Growing Up can be Cool, Too

So, while growing up can be totally scary, but I guess there are some things that can be cool, too. I know that my last post was kind of whiny, like "OMG growing up. Wah!" but I am starting to see that lots of things can be cool about growing up, too. I have been blessed with many different opportunities this year. Let me just tell you about them...

• Serengetee is an organization that makes clothes and bags with fabrics from around the world. When you purchase something from Serengetee, you can shop by fabric. Each fabric correlates to a specific cause in the country that fabric comes from, and when you purchase the shirt, a portion of the proceeds goes back to that organization. It's pretty cool, right? I know that for me, as a poor college student, this is a great way to support causes that you care about because you are also getting an awesome shirt! That is something that I know I can totally justify. So, I am a campus rep with Serengetee, which means that I try to promote Serengetee, especially through social media. If you feel like it, check out the website! 

• The Center for Justice is a nonprofit in Spokane where I have started interning! CFJ is a legal advocacy organization that assists people who have nowhere else to turn. So, that is super awesome. I am working with the Development Director (she is awesome) and helping her with all kinds of things! Research, writing thank yous, contacting caterers and printers, and basically anything else she needs me to do. It's pretty exciting. I am learning a lot about nonprofit work that I did not have any idea about before, so that's cool. If you want to check out CFJ, go to its website! 

• Keaton Row is a new, super exciting thing that I have started. It is a website that allows you to be paired up with an online stylist who creates lookbooks for you at absolutely no cost! The clothes are from four reputable retailers including Nordstrom and Asos. There is no cost for shipping and no cost for having a stylist! It's super great, and the perfect thing for busy, professional women who don't want to take the time, or don't have the time to go shopping! So, through Keaton Row, I am now a stylist! This has always been something I have wanted to do- I love putting outfits together for people, and the chance to get paid for it, that's like a dream come true! I make commission off the clothes that my clients purchase and basically get to play dress up all day! If you want to check it out, go to my website! 

So, obviously, there are some wonderful things going for me right now! Although it is still a little scary for me to grow up and graduate, things are looking up and I am getting more and more excited for my life after college! Now, I am looking for a "real job" which is kind of lame. If you have any ideas about places that are hiring, please feel free to let me know! Anyway, that's my life right now! It's pretty awesome. 

Growing Up is Hard

So I am about half way through my final year of college, and let me tell you, growing up is stressful. I could have graduated about a quarter early (or earlier if I wanted to take a million credits all the time- no thanks), but decided that it would make my life extra crazy to try and figure out how to be a grown up three months earlier than planned. I mean, there are certain aspects of growing up that I am learning as I go through college, like how to pay bills and set up things like internet and electricity, but I have a feeling things will be totally different once I will just be working and not a student, without my parents' kind assistance and government aid and scholarships.

In June I will graduate with my BA in International Affairs. I have learned all kinds of things about international relations and governments, stuff like that. Although IA was what I planned on studying once I decided to attend Eastern, it did not end up being the degree I expected. As I told a professor in a reflection paper, I hoped to learn more about different cultures and how to work between cultures and across borders; however, it ended up being much more focused on governments and international relation theories- far more theoretical than tangible.

Needless to say, with a degree that is not what I expected, I have absolutely  no idea what to do with my life right now. I do not know what kind of work I should be doing, or where I should look, or anything. And it is really stressful for me. Right now, I am really envious of people with specialized degrees, like teaching and nursing- their path is pretty clear and straightforward. But international affairs? What does that even mean? People often ask me what I'm going to do with that degree and my response is always "I have no idea. I could work for the government or a multinational corporation, but I don't think I want to do that. I've thought about nonprofit work, but at this point I'm not really sure what to do!" Clearly, I have really thought things through.

So. Now I'm trying to become a real-life grown up from my current life as a semi-grown up (at least according to age), with a degree that I don't know how to use. I know that everyone goes through the process of growing up and it often takes people a long time to figure out "what to do with their life," but that really doesn't make it any less stressful for me.

With all of these feelings and thoughts running through my mind, I am approaching the end of my college career. I am hoping and praying that God reveals His plan to me, preferably soon. I know I am  not supposed to worry, but it is really hard not to. If anyone reading this feels like joining me on this journey in prayer, I would be most grateful. Growing up is hard. And, despite how whiny this post is, this is just part of my processing, what to do, how to grow up. Even though it is difficult for me, it is slightly encouraging for me to know that everyone goes through a process like I am.

Oh yeah. I have a blog.

So, today my bestie and I decided we should "hang out" on Google+ because we don't spend enough time with each other in real life. (Which is a lie. I see her more than anyone else in my life.) As I logged in to Google+ I was reminded that I have a blog! Oh that's right! That thing I started a year ago where I said I would post all kinds of things whenever I felt the desire. Surprise!

 

Well, needless to say, I looked at my old blog and thought, "I should do something with this, since I have it." I looked through all my old posts and reflected on my time in Alaska. That was quite an experience. I realized I never posted a final reflection about my trip. So, here it is!

 

And let me tell you, it was interesting. I can't decide whether it was entirely good or entirely bad, but I don't think either of those is entirely accurate. Although I made it seem like it was great in my blog posts, I was really lonely. Not that I did not enjoy my time there; I did enjoy a lot of it. But, I was lonely. Even though I do pretty well being alone for a while, it gets real lonely when there is not really anyone to go hang out with. But, that is OK. It was a good learning experience for me because it pushed me to interact with people I would not normally interact with. It also made me remember how much I appreciate my friends and family because there is always someone I can talk  to at home. So, one adjective can't really describe my experience, but I will say this. If you want to do something like this, take someone else with you! At least, if you're like me. If you're not, and you're totally fine with making new friends among new people, then go! Do it! That's great and I wish I was more like you!

 

Anyway, I hope I have provided some closure for those of you wondering how I felt when I got back to Washington (and for those of you not wondering :). Maybe, if anything blog-worthy happens in my life, I will continue blogging! We'll just have to wait and see :)

Weeks 7-11

Well, I am almost at the end of my time in Alaska. What have I been doing the last few weeks? Well, I have:

• Worked. Lots. And lots.
• Slept. Not as much as I'd like, but still a lot.
• Spent more time in Talkeetna.
• Still not seen wildlife. But, I am afraid of getting attacked by a bear as I walk up and down my hill every night and morning in the pitch black. So that's...cool?
• Had WAY TOO MANY spider incidents! They are infesting my room! It is terrible! I have had to ask boys for help twice, and tried to be a woman a few times, but it's hard. I really, really hate spiders. A lot.
• Received lots of mail! I feel so loved and want to thank you all for your sweet letters! Each and every one of them made me tear up. I love you guys!

But, the most important thing that happened was MY PARENTS' VISIT!!! (Really this post should be titled "My Parents Visited Me!" but I wanted to stick with the pattern.)
While they were here, we:

• Laughed a lot. We're all hilarious, especially when we're together. I have really missed laughing with my parents. It was so great!

• Did a river float down the Talkeetna River. It was just us and our guide, which was nice. We had to wear ridiculous rain gear. First was giant waders, then giant raincoats and life jackets. But, the weirdest part was rubber boots that you put over your own shoes. They were enormous. We had to walk from where we got out of the raft through Talkeetna back to the office in them. I felt like I was wearing Hobbit Feet in the Lord of the Rings.

• Spent a while in Talkeetna. We ate breakfast at the Roadhouse, which was absolutely delicious. We tried Birch Syrup with our pancakes, and it was great!

• Met the mayor of Talkeetna while we were there!

No, this is not a joke. The mayor of Talkeetna is a cat named Stubbs. Seriously.

• Spent some time just hanging out the Lodge. We sat on the deck and my parents willed the clouds to part so they could see Mt. McKinley (but they weren't successful). We also spent a while sitting at the fire pit singing campfire songs with some cute little girls. It was pretty funny!
• Drove up to Denali National Park for a few hours one day, which was fun. It's beautiful! Unfortunately we did not see any wildlife. But, my mom was quick to remind us that they saw some moose while they were in Anchorage. Thanks for rubbing that in, Mom.
• Had dinner with my cousin! She was at the Lodge for work, so we all hung out! It was a party! I loved it!
 

So, having my parents here was so great! They got to see where I work and live, and we got to hang out. I really missed them! And I cannot wait to see them again in SIX DAYS!!!! WOOHOO! 





Weeks 2-6

I know it has been a while since I have blogged. But, I have been pretty busy lately. So, let me fill you in. In the last five weeks I have:

• Seen the WHOLE mountain a few times. But, I have not taken any pictures yet... I should do that.
• Still not seen any wildlife. Awesome.
• Worked. A whole lot. Six days a week, anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. As much as I get tired of working, I do love overtime.
• Slept. As much as I can.
• Gone to Anchorage. I did some shopping at Forever 21, Old Navy, and The Body Shop. So, that's good.
• Spent time with my sweet cousin! She works for Princess and had to come up to my lodge for work, and surprised me! I got to stay in a hotel room, use a real shower (hooray!), and spent some time with my cousin. It was so wonderful!
• "Run the book." Everyday at breakfast and dinner, one of the hostesses runs the book. This means you tell the other hostesses which table to take guests to. It's a lot more stressful than it sounds. You have to try to make sure each server gets about the same number of guests overall, try not to fill up one server's section all at the same time, and give guests the table they want. So, even though I have done it, it's really stressful, so I willingly pass it off to the more experienced hostesses.
• Received my first CRUISE card! CRUISE cards are comment cards that guests (or other employees) can fill out if an employee has gone above and beyond. You get special pins to wear as you receive CRUISE cards, and so far I don't have one. But, I know I got my first CRUISE card, so I should be getting one soon hopefully!
• Gone to Talkeetna a few more times. The Roadhouse is most people's favorite restaurant in Talkeetna, but so far I have not had a meal there. I have had some delicious bakery items, however. My parents are coming next week, so that's on our list.
• Attended two Smores-a-Paloozas. These are serious smores parties with an amazing variety of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers/cookies. They're super fun.
• Received a letter from my hermana! I love getting mail. A lot. It was such a nice surprise! I also got a package from my parents that had some awesome things. There was stuff I asked for, and some other nice surprises- some of my favorite candies, some photos of my family, and some of my Gma's entertainment magazines! It was awesome. Now I am all caught up on my pop culture and have stuff I need. (By the way, if you want to send me mail, I would love it!)

Um, well, I cannot think of anything else right now, so hopefully you feel updated on my life!

Week #1

I have been at the lodge for a week now, and I have:

• Started working.
• Learning the way that everything works takes a little bit, but I'm trying to get the hang of it.
• My first day of work was Thursday, and what did I do? I forgot my name tag of course. So, that was embarrassing. Luckily, I worked a split shift so I was able to get my name tag for the second half of my shift.
• The girls I work with are very nice and helpful. There are five of us girls who work the hostess stand, and we usually have a pretty good time.
• Not seen wildlife.
• I saw a beaver from the car when driving, but, because it was from so far away and we were moving, I couldn't see it very well.
• Despite all of the bear and moose sightings around the lodge, I have only seen chipmunks on property. Disappointing.
• Not seen Mt. McKinley.
• Apparently every time the mountain is out, I am not. So, I have yet to see it!
• Visited Talkeetna once.
• Talkeetna is the closest little touristy town. We ate at the Flying Squirrel and had a brick-oven pizza with chorizo and potatoes. It was delicious!
• I visited a few of the local shops and am excited to head back there again!
• Gotten rides from nice co-workers.
• Getting up to my room is quite a long walk. First I have to follow the road uphill, then take the little path to the first employee housing area, then take the second path up a ridiculously steep hill to my house. It is exhausting. So, it has been so nice when co-workers offer me a ride home!
• Gotten sick.
• Of course. My first week working and I have a cold. Awesome.
• Slept a lot.
• I have been working a lot of split shifts, so I have taken a lot of naps lately. I have tried to go to bed early, but I'm not too good at that. Since I have to be at work as early as 5:45, naps are saving me!

Well, that is a taste of what I have been doing during the last week! It has been a little crazy but good so far!

Adventure

Obviously it has been a while since I've blogged. What have I been doing? Writing giant research papers, studying for finals, working, packing up one apartment and moving to another, and preparing to go to Alaska this summer. Alaska? Or, as my hermana always says "Ah-lahska." What am I doing in Alaska, you ask? I am working at the Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge as a hostess in the Mountain View Restaurant.

So, Saturday I boarded a plane from Seattle to Anchorage. I have been spending some time hanging out with my cousins in Anchorage before coming up to the lodge today. I met my boss, saw a little bit of the property, had dinner at one of the restaurants, and met my roommate. So far it has been pretty good!

Coming to Alaska is already, and will continue to be such an adventure for me- the only time I have been away from family for so long is at school. So, my hope is to become more independent through this experience.

My goal is to update my blog as often as possible so that you can have some idea about what I'm doing on my adventure!

I would love for you to join me. I would also love prayer. I really don't know anyone here right now, and meeting people is kind of scary. So, please pray for boldness, and that God would provide good friends for me quickly. There is a new girl starting as a hostess at the same time as me, so it will be good to not be the only new person. Please also pray that I will learn quickly and do my job as well as I can. The restaurant I am in is pretty large, so that's a little intimidating. But, I'm sure that I was put there for a reason. I would appreciate any prayers you want to send my way :)

Well, that's all I have for now. I will try to keep my blog as updated as possible and I hope you enjoy my journey as much as I do!