Get a Job... Check! 2:21 PM

I have been waiting to blog about this day forever.

So here goes (I can hardly contain my excitement!!!!!!!).

On Friday, December 10th, I was flown out to Chicago for final round interviews with my first pick company. It was very last minute. I was called on Wednesday evening, and everything was ready to go that night. They put me up at The James Hotel in Chicago (which is amazing, by the way), which was perfect. I got to grab dinner with my sister and parents at Big Bowl (one of my favorites! I went their for the first time with Abi, his sister and brother-in-law) on Ohio Street, walk around with them a bit in the bitter cold, watch some tv, and get a great nights sleep. My interview on Friday wasn't until 2:30, so I woke up at my leisure, showered, got an amazing breakfast, prepped, and even did some shopping on Michigan Ave. Truly the perfect way to calm pre-interview jitters! I bought some adorable stationary, went back to my room, changed, and headed out.

I was scheduled for a total of six interview slots. Two were with my contact in HR (who was absolutely positively amazing. So supportive, so upbeat, and so encouraging. They're [we're?!?!] lucky to have her!) to touch base before and after the interviews, and four were with upper management in the department. All of the interviews went really well. Conversational, friendly. Of course, I was challenged quite a few times, I definitely had to prove myself and prove that I had the skills required for the position, but not one person treated me as an inferior, entry-level chump (this is rare!). I stood my ground, spoke articulately and honestly, told them what I knew and what I still wanted to learn, and got really positive feedback. Everyone I met was witty and brilliant, but humble. A perfect combination!

A few days later I was asked to complete one more task, just to make sure that I had a handle on the analytics and number crunching required for the position, and then boom. I had the data turned in by Wednesday, December 16th, had a verbal offer by the 17th, and a written offer by the 18th. My offer letter was signed and returned yesterday, and I can now confidently say that all of my hard work paid off. Come January 18th, I will be starting as a Customer Intelligence Analyst at DraftFCB, Chicago, and I could not possibly explain in writing how thrilled I am! I feel so lucky to have secured a position at the first company I walked into and felt a surge of familiarity, recognition, and comfort. I love the company, I love their work, everyone I've met has been wonderful, and I can't wait! Despite the cliched jumping up and down with joy, I totally did it. I had to! I couldn't stop myself!

So that is that, folks. You've read through all of my career-search anxieties, my pessimism, and my optimism, alike. Thanks for sticking with me through it all! It's been (this is absolutely a retrospective statement) fun! I am enthralled with where I've ended up. From now until January 17th, however, I intend to sit back, relax, and marvel at being done with college (I forgot to talk about that!), and having my first job lined up. It's an amazing feeling, and I am truly so lucky to have landed up where I am. Thank you to Miami University for an unbelievable few years. Despite the Ugg wearing, Northface flaunting, upper middle class white kid stereotype, I am undoubtedly a Miami Girl (though perhaps of a slightly [very slight, I do have Uggs and a Northface, ha!] different sort]. I had the best college experience at Miami and will never stop talking about how amazing of a school it is. Thanks to my best friends and roommates, the boys next door, and my family for popping a bottle of champagne with me to celebrate. To avoid a very tacky "thank you" speech here, I'm just going to end by saying...

Here's to the next few years. Keeping my best friends close and introducing them to my new ones. Keeping my family at an arms length, or maybe a drive away. And to learning every single thing I can, soaking it all up, and actually being proud of myself for all the hard work I've put in to get here. May the next few years be as great as the last few!

I'll keep you posted on how that goes. For now, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! I May everyone enjoy the holidays with their loved ones by their side.

Love you all,

A

Winding Down... 8:21 AM

Wow, so here I am, at the beginning of my final week of Undergraduate classes. I am rather speechless. Unfortunately I have nothing profound to say, no astonishing words of wisdom, no epiphanies to share, just a simplistic post about what it feels like.

I don't think it's hit me, honestly. College has been a sweet, sometimes bittersweet, emotional roller coaster spotted with academia. It's been incredibly enriching and has included some of the most beautiful, painful, enriching, and frustrating moments of my life. There are, of course, things I would've changed, but everything I went through made me who I am today. And, I'm thrilled to say, I'm happy with that.

This past semester has been everything I hoped it would be. It was filled with reconciliations, genuine enjoyment, and reminiscing. I couldn't have asked for more. This weekend, my friends threw my roommate and I (she is also graduating next week) an amazing Farewell Party. It was one of the best nights of college and the perfect way to bring college to a close. My roommate Cynthia and I made t-shirts for everyone to sign as a little reminder of all the important people we knew at Miami and of one of our final nights. In retrospect, I'm so glad we did it! They turned out really cute! I do wish I got a picture of the whole group, but I'm happy with the pictures I did get (Picture of Cynthia (left) and I (right) in our Ts)!

On a separate note... I am still in interview mode. I've recently received a job offer from Smuckers (the company I interned with this summer) in traditional category management, and have been interviewing with DraftFCB (still sooo exciting!) and a really cool, modern, diversity-based agency called Walton-Issacson. I actually have a phone interview with one of Draft's Customer Intelligence leads today and will be going in for full-rounds within the next month. Leo Burnett has kept me hanging a bit, but I've been trying to get back in touch with them. Hopefully that will happen soon. I guess I'm okay with not having a job upon graduation. It is a tough, tough time in the industry, and I'm lucky to have the interviews I do. I will keep updating as more things begin to fall into place.

So here's to the last week of Undergrad and to all of the memories I've made throughout. College was, indeed, the best time of my life. Even more so than people say.

Wistfully Yours,

A

Selling Yourself (Figuratively, obviously) 6:49 AM

This verbage sounds a little weird. Sell yourself. Considering I already feel as if I've sold my life, soul, and happiness to Corporate America via my seemingly endless job search, it sounds Selling Myself further sounds incredibly unappealing. But it works. No one wants to sit around an listen to individuals lauding themselves and rhapsodizing their menial accomplishments (it's been a long week, can you tell?), but if you can find a way to tastefully demonstrate your talents and why you're sweet, no one can say much. About a year ago, I stumbed across Julia Allison (pictured to the left). She's a self-proclaimed New York socialite who studied at Georgetown and then found her passion in social media, pop-culture, and all things savvy. And, to get to the point, she is a self-promotion Goddess. Her over-the-top website Nonsociety touches on any girl-based topic under the sun. She expresses her love for Shih Tzus, nail polish, comfortable bedding, eating out, dating, etc. I must admit, although I consider myself a feminist and try to shy away from incriminating feminine stereotypes, I ate Nonsociety all up. I mean, what girl doesn't love cupcakes, couture, celebrity gossip, and comfortable nap blankets? NO GIRL. It's such a guilty pleasure, she is absolutely herself (even admits to loving Gossip Girl), and she in being herself, she is every twenty-something girl out there.

She's a creative, 'Net-based mastermind who maintains a sense of girly rapport throughout her site, but also educates young woman on a number of things. And man, does she sell herself, her lifestyle, her choices. She makes it impossible not to love her.

Now I guess we have to get out there and figure out what we love about ourselves, and make other people love that about us too.

Here's to figuring it out!

A

Sixty Three?! 10:17 AM

Today, I went ahead and compiled a list of all of the agencies I have attempted to contact along with the individuals I know at each of them. As I was floundering through my inbox, I couldn't believe how many emails I have written and how many companies were represented. The final count was a whopping SIXTY THREE. Now for a seasoned professional, this may not be the most impressive number, but for a college student, sixty three is quite a few.

Out of the sixty three, I have developed decent relationships with about 10 agencies. The others I have simply emailed or applied to. But seriously, wild!

One of the websites I found of great use is called Agency Pimp, it's a list of all agencies, categorized by type, in Chicago. I contacted the bulk of the creative, branding, advertising, and digital media companies. It's a great resource! I wish they had one for NYC.

If anyone would like the list I have compiled, since it's become pretty hefty, let me know and I'll send it over. It's primarily comprised of NYC and Chicago agencies, but undeniably the best of the best.

A

Talk About an Emotional Appeal 10:38 AM

VIM

Take a look at this commercial. It's pretty self-explanatory.

Leave Behinds 8:25 AM

There are so many fun little perks that follow having a job. Outside of the practical realm, these include a desk to work at and decorate, a new wardrobe, new friends and contacts, new ideas, exposure to brilliance, assimilation into a brand new corporate culture, etc. Since I am unemployed yet prematurely in a professional mind-set (I use this term loosely), I went ahead and did something very working woman-esque.

Via another one of my favorite blogs, Creative Envy I came across an amazing investment, of sorts. I ordered a set of 100 darling mini business cards for $19.99. Awesome deal. Now although I am not employed, that doesn't mean that I am any less important than someone who is a few years older than me and has a job. I have just as much... potential. Very few young career-seekers invest in something like business cards and I think it's a fabulous way to set yourself apart. The business cards on MOO are modern, chic, trendy, and can really make a statement about your professionalism and personality. You can pick designs from a number of different artists, customize your information, and provide your interviewers/contacts with a memorable leave-behind. I'm confident it will make a great impression.

Just thought I'd share my exciting news! I had a preliminary interview with DraftFCB about a week ago. It went great and I was asked to come back in to complete a Customer Intelligence exam (3 hours of data sets and brain riddles...). They're going to be on my University's campus in early November, so I'll be touching base with them again at that point. I also have a phone conversation with their Healthcare brand in NYC this afternoon. Will keep you posted on how that goes. Exciting stuff! Can't wait to see how things turn out!

Your working-woman friend,

A

Amazing Web Design 9:21 AM

Beautiful web design from DraftFCB Healthcare.

I can't stop looking at it! Awesome way to stimulate creativity right from the start.

Beautiful Illustrations of Captivating Stories 8:56 AM

Here, I am going to share with you one of my all-time favorite blogs. It's poignant and bewitching, and the story behind it is just lovely. It extracts the moments when people first make eye-contact, when someone feels a pull of intrigue towards another on the subway, when crossing the street, or from across a room. Its humanizing and universal quality make it absolutely delicious.

Check it out, I know you'll love it.

"-m4w (L train to Manhattan)

You were reading Catch-22 on the subway this morning. I have never seen such a beautiful profile. I wanted to say hi, but then you’d turn towards me and I wouldn’t be able to look at your profile anymore. You were so into your book, I don’t think you noticed me falling in love with you. But I thought I’d ask, just in case."

"The Business Got Into Me" 6:01 PM

After trying to pester my mom into blogging all afternoon, I realized that I hadn't blogged in quite sometime. I've flirted with a number of post ideas, but have honestly just been too busy and too fond of my free time to make an effort. Life is getting crazier as every day passes. I am still talking to a number of companies, interviewing a bit, and hoping that a great job with a great company will fall into my lap. So far I've been having conversations with a few really amazing firms. I'm really excited about all of them and would probably sprout wings if anything worked out with any of them.

The first is an agency called Leo Burnett. It's a more traditional agency that has worked to create some of the most memorable advertising in the world. They've been responsible for the Jolly Green Giant, Tony the Tiger, and now work on huge clients like Philip Morris, Kellogg, Mcdonalds, Tesco, the list goes on. It's a phenomenal company (even that is an understatement), and I have met some of my most favorite ad-folk have worked or currently work at LB.

http://www.leoburnett.com/

The second is DraftFCB, previously known as Foote Cone & Belding, until a 2006 merger. One of my favorite professors at Miami used to be an FCB-er and raves about it all the time. The company is headquartered in Chicago (check plus) and has recently worked on the quirky Sharpie commercials and the Double Stuf Oreo “DSRL” commercials with Trump. Awesome, awesome stuff, young, modern company. Definitely deserves a check plus plus (plus).

http://www.draftfcb.com/

Another company that I’m talking to is slightly different, in a good way. Interbrand is a branding consultancy that works on clients like AT&T, BMW, McDonalds, Nikon, Nissan, Dunkin Donuts, the list goes on. It has a great global presence with offices in Beijing, Amsterdam, Jakarta, London, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo (again the list goes on). The have a group called “Verbal Strategy” that works on providing brands with a tone and a feel, which ROCKS. I haven’t been to this company’s office yet, but I have astronomical expectations.

http://www.interbrand.com/

All in all, I’m extremely excited (understatment of the year) at the prospect of working for any of these companies. I’ve been attempting to get in touch with some smaller, boutique agencies, as well, but hiring freezes are resulting in an icy cold recruiting atmosphere. I’ve been lucky enough to get the few traces of interest that I have and can’t wait to learn more.

I guess this post goes to show that even if you have zero connections at the start (zilch, nada), you can do anything you put your mind to. Even if you are a little old college student from Ohio.

I’ll try to stay on top of posting and blogging about my career search as more exciting things sprout up (which they will! At least that’s what I keep telling myself), and will make a conscious effort to provide as much helpful advice as I can.

Your Optimistic Friend,

A

Five (okay.. Six) Tips on Networking 6:24 PM

Alongside working nonstop this summer, I networked like CRAZY. I've becoming a networking monster. And it's been great. I've gotten in touch with some amazingly intelligent and accomplished people who have given me some excellent insight. All of these contacts have also assured me that I'm doing the right thing and will get a job. Ha. We'll see about that. But I figured, since I am now a seasoned networker (or close to it), I'd throw in a few networking techniques that I use, in case anyone needs a push to get their career search started.

1. Talk to your friends

Yes, we're young and we may not know as many professionals as someone who has been in "Corporate America" for 10-15 years, but we do know some people. And the people that we do know, tend to be younger, more willing to help (likely because they've very recently been in our shoes), and can provide some excellent tips on how to get a foot in the door.

2. Impress your professors and then ask them for their contacts in your field of interest

You'd be amazed how many people fail to utilize their professors for the amazing contacts that they are. They are a student's first step to networking. Get in their good books, subtly inform them of how smart and motivated you are, and they will help you out. Professors always want to see their students do well.

3. Don't be afraid to "cold-call"

Sure, it's frightening. Picking up the phone, dialing an unfamiliar phone number, and having no idea how it'll end. BUT, it's impressive. If someone is bold enough to call without any prior contact, they are very likely to be confident, intelligent, poised. It may not be the case, but a lot of people hold this belief.

Cold calling is doubly effective when you have some sort of common ground with your person of contact. An alumni of your University, someone who worked/works for a company you have been associated with, etc.

The most important thing here, is that you don't get discouraged. Nine times out of ten you won't get a call back. But when you do, it may be the beginning of your big break!

4. Composed a canned "blurb" that you can send out to your contacts

Honestly, no one wants to read your cover letter or a long list of your accomplishments. Talk about your academic concentrations, skim over past experiences, and focus largely on what makes you better than applicant A, B, C. What is the company looking for? And what have you done that addresses this need directly? Play up what makes you different from other prospects.

5. Gauge your contact's formality/informality

This is way more important than you think. When you first get in touch with someone, maintain a sense of professional formality. Don't overkill (ma'am, sir, etc.), but using nonsense words right off the bat could be professional suicide. Take note of the way your contact writes emails "Hey A..." or "A - " or "Dear A" and mimic it. Don't use exclamation points if they don't and really really stray away from smily faces, "haha"s, etc. These are not high school students, they're mature, refined, professionals who never see that crap anymore.

Sorry, one more!

6. Always always try to get your contact on the phone

People get a much better feel for who they're dealing with through mediums other than email. Get the person on their phone (be flexible as possible! We're the ones who are in need of help!) and have a good, decent length conversation (more than 10, but don't push them to talk past 30 if they seem distracted). Always make sure you're the one doing the calling. If they tell you they'll call, there's a possibility they'll forget.

Confirm early the day of the call, or the day before. And afterwards, send a quick email (written out thank you cards are not necessary in this case) thanking them for their time and advice.

I know that I'm no pro, but I've definitely learned a lot throughout this process. I wish I had someone to tell me all of this a year or two ago!

Now get going, hop to it!

Good luck!

A

The Unbearable Lightness of Being 4:27 PM

"This same symmetrical composition - the same motif appears at the beginning and at the end - may seem quite 'novelistic' to you, and I am willing to agree, but only on the condition that you refrain from reading such notions as "fictive," "fabricated," and "untrue to life" into the world "novelistic." Because human lives are composed in precisely such a fashion
They are composed like music. Guided by his sense of beauty, an individual transforms a fortuitous occurrence (Beethoven's music, death under a train) into a motif which then assumes a permanent place in the composition of the individual's life."

Almost an Alum - But not yet. 5:54 PM

I just watched six episodes of Friends in a row. And then I freaked out. See, here's the thing. Joey and Chandler eventually stop being roommates. Monica and Rachel eventually stop being roommates. I never registered this massive, irreversible change like I did today. Let's reflect. I have been living with my one roommate for a long time now. Despite the fact that we're across the world from one another at the moment, she's a huge part of my life, and half of what is getting me through this long, lonely summer, is the fact that in a month and eight days, we (and our other amazing roommate) will be back in our apartment sinking into that super old, completely unstructured blue couch, making ramen noodles and mac and cheese with peas and corn and crushed red pepper and drinking cheap wine. I was sitting at my desk at work the other day and I started thinking how little time I have left at college. I kept thinking about it, and I tried to stop, I did(!), but I suddenly found myself counting how many days I had until college was over. I don't know why I counted. It was nauseating, like that staring at a car crash thing everyone alludes to in these sort of situations. What the hell am I going to do when I am not longer constantly surrounded by my best friends? What the hell am I going to do when I no longer have both my roommates busting into my room when excrement hits the ventilation system (trying to keep this PG here) and crying with me, or carrying me home from Uptown after I have idiotically slipped on the ice while wearing my black stilletto boots in -5 degree weather? I don't know how this didn't dawn on me before, but it's become a hyper-reality in the past few days. 

I had dinner one of them last night and on the entire 50 minute drive home (the story is funny actually... or really dim... but for those of you who will get this, Sandeep lives on a West Chester (or something) drive and Kels lives on a Westchesterlandtrailetc. (or something else, obviously) drive. Both of the addresses are saved in my GPS and I selected the one on top, figuring I had been to Kelsey's more recently than I had been to Sandeep's. The entire drive I didn't realize a single thing, I was chatting away on my phone, listening to music loudly, on cruise control (ha! figuratively!) and suddenly found myself at the gas station that Lubna and I once had to stop at for Ginger Ale because... well... we had a rough night before. I was about an hour and a half from Kelsey's, about an hour and a half from my apartment, and way too far from my evening drinks) all I could think about was how quickly life passes by. Her and I weren't even friends last year, and all of a sudden we miss two weeks and we're itching for our weekly dinner and drinks dates. It's wild, actually.

I have four more months of college ahead of me, and I intend to live every second of it to the fullest. And although I have to maintain my GPA (I'll figure that out later), I vow to act in accordance with the rules of the elders (Kalit, Sandeep, my heart goes out to you two) and force everyone, including myself, to party. Because frankly, that is how memories are made.

Yes, I said it. The aunty has spoken. 

So here's to this highly uncreative and extremely juxtaposed blog post, to all of my unbelievable friends who I cannot wait to see, to all of the insane experiences we are about to have, and to my last semester as a college kid. Holy Excrement.

Your Highly Irresponsible, "adrenaline junky" friend,

A

A Random Musical Observation 2:45 PM

As a rather fervent lover of music, I have realized certain subtle trends that have inched up on the music industry and have then, very quickly disappeared. In the early 2000s, mainstream Rap and R&B music took a sharp, climatic turn from the days of Coolio’s rough-around-the-edges Gangster’s Paradise, TLC’s robust, girl power jams, Boys II Men’s satiated, sensual songs about love, to a cacophonous, naughty, garish (but still totally rocking) form of music  that took the pop-culture savvy world by complete storm. We were led from 50 Cent's Candy Shop where the human body suddenly became a piece of mouthwatering, shockingly desirable candy, to the club where we were almost expected to “get low,” to the bedroom where love and love making took a backseat to overly fanaticized, excuse my vulgarity, banging with numerous partners, all day, all night, all the time. Now, I am in no way criticizing this growing hyper-sexuality found in music, in fact, some of my favorite jams at the moment are in fact placed in a “Bang” playlist on my iPod and played (very very) frequently. What I’ve noticed recently, however, is that although there is still an undeniable demand for this sex-driven music, these previously crude songs have taken on a new persona. They’re still fun, upbeat, sexy as hell, but they also discuss love, being in a relationship, getting married, going home to the same girl at the end of the night. I pointed this observation out to a friend the other night, and she claimed that it was just “where I was at in my life” that made me notice these themes more, not an actual movement towards them. But I’m convinced. Take for instance the very popular, very sexy, very awesome song “Best I Ever Had” by Drake. This song is so good. There is no denying it. It’s catchy, it has a great beat, Drake maintains the super hot feel inherent in this type of music, but weaves within it lines like “Baby you’re my everything, you’re all I ever wanted,” “you can have my heart or we can share it like the last slice,” “sweatpants, hair tied, chillin with no makeup on, that’s when you’re the prettiest I hope that you don’t take it wrong”. I can’t help but feel like that just wasn’t around before. Solja Boy, who was quite keen on “Superman(ing) dat hoe,” now wants his lady to “Kiss (him) through the phone” and calls her his “future wifey”. I mean, come on, how can that not make you swoon? Anyway, I’ve moved from my very Indie, Underground Rock, Folk phase to a substantially different one. Just thought I’d reiterate, if it’s not absolutely and completely apparent from this post. I have been rocking out like like a wild ass dutty-wining woman to this new wave of radio Rap and R&B and I honestly can’t get enough. I even use lines from these songs as metaphors for my life. Can you believe it? I text in Beyonce.

I’m going to spend my evening rockin’ my thang, yes, alone in my apartment.

Your “Really Wishes She could be a Rapper Instead of a Writer” Friend,

A

lack of anything to talk about 4:00 PM

I am seriously distraught. Why is "photobucket" trash all over my blog? GET IT OFF IMMEDIATELY.

Anyway, I got in touch with this company called Little Big Brands recently. I got an email back today and am looking forward to talking to them at some point this week. They do a lot of cool brand identity and advertising stuff. I guess I'm in this phase where I just want to learn as much as possible about anything that interests me. The more brains to pick, the better.

I can't wait until I'm in the creative world. Numbers are completely mind numbing. I want to talk and play around with words and ideas. I think what  I find most fascinating is how one piece of advertising can appeal to people of every single demographic/psychographic, but how advertising varies from country to country in the same stride. 

I was surfing one of my favorite blogs today, and I came across the most charming ad schema. It's for Bournvita, a nutritious chocolate milk drink in India (that my sister and I were just, ironically, talking about. It's darling. I got to thinking how this type of ad could be reformatted to fit the American population. 

I won't reveal my brilliant idea here. 

I hope everyone is catching drift of my sarcasm.

Anyway, I've posted the ad here. Enjoy!

Hopefully I'll come across some other cool stuff to write about within the next few days.

In other news, Washington DC is amazing. I've fallen in love with it. It's the perfect mix of trendy, mature, eccentric, and sophisticated. Love it. Can't wait to see where the hell I end in the next year.

Your Slightly Optimistic Blogger,

A

Land of the Politically Savvy 9:09 AM

About to leave for DC with best friend and folks. My brain is excited for a weekend off.

Will update when I get back.

Happy travels, me!

Your Road-Tripping (no innuendo intended) Friend,
A

After looking at these stunning ads, I have a feeling that I would prefer to live my life neck-deep in metaphors. Especially if it means I get to experience music and emotion in this very way.

I love it.

(Euro RSCG Switzerland - Zurich Chamber Orchestra - Doesn't this totally make you want to go?? YES!!) 

a "brief" introduction 5:54 PM

There is no rhyme or reason to the creation of this blog. The most concise answer I can provide on why I felt compelled to start yet another blog, however, is as follows: My creative energy has no where to go and is starting to fog my vision. I am constantly overwhelmed by catchy little phrases, fantastical cushion patterns, poignant poetry, taste-bud tantalizing recipes, foot-tappin' tunes, books, and I need, need, need (!) a place to write it all down.

Because I am a writer and a blogger and thus have an unyielding but slight (very slight) case of negligible (just to emphasize its inconsequentiality) narcissism, I would like to start my blog with a self-proposed accolade. I am a 21 year college student pursuing a degree in English, Psychology, and Marketing at a very lovely, brick-building speckled, white-face doused university in Ohio, which I have learned, slowly, but surely, to love. I have one semester left before I am released out into the literal and figurative wild of professional America and am seriously contemplating (and scrounging for) an alternate route. Although starting a full-time job sounds appealing on some level, I'd rather flirt with different cultures, different languages, different fields, and different countries for a year or two. If not now, when, right?

I have an avid and persistent interest in advertising that I cannot seem to shake. I have come to terms with the fact that my passions lie in a field that eats people as an afternoon snacks and uses their tibias as toothpicks. It is cut throat, in a very non-metaphoric sense, and I have a sadistic obsession with it. I've been told a million and one times that I should find a second option, that creativity can be found in other fields, that I will make no money, etc. But look, Elite Advertising Citizenry, I'm still here! 

Despite the very forward and discordant paragraph above, I am, first and foremost, a writer. You will find, if you continue reading this blog, that my prose/poetry is rather dainty, graceful, not at all sarcastic, really. The variance between my "blogging" and my "writing" is... for lack of a better word... whopping. To avoid inserting any florid adjectives here, I'll leave you with this thought. It's weird.

I love to eat. I'm often told that when it comes to feeding people, I am a favorite. I take great pleasure in hearing this. If you'd ever like to feel good about yourself, invite me over to eat. You'll be beaming by the end of the night.

In tandem with my love of food, this summer, I am working for an well-known company that deals in, you guessed it, FOOD! Although I am on the corporate side of things, we do get treats, and often. As a foodie, this is stellar. I am living on my own in a tiny (but absolutely charming) apartment, for the first time. I miss my roommates terribly, but I must say, there is a certain delight in having one's own place. It instills a sense of independence and adulthood. Which is both liberating and frightening as hell. I am, however, anxiously awaiting next semester and the constant company of my fabulous roommates (I'll have to brag about them sometime soon).

In conclusion, (I apologize for my loquaciousness, it's a terrible habit that I must find a way to work around) "whole creativity" is a place for me to prattle on about anything that sparks my interest, and might spark yours too.

Long-windedly yours,

A