO. I would do it all over again and for another one of my sisters no doubt.
After the excitement and catching up with sisters, I went back to St. Louis to relax and spend time with my family. It was so nice to hang out with my cousins and just joke around. My 9 year-old cousin cracks me up and uses such big words. He was talking about conquering something and I was impressed that he knew what the word conquer meant. He is one of the first cousins that I have gotten to see grow up. I remember holding him as a baby. Its crazy and surreal.
Overall, my first trip back to MO was amazing. I got to catch up with some sisters that was much needed. I also had the chance to spend time with my brother which I loved! It was nice to see my Grandma and my Auntie Holli and the cousins. :) It was really hard to leave St. Louis. It has always been my second home and I have spent a lot of significant time there. I cherish all of my Missouri memories and I know that I will continue to go back. Every time I go back, I get the same exciting warm feeling throughout my body. Missouri has been my home at school and is a place I encourage others to experience.
So here is to the new chapter of my life! CHEERS! I am so happy even though currently I have a part-time job and not a lot of money. I am in a great place in my life and I am ready to continue to do and experience things for ME! I have had more closure on a past relationship which feels amazing and I am ready to take control of my thoughts and dreams and make things happen! I did some soul searching through my short trip to Missouri and it could not have happened at a better time.
Until next time...
xoxo
Amanda <3
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Big Picture
It's been quite a while since I have written a post, but I have finally found time to write.
Lately I have been working at Kohl's.I am finally on the schedule and I get called in on random days.It's good that I have an open schedule on most days because I am able to get more hours that I anticipate some weeks. I enjoy working there although you have the occasional demanding customer that wants double percentages off and to use their gift card, Kohl's cash and then their Kohl's Charge. Most of the time I learn something new each day or a customer is friendly and makes my day. I have worked there for so long that it's a little family there.
IN OTHER NEWS...
I have the most amazing family trip to Gettysburg! I haven't been there since I was about 8. I went with my Mom and my brother. We always have so much fun and love to travel and experience things together. We really appreciate the time we have together. This trip energized me and made me realize the true meaning of life. Life is all about the little interesting experiences that you have where sometimes you get that "AHHH" moment. I love to reflect on these moments when they occur and try to savor it.
DAY ONE
Our first day of the trip we went to Hanover, PA and got a tour of the Snyder's of Hanover pretzel factory. It was such a fun and unique experience. I got to see how all the pretzels and chips were made. There was a hanging area in between the chip area and the pretzel area of the plant that we got to watch everything from.It was as though the halls we were walking in were build into the blueprint of the plant so that we could tour the factory in the most effective way possible.We saw how they made the mini packs for Halloween and the peanut butter and cheddar cheese pretzel sandwiches. We also got to see a huge mail carrier rolling bin full of potato chips. It looked so good that I wanted to jump into it. We got two mini packs as our free sample and then spent over $10 in the outlet store and got two packs of free buttermilk pretzels. Of course before we left the factory Brandan (my brother) and I got our picture taken in front of the Snyder's of Hanover Corporate Headquarters sign! It was amazing.
Then for the rest of the day we walked around downtown Gettysburg and got to see statues of Abe Lincoln and historic buildings from Civil War. It was great to see buildings that were once battle zones in July 1863. I love history so a trip to Gettysburg is always going to be amazing to me. The rest of the night, we watched YouTube videos and told stories about fun times in our pasts. It was fun to be able to relax and not have a schedule. The three of us are pretty easy going people and we get along well!We researched places that we wanted to go to the next day and it nice to be able to explore our options on the web and relax together.
Day TWO
We woke up in our hotel and had breakfast. We gathered our belongings and we were super excited for Day 2 in Gettysburg. We had an idea of what we were going to do. We started the day off with walking downtown again and trying to figure out what we could see for free. We went to a old 16 mile railroad station that went from Hanover and stopped in Gettysburg. It was renovated and we got a personal tour from this lovely worker that told us some interesting stuff. She told us that they believe Abe Lincoln walked on their platform many years ago. There were also two entrances to the station because it was acceptable for men and women to be in different rooms. Men could stay with their wife and children unless he wanted to smoke tobacco or drink. He would then have to wait in the Men's waiting area. It was not acceptable at that time for women to buy their own ticket or to travel alone. There was a spiral staircase that led to the waiting rooms but that was removed and the room was open to make the museum bigger. We saw photos of what the place looked like before being restored. It was amazing. My Grandpa loved trains and so I relate anything trains with him. It was great that my Mom was in her glory and it felt like my Grandpa was there with us<3
We then went by the houses downtown and in particular house that is now a restaurant, you could see all of the bullets that hit the house as well as a sharp shooter/sniper window. It was cool and creepy all at the same time.Brandan and I did some wine tasting in between shopping and then we almost went to the the Schriver Museum tour that was about a young couple and their children and their perspective on the war. It was interesting to me because when you think of a war, civilians are not the first group of people that comes to mind. I would have loved to take the tour, but it was expensive! I would like to go back and be able to see it. We continued to walk around and bought some nick-knacks at some shops.
For an early dinner we decided to go across the border into Maryland. We were so close that we thought it would be great to travel to the next state and get some quality food.What we didn't know, was how quality the food would be and what a great dining experience it was! The place is called Chubby's BBQ. They are in Emmitsburg, MD. It was the most delicious southern BBQ I have ever had. I had some draft root beer that was to die for! I also had some pulled pork and baby back ribs. We got two sides and I had beans and cornbread. All of the sides besides my cornbread had pulled pork in it. My Mom and Brandan got delicious mashed potatoes :) It was sooo good. The owner was there and we got our picture with him. Besides having great service and food..They have a food challenge. You must eat two Avalanche burgers that consists of 6lbs of food and 6 patties of meat, and 6 buns. You must eat them in 1 hour and not get sick. If you complete the task than you will receive $100 gift card to Chubby's. They have been open for 9 years and only 1 small Chinese woman has completed it. She ate the burgers in 40 minutes, had two beers with the burgers, came back 1 hour later and ate some BBQ and then bought $110 worth of BBQ all in a day's work. It was so crazy to hear about this woman from the owner. We also got a complimentary sample from the chef of the Lobster Bisque soup that had huge pieces of lobster in it. I love seafood so I was in heaven. We left the place with such great service, full tummies, and amazing food. We went shopping at an outlet mall and then headed back the hotel to call it a night.
DAY THREE
Our final day in Gettysburg started by eating breakfast at the hotel and checking out. We went to the new Visitors Center where we browsed the gift shop and go to see a 3D view of the battlefield stops in Gettysburg. We also got to see old musical instruments from 1863 and even what the shells and bullets looked like and some of the guns used in battle. There was a video that showed how many people and how much time it took to fire a cannon. It's no wonder it was hard work and it was strenuous on the soldiers who has to keep doing the same thing all day long.
After the Visitors Center we headed out on the Auto Tour of the battlefields and we stopped at the hot spots. We stopped at Big Round Top where Brandan and I walked through the dangerous terrain up the hill to the top. We couldn't see much but it was a great hike! We came down and found Mom halfway up the hill. We all walked back together and then drove to Little Round Top. There was a beautiful view of the battlefield and we were able to stand on rocks and take great pictures of the area. While I was standing on the rock, I realized how insignificance I was compared to the things that were surrounding me. I felt really little but it was amazing to be able to see the battlefield and the amazing view from the rocks we were on. I loved it. I got a great picture of Brandan and I on the rocks. After Little Round Top we headed to Devil's Den. This was the stop where soldiers got caught in because it was wide open space and there was no place to hide. Soldiers were direct targets while in Devil's Den. There were huge rocks there and Brandan and I climbed all over them. I love when Brandan is around because he constantly challenges me!
So overall I had an amazing Gettysburg trip. This trip made me discover that no matter what job I have and what I end up doing with my life, I know that finding the little things in the big picture will make my life so fulfilling. I got to see historical places and I appreciate the process of history and how time had evolved. I realized I am not all that significance to the world as a big picture. I do have lots to offer the world but overall there are bigger things in the world than me and that's so cool to me!!
I know that my outlook on life may be different than others, but that is great. I want things out of my life that I think others may not really want. I'm re-energized and ready to start my new life and see what happens. I'm really enjoying the "AHHH" moments and trying to take everything I can from a situation and a negative into a positive. Its hard but so rewarding. I'm ready to find the perfect just for now job for me and I can't wait to see what is in store for me.
Until next time...
xoxo
Amanda :)
Lately I have been working at Kohl's.I am finally on the schedule and I get called in on random days.It's good that I have an open schedule on most days because I am able to get more hours that I anticipate some weeks. I enjoy working there although you have the occasional demanding customer that wants double percentages off and to use their gift card, Kohl's cash and then their Kohl's Charge. Most of the time I learn something new each day or a customer is friendly and makes my day. I have worked there for so long that it's a little family there.
IN OTHER NEWS...
I have the most amazing family trip to Gettysburg! I haven't been there since I was about 8. I went with my Mom and my brother. We always have so much fun and love to travel and experience things together. We really appreciate the time we have together. This trip energized me and made me realize the true meaning of life. Life is all about the little interesting experiences that you have where sometimes you get that "AHHH" moment. I love to reflect on these moments when they occur and try to savor it.
DAY ONE
Our first day of the trip we went to Hanover, PA and got a tour of the Snyder's of Hanover pretzel factory. It was such a fun and unique experience. I got to see how all the pretzels and chips were made. There was a hanging area in between the chip area and the pretzel area of the plant that we got to watch everything from.It was as though the halls we were walking in were build into the blueprint of the plant so that we could tour the factory in the most effective way possible.We saw how they made the mini packs for Halloween and the peanut butter and cheddar cheese pretzel sandwiches. We also got to see a huge mail carrier rolling bin full of potato chips. It looked so good that I wanted to jump into it. We got two mini packs as our free sample and then spent over $10 in the outlet store and got two packs of free buttermilk pretzels. Of course before we left the factory Brandan (my brother) and I got our picture taken in front of the Snyder's of Hanover Corporate Headquarters sign! It was amazing.
Then for the rest of the day we walked around downtown Gettysburg and got to see statues of Abe Lincoln and historic buildings from Civil War. It was great to see buildings that were once battle zones in July 1863. I love history so a trip to Gettysburg is always going to be amazing to me. The rest of the night, we watched YouTube videos and told stories about fun times in our pasts. It was fun to be able to relax and not have a schedule. The three of us are pretty easy going people and we get along well!We researched places that we wanted to go to the next day and it nice to be able to explore our options on the web and relax together.
Day TWO
We woke up in our hotel and had breakfast. We gathered our belongings and we were super excited for Day 2 in Gettysburg. We had an idea of what we were going to do. We started the day off with walking downtown again and trying to figure out what we could see for free. We went to a old 16 mile railroad station that went from Hanover and stopped in Gettysburg. It was renovated and we got a personal tour from this lovely worker that told us some interesting stuff. She told us that they believe Abe Lincoln walked on their platform many years ago. There were also two entrances to the station because it was acceptable for men and women to be in different rooms. Men could stay with their wife and children unless he wanted to smoke tobacco or drink. He would then have to wait in the Men's waiting area. It was not acceptable at that time for women to buy their own ticket or to travel alone. There was a spiral staircase that led to the waiting rooms but that was removed and the room was open to make the museum bigger. We saw photos of what the place looked like before being restored. It was amazing. My Grandpa loved trains and so I relate anything trains with him. It was great that my Mom was in her glory and it felt like my Grandpa was there with us<3
We then went by the houses downtown and in particular house that is now a restaurant, you could see all of the bullets that hit the house as well as a sharp shooter/sniper window. It was cool and creepy all at the same time.Brandan and I did some wine tasting in between shopping and then we almost went to the the Schriver Museum tour that was about a young couple and their children and their perspective on the war. It was interesting to me because when you think of a war, civilians are not the first group of people that comes to mind. I would have loved to take the tour, but it was expensive! I would like to go back and be able to see it. We continued to walk around and bought some nick-knacks at some shops.
For an early dinner we decided to go across the border into Maryland. We were so close that we thought it would be great to travel to the next state and get some quality food.What we didn't know, was how quality the food would be and what a great dining experience it was! The place is called Chubby's BBQ. They are in Emmitsburg, MD. It was the most delicious southern BBQ I have ever had. I had some draft root beer that was to die for! I also had some pulled pork and baby back ribs. We got two sides and I had beans and cornbread. All of the sides besides my cornbread had pulled pork in it. My Mom and Brandan got delicious mashed potatoes :) It was sooo good. The owner was there and we got our picture with him. Besides having great service and food..They have a food challenge. You must eat two Avalanche burgers that consists of 6lbs of food and 6 patties of meat, and 6 buns. You must eat them in 1 hour and not get sick. If you complete the task than you will receive $100 gift card to Chubby's. They have been open for 9 years and only 1 small Chinese woman has completed it. She ate the burgers in 40 minutes, had two beers with the burgers, came back 1 hour later and ate some BBQ and then bought $110 worth of BBQ all in a day's work. It was so crazy to hear about this woman from the owner. We also got a complimentary sample from the chef of the Lobster Bisque soup that had huge pieces of lobster in it. I love seafood so I was in heaven. We left the place with such great service, full tummies, and amazing food. We went shopping at an outlet mall and then headed back the hotel to call it a night.
DAY THREE
Our final day in Gettysburg started by eating breakfast at the hotel and checking out. We went to the new Visitors Center where we browsed the gift shop and go to see a 3D view of the battlefield stops in Gettysburg. We also got to see old musical instruments from 1863 and even what the shells and bullets looked like and some of the guns used in battle. There was a video that showed how many people and how much time it took to fire a cannon. It's no wonder it was hard work and it was strenuous on the soldiers who has to keep doing the same thing all day long.
After the Visitors Center we headed out on the Auto Tour of the battlefields and we stopped at the hot spots. We stopped at Big Round Top where Brandan and I walked through the dangerous terrain up the hill to the top. We couldn't see much but it was a great hike! We came down and found Mom halfway up the hill. We all walked back together and then drove to Little Round Top. There was a beautiful view of the battlefield and we were able to stand on rocks and take great pictures of the area. While I was standing on the rock, I realized how insignificance I was compared to the things that were surrounding me. I felt really little but it was amazing to be able to see the battlefield and the amazing view from the rocks we were on. I loved it. I got a great picture of Brandan and I on the rocks. After Little Round Top we headed to Devil's Den. This was the stop where soldiers got caught in because it was wide open space and there was no place to hide. Soldiers were direct targets while in Devil's Den. There were huge rocks there and Brandan and I climbed all over them. I love when Brandan is around because he constantly challenges me!
So overall I had an amazing Gettysburg trip. This trip made me discover that no matter what job I have and what I end up doing with my life, I know that finding the little things in the big picture will make my life so fulfilling. I got to see historical places and I appreciate the process of history and how time had evolved. I realized I am not all that significance to the world as a big picture. I do have lots to offer the world but overall there are bigger things in the world than me and that's so cool to me!!
I know that my outlook on life may be different than others, but that is great. I want things out of my life that I think others may not really want. I'm re-energized and ready to start my new life and see what happens. I'm really enjoying the "AHHH" moments and trying to take everything I can from a situation and a negative into a positive. Its hard but so rewarding. I'm ready to find the perfect just for now job for me and I can't wait to see what is in store for me.
Until next time...
xoxo
Amanda :)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
World Cup Final... and More!
World Cup with Poor Ending
So I know that this is a bit late and after the fact, but the World Cup is over and the Champions are Spain. I still cannot believe that they won that game, but there is really nothing I can do about it! I think that for most Football fans, the game was disappointing and unexciting. There was no desire or passion throughout the match. I think that the 3rd place match was more exciting than the Final. The best part was being able to spend time with Derek @ Kildare's and having fun talking and eating lunch. I'm still getting over than Spain won because of course I was rooting for Holland but I'm not as upset as I was from the Germany/Spain match. The day after the Cup was over I watched the press conference with all the FIFA board answering questions about the Cup and some of the controversies. It was my last bit of the Cup to soak up! I am now looking onward to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil!!! I do want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the families and people hurt in the Uganda explosion. I think it is sad and horrible that it was while people were joining together to watch the World Cup.
In Other News...
My friends are accomplishing great things. My friends are starting their careers, getting married, getting engaged, and going to Grad School. I am so happy and proud of all of my friends' successes. I am currently working at Kohls finally! I am going to continue to job search daily, and try to think of what I really want to do with my life for now. Not forever just for now. I'm going to Gettysburg in the beginning of August which should be a great time. I haven't been there since I was about 8 or 9. I remember parts of the trip but I can't wait to go back and have a different experience than before. Also I will be going to one of my sisters wedding. I am going to order a Greyhound bus ticket to help save money and I'm going to try to hang out with some of my friends. I'll be going to STL and then go to the wedding. I'm excited because I don't know when I will get the chance to see some of my sisters and friends from MO and IL. It will be a great time and I always have fun when road trip or traveling is involved!
Even though things are going well, I know that living in PA is a temporary thing. I want to travel and see the world! I have been to 6 countries and I definitely want to see many more. I love learning about different cultures and people. I can't wait until I can go on another Europe trip! Although traveling is what I ultimately want to travel with my career, I have been able to enjoy family time. I love spending time with my cousins who are 6 and 10. They make me laugh so much and it is so nice to be a big cousin again! I love being able to see my Mom and Pat all the time and just spending quality time hanging out and chatting. It's been great to have a big family and lots of time with family and friends.
SO...
I'm going to continue to enjoy the family time I have been having and each day as much as I can. I love having a wonderful family but I know that before I know it my life may not be in PA.And as I have learned throughout college, being away from your family and friends does not mean that you are not close or you don't love them because I most certainly LOVE MY FAMILY and FRIENDS! I'm excited to see what is going to happen for me since all these amazing things are happening to everyone around me. I'm going to try to make as much money as I can right now at my job and see what happens.
I'll be sure to keep you updated on my life and how things progress. I will blog about my fun in Gettysburg and my sister Rachel's wedding when all of these exciting things occur.
Until next time.
xoxo
Amanda March :)
So I know that this is a bit late and after the fact, but the World Cup is over and the Champions are Spain. I still cannot believe that they won that game, but there is really nothing I can do about it! I think that for most Football fans, the game was disappointing and unexciting. There was no desire or passion throughout the match. I think that the 3rd place match was more exciting than the Final. The best part was being able to spend time with Derek @ Kildare's and having fun talking and eating lunch. I'm still getting over than Spain won because of course I was rooting for Holland but I'm not as upset as I was from the Germany/Spain match. The day after the Cup was over I watched the press conference with all the FIFA board answering questions about the Cup and some of the controversies. It was my last bit of the Cup to soak up! I am now looking onward to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil!!! I do want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the families and people hurt in the Uganda explosion. I think it is sad and horrible that it was while people were joining together to watch the World Cup.
In Other News...
My friends are accomplishing great things. My friends are starting their careers, getting married, getting engaged, and going to Grad School. I am so happy and proud of all of my friends' successes. I am currently working at Kohls finally! I am going to continue to job search daily, and try to think of what I really want to do with my life for now. Not forever just for now. I'm going to Gettysburg in the beginning of August which should be a great time. I haven't been there since I was about 8 or 9. I remember parts of the trip but I can't wait to go back and have a different experience than before. Also I will be going to one of my sisters wedding. I am going to order a Greyhound bus ticket to help save money and I'm going to try to hang out with some of my friends. I'll be going to STL and then go to the wedding. I'm excited because I don't know when I will get the chance to see some of my sisters and friends from MO and IL. It will be a great time and I always have fun when road trip or traveling is involved!
Even though things are going well, I know that living in PA is a temporary thing. I want to travel and see the world! I have been to 6 countries and I definitely want to see many more. I love learning about different cultures and people. I can't wait until I can go on another Europe trip! Although traveling is what I ultimately want to travel with my career, I have been able to enjoy family time. I love spending time with my cousins who are 6 and 10. They make me laugh so much and it is so nice to be a big cousin again! I love being able to see my Mom and Pat all the time and just spending quality time hanging out and chatting. It's been great to have a big family and lots of time with family and friends.
SO...
I'm going to continue to enjoy the family time I have been having and each day as much as I can. I love having a wonderful family but I know that before I know it my life may not be in PA.And as I have learned throughout college, being away from your family and friends does not mean that you are not close or you don't love them because I most certainly LOVE MY FAMILY and FRIENDS! I'm excited to see what is going to happen for me since all these amazing things are happening to everyone around me. I'm going to try to make as much money as I can right now at my job and see what happens.
I'll be sure to keep you updated on my life and how things progress. I will blog about my fun in Gettysburg and my sister Rachel's wedding when all of these exciting things occur.
Until next time.
xoxo
Amanda March :)
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