Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Because Leah said so...

So, my sister asked today where my blogging went... that's a good question, this is tough, especially when there isn't really a whole lot to say regarding life.  Really, the only thing going on recently is a research paper that I must write that discusses the political/ economic impact that Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty has had on the world we live in.  Let me tell you, this takes time. Lots and lots of time.  The hardest part was actually choosing what to write about because as many of you know, I care a lot about media and communications and how the two are related and the synergistic components of each.  Yeah, I know, probably boring  to a lot of people, but you like math or science, those are subjects NOT for me.

Last night (I will combine yesterday and today just this once), Brad and I made dinner.  I love cooking dinner and like to experiment with fun recipes that call for like 15 ingredients (all of which I don't have), but my wallet doesn't like that so much.  Most people find that eating at home costs significantly less than eating out, but I think the cost for the food I make vs. going out is comparable.  oops.  Anyways, I digress, Brad and I made dinner and we had rice, chicken, broccoli and stuffing.  Boxed stuffing, rice with veggies in it and chicken with dipping sauce, it was not a meal you would see on the Iron Chef, but still delicious!  I suggest to everyone out there that likes buffalo wild wings: Go to Target and buy there sauces, they have tons! Parmasean garlic, asian zing; you name it, they have it.

Recipes
I'm going to have to try this.  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bubble-Pizza/Detail.aspx
News Story
Abercrombie and Fitch has started selling a bikini with a push up bra... is this really the big issue?  An article I read today pointed to the fact that the swimsuits weren't the problem, it was the fact that children have learned that this is the way they should dress, it isn't about their "self- image" its something much, much worse.  This isn't the article I read, but a little more interesting info.  http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfmoms/detail?entry_id=85551
Interesting Fact/ News on the Job Front
Reese Witherspoon got married on Saturday- I know, exciting right? Something a little more exciting/ interesting.  Back in the 1960s there was a TV station that blocked out a TV show whenever an African American was shown in a positive light.  The UCC played a very integral part in getting the FCC to take a closer look at the program and eventually the station was banned from blocking the TV shows.  I sent a few applications out today, one to the Radisson on campus to work as the sales manager.  We shall see how it goes.  I have a final interview with MOA on Thursday.  Wish me luck!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Roller Derby

Over winter break I bought my first ever Groupon, rollerblading at the Metrodome.  Today, Brad and I finally used the Groupon.  It was a ton of fun, the cement pavement makes for very fast and basically effortless rollerblading (no having to watch out for twigs and/or other things in the road).  Brad asked me when the last time I went rollerblading was and I had to think very hard on when that actually happened.  I did eventually remember and then I remembered that I fell and scraped my knees really bad- then I was nervous.  Thank you Brad.

After rollerblading, we went to dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory.  Such a great restaurant and surprisingly cheap, especially when you have a coupon for a free order of cheesy bread!  If you are ever wondering where to take a date and are sick and tired of the regular places, OSF is a great option (except if that is the "regular" place you go).

I've decided that it is extremely difficult to find time on the weekends to blog, especially on nights where I go out.  There is no way that I felt like blogging at 12:30 last night and unfortunately, I'm not very creative in the morning.  Also, on the weekends I don't spend as much time on the internet, which means I lack interesting facts/ trivia.  I will just have to "seek- out" information to keep you all occupied.

Recipe
This looks awesome, although not as good as the enchiladas Gabe made for me this summer.  Those were awesome!  Gabe- if you read this, let's make those again soon!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Quick-and-Easy-Green-Chile-Chicken-Enchilada-Casserole/Detail.aspx

News Story
he must have REALLY disliked his daughter's boyfriend... Dad, don't get any ideas!
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/26/cops-san-diego-dad-3000-bounty-daughters-boyfriend/?test=latestnews

Interesting Fact/ News on the Job Front
Internship application for Governor Mark Dayton's office has been fully submitted!
The pharmacy that was linked to Michael Jackson's death was shut down today... do you really think that that was their fault?
"Muffin top" was added to the English dictionary. Awesome.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Chai Tea

Let me tell you, Chai tea is amazing and tonight I was able to experience if from Namaste Cafe in Uptown. 

A few weeks ago, I bought the Crowdcut coupon, $20 for $40 worth of food from Duplex Restaurant in Uptown.  When I saw this in my inbox a few weeks ago I was ecstatic!  I fortunately have been able to experience Duplex twice now.  The first time with my cousin, aunt and uncle.  Julie, my cousin definitely knows her way around uptown.  If I ever need a suggestion for a great place to eat, I know I can count on Julie to help me out.  Tonight, I went to The Duplex for dinner with Brad and Leah Loo.  It was fun and cheap!  Especially with the coupon.  I got a great cup of soup (bean and bacon) and an amazing spinach salad with grilled apples..  Leah and Brad both got delicious sandwiches with delicious french fries... Brad was a little disappointed- They didn't have honey mustard!  He had to live with ketchup (although this wasn't regular ketchup.. there was some interesting spice that Leah and I both loved.  Brad was indifferent). 

Now, back to the Chai.  The Duplex is conveniently located right next to Namaste Cafe, who does a great job advertising their award winning tea.  I told Leah we had to stop before we went to the car.  We did and it was amazing.  So, if you are ever in the uptown area in need for a delicious cup of homemae chai, you need to go to Namaste.

Recipe
I had to find a good Chai recipe for people to try.  Disclaimer:  I have not made this before, so you'll have to let me know if its worth trying!
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chai-Tea/Detail.aspx


News Story
"OMG", "LOL" and "<3" have all been added to the English Dictionary!  Hooray!  Also, for all of you journalists out there, The associated press FINALLY changed e- mail, to email (this makes me extremely happy).


Interesting Fact/ News on the job front
Winne the Pooh makes more money for Disney than Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and another character.  Do NOT quote me on this, my marketing teacher told me and you can only believe like 15% of the things he says...

Job Front--> Interview with MOA tomorrow and I got a call for an interview with the Timberwolves!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Pizza Sandwiches

Today, like most days was pretty much the same.  I was having my qualms about writing this blog and I have to say, that I'm unsure if I can keep people entertained for an extended period of time.  If ANYONE has any ideas of what I can blog about, I would love your suggestions!  I think someone once told me it takes 30 days to make a habit.  That's what I'm giving myself.  30 days to make blogging part of my daily ritual.  If, after 30 days, I'm not totally sure of my blog's "life- purpose" it may be time to put down my metaphorical pen and spend my time doing other things.  (Hopefully this won't happen).

Gradfest 2011 went down today.  I showed up at Coffman Union ready to hear about all the money I had to give back to the U over the next 10 years.  It definitely isn't going to be fun.  But, I'm now looking for a get- rich- quick scheme if anyone has any ideas for me.  I figure, maybe I should find a job in Rochester that pays $100,000 and do that for a year.  That way, I can live at home (rent free) and pay off my loans in one year.  What do you think M & D?


Recipe
Your recipe for the day doesn't come from an online website, but from the great mind of Grandma Boo- Boo... PIZZA SANDWICHES!
This is basically a grilled cheese Italian Style.  Start with your bread and butter (or olive oil) it.
then, slather on the pasta sauce and add cheese and whatever pizza toppings you enjoy. I used pepperoni and spinach then you put the other piece of bread on top and grill it just like a grilled cheese.  I must admit that after watching, "America's Next Great Restaurant" yesterday and seeing the Meltworks Idea, it has got me really craving a panini.  I woke up this morning wanting (and needing) a pizza sandwich.  When I got home from class tonight, I grilled myself up two sandwiches and DEVOURED them!



News Story




Elizabeth Taylor died today, which is extremely sad... she was regarded as one of the last great actresses of film.  Cleopatra was the only movie of hers that I saw and apparently that was the worst movie she made!  Shows what little my generation cares to learn about movie stars.  I had no idea that she was comprable to Katherine Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.  The only thing I ever knew about her was that she liked to get married.  "Asked why she married so often, she said, in an assumed drawl: “'I don’t know, honey. It sure beats the hell out of me.'”from The New York Times.

I think that if i had known Elizabeth Taylor, I would have liked her... although I probably wouldn't have been able to put up with her husband (Burton) can you believe he said this? “the most beautiful woman in the world is absolute nonsense,” he said. “She has wonderful eyes,” he added, “but she has a double chin and an overdeveloped chest, and she’s rather short in the leg.”

 For the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/movies/elizabeth-taylor-obituary.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1

Interesting Fact/ News on the Job Front
After my great (sorry for the modesty) phone interview with the Mall of America yesterday, I received a phone call asking if I would be available for an in- person interview.  Of course I said yes and now have two days to prepare a presentation on social media... it is a good thing that I am literally obsessed with everything to do with social media otherwise, I feel that I would be at a loss.  In my interview the HR person asked if I used social media and what SM platforms I thought were the most effective.  I think I blew him away with the amount of information I could give him on the spot... I probably could have talked for another 15 minutes.

I also need to give a shout out to my dad.  He has been great finding job postings that I am eligible to apply for.  After awhile, I keep seeing the same thing over and over again, so it is really nice having him help me.  Today he sent me a posting for the St. Louis Cardinals.  When I got home from class (before making my pizza sandwiches) I applied.  *Dad, I will try to get you free tickets if I get the job.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Day Two and still going strong

Direct quote from Brad today... "why didn't you get a blog two years ago?  You love to ramble and talk."  This is a very true statement.  I love to talk and find myself wanting to tell someone something cool all the time, unfortunately most of the time that information is heard by no one.  This blog is a great way for me to get it all out and if you want to read it, hopefully you learn something!  Today was a pretty normal day, Brad's mom came up for dinner and we went to Applebee's. Love the bees.  Besides that, nothing extraordinary has happened, haven't heard back from any jobs yet but I got an email from a woman who USED to work at a hotel and she gave me an email of someone I could talk to that still works there.


Recipe:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cousin-Cosmos-Greek-Chicken/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=55309196&prop26=DailyDish&prop27=2011-03-22&prop28=DailyRecipe&prop29=FullRecipe&me=1

News Fact:
okay, so this really isn't a news fact, BUT I thought it was extremely interesting... won't this be amazing if this actually happened?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38

Interesting Fact/ News on the Job Front:
So today, I had a phone interview with the Mall of America for a social media position.  I think the interview went really well!  Considering, I spend the majority of my day updating various social media outlets, I figure: hey, I can do that for a living!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Well Here Goes Nothing

So, in a feeble attempt to stay on top of social media, I have decided to start a blog.  I've had many a hesitation regarding this blog... ask my roommate Hannah, who hears me ask "what could I actually write a blog about?" approximately 10 times a day. 

It has happened.  A blog is starting now.  I may not be funny enough or have an interesting enough life (I don't think anyone has ever told me that my life would make an interesting reality TV show) but I'm going to do my best to keep people informed on my life.  While, I'm still unsure what I'm going to write about, I'll give it a whirl and most likely write about everything that pique's my interest.

I just got back from a trip to Arizona and let me tell you, it was AMAZING!  80 degrees everyday, sunny and the best part? NO humidity.  My hair looked exactly how I wanted it to at all hours of the day.  Many of my friends chose to go on extremely exciting, booze- filled trips but, I'm glad I spent my time lounging around by the pool, drinking wine and doing crossword puzzles (a lot, I might add).

In Arizona, I was able to go hiking... Mindy, my friend, took some amazing pictures.  I will do my best to post a few sometime soon, I will just have to figure out how to do that!  Can't be too hard.

On the way home from Arizona, we stopped by the Grand Canyon, it is indeed Grand.  I hope that I am able to go back again sometime soon, when I'm not extremely sleep deprived from an already long car ride and spring break.

And now for a sense of stability regarding my blog.  I hope that I can at least teach the people who read this blog a little something, whether it be a recipe, something about media, something in the news, an interesting tidbit I googled.  So for today, this is what you get!

Recipe
Vegan Bean Taco Filling-- This looks great!  Something my roommate, Hannah, would love!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Vegan-Bean-Taco-Filling/Detail.aspx 


News Story
AT&T buys T- Mobile for $39 billion,  AT&T wants their 4G networks, that's for sure.  Do you think it will be approved?
http://mashable.com/2011/03/20/att-tmobile-2/


Interesting Fact/ News on the Job Front
Today was a great day in the world of "Find Alex a job" I was able to speak with the GM at The Saint Paul Hotel and he seems generally interested in my skillz.  I was able to reach out to a contact at Hughes Group (a PR firm in St. Louis), a contact at the Mayo Clinic in the Development Office and my boss at TRC contacted the director of a job I applied for and put in a good word for me!