Blogging for the sake of...

I've just finished a class about public relations campaigns, and throughout the entire course my professor emphasized how important and influential blogs are. I have two blogs that I barely ever post on, and I don't follow any others, so I had to disagree with him a little bit.

It's not that I don't know that there are some very influential and highly followed bloggers out there. I do. And I know that they're usually a key resource when trying to promote your product (something we were working on for class). But I don't feel like the majority of people read blogs. Or even search them out when looking for information about a product. Because blogs are personal and bias, whereas some other official reviews or sites may not be.

So why do I blog, I guess is what I'm trying to get at. If I feel that no one reads this, or that people will think my viewpoints are bias and unimportant, why do I waste time with my fingers on the keyboard?

Because it feels good, I guess.Taking thoughts out of my brain and putting them where I can see them. It's kind of like cleaning house. I've been seeing a therapist for the last three months, and she recommended I write down my thoughts or what's bothering me, and come back to it later to determine if it's actually worth getting upset over.

So far it's been working, but I want to extend the practice into writing daily, as a form of relaxation. I write so often for school and work that I generally don't get to write for my own pleasure anymore. So writing here is not to gain followers or have my voice heard, but rather to clear my head a little bit and help me focus on what I need to.

Chasing Game

 "Don't chase anything but shots and dreams."

This is a quote that I hear all too much. Mostly from sad girls that have just broken up with their boyfriends and feel down about themselves.

But it's something that I sort of believe in, too. I've spent a lot of my life chasing and waiting for boys who ended up not caring about me at all. I was extremely naive, and looking back, all the signs were there. But luckily I haven't turned into some sort of man-hater who's pretending to be a lesbian because she hasn't had luck with the male species in a while.

I've just gotten to the point where I wait for them to show interest rather than jump the gun and blow up their phone. Which kills me! Because it's compeltely opposite from how I naturally am. When I'm waitting for a guy to text me or talk to me, in my head I'm dying and holding myself back from making the first move. But then again, I think most girls feel this way. That when they text someone, and they don't respond right away, or ask you out right away, that the other person is simply not interested.

But how far are we as women supposed to go in terms of the first couple interactions with guys? Should he make the first move and ask the girl out? That's the traditional opinion coming out in me. But what if he's more shy than her, and won't? Should she just initiate the relationship and give him her phone number? That's the current situation I'm in. I've seen the movie "He's Just Not That Into You" a few dozen times, but that's Hollywood's take on real life, right? Am I supposed to believe that all guys are just naturally inclined to become social beings when they see a girl they like, even if they are normally not?

So do I sit and wait? Do I get up and chase him? Do I slip him my number and then run away like a third grader in hopes that I won't have to see him again because I'm too embarrassed?

So many questions that the world does not seem to want to answer. Thanks, world, you secretive mongrel.

Social Media and the Young Professional

I'm only half way through my winter term, I have an exam and two large papers left this week for midterms. As if that wasn't enough immediate pressure, I went to a publicity club luncheon today and the main topic was social media, and the emphasis that the corporate world is putting on it.

As a millennial, I feel fairly confident about my knowledge of technology. I'm active on several different media sites, am decent with computers, that sort of thing. But being in a communication based program at school is showing me just how important the digital world is becoming, especially for people my age (just finishing college/starting out in the professional world).

As if making the transition from school to "the real world" wasn't difficult enough, my generation is now expected to be extremely versed in all that is digital. I understand that older generations are being strongly encouraged to gain experiences with social media as well, and most of them are taking on the job.  But one of the professionals at the luncheon today explained that many corporate level individuals have the opportunity to simply delegate, or even outsource, their social media "responsibilities." 

So not only do I have to learn what is necessary for my degree, I have to continue to master whatever technology is popular at the present time. Don't get me wrong, I love the internet and computers and blogs and apps and all the goodies that come along with technological advancements. But I'm terrified that when I actually apply for a real job, I'll be held to some astronomical, outrageous expectations that I'm not capable of fulfilling.

Or maybe I'm just underestimating my abilities. Maybe I'm just having a midterm week meltdown. Only time will tell.

Hungry, Anyone?

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many people may be looking for a new way to impress their special someone.  Why not cook for them? Cost efficient and usually easy, making a meal for someone is a great way to show them that you care about them, at least enough to slave over a hot stove for an hour or two.  Here, I’ll show how to cook a quick and simple, yet delicious meal for two.

One of my favorite recipes is a traditional Italian dish, roasted sausage and peppers.  Not only does is pack a flavorful punch, it’s easy and not too time consuming.  I've added potatoes to this recipe to incorporate a starch into dinner. This makes the meal a bit hardier, and takes away the need for a side dish. This recipe can be made in many ways for different occasions, but for now I’ll explain the traditional dinner recipe.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

-          1 lb of Italian sausage, cut into 1” pieces (hot flavored sausage adds more flavor, but mild/medium will work if you aren’t a fan of spice)

-          1 green bell pepper

-          1 red bell pepper (red peppers are sweeter than green, so mixing them up will add more flavor to your dish)

-          1 large onion, sliced

-          5 medium red potatoes, washed and scrubbed, cubed

-          2 large garlic cloves, chopped

-          2 tablespoons olive oil

-          Salt and Pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°

In a large roasting pan, combine first seven ingredients. Add more olive oil if necessary. Add salt and pepper, to taste.  Bake for 50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven, serve immediately.

            Buon Appetito!