The Summer of 2013

A Reflection of My Summer

Before I started writing this blog post, I listed everything I did this summer on a sticky note on my desk. And then I needed a second one because I ran out of space on the first sticky note. I’ve probably done more things this summer than I’ve done in the past three summers combined. It has been filled with many events, activities, and lasting memories.

Much of the things I did this summer centered around two of my friends’ weddings. We went to a Brewer’s game, the Mitchell Park Domes, the Cheesecake Factory (it was my first time there, believe it or not), and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

I did quite a few things with my family as well including, taking my niece to the zoo for the first time, my godson’s first birthday, and my sister’s baby shower. My sister is due any day now. I could literally get a call from her husband while I’m typing this!

I’ve also experienced life milestones. I graduated from Moraine Park, I celebrated another birthday, and I started a new, full-time job.

I somehow managed to squeeze in two activities that challenged me this summer. First, I took up running. I am now running longer and faster than I have ever ran in my life. Second, I participated in GISHWHES (the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt The World Has Ever Seen). It’s a weeklong contest and charity event. It encourages people to be more outgoing by completing a long list of crazy tasks as a team as well as random acts of kindness and giving back to the community. My teammates and I created a pair of “helium pants,” sewed a teabag swimsuit, gave diapers to a local charity, and donated blood. This year I helped break a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest online photo album of people hugging!

It kind of feels like things should be winding down now that we’re heading into fall. But, I think things are still going to be pretty busy. I’ll be working overtime at my job this week, and I start one of my classes for the Audio-Video Certificate at MPTC.

Good luck to everyone beginning their first semester of college, or their last year of school, or their new job, or whatever life has handed you this year. Make it amazing, make it important, and enjoy the good things in life whether they’d be big or small, a lot or a little. And when you get the chance, take the opportunity for a little catnap. It’s good for you.

Thinking About Fall Already

Month in Review: A Reflection of July

It sure doesn’t take long for the stores to switch from advertising shorts and swimsuits to advertising sales on school supplies and first-day-of-school outfits. Speaking of school supplies, I usually use my old notebooks until they are completely full before I buy new ones. Well, it looks like I’ll need to buy at least one new notebook and folder. My favorite folder has a pretty sizeable tear, and it’s seen better days. In a few weeks I’ll be buying my new laptop, then I’ll be all set to start the Audio/Video Certificate this fall.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the events section on the myMPTC portal. I’m very excited to see that Mission IMPROVable will be performing at the Welcome Back lunch. They are an improvisation group I’ve seen in the past, and they are so much fun. I highly encourage you to see them if you can! It is sure to be a memorable experience you’ll share with your friends for years to come. My friends and I still talk about their show and quote it.

At work I’ve been given more responsibility. I’ve been there for two months, and I’m starting to feel pretty comfortable with what I’m doing. The job duties test my multitasking ability, because I have lots of projects to work on simultaneously. I think college helps build those skills. When you’re taking four or five classes in a semester, you have no choice but to work on several projects all at the same time.

If you’re enrolled in classes this fall, enjoy the last few weeks of August before the semester starts. It’s right around the corner. I don’t have too much planned for the rest of the month. I think I’m just going to take it easy and enjoy the weather. What are your plans for August?