Last Blog!

I have less than two weeks till graduation day, but yet I have found myself being troubled about what to write about in my last blog. There's so much going on in my life right now and so much on my mind, it's hard to know where to start. It's hard to concentrate on school work when I am worried about moving everything out in my apartment, being sad about my last weekend working at the Comedy Club, and how I am going to fit in seeing my best friends before I move to Chippewa Falls.

Beyond what I have learned in the classroom the past four years, I feel as though my time at UW-Madison has definitely made me a different person than who I was when I moved into old Ogg 4 years ago. The biggest lesson I have learned, especially in this past year, is that I can't allow toxic people into my life. There will always be people in your life who you believe are your best friends. But, when those same people turn on you, it can really cause some damage. I have learned this year who my true and loyal friends and those people I hope to keep close for the rest of my life. However, I won't allow those people who bring nothing but drama, anger and sadness to my life around me anymore. When I leave these four walls I am living in I am leaving behind who I believed was my best friend, but has turned out to be someone I do not plan on talking to for probably the rest of my life. In the words of Lauren Conrad, I want to forgive you, then I want to forget you.

Anyway, that probably got way too personal. But these are the type of things that make graduation so bittersweet. Move out day will be a big release of tension off my shoulders, but that doesn't mean I am not sad to leave. Madison has become my home and I will miss so much about it. I still can't believe I have reached the end of this part of my life. I have no idea what the future holds for me besides a life with my amazing fiance. UW will always be the most important place in our lives, as graduates, but also as the place we met. It's funny how switching my major to Comm. Arts and being forced to take a foreign language (Italian) would change my life so drastically. I always figured switching to Comm. Arts meant a future in Los Angeles or New York, but it actually has made me stick around Wisconsin--at least for now. I never thought I'd meet my future husband in Italian 101, but that's life I guess.

To all those graduating in 2 weeks: Good Luck! To all those who made UW-Madison the best 4 years of my life: Thank-you!

"You're Hired" Update

In one of my earlier blogs I wrote about a new show developed for MTV about finding a job in this wreck of an economy. Well, the show is premiering on MTV next month and has been a huge accomplishment for my friend Ryan Kahn. On his Facebook he posted a link to an LA Web magazine which documented the show's premiere party. Below is a picture of Ryan and his parents at the premiere. I didn't post it on here, but even the Bachelor Jake and Vienna were at the premiere!

3 Weeks Till Graduation

That's Right... 3 weeks from today I will be an official graduate of UW-Madison. Needless to say 3 weeks from right now I will probably also be under the influence...but that's another blog in itself.

Graduation, as most of senior year has already done, makes people in your life ask you "so what are you going to do?" Even strangers ask you that, people you sit next to on a plane, or the drunk guy you meet at the bar. It's a daunting question, especially for people without much plan. It can feel a little embarrassing when you have just finished 4 intense years of college and then become a full time bartender.

But really, I don't care. I have my whole life to work in an office or sit at a computer. I may not make the most money, but I'm only 21. I want to be successful, but I don't think being successful necessarily means putting my degree to use, at least in the way most people would expect. I believe no matter where I end up in life, I will be using aspects or knowledge I learned from each class I have taken in school. That's part of the point of college right? Get a well-rounded education so you can be adapt to all sorts of jobs, not always being pigeon holed into a specific field.

ESCAPE!

Last year, I wrote on my Facebook wall: "All I want to do is graduate, buy a car and get a puppy." Well, one down, two to go! This weekend I bought my first car, of course with some help.... but, I got the car I have been wanting for a really long time! A Black Ford Escape, 2008, 4 wheel drive, PERFECT! We found one for a great deal and I couldn't be any happier!

Graduation is 4 weeks from today & there are definite plans for a puppy as well! Graduation day keeps looking better and better!

34 Days till GRADUATION

This semester has gone speeding by, as expected. So, I have come up a list, in no specific order of things I need to do before graduation.

1. Walk/Jog to Picnic Point

2. Drink a pitcher at the Terrace

3. Eat a breakfast sandwich from McTaggarts.

4. Do a State Street pub crawl

5. Catch open mic night at Comedy Club on State Street

6. Pass my classes.

7. Do Sunday Brunch at Micky's Dairy Bar

8. FAC

9. Get in the Shout Outs/ or 2nd chances!

10. Make it through Mifflin without passing out mid-day!

11. Walk through the Arboretum & Vilas Zoo

12. Get ice cream at Ed's Express

13. Stay awake during Journalism 560 (just once would be great!)

14. Take a beer into a final (probably CA 346 since I'd bring one for Germaine too!)

15. Get a picture in front of the capitol building, on top of Abe on Bascom, and by Red Gym.

16. Uninstall Microsoft off my roommates computer since she has been stealing it all year!

17. Go to Brothers-since I have still never been there!

18. Eat a Mad Dog

19. Visit the New Glarus Brewery

20. Pass my classes.

Things Are Finally Coming Together!

Last week, during my efforts in procrastination, I found myself looking for a new car. Or at least, old to me. For the past six years I've been driving a 1996 Ford Taurus, "midnight purple" with purple interior. And to top it off, Green Bay Packer personalized license plates. Now, I am grateful for my parents buying my sisters and I a car so many years ago..... however, that doesn't make me feel less embarrassed to drive it. It became a well-known car around my small town, had many wonderful times with friends inside my boat of a car, but nothing makes you feel more like a college grad than buying your own car.

Now, as I was saying, I started browsing cars on the internet last week and forwarded on the ones I loved to my fiance. He is not one to let a good deal go, so before I knew it, we were driving to Menasha this past Saturday to look at the car. The car we liked made a sound during acceleration, so we gave them $300 to hold the car and give it a good inspection. We're waiting to hear back what this sound was...and assuming that it is nothing major.... we're picking the car up Saturday! YAY! My first car! My first down payment! It's scary to watch my bank account go down, but after working very hard the past 4 years, multiple jobs + school, I don't feel bad about it!

By the way, it's a 2008 Ford Escape, Black = SEXY

VIVA LAS VEGAS

There are no excuses for not going on a fun and crazy Spring Break during your Senior Year of college. I went to Mexico my freshman year, Florida the past two years-and this year my roommate and two other girls made the trip out to VEGAS! We booked it back in December for a very low rate, and I remember thinking how far away Spring Break seemed. We left early last Saturday, March 27th and left Wednesday morning. 4 crazy days and nights-meeting people from all over America and beyond. It's funny how the people you meet, maybe only spending 8 hours with them, can quickly become your best friends and people you hope to see again. In Vegas the mentality is great, it's pretty much impossible to have a bad time. People are fun, care free and seem to be escaping from their real lives back home.

However, the moment I stepped off the plane in Milwaukee, I was reminded of everything I had left waiting for me back in Madison. 3 papers, 1 exam, and a ridiculous amount of reading. Coming home from Vegas is like breaking up with someone. Not someone who you maybe went on a few dates with and kinda liked.... but someone you really loved and can't imagine living a day without. Vegas withdrawal is not an easy process. But, here I am, at home a week later... and I'm slowly starting to get back to normal. My papers are done, my exam is over, and my reading is almost caught up. It's now 5.5 weeks till graduation and I'm sure it'll go by just as fast as my 4 days in Vegas did.

JOb Prospect!!

Finally some good news for me! It looks like I have secured a job with Lake Wissota Golf in Chippewa Falls, WI. For now it may be just a summer job, where I'll be bartending, working the beverage cart, banquets, etc..... but!!! The long term plan is to take over the Banquet/Wedding manager position in the next few years, because the current manager plans on retiring within the next five years. Event planning is something I have always wanted to do. I can use my people skills, love for working in restaurants, and my extremely detail oriented head to good use! I know the person who is giving me the job has high expectations and I feel I can live up to those. I love being busy, constantly challenged and working with a team of people. This could be a perfect job for me if I stick it out the next few years till I am prepared to take over as the event coordinator. But for now, I'm pretty satisfied with having a summer job---bringing beer to old men on the course, being outside, and maybe even learning how to play golf!

2 Months To Go!

It's March 14th, we moved ahead an hour, and it's finally starting to feel like Spring! With less than two weeks till Spring Break (VEGAS!) and 2 months till graduation.... it seems like there will be no slowing down now! While I have been some what relaxed about finding a job in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and assuming that I'd just get a fun summer job for a while.... I am suddenly faced with a dilemma....

HEALTH INSURANCE!

In 2009 a law was supposedly passed that would allow college graduates to stay under their parent's insurance till the age of 27, unless they found a job that offered a better plan. The past few months I've been under the assumption that I'd be covered for the next couple years, at least till I get an insured job or get married. However, this is not the case for the insurance my Mom gets through her job. Now I am really hoping that I do find a job with health insurance so I do not have to pay out of pocket for an expensive personal plan.

However, for someone who plans on working in the restaurant and hospitality industry, it is extremely hard for employers to provide benefits and insurance. Thankfully, I may be able to join the Tavern League of Wisconsin and find affordable insurance through their program.

This has really opened my eyes that things are about to change drastically in the next couple months. Maybe graduation isn't so awesome after all!

http://www.tlw.org

http://www.naic.org/documents/consumer_alert_college_health.htm

What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?

When I first saw the previews for "The Buried Life" on MTV, I have to say I was not entirely impressed. I mean, after being addicted to "Jersey Shore" the previous month, I felt like MTV had dropped the ball on this new show, which they often do from time to time. And although I don't considered "The Buried Life" as one of my must-see-TV shows..... I do occasionally catch the re-runs. The premise of the show is basically a group of hot guys go around the country scratching off things on their bucket list and also helping others accomplish things they want to do as well. It's an interesting show to be watching during this time of mass confusion in my life. While everyone else I know is asking me what I want to do with my life, mTV asks me the same question, but also generates more inspiration to do something crazy. Perhaps take a risk or plan a last-minute trip....whatever it may be. "The Buried Life" reminds us that life is short and we need to make the most of it. In the past few months, I've been trying to do this, but I've also let myself lose sight of what is important in life. I've gotten caught up in the stress of finding a job and trying to figure out of every detail of my future. There are many things I want to do before I die, but analyzing every potential move I make isn't helping me accomplishing anything. I need to take a few moments everyday to enjoy the little things, whether it's the statue of liberty head currently siting on frozen Lake Mendota, half price margarita Mondays, or watching the Oscars with my roommate.... I have a great life. So, if the cuties from "The Buried Life" show up in Madison one day.... I'll be ready when they ask "what do you want to do before you die?"

New MTV Reality Show

In one of my previous blogs, I mentioned the internship program University of Dreams. Well, one of the guys on the University of Dreams Staff, Ryan Kahn, who was responsible for finding us all internships, just created a new reality show for MTV! From what I know, the show has already wrapped its first season and I'm not sure when it will debut, but seriously how awesome is that!? The show fits in perfectly with my blog because it's about finding a job in this competitive market.

Here is the link to the trailer for the show: HIRED-- produced by No Regrets Entertainment

HIRED PILOT

Take A Break From Life & Laugh.....

Two years ago I got a job serving cocktails at the Comedy Club on State Street in downtown Madison. I have to say it is probably the best job I've ever had. Not only do I get to see some of the best comedians from the Midwest and all over, but I just love the people I work with and the people I meet each night. The owners of the club are some of the smartest and nicest people I have ever met, and I get sad thinking about leaving my job there in May. One of the managers once said working at the club was his dream job. He puts his heart into it and really loves what he does. And although we don't always have the best nights, especially when part of the nightly routine is dealing with drunk and sometimes obnoxious customers, I still look forward to going to work every time. I wonder if I'll ever find that with another job. I guess that is my goal as I search for new jobs, is to find one that even after a bad day, I still look forward to coming in the next day. While the people I work with can never be replaced, I hope I can find that feeling of excitement in my next job.

Visit the club's website at www.madisoncomedy.com

Here are some of my favorite comedians' websites that have come through the Comedy Club on State Street.

http://www.michaelpalascak.com/

http://www.tommyjcomedy.com/

http://www.johnroylive.com/

http://www.myspace.com/davelandau (He will be at the Club 2/18-2/20)

What am I Missing?

Everyday, even multiple times a day, I search the job boards on the Eau Claire websites. They are bookmarked and I compulsively click on them every few hours. I've applied for several jobs in the past few months.....and of course, with the state of the world, have not heard back from one of them. I'm going to remember this in the future, when perhaps I am the person receiving resumes and cover letters from hopeful college graduates. I just think it's rude not to even respond with a "Thank-you for applying" e-mail. After all, we are the ones stressing out, putting homework and life on hold to write a cover letter or spruce up our resumes. I understand that I won't always be the most qualified person applying, especially when older people who have experience, and are also looking for jobs are my competition. But, it would be nice to get a simple e-mail saying "thank-you for your interest and time." It would at least give me a little confidence that people are in fact reading my resume. Frustration is the key word right now. So, that is my rant for tonight. I'll keep looking and applying......

Harder To Concentrate

Procrastination is my friend, now more than ever. It's extremely hard to sit through power lectures when I'm contemplating the rest of my life. I know it's the same for many of the students in my classes--who are in their final semester as well. Currently, I am sitting at the church student center, attempting to study History of Mass Communication...... which happens to be the class I fell asleep in today....oops! But, this attempt has been unsuccessful the past 2 hours..... so I'm just writing this blog....and waiting for my roommate, who is actually studying next to me, to finish-- so we can hit up Flip Night at State Street Brats. ( see picture above..... Buck Hunter at Brats!) I suppose I can just put off this reading till midterm week...... besides, I'm not really sure my future employer is really going to care if I know the impact of switching from papyrus to paper.......

For those of you who are not graduating in May-- I want to highly recommend UW-Madison students to enroll in Afro-American Studies 156 next semester. Learning about the history of Black Music in the U.S.A. is probably the most interesting class I've ever had here. Plus, you can say that you are "studying" while listening to Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson, or Lil Wayne.

Countdown to Reality

it's february. which means I have 3.5 months till Graduation day. I've been ready to graduate for a long time, or at least I think I'm ready for my next move in life. While I'm excited, the obvious concern is, especially in this economy---Will I find a job? I am currently focusing my job search on Eau Claire, Wisconsin. My fiance graduated UW in 2008, and has a great job in Eau Claire, but the question is if I will find the same success. While I have great interest in putting to use my degree in Communication Arts (Film and TV) and getting into Show Biz- north west Wisconsin isn't really the place to do that. But--I've also been working in restaurants since the age of 14, and I'm definitely leaning towards finding a position in restaurant or hospitality management. As I continue to write this blog, I will update my progress in the great job search.

For those of you in the southern Wisconsin area or Chicago- there is a great website that posts jobs in public relations, communications, and media. It's called Big Shoes Network. And although I've resisted applying for these jobs, since none of them happen to be in the Eau Claire Area, it is still a wonderful resource.

http://www.bigshoesnetwork.com/

Any for anyone looking for an AMAZING summer internship in big cities around the world, The University of Dreams is an incredible internship program. I participated in this in the summer of 2008-- and couldn't have been more happy with the experience. I worked in a Hollywood talent agency- where it wasn't unusual to see celebrities walking around the office. Definitely the summer of my life---in LaLa Land.

http://www.summerinternships.com