Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Roommate Picture Time!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Here I Come to Save the Daaay!
Yes, I feel like Mighty Mouse today! First Monday at TCPR and I'm getting some great encouragement, some fun assignments and taking on the phone system!
I had several major successes today. Here we go!
1) To start off my day, I got an email from a TCPR affiliate named Candy. She wrote me to encourage me because she has been in my shoes. She was a PR intern in Chicago and found a job right after graduation. I asked her where she worked, but I haven't heard back from her yet. I hope she and I can meet up someday.
2) I wrote a "pitch" email to send out to professors asking them to consider incorperating a certain book into their curriculum. I got a few responses before I was done sending out all the emails! It felt great! Mel, my supervisor, only had a few minor changes to make to my pitch before I could send it out. I forwarded Mel the first response I got back and she wrote back: YOU. ROCK. She's so encouraging! She's had a lot on her plate lately, so I'm very very glad to help.
3) I CONQUERED THE PHONE SYSTEM! I got up the gumption to pick up the phone and connect calls, take messages and use the speaker function. Gotta love that!
4) At the end of the day I made Bill's day! Bill is a TCPR Account Exec who used to be in radio. He has an awesome voice! Anyways, I said goodby to him with a big smile and he p[erked up and told me, "That smile just gave me a boost for the next hour!" or something like that. He's such a sweet man.
5) I got A LOT done today. I pitched a book, got half a research prject done, started writing drafts for a blog template and newsletter revamp AND changed some files to PDFs for my beloved Steph because her fancy computer can't do that yet. Go Old School Computers!
Praise the Lord! Things are looking up and continuing to go well. Some fun people I've seen/heard in the train station are a man who sang "It's a Wonderful World," an old guy playing violin, a jazzy guy playing on the smallest saxophone I've ever seen and many, many fur coats! And I still can't listen to my ipod while going to work. I want to take in everything still, not block it out.
I really feel incorperated into my life at work, in my commute, and at the apartment.
We had an AWESOME turn out for our Super Bowl Party! There were about 14 people stuffed in our little living room. We enjoyed chips and salsa (some homemade!) and some desserts like fancy peanutbutter cups (Thanks Rach for making those!) and Bannana Creme Pie. We were spoiled :) It was a great game because the score was close, the commericals were hilarious and the underdog won!
Life is good. Praise the Lord!
"Live well, Laugh often, Love much" ~Dove Chocolate
I had several major successes today. Here we go!
1) To start off my day, I got an email from a TCPR affiliate named Candy. She wrote me to encourage me because she has been in my shoes. She was a PR intern in Chicago and found a job right after graduation. I asked her where she worked, but I haven't heard back from her yet. I hope she and I can meet up someday.
2) I wrote a "pitch" email to send out to professors asking them to consider incorperating a certain book into their curriculum. I got a few responses before I was done sending out all the emails! It felt great! Mel, my supervisor, only had a few minor changes to make to my pitch before I could send it out. I forwarded Mel the first response I got back and she wrote back: YOU. ROCK. She's so encouraging! She's had a lot on her plate lately, so I'm very very glad to help.
3) I CONQUERED THE PHONE SYSTEM! I got up the gumption to pick up the phone and connect calls, take messages and use the speaker function. Gotta love that!
4) At the end of the day I made Bill's day! Bill is a TCPR Account Exec who used to be in radio. He has an awesome voice! Anyways, I said goodby to him with a big smile and he p[erked up and told me, "That smile just gave me a boost for the next hour!" or something like that. He's such a sweet man.
5) I got A LOT done today. I pitched a book, got half a research prject done, started writing drafts for a blog template and newsletter revamp AND changed some files to PDFs for my beloved Steph because her fancy computer can't do that yet. Go Old School Computers!
Praise the Lord! Things are looking up and continuing to go well. Some fun people I've seen/heard in the train station are a man who sang "It's a Wonderful World," an old guy playing violin, a jazzy guy playing on the smallest saxophone I've ever seen and many, many fur coats! And I still can't listen to my ipod while going to work. I want to take in everything still, not block it out.
I really feel incorperated into my life at work, in my commute, and at the apartment.
We had an AWESOME turn out for our Super Bowl Party! There were about 14 people stuffed in our little living room. We enjoyed chips and salsa (some homemade!) and some desserts like fancy peanutbutter cups (Thanks Rach for making those!) and Bannana Creme Pie. We were spoiled :) It was a great game because the score was close, the commericals were hilarious and the underdog won!
Life is good. Praise the Lord!
"Live well, Laugh often, Love much" ~Dove Chocolate
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Prayers Please
My dad called me this morning and updated me on his health. There's usually something that's going on but today he was rather purposeful in his speech because his cancer has come back. He's going to have surgery and the doctors think that will take care of it. But radiation is a possibility. Pray that the Lord continues to care for Dad and our family.
Twelve years ago my dad's prostate was removed because it had traces of cancer in it. Since then, he's been getting annual check ups and nothing has shown up...until now. My dad and the doctors seem optimistic. They just need to take it out and maybe do some radiation treatments. It doesn't seem to be an aggressive cancer, just annoying.
My reaction is the same now as it was twelve years ago; strangely at peace. I simply trust God to take care of Dad. He has in the past, and it's because of that care that the doctors keep catching the cancer early. Pray that the doctors continue to wisely treat my dad and get this cancer out of him asap.
The person I'm most worried about, other than Dad, is my mom. Please pray for peace over her. I wish I could hug her and just cry with her. I know God is watching over Dad, but it's still scary.
One thing that sucks about being in a big city is that you can't be alone. I love my roommates and they are being really great, but I hope going to church tomorrow gives me a chance to come to grip with what's happening.
Also, my dad was planning on coming out to Chicago for a conference and to see me but that may not happen depending on when Dad's surgery is. I would rather have him at graduation in May than in Chi-town in March. Well, I'd rather have him around AT ALL than make him come here! haha
So pray that this brings us closer together as a family, even though there's so much distance between us.
I don't know how wide spread Dad wants this or not, so just pray for now and I'll keep you updated.
Thank you, all.
Twelve years ago my dad's prostate was removed because it had traces of cancer in it. Since then, he's been getting annual check ups and nothing has shown up...until now. My dad and the doctors seem optimistic. They just need to take it out and maybe do some radiation treatments. It doesn't seem to be an aggressive cancer, just annoying.
My reaction is the same now as it was twelve years ago; strangely at peace. I simply trust God to take care of Dad. He has in the past, and it's because of that care that the doctors keep catching the cancer early. Pray that the doctors continue to wisely treat my dad and get this cancer out of him asap.
The person I'm most worried about, other than Dad, is my mom. Please pray for peace over her. I wish I could hug her and just cry with her. I know God is watching over Dad, but it's still scary.
One thing that sucks about being in a big city is that you can't be alone. I love my roommates and they are being really great, but I hope going to church tomorrow gives me a chance to come to grip with what's happening.
Also, my dad was planning on coming out to Chicago for a conference and to see me but that may not happen depending on when Dad's surgery is. I would rather have him at graduation in May than in Chi-town in March. Well, I'd rather have him around AT ALL than make him come here! haha
So pray that this brings us closer together as a family, even though there's so much distance between us.
I don't know how wide spread Dad wants this or not, so just pray for now and I'll keep you updated.
Thank you, all.
Friday, February 5, 2010
First Days at TC Public Relations
I've only been at TCPR for two days, but I feel at home there :) They are very welcoming. Melissa (Mel, my supervisor) and Steph took me to Chipoltle for lunch!
I have my own office space complete with view of the beautiful buildings across Michigan Ave. I also have a view of the River too! Today it had a few icebergs floating in it :) haha Bill from TCPR (the former radio announcer) told me to take a picture of my first office, so I did!
So far I've been given reading assignments and looked up all their clients so I'm familiar with how they do PR and who they do PR for. They have a few law firms, books and publishers and Christian organizations. I haven't been given any "official" assingments yet, but since I got done with what they gave me yesterday, I was given some things to work on already.
Tom gave me a brainstorming assingment for a client who wants to introduce their new logo and website. I had a few ideas but Tom came up with a great plan! I didn't get it together before he left yesterday so I felt like I failed. But then today he listened to my ideas and he liked them!
I feel initiated since I was hot news in their e-newsletter! Mel dubbed me as a person who wears my heart on my sleeve. She's so right! But she also had a love theme for the e-newsletter so I fit right in.
I also got to do some reserach for a news release and put hyperlinks on a blog list to send to a client. Both of these were for Steph. I'll learn their office programs and start answering phones on Monday.
Thanks everyone for your prayers and support!
I have my own office space complete with view of the beautiful buildings across Michigan Ave. I also have a view of the River too! Today it had a few icebergs floating in it :) haha Bill from TCPR (the former radio announcer) told me to take a picture of my first office, so I did!
Tom gave me a brainstorming assingment for a client who wants to introduce their new logo and website. I had a few ideas but Tom came up with a great plan! I didn't get it together before he left yesterday so I felt like I failed. But then today he listened to my ideas and he liked them!
I feel initiated since I was hot news in their e-newsletter! Mel dubbed me as a person who wears my heart on my sleeve. She's so right! But she also had a love theme for the e-newsletter so I fit right in.
I also got to do some reserach for a news release and put hyperlinks on a blog list to send to a client. Both of these were for Steph. I'll learn their office programs and start answering phones on Monday.
Thanks everyone for your prayers and support!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Story Time!
The first of many personal encounters with the people of Chicago.
Today was the intro to our classes at CS (Chicago Semester) before we start next week. This meant we had most of the afternoon off! We decided to check out a local thrift store called The White Elephant. To get to the good part, simply, we went too far in the opposite direction. Embarrassing, but a good experience because we found DePaul University and all the shops up to the highway...Yeah, that's how lost we were...So we figured out which way to go and hopped on the bus in the RIGHT direction (because that's how far we had walked in the wrong direction...urg...)
On the bus was a little old lady who was sitting in between Keeley and Rachel. I sat on the other side of them, directly across from the old lady. As we were riding the bus, I guess she noticed me pushing my hair out my face (out of habit) and I hear her say in a Polish-like accent, "Here, to keep your hair from your face." And she's holding out a hair clip with some little crystals on it. She insisted I take it and I did with a big thank you and a smile. I put it in my hair where she showed me to. Rachel had moved next to me and said it was pretty. The lady heard this and pulled out of her purse a cardboard holder with a whole bunch of the same clips! She gave one to Rachel and Keeley too! She totally made our days and I'm sure we made hers. She was smiling and chatting with us until we got off.
The funniest thing she said was towards a young teen getting off the bus whose jeans were down by his knees, "My GOD boy, pull up your pants!!" She even leaned away from him in disdain! It was very cute.
More to come!
The first of many personal encounters with the people of Chicago.
Today was the intro to our classes at CS (Chicago Semester) before we start next week. This meant we had most of the afternoon off! We decided to check out a local thrift store called The White Elephant. To get to the good part, simply, we went too far in the opposite direction. Embarrassing, but a good experience because we found DePaul University and all the shops up to the highway...Yeah, that's how lost we were...So we figured out which way to go and hopped on the bus in the RIGHT direction (because that's how far we had walked in the wrong direction...urg...)
On the bus was a little old lady who was sitting in between Keeley and Rachel. I sat on the other side of them, directly across from the old lady. As we were riding the bus, I guess she noticed me pushing my hair out my face (out of habit) and I hear her say in a Polish-like accent, "Here, to keep your hair from your face." And she's holding out a hair clip with some little crystals on it. She insisted I take it and I did with a big thank you and a smile. I put it in my hair where she showed me to. Rachel had moved next to me and said it was pretty. The lady heard this and pulled out of her purse a cardboard holder with a whole bunch of the same clips! She gave one to Rachel and Keeley too! She totally made our days and I'm sure we made hers. She was smiling and chatting with us until we got off.
The funniest thing she said was towards a young teen getting off the bus whose jeans were down by his knees, "My GOD boy, pull up your pants!!" She even leaned away from him in disdain! It was very cute.
More to come!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
First Days in Chicago
Hello all!
So much has happened this first week in Chicago and I want to give you all the highlights of what I've done, some people I've met, where I'll be living and where I'll be working!
Overall, I'm so impressed with the Chicago Semester Program. They are supportive but equipping us all in how to get around and be independent. They are always there when we need help. What Annie has been telling NWC students is true, and better than she or I can say!
Here's what's happened so far. Been eating at different places, exploring the city and having a crazy week!
MONDAY: Flew in from Minneapolis, late but the GO Express guys were great! Glad I purchased my ticket online!
Checked in to Hotel Allegro early and got some lunch. When I came back my roommate Keeley Carson was there. She's one of two other roomies I have at Canturbury Court Apartments. We're moving in tomorrow!
The rest of the day was meetings, intros of program teachers and internship advisers. All great people. We got the info of where we were interviewing. I had to choose between Open Books, TC Public Relations and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
TUESDAY: Got our U-Pass for the trains, bus and El. Such a great way to get around!
Then we had to figure out who we wanted to room with and where. The Lord was watching out for me, Keeley and Rachel because there was a lot of competition for Canterbury because of the furnishings and the number of people. Keeley joined last minute and it turned out great. The three of us are going to have a great time.
For the "Taste of Chicago" dinner that night we were split into groups and went to different ethnic restaurants. We went to a Vietnamese place that was fantastic!
WEDNESDAY: Found the apartment we wanted at 10:30am. The layout is open and cozy. Interviewed at Open Books at 3pm. Went well other than being a little late because of the store manager not telling me when I could go up to the offices. Oh well, they seemed ok with it. I got to explore the used book store they run. It's pretty sweet. The PR opportunity I had there would have given me a lot of media experience. A great internship opp!
THURSDAY: I had two interviews. One with TC Public Relations in the morning and the Mexican Art Museum in the afternoon. TCPR blew me away because they are small, but they have a lot going on and I would be helping with a ton of different clients and get to practice pitching, writing and designing. The Mexian Art Museum is a great non-profit where I would do a lot of fundraising.
Had to think long and hard about where I wanted to go, but I think I made the best decision....
FRIDAY: FREE DAY to figure out where we want to go! I chose: TC PR because I immediately clicked with the entire staff and they each have a lot to teach me. I fell if I do well with them, I can go anywhere I want to! So excited to start next week!
Yet to come.....
SATURDAY: Parents ariving Friday night to help me and my roommates move into Canterbury. Then chill with my parents. It's going to be great!
SUNDAY: Rest and get interntet!
MONDAY: Intro to Seminars
TUESDAY: Practicum groups
WEDNESDAY: Prep for Internships
THURSDAY: Start Internships!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
New Year, New Everything...
Happy New Year!
This Christmas break has been rejuvenating, yet stressful, and coming to an end faster than I realize. It's 2010, the year I graduate! Now that it's here, everything in my life is going to change...
This Christmas season has caused me to have a few breakdowns, or maybe should have but didn't. Like the first blow; leaving Northwestern College, my home for the past 3 1/2 years. I haven't had a good cry about it yet, but I miss my friends so much! I'm restless knowing that most of them will be heading back to school next week. I'll feel like I've done something wrong, that I'm in the wrong place and missing out. But by then I will be doing more to get ready for Chicago.
I haven't been able to do much prep for Chicago because of my second stressor; sinus surgery! Now that I'm almost fully recovered, I know it was the right thing to do. I had a deviated septum repaired and my sinuses cleared of any potentially infectious tissues. Having this done means I can breathe through my nose (miracles of miracles!) and, hopefully, I won't get as many sinus infections that I seem to develop every time I get sick. Annoying! The surgery itself was pretty harsh on my tender sinuses but the recovery time has been quick and I seem to be healing well. Making myself sit and not do anything after surgery was rejuvenating, but it's difficult to do nothing, as odd as that sounds.
However, all this recovery time has cut my time to get things ready for Chicago less than what I anticipated. So that's my last stressor; so little time, so much to do, I want to spend my days with you (it's a song...just go with it haha, My Motto: there's a song for everything :)
Prayer Needed!
Praises!
Theme of the week: Carpe Diem! Seize the Day! To motivate me to get things done!
This Christmas break has been rejuvenating, yet stressful, and coming to an end faster than I realize. It's 2010, the year I graduate! Now that it's here, everything in my life is going to change...
This Christmas season has caused me to have a few breakdowns, or maybe should have but didn't. Like the first blow; leaving Northwestern College, my home for the past 3 1/2 years. I haven't had a good cry about it yet, but I miss my friends so much! I'm restless knowing that most of them will be heading back to school next week. I'll feel like I've done something wrong, that I'm in the wrong place and missing out. But by then I will be doing more to get ready for Chicago.
I haven't been able to do much prep for Chicago because of my second stressor; sinus surgery! Now that I'm almost fully recovered, I know it was the right thing to do. I had a deviated septum repaired and my sinuses cleared of any potentially infectious tissues. Having this done means I can breathe through my nose (miracles of miracles!) and, hopefully, I won't get as many sinus infections that I seem to develop every time I get sick. Annoying! The surgery itself was pretty harsh on my tender sinuses but the recovery time has been quick and I seem to be healing well. Making myself sit and not do anything after surgery was rejuvenating, but it's difficult to do nothing, as odd as that sounds.
However, all this recovery time has cut my time to get things ready for Chicago less than what I anticipated. So that's my last stressor; so little time, so much to do, I want to spend my days with you (it's a song...just go with it haha, My Motto: there's a song for everything :)
Prayer Needed!
- That I would be able to get my head in the game and get my room and Chicago stuff organized, find my interview suit and not go future-tripping and have a melt-down.
- Trust in the Lord with All your heart; way easier said than done, but absolutely necessary!
Praises!
- Great Christmas and New Years (probably one of the best because of minimal gifts and quality time with my parents and sister)
- Helping with Preschool and the blessings of loving those precious children
- Gaining a realistic perspective on expenses vs. income (because I had a pessimistic view on that)
- Spending more time reading than watching TV! I've been borrowing books from the library that are due in a week to movtivate me to read them. It's been really fun!
- Praise that God does things for us even when we're not paying attention! I got a wake-up call, so to speak, when I was really worn down last Sunday at church. A friend gave me a much needed hug and I believe it was from her and the Lord :)
Theme of the week: Carpe Diem! Seize the Day! To motivate me to get things done!
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