People always say to do what's right for you, but why then is it that when you follow that advice you end up hurting someone?
I've come to the conclusion I can't make everyone happy all the time. That's old news. But it helps when others try to understand why I make the choices I make.
I'm not a mean person. I had the tendency to be a little impatient, a little selfish. But I'm feeling myself change every day, and I often catch myself before I respond in a way that someone might take offensively.
Whatever the case may be, I do respect and appreciate all my friends, no matter what. And any fragment of conversation that may portray me to be ungrateful or crass is most likely unintentional.
So, forgive me for any times I have been a lousy friend or like I just didn't care. Because I do.
I am working on showing it.
On a lighter note, I am getting back into the theatre world, slowly but surely.
I went to the Civic theatre downtown yesterday to paint the set for Willy Wonka.
It almost, almost felt like I was right back at the Bonstelle. Standing on the stage, looking out into the audience, my heartstrings were gripped and toyed with a little until I went back to work.
It's that sight that is burned into my mind that I can't shake.
Why does nothing else compare? No feeling is greater than the thrill of performing on a stage.
When it's not in my life, i'm not myself.
I feel like a different person.
Unable to express myself, I have no outlet and I am changed.
I am continuing the hunt to find the perfect monologue so I can dive back into the world I miss.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
(Why is it that I feel more productive when I have my hair up?)
I'm learning more and more about myself every day....especially since coming back from France.
I've been constantly analyzing my feelings and choices, and I am happy with the person I am becoming.
I learn more about myself at work, here at my house, out at parties with friends...some things I am proud of, others I wish to change.
1. I have been very nervous at work since starting at the rec center, and I don't know why but I felt like everything I did was under constant surveillance and I would be severely scrutinized if I were to make even the slightest mistake. I began to lose focus, and starting making even more errors than I normally would just because I was so stressed about getting everything right. The first few weeks working in the new positions I was trained for were hard for me. I also felt like the other employees thought I was incapable of doing easy, simple tasks like counting down my cash drawer (which I had botched twice in a row in 2 weeks) and started to worry about whether or not they were thinking about giving me the boot (I think some of this paranoia stems from having been "let go" from Food Dance earlier in the summer). The past week has been increasingly better. I come to work with a positive attitude and have been more focused, less worried about what others have been saying/thinking, and I go and do my job and leave. I try and pick up extra shifts when possible, to make up for the blunders I've created since starting. I've written e-mails to the accountant apologizing for my mistakes with the cash drawer (I see her all the time walking around the building, too, but she never acknowledges me). I wonder if she's just like that, or if she is just bitter about us students making her job hard. I'll never know unless she looks at me next time she walks by the control desk and notices that I've been smiling at her the whole time, waiting to start a friendly conversation.
2. My changes in diet and concern for health is currently occupying my life more than ever, and I am learning what I should and shouldn't eat, what is harmful to my body, and how I can prevent disease. I feel since growing up my mom has always instilled in me a passion for health, because she raised us kids to be conscious from day 1 to properly nourish ourselves. I am always reading labels, checking times things are cooking and expiration dates on packaging. There are those who approach me and say it is not necessary to be so strict. I personally feel that if you are constantly putting things into your body without knowing what they contain, you will end up doing harm to your body and you will feel your energy decrease as the years go by. I have given up fast food, become a vegetarian, and tried veganism all this year. Just recently I began eating small amounts of dairy because I found my body was asking for eggs and cheese and milk, but I am trying to buy only cage-free eggs and organic milk without added hormones. It is more expensive, but I will pay a few dollars more to stay healthy. I would not be so passionate about something if I didn't feel it were such an important thing. Health and nutrition have become a large point of interest in my life, so when I recommend using something like Flax Seed to replace oil because we've run out or applesauce or bananas to replace butter, it's not because I'm trying to get you to eat like I do. I only encourage a healthy lifestyle and wish that those around me keep an open mind so one day they might try healthy alternatives to processed foods and feel their bodies open up to a newer, cleaner diet.
(to be continued)
I'm learning more and more about myself every day....especially since coming back from France.
I've been constantly analyzing my feelings and choices, and I am happy with the person I am becoming.
I learn more about myself at work, here at my house, out at parties with friends...some things I am proud of, others I wish to change.
1. I have been very nervous at work since starting at the rec center, and I don't know why but I felt like everything I did was under constant surveillance and I would be severely scrutinized if I were to make even the slightest mistake. I began to lose focus, and starting making even more errors than I normally would just because I was so stressed about getting everything right. The first few weeks working in the new positions I was trained for were hard for me. I also felt like the other employees thought I was incapable of doing easy, simple tasks like counting down my cash drawer (which I had botched twice in a row in 2 weeks) and started to worry about whether or not they were thinking about giving me the boot (I think some of this paranoia stems from having been "let go" from Food Dance earlier in the summer). The past week has been increasingly better. I come to work with a positive attitude and have been more focused, less worried about what others have been saying/thinking, and I go and do my job and leave. I try and pick up extra shifts when possible, to make up for the blunders I've created since starting. I've written e-mails to the accountant apologizing for my mistakes with the cash drawer (I see her all the time walking around the building, too, but she never acknowledges me). I wonder if she's just like that, or if she is just bitter about us students making her job hard. I'll never know unless she looks at me next time she walks by the control desk and notices that I've been smiling at her the whole time, waiting to start a friendly conversation.
2. My changes in diet and concern for health is currently occupying my life more than ever, and I am learning what I should and shouldn't eat, what is harmful to my body, and how I can prevent disease. I feel since growing up my mom has always instilled in me a passion for health, because she raised us kids to be conscious from day 1 to properly nourish ourselves. I am always reading labels, checking times things are cooking and expiration dates on packaging. There are those who approach me and say it is not necessary to be so strict. I personally feel that if you are constantly putting things into your body without knowing what they contain, you will end up doing harm to your body and you will feel your energy decrease as the years go by. I have given up fast food, become a vegetarian, and tried veganism all this year. Just recently I began eating small amounts of dairy because I found my body was asking for eggs and cheese and milk, but I am trying to buy only cage-free eggs and organic milk without added hormones. It is more expensive, but I will pay a few dollars more to stay healthy. I would not be so passionate about something if I didn't feel it were such an important thing. Health and nutrition have become a large point of interest in my life, so when I recommend using something like Flax Seed to replace oil because we've run out or applesauce or bananas to replace butter, it's not because I'm trying to get you to eat like I do. I only encourage a healthy lifestyle and wish that those around me keep an open mind so one day they might try healthy alternatives to processed foods and feel their bodies open up to a newer, cleaner diet.
(to be continued)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
memories of France...part one.
Things I don't want to forget about France.
· Before a theatre spectacle begins, there is a traditional rapping of a stick backstage to begin the piece.
· After every performance, (theatre, opera, ballet, what have you) it's almost custom to encore the performers for a second (or third) bow.
· At the grocery, you have to weigh your veggies and print out a sticker before buying them.
· Walking past/inside a bakery...the smells, the breads, the pastries, the cute bakers...
· On every food advertisement..."Always consume at least 5 fruits and vegetables each day...too much fat and sugar is bad for the health..."
· The smell of the fire in Francoise's house
· The view off the balcony from Arlette's house
· The smell of the flowers by the Mairie/the Doubs in front of the Co-Op
· The chime at the Charles de Gaulle Airport
· The metro....the crowding, rushing, Orangina advertisements...
· The Croix Rouge volunteers who don't let you pass down Grande Rue
Some of my fondest memories were simply the picturesque views I had, especially walking along the Doubs river at any given time of day. When I left Francoise’s house early in the morning, on my way to the Centre de Linguistique Appliquee, it wouldn’t be too long before I passed a large group of pompiers, or firemen, and policemen running together, all in yellow or red shirts and chatting away as if the running was completely effortless. This of course made me jealous because I can barely hold a conversation when I run, before I lose my breath. But they were all cheery and usually at least 2 or 3 would give me a hearty “bonjour!” as I walked by.
Another very fond moment was passing by the group of bongo players on the other side of the river, down by the park (across from the CLA.) I had my iPod on me at the time, but definitely had to turn it off (how long do you run into musicians giving free concerts on a beautiful day?!) A whole bunch of people, especially near the end of my stay (because the weather was SO nice) would lie out on the grass facing Fort Chaudanne and just sunbathe as if it were a beach with no sand. Everyone just treated the riverside like a public gathering spot (which was totally cool!) Some had books, played Frisbee with their dogs, a lot of younger adults had instruments like guitars, and many would just sit and smoke. Of course, you also have those with their wine and cheese and whatever else made it into the picnic basket for the day.
I absolutely cannot forget Olive, Francoise’s petit noir chien with the short stubby tail, which she never EVER washed (her coat was so oily, every time you pet her you simply had to wash your hands directly afterwards!) Marta and I quickly learned this and were thinking of ways to tell Francoise that Olive needed to be given a bath sooner or later. I think since the dog belonged to one of her sons, who was grown and married with a kid, she didn’t feel as attached to her, as she might have been if she were the original owner. So eventually, the nice neighbor who lived next door (who always came by with a loaf of Marzipan for me and Marta J ) washed Olive himself. Good thing, too- poor dog was probably super itchy from being so dirty!
I know I won’t forget the good times had with Marta, my “little” big host sister. She was also studying in France, an American from Boston, working as a teaching assistant at a few school for younger French kids. She had a few nastier classes with snotty kids I guess, that were just hard to get to obey. But she did seem to have one class that obeyed and didn’t give her a hard time. She told me a lot about what it was like to teach in France, and got me interested in maybe pursuing the same thing. She mostly played learning games in a few of her classes (can’t be too hard, can it?) I think if the opportunity came up, I’d definitely give it a shot.
· Before a theatre spectacle begins, there is a traditional rapping of a stick backstage to begin the piece.
· After every performance, (theatre, opera, ballet, what have you) it's almost custom to encore the performers for a second (or third) bow.
· At the grocery, you have to weigh your veggies and print out a sticker before buying them.
· Walking past/inside a bakery...the smells, the breads, the pastries, the cute bakers...
· On every food advertisement..."Always consume at least 5 fruits and vegetables each day...too much fat and sugar is bad for the health..."
· The smell of the fire in Francoise's house
· The view off the balcony from Arlette's house
· The smell of the flowers by the Mairie/the Doubs in front of the Co-Op
· The chime at the Charles de Gaulle Airport
· The metro....the crowding, rushing, Orangina advertisements...
· The Croix Rouge volunteers who don't let you pass down Grande Rue
Some of my fondest memories were simply the picturesque views I had, especially walking along the Doubs river at any given time of day. When I left Francoise’s house early in the morning, on my way to the Centre de Linguistique Appliquee, it wouldn’t be too long before I passed a large group of pompiers, or firemen, and policemen running together, all in yellow or red shirts and chatting away as if the running was completely effortless. This of course made me jealous because I can barely hold a conversation when I run, before I lose my breath. But they were all cheery and usually at least 2 or 3 would give me a hearty “bonjour!” as I walked by.
Another very fond moment was passing by the group of bongo players on the other side of the river, down by the park (across from the CLA.) I had my iPod on me at the time, but definitely had to turn it off (how long do you run into musicians giving free concerts on a beautiful day?!) A whole bunch of people, especially near the end of my stay (because the weather was SO nice) would lie out on the grass facing Fort Chaudanne and just sunbathe as if it were a beach with no sand. Everyone just treated the riverside like a public gathering spot (which was totally cool!) Some had books, played Frisbee with their dogs, a lot of younger adults had instruments like guitars, and many would just sit and smoke. Of course, you also have those with their wine and cheese and whatever else made it into the picnic basket for the day.
I absolutely cannot forget Olive, Francoise’s petit noir chien with the short stubby tail, which she never EVER washed (her coat was so oily, every time you pet her you simply had to wash your hands directly afterwards!) Marta and I quickly learned this and were thinking of ways to tell Francoise that Olive needed to be given a bath sooner or later. I think since the dog belonged to one of her sons, who was grown and married with a kid, she didn’t feel as attached to her, as she might have been if she were the original owner. So eventually, the nice neighbor who lived next door (who always came by with a loaf of Marzipan for me and Marta J ) washed Olive himself. Good thing, too- poor dog was probably super itchy from being so dirty!
I know I won’t forget the good times had with Marta, my “little” big host sister. She was also studying in France, an American from Boston, working as a teaching assistant at a few school for younger French kids. She had a few nastier classes with snotty kids I guess, that were just hard to get to obey. But she did seem to have one class that obeyed and didn’t give her a hard time. She told me a lot about what it was like to teach in France, and got me interested in maybe pursuing the same thing. She mostly played learning games in a few of her classes (can’t be too hard, can it?) I think if the opportunity came up, I’d definitely give it a shot.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
We have no idea what's going on...
...like the eye inside a hurricane.
That's how I feel after only about 1 day of not checking CNN.com for the latest news updates.
Oh well. I'll call Charter tomorrow to get our internet up n' running.
I've been doing a lot of reading lately on veganism and raw foodism. I find it very intriguing, and I've been discussing it with Michelle. She seems to have equal amount of interest in it as I do. I'm tired of feeling like I have no control over what I eat. I've decided to try going vegan. This is day 4, and I've been doing fine.
I'm trying new recipes, experimenting with things i'd never thought i'd buy before, and loving every minute of it. (Except for when the experiments turn out to be disasters, like the falafel-tomato-dried fruit blended mess that I threw together last night after getting back from work.) It was just a crazy bout of inspiration I felt after reading 12 Steps to Raw Foods and How to End Your Addiction to Cooked Food by Victoria Boutenko. I opened it yesterday morning and read the whole thing while at work, and felt truly empowered after reading it. Not only are the chapters good suggestions for eating healthy overall, but there were a few that just speak about following your instincts and trusting them and listening to your higher self. It was just a simple, small chapter, but I found it amazing to read. Now, I don't know how soon it is that i'll be ready to switch entirely to raw foods, but i'm already eating almost 75 % raw foods as it is. For example, here was my food intake today:
-1 cup O'Soy strawberry yogurt
-1 cup rolled oats
-2 mugs coffee
-3/4 cup cantaloupe
-1 orange
-1/2 cup cashews
-plate of mixed blanched veggies (including carrots, broccoli & cauliflower) sprinkled with Olive Oil, celery seed, garlic & onion powder and low-sodium soy sauce
-Jasmine tea w/Stevia
-1 oz. dark chocolate chips
Not too bad, if I do say so myself. That was one delicious plate of vegetables, by the way...I'm going to need to continue blanching my veggies like that. They tasted great.
Also, I'm going to try more of Michelle's "power ball" recipes and maybe the green smoothie ones she's told me about, where she adds Kale to normal fruity smoothies to mix fruit & veg together in a delicious drink.
I feel fabulous on the vegan diet. Dairy is certainly not a necessity and I will wait with an open mind to see the other changes this will have on my body.
That's how I feel after only about 1 day of not checking CNN.com for the latest news updates.
Oh well. I'll call Charter tomorrow to get our internet up n' running.
I've been doing a lot of reading lately on veganism and raw foodism. I find it very intriguing, and I've been discussing it with Michelle. She seems to have equal amount of interest in it as I do. I'm tired of feeling like I have no control over what I eat. I've decided to try going vegan. This is day 4, and I've been doing fine.
I'm trying new recipes, experimenting with things i'd never thought i'd buy before, and loving every minute of it. (Except for when the experiments turn out to be disasters, like the falafel-tomato-dried fruit blended mess that I threw together last night after getting back from work.) It was just a crazy bout of inspiration I felt after reading 12 Steps to Raw Foods and How to End Your Addiction to Cooked Food by Victoria Boutenko. I opened it yesterday morning and read the whole thing while at work, and felt truly empowered after reading it. Not only are the chapters good suggestions for eating healthy overall, but there were a few that just speak about following your instincts and trusting them and listening to your higher self. It was just a simple, small chapter, but I found it amazing to read. Now, I don't know how soon it is that i'll be ready to switch entirely to raw foods, but i'm already eating almost 75 % raw foods as it is. For example, here was my food intake today:
-1 cup O'Soy strawberry yogurt
-1 cup rolled oats
-2 mugs coffee
-3/4 cup cantaloupe
-1 orange
-1/2 cup cashews
-plate of mixed blanched veggies (including carrots, broccoli & cauliflower) sprinkled with Olive Oil, celery seed, garlic & onion powder and low-sodium soy sauce
-Jasmine tea w/Stevia
-1 oz. dark chocolate chips
Not too bad, if I do say so myself. That was one delicious plate of vegetables, by the way...I'm going to need to continue blanching my veggies like that. They tasted great.
Also, I'm going to try more of Michelle's "power ball" recipes and maybe the green smoothie ones she's told me about, where she adds Kale to normal fruity smoothies to mix fruit & veg together in a delicious drink.
I feel fabulous on the vegan diet. Dairy is certainly not a necessity and I will wait with an open mind to see the other changes this will have on my body.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Managing stress.
One day at a time.
I'm beginning to appreciate my friends more and more every day.
They are there for me more than I realize it, and I haven't been paying enough attention.
I am ever-grateful for having people like Kirk, Chris A., Chris M., Em, and Scotty who are seemingly always there and willing to provide support or just someone to talk to when I need it.
Thank you guys.
I e-mailed Doc. R-J and Prof. Reish today about looking for a job in France. I'm hoping to get some ideas about potentially getting employed there after graduation in April (woah! Time flies...)
I hope I wasn't too vague about telling them what I was looking for. I mentioned just needing to incorporate my passion for the arts in my career, and the fact that I have an undying passion for the French language. I also mentioned that I don't want to teach. There have to be a bunch of jobs available for english graduates studying French that want to live abroad, right??
The reason for the meeting with Dr. Andreadis today was to discuss my Honors Thesis. He said the thesis was more like a capstone project, and it didn't necessarily have to be strictly-rule driven in MLA format with 8 point font and sources (thank GOD.) I get enough of those papers as is. I am thrilled to graduate but I want this thesis to help me in my path of finding that ideal career. I don't want to be unhappy with my job, and I get to thinking about Dad, who isn't making much money and he doesn't even seem really passionate about his field (finance.) Then I think about Mom, who jumps from part-time job to part-time job at just-above minimum wage companies in her area that she can't stick with for usually more than a month or two before she finds something she doesn't like about the work. I will not become like either of them, because I'm going to be doing something that I LOVE for the rest of my life, not something that i've accepted because it was convenient or because i'd make serious money. I refuse to be the unhappy worker. I've held enough shitty part-time jobs and I am done being treated like I am just an insignificant part of a huge company that doesn't really need me anyway.
I'm beginning to appreciate my friends more and more every day.
They are there for me more than I realize it, and I haven't been paying enough attention.
I am ever-grateful for having people like Kirk, Chris A., Chris M., Em, and Scotty who are seemingly always there and willing to provide support or just someone to talk to when I need it.
Thank you guys.
I e-mailed Doc. R-J and Prof. Reish today about looking for a job in France. I'm hoping to get some ideas about potentially getting employed there after graduation in April (woah! Time flies...)
I hope I wasn't too vague about telling them what I was looking for. I mentioned just needing to incorporate my passion for the arts in my career, and the fact that I have an undying passion for the French language. I also mentioned that I don't want to teach. There have to be a bunch of jobs available for english graduates studying French that want to live abroad, right??
The reason for the meeting with Dr. Andreadis today was to discuss my Honors Thesis. He said the thesis was more like a capstone project, and it didn't necessarily have to be strictly-rule driven in MLA format with 8 point font and sources (thank GOD.) I get enough of those papers as is. I am thrilled to graduate but I want this thesis to help me in my path of finding that ideal career. I don't want to be unhappy with my job, and I get to thinking about Dad, who isn't making much money and he doesn't even seem really passionate about his field (finance.) Then I think about Mom, who jumps from part-time job to part-time job at just-above minimum wage companies in her area that she can't stick with for usually more than a month or two before she finds something she doesn't like about the work. I will not become like either of them, because I'm going to be doing something that I LOVE for the rest of my life, not something that i've accepted because it was convenient or because i'd make serious money. I refuse to be the unhappy worker. I've held enough shitty part-time jobs and I am done being treated like I am just an insignificant part of a huge company that doesn't really need me anyway.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
don't stay up late....
because if you're me, you'll sleep in and almost miss your business exam.
Yeesh!
At least my professor was pretty cool about it. She actually mentioned when I stepped into class that she was worried about me!
After I finished the test and we received our group projects, I was about to leave the classroom when my professor said that her daughter was named Madeleine, and I was the first student she'd had with the same name.
We talked about the different spellings for a little bit, and why she named her daughter Madolyn (I think that's how she said she spells it), and it was her grandmother that had the same name.
I am trying to push out of the rushing, always moving phase and take more pleasure in small talk with people and strangers.
That's something I think my dad passed on to me...the mentality that we should always be hurrying.
I'm glad I have the patience of my mother and her warmth and humanity.
I'm going to try and ensure that my children understand that they need to take their time through life, and enjoy it.
After all, what's a life if you're always stressed and running about?
I can't remember the last time I completely slept through all three of the alarms i'd set on my phone.
Looks like now i'll have to set my actual alarm clock rather than just my phone. :-\
Usually my body is pretty good at detecting what time I should be awake.
Sometimes, i'd experiment and not set an alarm (not during the week of course) but I'd tell myself before I fall asleep what time I'd want to wake up, and often I do wake up right around the time wanted.
I wonder how that stuff works. And if it's just coincidence, or if we really can control our bodies simply with thoughts.
I'm getting my new phone in the mail today! I'm expecting the FedEx truck to arrive anywhere from now until 3:00ish. Hopefully it'll come before my aerobics class. I don't want to have to miss it, and put the delivery off a day! (I have to be here to sign for the package.) Part of me just wants to skip class to get my phone. Hah.
Probably not the best of ideas.
After aerobics I will shower and give Kirk a call- maybe he'll want to help me move some stuff over to the new house.
My room is almost completely stripped. All I have is stuff in boxes waiting to be shipped away.
Cleaning my room makes me realize how much stuff I have and just makes me want to get rid of it.
I think i'm going to seriously start investing my time in selling my art and creations.
Not only do I need to finish Scotty's hat, but I need to be making money. And fast.
Yeesh!
At least my professor was pretty cool about it. She actually mentioned when I stepped into class that she was worried about me!
After I finished the test and we received our group projects, I was about to leave the classroom when my professor said that her daughter was named Madeleine, and I was the first student she'd had with the same name.
We talked about the different spellings for a little bit, and why she named her daughter Madolyn (I think that's how she said she spells it), and it was her grandmother that had the same name.
I am trying to push out of the rushing, always moving phase and take more pleasure in small talk with people and strangers.
That's something I think my dad passed on to me...the mentality that we should always be hurrying.
I'm glad I have the patience of my mother and her warmth and humanity.
I'm going to try and ensure that my children understand that they need to take their time through life, and enjoy it.
After all, what's a life if you're always stressed and running about?
I can't remember the last time I completely slept through all three of the alarms i'd set on my phone.
Looks like now i'll have to set my actual alarm clock rather than just my phone. :-\
Usually my body is pretty good at detecting what time I should be awake.
Sometimes, i'd experiment and not set an alarm (not during the week of course) but I'd tell myself before I fall asleep what time I'd want to wake up, and often I do wake up right around the time wanted.
I wonder how that stuff works. And if it's just coincidence, or if we really can control our bodies simply with thoughts.
I'm getting my new phone in the mail today! I'm expecting the FedEx truck to arrive anywhere from now until 3:00ish. Hopefully it'll come before my aerobics class. I don't want to have to miss it, and put the delivery off a day! (I have to be here to sign for the package.) Part of me just wants to skip class to get my phone. Hah.
Probably not the best of ideas.
After aerobics I will shower and give Kirk a call- maybe he'll want to help me move some stuff over to the new house.
My room is almost completely stripped. All I have is stuff in boxes waiting to be shipped away.
Cleaning my room makes me realize how much stuff I have and just makes me want to get rid of it.
I think i'm going to seriously start investing my time in selling my art and creations.
Not only do I need to finish Scotty's hat, but I need to be making money. And fast.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Long time, no rant.
So I notice it's been quite some time since i've last written in my blog.
I'm back from France, it is July 19th 2008, and I am a little more than a week away from my 21st birthday.
My, how things have progressed....well.
My inspiration to write stemmed this morning not only from my several mugs-full of coffee, but the idea of building a business with my brother and sister.
It's something i've dreamed of long before I ever signed up for this summer business class in which I am currently enrolled.
It'd be one of the best ideas i've had yet. Why, you ask?
Well, it only makes sense.
I am about a year away from graduation. I have no current plans as far as what I'm going to do come graduation, with my French degree in hand and a few years' theatre classes out of the way.
Michelle is currently working for TeaHaus, an independently-run Tea company in Ann Arbor, where she sells her art on the side, in forms of greeting cards with watercolor paintings of teapots or other wall hangings she's had completed for a while.
Brian is currently working for CompuServe, using his programming talents and figuring out what it is he might ultimately want to do in his career path.
My father is currently struggling with his financial job as a stock broker, and my mother is working at an arts and crafts chain in Walled Lake. If I know my mom, she won't be there for much longer.
It seems like a successful family-run business is exactly what the Bien family needs.
We have enough intelligence, drive, and talent to get something going and make it last for decades.
All we need is a solid idea and a plan to work off of.
I got off the phone recently with Brian, who is on his way to a wedding on his birthday.
He sounded genuinely interested in the idea.
I know for a fact Michelle thinks highly of the idea as well. She's been bugging me to move to Ann Arbor for years, and right now that's looking like a highly possible option for the summer of 2009.
I'm trying to stay as grounded and realistic as possible.
I know it takes a lot of money to start up a business. And if it doesn't work out after the initial startup, you're left with a lot of debt or loss.
I know that I have more motivation and drive that could knock anyone off their feet.
I know my abilities and talents, and I know where I could improve.
I know my siblings are as driven as I am, and have very high potential for being very successful in their careers.
I know family businesses could be tough to start and especially maintain, but if the spirit and effort and resources are there, it can be done.
I have faith it can be done.
I'm back from France, it is July 19th 2008, and I am a little more than a week away from my 21st birthday.
My, how things have progressed....well.
My inspiration to write stemmed this morning not only from my several mugs-full of coffee, but the idea of building a business with my brother and sister.
It's something i've dreamed of long before I ever signed up for this summer business class in which I am currently enrolled.
It'd be one of the best ideas i've had yet. Why, you ask?
Well, it only makes sense.
I am about a year away from graduation. I have no current plans as far as what I'm going to do come graduation, with my French degree in hand and a few years' theatre classes out of the way.
Michelle is currently working for TeaHaus, an independently-run Tea company in Ann Arbor, where she sells her art on the side, in forms of greeting cards with watercolor paintings of teapots or other wall hangings she's had completed for a while.
Brian is currently working for CompuServe, using his programming talents and figuring out what it is he might ultimately want to do in his career path.
My father is currently struggling with his financial job as a stock broker, and my mother is working at an arts and crafts chain in Walled Lake. If I know my mom, she won't be there for much longer.
It seems like a successful family-run business is exactly what the Bien family needs.
We have enough intelligence, drive, and talent to get something going and make it last for decades.
All we need is a solid idea and a plan to work off of.
I got off the phone recently with Brian, who is on his way to a wedding on his birthday.
He sounded genuinely interested in the idea.
I know for a fact Michelle thinks highly of the idea as well. She's been bugging me to move to Ann Arbor for years, and right now that's looking like a highly possible option for the summer of 2009.
I'm trying to stay as grounded and realistic as possible.
I know it takes a lot of money to start up a business. And if it doesn't work out after the initial startup, you're left with a lot of debt or loss.
I know that I have more motivation and drive that could knock anyone off their feet.
I know my abilities and talents, and I know where I could improve.
I know my siblings are as driven as I am, and have very high potential for being very successful in their careers.
I know family businesses could be tough to start and especially maintain, but if the spirit and effort and resources are there, it can be done.
I have faith it can be done.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
I am safe in France after a long 8-hour flight, and am sitting here with four of my peers who are staying in the Hotel St. Sebastian in Paris with me. I am exhausted and really want to nap but as it is only a quarter to four here, I can't mess up my sleep schedule! So i'm going to probably turn in early tonight. We haven't done any sightseeing yet as we literally were just able to rid ourselves of our heavy burdensome suitcases! In a bit, after we've all sent our e-mails, we're going to explore a bit more of this area and we're planning on meeting a friend at Notre Dame at 7 p.m.
We'll be in this hotel until Friday, when we'll take the TGV to Besancon and meet up our group leader. She's going to buy us dinner and we're going to talk about our first few experiences. I can already say that I was impressed with even the beggars who played the accordion on the RER as opposed to your usual street beggar on the streets of Detroit. I can associate accordions (as many do) with sounds of Paris and it was kind of a cheap welcome into the city.
I am craving a shower and some authentic, cheap French wine and cheeses, so I bid you goodbye for now and I promise I will write as often as the opportunity arises! More later!
We'll be in this hotel until Friday, when we'll take the TGV to Besancon and meet up our group leader. She's going to buy us dinner and we're going to talk about our first few experiences. I can already say that I was impressed with even the beggars who played the accordion on the RER as opposed to your usual street beggar on the streets of Detroit. I can associate accordions (as many do) with sounds of Paris and it was kind of a cheap welcome into the city.
I am craving a shower and some authentic, cheap French wine and cheeses, so I bid you goodbye for now and I promise I will write as often as the opportunity arises! More later!
1/2/08
On the plane…
It’s 12:46 a.m right now where we’re currently at over the ocean on the Airbus. I’m listening to Ragtime with the plane’s complimentary headphones as I try and attempt to achieve fatigue. Last night I rolled around in bed for about 2 hours because of the anxiety that overwhelmed me- I’m on my way to
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About Me
- Madeleine
- Some things I love... -singing my heart out. -learning to cook new dishes. -warm, sunny days and blue skies. -France & French culture. -good company/good discussion. -wine. -philosophy. -theatre. -classical/jazz music. -interior decorating. -designing/new ideas. -running. -biking/rollerblading. -being outdoors. -being me.
