More Plans.

I'm on a role for posts. Because today I talked about and thought about my future plans. Being futuristic, this was a huge joy to take part in.

Current travel schedule:

June 1 - Sept 30: Washington: Seattle & San Juan Islands.
Sept 30 - Oct 7: Florida: Orlando & Boca Raton.
Oct 7: Back "home" - wherever I call home on this day. 01 02 18

CouchSurfing

I created a profile tonight and of course looked at all the places I would love to stay. Included there are folks on the San Juan Islands and a ton in Lithuania. Can't wait. My first experience will be in Chicago for Spring Break staying with a couple who live in Ukrainian Village.

http://www.couchsurfing.org

Profile: MRUPERT 01 02 18

Marine Naturalist Training

This is the program I wish to complete in August.

http://www.whalemuseum.org/education/mnt.html

I've been in contact with Cindy, the woman in charge at the Whale Museum, and there are still spots left, waiting for confirmation from a job before I solidify this plan. 01 02 18

Wanting to travel. Now.

I looked into couch surfing more today. Check it out if you have no idea what this fabulous way to travel is about. You'll be pleasantly pleased I'm sure, and ready to travel in no time.

http://www.couchsurfing.org/ 01 02 18

Future Plans.

I heard back from Starbucks corporate today through e-mail that the Administrative Assistant III position has been filled. With a start date that was before what I was capable of, my chances were slim regardless, yet applying never hurt. The more the merrier - especially when job-searching.

With the continued non-existent job offerings, let me add the third resort to get back to me. Which was a no. The manager explained that being such a small resort, she was taking over all responsibilities on her own and they won't be hiring a summer staff.

However, I have a contact through one of my sorority advisers of a friend who lives on the island. In addition to her residence, her parents own a restaurant on the islands. I shall make the goal of calling this contact within the next week.

And finally, today, I looked up ferry service into Canada. Vancouver specifically. I learned that two individuals from the current department I am a student manager for will be in Vancouver late May for a conference. The exact time in which I hope to call the San Juan Islands my home. Let the to-do list begin for this visit! 01 02 18

Leaving.

Brother joked last night that he was going to start charging me rent for having my belongings at his new house. I said I'm not even here for it to be worth $100. His response, "I wish you were." And so the guilt begins. He wasn't really joking.

I knew this would happen. I have somewhat prepared myself on what to say and do that will not only allow me to stand my ground but also find the positive in leaving the Midwest. I personally know why, yet having my family understand me is another thing.

When asked if I was coming home this Sunday by Dad I said "We'll see." Dad always gets his last two cents in and says "You'll be gone a long time after you leave, you should be spending time at home." Thanks for wanting me to spend time at home, yet do you realize how crazy busy I am at school. That even after I was home for the evening I came back and was in the clay studio til 1am. Sometimes I wish my family could follow me around for a week so they realize that I'm balancing so much.

And now to add one more item to my plate, I'm balancing spending more time at home. Impossible? No. Probable? No. Right now this is how my life goes. 01 02 18

Couldn't be happier.

Today brought two responses of the nine inquiries I sent last night. The first one came from a smaller resort that rents out cabins - their response was that they don't have a large staff and have no positions needed. Yet, the manager made sure to say "First, congratulations to the Packers." Seeing as I said I'm graduating from UW - River Falls. Thanks, Washington State.

The second response is much more promising, from a bit larger resort they enthusiastically said they won't be hiring until April or May for the summer. But they will keep my resume on file and I should send a reminder e-mail when the times come nearer. This made my day. If a place to stay is included, I'm golden. Their quick response and hopeful tone has boosted my job searching hope.

Now to wait for seven more responses. The anticipation builds. 01 02 18

Job Search: In Full Swing.

Tonight I sent in nine inquiries to various resorts, inns, and cottages on the San Juan Islands. I sent them my resume and said I hope to hear back soon about job opportunities. I feel somewhat relieved with tonight's progress despite not having any concrete job openings. The fact that I'm getting my resume out there satisfies me.

Let the games begin. 01 02 18

Whales.

I'm in two studio art classes this semester: Ceramics and Fibers. Both of which have lots of room for creativity and flexibility with our projects. I am pleased to announce that I will be incorporating whales into my projects. Look for pictures upon completion in a few weeks.

I'll be doing a clamp resist with a whale outline in fibers and an etching of whales for design on the outside of cylinders in ceramics.

I love the idea of a resort/spa in Utah with the red clay surrounding me and the warm sunshine baking my skin, however, the spray of sea salt and whales mere feet away is so thrilling and new. I can't wait to explore everything, yet, first, my passion for whales is getting the best of me. I'm glad my heart knows the direction of the path I travel. Because sometimes my head walks a different trail. 01 02 18

Get to Know You Questions.

My graduation application is due in six days. I discussed decorating my cap (the cap that goes with the gown) for graduation yesterday. I am realizing more and more each that the days are going by too fast and that these moments are my last in college. And although my future will be bright yet unpredictable, I can't help but feel sad that each day that goes by is my last in college. For this post I've chosen Get to Know You Questions. Due to the fact that four months from now I will need to do just that: Get to Know Others.

What is your favorite thing to do? Lately, working out has been my favorite thing to do. I feel so energized and healthy, plus I run to release any stress or tension that may have built up. However, I also enjoy listening to music and relaxing on my bed with my computer and Christmas lights plugged in.
Do you like to cook? Love to cook. Discovered coconut shrimp not too long ago. A dream of mine is to have a double oven in my home kitchen I'll someday own.
Do you live alone? Currently, yes. I am a Resident Assistant in the Residence Halls on campus and have my own room. But I am always surrounded by my staff, residents, and friends. Never would I give a negative connotation to this.
Which was the last book you read? I started reading Marley & Me after watching the movie last month. However, time got the best of me and I have yet to pick the book back up. I also started Contact last semester; the last book I read in entirety was Breaking Dawn last summer.
Do you have any siblings? One older brother by 2 1/2 years.
Which sport do you like the best? I enjoy playing and watching baseball. Specifically the MN Twins.
Have you ever lived in another country? Define 'Live.' I have traveled in other countries and thus stayed in Europe for three months. I would consider myself an inhabitant of their culture and territory.
How do you spend your leisure time? Catching up on the news on TV, listening to Cities97 on the radio, or curled up in leggings and a hoodie checking e-mail and Facebook with water or tea at my side.
Would you rather take pictures or be in pictures? I would rather take the pictures. That way when I look at the picture I can remember vividly the other side of the camera lens at what I was looking out at. However, capturing moments and events - I'd also like to be in pictures. Seeing the progression of fashion and age can be humorous.
Are you a morning, afternoon, or evening person? Morning or evening - I can be either. The afternoon should be my cat nap time as my eye lids get quite heavy around this time.
Which languages do you speak? Dominantly English. I speak a tiny amount of Spanish (as I've had four years). I would love to learn French someday. Right now, the international students I work with have been teaching me little things like 'thank-you' in Chinese.
Do you like to play a musical instrument? I attempted the flute in fourth grade but didn't have the patience nor persistence or the motivational instructor. I have always dabbled on the piano/keyboard. I can play The Entertainer at a slow pace, but decent, one day I hope to be more fluent.
What were your favorite subjects in school? I enjoyed the science courses: Biology and Chemistry. And the Art History component of European History.
In ten years, what kind of person will you be? I can't predict the future, but I wish for myself to be who I am today and grow personally each day: always learning, charismatic, and healthy.
Do you like to dance? Yes. More so now than I ever have before. Ballet and hip-hop are on my to-do list of classes to take.
Do you live in a house or an apartment? I grew up in an apartment for the first 21 years of my life. I grew content with what we had, yet yearned for greater space and exploration. Now, my brother owns a house to which our family resides in. I don't visit as frequent anymore since school occupies my time very much. However, when a house becomes a home is a personal admiration I have. 01 02 18

Add it to the to-do list.

Live in New York. I've always wanted to and don't see what I shouldn't experience as much as possible in one life time.

Perhaps my ideas are a bit skewed by You've Got Mail, which I'm watching right now. However, I've always loved Columbia University...

"Don't you love New York in the Fall? Makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." -You've Got Mail

Never stop Exploring, Dreaming, and Discovering. 01 02 18

Ambition.

"Ambition is the desire for personal achievement. Ambitious persons seek to be the best at what they choose to do for attainment, power, or superiority. Ambition is also the object of this desire."

01 02 18

The Wave.

Last night I had a vision of the canyons in Utah and the hiking my mom and I once did three years ago. I have always wanted to go on the Jeep tour that goes through the terracotta colored endless land. After this post, I'm looking at places in Utah/Arizona border to work at in the outdoors. Although landlocked, I also love this area of the states. I remember vividly the tiny State Park cabin we visited to enter our names in the daily drawing for those who are granted a day pass to hike to The Wave.

Look here if you aren't familiar with this gorgeous Butte: (That's Butte as in Beautiful) http://www.utah.com/playgrounds/the_wave.htm

The luck was with us as we were selected to hike the 6 miles to see this incredible landmark. It was amazing; a sunny day, not a cloud in the sky, and hiking weather that included a light sweatshirt and mittens to keep my fingers warm, as March is nice but not overly warm along the UT/AZ border.

I have always had an image in my head of my hair blowing in the wind while I'm driving my canary yellow Jeep with the top off, aviator sunglasses on, and my German shepherd in the back seat cruising through the canyons and leaving a trail of red clay dust behind us. Right now that sounds like Heaven to me. Some day this will become reality.

01 02 18