Entitlement

my morning ritual when I get to work goes like this: turn on computer, check on plants, check email (personal and work), read my favorite blogs, and check my favorite news sites (BBC, CNN, and NPR). Today while perusing the sites I came across this article about how recent college grads are not prepared to enter the workforce. I generally agree, but not for the same reasons as the article states.

As a recent college grad I had a hard time adjusting to my new life as a working adult. It was difficult for me to know that I would be doing the same thing every day... it seems boring. When I graduated I had the idea that I could change the world in a year or so. I now know that changing the world means changing yourself and hopefully meeting others who want to do the same (I have the best friends ever... what a bunch of movers and shakers!). So in that respect, college did not prepare me for the 'real world'.

The article states that college grads aren't ready for the workforce because of the lack of professionalism (i.e. dont care about appearances and are late to work too often), but what they really focused on in the story was a presence of entitlement in the students.

Now I know that some of my peers have this view post-graduation, but not all newbies do. Maybe it has something to do with the specific school I attended (WE ARE EUREKA!), but I don't think any of my friends have this view. We all took jobs that didn't pay much because we understood that we are beginning our careers. I'm not saying we don't complain about it, but that is mostly because we all have a huge amount of debt to pay off.

And might I add that the generations before us told us that the reason we were going to college was to get a good paying job - and then when young adults expect that, they are labeled as 'those kids with a sense of entitlement'.

I'm sure a lot of this is just caused from a generational gap. For example, a lot of younger adults do not find it necessary to get dressed up for work when all you are going to do is sit behind a computer all day and see co-workers. The older generations feel that dressing up for work is a necessity...

I know that I am making a mountain out of a molehill, but this is whats on my mind right now.

_________________________

Side Note: I hope everyone has a FAB Memorial Day weekend! The husband and I will be extremely busy sleeping, playing video games, sewing, birdwatching, and the like. oh, and I have to do laundry and our dryer is not working... so it looks like we will have clothes strewn all over the apt for the time being.

Happy Birthday to...

The modern brassiere. A woman named Caresse designed it (her handmaids sewed it) in order to go with a dress she had gotten for a débutante ball. You can read all about it in the link above.

I have mixed feelings about the bra, but i am grateful that we women no longer have to wear corsets!

Ode to the Internet

I seriously don't know how anyone knew anything before the internet. I mean, I guess you had to read encyclopedias to find out useless knowledge, but for some reason that seems far more intense than googling whatever is on your mind at that moment.

For example, yesterday I googled spaniel dogs. Spaniels are my favorite dogs and I was trying to think of the type of spaniel Aggie was (Aggie was my great-grandpa Reeser's dog. Every night after supper he had an after dinner mint. True story.), because I always forget. I think I found the answer: American water spaniel. Note: Mom, if I'm wrong let me know. Anyway, one thing led to another (thats what she said) and I ended up looking at a list of the worlds most expensive dogs. And I fell in love with one: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Come on, if that dog is not adorable to you then you are blind or dont have a heart. I mean, it's not that I want a dog right now, but if I had unlimited resources, space, time, motivation, and money, I would def adopt a pup like this one.

So far today I haven't fell in love with anything online, but then again I have only really googled what the Stonewall Riots were all about.

This weekend the husband and I are headed home for multiple celebrations; it will be a fun and busy weekend!

ps... happy B-day to my H-O-T Mother tomorrow!

Website Wednesday with a dash of snarky-ness

Last weekend the husband and I went to a great concert. The opening act was amazing and the headliner was one of the best entertainers I've seen in a long time. We had a blast, except for some folks who don't know the unwritten courtesy rules of concerts. Therefore, I give you...

The (Un)Written Rules of Concerts

1. It is only appropriate to sing loudly if everyone else is singing loudly too. While we didnt have this problem at this particular show, it has been a problem in the past. I came to the show to listen to the musician on stage, not Johnny Bravo behind me. Dont get me wrong; it is very acceptable to sing quietly to yourself, but if you cant sing quietly, dont sing at all.

2. Do not try to create a space for yourself to stand. This is also known as if-you-dont-back-off-me-I-will-elbow-the-crap-out-of-you. This was a big problem last weekend. This guy tries to squeeze in behind me and in front of someone else about 3/4 way through the concert. He was so close to me his hand kept hitting my butt and I could distinctly hear him slurring all the words to the song even though he was singing quietly to himself. I decided to remedy this by elbowing him nicely (a warning shot, if you will) and shifting my body so I was perpendicular to him so he couldnt touch my butt...it didnt work. Eventually the husband told him to back off and he moved. The husband also had a (large) man lean on his fingers for an extended amount of time. Apparently the guy didnt mind, but Tim did.

3. Don't talk all the way through the show. You would think this would be obvious, but it is not. If you paid money to go to a show, why wouldnt you want to listen to it? Comments here and there are fine, but not through the whole show. There is bound to be some murmuring during the opening act since they are usually not well-known, and i'm okay with that. That is totally different than talking through the whole show.

4. Dont text all the way through the show. I mean, really? Are we that distract-able that we cant turn our phones on silent for 2 hours? I mean, im sure your text to your BFF about her hot date last night is super important, but cant it wait? It takes away from the ambiance of the lights, music, and presentation in general if all you notice is the bright screen on the blackberry in front of you. Side Note: The husband and I were at a concert once and saw 2 guys looking at pron on a cell phone while waiting for the band to start... it was very uncomfortable.

Okay, sorry that was a snarky post. To make up for it, here is your Website Wednesday Link!

:)

Hobbies do a body good... plus website wednesday

Sometimes I find myself getting bored with life; not that I am not like 112% happy to be living... it's just that I want things to be a bit more exciting. However, I'd like to tell you of some little things I've been doing in order to break up the day-to-day stuff:

1. Gardening - we live in an apartment, so while I cant have my own garden, I am able to help out with a community garden that my church is starting. All involved pay a small fee and water/weed the garden in exchange for fresh produce! Leftover produce is given to local shelters. Today is my first day there... so wish me luck!

2. Sewing - this hobby has been a long time coming. Since i adore vintage clothes and its very rare to find vintage clothes for big gals I knew I would eventually want to learn to sew. Also, I could make a lot of awesome presents for people with a sewing machine! This past Christmas I got a sewing machine and have finally learned to thread it, wind bobbins, and all that jazz. I'm practicing my straight lines now. Also, I have my first sewing lesson tomorrow at the local handmade store! I am so pumped! We are going to learn to use my machine and make a pillow. yay!

3. Cooking - I haven't been very good with this one lately as i've felt lazy after work... so ive been making things I am confident will taste good. Hopefully i'll get back into the swing of things soon.

4. Vintage Hair - This hobby has been lacking too; my hair is a bit long (shoulder length) for some styles, so i've mostly just been teasing the top and making it a 1960's look. It looks good, but im ready for a haircut! Oh, I've also mastered the victory roll, but they don't look good on me, so I wont wear them. The next goal is learning to pincurl my hair!

Also, since its Website Wednesday, I give you... My Parents Were Awesome. My parents are still awesome, but for those who aren't as lucky there is this website.

Funny Tidbits

This past weekend some funny things happened:

• While turning off the lamp on his night stand before going to bed, the husband knocked a full glass of water on his head and on his side of the bed. It was awesome. We covered it with a towel and promptly went to sleep.
• While napping this weekend, I was dreaming about knitting, sewing, and crocheting when the husband woke me up. I responded with "big crochet." What that means I have no idea, but apparently he can crochet big. Also, I was very mad at him because he laughed after I said "big crochet." After all, he was supposed to know what I was talking about! :)
• Our nephew apparently sneezed on the communion at church on Sunday; we were in the second row.

Also, a no-so-funny but rather important tidbit of info: my sister officially received her masters of Education Diploma! Congrats Sister!!! I am proud and a bit jealous!

Website Wednesday

I am an avid blog reader... and seeing as it is Website Wednesday I thought I would share my faves with you. Note: blogs written by friends are the best, but the following blogs are my fave non-friend blogs).

1. 2Birds1Blog - If you are offended by cursing, inappropriate talk of various body parts, and gossiping this blog is NOT for you (I'm looking at you Nancy and Jen)! It is written by 2 twenty-somethings. They talk about their ridiculous lives, awkwardness, and lack of money. So, if you are an awkward, poor, 20-something with a twisted sense of humor check it out. If not, i'd recommend steering clear of it or it may give you a heart attack.
2. Vixen Vintage - This is my all time favorite blog about all things vintage. Solanah, the blogger, is an inspiration to me. She sews clothes from vintage patterns, always has cute hair (she is a fan of rag curls - one of the few curling techniques I haven't tried yet), and always has fun pictures on her blog.
3. Advanced Style - This blog is dedicated to the more refined people in life (i.e older adults). The blogger, Ari, takes pictures and writes about the lives of the older women he meets living in NYC. the women he talks with are so fun, daring, and beautiful! Someday I will have an advanced style, and I only hope that people will appreciate it as much as Ari.

So there's that folks.

Enjoy. I'm off to use some gift cards; thanks mom and mom-in-law!

on blogging... or a lack thereof...

wil: you haven't blogged in a while

me: i know...

i go there and start to...

but nothing comes out

wil: aha

me: i have bloggers constipation

wil: like a phantom poop.

YES!!!

wil: i like how we both turned to s%#t jokes.

me: its the way we roll

haha

wil: we heart poop.

me: ABSOLUTELY!!!

I tihnk I may blog that

wil: clever.

stealer

So there you have it folks... the raw, unedited truth.