Making the move

My blog will now be on the Carroll County Times' website. I'm not sure if I will keep this one up or not. It'll probably end up being really repetitive if I do, but we'll see.

For now, check it out on the CCT's site! : http://carrollcountytimes.com/blogs/staff/on_my_own/article_71e0e536-7b2b-11df-8b2c-001cc4c002e0.html

A page I designed!

So you can all see what I am doing, here is the Nation/World page I designed at work Tuesday night!
Nation World Page

I need a piggy bank and sheep to count so I can sleep

This blog may move to the Carroll County Times' website soon. But I haven't updated it in a bit and I found out people actually do read and maybe even like this blog, so it's worth writing in.

I'm trying to fill up the my days the best I can. It seems like a lot of copy editors usually stay up late after work and then sleep till really late and head off to work. But since I have my days free, I really don't want to spend them sleeping. However, I guess because I don't wake up in the morning, run around to classes all day and then go to the Collegian until 1 a.m., I have not been able to fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow like I used to.

I went to bed at 3 a.m. Saturday night. Not good. I think I'll try reading before I go to sleep, because that usually makes me pretty tired. Any other tips to help me fall asleep?

But I have been trying to get up around 11. Then hit up the gym. And after that clean and take care of any chores. Some days I read and others I watch TV and scrapbook. I am also looking to volunteer somewhere in Carroll County, I just haven't decided where yet.

Also, on my "weekends" (Sunday and Monday) I want to explore. Last weekend I went to Towson and yesterday I took a trip into D.C. to visit my friend Phenola. The trip is wasn't awful with an hour drive to a metro stop and then a short 15 minute ride into Columbia Heights. It was cool to see a different part of the city and wonderful to see Phenola. I missed her.

But along with trips into the city and satisfying my scrapbooking requirements, things get expensive.

I also want to get a cat. And then there's costs like the gym, Netflix, health care, water, electricity, food, rent ... and on and on. Everything costs something. I've never had to balance my expenses so carefully as I do now. And while I can do it, and can be extremely frugal when the need calls, it's no much fun realizing there are things I want and need but can't currently afford.

And then there's prioritizing. A vacuum would probably be good to get (and my mom will be aghast I haven't purchased one yet) but I am running low on coffee for my Keurig, I have to pay my cable bill soon and there's a few more odds and ends I need to really get going on my scrapbook.

The carpet will just have to wait a few weeks ... or until after my rent for July is due on the 5th.

And the cat ... well he will just have to wait a few months as I save up my pennies and have enough to give him a comfortable lifestyle.

Old friends, new state and Harry Potter

First week in Westminster is in the books. I settled in, got a gym membership and explored the town. Today I got to see my friend Jen, we go way back and I'm so glad that she and three other girls we are good friends with will all be in Maryland in the fall (they are all a year younger and go to college throughout Md.) We grabbed lunch and did some shopping at the Towson Town Center Mall -- which will now be the mall I go to for anything I need since it has every store imaginable.

And because the girls will all be here in the fall it means I have Harry Potter fanatics to go see THIS!!!!! with in November. Needless to say I am stoked. Harry Potter has been a huge part of my childhood/teenage years and still means a lot to me today. I brought "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" with me to Maryland, so I am going to have to take a hiatus from Stieg Larrson's "Millennium" series (more on that later) to reread HP.

I think I'll set my goal for reading this summer at 12 books (I've read 4 so far). Not yet sure about a goal for the whole year, but I'm hoping to beat last year's of 27.

Which also means I need to get a library card ASAP, because books are often a little too expensive for my budget.

First night is in the books

Last night was my first night of work and I think it went pretty well. Oddly enough when I got in they were having a surprise party for a staff member who had been there 20 years. But it was nice to see they do little things like that.

My boss, Brian, introduced me quickly to everyone. I'm going to have to try listening around the office to remember all their names -- I'm usually good at remembering names but not when 20 are thrown at me all at once. Everyone seemed pretty nice and there are quite a few younger people on staff.

I spent most of the night being taught how things work by Brian. I think I'll catch on sort of quickly, but they use a ton of different folders and programs to get stories and layout the pages so it's more confusing than I anticipated. But, I'm sure I'll get used to it. I designed the business page last night -- so at least they are throwing me into doing actual pages.

There's also an intern on desk. She seems nice and is a junior at McDaniel. She doesn't immediately seem to be the kind of girl I'd be friends with, but you never know. There are also three Katies on desk - so that'll be interesting.

I'm excited to be able to learn all the programs so I can design pages on my own, and maybe design lots of different kinds of pages, too. It'll also be nice getting to know everyone better over the next couple of weeks.

Now I'm just waiting for the Comcast person to come set up my cable and Internet. Right now I am leeching off someone else's Internet, but it's not fast enough to watch last night's episode of "Glee"!! But the time the person is supposed to come is between noon and 3 p.m., which means I am just sitting here waiting ... and waiting ... and waiting. Where are you Comcast man!?

The whole reason I am here...

I start work today! I have to go in at 3 p.m. to meet with HR for an hour and then I'll work until 11 p.m. Usually my hours will be from 4 p.m. to midnight.

To see what the paper is like, this is the website: http://carrollcountytimes.com/

I'm really excited to get started! I'll do a post about my first night tomorrow. :D

Wish me luck!

My new home

Wide open spaces

I am finally almost 100 percent moved into my apartment. There are a few odds and ends I need like better sticky tack since my posters keep plummeting to the ground, garbage cans and a brighter lamp for the bedroom.

But so far it has come together really nicely. The bookshelves look great and I hung my Nittany Lion poster over them and put all kinds of little decorations on them -- and books, too, of course. I wish I could have brought more of my books from home to fill up the shelves, but I'll go home in mid-August for my mom's birthday and can pick up a few things I left behind.

The complex is really nice, and quiet as well. It's in a residential area and has different sections. I live in Oak Hill Court. I haven't met my neighbor yet but can hear her TV softly through the walls so I'll have to be careful about playing music too loud.

I have a balcony looking onto a grassy area and neighborhoods, which is nice. There are families across the street with kids who where playing and running around yesterday. There are a lot of people around, walking their dogs and jogging -- so it makes me feel safe.

I need to get some more art for the walls -- I'm not used to so much empty space! There's also an empty spot where a dining room table should go. I might use some of my first paycheck to by a small table and chair to make it look less empty. The apartment is bigger than what I am used to, especially since I am living by myself.

I also have to give a big shout out to my parents, aunt Kathy, uncle Tom and cousins for making the move in less hectic. They were all so great about everything -- even the dresser from hell which had useless directions and is still not quite working properly (never buy a dresser from Wal-mart!)

My parents worked very hard and were great about getting me furniture, a flat screen TV and anything I would need to be comfortable here. But I can't wait to get paid, relieve that burden from them and become financially independent.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Memorial Day! I think I'll enjoy the sunshine and sit in the grass outside and read, then do a little shopping and clean up the rest of the apartment.

[I'll post some photos this evening!!!]

Tomorrow!

Leaving at 9 a.m. for Maryland. For now I am just trying to finish the last of the packing I have to do. So, so sick of packing!!! I'll be glad to settle into my apartment and no longer have to live out of suitcases and boxes.

I probably won't have Internet for a while, so you can reach me by Twitter (ramonesgirl212) or through my cell phone.

Let a new journey begin!


I Can Go the Distance
[I listened to this song religiously before going to PSU, so it seems appropriate before I head to another new place.]

(Also, what do you think of this blog? Is it too personal? Boring? Let me know your thoughts!! Especially since I'm not even sure who actually is reading this...)

Ready to hit the road ... no matter where it leads me

I'm finally more than ready for my move to Westminster. The furniture is bought (for the most part), my goodbyes are said (for the most part) and I am packed (sort of...).

Without having anything to do the past two weeks but prepare for the move I have become very restless. At Penn State being busy was just a way of life. I complained about my lack of downtime, but in all reality I really don't need that much of it. I love to be busy -- and busy with purpose. Which means I am ready to get back to copy editing, back to working in a newsroom and back to doing what I love.

At home I feel less independent and like everything else is on hold. I've grown so use to doing things my way that actually being told what to do is odd. While the things my mom and dad ask of me are quite reasonable, I'm ready to be on my own again and living on my own terms.

I can't wait to decorate my apartment and make it my own. I can't wait to explore Westminster and find a go-to coffee shop and make it some place familiar.

Being home is wonderful -- but I'm still on the title page of the next chapter in my life, and I'm ready for that page to turn.

Saturday can't come soon enough.

It's not all about the Benjamins

Lately I have heard a few people say that maybe I didn't pick the best profession to go into. Newspapers are hurting, the pay is bad and (as a copy editor) the hours worse.

And I've been giving non committal answers to those comments with "It'll be fine" or "This is what I want to do." But what I really need to say is NO, I did not choose the wrong profession -- I chose the one I've wanted since I was 15. In life a job shouldn't always have to be about the money, and maybe not always even the security, it should be about following one's passion.

When I try to imagine what else I could do after graduating, there's nothing but being in a newsroom. I love every aspect of newspaper work, but copy editing is where I found my niche. It's also what I am good at and what comes naturally, which is also very important. If you enjoy something, but are bad at it that doesn't make an easy career path and nor does being good at something but hating it. I've found the perfect formula of something I truly enjoy doing and also do well.

It would be amazing to be a doctor ... but that's not a possibility considering I cover my eyes at many of the surgery scenes in "Grey's Anatomy." I'm tone def, I can't act my way out of a paper bag and being a lawyer is out since I don't particularly enjoy arguing with people. So copy editing looks like a pretty good deal stacked up against that.

And the hours are late -- but that gives me sunny afternoons to read on the balcony of my apartment or volunteer at the library or local arts center. The pay isn't fabulous, but why does it have to be about the money? It's paper and metal! Why does it define our lives so much? I admit I have never had to worry too seriously about money -- so that may cloud my view of it -- but all the same I am willing to forgo some luxuries to have a job I love. In essence, to be happy.

Material things are wonderful, but I don't think it would do me any harm to cut back on what I spend my money on during the next few years. As long as I can afford to eat (and drink coffee), have gas in my car and pay rent and cable/Internet, then that's all I really need ... well, besides a library card and sunny days.

I can go the distance

I'm officially graduated. I am a PSU alumn. I start my first professional job in 15 days. I will spend the next two weeks ordering furniture for my new apartment, packing and picking out my graduation present -- a car.

I'm on my way ... time to write a new chapter in my life.

Not quite excited... not yet

It's strange to me when people say "aren't you excited!?" about me being graduated.

I mean it's a great feeling in some respects and it's great to begin a new chapter in my life.

But I'm not really excited.

And those who think that's weird, well, maybe college wasn't the same for you as it was for me.

The best four years of my life ever? Maybe not. The best of my life so far? Undoubtedly.

I stayed up until 5:45 a.m. this morning sitting on the lawn of Old Main laughing and talking with some great friends after spending a night out at the bars. If that isn't an indication of why I am not excited it's over then I don't know what is.

All of the people I have shared these four AMAZING years with are now moving all over and starting on a new path. But no matter where everyone goes, there are a lot of people I refuse to lose touch with. And thanks to Twitter, Facebook and Gmail, it's really easy to stay connected.

So keep in touch everyone!!! You never know when our lives will bring us together again. <3

Good friends are like stars

I know I have said this before, but the hardest part about graduating won't be leaving State College behind. It will be leaving the wonderful, smart, funny and caring people I have met here.

I went to Gettysburg today with a group of some of the nicest people I know. On the way back just thinking about not being able to do something so fun and spontaneous as that with them again made me feel sad.

It's so strange to become so close to people for years -- or even a few weeks -- and then have to say goodbye, when there are many things left unsaid to them and left undone with them.

The most I can do is hope we will stay in touch. With the advance of the internet and social media it is easier than ever to stay connected -- and there's no reason not to.

It may not be quite the same as seeing each other every day, but to those I have shared so many memories with in college: I will always be your friend if you need me.

I'm a big quote person, so this will happen a lot, but this one is very fitting for the sentiment of this post:

“Good friends are like stars ... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there”

5 days until graduation

"I carry your heart with me, Penn State. I carry it in my heart."

Happy Mother's Day!

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take."

My mom is the most amazing person I know and I wish her a very, very happy Mother's Day. I'm sad I can't be with her for it this year, but we'll be celebrating both Mother's Day and my graduation as a family next week.

I can't wait to see my whole family together in Happy Valley for the first time in many, many years. :D

Apartment shopping is not easy

I haven't physically seen my new apartment yet, though I have seen pictures of basically what it looks like online. All the same ... shopping for furniture is just causing me a lot of confusion.

I have a budget generously given to me by my parents to pick out some furniture so it's not completely bare when I move in. This will consist of a futon, entertainment center and lamps for the living room, as well as a bed frame/mattress and dresser for the bedroom. My parents are also giving me and old dining room set of a table and chairs for that part of the apartment. So that's all set.

Now the hard part -- choosing what furniture to get. I'm no expert at decorating, especially since I've never had to before. My parents furnished our house and my two State College apartments were pre-furnished.

I've found quite a few pieces I like, but furniture is expensive -- especially when bought in sets. So my dilemma is finding furniture that matches. I don't really want to spend money on stuff that doesn't match and end up replacing it with other furniture later. The worst part is I want the living room to be greens, browns and blues (I think). But finding wood furniture of the same color is harder than I would've thought! I'm afraid of buying different pieces from places and then putting it all in the apartment and having it not match at all.

I've got a few weeks to continue searching and I hope I'm able to find pieces I like in the end. So far I've picked out a few things for the living room that might work...

DONE

No more pencils, no more books. No more teachers, dirty looks!! Took my final final today and am now home free. It feels good, yet weird. I still haven't quite grasped that it is completely over. A large part of me keeps thinking I'll be at it again next year.

And, here's the column about finals I wrote for the Collegian's Finals Magazine: http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/05/03/goodbye_standardized_tests_hel.aspx

I know I'm who I am today, because I knew you

I have one final essay to write in my college career. But it can wait a few minutes. Because I need to get this out.

This weekend was beyond question one of the craziest, fastest and most amazing of my college career. And I'm not going to go into all the details -- but it was one full of Collegian events -- the most emotional being today's picnic.

As dysfunctional a family as the Collegian can be -- today/night showed how much it means to everyone in it, and how much we all mean to each other. And my hurt aches a little just writing this and just thinking about all the amazing things that were said about all the seniors. It's not easy to stand up in front of the whole Collegian staff and speak about people -- but everyone said such wonderful things. And to stand up there and have friends, reporters and editors talk about me ... there are no words to describe that feeling. As well as to be able to stand up and talk about people who have meant so much to me these past four years.

Every single person I have interacted with at the Collegian has changed me in some way -- and that's the complete truth. There was so much more I wish I could have said to so many of the seniors at the picnic, but only so much time.

I am ready to step into the world, maybe scared and nervous about setting out on my own, but confident in my abilities because of the Collegian and the people there who helped me to grow and become so much more than I thought I could be.

I'll never have a family quite like the one at the Collegian again, but I can't wait to see all the wonderful things my friends end up doing. After all our hard work and dedication we deserve only the best, seniors.

This song basically sums all of this up. I know it's from a musical, but it really says it all.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CImGTTuEMEI

The press has made its final run

It's 4:20 a.m. and I should be exhausted, but I'm not. Tonight was the last night at the Collegian. Wow. Just typing it makes it seem more real. Yet, it's going to take a while to actually sink in.

And it was a wonderful night. Seeing the Collegian come off the presses was awesome, as was holding a newly printed one in my hands. The printer is ancient, from '72, so billions of papers must have come off of it.

Incredible.

I love the seniors I shared tonight with so much. And have to admit, I went a little picture crazy. But it's something I never want to forget. They're friends I'll always remember and cherish. Also, thanks to the sports boys, I didn't cry. They had me laughing with their crazy jokes and antics the whole time. It made it seem less like the end of things and much more just like a fun, exciting night. I took dozens of photos and may post a few here at a later point.



I even had a nice chat with Eddie and Kurt on the ride back. And it's so strange how in one semester -- and my last at that -- I became closer to the sports staff and also my desk girls. Makes it so much more of a family.

My only regret from tonight is that I didn't say goodbye to Dave. With all that was going on it just slipped my mind ... :( Hopefully somehow I'll see him again before graduation.

There's two weeks left. The end is near, but it's not here yet.

It's been a long and winding road

I'm sitting in the Collegian. Andrew and Rossilynne are talking in her office. The maintenance people are cleaning and replacing garbage bags. Allison is reading page 2.

It's my last night as a slot editor. Dave just tightened my last page. I wrote my last headline, pulled my last AP brief ... and made my last mark on the Collegian.

Tomorrow starts the crazy-ness. I'll be in the Collegian for as much of it as I can (though with a little time in front of Old Main in my favorite spot reading). Though I'm not slotting tomorrow, I want to be here with my friends, my family, for one last night. And then after page 2 is turned in we pile into cars and head to Lewistown for the final press run.

Then Tom's picnic, then the formal, then the senior picnic, then finals ... then reality.

I realized today I spent NINE semesters at the Collegian. More semesters than I even took classes.

Maybe if I just don't go to bed tomorrow will never come and everything won't have to end.

Senior Column: Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance

My senior column, the last thing written by me to be published in the Collegian. Also, one of the hardest things I've ever had to write.

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/04/28/destiny_is_a_matter_of_choice.aspx

I'll be excited for the future -- after May 15

"Aren't you excited?"

It's a phrase uttered from a dozen or so people since I was offered a job at the Carroll County Times. And while I know the answer should be "YES!", it's not -- at least not yet.

Because in knowing I will soon leave Penn State, I've been taking more stock of the things I will miss about it. The simplest things, including going out for dinner and coffee with a friend or drinks at Mad Mex. Old Main ringing out "Hail to the Lion" on my way to class. Waving to friends I pass by while walking ... well, anywhere.

I know I will be excited for my job after graduation. And I am so blessed to have found one. There are so many of my friends who are still searching, but probably even more deserving of a job than me.

But I want to take it one day and one moment at a time.

When I leave and know that I can't go back, only forward, then I'll be excited for all that lies ahead.

Fight on, State

Today was the Blue-White game and the last time I was in Beaver Stadium as a student. It was surreal thinking about it, being there and knowing even when I return as an alum it won't quite be the same.

The Collegian also held a tailgate, which went really well. I was so glad at the amount of people who showed up. Thanks for coming, everyone! There was a lot of food, a lot of laughs and a little bit of football.

Thinking back, I can't recall skipping a single game during the past four years. All in all I probably attended at least 28 games in Beaver Stadium.

I remember my first White Out, where I didn't think anything could be more amazing than being with more than 100,000 other fans decked out in white and screaming "We Are!" I remember basically getting frostbite on my fingers and toes with my best friend from home during the last game of the semester last fall. And now I'll remember one last time in the stadium with a group of friends made late into my college career -- but ones I couldn't imagine this semester without.

And as I walked away from the stadium I actually didn't feel too sad. No tears came to my eyes. Because while I'll miss the camaraderie and chaos of the student section, I'll always be able to watch my Nittany Lions play. Even if I'm watching alone I'll know there are hundreds of thousands of fans cheering along with me.

I don't do goodbyes well

Here it comes, the hardest part of my impending graduation: goodbyes. I hate them. I don't do them well. My heart breaks a little when I have to say goodbye.

A lot of people say, it's not really goodbye but see you later. And in some cases that's true. But not all.

Tonight I had to say goodbye to Sharkey, one of the members of the professional staff at the Collegian. And, sadly, I have a feeling it may be a true goodbye. After spending three semesters hearing him call me "katiedid" and joking with him and Dave it's hard to comprehend not having him tighten up pages back in shop for me.

And this is just the first of many goodbyes, and not the hardest. I'm not made for this. I'm far too sentimental. That's why I'm going to find it so hard to leave. Some people can't wait to be out of here and onto the next chapter. But what I'm not ready for is the characters in this chapter of my life to change. I know that means new people will fill the pages of my life, but I love the ones who I am sharing it with now.

Makes me think of a quote from one of my favorite books, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer:

"So many people enter and leave your life. Hundreds of thousands of people. You have to keep the door open so they can come in. But it also means you have to let them go."

From the beginning to the end

A friend at the Collegian put his first article as his G-chat status, which gave me the urge to find mine.

It seems so long ago I sat on my bed in Hoyt Hall and called Jeff Van Fossan and Jesse Ruegg for the first time.

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2006/10/10-18-06tdc/10-18-06darts-02.asp

While the article certainly isn't my crowing achievement, it shows how far I have come since then. I can still remember how nervous and excited I was for it. How I wasn't sure what to ask them or who to call. I even e-mailed my mom my rough draft of the article, looking for support and advice. I was beyond thrilled to actually get a chance to talk to the band, and though now I realize that's not uncommon, as a shy freshman it was incredible.

In two weeks my last piece of work will be published in the Collegian, a senior column. Because I went into editorship so early on in my Collegian career I don't have as many articles to look back on as some of my peers -- but the ones I do have aren't clips for job and internship applications any more, they're memories.

And this little story I wrote my freshman year will always be my favorite article.

Wonderful weekend in Phila.

This weekend was incredibly busy, but awesome nonetheless.

A group of Penn Staters went to the ACES conference in Philly. We left before the sun rose at 6 a.m. and headed toward the city. The ride went smoothly and we arrived just a little after 9 a.m. We signed in, got some ACES swag and met up with Stacey.

The first seminar we went to was on job interview etiquette and resume dos and don'ts. I thought it was really informative and interesting to hear the professionals opinions. I also ran into my boss at the Carroll County Times after the seminar. It was really nice seeing him there.

Then there was a lunch for students at the conference. It was really nice to sit and talk with other people in the profession and get the opinion of some younger journalists with real world experience.

After lunch we went to my favorite seminar on the AP Stylebook. It was fun to be in a room with like minded people who wanted to know the reasoning for many of the styles. They also announced the change of Web site to website and that they will reconsider getting rid of abbreviations for states. There were many passionate discussions at the seminar and I found it fascinating.

After the last seminar we all piled in our cars and headed to the Phils game!! Despite the rain, I had a blast. We were up in the nose bleeds but the view was excellent and we had the overhang to keep us dry. Citizens Bank Park was amazing. Such a nice ballpark. Despite the downpour Halladay pitched great and it was an excellent game. (except toward the end when the Marlins scored three runs, but we had left by that part.)

All in all an amazing weekend. And I was so glad I got to go to a Phils game before graduation. One of my life goals accomplished. :)

Looking for a little friend

After a bit of thought I have decided that when I move I want a cat. Now, the tough part about this is the fact that my mom is allergic to cats. But she gave me the go ahead to get one.

But I don't want it to cause problems for her. She won't be able to stay in my apartment for long if I get one, and I'll have to be meticulously careful about having cat hair on my clothes. I tried to think of other options for a little friend to have in my apartment. But none seem to be as good an idea as a cat.

I would love a dog, but they're a.) expensive b.) require a lot of attention and c.) I've never had one before so I don't know what would go into their training/care.

A bird isn't as ... cuddly. Bunnies and hamsters tend to smell and can be sort of boring. A bird would be an OK option, but I want something that I can cuddle with and will keep me company.

So a cat seems to be the best option. They are independent, cuddly, cute and probably not extremely hard to take care of.

Cat lovers/owners, what do you think? Are cats pretty hassle free pets? Also, where is the best place to get a cat?

I mean, look at how cute!

It's happening

I bought my cap and gown. 2 1/2 weeks of classes. 4 1/2 weeks until graduation. 6 1/2 weeks until I move to Maryland.



Live it up. Live it up. Live it up.

I should not use this as procrastination...

When you know something is ending, it makes you reflect on all the things you will miss about it so much more sharply.

Even schoolwork.

I'm (attempting) to write an essay for my Wilderness Literature class on "Dances with Wolves" and "O! Pioneers." It is proving kind of difficult because I don't know what direction I want my argument to take and that makes me so glad after this I only have one more essay to write ... possibly ever (unless I got to graduate school, which is an acute possibility).

So, of course, I am looking forward to no more school work. No tests, essays, assignments and silly busy work.

But then again... I like learning.

That's why I am here, isn't it? To soak up as much knowledge as possible. While graduating doesn't mean I stop learning, it's going to be different.

So I'll say it -- I'm going to miss taking classes. I complain, I gripe and sometimes I don't want to get up for my 9 a.m., and then I'm in class and a great discussion comes up and I get so excited to learn something new, to hear different viewpoints from my classmates. I'll miss those awe-inspiring moments.

Plus, procrastination is fun. After graduation I can't think of anything I'd have to procrastinate on. Considering deadlines for newspapers are a little different than deadlines for college essays, I won't procrastinate at work.

So while I will probably be the happiest person in Happy Valley the minute I turn in my math final -- I am going miss taking classes. Though not all, quite a few of them were amazing, eye opening experiences.

Life goal #2836

Walk through the summer rain while singing "Singing in the Rain." Loudly.

Summer goals, part one: Movie madness

Though I plan on spending as much time this summer exploring Maryland and finding volunteer opportunities, I know I'll still have a lot of time on my hands before work and on my random days off (Sundays and Mondays).

So I definitely am going to get a subscription to either Blockbuster mail-ins or Netflix.

Any recommendations? My dad had Netflix for a long time but then switched over to Blockbuster, which allowed him to not just mail back movies but also trade them in at the store. The downside was that after a few months the Blockbuster movies kept taking longer and longer to arrive so he switched back.

However, I am going to get one of these services, and I need to start compiling a list of movies I haven't seen to rent.

So, I'm looking for some suggestions!!!

I haven't seen "Citizen Kane" yet so that is on my list. As is "Pulp Fiction." And while I am a little terrified to see it, I'll also rent "The Exorcist" -- which I will be sure to watch during the middle of a sunny day.

But if there is a movie you think I should definitely rent, let me know!!

Choosing a path

One of my best friends at Penn State, Lisa, recently asked me to write a recommendation for her for the Peace Corps. And as I fill it out, I'm thinking about how I wanted to join the Peace Corps myself. But I don't think it is for me. And while I never thought it would be something Lisa would be interested in, she has convinced me that it would be a great experience for her.

That also makes me think about all the different paths my friends will take after graduation. I haven't spent as much time as I should have with Lisa this year, one of the few regrets I have. It's so hard with our schedules and she is also busy planning her wedding in July. But I can't wait to watch her and her fiance Dan get married. And while I will worry for her if she is accepted into the Peace Corps, I hope she does get in and is able to follow her dreams.

We all choose such different lives for ourselves.

And graduating is just the beginning. I wish I could do something a little more off the beaten path -- like the Peace Corps -- but journalism has been my calling for so long.

Despite that, I plan to do something different when I move to Maryland. I want to do charity work or help others in some way. That's one reason why I love copy editing -- I have total freedom during the day. While I was in Naples, Fla., last summer I volunteered at the Collier County Literary Volunteers center. I cataloged the organizations small library. It was so great to help others and a very rewarding experience -- as well as a way to meet new people.

I hope to do the same in Carroll County. Maybe volunteer at the library or the downtown arts center. Maybe I'll volunteer at more than one place. It'll make me feel more like a part of the community and will be a rewarding way to fill up my days.

Everybody's got a different story

I'm really not good at staying with blogs. I create them and then forget about them. But here's another attempt. Because this time I'm not picking a specific theme for this blog. I'll soon be on an adventure and I don't know where it will lead me, so this blog has no direction.

With just three weeks until my college graduation there's so much going on in my head that I want to put into words -- and this will be my release of all those thoughts and feelings.

I have a job lined up in Maryland at the Carroll County Times. And people keep asking me if I am excited. And I am. But, it's terrifying. Maybe if I didn't have so much here to leave behind I wouldn't be terrified. This place has become so much a part of me. Penn State has been my home for only four years, but I feel like I have been here for forever. Despite the beauty and wonder of this place, what I don't want to leave behind the most is the people. My friends, my family. And also the Collegian -- my third home.

This blog will follow my adventures into the the real world. There is so much I'm scared to leave behind, but there is also so much ahead of me. In seven weeks I will be on my own. And while I'll never be ready to leave Penn State, I think I'm ready for the real world.