Special Report

I'm feeling so much better these days. For months, I'd been riding out the post-graduation blues, but change is finally occurring. Maybe it's because my small job is going well, or the fact that Christmas is just around the corner. I can't really explain it, but I have been acting so blah for so long, I've become SICK of it. I want to stop being so negative. It's not who I really am!

Last spring, I was reporting the news for our campus news station, UTV-13, and keeping busy with my internship. My life felt more fulfilled because I was busy. I had purpose, deadlines, and people depending on me. However, after graduation, I realized the real work had barely begun. Last spring, I wanted to be a reporter. I'm not fabulous, but I do alright. I suppose I'm pretty good...I have ability and I enjoy writing...and heck, I suppose I've always wanted to be on TV! Somewhere along the way, I lost hope. I was told by many that being a reporter was not a glamorous career. I was indecisive, confused, and timid about anything work-related.

"You'll work late nights, holidays, and weekends," a guy at my internship told me. "The salary isn't great, and you'll see a lot of bad stuff."

I tried not to let these words of truth get to me, but after a while, I started wondering if there was something better out there. Something....easier. Well, I haven't been in the "real world" for very long, but I have learned that "easy jobs" are the boring ones. I can't live life being AFRAID to try something that could be great for me.

Now that I have a new goal, I feel excited. It could fall through, but if I'm fortunate, I'll persevere. I may need to intern a bit more, try for a job, and see how it goes.

Almost Turkey Time

Our apple pie is already ready, and my grandparents are here! It's not very crowded at our house. I'd say there's just the right amount for our dining room table. Speaking of the table, it's already set and beautifully decorated (minus a few plates, glasses, and the food, of course). It's going to be pretty low key. I could wear my pajamas during dinner, but I think I'll at least make the effort to dress somewhat nicely. Hmm, actually, I believe there is an Indian costume lying in a random box upstairs. Ha, that would be pretty funny. And silly. And probably unnecessary.

But really, we shouldn't forget the reason we're celebrating this holiday. I feel I've complained tremendously this year....heck, it's been a year of ups and downs. But, there's so much to be thankful for! My sister survived a nasty car wreck yesterday, and is completely unharmed. The car was pretty mutilated though. I'm thankful she's ok.

I'm thankful for my church and the good people I know there, my close friends, and family. I have no broken bones, and as far as I know, no life-threatening diseases. My list could go on and on, but everyone is here gossiping, so I better sign off and join the discussion. 'til next time.....

The Atlanta Opera

Last night, I had the privilege to attend The Altlanta Opera's 1962 Vienna version of Orfeo & Euridice. These occasions are remarkable to witness. The extravagant sets and well-practiced talent of the performers makes the journey worthwhile. However, there's more to it than the opera itself. In my opinion, half the fun is the audience.

People of all ages attend operas, but from my observance, I'd say older adults make up a higher percentage. Operas are no local talent show. Wealthy businessmen, elegant women and other guests all dress to impress. Opening nights practically require tuxedos for men, and women are allowed to be creative; anything from prim cocktail dresses to floor-length prom-like ensembles.

The Atlanta Opera performs in the Cobb Energy Centre. The beautiful building always awes me, and although it's a bit touristy, I try to snap an occasional photograph, like the one here.

Sure, to any newcomer from a small town, the atmosphere may appear stuffy, yet I've learned to absorb the uniqueness. The best word to sum it up? CLASSY, folks, downright classy.

In a weird way, it's like attending a mega-church on steroids, but with champagne and valet parking. My boyfriend and I are tightwads, so we usually dismiss the eager valet men with a polite nod, and coast over to the parking garage. From there, we follow scores of handsome couples and diamond-adorned grandmothers through the glass doors, where we are warmly greeted by.... well, who are they, anyway? Opera workers. Volunteers. Greeters.....whoever.

The bad thing about operas? They're rarely sung in English. This barrier is assisted by an electronic screen located at the pinnacle of the stage. Operas are written Italian, but one barely notices what they're saying; it's all about melodious notes and orchestral accompaniment.

Would I go again? Sure, I go when I'm invited. But, I much prefer a play with straight dialog. Still, if you ever get a chance to attend an opera, you'd be wise to go.

Pre-holiday jitters

You've seen the festive decor at the mall. You've spoken to Grandma about turkey carvings and pumpkin pie recipes. You've madly messaged old friends to find out when they're returning to town. Yep folks, without a doubt, the holidays are fast-approaching. Though making that list (and checking it twice) may seem an overzealous thing to do today, I believe in planning ahead. Being spontaneous in a small town is nearly impossible, so I'm currently attempting to nail down future holiday events, such as my Girl's Night Out and New Year's Eve happenings. However, shopping is a different story.

My mother knocks out 3/4 of her shopping on infamous Black Friday. This usually entails my sister and I dragging her around the mall and graciously allowing her to buy us new clothes & various goodies from Victoria Secret or Bath & Body Works. However, since I'm now supposed to be grown up, I will strive for frugality and ignore unnecessary whims or over-priced items. I myself have a small amount to gifts to buy, so perhaps I should start now. Don't you feel satisfied when gifts are happily wrapped on time and ready to be given?

Anyway, I don't need to get ahead of myself. I could (and probably will) ramble on and on about Christmas, but Thanksgiving cannot be ignored. This turkey holiday, my family is breaking a million-year streak & having our meal at home. For years, we visited my dad's family in Kentucky, but finally, change has occurred. Nonee and Popee (my grandparents) will be our only guests. It's a bit weird because, since we're never home for Thanksgiving, our stash of pilgrim and indian-related decorations is slim to none. My mother won't let this fact spoil the fun. She stocked up at the Yankee Candle store yesterday afternoon, and I've noticed a couple stuffed turkey friends who I can't have lived here before. Oh, have you sniffed "autumn wreath?" Apparently, it smells like Fall. At least, that's what Mrs. Gaddis says.

What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

Exercise

Since my early days on the middle school track team, exercise has always been important to me. It began with running drills on the hot afternoon pavement, and laps around the high school track.

Though informed that I was faster than most of my teammates, I now admit I was once in sorry shape. After the first weeks of regular practice, my soreness was excruciating. My hamstrings ached. My lungs wanted to explode after a mere two-lap jog. My ankles, of all things, became so sore and tender I couldn't jump one mere inch into the long-jump pit. However, as years passed and my endurance improved, I became a strong runner. I even made it to state (100 meter and 300 meter hurdles) during senior year.

Running wasn't my only step towards self-actualization. I discovered the weight room, with its mysterious metal equipment and monster-sized dumb-bells. Realizing the best athletes were the most conditioned ones, I made working out a priority.

The gym is often more exciting. If you've ever been to a gym on a regular basis, you may have noticed some popular trends and methods. First, the early risers. Early risers will be the first to tread the gym floor each morning. For them, an endorphin release is the ONLY way to begin their day. With a full day's work ahead and a family to attend to in the evenings, morning is their best time to burn calories and stimulate the mind. Also, ER's find the solitude comforting...less distractions and less people hogging all the good machines.

Afternoons are crowded. Kids filter in after school hours. Late snoozers, after mustering the gumption, roll in and plan to burn the excess calories they sinfully consumed at lunch.


BIG DUDES. Yup, every gym's got 'em. The guys with bulging muscles and tattoos. Usually, one member of this group has a plaque on the wall with their name emblazoned upon it, declaring him the winner of the annual dead-lift competition. Mind you, these guys aren't necessarily the best category to be in. Sure, they'll never be mugged in a dark alleyway and they could lift a car off their dying grandmother, but that's about it. Large doesn't always mean In Shape. I took a fitness workshop a few years back, and the instructor, who owned his own gym, stated "Lots of guys come to the gym and stay for less than 30 minutes. What exercises to they perform? Biceps! Triceps! And then they go home." The lesson here is, don't limit yourself to one muscle group (even if it's your favorite).

The spring-break rush is a popular time for college students (mostly females) to cram in a few gym sessions before strolling the beaches in their new Victoria Secret bikinis. From mid-February to roughly mid-March, gym regulars discover a surprising amount of SB newcomers. Instead of sweating out on their favorite elliptical, they'll have their patience tested while Sunshine Susie inserts her ear-buds and strides to the rhythm of Beyonce's latest hit song.

When the years of disciplined team training or a free college gym are over, one may ask, "what now?" Sure, going to the gym or running through the neighborhood takes dedication. If you're lucky, the local gym may be minutes away. Memberships aren't always pricey. Gyms often offer deals, family plans, and even discounts for senior citizens.

Just remember:

*Research has shown that exercise is a great activity to ward off depression.

*It improves the health of your heart, lungs, circulatory system, and can help prevent or delay diseases.

*Working out with friends is usually more fun. Plus, you and your pal can encourage each other to push for that extra half-mile, or strive for extra reps in the weight room.

*Exercise provides more than physical help. If you tell a person you've "had a great workout today....oh yes, I sweated a ton....." they will usually admire your stamina. Their admiration could be just what your ego needs to boost mentality and make you a better, more efficient person.

I fully intend to keep my fitness on par. How 'bout you?

In the Beginning...

This is me, branching out into the "modern world" in an attempt to hone writing skills and make the internet somehow less frightening. Yeah, it's true, I'm no expert with computers, nor do I know how to create a website. However, all that is about to change! I'm determined!