Saturday, December 19, 2009

English Christmas

I made it.

It's Christmas break and time for a long-overdue update. For the past few weeks (how they've flown!) I have been busy creating

1) an editorial proposal for a new book
2) a marketing plan for an online finance publication
3) the design and layout for a natural history book

not to mention taking exams, attending conferences and a few odd lectures here and there.

But those aren't the only reasons I haven't updated. Franky, it's hard to sit in front of this screen and distill life into a few coherent sentences. Especially when Facebook surfing or watching BBC 'Life' beckons from the next Firefox tab. But reading some of my friends' blogs just now has inspired me...

On Tuesday my mom is flying in from Seattle to spend Christmas and the first part of January with me in England. It will be my first Christmas away from home and without my dad. Almost all of my international friends are going home at some point. Why am I not?

I don't know how to say this without sounding unfeeling, ungrateful, and unpatriotic, but not for one single day have I been homesick. And you have to understand earlier this year I dreaded leaving Washington. I left a beautiful home and friends and family I love dearly. I still love them just as much, and after this course I'll be plenty happy to return to the USA.

But in the 9 months remaining, I don't want to do anything but soak in this place. The delight of England has not worn off and there is so much more to see. Mom and I are going on our own version of the 'grand tour,' including London, the Peak District, Windsor, Bath, Southampton, and of course my own Oxford. Last night, after handing in my last project of the semester, I could not help skipping a little as I crossed Magdalen Bridge into the city. A whole month of freedom stretches before me, and what better place to spend it?

If publishing is a language, this has been a total immersion experience. Just a few things I didn't know 12 weeks ago:

how to use InDesign and Photoshop
what XML is
the meaning of 4/0 CMYK sheet fed-printing on 120 gsm paper
how to write an editorial proposal
what the heck all those marketing people want anyway

We've come a long way. I am so proud of everyone on this course. Their creativity and professionalism humble and inspire me.

For a few weeks though, it's time to look at books like a normal person again. Not dissecting the potential market, author royalty, and design elements. Just as creations to be enjoyed, given, loved.

All in time for Christmas.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Home Is Where the Coffee Is

Flying into London with fireworks exploding over Big Ben. That was my homecoming to England after spending three days in Germany for the Frankfurt Book Fair.

The time in Frankfurt (my first trip to mainland Europe) was great. The book fair itself was very eye-opening as to the sheer size of the industry. It was also humbling being in a country where I spoke the foreign language! I've never really appreciated just how central language is to identity, both personal and national.

So returning to England was a homecoming on several levels. The nearly two months I've been here have flown by -- I can't believe it's November. Last weekend I went to the seaside with the postgrad group from my church. It was great hanging out with everyone in the beautiful scenery and goofing off. Let's just say there was an impromptu performance of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." And real American s'mores. (It was funny seeing the British people try them..."what's a graham cracker? Is it like a digestive?")

Coursework is starting to get intense, which makes breaks all the more important. One friend has set up a Wednesday pizza and movie routine--so far we've devoured Dominos and watched Shawn of the Dead (hilarious) and V for Vendetta (perplexing).

Today was my first time in a Starbucks since moving here. It was dark and miserable outside. Rain coated the streets. Then I stepped inside and the familiar red cups and warm lighting instantly welcomed me home. They were playing Viva la Vida.

And just another reason England is awesome: the baristas here ask if you want your drink for here or to go. My friends and I sat in big comfy chairs drinking Toffee Nut Lattes out of REAL MUGS!





















Does that happen in Seattle? I think not.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Goodbye Academia, Hello Retail

As I was catching the bus into town today, a sign caught my eye. It was an advert for my university touting "education for livelihood" rather than "education for life."

My English-major heart cringed at this, because I still believe education means more than the top line of your resume. But I admit, the vocational focus here has been a welcome change.

I'm studying publishing, which, let's face it guys, is all about SELLING BOOKS. Yes, hopefully they are quality products that will enhance someone's life. But at the end of the day, publishers care as much about the bottom line as any other company. And after 6+ years of studying literature, I find that oddly refreshing.

My courses are Editorial Management (finding/refining books that will sell), Design & Production (making them look good), and Marketing (convincing you to buy them). So not much of an ivory tower here. But of course Oxford has enough mystique of its own. Yesterday was beautiful, so I took my books to a nearby park and stretched out on the grass. This was my view.

So yes, I'm finding that livelihood and life combine quite nicely.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Enter England

I'm finally here! This week has been an insane rush of setting up my room, going to course orientations, and meeting people. A few random observations from my first days in England:

- There are NO pickup trucks. I didn't see one on the whole trip from Heathrow to Oxford.
- The UK really needs Fred Meyer. I've been running all over Oxford to find bedding and kitchen stuff.
- People in England and Ireland don't refrigerate their eggs. Seriously, I was at the grocery store today and the eggs were on a shelf with the cake mixes.

There's been so much going on I haven't had much of a chance to properly explore Oxford. We didn't have internet for the first several days so it's a bit hard to drag myself off the computer right now. But I'm going into the city tomorrow and will take lots of pictures so you can see my new home.

There are 80 students in my publishing program. Only about a third of them are from the UK, with the rest coming from the EU and elsewhere (I am one of five Americans). I was very excited to meet someone from South Korea last night who has also worked with InterVarsity Press and is interested in Christian publishing. We've been informed that "publishing is the booziest industry in the UK" and there are plenty of social events to attend! Our modules (aka classes) don't start until next week, but we've already met the tutors and had IT workshops. Everything looks uniformally challenging and exciting.

It's been easy meeting people since we're all in the same boat starting at a new university. My flatmates are splendid, and I already found a church thanks to a wonderful former publishing student who befriended us newbies. So life has been good.

My goals for the year are to become a competent and employable member of the publishing world. But more so -- to get out of my head and relish this amzing place and people.

Soli Deo gloria.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Frodo Lives

I swear I'm not reverting back to adolescence. Well maybe just a little bit. But indulge me this once and maybe we'll get somewhere...

Back six years or so ago I was a die-hard, completely obsessed Lord of the Rings fan. I'm not ashamed to admit it now, it was perhaps excessive. I didn't become anti-social or anything, but I could quote frighteningly large portions of the movies by heart and knew the difference between the Quenya and Sindarin languages.

Maybe you can relate to the feeling I had after the last movie came out. While I loved it, it wasn't too long until the story lost its power. I had lived in that world for too long and it didn't mean anything anymore. Real life took over. I grew up.

A couple nights ago, for some reason, I pulled out my massive boxed set of the LOTR dvds and started watching the "making of" features. Seeing the joy these people had in what they were creating, the intense camaraderie, was like rediscovering something I didn't even know I lost.

It was hope. The hope that good prevails, that friendship endures, and that the most pain heralds the most joy. That MY adventure is just beginning.

That I'm heading to Oxford is purely coincidental.

;)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Time

Have I mentioned that I hate time? Most days it feels like an enemy. It attacks on two fronts, putting MORE distance between me and the good old days and LESS distance between me and whatever trial is coming up next.

I was complaining about this to my mom a few days ago. Then at my friend's wedding on Saturday, the pastor talked about time (I was the maid of honor so I was standing right next to him).

He talked about embracing time as a gift. (Yeah right, I thought. If only it came with a receipt.) He talked about how it's a natural rhythm meant for our benefit, and that we can abuse time with either extreme busyness or procrastination. And of course that we should make time for God and (if applicable) our spouse.

It got me thinking that my fight against time is not only futile, it's pretty selfish. The desire to go back to the best years of my life (cue Bryan Adams) is all about a time *I* felt good, connected, whatever. It shuts me off from other people and being part of their lives.

Not to mention it's pretty stupid. Sure there are trials ahead--I hate thinking about saying goodbye when I leave for England. But I wouldn't be going if I didn't think there were good things waiting too.

On earth we can only live in the present. But I think the feeling that time goes by too fast, that we can't get enough out of each moment, is different. To me, it's pretty good evidence the soul was made for somewhere else.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

The Bard, Brides, and BMWs

On Friday night I drug my grandma, two cousins, and cousin #1's girlfriend to the free performance of Shakespeare's Richard III in Redmond. It's definitely one of his most confusing plays, so I was really pleased they enjoyed it. And seeing it outside surrounded by families with picnic baskets is truer to what drama was like in Shakespeare's day. (Who needs a stuffy theater and textbooks?)

Saturday we hosted my dear friend's bridal shower, and afterwards I attended my first minor league baseball game at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. It was fun sitting closer to the action (at Mariner's games we're usually in the nosebleeds) and spending time with friends. And let's face it -- the difference in game quality isn't THAT drastic.

This afternoon I spent with my parents looking at BMWs/convertibles. My dad hasn't bought a car in 21 years (that's right, ever since I was born), and right now (for a "toy") he's considering a convertible as an alternative to the motorcycle he's wanted for awhile. The argument being a convertible gives you more options and keeps you out of the rain.

Speaking of motorcycles, I'm reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. Sometimes I only make it through a few pages before I have to stop and digest. He manages to balance the philosophical abstractions (i.e. rethinking the nature of reality) with the grit of a cross country motorcycle trip. Both of them are intriguing enough to keep me going.

The summer is going by too fast, but after this 100+ degree weather, England is sounding pretty darn good.

Monday, July 20, 2009

City Lights

Despite this blog's title, I don't live in Seattle. More like 45 minutes south. Sue me for false advertising if you want. Tomorrow, however, I'm spending the day in the big city. It's 11pm right now and I plan to leave at 6am to get the Early Bird parking specials. Yeah, we'll see how that goes.

For once, I'm going to Seattle without any agenda. I am just going to wander through whatever streets and doors I feel like. It's good practice for Europe, besides a chance to actually get to know the city I've admired from afar.

Driving up I-5 and coming upon the Seattle skyline at night, for me, feels like that moment in The Return of the King when Gandalf and Pippin ride up and see the city of Minas Tirith for the first time. There's a kind of beauty of lights and towers that crowns and complements even natural beauty.

Cities make me feel alive and connected to something bigger than myself. For someone who definitely gets trapped in her own head, that's a very good feeling. Tonight, interestingly, I ran across this passage:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16

How often have I lived under a basket, peeping out only when I know other lights are around. Or hid out of fear that when the basket is removed, there won't be any light.

It only comes from one city.

Friday, July 10, 2009

"There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo."

It sucks being careful with personal information on the internet. I wish I could tell the whole story here, but let's just say for the last week I've been facing potential identity theft.

Those fears were (mostly) put to rest today by an anonymous person who returned the missing item. There are still questions as to what happened. But overall I am wiser for this experience -- and very grateful. Not only to whoever returned it, but to the friends and family who prayed.

God does hear. And he does have my back.

Sometimes I forget.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Connection Lost

In his book Against the Machine: Being Human in the Age of the Electronic Mob, Lee Siegel attempts to expose the dark side of the internet. I found most of the arguments less than compelling -- for instance that excellence and originality are sacrificed for popularity. That's always been the case.

Then he started talking about porn.

"The consummate vicarious endeavour, it thrives on and guarantees anonymity. Pornography transfigures other people into instruments of your will . . . you can mentally manipulate them without fear of rejection or reprisal."

Fair enough, but then he says:

"Pornography and technology are joined at the hip. They both transform the reality outside your head into means whose sole end is convenience." "Technology is a blessing . . . but it will not lead you to other people as finalities, as ends in themselves existing outside your needs and desires."

Through technology, he argues, the world shrinks down to just one person: you. So when you chat online, or read a Facebook profile (or blog), are you interacting with a real person? Or does the detachment of the internet allow you to see whatever you want?

But really, who needs the internet's help to do that? It's hard to think of a time I've treated someone as an end in themselves. Perhaps the internet just reveals the essential problem of "being human" after all.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

God Doesn't Need a Debate Team

Tonight I watched a movie called Lord Save Us From Your Followers. It's subtitled "Why the Gospel of Love is Dividing America" and tied into several things I've been thinking about.

When I was a teenager I went to a Christian apologetics camp and learned how to "defend" my belief in God, the Bible, etc. As part of the camp we'd talk to people on the street about religion. It was pretty much about convincing people that Christianity was a more valid worldview than whatever they believed in.

I'm all about conversations and intelligent dialogue--that's why I want to go into publishing, because ideas MATTER and impact people's lives. But, as quoted in the Lord Save Us movie, "No one ever converted to Christianity because they lost the argument."

In John 15 Jesus says, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love."

When I read that, my mind immediately jumped to moral codes. Don't get drunk, swear, or have sex outside marriage. But he didn't say that. He didn't even say to practice apologetics on people until they convert. He said, "this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

Was Jesus about defending doctrine? Or about love? About rules? Or about love?

Now how exactly I'm supposed to love others like he did I don't know. The embarassing thing is I don't really try. But has anyone come up with anything better to strive for in life?

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Lame

You'd think a person interested in publishing would actually devote time to something important, like, keeping up a regular blog. But no.

All this England/Europe stuff is getting a tad overwhelming. I'll be submitting my visa application in the next few days--it'll be a relief when all that is over. I have to go downtown to get my "biometrics" taken--a laser scan of my fingers and face (not smiling!) as part of the UK's anti-terrorism methods.

I'm also trying to figure out where and when to visit in Europe. France, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, and Scotland are on the must-see list. I'm not so sure about Germany, Spain, and eastern Europe though. My great-grandparents came from Romania, so maybe I'll try to dig up my ancestral hometown.

All this and I'm trying soak in these months at home. Oxford will be great, but I have to admit part of me dreads leaving.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Reading Disorder

My eyes are bigger than my stomach. Especially when it comes to books.

Thanks to the local library system, I indulge myself with armloads of books I couldn't afford. It's only slightly more likely that I'll read them all. For instance, I came home today with

The Children of Hurin -- J.R.R and Christopher Tolkien (as a proud LOTR freak in adolescence, I need to at least attempt this)
The Year of Magical Thinking -- Joan Didion (recommended at the writers' conference as an example of a great memoir)
Taliesin -- Stephen Lawhead (another conference recommendee. Looks a bit D&D, nerdy-homeschooler-type, but I'll give it a shot)
The God Delusion -- Richard Dawkins (cause I figure it's good to read what atheists actually think, instead of reading rebuttals to them)
The Dawkins Delusion -- Alister and Joanna McGrath (for dessert)

I admit, I bought my mom a book for Mother's Day. But at least I'm making brunch too.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Woot for Student Universe

I just bought my ticket from Seattle to London for a STEAL off Student Universe, quite possibly the coolest site on the Internet. My official departure date is September 18.

Maybe when the charge comes through on my credit card it will start to seem real.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Nonversation

From the Urban Dictionary...too good not to share:

Nonversation: A completely worthless conversation, wherein nothing is illuminated, explained or otherwise elaborated upon. Typically occurs at parties, bars or other events where meaningful conversation is nearly impossible.

Smith: What a waste of time it is talking to that guy.

Jones: I know, every time I do, it's like a complete nonversation.

- - -

Is there an equivalent word to describe a blog post?

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Spying on Authors: a wannabe editor goes undercover

This weekend I attended a Christian writers’ conference, at which the average attendee had a good 25 years on me. But I stood out for another reason: I don’t write.

Amid the mostly middle-aged women with their manuscripts, I had my eyes on the Simon Cowells of the conference: the editors. These guys send the thousands of rejection letters that dash the publishing dreams of writers everywhere. But win them over, and your book might see the light of Borders.

Throughout the conference, one thing became clear: hundreds of writers face a market that demands not only verbal artistry, but a marketing platform of speaking engagements, a loyal blog following, and “personal branding.”

While I don’t have the fortitude or creativity to be one of them, I left the conference with a new appreciation for authors. Writing comes slowly to me, and marketing my ideas sounds terrifying. But standing behind a great idea and becoming an advocate for that unpublished book —that’s why I want to join those “bad guys” known as editors.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Holding Out for a Hero

After spending 1,168 pages with Atlas Shrugged, I figured I owe Ayn Rand at least a blog post!

I agreed with many of Rand's economic points. Atlas was even a good read, (albeit her philosophical arguments got repetitive). It's a novel of the Ãœbermensch, which makes Rand's statement in the "About the Author" section even more intriguing:

"I trust that no one will tell me that men such as I write about don't exist. That this book has been written--and published--is my proof that they do."

The men she writes about are superheroes who achieve perfection not through self-sacrifice, but self-interest. In Rand's world, justice reigns over mercy and love must be earned. Yet somehow she manages to make this look appealing. Throughout the novel, I found myself asking why.

I think it's because she has so many things right. Take this passage for instance:

"There are two sides to every issue: one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil. The man who is wrong still retains some respect for truth, if only by accepting the responsibility of choice. But the man in the middle is the knave who blanks out the truth in order to pretend that no choice or values exist, who is willing to sit out the course of any battle. . . . In any compromise between good and evil, it is only evil that can profit" (1054).

Ayn Rand is no relativist. I think she's wrong in her conclusion that mankind can achieve its heroic potential apart from God. But she's consistent. And the picture she offers of humanity at its fullest--discovering, inventing, exploring, delighting in life and each other--isn't very far off from what God intended all along.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Update!

I have about three excuses for why I haven't been posting, but I'll just launch into the news instead:

1. I'm moving to England in September to study digital publishing at Oxford Brookes University (it's IN Oxford, but it's not THE Oxford you're all thinking of ; ).

2. I'm working full-time coordinating interpreters for medical appointments. My days are never boring! It's fast-paced and requires constant focus. I'm really enjoying stretching myself (and often floundering around) in an entirely new area.

3. I discovered I loathe taxes! Nothing bites like that first paycheck from a new job. Haha.

One of the more memorable events of recent weeks was sitting in Starbucks watching my cousin's baby daughter and looking up to see two policemen putting handcuffs on the man who had been sitting in front of us. What is the proper etiquette in that situation? I tried to refrain from staring, but couldn't help a wide-eyed, amused look at my fellow coffee-drinkers after they'd left.

Reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand has me thinking more about politics. She has quite a few things right, although her perspective is completely humanistic. If I were still in college, I'd write a paper comparing her novels to those of Flannery O'Connor. Hmm. Wonder if I could twist that into a dissertation topic somehow...

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Recession = Depression?

Call me naive, but I find the idea of an economic downturn vaguely exciting.

I say this hesitantly and with deep sympathy toward anyone who has recently lost a job or a house--I know the recession's consequences can be tragic and undeserved.

But on a national and personal level, I think this season of "tightening our belts" is a wholesome thing.

Maybe it's the increased sense of community that only comes from shared hardship.
Making sacrifices that ultimately strengthen us.
Rediscovering the role of work--to provide material needs, not to validate our existence.

During college, I unconsciously relied on my grades as proof that I was "worth something." Out in the real world, however, that proof is usually linked to a job--a salary--a corporate title. When you don't have one, it's easy to feel like a loser.

But just like a good GPA isn't a guarantee of happiness or success, neither is a prestigious job.

And in this economic climate, that's a good lesson to learn.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Shack Factor

About a month ago I read The Shack, the controversial bestseller by William P. Young. I'm not going into a detailed analysis here, or trying to make a call on the book's theological validity (which would certainly be arrogant and probably erroneous).

But as someone pursuing a career in Christian publishing, several things fascinate me.

First of all, I'm just going to say it--the book is poorly written. Think 8th grade creative writing class. A cliché every other paragraph and characters about two inches deep. (I didn't know until today that the book was originally self-published. See this article for more.)

So here's a book that breaks just about every rule of good writing, but shoots to the bestseller list and impacts millions of lives. People who love this book, love this book. It seems to most deeply touch those dealing with grief--I originally read it because a friend told me how much it had helped in the healing process.

This is exactly why I want to work in publishing--to bring people closer to God through words. And also why The Shack fascinates me. What makes it successful on this most important of levels? Or is it successful at all?

Some suspect that the God presented in the story is not the God of the Bible, but a dangerous piece of mystic universalism. I understand both sides, and though I didn't find the book spiritually misleading, I'm not handing out copies after church either.

But if this book is bringing people closer to God, I want to know why. And the bigger question--can Christian bestsellers retain any credibility in the crush of consumerism? Or will The Shack go the way of The Purpose Driven Life--complete with wall-hangings and embroidered pillowcases?

Friday, February 13, 2009

God-state

Like a lot of people these days, I've been paying more attention to the news. I catch bits of talk radio or see the headlines about the stimulus plan or Obama's latest press conference.

The last two weeks I've also visited my parents' small group, where they've been discussing the role of the state. One of the points went like this:

-When we view human nature as essentially good, we turn to socioeconomics as an explanation for evil
-Thus, the role of "saving" humanity falls into the hands of the state, which is supposed to improve social circumstances, income, healthcare, etc.
-Ultimately the state becomes a surrogate God

Now I get this. What bothers me more is that Christians buy into this idea in a different way. We turn to the state to legislate morality (and get piping mad if it doesn't), rather than focusing on how we are living and influencing others.

I'm not saying Christians shouldn't lobby to overturn Roe vs. Wade or oppose gay marriage. But I think there's a problem when we invest more energy in changing a law rather than changing lives.

This is a controversial one--I welcome debate.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

It's a big, bad world out there

Actual reports from the Police blotter of our local newspaper:

Burglary: Victims, their numbers and genders a police mystery, reported their residence burglarized of items not disclosed, resulting in some amount of loss, equally unknown.

Theft: Two dudes, one white, the other black, stole a plasma television from Walmart. They left in a red van but were not located.

Well at least they knew the gender that time.

--

Right now I am standing with my laptop at the kitchen counter, hoping the pork roast I have in the oven doesn’t dry out. The cookbook suggested serving it with hot applesauce, which reminds me of Sunday dinner at Grove City.

Update on grad school: On Monday Oxford Brookes University emailed me to schedule (the British pronounce it “shhedule”) a phone interview. That proved slightly difficult, since out here on the west coast we are 8 hours behind the UK.

I am almost hoping that a) I will not be accepted, or b) it will be way too expensive to go.

Ugh. Someone pinch me.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Breadmaking

I told my mom last week that I would like to make all our family’s bread, assuming this would be both more economical and enjoyable than buying loaves from the store. So on Thursday I made my second batch of bread ever—a whole wheat loaf, only slightly sticky in the center.

My confidence bolstered, on Saturday morning I set out to make two loaves of white bread—the only kind my dad will eat. After dissolving the yeast and mixing the ingredients, the real fun began with kneading. Curving my fingers around the warm dough, I pressed down with the heels of my palms, then rotated the sticky lump in a quarter turn as I folded it. Press, turn, fold. My hands and fingers slowly recovered an ancient rhythm.

Then the tricky part—waiting for the bread to rise. Our house is notoriously cold, so I shut the dough in a tiny downstairs bathroom that stays warm (though definitely not the recommended 80-85 degrees). After the first successful rise, I “punched” down one loaf, and carried the other one upstairs to dad, wanting him to take part in this process.

“Punch it,” I said.

He looked at me quizzically and gave the dough a hesitant nudge. After I explained the correct method, he said, “When you say punch it, I think you mean PUNCH it,” demonstrating the kind of slug I picture him giving a creep attacking my mom or me.

Thankfully, the bread escaped my dad’s upper-cross and finally emerged from the oven, golden on top and fluffy white in the center. All three of us enjoyed slices, and I declared (perhaps prematurely…) that I would be happy to make bread every Saturday that I am home. We’ll see how that goes.

In other news, I have a job (for the moment) doing some editing for a friend of ours. While I’m grateful to be working, by the end of the day I just want to get off the computer and stop reading. Still, I am making my way through Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and reading The Pursuit of God by A. W. Towzer.

Or I just retreat to the kitchen and get my hands covered in flour.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Girl Meets Pickup

This is crazy.

Several times during the momentary divorce from reality (also known as finals week) at Grove City, I promised to start a blog and tell my fellow Grovers what it's like out there in the "real world." Funny how writing research papers about literature is much less intimidating than dealing with the stuff of daily life. Well, I promised, so here goes.

Soon after I got home (to a surprise snowstorm that left us housebound), I received an early Christmas present from my parents. When my dad got a new company truck, they gave me his old one: a dark blue 2001 Dodge Dakota. If you are laughing right now picturing me driving a pickup, I don't blame you. Nevertheless, this is my first vehicle and I am suitably thrilled. (I named the truck Brego, for you Lord of the Rings fans out there.)

New truck = increased incentive to get a job. So like the bright-eyed new graduate I am, I began typing hopeful search terms like "editor," and "publishing" into Craigslist's job database. Several days later, after applying to an admin assistant position and setting up and interview with a temp agency, I felt frustrated and inadequate. I was nervous about the interview, nervous they would give me a typing exam, or maybe a spelling test. I drove to the mall and bought a suit at Ann Taylor, hoping to at least look professional.

It was when I got my final grades from GCC that I realized how silly I am. While all the work and late nights studying had "paid off" on paper, in a few moments I had forgotten it and was back to obsessing about getting a job. All the stress translated into maybe 20 minutes of thankfulness before I was looking at the next impossible hurdle. That's one cycle that's going to stop.

So I guess my first lesson from the real world is to quit worrying. Really.