CURRENT PLAYS

Because I just scrolled through old blog posts and noticed I used to post my "current playlist", and found it HYSTERICAL, I decided to do a more recent update. As you'll see, I'm eclectic! My mood changes, my genre changes, my playlist changes. Heres what I'm currently finding myself replaying:

LOVE - Kendrick Lamar feat. Zacari

Daydream In Blue - I Monster

Despacito REMIX - Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber

80's Mercedes - Maren Morris

Fake Love - Drake

On Hold - The xx

Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

This Girl - Kungs

Issues - Julia Michaels

Neighbors - J. Cole

Night Over Manaus - Boozoo Bajou

For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield

Wanted - Hunter Hayes

Location - Khalid

Candela - Buena Vista Social Club

Never Be Like You - Flume

What are you listening to?

Dad's New Transition: From Loyal Bishop to Feisty Crusader

As of June 1st, I will no longer be the daughter of the OWU Athletic Director, although I will transition into my new role as the daughter of the "Capital University Athletic Director". It's certainly a title I am proud of, and one that I think will give me great joy. However, it is weird to think that my Dad will no longer work at OWU. I mean, my dad has worked there ever since I have been alive. I have never known my Dad to work anywhere else! So, this is going to be a change--but a welcomed one and a change that I know he will excel in (and OWU will certainly miss his hard-work, skills, and talent).

So, to celebrate this momentous career change and foray into a life much closer to downtown Columbus, we threw my Dad a party! My brother Brad did a fantastic job organizing, inviting, and keeping the whole thing a secret from my Dad. A number of other amazing people helped as well.

Above is a picture of everyone that was present for the "surprise" moment. When Dad walked in, he had NO idea that this many people were waiting upstairs for him. He was so pleased and grateful.

Throughout the night, various people spoke--telling stories about my Dad, sharing great examples of his legacy at OWU, and constantly referring to him as "Coach". I even got up there myself and shared a little about how my Dad impacted my life as a young athlete, and the learning experiences I had just from being his daughter. 

My brother served as the Emcee for the evening. He was hysterical, as usual. Perhaps due to the atmosphere and the fact that he knew almost everyone in the room, and perhaps a little because of the bourbon, Brad was relaxed, having fun, and able to crack jokes in a way that only he can. 

The last part of the night consisted of a small group getting together, taking photographs, and generally enjoying the company of each other. 

I know my Dad had a blast, and was so surprised from the moment he walked in and up through each surprise guest, commentator, and event we threw at him that night. We all wish him best of luck as the Capital University Athletic Director. We know he will go on to do amazing things for the University, and will help build a Nationally recognized Athletic program, just like he did at Ohio Wesleyan. 

I couldn't be prouder of my family. 

The Job Hunt

Well friends and family, I'm officially on the hunt for a full-time job. And the hunt started a couple weeks ago, but is in full swing after I take my Foreign Service Officer Test this Saturday. Man, this is a process. I am exploring options all over the map right now, from University and Private Sector Business Development, Fundraising and Marketing to more Governmental focused jobs, to Non-Profit work. So far I have received a few job offers, unfortunately nothing that matched with what I am really interested in. Hopefully here in the next couple weeks I will have a more solid idea of what's next for me. Election day is coming up, which means soon there will not be any more campaign work. I still do have the bartending gig at night, I guess until I find something stable. And while I have been doing some volunteer work to gain more experiences with a couple organizations during this time, the uncertain thoughts about my future are beginning to give me some anxiety.

I think most people who know me, know I always have a plan. I am usually saving for some big study-abroad, travel-abroad trip or getting ready to start some cool internship/job. So now it's a little confusing for people when they say "what's next?" and I answer, "I don't know". I am planning on applying to law schools this fall, and I still have a spot at the Universidad de Salamanca next year should I decide to take it. Also, we're going to see how far I can get with this State Department stuff. But for right now, I don't know. Genuinely. And for the people who know me well, that seems to be an odd answer from me.

People keep asking me, "do you want to live in Ohio"? And I keep saying "I don't really care". I could live in Ohio and be happy, hell I'd probably save some money if I lived at home. But I do realize that most of the big job opportunities fall into bigger cities, and honestly, I could see myself being happy there as well. I know I am hard working, so I'm not too scared about what's to come and where I end up. I know i'll be fine and get myself to where I need to be. It's just this whole not knowing process takes a lot out of a person!

...and, friends and family, that's where I am right now.

The battle of the Ohio Governors- who did better?

Last night was the first evening of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. And as expected, it was filled with excitement and all kinds of speakers, making their cases for why the United States should elect Barack Obama as their President for the next four years. This is all coming after the Republicans had their convention in Tampa last week.

This election is all about keeping supporter states strong and battling it out for those battleground states. According to CNN.com, the battleground states are Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. At both conventions, my home state of Ohio was represented. After all, no Republican candidate has ever won an election without winning Ohio. And as an Ohio native, and lover of politics, I am thrilled to get the attention (while I know many people are not). Both Governor Kasich and former Governor Strickland were able to represent Ohio at their respective political parties convention. 

So, who did better? 

Governor Kasich's Speech at the RNC 2012

Former Governor Strickland's Speech at the DNC 2012

Openly I admit, I am a strong Obama supporter and would obviously side with former Governor Strickland. The automobile industry is due to the President's initiative and without it, Ohio could be 800,000 jobs down. Not only was the former Governor explosive and had sound-bite after sound-bite, but he was so good that he inspired a new twitter handle. @outsourcedelf. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check it out here.

But I have to admit, Kasich held his own. And although I'm not an avid fan of the man, I will admit, he did what he was sent to do. 

However, I would say, if it comes down to who's speech will be remembered the next time the Conventions roll around, I have to give the prize to former Governor Strickland. 

And if you don't have a twitter account, you might want to get one. It's been addicting and fun just to see what people come up with while watching these conventions. 

Election Life

Well, the elections are heating up! And as you all know, when there's political action, I am right there in the middle of it!

I have been working on President Obama's re-election campaign for the past four months and have really been enjoying the experience. As a summer fellow, and now just a Powell volunteer, I have seen all kinds of aspects of grassroots organizing and have met all different types of people. There actually are a lot of democrats in Powell, Ohio. Who knew?!

Photo from Westerville Rally with Michelle Obama

This past Monday we had our Powell office opening, which I gave a short speech at. Basically I highlighted a million reasons why I support our President in this election, and gave some reasons why the people at the office opening should volunteer with our campaign. It seems to have been a success! There were around 100 people there, and many of them signed up to get involved. So great!

Cookies I made for the Office Opening

As a young volunteer, I have seen the issues coming up in this campaign. Young people, WE HAVE TO VOTE! This idea of "Ron Paul didn't get the nomination, so I'm not voting" is total BS! Where has this come from? Is this some kind of hipster ideology that's running around college campuses and hip downtown bars? We are the backbone of this nation! We have a voice, and for some reason, are not entirely motivated as a collective generation to exercise this right. Why? Don't we want aid for college and graduate school? Don't people like having healthcare, and being able to comfortably (somewhat) ease into that first job, without the worry of being unable to go to the doctor when we are ill? This to me is insane! Young people, VOTE!!! If you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain. Educate yourselves on the issues and candidates. Apathy gets you nowhere.

Happy 87th  Grandma!

...and on that note, I am going to my Grandma's 87th birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Grandma Juney!