career criteria//

Call it a mid-college crisis...
But I have no idea what i want to be "when i grow up" anymore.
//
Anyone with me?
If so, let's be friends.  And share a pint of ice cream. And bawl our eyes out while looking at the amount of debt just growing before us, while we wander aimlessly through the rest of the college years still trying to figure out what exactly is going to happen "post-grad".
//
Or, to save on tissues, how about something a bit more productive?

Nerdalert, but I am actually learning a lot in my academic and career planning class.
Not figuring out exactly what title I want for, but the criteria that goes along with it.
Lemme do some 'splaining.
//
People always ask "Oh, so what do you want to do after graduation?"  Family, professors, high school buds, interviewers, your dog, your gerbil; they all ask this same question! And we always retort with the usual one-word description that's supposed to fulfill all our hopes and dreams.

A writer. A designer. A banker. A teacher. A whatever.

But I've come to the point where someone asks me this question and I give them a blank stare and some sort of trailing speech of "Well...I don't really know anymore..."
And then whoever is listening responds with a sad smile and a look that says, "I'll be praying for you, you poor lost little child, you."

Now, as depressing as it is thinking about owning a useless $60,000 paper that says "college degree", I still believe/hope that this imaginary dream job just fit for Melissa is waiting to be discovered.  Although I have no idea what it is, this fantasy career is going to happen.  Just you wait.
//
While waiting, I decided to follow my instructor's idea of writing down not the optimal job title for myself, but the different aspects I am looking for in this pie-in-the-sky career.
Some silly, some serious.

 //Helps get all your ducks in a row and whatnot.
Try it out.  I promise, you won't be disappointed.

found via pinterest

my ideal workspace.

inventive&&inspirational

1.  Creative- My first criteria when choosing my dream job is a no-brainer.  Well techniqually the right-side-of-my-brain-er.  I need a job that lets me use the original (and sometimes weird) ideas God purposely gave me.  I would not be able to handle a mundane, repeated task every time I clocked in.  Don't get me wrong, that type of work is great when needed to rejuvenate those visionary thoughts once in a while.  But I need my juice. My creative juice.

2. Comfort- Sweats. Ya gotta love 'em.  If anything, I am hoping my job requires sweatpants/shirts as the uniform.  But more often than not, this isn't really happening.  So, since we're dreaming here, let's just pretend I can get a job that lets me stay at home.  Eat breakfast at my leisure.  Go on a run when needbe.  Blast some jams to wake up the mind.  Plus, I don't even have to shower every day then.  WinWin situation.

3.  Change- I like change.  To an extent.  I like that I can constantly adjust the direction my writing takes me or having a different idea come to mind about a blog post.  So, in order to keep the passion alive in my job, I would like to be able to sometimes switch up the routine.  Writing not working out? Let me go take some pictures.  Camera isn't cooperating? Let me go hash it out on the keyboard.  Basically, I want to be able to use all my various hobbies and fancies in a daily work routine.  But also to keep raking in the moola.

4. Comical- I love to joke around.  Seriously.  If you've read this far along in the blog, I hope you have chuckled along with me as I write these posts.  If not...then that's just awkward.  I think I'm a funny person.  Maybe just to me? Possibly.  But when someone tells me that they read something I wrote and literally "LOL-ed", I get all warm and fuzzy inside.  I NEED a job that lets me do this.  Whether in writing or joking along with my co-workers, working-life is just more enjoyable when you crack a side-splittling laugh every once in a while.  Doctor's orders.

5.  unConstrained- (See what I did there? Keeping the "C" thing going? Mental high-five!)  This is a word I definitively wouldn't put on my resume for my work qualities...But let's just roll with it.  By this description, I mean two things.  A) I like setting my own schedule.  Period.  Work-life balance is going to be the biggest thing I strive for in my future.  B) Maybe there is some undiscovered rebellious side in me, but I HATE being told what to do.  Mostly when its comes to what to write.  Ideally my job would never do any of these things.  I would have the freedom to express my thoughts and opinions in the way I know best.  I like to bend the (grammar) rules a bit.  Be unexpected. Take a stand.  Do what I want to do.  Gosh, this is making me sound like a stubborn little child.  Overall, I want to be able to BE MYSELF.  I don't ever want a job that makes me lose sight of WHO I AM and WHO I WAS CREATED TO BE...which may be a little stubborn sometimes, yes.

an ode to fall//

Being the first day of fall yesterday, I am going to dedicate this post to one of the happiest seasons around.
//And it ain't just cause it's my birthday month either. coughcoughThursdaycoughcough

I call it...An Ode to Fall.

Cue the orchestra.

**all images found via pinterest

they are NOT mine**

I wake up slowly

In a cuddly mess,

Beneath a few blankets,

more or less

I walk downstairs

to pour a cup of joe,

Add some pumpkin spice,

You already know fo’sho

The possibilities are endless

When it comes to my clothes

Boots and denim

Ladies, you know how it goes

I walk outside

And take in the smells

Of bonfires, leaves,

And other fall spells

I keep walking forward

And pull my scarf tighter

Already dreaming

Of some warm apple cider

The plans for the weekend

Are already booked

Orchards and Crockpots

Something yummy to be cooked

This season is my favorite

And not only for my bday

I’m LOVING it all,

Fall, can you please just stay?

A real Pulitzer Poetry Prize winner if you ask me. 

this is where you’re meant to be//parachute

Sooo...I'm supposed to be working on my article for news writing right now...
BUTTTT, picture editing is calling my name...
So please an enjoy a concert with one and only Parachute! (via pixels).
:)

 

darn fist pump... #photoruniner #jshorewannabe

looking right at meeee? awwww yeaaaa will, awww yeaa.

Parachute, you never disappoint...

#lostmyvoice #croakingforweeks

ch-ch-ch-changes//

TA-DA! I'm still here!

WHOAMYLANTA has it been a while!

I do apologize for my lack of bloggin' these past few weeks.

Professor hit me hard with this one while talking about bloggers...

"Most of the time you see someone start a blog and then poof, never return back to it again..."

...

Gulp.

Guilty.

So here is my pathetic attempt to reel back in my readers/fans (River Falls peeps, you are the ones that keep me going! MISS YOU ALL!) and quickly sum up the three MAJOR changes happening in my life the past couple of weeks...

 Mass Comm/Journalism building.

Basically my second home for the next two years...

1.) Transferring. 

Easier said than done. And much more embarrassing.

Me: "Hey excuse me, do you know where this building is?"

Random passerby: "Oh yea, it's just right around the corner. *chuckles to himself* I remember my first year as a freshmen."

Me: "I'm....I'm a junior." *walks away, head hanging low*

2.) SISTER ENGAGED! 

The hours (days...) spent on Pinterest have not been in vain! I am beyond excited for the upcoming plans and turning our young-girl dreams into reality! And yes, we three younger sisters will be dutifully sharing the role of "maid of honor".

Which means, the "Bride Wars" quotes have been rolling out endlessly.

 "Oh so I'm getting DJ Humble to spin at my wedding. I'm not a big band kind of girl, ya know?"

"It ain't June. And it ain't the Plaza."

"Remember...Ms. Wang is a stern mistress!"

"The Truffle Train...International Butter Club?"

*(insert picture of beyond messy (but still adorable) bedroom)*

3.) House>Dorms.

Besides transferring schools, I have also left behind dorm life and said hello to my own house, my own room, my own food,...plus my own bills, my own cleaning, and my own responsibilities.

This little lady is doing a lot of growing up these past few weeks!
...
Cooking actual meals though...mehhh...
My poor future husband...

Honey, I'm making dinner! What'll it be?!

I've got HoneyNut Cheerios orrrrrr Mini Wheats!

Your choice tonight, babe!

Hopefully, this just helps you get a glimpse into my ever-changing life at the moment and sympathize for my lack of time to be doing what I love best; writing.
Always changing in the life of Melissa. Always a work in progress.
Until next time! (sooner than later, I hope...)

coffee corners//not by my strength

A new morning.
A new day.
A new beginning.

I'm just going to be straight up real here.

This summer has been one of the most trying seasons of my life.
My stress level has gone above any reasonable amount by about two days into it.
I have lost sense of who i am because I have become so lost with work and the responsibility that has come with it.
I have become completely consumed by a constant strain of worry, fear, and uneasiness.
And as much fun as I have had already these past few months, they are just a smattering of small amounts among my time living with, what feels like, the weight of the world on my shoulders.
//
Okay okay, so that does seem a little dramatic for just a summer job.
But, still being honest, jobs have always come easy for me.
I took pride in my work done well and never doubted my skills as a employee.
But this summer is entirely different.
I have been tested in every area of my life that, only Lord knows, needed the most attention.

Patience.

Forgiveness.

Control.

Humbleness.

Contentment.

Love.

Yesterday was the breaking point that came with a complete breakdown in the company truck and my fingers tingling with the thought of just throwing in the towel right then and there.

My heart has constantly been whispering one single question this summer....

Why me?

And I still have two weeks left.

//

//

//

Yet, here I am, making me some breakfast, donning my fluffy blue robe at 7:30 in the morning on a Saturday, and literally rocking out to the Jeremy Camp song blastin' on the radio.

All of who You are reaches the darkest parts
Lifting the weight and erasing the scars that had a hold on me
Here I am bearing all, tearing down every wall
So amazed by Your grace and the way You're still holding me

My God, You are the unchanging love
My God, Your heart sends hope from above
The great Creator, beautiful Savior
I've been redeemed
There is life now from Your victory
You are my God
You are my God

When my hope starts fading out
You are where my strength is found
I know I won't be alone

My God, You are a beautiful love

Let me emphasize that bit one more time...

When my hope starts fading out

You are where my strength is found

I know I won't be alone

You guys....

My heart is literally soaring at those words right now.
Like sprinting across a field right now and taking off into a full-on flight as I type these words.
....Best way to describe it at the moment bahahahaa.

My words may seem calm right now, but I was just dancing around the kitchen in my jammies a few minutes ago during this song soooo........just keep that image in my mind as you read on.

As much as I am dreading these new few weeks and have no idea what to expect...
I AM EXCITED! Because right now, the Lord is teaching me to lean on Him during this time of trial.
//
My energy level is currently running on empty. My back is a knotty mess of stress. My eyes now have permaent bags of darkness underneath them.
But only through the strength and grace of God, I am going to be able to finish out this summer strong.

Again, this may seem like the most trivial and smallest dilemma in the grander scheme of things.
I know many more people who are going through so much more than learning to get through a tough summer job.
But God is making one thing quite apparent to me, and I encourage whoever may have gotten through this rambling and long post, to apply it in their own lives today.

Moral of the story:  

Our own strength will never get us through craziness called life.

This kind of strength can only come from the King of Kings, Creator of the Universe, and our Father. 

These trials in our life, we are like a damaged and wounded solider coming up from the battlegrounds, waving a flag with the littlest amount of strength we may have left.
But not a flag of defeat.
A flag of determination, willpower, drive, courage, valor, persistence, and God-confident assurance.

Because...

There is life now from your Victory. 
You are MY God. 

p.s. In other goose-bump prompting news....

Tom left a note for me yesterday before leaving for a week with the boys.

And of course, only through pertinent God-ordained words.

//

Oh goodness, does our Lord work in the most mysterious ways, that's for sure.

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."

-Ephesians 3:20-21   

 //

Cue the goosebumps once again.

thrifty thursday//distressed&plaid

Oh hey.
Guess what?
It's Thursday.
//
ONE DAY AWAY FROM THE WEEKEND BABYYY.

Oh. And time for a little thriftiness.

holding a piece of heaven. 

mhmm yep right thurrr.

...im sorry. but that red eye sore just throws off the whole shoot for me....

#myeyes #theyburn

shirt//thrifted. 3 dollas.

shorts//previously jeans. distressed by moi.

sandals//target

bag//thrifted

sunglasses//F21

mocha//brewed...by angels...I'm sure of it.

south bend specs//

Obviously, its been much too long.
Let me just say.  I don't think I ever anticiapted how much time flies when most of it is spent working and the rest is trying to savor just a few sweet summer memories.
...
Full time livin' is tough, folks. Real tough.

I get quite sad when I think about this lonely little blog space getting all dusty and cobweby, waiting patiently for its guru to return, and spark up some creative juices.

But have no fear, because I am back baby!!

...

Until I'm swamped with work again.

But here is a little peek on some of my summer adventures not spent in the office thus far.
 I call it...

South Bend Speculation.

Catchy, right?

Over the Fourth, the famjam and I packed up the camper, loaded up the car, and headed east towards South Bend, Indiana for a family friends' wedding.
...
Let's be honest....I had never even heard of South Bend before this trip.
Sure, its holds the well known Notre Dame and is the home state of my favorite fictional book series (nerdy eeeek!).
...Indiana just hadn't been on the top of my list as the Seven Wonders of the World.

But a road trip is a road trip and sometimes you just need a change of pace every once in a while, even if its in Amish country (for real though....it was).

The trip mostly consisted of breakfast by bonfire, coffee on a percolator, books upon books upon books, and just total relaxation. It. Was. Heaven.
One night, however, we decided to venture out into downtown South Bend and see what the city life had to offer.
...
Out with the Amish thoughts. And in with the cutest little town you have ever seen.
Just...look.

Now, do you believe me?!

Again...CA-UTEEEE!

We walked along the streets for hours and taking picture after picture.

Eventually our tummies started rumbling so we started focusing our attention more on trying to decide which cute little cafe we should eat at (yet another hour passes...)

The debate was over as soon as this sign appeared. You had me at chocolate.

Mhmm yep, decision made.

We walked inside to see chocolate fountains, chocolate delights, and chocolate candies surrounding us.

 //

There was also a chocolate coffee bar. Whaaa......

The cafe wasn't all fun and sweets though. We browsed through their dinner menu and found ourselves going back and forth on so many delicious-sounding entrees.

My choice? The cherry pecan chicken salad with rasberry vingerrette.

And a dark mocha to add to the yumminess.

Came with a chocolate covered stirring spoon and a cherry on top.

//Holy chocolate heaven//

 

After dinner, we continued on our downtown exploring.

Came across this cute little park so obvi....

Decided to do a little thrifty outfit shoot.

(To be continued...)

Andddd almost became road kill while trying to get a pic of the string street lights.

Worth it.

Of course....Cue fireworks.

South Bend, Indiana.

You have stolen my <3