Last month I felt like I was on the verge of some kind of weird breakdown. I had gotten hung up on September 11, various conspiracy theories, the Syrian war, the Newsroom, and everything else the news had to offer. I wasn't just feeling down on myself, I was feeling down on the world, but that only made me feel worse about myself. Pathetic, I know.
But why?
Because here I sit, in fabulous Los Angeles with a college degree from Oregon State University, work experience in various areas of the entertainment industry, a worldly background, and charisma to boot, and I feel like I can't find a full-time job (that I like) to save my damn life.
I'm not talking part-time job, volunteer work, or internships, I'm talking a job. The 9-5 lifestyle that consists of a salary, benefits, company camaraderie, the whole lot. Sounds easy, right?
When I, and anyone else that was born anywhere from 1985-1992 were told that we would spend all this time in school, go to college, make lifelong friends, and graduate with the knowledge and opportunity to blast into the work force and find a great job paying $40k plus with benefits. We were lied to.
Is it the liars fault that we were lied to? Not at all. Even though we want to believe it, our parents can't predict the future. They couldn't predict that terror would strike us in ways we didn't think was possible. They had no idea the banks were full of terrible people doing selfish things. And they definitely didn't know that most of us would still be living with them at the age of 24 or 25, working part time at Starbucks and part time at Red Robin and living at home.
I visited home recently and realized how many people still live in the town I grew up in and they have part time, minimum wage jobs, and college degrees. See what's wrong with this picture? We are the milennials, we are supposed to be the ones that save the world. We're supposed to be the ones that put a stop to global warming and human rights issues, and vote for the first female president. But so far, we haven't figured much of that out because we are struggling to survive ourselves. Therefore, all the old farts think that we are lazy. HA.
As I sit and think about all of these things day in and day out - about how I can get better every day and how I am going to make a difference, I get frustrated. I know one day I will have a career I love, the family I want, and so on and so forth, but right now it all seems so far away. The milennials went through such a transition in history and we haven't completely made the switch yet. That part we are still trying to figure out.
When I thought I had reached my breaking point a few weeks ago, I finally got enough sleep to snap back into the glass half full skeptic that I am (sort of ironic, I know). And I realized this:
Working a minimum-wage job with a brand new shiny college degree isn't the depressing part. Living with your parents doesn't suck that bad (after all, you did it for the first 18 years or so of your life). But what does suck is giving up. Giving up on your peers, your country, and yourself. If you do all of that, you are sure to live a miserable life.
People have said we are the problem generation. With tattoos, piercings, truck driver mouths, and Miley Cyrus, but we still have many great qualities. Our generation elected the first African-American president. Our generation has brought you things like Tumblr and Facebook (and you're lying if you say you don't like them). And our generation brought you us - we are who we are and we're not really going to ever change no matter what you say, but be grateful, it will be a good thing one day. When the milennials are old and pooping in their adult Pampers, the young people are going to be grateful for us and what we accomplished.
What I'm really trying to say to the people my age (24 or around there) is don't put so much pressure on yourself that you give up completely. Don't crumble into a million pieces and work at 24 Hour Fitness for the next 10 years. Do what you want to do. Get your bills paid, of course, but don't give up what you're passionate about. If no one is going to offer you a real job anyway, make your own. Do it yourself.
I put all this pressure on myself that I have to find the perfect job tomorrow, I have to lose 15 lbs. this week, and that I have to find the man of my dreams and have a baby by next Friday.
That might sound really super crazy to some of you reading this, but believe me, there are a million other 20-somethings out there thinking the exact same thing. In so many ways I want so badly to be perfect that I almost feel like I'm nothing but a lazy piece of crap, but that's not the case! Not even close. I am worth a full-time job, the benefits, the husband, and the family. But Rome wasn't built in a day.
Moral of the story? Take your time. Pay your bills however you need to. Live your life one day at a time. When you lie down at night to fall asleep, think about each thing you did that day to accomplish one step closer to your ultimate goal.
For example:
-- Today I secured a part-time job
-- I started a new writing class
-- I rode my horse
Those are just three things I did today that helped me in various ways move closer to my ultimate goal. Life is supposed to ultimately be something of joy, laughter, and willingness to love.
Try it, I dare you.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Racism and 2014 Miss America Winner
I am proud to call myself an American. Although our country is not perfect, not now and not in the past, I still believe we live in one of the greatest countries in the world. We are a culture built on immigrants, built on diversity, and built on the idea that everyone can be their own person and live the American dream.
On Sunday night I watched as Miss New York won the Miss America pageant for the second year in a row. Last year, Miss New York was a Caucasian blonde. This year, Miss New York is an Indian-American. Last year, no one thought twice about the race of the newly crowned Miss America. This year, Twitter broke out into a verbal race war because Miss America wasn't "white."
Several websites started posting stories with screen shots of people's reactions to the new winner:
When this was brought to my attention, I was shocked. How can people honestly say these things and then go and publish them online? Not only is Miss New York NOT Middle Eastern, this woman is an American citizen. She has worked her tail off to try and get this far to earn a scholarship and the title of Miss America. What makes her less deserving of this award? Her skin color? You guys, it's almost 2014, and you still want to make race an issue?
Shame on you.
If you are human, chances are you have had challenges in your life. Someone has made fun of you. There isn't a single person on this planet who hasn't had someone say something bad about them at some point in their life. And when that person said that mean thing to you, about something you probably couldn't change, how did that make you feel?
Chances are, even if you are as strong as the Hulk, it made you feel sad, or worthless, or like you weren't good enough. I'd have a hard time believing it made you feel like a million bucks.
Now imagine if people were constantly cutting you down because of your skin color, or who you chose to love — two things that you can't change about yourself and leaving you to feel like you're never going to be good enough.
Do you really think that's fair?
If you think that's fair, then it's certainly fair for someone to come into your life, pick you apart like an onion, and point out everything they see as a flaw in your life or your appearance, and tell you you're not good enough, and never will be. You can handle it right? It won't make you mad?
Doubt it.
I don't believe in racism. I don't believe in homophobia. I don't believe in sexism. And I won't stand for discriminatory words towards anyone. I have friends of all backgrounds and each person is unique and has something special to offer. I never thought for a second because they looked different from one of my other friends that, that made them less of a friend to me.
Every child brought into this world deserves a fighting chance, regardless of who they are.
So next time you think about slamming someone for their race, or who they love, or where they come from, think about how you would feel if someone were to say that about you.
It probably wouldn't feel so good.
On Sunday night I watched as Miss New York won the Miss America pageant for the second year in a row. Last year, Miss New York was a Caucasian blonde. This year, Miss New York is an Indian-American. Last year, no one thought twice about the race of the newly crowned Miss America. This year, Twitter broke out into a verbal race war because Miss America wasn't "white."
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| Photo via http://media2.wptv.com//photo/2013/09/16/WPTV-Miss- America-2013-Nina-Davuluri_20130916062722_320_240.JPG |
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| Photo via http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/09/new_miss_america_faces_harsh_racism.html |
Shame on you.
If you are human, chances are you have had challenges in your life. Someone has made fun of you. There isn't a single person on this planet who hasn't had someone say something bad about them at some point in their life. And when that person said that mean thing to you, about something you probably couldn't change, how did that make you feel?
Chances are, even if you are as strong as the Hulk, it made you feel sad, or worthless, or like you weren't good enough. I'd have a hard time believing it made you feel like a million bucks.
Now imagine if people were constantly cutting you down because of your skin color, or who you chose to love — two things that you can't change about yourself and leaving you to feel like you're never going to be good enough.
Do you really think that's fair?
If you think that's fair, then it's certainly fair for someone to come into your life, pick you apart like an onion, and point out everything they see as a flaw in your life or your appearance, and tell you you're not good enough, and never will be. You can handle it right? It won't make you mad?
Doubt it.
I don't believe in racism. I don't believe in homophobia. I don't believe in sexism. And I won't stand for discriminatory words towards anyone. I have friends of all backgrounds and each person is unique and has something special to offer. I never thought for a second because they looked different from one of my other friends that, that made them less of a friend to me.
Every child brought into this world deserves a fighting chance, regardless of who they are.
So next time you think about slamming someone for their race, or who they love, or where they come from, think about how you would feel if someone were to say that about you.
It probably wouldn't feel so good.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Miley Cyrus: Right or Wrong?
Everyone is talking about it, so I figure I might as well too.
Miley Cyrus.
Here are my top five reasons why her performance of "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke isn't really that big of a deal.
1.) She is an entertainer and for years has attempted to shock the public, especially while on T.V. So nothing new there. You gotta give her credit for trying, because for now it's working.
2.) If men can be on stage with half naked women and Lady Gaga can show her entire rear at the same show without and repercussions, then no one can really be mad about Miley's outfit and dance moves.
3.) The overall performance was terrible, and not because of the way Miley acted. Neither her or Robin Thicke sounded good, nothing looked smooth, and as a whole it seemed like a giant effort to shock everyone, thus leaving people unimpressed.
4.) I had a couple people texting me that saw the performance before I did, saying "OMG wait till you see Miley's performance." Of course I saw it, and just really wasn't that shocked. She's put so much effort and time into being this crazy person and I just don't know if it's really working for her, or if it will last.
5.) Publicity. Whatever keeps people talking about celebrities keeps those celebrities making money. So the more we talk about her, the more money she makes. Yes, it sounds crazy...but if I had a dollar for every time I said that. Whether good or bad, talk is talk.
In the end, I just think that what Miley is trying to do, and everyone trying to help her do it, isn't going to last forever. She's either going to go bonkers (I would if I had giant teddy bears following me around everywhere), or she's going to change her entire look again, and again...and again. So if I were you, and you were bothered by what you saw at the VMA's, you might as well get over it, because it's not the last you're going to see of her, unless you turn off your T.V.
Miley Cyrus.
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| Photo Credit: http://thebiglead.com/2013/08/26/ roundup-miley-cyrus-wins-the-mtv- vmas-college-football-begins-this-week -summers-nearly-over/ |
1.) She is an entertainer and for years has attempted to shock the public, especially while on T.V. So nothing new there. You gotta give her credit for trying, because for now it's working.
2.) If men can be on stage with half naked women and Lady Gaga can show her entire rear at the same show without and repercussions, then no one can really be mad about Miley's outfit and dance moves.
3.) The overall performance was terrible, and not because of the way Miley acted. Neither her or Robin Thicke sounded good, nothing looked smooth, and as a whole it seemed like a giant effort to shock everyone, thus leaving people unimpressed.
4.) I had a couple people texting me that saw the performance before I did, saying "OMG wait till you see Miley's performance." Of course I saw it, and just really wasn't that shocked. She's put so much effort and time into being this crazy person and I just don't know if it's really working for her, or if it will last.
5.) Publicity. Whatever keeps people talking about celebrities keeps those celebrities making money. So the more we talk about her, the more money she makes. Yes, it sounds crazy...but if I had a dollar for every time I said that. Whether good or bad, talk is talk.
In the end, I just think that what Miley is trying to do, and everyone trying to help her do it, isn't going to last forever. She's either going to go bonkers (I would if I had giant teddy bears following me around everywhere), or she's going to change her entire look again, and again...and again. So if I were you, and you were bothered by what you saw at the VMA's, you might as well get over it, because it's not the last you're going to see of her, unless you turn off your T.V.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Follow Your Dreams, Go For Gold
When people tell you to follow your dreams, they should mean it. It's not like they are telling you some stupid cliche because they want you to be happy. They're telling you because at the bottom of every cliche is a truth. And the truth is, never stop doing what makes you happy. At the end of every day, all a person wants is happiness - at least that's what I want.
It might sound childish, silly, or weird, but it's the truth. After spending countless hours on the back of a horse, weekends in cheap hotels, and winning boxes of ribbons I'll never know what to do with, quitting was probably not the best idea I ever had. I took a four year break and realized it was very silly, which is why I've picked it back up, and I won't be letting go for as long as I can.
Lots of things make a person happy — money, family, a great job, friends, you name it. It's different for everyone, but when it comes to myself, I think I've finally figured out some key things that make me happy. The most recent? Horses.
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| Ivy Photo Credit: Sarah Sellin-Eiler |
Riding horses isn't cheap, and it takes a lot of time, but so far in life I don't think I know of anything else that makes me happier. I'd rather go broke riding horses than seeing a therapist once a week for the rest of my life. It's an instant smile, a warm welcome, and a peaceful escape. I could never go on another vacation in my life and be totally happy just going to shows and being dirty all the time.
That being said, I am still glad I have taken some time to try out new things. I enjoyed college, moved to California, and have tried many things in between. However, every time I realize I don't like something or I'm not happy, I compare it to my love of being an equestrian. That's generally when I realize "No, this just isn't for me".
Life is a funny journey and it's good to experience all kinds of different things. Living is how we find out what we like and don't like. One of the most important parts of finding those things is realizing that if we like it, to never let go, and if we don't, to wash it away like dirty dishes. That's the hard part.
Now I can say I have a horse, and am riding again. I smile easily. I am happy.
I might go broke eventually, but I will always work towards doing the things I love. Everyone should follow their dreams. That's what leads to ultimate happiness. You might take detours, fall on your face a few times, or totally sh** the bed (excuse the expression), but at least you tried, and there is always something to be learned from that.
So folks, time to set your fear aside and go for gold. Whatever it is you quit or always wanted to try, do it! The only thing stopping you is yourself.
So folks, time to set your fear aside and go for gold. Whatever it is you quit or always wanted to try, do it! The only thing stopping you is yourself.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Time Warner Cable: The Worst Company Ever
I watch TV. I love TV. I also love cable, but I do not love Time Warner Cable (TWC).
At this point, I am beyond appalled at my experience with Time Warner Cable over the last two years. Their service is beyond poor on every level. Since I signed up with TWC in 2011, I have had the following:
At this point, I am beyond appalled at my experience with Time Warner Cable over the last two years. Their service is beyond poor on every level. Since I signed up with TWC in 2011, I have had the following:
- Cable boxes that didn't work
- Internet routers that didn't work
- Cable outages without notification
- Been on hold for more than an hour with technical support
- No CBS/Showtime due to dispute between both companies
- Treated disrespectfully by employees in TWC stores
- Treated disrespectfully by customer service representatives over the phone
I've simply had enough. If DirectTV would hurry up and make a deal with the PAC-12 Network, I would switch in a heartbeat and never look back, and probably be a lot happier.
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| Photo credit: http://memegenerator.net/instance/33164146 |
My biggest issue with TWC is that not a single person I've spoken to within the company has tried to make up with my repeated poor experiences thus far. Recently, I was on the phone with a customer service representative and made the threat to switch to DirectTV because of the CBS dispute. His response was, "Well as soon as DirectTV's contract is up with CBS the same thing is going to happen." Okay, now true or not, that was the wrong thing to say to any customer. I mean c'mon, really?!
*Throws hands up in the air*
I'm reaching a serious breaking point. I have yet to speak to someone I know who has TWC that is happy with their service. Time Warner hasn't tried to make up for the fact that CBS is missing from the channel lineup and people are pissed. So pissed that it's lead to a class-action law suit and I'm thinking it might be a good idea to hop on that wagon.
Time Warner, I dare you to take some initiative to make up for your millions of mistakes. Be the better man. Give customers something that will make them happy they are your customers instead of something that will lead to yet another bad Yelp review, letters of complaint and cancelled services.
I don't have an MBA, I'm not a rocket scientist, and I haven't cured cancer yet, but what I do know is whoever is running TWC is doing a terrible job. To any of you out there that may work for Time Warner Cable, I feel sorry for you, but I also think it's time for someone to step up and try to fix this company. Of course, anything is easier said than done, but it's time.
The older I get, the more I care about customer service. The same way superstars have to give credit to their fans, most companies would be nothing without their customers. So, if you're going to have a company and you're going to have customers or clients, be sure to treat them like gold, or whatever you created won't be around for long.
To fellow Time Warner Cable customers out there, please comment and let me know your thoughts, I would love to hear from someone who is satisfied with their service from TWC and why. And to those that aren't satisfied, I want to hear from you too, because we are all in this together, unless of course DirectTV adds PAC-12.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Music Review: The Heavy — If You Haven't, You Need To
I got out of the music business several months ago when I decided it wasn't for me, but that doesn't mean I don't still like to go and support the bands I loved most from the company I worked at.
This past Thursday night I went and saw the neo-soul rock band, The Heavy at the Fonda theater in Hollywood. The band is made up of Kelvin (lead singer), Dan (guitar), Spencer (bass), and Chris (drums), and every now and again they add in some horns as well.
I cannot say enough good things about this band. Not only are they great live (I've seen them three times), but their music is awesome. "How You Like Me Now," is their biggest hit and has been featured in what seems like everything, including Horrible Bosses, Superbowl XLIV, and served as the background music when Barack Obama won the 2012 presidential election. If the tune hasn't popped up in your head yet, it will shortly.
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| Photo Credit: http://www.last.fm/music/The+Heavy |
Since it was the third time seeing the band, I wasn't sure what was going to be different than the last two times but actually, I was more entertained than ever. The Fonda is a great venue for live music and The Heavy definitely delivered. They played all their hits but the encore was definitely the kicker. When the band came out to sing their famous hit, The Silent Comedy, who is the band that performed before (also great music), presented the band with their framed gold record for the song — a great moment for a group of guys who work hard and make great music.
If you haven't seen The Heavy yet, you have to check them out whether it's in person or listening to the music. They're still on their North American tour, hitting Portland, OR tomorrow night, however that show is sold out. Regardless, their music is worth a listen, but most of you have heard it already, you just might not realize it.
If you haven't seen The Heavy yet, you have to check them out whether it's in person or listening to the music. They're still on their North American tour, hitting Portland, OR tomorrow night, however that show is sold out. Regardless, their music is worth a listen, but most of you have heard it already, you just might not realize it.
"How You Like Me Now"
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Why California Adventure is worth the extra $45
I've always been a huge fan of Disneyland and California Adventure, but with a less-than-stable economy, I've noticed there are a lot of people who aren't as interested in visiting the parks because of the price of tickets just to enter, let alone paying the price to go to both parks.
This year, Disneyland raised their one-day, one-park pass from $87 to $92. A one day park hopper pass is $137. They also raised the price of annual passes and parking, which has a lot of people asking the question, is Disney worth it?
I say yes.
For a family of four, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disneyland costs a total of $368. This cost does not include the parking, food, souvenirs, etc. that a family will probably purchase during their day at the Happiest Place on Earth. Keep in mind this does not include California Adventure.
I get it, this is expensive, and it's not a place you're going to visit more than every few years for special vacations.
But let me say this — when you do visit, make the most of your money and do go to both parks, it's worth it, especially if you're 21 and over.
Before the renovation of California Adventure and the addition of Cars Land, there were a lot of people who were less interested in paying the extra dollars to spend time at the park. California Adventure has a totally different feel than Disneyland. It's less magical, more realistic, and it feels a lot bigger as far as walking goes. However, since the renovation, California Adventure has added Cars Land, redesigned the front entrance, and added additional rides throughout the park.
For the kids, Cars Land is a sight to see, especially at night. When you step foot into Radiator Springs, you immediately feel like you're in the movie. Where Radiator Springs dead ends, the fun begins — Radiator Springs Racers. This ride takes you through life as a car, a tune up, and finishes on a race against your fellow park-goers.
This ride is brilliant — it's a mix of storytelling, adrenaline, and laughter all in one. In my opinion, this ride alone is worth paying to get into California Adventure, but instead of waiting in the two hour line, just do single rider and you will only wait about 30 minutes.
For the adult Disney lovers, California Adventure is worth it for two reasons — food and drink. Inside the park you have several options of places to drink beer, wine, and hard alcohol as well as sit down restaurants for a decent, relaxing meal. These options just don't exist in Disneyland. I say if you're going to spend the money on food in the park anyway, might as well eat something good. My favorite is Carthay Circle, because not only do they have a bar separate from the dining room with great Korean beef tacos, but they will fix you any kind of drink. Their specialty is a Manhattan but this isn't just any Manhattan — it has a sphere of ice in it.
That's right, leave it to Disney to take ice to the next level. They own a machine that non-electricly turns a cylinder of ice into a perfect sphere with no bubbles. It's beautiful and delicious. So when you need a break from the crowds, the kids, and your feet, crawl into Carthay Circle, because once you're in, you feel yet another world away. Also, be sure to look for the smallest hidden Mickey just outside the main door. Hint: It's under your feet.
If you're not totally sold yet on giving California Adventure another shot, I'll be writing another blog post in coming weeks about all the different places to drink in the park and probably creating some kind of drinking game for those of you who need even more entertainment.
This year, Disneyland raised their one-day, one-park pass from $87 to $92. A one day park hopper pass is $137. They also raised the price of annual passes and parking, which has a lot of people asking the question, is Disney worth it?
I say yes.
For a family of four, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disneyland costs a total of $368. This cost does not include the parking, food, souvenirs, etc. that a family will probably purchase during their day at the Happiest Place on Earth. Keep in mind this does not include California Adventure.
I get it, this is expensive, and it's not a place you're going to visit more than every few years for special vacations.
But let me say this — when you do visit, make the most of your money and do go to both parks, it's worth it, especially if you're 21 and over.
Before the renovation of California Adventure and the addition of Cars Land, there were a lot of people who were less interested in paying the extra dollars to spend time at the park. California Adventure has a totally different feel than Disneyland. It's less magical, more realistic, and it feels a lot bigger as far as walking goes. However, since the renovation, California Adventure has added Cars Land, redesigned the front entrance, and added additional rides throughout the park.
For the kids, Cars Land is a sight to see, especially at night. When you step foot into Radiator Springs, you immediately feel like you're in the movie. Where Radiator Springs dead ends, the fun begins — Radiator Springs Racers. This ride takes you through life as a car, a tune up, and finishes on a race against your fellow park-goers.
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| Photo credit: http://geekscorner.dapsmagic.com/2012/06/13/geeks-corner- its-cars-land-time-episode-137/ |
For the adult Disney lovers, California Adventure is worth it for two reasons — food and drink. Inside the park you have several options of places to drink beer, wine, and hard alcohol as well as sit down restaurants for a decent, relaxing meal. These options just don't exist in Disneyland. I say if you're going to spend the money on food in the park anyway, might as well eat something good. My favorite is Carthay Circle, because not only do they have a bar separate from the dining room with great Korean beef tacos, but they will fix you any kind of drink. Their specialty is a Manhattan but this isn't just any Manhattan — it has a sphere of ice in it.
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| Photo credit: http://www.gizmag.com/ice-ball-mold-ice-machine/14086/ |
If you're not totally sold yet on giving California Adventure another shot, I'll be writing another blog post in coming weeks about all the different places to drink in the park and probably creating some kind of drinking game for those of you who need even more entertainment.
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