My little brain-dump of a blog has been feeling neglected lately. I've been a bit busy typing away for other sites in the name of money (and pleasure of course): ONE.org my full-time bread and butter and Knot the Groom my other side project.
Here are some of my writing highlights since we last chatted!
Words on poverty and development:
14 Inspiring women and the inspiring things they said
Rare beauty: Meet ONE Mom Nancy Sumari, former Miss Tanzania
World Radio Day: 5 Ways the radio is fighting poverty
Transform your skin, transform a community: The story behind Shea Yeleen
Words on weddings:
Real Wedding Inspiration: Lauren and Brian
Summer fun with our new color dipped canvas totes
I have been having fun expanding my writing repertoire, but I do miss the freedom this blog gives me to banter with that great void we call the internet. It's like sending signals out into space with the hope that there are sentient beings out there. Jury's still out on that one, in the case of the internet and the universe. Having been able to write for a site (cough ONE, cough) with a substantial readership and social media presence has been a blessing and a curse. I had to eventually come to a decision that I would not read comments. Who are these faceless beings that never read our content with good intentions? It's as though they seek out posts they know they will hate. Anyway, virtual haters are not new but they're still disgusting.
And on that note...feel free to leave me a comment! I'd love to not read it. Just kidding. I probably will. I can't seem to help myself sometimes.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Monday, July 16, 2012
Lotus Eaters
Last summer before I left for the Land of Oz...I mean, D.C....I went to watch a great new band perform in Milwaukee. And now the Lotus-Eaters have finally released some rough demos for my east coast enjoyment! Ok, full disclosure, my friend Zach is a member of this "psych and garage band", but I honestly think they have a great sound and infectious energy. If you're in Milwaukee I highly recommend cracking open a PBR and letting your hair down at one of their rockin' live shows. In the meantime, enjoy a listening party on a couch nearest you.
Like what you hear? Check them out on Facebook and see them live!
Random but relevant...
The day of my own personal Lotus-Eaters listening party I also caught up with some books I had not seen in a while. That day in particular I was traversing the great American landscape in a camper with John Steinbeck and his dog Charley when a surprisingly relevant passage jumped out at me:
Like what you hear? Check them out on Facebook and see them live!
Random but relevant...
The day of my own personal Lotus-Eaters listening party I also caught up with some books I had not seen in a while. That day in particular I was traversing the great American landscape in a camper with John Steinbeck and his dog Charley when a surprisingly relevant passage jumped out at me:
Thursday, July 12, 2012
"Lanky brunettes with wicked jaws"
I decided to explore the mysterious Waterfront metro stop this past weekend after reading about a fringe community of houseboat dwellers docked in a little-known D.C. marina. Since it has always been a fantasy of mine to live in a residence that moves depending on my mood I had to check it out.
Not many people talk about (or seem to visit) the D.C. waterfront except to say that it is "under developed." They are definitely not wrong. A mini shopping area of essentials like CVS and Starbucks greets crowds as they exist the metro. Beyond that, however, it's as though people have both put down roots while remaining stubbornly transient. Even the bank is in a mobile home. Past the sleepy houseboats, one lonely hotel, and a strange arena advertising "the event" there is the fish market...under a highway. There is also a HUGE all you can eat seafood buffet that I first thought was a casino from the way masses of people were rushing in with a look of grim determination on their faces. Apparently nothings gets people out in steamy 100 degree weather like endless plates of lobster. Of course I'm not one to talk; I went out with the small hope that I might get to watch the sun set over the Potomac. No luck.
My plan was to follow whatever pedestrian pathway I could find over the river to the Jefferson Memorial. When I reached the point where I needed to cross, I encountered a grizzly-looking gentleman who offered three options: ford the river now, caulk the wagon and float, or wait for the ferry. Ha...oh man. Wouldn't that be awesome. A little Oregon Trail moment. My actual choices were either a dark tunnel of doom or a game of highway dodgeball (if you couldn't guess, balls=cars). I started having flashbacks to several highway-trekking, traffic-dodging family vacation nightmares. So, I chose life and turned my little self around. Not my most successful adventure. I didn't even get to caulk a wagon.
Later that night I shared a few laughs and cocktails with Nick and Nora Charles. Ok, so I know that Nick and Nora are just characters; but if this were 1934 and movies were real and every murder was solved over dinners and martinis by a retired detective and his fabulously wealthy wife, I'm pretty sure Nick, Nora, and I would be best friends. Just saying. It's possible.
Anyway, turns out the E Street Cinema shows awesome classic movies at midnight. I'm in love.
I'll leave you today with ONE's 2012 Summer Music Playlist. Enjoy!
Not many people talk about (or seem to visit) the D.C. waterfront except to say that it is "under developed." They are definitely not wrong. A mini shopping area of essentials like CVS and Starbucks greets crowds as they exist the metro. Beyond that, however, it's as though people have both put down roots while remaining stubbornly transient. Even the bank is in a mobile home. Past the sleepy houseboats, one lonely hotel, and a strange arena advertising "the event" there is the fish market...under a highway. There is also a HUGE all you can eat seafood buffet that I first thought was a casino from the way masses of people were rushing in with a look of grim determination on their faces. Apparently nothings gets people out in steamy 100 degree weather like endless plates of lobster. Of course I'm not one to talk; I went out with the small hope that I might get to watch the sun set over the Potomac. No luck.
My plan was to follow whatever pedestrian pathway I could find over the river to the Jefferson Memorial. When I reached the point where I needed to cross, I encountered a grizzly-looking gentleman who offered three options: ford the river now, caulk the wagon and float, or wait for the ferry. Ha...oh man. Wouldn't that be awesome. A little Oregon Trail moment. My actual choices were either a dark tunnel of doom or a game of highway dodgeball (if you couldn't guess, balls=cars). I started having flashbacks to several highway-trekking, traffic-dodging family vacation nightmares. So, I chose life and turned my little self around. Not my most successful adventure. I didn't even get to caulk a wagon.
Later that night I shared a few laughs and cocktails with Nick and Nora Charles. Ok, so I know that Nick and Nora are just characters; but if this were 1934 and movies were real and every murder was solved over dinners and martinis by a retired detective and his fabulously wealthy wife, I'm pretty sure Nick, Nora, and I would be best friends. Just saying. It's possible.
Anyway, turns out the E Street Cinema shows awesome classic movies at midnight. I'm in love.
I'll leave you today with ONE's 2012 Summer Music Playlist. Enjoy!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Big Girl Pants
Happy belated birthday America! This great time of national celebration is an appropriate one for my much anticipated (cough) return to the blogosphere. Although that is not to say I have been completely absent from the world of blogging, tagging, keywords, SEO, etc. In fact, dear readers, I have been up to my boney little elbows in crinoline and tiaras, experimenting with specialty cocktails, and ogling delectable tiers of buttercream frosting. Enter my wedding-blogger alter ego.
But enough about her. As I was saying, the magical day that is the 4th of July (yes, I know I'm a few days late getting this post up...so sue me!) is a perfect day to return to logging my life and observations on Roundabout. After circling the drain like the cliché college graduate that I am, taking internship after internship with the distant hope of a job offer, I finally landed my first job in Washington, D.C., our nation's lovely capital! It appears I'm a "grown up" now (hence the title of this post). So cheers to you America: you're getting older and you gave me a job when so many others are not as lucky. Also great news, my mom is no longer telling people I am homeless and unemployed. Little things.
What did I do to celebrate über-America day? Went to a Nationals game of course! Baseball is so American--hotdogs, beer, Cracker Jacks...Dominicans. Ok, well that last one was more in reference to a new baseball documentary--Pelotero--coming out next week. I don't really even watch sports, but I love films about sports and athletes. Not sure what that's about. My first Nats game was definitely a success. I can say that because 1. I did not pass out from the heat, 2. I learned that players pick their own "up to bat" music (awesome!), 3. We won! and 4. The jokes on my Cracker Jack's prize actually made me laugh out loud.
Q: What kind of books to planets read? (Keep reading to find the answer!)
But enough about her. As I was saying, the magical day that is the 4th of July (yes, I know I'm a few days late getting this post up...so sue me!) is a perfect day to return to logging my life and observations on Roundabout. After circling the drain like the cliché college graduate that I am, taking internship after internship with the distant hope of a job offer, I finally landed my first job in Washington, D.C., our nation's lovely capital! It appears I'm a "grown up" now (hence the title of this post). So cheers to you America: you're getting older and you gave me a job when so many others are not as lucky. Also great news, my mom is no longer telling people I am homeless and unemployed. Little things.
What did I do to celebrate über-America day? Went to a Nationals game of course! Baseball is so American--hotdogs, beer, Cracker Jacks...Dominicans. Ok, well that last one was more in reference to a new baseball documentary--Pelotero--coming out next week. I don't really even watch sports, but I love films about sports and athletes. Not sure what that's about. My first Nats game was definitely a success. I can say that because 1. I did not pass out from the heat, 2. I learned that players pick their own "up to bat" music (awesome!), 3. We won! and 4. The jokes on my Cracker Jack's prize actually made me laugh out loud.
Q: What kind of books to planets read? (Keep reading to find the answer!)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A Message from Our Sponsors
I break my temporary radio silence to bring you this important and terrifying message:
Jeggings have found their way to the U.S. That is all.
Jeggings have found their way to the U.S. That is all.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Teaser
I finally got my "free" Milwaukee bus pass which means classes must be starting soon. Somehow this was the impetus for getting back to blogging. I'll admit I drastically "checked out" this summer after I set down on US soil June 30th. Weeks of mixed emotions to follow. And I can pretty much sum up the plan to transcribe my backpacking extravaganza in one word. Fail.
Oddly, this summer "up north" has been hot as [fill in blank; options: hell, balls, the inside of a furnace, Brad Pitt, or all of the above] with Singapore-like humidity. All I want to do is pass out in my swimming suit on top of the air conditioner and avoid my equally hot laptop at all costs. As much as I hate our sub zero winters, this heat is just ridiculous. I am too young for hot flashes.
I have to give a "speech" on studying abroad tomorrow to a room full of bored freshman and even more antsy faculty. Hopefully I can muster some pep and keep the nervous palm sweating to a minimum.
I promise my travels will be accounted for soon. My time in Ireland, Portugal and Germany seem like a dream so hopefully when its verified by social media the trip will seem more real. Until then...stay golden.
Oddly, this summer "up north" has been hot as [fill in blank; options: hell, balls, the inside of a furnace, Brad Pitt, or all of the above] with Singapore-like humidity. All I want to do is pass out in my swimming suit on top of the air conditioner and avoid my equally hot laptop at all costs. As much as I hate our sub zero winters, this heat is just ridiculous. I am too young for hot flashes.
I have to give a "speech" on studying abroad tomorrow to a room full of bored freshman and even more antsy faculty. Hopefully I can muster some pep and keep the nervous palm sweating to a minimum.
I promise my travels will be accounted for soon. My time in Ireland, Portugal and Germany seem like a dream so hopefully when its verified by social media the trip will seem more real. Until then...stay golden.
Monday, June 28, 2010
The beginning, the end, and some thoughts
As usual, the problem is where to start! I'm taking a much needed break from packing to finally try and catch up on my blog which was temporarily abandoned for my painfully short 2 week backpacking adventure. With so much to say, I guess the best place to start is at the beginning. This could take a while so please bear with me and keep checking back for more stories.
For once, I can legitimately say I was a real backpacker. Somehow, with muscle and will power, I crammed everything into my 1 piece of hand luggage--my loyal North Face backpack. Lilly's last minute "did you pack this" interrogation was also helpful. I don't think I'd ever traveled so light. Almost busting at the seams, I headed to the airport Friday afternoon (June 11th). I met Sydney at the train station and we said our sad, final goodbyes. Luckily she lives in Montreal so I will hopefully find time to visit her. After waving farewell to Sheffield, I trained to Manchester airport and caught my Ryan Air flight to Dublin. Discount airlines are great but don't have the best departure times, so I got into Dublin pretty late but was able to catch a shuttle to the city centre. I walked the rest of the way to Abbey Court, the hostel I stayed in for 3 nights. It was a pretty nice hostel on the Liffey and I shared my room with about 9 other people. Little did I know, however, that one of my roommates would be an insane, self-medicating, alcoholic Irish hairdresser insomniac. Let's just say she made my first night very interesting...
Side note: My blogging stamina is not what it used to be so I'm thinking short spurts might be how things get caught up. Or, if I'm ambitious, I could spend my airport time on Wednesday working. Meh. Oh, did I mention, I'm flying to Chicago on Wednesday!! Craziness
It's so hard to think about my trip when I looking at my final days here and at my half-packed room with an exhausting mixture of sadness and excitement. England and Sheffield especially have definitely come to feel like home even though I've only been here 5 months. On the other hand, that's no chump change and I've spent almost a half a year away from all my wonderful family and friends back home. I've definitely missed people, anniversaries, weddings, and other important things but I wouldn't give up my time in Sheffield for anything. I have had new experiences, good and bad, and made life-long friends that have changed me forever. Although difficult and frustrating at times, I did enjoy my university work as well, and took some modules that have really expanded my education. As with most things though, I will definitely remember the people I met, the people I lived, danced, laughed, cried and traveled with. I will miss 27, although may be not its perpetual dirtiness. Besides people, I am sorry to say goodbye to savory pies and pasties, professors that sound like Harry Potter characters, the controversial fashion choices, dance clubs in the student union, cheap pints and pubs with character, really cheap taxis, TEA!!, people calling me 'love' and saying 'cheers'
Things I'm happy to leave behind: hills, jeggings, mini skirts, English milkshakes, the weather, the pound (and pound coins), plug adapters, food packaging sizes (I go through those tiny peanut butter jars way too fast), risking my life every time I cross the street, house inspections, 24/7 world cup obsession (can only be taken in small doses)
Things I'm excited for (besides people of course): My wardrobe!! No more living out of a suitcase. An actual TV, buses I understand, using my new cooking skills, fresh-water beaches, my bike, Wisconsin dairy products, Netflix, seeing where life takes me...
I can, at the end of it all without hesitation, say I've changed, although only time and reflection can really say how.
For once, I can legitimately say I was a real backpacker. Somehow, with muscle and will power, I crammed everything into my 1 piece of hand luggage--my loyal North Face backpack. Lilly's last minute "did you pack this" interrogation was also helpful. I don't think I'd ever traveled so light. Almost busting at the seams, I headed to the airport Friday afternoon (June 11th). I met Sydney at the train station and we said our sad, final goodbyes. Luckily she lives in Montreal so I will hopefully find time to visit her. After waving farewell to Sheffield, I trained to Manchester airport and caught my Ryan Air flight to Dublin. Discount airlines are great but don't have the best departure times, so I got into Dublin pretty late but was able to catch a shuttle to the city centre. I walked the rest of the way to Abbey Court, the hostel I stayed in for 3 nights. It was a pretty nice hostel on the Liffey and I shared my room with about 9 other people. Little did I know, however, that one of my roommates would be an insane, self-medicating, alcoholic Irish hairdresser insomniac. Let's just say she made my first night very interesting...
Side note: My blogging stamina is not what it used to be so I'm thinking short spurts might be how things get caught up. Or, if I'm ambitious, I could spend my airport time on Wednesday working. Meh. Oh, did I mention, I'm flying to Chicago on Wednesday!! Craziness
It's so hard to think about my trip when I looking at my final days here and at my half-packed room with an exhausting mixture of sadness and excitement. England and Sheffield especially have definitely come to feel like home even though I've only been here 5 months. On the other hand, that's no chump change and I've spent almost a half a year away from all my wonderful family and friends back home. I've definitely missed people, anniversaries, weddings, and other important things but I wouldn't give up my time in Sheffield for anything. I have had new experiences, good and bad, and made life-long friends that have changed me forever. Although difficult and frustrating at times, I did enjoy my university work as well, and took some modules that have really expanded my education. As with most things though, I will definitely remember the people I met, the people I lived, danced, laughed, cried and traveled with. I will miss 27, although may be not its perpetual dirtiness. Besides people, I am sorry to say goodbye to savory pies and pasties, professors that sound like Harry Potter characters, the controversial fashion choices, dance clubs in the student union, cheap pints and pubs with character, really cheap taxis, TEA!!, people calling me 'love' and saying 'cheers'
Things I'm happy to leave behind: hills, jeggings, mini skirts, English milkshakes, the weather, the pound (and pound coins), plug adapters, food packaging sizes (I go through those tiny peanut butter jars way too fast), risking my life every time I cross the street, house inspections, 24/7 world cup obsession (can only be taken in small doses)
Things I'm excited for (besides people of course): My wardrobe!! No more living out of a suitcase. An actual TV, buses I understand, using my new cooking skills, fresh-water beaches, my bike, Wisconsin dairy products, Netflix, seeing where life takes me...
I can, at the end of it all without hesitation, say I've changed, although only time and reflection can really say how.
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