To whom it may concern, a letter...

Dear Blog World,

So much has happened in the recent couple of months that there just isn't enough time to detail all of the major happenings in the news and in my own life. However, I'll try to skim... (The operative word being try.)

I wanted to congratulate Pat Summitt and the Tennessee Lady Vols on winning their 7th Women's National Basketball Championship. Even though I'm from the NoDak, the Lady Vols captured my heart. When I was in the eighth grade, phenom Chamique Holdsclaw led them to a perfect season as they crushed LaTech to win the championship. I've been in love with them ever since. But that was back in '98 and I was fearful during that span of 9 championship-less years that I was bad luck to Pat and her crew. I mean UConn won multiple titles for pity sake! Alas, I'm no jinx and UT has plenty of game...and current phenom, Candace Parker.

Unfortunately, their fabulous win was overshadowed by the idiotic and cruel remarks of Don Imus towards the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Tennessee's opponent). Those comments were, of course, completely uncalled for. Especially because when one has a hair-do like he does (a shaggy version of the Trump), one has no right to talk about anyone else's hair. Don, you're an old white guy...own it. Anywho... Vivian Stringer and her young team worked extremely hard in turning their season around in order to make it to the Final Four. They deserve tremendous credit for their play, as well as for the class they demonstrated throughout the Imus "situation."

It would be irresponsible of me not to at least mention the horrific shooting at Virginia Tech, but really I am at a loss for words... All I can say is that my thoughts, love, and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragedies of that April day. I know your lives are forever changed, but I sincerely hope you can heal and find peace.

There's no smooth, or appropriate transition from this topic to the next, so I'll just move on...

The beginning of May sent me on a quick trip to New York in order to interview for a job at an ad agency. I flew solo and wandered around the city with me, myself, and I...and my iPod. I also had the joyful opportunity of visiting one of my favorite nonprofits while I was there and that was truly a lovely treat. All and all it was a great experience, but I didn't obtain the job. I think it was for the best because the timing just wasn't right, but I was frustrated to learn the reason for not being hired. Apparently I was well-liked and regarded as intelligent and articulate, but I was too reticent. In other words, I didn't talk about myself enough. What can I say...? I'm from the Midwest, we don't like to draw attention to ourselves. But despite the frustration, it's a lesson learned and I'll know one area I can improve upon in the future.

After my trip to the East Coast I returned to North Dakota. I visited friends at UND and celebrated Springfest, which is a one day party in the park prior to finals. Fest-goers arise earlier than they normally would for school to enjoy breakfast and drink specials. They wear crazy and, more often than not, inappropriate shirts special for the occasion. And some--like a few of my friends--tie themselves together with bungee cords so as not to lose one another. Pretty much, they party. It's been known to get wild and so in recent years Springfest has been under tight security with alcohol restrictions (it used to be B.Y.O.B., but now has a beer garden). As long as no one burns anymore furniture we should be good.

Following my stint in Grand Forks I traveled back home to Minot for the first time since I moved to the Twin Cities. It was extremely nice to visit the parents and pooches. We headed to the lake for a few days, which was wonderful despite the fact that the weather wasn't the nicest. I was very happy to be able to spend Mother's Day with my momma. I was also happy to visit friends and family that I haven't seen for quite some time.

I returned to Minnesota after about a week and a half in the good ol' hometown. Awaiting me was my brother, his dog, and our dirty house. (A man's idea of clean is mind-boggling...) There's nothing like cleaning for two days straight only to have to re-clean it after a party, which was exactly what happened to me. But now that our home is back in order, I'm back to job hunting. It's work in and of itself, but hopefully it will pay off soon because I'm itching to do something more exciting than walk the dog (as much as I do enjoy a nice walk in the sunshine and fresh air). That and uh...I need to earn some money. I mean, someone has to buy groceries around here!

Anyway the upcoming days will be filled with the hunt and some fun. I have the honor of being a chaperon for a good family friend. The young lady, fresh out of her freshman year in high school, will be flying in to go to the Gwen Stefani concert and I am in charge of her stay in the Cities. I feel so adult...well, sort of.

Okay, this got long, didn't it? But I had a lot to talk about for two months time! And remember, I said I'd try to skim. Have a good one Blog World! God's blessings.

Many laughs and much love,
Annie

Hire Me: Communication Graduate Seeking Entry-Level Career Opportunity

Can someone please explain to me why an entry-level career requires two to three years of experience? I thought the whole point of an entry-level career was to gain experience. Apparently I'm wrong, very wrong. I'm also screwed because I do not have two to three years of experience for anything. How am I supposed to obtain a job? Help. Someone, anyone. Help me. Please. I'm a capable, hard working, intelligent individual. I've got to be good for something, dang it!

"Don't worry dude, MTV gonna pimp your ride!"

I just do not understand the fascination with "tricking out" vehicles unworthy of being pimped. Example: I saw a Pontiac Aztec with rims.

Excuse me, rims on a Pontiac Aztec? Really? Rims don't go with an Aztec at all. That vehicle is made for the "great outdoors." It even has its own little tricks for the camping life and what not, so by no means are rims necessary on a Pontiac Aztec.

Furthermore, just yesterday I cringed--and okay I admit it, I laughed, I'm guilty--when I came across a Ford Focus all done up. The hatchback "Hocus Focus" had extremely tinted windows, the clear light biznass, and a vented sporty hood. But to top it off, a personalized license plate stated the "obvious." It read, "2 PHAT."

Whhhyyyyy? I just don't get it! Why would you spend more money on a Ford Focus then you need to?! That little hatchback should be deemed "unpimpable" and come with the warning of, "DO NOT TRICK OUT." And don't even get me started on people who buy the plastic spinners from Wal.Mart. The only thing that is worse than that are cars with two plastic spinners. At least buy a complete set! Please, I beg you. Oh, and puh-lease do not paint your car sherbet orange. Here's a good rule of thumb, avoid pastel colors all together. And finally, if possible (and this should be possible) steer clear of spoilers that could double as dining room tables.

Okay, maybe I'm being mean. If pimping your "unpimpable" ride makes you happy, well then, good for you. By all means, be happy. But I can seriously think of better ways to spend money, like donating it to charity, stocking your kitchen with groceries, and buying new shoes. The list goes on. And hey, if you want to spend money on your car, why not just fill up your gas tank, change the oil, wash it, tune it up, rotate the tires... That's money well spent.

Desperate Times call for desperate measures...

A few days ago I was finishing my hosting shift at the restaurant I work at around 3:00 p.m. when a woman came to the host stand. She was in her late thirties to early forties, well dressed, and somewhat frantic.

"Hi! I have a flight to catch and this is a really random favor, but all of the airport parking lots are full and I was wondering if maybe someone could help me by coming with me to the airport and then bringing my car back here and then my husband will pick it up later," she said in literally one breath.

I was somewhat taken aback by the desperation hanging in her voice, but I offered to help. "Well, I just finished working so I can go with you," I stated.

"Are you serious? I'll pay you! How much do you want?"

"Oh really, it's not a problem," I replied. And it wasn't. I was indeed done working and the airport was and is maybe a ten minute drive from where I work, so why not help her out? After all, if I were in her position I'd hope that someone would help me out as well.

I told my manager the situation and he gave me a concerned look. "Do you know her?" he asked. I told him that I didn't, but that I could "take her" if need be. I wasn't concerned though because she seemed like a nice woman who was really just in need of spur of the moment random help.

So I followed her to her car, which was a nice Volvo, and got in. She told me her name was Becky and that she was so appreciative of my help. "This is the most random thing I've ever done," she added. I said that I understood that desperate times call for desperate measures and that I was happy to help. She mentioned that she tried to get a cab, but that it was going to be a twenty minute wait--twenty minutes she didn't have to spare as she was off to Chicago for a business trip in which her boss would be picking her up.

During our brief drive we talked about how I was in search of a career, Oprah, and that the parking lots were full because of spring break. As we were nearing the drop off zone Becky's husband called her. He was obviously getting back to her after receiving a panic stricken voice mail. Becky gave him the 411.

"I made a new friend and she is coming with me to the airport and then is taking my car back to the restaurant and then you and Sara need to pick it up later. She'll leave the keys under my seat." She said all of this in, again, literally one breath.

"Are you serious?" he asked somewhat dubiously. Then he said, "Just give her the car. Does she need a car?"

We both laughed and she continued on with her conversation. She noted that she got my name and phone number because she wanted to pay me and said that I was looking for a job, so he should try and help me out. Then she pulled to a stop outside of the airport doors, quickly got out of the car, and flew open the back door pulling out her suitcase. With her cellphone in her left hand and up to her ear and her purse and suitcase in tow in her right hand she thanked me and rushed off to catch her flight. Typical business woman, right?

"Nice to meet you. Have a safe trip!" I said and then climbed into the front seat. I adjusted the seating position and mirrors and slowly drove away, laughing to myself the whole drive. I couldn't believe the amount of trust this woman had. I could have easily drove away with her vehicle!

I was very thankful that I didn't get pulled over or get in a car accident because would I have some explaining to do to the authorities! But the drive was just fine and I parked the car in the restaurant lot and locked the doors with the keys inside as I said I would. The whole experience was random and extremely joyful. Becky was so appreciative and it just really made my day that I could help keep her day rolling as planned. Again, the trust was absolutely awesome and I'm thankful I had the opportunity to help.

It can't be March already, can it?!

Well February certainly came and went, didn't it? Cripes. I only managed one posting? Oh well, I'm sure you (whoever you are) didn't mind. I have my reasons for not posting, however...

First of all, my days have been filled with work. I obtained a serving job at a restaurant in St. Paul. I wish that it was a bit closer to home for my gas guzzling truck's sake and for my wallet's benefit. I also wish that I earned more moolah, which is again for my wallet's benefit. While I'm making wishes here I should inform you that my biggest wish of all is that I had an actual career with an eight to five, Monday through Friday job complete with a nice salary and solid benefits package, paid vacation... Sigh. But even though it's not much, it is a job and I am thankful for that. I also enjoy the opportunity to interact with people. I'm so much more alive when I can make people happy. And though I realize that I can't live for others, for I live only for God, I can live so that others might live a happier life. Yeah, yeah I know that I'm only a waitress, but for the time being I can make the world a better place, one table at a time.

My other excuse for the lack o' blogging is extremely valid for I have not had a working computer for quite some time. My iBook officially died a couple of months ago after a long and hard fought battle. It's really my fault. I loved my iBook, but I tried to make an improvement to it which ended up being a terrible setback that it never fully recovered from. Excuse me, I just need a moment here... Okay, I've composed myself. So after the demise of my computer I turned to my brother's old school clam shell/toilet seat looking iBook. That was working a-ok, but then the battery died after the adapter broke. Thankfully my parents were nice enough to help us out with the purchase of a new battery and adapter; those two parts alone added up to a $250 bill. I'd love a brand spanking new, full loaded iBook, but being I couldn't even afford to foot that bill I'm sticking with sharing my brother's computer. Anyway, since I was without internet there was to be no blogging from me. I was going through withdrawals, but I think that an internet free life has been good for me. I had become too dependent, some might say addicted, to various legal and non-creepy internet activities (i.e. checking my Facebook and email, visiting my favorite sport and celebrity websites, watching random YouTube videos). Now I don't feel the urge to check my email thirty-two times a day. It's a good thing. However, I have been frequenting many car websites in search of an affordable, safe, and fuel efficient/environmentally friendly vehicle.

But I won't get started on that biznass because this is already an extremely long post. I guess I'm just trying to make up for lost time, but by doing that I'm taking up your time! So I'll end here with a "thanks for reading" and "have a fabulous day!"