Blogger Award! 7 Things x's two!


Rules:
Thank and link back to the person whom awarded you
Share 7 things about yourself
Award great 10 bloggers that you've recently discovered

Contact the above and tell them of the award

The always interesting and sweet blogger Lauren from Lauren's Thoughts tagged us for a Stylish Blogger award! Thanks so much Lauren! The award involves us telling 7 random facts about ourselves and then linking to some of our favorite blogs! Since there are two of us, we will each write seven random facts!

Allison:


1. One of my favorite things to do is play piano. It's a huge stress relief for me, and I've been playing since I was in 2nd grade!

2. I not so secretly want a lop eared rabbit. Google them, they are adorable.

3. In high school, I pictured myself living in D.C. and working for the OAS or some other international organization after graduation. I now live in Rochester and work as a writer.

4. In high school, I had cataract eye surgery (something old people normally get) and it corrected my vision enough so that I no longer needed glasses.

5. In college, I interned in the video production department of a the Minor League Baseball team in Rochester. During this time I met a bunch of baseball players who went on to play for the Twins and Yankees. Even though I'm not a major sports fan, I still think it's pretty cool!

6. I think I hold the record number of triple A calls made in one day (three calls, for three different car incidents) thanks to my trusty Dodge Neon.

7. I'm still afraid of the dark, or rather, what could be hiding in the dark. It doesn't matter how old or mature I become, I don't think this will ever change!

Shikole:

1. My hair used to be so long I sat on it. I cut off 3 and a half feet and donated it to Locks of Love when I was 16.

2. I also pictured myself living in DC and working for the OAS when I was in high school. I've got the DC part down, but you need to be fluent in at least 2 languages to work for the OAS.

3. Speaking of being fluent in other languages, one of the things I really want to do is learn another language. Especially now that I'm not in school, I really want to learn. I'm thinking German, or maybe Arabic.

4. I interned with ohmygov.com for a summer and wrote a piece about legalization of marijuana in Oregon. It was one of the Top 10 stories of 2008 for the site and was picked up by several other websites. If you Google my name several Legalize Weed websites come up.

5. I want to go sky diving and have 2 tattoos but spiders scare me almost to the point of tears.

6. I know Ben Bailey from Cash Cab. No, I was never in the Cash Cab. I met him in DC when he did a stand up show here.

7. I've had old, used cars since I could drive and know more about their maintenance, how to diagnose issues, and tricks to save you in a bind than most men I know. Ask me what to do if your car is overheating, or if the key literally won't turn in the ignition, or what to do if the lug nuts on your tire are stripped and you cant change a flat, I will have an answer.


A few blogs we have recently discovered and love:

4. http://whatwouldanerdwear.blogspot.com
5. http://honestlykristen.blogspot.com
7. www.adoredaustin.com

The Most Traumatizing Experience

Yesterday in DC we experienced something called ThunderSnow. Yes, my friends, this is a real entity. It's a thunderstorm, except instead of rain there is snow and sleet. This was not the worst part, though. I'm sure I would have enjoyed it had I been at home. But alas, most Washingtonian's had to work considering it was Wednesday. And the Thundersnow started around 2pm.

My commute home from work usually takes me between 20 and 30 minutes depending on traffic. Last night it took me 5 and a half hours. Read that again. 5 and a half hours. And that wasn't even the longest commute recorded. When I heard on the radio this morning that there were people stranded on the GW Parkway for 13 hours I felt a little better about the situation I had been in.

So now for the traumatizing parts. My car, while it is a Trooper in every way, if very old and temperamental. If it idles too long it over heats. I just told you I was stuck for over 5 hours, my car was not happy. Although, on the bright side (I guess), there were stretches of 30-45 minutes with no movement what so ever, so I could turn my car off and give it a rest.

For part of this fiasco, I was stranded on a bridge, ThunderSnow all around me, car overheating, becoming claustrophobic. When finally over the bridge and at the intersection that would, in theory, take me home, I was told that there were too many cars stuck on the hill and they were redirecting everyone to the only other road available. And then no one moved for hours. There was an accident and everyone was trapped. Literally. Canal Rd in Washington, DC is a narrow road with a canal on one side and a mountain on the other. Walking home was not an option, and there was no where to go. There was absolutely nothing I could do to improve the situation.

Several fellow travelers followed my lead and turned their cars off to conserve gas. We were stuck without food, water, restrooms, constant heat, or the hope of getting home. Cell phone batteries waned. For hours. I was so aggravated I almost cried when the firemen told us we had to somehow figure out how to turn around and go back the way we came. I had to pee so badly I tried to go in my empty coffee mug from that morning. I failed and ended up having to hold it. My roommate informed me while I was stuck that there was no power at our house. There were 2 trees and a power line down right outside. It was also aggravating to call the city's 311 line to have a recording tell you that there "is not a snow emergency." If having thousands of commuters trapped for up to 13 hours isn't a snow emergency, I'm not sure what is.

I learned that I need to pack blankets to have in my car at all times. And shoes I could walk in snow with (I was in flats). Having some non perishable foods and drinks would also help. My experience was less traumatic than some other travelers', but I am now going to plan for anything like this to happen again. Being prepared is the best thing you can do. Getting pissed at DC for knowing this was coming and not being prepared is the next best thing.

The "Aha!" Moment

This week, I was thinking about the moment when I realized that I wanted to make a career out of writing. It occurred when I was taking an electronic publishing class in college with one of my favorite professors. After class one day, she pulled me aside and asked me if I ever thought about writing for the web as a career. I told her I probably saw myself as a graphic designer or art director instead of a writer.

At that time (my junior year in college) I was still wavering between a few different career choices that all fell under the scope of the Communication major. I was interested in video production and design mainly, but writing had always been in the back of my mind as a sort of "dream career" that I just didn't think I could make a reality. It took me almost a year to come around after that conversation with my professor, but it was ultimately her belief in me that convinced me that I could do it. If I thought outside of the box and expanded my writing to the electronic medium, I had the chance to land a job in this field.

If this conversation hadn't happened.. if I had signed up for another design class instead of electronic publishing, or hadn't happened to be staying late in the classroom this one specific day, I honestly don't know if I would be where I am right now in my career

What about you readers? We would love to feature you in an upcoming post and link back to your blog if you have one!

What was your "aha" moment when you realized what your dream career was (or at least where you wanted to start your career)? Are you still waiting for one? Leave us a few sentences about your experiences in the comments with a link to your blog, or email us at therealpostgrad@gmail.com! The post with all of your experiences will go up in the next few days!

A Weekend Story


This weekend I headed back to my old college, SUNY Geneseo, to visit some friends. Even though Rochester is only 45 minutes from Geneseo, I hadn't been back to the college since September. Partly because of my busy work schedule, and partly because as the months go by, I'm feeling less and less of a connection to the school.

I've found that the things I miss about college don't have to do with the actual campus itself. I miss my friends, some of my professors, my extra curricular clubs, and the college lifestyle. As I drove through the campus this Saturday, I honestly felt nothing. No sadness, not really even any nostalgia.

I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing. Have I moved on too quickly? Or maybe it just hasn't set in yet that I've actually graduated and I'm never going back? In a way it's comforting to know that I can visit the school without it tugging at my heartstrings.

What about you readers? Was there a magic moment when you realized you had moved on from your college days? Or are you still waiting for that day to come?

It's Not About Us Anymore

In high school we volunteered because it would look good on our college applications. We found the program that began at the latest time possible on Saturday morning and required the least amount of effort. We did it like we were supposed to, but not many of us enjoyed it. We volunteered because we thought we had to, not because we wanted to.

Now there is no one making us do it. And we get nothing out of it. Now is when volunteering and charity actually counts.

When was the last time you donated your time, money, or old clothing? If you can't remember you should probably read the suggestions below. If you can remember, I hope you will add to my list of charitable things we can do.

One website that can help anyone in the US find a volunteering opportunity is serve.gov. You can search by city, keyword, or even post your own opportunity. They are currently promoting the MLK 25 Challenge, challenging Americans to do 25 acts in 2011 to improve their communities and make a difference.

Other charities to check out:
  • Habitat for Humanity. People need homes built, and building a home with your own hands can feel amazing. You might even learn something that will come in handy later when you own a home of your own.
  • Find a Food Bank. Feed America has a great listing of food banks all over the country and can put you in touch with one to volunteer with. Food is something very basic that all humans need to survive, help get rid of some hunger.
  • Donate clothes and/or time to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Vietnam Veterans of America. There are donation boxes all over the place that you probably never thought twice about. There are other ways to help too.
  • Homelessness is a huge problem in America. Try volunteering at a homeless shelter to help those in need find affordable housing, or prepare for job interviews.
  • Boys and Girls Clubs need volunteers, especially male volunteers, to mentor kids that need a role model. Take a kid under your wing and make a difference,
We are needed more than ever Post Grads. Most of us don't have extra money to donate, but we do have time to give. Instead of sitting on your couch watching TV all day Saturday, try reaching out and lending a hand to someone in need. You won't regret it.

10 Minutes of Me Time

This morning I got in my car to go to work 5 minutes later than I should have. I pulled out and got to my 3rd red light when I got a call from my boss. He asked me the strangest question.

"Are you by any chance still near your house?"

Why yes I am Mr. Boss Man, I was running late today and am right next to my house. He then asked me to sit tight for 10 minutes until he called back. So, post grads, I had an unexpected 10 minutes to sit on my couch and do whatever I please.

This time has been a little confusing for my brain this early and without coffee. First I was running late and rushing, now I'm relaxing on my couch writing to you all. It also surprised me what my first instincts to do were.
  1. Check NYtimes.com to catch up on what is happening outside my office
  2. Look for a job with Google because I can't afford to buy lunch and they provide it free
  3. Write this post
What would you do with 10 random minutes to yourself?

And now my company BlackBerry is ringing and I have to go back to the real world. My couch was great while it lasted!

What is Love?


That would be the correct answer to a Jeopardy question. It would be under the category "Hebrew Terms". Clue: "The Song of Soloman talks about this between God and his people, also known as 'ahava.'"

If you think there might be some ahava in your heart for someone who treats you more like a Jeopardy game than a person, it's probably time to change the channel.

Think about it, do they answer a question, with a question?

You: "How was your day?"
Partner: "Who are you my mother?"

or

You: "Where do you want to go for dinner?"
Partner: "Why can't you pick?"

This, my friends, is not a relationship, or a friendship, this is Jeopardy.

Do they rack up some winnings for a few days and keep coming back, then screw up so badly that they aren't invited back again until the reunion show or other contestants run out? This is called Jeopardy.

Do the two of you compete to see who is the better partner? And I do not mean friendly competitions between the two of you, like whoever can answer the most Jeopardy questions gets a massage. No, I mean the kind of competition where you do nice things for each other, but only to hold it over the others' head. Or betting it all in an ultimatum in hopes you can come back with a Daily Double. This is Jeopardy.

My current metaphor is over and I hope it gave you all something to think about. Stay tuned for "Relationships are like a Lease" and maybe "Addictive Relationships."


Feeling Settled

I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again, but I feel that mixed in with our helpful tips and life experiences, we end up complaining a lot on this blog. We are transitional 20-something post grads, so I suppose a bit of angst is expected. But I have to say that lately I've been taking stock of my post grad life and I'm pretty happy with where I am right now. I'm enjoying the feeling of being settled.

I can now give people directions around this city, where back in June when I first moved here, I only knew the few city streets around my apartment. I have a steady income that helps to support me financially. I've made new friends and have my boyfriend here. I belong to a gym now, have my favorite supermarket, and have favorite spots to eat and hang out.

Do I want to try out living in a new location sometime? Of course! Do I miss home occasionally? Definitely. But for right now I'm going to focus on living in the present and appreciating what I do have in post grad life: stability.

How To Be Sick

Sorry for the lack of updating readers, but I have been battling a monster sickness. It's gone from fever, to upset stomach, to laryngitis, to coughing. According to the doctor it's viral and there is nothing I can do about it other than wait it out. I've been trying to find my "magic over the counter medication" combination, and in the process, I've learned a few things about colds and how you have to learn to deal with them as a post grad.


The first thing I've learned is to take time off from work if you need it. Last weekend, when my cold was at it's worst, I assumed I would power through my work days easily and rest up at night. Wrong. I ended up having to take off on Monday to recooperate a little bit, and I'm so glad I did. It's tough to give up your personal days, or even take time off without pay, but your health is more important.


The second thing I've learned is that cough suppressants are a HUGE waste of money. As post grads, we've got to save every penny we can! All suppressants do is try to stop the coughing reflex, and frankly, many don't work. at all. Theraflu extreme cough and cold? I'm talking to you buddy.... Try to find the root of your cough, and then attack that sickness with over the counter medication. In the meantime, suck on Fisherman's Friend cough drops. Those things are miracle workers.


The third thing I've learned is that being sick as a post grad means saying no to fun things as well. I've missed a few social gatherings in the past week that I was really looking forward to, but I know I would have a miserable time if I went. It's more important than ever that I'm healthy enough to come into work, so I've learned that I actually need to take it easy until I am completely better.


What about you post grads, how to you handle sickness? Any amazing coughing remedies that I haven't heard of yet?

IRS

Beginning today, January 17, 2011, the IRS will be accepting tax returns. I have never done my own taxes, and I'm not going to pretend I have. My mother has been gracious enough to use the skills she learned at H & R Block to do my taxes every year. While doing this, though, she has made sure to teach me some things. And as post grads, our taxes just got a lot more complicated.

Forms you will need to get:
  • W2 for every job you held in 2010.
  • 1099 in case you were contracted
  • 1098 T from your school to prove how much tuition you paid
  • 1098 E from EACH of your lenders to prove how much interest you paid on your loans.
These forms are needed no matter what kind of return you file. There is also the American Opportunity Credit that all of you should look into. People who were in college in 2010 (that's us by the way) can qualify for up to $2500 more on your return. I highly recommend checking that out to see if you qualify. More information can be found here.

Good luck Post Grads! I hope you all get a great tax return this year.

The Tide is High

But I'm moving on. Lately I've had a very strange type of writers block. The kind where I have a plethora of things to say, but I can't focus on any one thought long enough to flush it out into a post. Or even into a complete thought for that matter.

I feel like I have settled into post grad life in all the worst ways. I have a steady job. I have a place to live. I have friends in the area. I have romantic interests. On paper it looks like I've adjusted. The only problem is that I haven't and all I want is change. This is where all of my thoughts have decided to diverge into nothing but chaos.

Allison and I were talking today about moving to Austin together in 2 years, which we have every intention of doing. But while we were looking for apartments on Craigslist that might be available again in 2 years, all I could think was "Why are we waiting 2 years?"

Realistically it makes sense to wait. We need to be established in the workforce in order to be an in-demand employee in the future. We need to save up money to move so far away. But being "settled" in my post grad life the way I am right now makes me want to move now. My life right now is painstakingly bland and repetitive.

I don't want to be at the same job for the next two years. I don't want to be living in the same place for the next two years. I don't want to go to the same old bar every Friday night with the same group of people wearing one of my 3 go-to party outfits. Even going away for a
weekend doesn't seem to break the monotony.

I want to experience something new. I want a more exciting job that's in my field. I want to live somewhere other than the east coast. Being settled has made me feel unsatisfied. Like there has to be something else. And this feeling has just left my brain swirling with plans and ideas like the colors on a tie-dye shirt. All the colors are there. Bright. Welcoming. But there are so many combining my brain can't grasp just one to develop into a complete thought or plan.

I will let you know when the tide recedes and I can think clearly once again. Until then, any ideas to break the pattern?


No Dresscode? No Problem!

One of the unique things about my current position is that there is absolutely no dress code. People here dress in a range of collared shirts, jeans, dress pants, sweatpants, sweatshirts, tee-shirts, pretty much anything goes as long as it's not revealing.


For me, this posed a sort of problem when I began working in July. I had quite the stock of dress skirts, shirts, and heels from previous internships, but I didn't have appropriate "office casual" wear. I knew I would get nothing done in the office if I showed up in sweatpants. In college, I was the type that would put effort into outfits for my daily classes, while the bulk of the student population wandered around in hoodies and sweatpants. I remember visiting Shikole in D.C. once at her college and putting on a skirt and top. Her reply was "Oh... you're wearing REAL clothes??" I might be the only one out there, but I just can't concentrate if I'm too comfortable!

Now, us post grads unfortunately have to graduate to wearing "real clothes" everyday. Here are some staples I've found for working in a casual environment, that still help me to focus.

1. Dark wash slim jeans- I'm not talking about the skinny jeans that suck the life out of your legs. I just mean that a slimmer line and dark wash makes you feel like your wearing actual, non lounging clothing, and still looks put together.

2. Sweaters- my office is cold all the time and there are just so many sweater possibilities. I have a few favorite crew necks, and button ups that I layer with other pieces.

3. A nice pair of dress pants- In high school I was part of Model OAS, sort of like international debate team, and every year we traveled to Washington for a conference. I remember splurging on a pair of classic black pants from h&m, (40.00 was a splurge at the time- okay?), and I still wear them to this day.

4. Boots& flats- Boots are less dressy than heels but a step up from sneakers. They are perfect for colder weather and have a classy casual vibe. Flats are amazing as well, as long as there is no snow on the ground! Flats + snow = cold, wet feet all day.

Due to the fact that I've been sick for the past few days, there are no helpful outfit pictures to accompany this post, but we're working hard to incorporate more photos into this blog! Stay tuned to "office casual" wear, and a few other photo diaries to come!

Skins

I love the Brits. And Netflix. And semi-trashy but super entertaining television. What do you get when you combine all three? Skins. It is like The O.C. minus the beach, but with much more sex drugs and cursing because there is no FCC in the UK.

As a post grad, sometimes you just need to watch something entertaining and that makes you feel better about your own life. Skins will do just that. It is funny, and dramatic and full of so many plot twists I could hardly keep up. Not to mention the adorable British actors. It has something for everyone, the little nerdy kid, the crazy anorexic chick, the musical black chick, the sheltered indian dude, you get the idea.

Please give the show a try in your very sparse but valuable spare time. You will not regret it!

Rating: 5/5

RIP

I'm going to go all serious on you all because today is the 12 year anniversary of my Dad passing away. My mom always used to make me write a poem to put in the newspaper for him, and I always got angry because you obviously cannot force creativity. SO instead of poem in the newspaper this year, I'm just writing this in his memory.

I would also like to note he is the reason I got my second tattoo. If I was smart I would've waited a little longer to get it.

Here's to all the loved ones passed!

Follow the Leader

Hi readers! We have been getting some amazing stats on who is viewing this blog. More than we ever imagined- that's for sure!

So let's make it official, shall we? Follow us using that nifty little button on our sidebar we just added and we'll check out your blog and follow you back! Always looking for fun blogs to fill our Google Readers with!

Why.


Long weekend is over. This means that I was back to my routine today. Writing-researching- writing -writing -lunch- researching- editing- gym- home. That's my life. Today, I got a bunch of edits on document I had spent so long rewriting and I wondered once again why I chose to pursue a career that is so mentally exhausting. I know all the doctors and lawyers reading this right now (are you guys out there?) are laughing at me as I whine, but sometimes I honestly can't figure out why I chose a profession where others tear apart your work on a daily basis.

Well...yes I can. To be honest, I am drawn towards things that offer me an excuse to stress. I stress about everything, and writing is no exception. I chose a career that would leave my work constantly to be scrutinized by others. Strangely enough, stress is comfortable for me.

With all of this swirling in my head this evening after work, I read Rachel Wilkerson's blog post about choosing one word resolutions (if you don't already- read this girl's blog. She is hilarious and speaks the truth). I thought about my resolution possibilities.. things like "achieve" and "accomplish" came to mind. Then all of a sudden I reached a point of clarity. I don't need to resolve to do these things. I am my own worst critic and I strive to do these things everyday.

What do I really need to resolve for this coming year? I need to RELAX. I need to accept that I can try my hardest, but I can't always control the outcome of everything I do. This also goes for the other people in my life. I can want so much for someone- to the point where I adopt their problems as my own (this is why I'm not a psychologist mom...), but you just cannot change other people. Sometimes I need to let life just go on around me, without trying to alter it all of the time.

Post grad life is a stressful place to be, but this year, I'm not letting it get the best of me.

Apple Bacon Pizza


A friend and I had an experimental cooking session yesterday that I need to share with you all because the results were the most heavenly thing I've ever eaten. The ingredients are not traditional however the flavors together work perfectly. First pre-heat the oven to 500 degrees.



Ingredients:
  • Pre made pizza crust like Boboli (we aren't cool enough to make our own dough)
  • Apple Butter (used instead of sauce)
  • 6 slices of bacon, crumbled
  • 8-10 slices of granny smith apple
  • apple smoked guyere cheese, shredded (regular guyere works too)
  • chopped red onion
I told you the ingredients weren't traditional. They are so much better.

Spread the apple butter over the crust like sauce. shred the cheese on top of that. Place apple slices, bacon, and onion on top. Let cook for 10 minutes. Voila! The best non-traditional pizza you will have in your life.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year post grads! Hope you are alive and no longer hungover. Time for a fresh start. And probably a shower. You should get on that. Stay tuned with us here to see how the second half of our first year post grad unwinds!