Monthly Archives: September 2010

How to make time:

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Something we all struggle with…we’re always constantly busy and never have time for anything other than what we are currently doing..which could be writing a blog post instead of working on my abstract. I mean an abstract..

In our society everyone’s always running from something, wether it be commitment, admitting your wrong, or a scary paper  that you don’t want to tackle. Or even simply having dinner with your family. How can anyone make time when we all are working 3 different jobs, trying to have a social life , going to school (or taking random classes), and trying to keep up with relationships (not just romantic ones.)

Where is there enough time. I thought I had figured it out, my plan was to extend the day to 48 hours. This way you will always get 8 hours of sleep and then you have 40 hours for everything else!

Except I don’t really think that will end up working out too well…just a thought.

So instead of making time, it’s become more about managing our time, well the little we a lot ourselves.

How to Make/Manage time:

Disclaimer..you can not buy a magic clock to take you back in time that makes everything possible…J.K. rowling owns it and won’t sell it to you. Trust me I asked.

Step 1: Look at your calendar, it has all those pretty little dates and horrible looming deadlines scattered all over it…now put it aside.

Step 2: Now that you orignal calendar is out of sight right down ten things you really want to do.

  1. Sky Dive
  2. Spend an entire day writing
  3. Visit my Parents
  4. Visit my Sister
  5. Go to DC
  6. Spend a day laying in bed watching old movies
  7. Finish Eat, Pray Love
  8. Go for a light jog (let’s be honest no freaking way I’m going to run)
  9. Go on a road trip leading to no where
  10. Sit on the beach and read

Step 3: Once that’s done bring out a clear calendar. (this could be electronic, since let’s be honest..we all live on the computer anyway, or old fashion flip pages one)

Step 4: Put one activity every two weeks. Pick the day at random this way the other days won’t feel so bad that they aren’t your fun day.

Step 5: Pick up your detailed calendar the holds the key to your life. Start putting everything in to your new calendar. This is a really important part: You can not change the day that you put your fun activity on!!!  you have to work around it, even if that calls for playing hookie every once in a while.

Step 6: Now step back and look at your calendar. Although it may seem crazy, you now have fit the top ten things you really want to do in.

I realize it might sound like a simple plan, but sometimes people need to be reminded to breathe. Not enough people asks themselves “Are you Happy?” How can I make myself happy?” Why would you do things (besides the occasional crappy job you need to stick with) if it’s going to make you miserable…and if it does make you miserable find a way to counteract it.

I know some people, most likely people out of school who have forgotten the joys of life, may think I’m spoiled and “what do i know about responsibility.” But unbeknownst to them I know a lot about putting others first, putting your job first. Making sure the content and quality you put out it better than your own life. And I’m lucky enough to have realize that life can’t be about being miserable because of others, it’s your life and you need to take it into your own hands. If you are unhappy, speak up. If somethings wrong or someone is being mean to you, speak up..tell someone! We’re all about freedom of speach in this country but it seems a lot of people would rather stay quiet and unhappy.

Well I’m taking a stand. My #octoberwish is to be happy. (which includes making more time for that)



How To Watch The Office:

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For those of you who don’t know The Office is premiering its 7th season tonight at 9pm (eastern) on channels 7 and 10 (aka NBC.) And for the few who haven’t realized it yet I’m a little bit completely almost entirely obsessed with it. I just kind of pretty much want to be Pam, okay!

I felt that it was really important to write a how to guide for the newbies out there who might want to watch it with veteran Office fans.  At first thought…you might think that you want to turn watching The Office into a drinking game…great idea for reruns..but this is a never before seen episode…get loud and noisy and true fans may drop kick you out their 5th story apartment window. Now I know you might think I’m a little too dedicated, and I probably am, but this is just general curiosity for premiers!

For me…I have been looking forward to this episode since NBC started promoting…well in all honesty since season 6 ended. But today I need this more than anything. I’m not only tired of dealing with people who don’t know how to use an indoor voice, but I’m pretty fed up with being the nice guy. I’m in one of those moods where I either want to curl up in a ball and cry or start yelling at someone (I mean a horrible friendship breaking fight) or get into a wild fist fight. I think the last would be the most fun.

Anyway, I need this…if anyone is planning on watching The Office with me tonight I suggest they heed my advice, or I will go all Andy on their ass. Or just pull a prank on them..

How to watch The Office:

Step 1: Around 8 O’clock begin getting all of your supplies ready. This includes,but is not limited to, a blanket, a drink (wine in a can?), popcorn, peanut M&M’s, a bucket to pee in (in case you can’t make it to the commercial break), your Office character costume (mines Pam, white sneakers khaki skirt and pink stripped button down shirt), and your phone to tweet during commercial breaks.

Step 2: At 8:30pm sit down on the couch. Pick your favorite spot. This is extremely important! You must get there half an hour early or someone may try to steal control of the T.V. (and if they are a non commercial person that means you man miss minutes of your Office…NOT OKAY.) You also need to scout out the best spot to sit. You need the full view of the T.V., no view of the door or windows (too distracting) and a quick pathway to the bathroom.

Step 3: At 8:45pm turn the channel to NBC. (or sooner if you’re like me and are obsessed with NBC’s thursday night line up) If you turn it now you have officially declared T.V. Control. if someone tries to steal it from you use everything  you have to scare them away…ie. Barking, Growling, Biting, Tickling, Marking your Territory, Putting them in Jello, Sending them faxes from the CIA (distraction technique), locking them in bathrooms etc.

Their favorite character is Stanley

Step 4: At 8:58pm Freak out. This is the one time you can jump up and down, yell, scream whatever…get it out.

Step 5: At 8:59pm Breath in deep..you should hear silence.

Step 6: 9:00pm You hear the beginning of the cold opening “No..No No NO no” (it’s on Hulu)  a smile creeps on your face.

Step 7: The first commercial break is on. You realize you haven’t been breathing and now have an uncontrollable urge to pee. You need to run, run now! Time yourself! (maybe a week in advance start practicing, it has to be under a minute…you can get there!) Have you friend counting down for you. But go fast, have the water already running to shave a few seconds off your time.

Step 8: It’s back! Time to be quiet again. Don’t even dare take a bite of your carrot! Carrots aren’t aloud when watching The Office…

Step 9: It’s 9:25, it’s almost over. You’re bracing yourself for the end. You’ve obviously been tweeting the entire time and have an understanding with your fellow twitter buddies to not ruin any twists that happen (poor west coasters!)

Step 10: You made it..it’s 9:30pm the episode ended and you finally found out that Dwight is really a Dragon and dating Tyra Banks.

Or not…

Oh and if any NBC Higher Up’s are still reading this..I’m looking for a job. (and ..I’m just saying…I would be an amazing addition to the writing team for The Office) in case you’re looking to hire.

Confessions of an Online Serial Dater- How to stay single

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Since the age of 16 I’ve been on about 10 different dating websites. It started off as a way to gain better self-esteem, then as college happened and my love life went from 0 to    -25 I started actively looking and trying to find someone, not really sure who…just someone.

Dating websites are an easy way to reinvent yourself, and manipulate the real you into something that other people would like. I’m not just talking about pictures, I’m talking about the meat of your profile, the self summary.

Most self summaries are the same:

Real name, followed by what you are currently doing with your life. Then “I’m not really good at this whole thing, but I’m too busy to really meet people.” My favorite part “I’m a fun-loving person who is just looking for someone who will understand me and fit into my lifestyle.” …gag me

BAM about half the profiles on dating websites summed up in three sentences.

Why should I still be on dating websites, well besides the obvious fact that guys at my college don’t seem to have any interest in my what so ever (save your pity comments),  it’s fun. I like being able to shoot people down because they don’t watch The Office, or because they aren’t exactly what I want . Not to mention its way less awkward then stopping someone while walking to class to try to get their number…I mean who does that anymore? (no but seriously who does? and if you do can you give me some pointers?)

By hiding behind my computer screen I can get guys to know my actual zany, loveable but a little crazy side without having to impress them with cute outfits and witty on the spot conversation. Plus I can do this in my PJs’ with my hair tied back and crest whitening strips on. Attractive picture…right? It’s how I get all the guys

SO I know what you’re thinking…why am I still single? Well mainly because I’ve grown up on websites that allow me to pick and chose exactly what I want (down to exact height and eye color.) So when I’m on campus scouting to see who could be my next love match I never quite seem to find the perfect match..too short, bad taste in T.V. shows, horrible hair, walks funny..not that I’m to picky or anything…no definitely not.

But here I am in my last year of college and I still have yet to experience that earth rattling relationship experience that all books say I should’ve had by now. Now I’m going to teach you (step by step) How to be single:

Step 1: When talking to a future guy act overly interested. Gaze into his eyes and show him you really care.

Step 2: Start memorizing his class schedule so you can run into him at every chance you get.

Step 3: While doing this start to find another guy, you know just in case this doesn’t work out.

Step 4: Now here’s where you flip the switch, starting talking to the new guy while hanging out with the old guy. This way the first guy will think you are unavailable and totally be interested!

Step 5: Lead the new guy on, even though you might not be that interested, he’ll understand when you dump him for your first choice.

Step 6: Wake up and check the relationship status of the first guy (to make sure he’s still single) and ::gasp:: it says in a relationship!

Step 7: Meet with first guy for lunch and let him gush over his new girlfriend, while you try to suppress your gag reflex.

Step 8: Start talking it up with second guy

Step 9: Get turned down by second guy for making him wait so long..

Step 10: Repeat again in order to remain single

So my new plan…walk up to the next attractive boy I see and say “Hey I think I want to date you” and then wait for the appropriate reaction.

Grad school or Not…THAT is the question

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As many seniors are starting their final year of school this is the question that continues to pop up. Do we want to sit in a classroom talking about how great our future jobs are going to be, or do we want to be out there getting paid to do our amazing jobs.

I’m stuck.

There are so many benefits to going to Grad school, especially while you are young and don’t have a family to worry about, but I don’t know if I can handle two more years of being school.

So, for your benefit (but mainly mine) I came up with a pro/con list…

Pro

  • Entering the work place with a master’s degree makes you ahead of the game. Your employer won’t have to fire you when the next cuts come (down the line) getting rid of everyone who does not have a masters.
  • Getting it done after your bachelors leaves no room for forgetting facts or getting out of the groove of being in school. My mom went back to finish her bachelors and get her Masters when my sister and I were 16, and it was twice as hard for her …she was not only running a household (my father didn’t seem to be able to grasp the new century/new woman concept) but she had a full-time job which supported her family.
  • Am I ready for the work place environment? I feel like I am, but I’m terrified to step into a job knowing there is no security of “just being a student” to fall back on.
  • I love school. Although I’m beginning to get fed up with theory teaching, I do still love cracking open the first textbook of a semester and smelling it.
  • Going to Grad school would be a challenge, but in a good way.
  • It would probably be easier to find a job afterwards.
  • I would have more time to get away with doing internships (i.e. explaining it to my parents that internships are still acceptable, I know they are after school…but my parents don’t understand)
  • I Could always do a study abroad or tour while I’m studying at the school…or just go to a school abroad.

Con

  • Money, going to Grad school is expensive. I realize there are student loans, and assitanceships…but it is still expensive!
  • New School=New friends…I know I’m all for going on adventures but starting a new school is scary, I was lucky enough to have my best friend start college with me (didn’t finish it, but started)…so to go into a two-year program by myself after having a close group of friends for the past four years is a little overwhelming.
  • Do I really want to be in school for 18 years?
  • Is it too late to apply? I feel like most of my peers took the GRE’s last spring. I haven’t even signed up, written an essay …letters of recommendation? so many things that are important in this process and I’ve failed at all of them. Am I even cut out for Grad school?
  • I’d have to delay Traveling
  • Current friends…if my friends and I are at different places in our lives will we lose touch? We’re really close but if I move to…California will we stay close? I hope the answer is yes, but it’s hard to imagine any college experience without the people who have helped pushed me through the rough patches.
  • Would a Grad school even accept me? I don’t know if I would want to go through a rejection process with schools…I get that enough in my dating life.

Other options:

  • Delay Grad School for a semester
  • Find a job that would pay for Grad school because it would enhance their company by sending me (I can dream..right?)
  • Become a bum, and do nothing?
  • Move to Hollywood and become an actress (move over Hannah Montana)
  • Or just to work for a year or two gaining experience, then go back and finish…well start.

Maybe I’m just not ready to graduate? Which is kind of funny because, I remember the first day of school saying “I can not wait to graduate and get out of this place!” …Now here I am four years later not ready to leave.

So what about you? Did you go to Grad school? Did you regret not going? Are you in the same place?

Duffy goes to camp – How to live in the woods

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So I’m finally back online..connected once again. I’m no longer in the woods, no longer getting bit by spiders, no longer dealing with skanky children and no longer dealing with the drama that 30+ girls start when living together for 2 months.

So camp…first off who in their right mind agrees to spend 2 and 1/2 months living in the woods when they have never camped once in their life…oh that’s right..me! I decided to run away…I mean work at a girl scout camp in virginia after not getting my dream internship (which was doing an editoral internship  posistion for FM Global).

I decided a week before I needed to be there, and after a weekend of dates (a girl needs something to get her through the summer) I was off.

The camp is 101 acres, which we pretty much walked daily. It includes a pool, a bus to take campers horse back ridding, an archery field/yard thing, and the pooh tree…which is pretty much the single greatest thing in the whole wide world and I would totally live there if I could, but the Tajar lives there and is particular about his space.

We were able to swim once a day, have 2 hours off, and meet some of the most amazing people in the world, and some of the least amazing people in the world.

At camp I was able to learn more about myself and the type of person I want to be. I found out that I gossip too much and I’m pretty negative, oh and that no matter how far I run Drama seems to follow me wherever I go. I’m not trying to sound like a teenage drama queen, because I’ve clearly gotten over that stage…but no matter where I am, or who I’m with I somehow always get pulled into stupid situations. It drives me nuts, I don’t like having to deal with people who won’t listen or who just make up stupid rumors, or who try to get me fired. I’m over it.

So good things that happened at camp…I lost weight, I met some amazing (who will hopefully be life long friends) people, and I got inspired to write a new chapter in my book as well as start some life changes. Oh and I can now cook over and start a fire. Things my friends never believed I could.

But the most amazing feeling was proving my parents and friends wrong… I was able to survive in the woods. I didn’t leave or wimp out. I overcame fears of bugs, sleeping outside, and the dark. And I became a stronger person for it.

So…now the juice, How to Survive in the Woods:

Step 1: Pack light, but make sure you have a flash light and bug spray.

Step 2: Bring a pillow

Step 3: Ignore people, sometimes running away and just sitting under a tree while having a good cry helps.

Step 4: Turn off your cell phone…for at least an hour.

Step 5: Listen to music, or just sing as loud as you can (especially if you are walking alone in the dark)

Step 6: Drink water, no but really drink a lot of water

Step 7: After a week of camping in a tent, getting eaten by bugs, and eating hot dogs over a camp fire go home and appreciate the cushy life you have going for you.

I’m trying to readjust to real life, one of those things is not yelling when I see people running. or reminding my friends to drink water every 5 minutes. I’m working on it…hopefully I’ll catch on sooner or later.