50 things that make me happy

April 11, 2012

Before starting this blog, I thought to myself “What did I blog about one year ago today?” I looked back and saw that one year ago yesterday I wrote Remembering Nana. I wrote that blog before I went to bed the night of her (my grandmother’s) funeral. I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since her death.

Thinking of Nana reminded me not only how much I miss her, but how happy she made me. The perfect fuel I needed to start the ‘blog fire’. Below are 50 things that make me happy. Are any of these on your happy list?

  1. Fresh manicure/pedicure
  2. Ice cream
  3. Actually, just food in general…
  4. Finding the most perfect outfit for an occasion
  5. Entertainment magazines
  6. A freshly mowed lawn
  7. The smell of spring
  8. A tough workout
  9. Bath with candles
  10. Wine
  11. Mad Men
  12. Approaching a red light only to have it turn green before I stop
  13. The feeling of the sun when it hits my face
  14. The ocean
  15. Kittens
  16. Vacations
  17. Receiving hand-written cards
  18. Finding a parking spot close to the store/restaurant
  19. Picking out presents
  20. Impressing my coworkers
  21. Getting A’s in school
  22. Organization
  23. Reading books for fun (no more school books!)
  24. When I receive a random kudos from a coworker or client
  25. Amusement parks
  26. Threaded eyebrows
  27. Sleep
  28. Dancing to 80′s music
  29. Nailing a client presentation
  30. Wearing pumps that don’t hurt my feet
  31. Good hair days
  32. When I shop online and find my purchases waiting at my doorstep
  33. Sparkling car after a car wash
  34. When I get money back on my tax return
  35. Laughing so hard I cry
  36. Making a new recipe that turns out SO yummy
  37. When I get surprised (the good kind of surprised)
  38. Traveling
  39. Finding money in the pocket of my jeans
  40. Being healthy
  41. When my cat crawls on my lap all by herself
  42. Weddings
  43. Feel-good movies
  44. Waking up refreshed and ready for the day
  45. When I cross everything off my ‘to do’ list
  46. Flowers (not just receiving them, but seeing them bloom!)
  47. Seeing elderly couples hold hands
  48. Massages
  49. Afternoon naps (weekends of course!)
  50. Though this is #50, it is #1 in my life–being with my family/friends/the man. No comparison to anything else.

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Posted by Jackie

The A-Z guide to completing grad school while working full-time

April 5, 2012

Four.

That’s the number of classes I have left in graduate school. The end is so close and I’m coasting through these last couple of classes. As I approach the finish line, I’ve had time to look back and reminisce over the many nights and weekends I’ve dedicated to this MA degree. Here’s a little A-Z guide to completing graduate school while working a full-time job.

A-     Abort (What you should do if studying goes past midnight)

B-      Beaches (What’s nice to think about as you start your fifth communications paper)

C-      Clouded (How your mind feels after the professor reviews the syllabus)

D-     Daring (How you feel when you leave work at 5:45 p.m. and class starts at 6 p.m.)

E-      Exhausted (How you often feel at the end of the day)

F-      Friendly (The way you should act toward classmates even if you don’t feel that way)

G-     Genius (What you are!)

H-     Headache (What you often have after a crazy work and school day)

I-       Ice cream (Makes homework more enjoyable)

J-       Jack Daniels (Makes you forget about class altogether. I kid… I kid, but really)

K-      Kittens (Make you smile, every time)

L-      Love (What family and friends provide you to keep you going)

M-    Mad Men (The show to watch that reminds you how awesome your industry is)

N-     Nights (The time of day that you should take classes so you can keep working full-time)

O-     Overwhelmed (A feeling you will identify with often, but get used to)

P-      Pedicure (A great way to reward yourself after a big assignment is turned in)

Q-     Quarter (The change you will need to fill the meter when you don’t want to spend $200+ for a parking pass)

R-      Running (Relieves the stress)

S-      Strong (What you need to be)

T-      Time-management (The skill you HAVE to have to balance priorities)

U-     Unconscious (What happens to you when your head hits the pillow every night)

V-     Values (What to remind yourself to reaffirm why you’re getting the degree)

W-   Wheaties (Breakfast of champions, of course)

X-      Xanax (What you feel like taking, but don’t need to!)

Y-      Yes ‘you can’ (The phrase to tell yourself when you say, “I can’t do this…”)

Z-      Zestful (How you feel when you have four classes left!!)

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Posted by Jackie

Vegas Virgin

June 28, 2011

Last week was my first trip to Las Vegas. WOW. I knew it was going to be good, but I underestimated how good it really is.

It was a business trip (not bad, eh?). I was attending the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) conference held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. My Borshoff coworker, Lisa, and I were working a client exhibit.  When I arrived last Wednesday, the first couple of hours were spent setting up our exhibit, but the rest of the day was ours! From our hotel, The Venetian, to the Mirage, Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace and Sugar Factory–I was definitely in ‘awe.’

Each day following exhibit hours, Lisa and I would catch up on work emails and then enjoy the city—which mostly encompassed pool time and a LOT of walking and observation. The highlight of my trip was seeing Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘O’ show. Unbelievable! I would recommend everyone to see it.

Though it was 110 degrees each day, the weather was beautiful. With no humidity, it beats a HOT day in Indy.

The following slideshow recaps my trip encounters. I was definitely ‘touristy’ and enjoyed every minute of it; work and play. I can’t wait to go back!

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Posted by Jackie

Déjà Vu. Butler Returns to the Final Four

March 29, 2011

We’re not the underdogs.

There is no Cinderella story.

Luck had nothing to do with it. 

Butler has a competitive and stellar basketball team, led by the one and only, Brad Stevens (for President!) and they are heading to Houston. Why? Because they won the opportunity, fair and square.   

Unless you live in a dark hole, you’ve heard the men’s basketball team beat Florida last Saturday to advance to the Final Four. Many doubted us; sports commentators, ESPN analysts, other teams. Heck, even some alumni. Don’t even get me started on Charles Barkley (rude). “There’s no way Butler could advance to the Final Four two years in a row…”  But we did. Boo yah! 

Last year, when Butler advanced to the Elite Eight, we made school history, but it didn’t stop there! Little did we know a ticket to the Final Four was just around the corner (and in Indianapolis, too!) And here we are again. Last Saturday, when the final buzzer rang, amidst the screams, thrown drinks and honking horns, I realized how lucky I was. How lucky I was to not only experience a Final Four once…but twice! My own alma mater—a school that never thought it would be known for its basketball program—had advanced and proven everyone wrong, once again. My Borshoff coworkers are pretty excited too! (Eight on staff are alums, one is an adjunct professor).

To me, one of the best parts about this win is the joy it brings to the city of Indianapolis, and the country. Our world is constantly surrounded by negative news. The tragedy in Japan, political turmoil, violence in Libya—the list, sadly, goes on. It sure is nice to hear something positive for a change. And nothing beats positive news quite like a trip to the Final Four….Butler going to the Final Four. 

Unfortunately, I won’t be making the trip down to Houston…but I will be cheering on the Dawgs this Saturday when they play VCU (and hopefully again in the championship game, Monday). Even if you have no ties to Butler, I would hope, as an Indiana resident, that you’d cheer on a team of down-to-earth, talented boys who have a passionate love for the game. With that said…GO DAWGS!

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Posted by Jackie

Painting Indy Green for St. Patrick’s Day

March 16, 2011

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day! It’s funny…all through grade school, I understood St. Patrick’s Day to be the day when people wore green to school. If you didn’t, you were destined to be pinched. It was a fun holiday to celebrate. However, I never fully appreciated the holiday until college and even more after college. St. Patrick’s Day may be one of the greatest adult holidays ever! It’s pretty much on the same level as Cinco de Mayo and Halloween; it’s that awesome.

It wasn’t until after college that I realized that Indianapolis celebrates St. Patrick’s Day wholeheartedly. Every year, during the month of March, the city takes part in its annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.  Events include a Shamrock Run & Walk (took place March 12), the Greening of the Canal (March 17), Tent Party and Irish Citizen Award (March 17), and the annual parade (March 17). This year will be the 31st annual parade. Impressive!

Last year, through work, I was able to participate in the parade through a community service opportunity. I was amazed by the number of people who came out to celebrate!  There were floats, news media and thousands of people lining the streets downtown. Not surprisingly, the bars were packed and bombarded with Irish and Irish-loving citizens enjoying their green beers. Festive Irish music fills the streets—bag pipes strong and kilts perfectly pleaded. It’s really a great time.

This year, I am not participating in the parade but some of my coworkers and I plan to eat lunch along the parade route (no drinking, of course). I’m pumped!

If you are planning to be downtown for the celebration, some of my favorite bars (that partake in festivities) include The Claddagh, The Rathskellar and O’Reilly’s Irish Pub.

For more information about Indy’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and the parade route, visit: http://www.indystpats.com/index.htm.

Want to celebrate more? Check out Indy’s Irish Fest. The 16th Annual Irish Fest will be September 16-18, 2011.  I went last year and it was definitely a day to remember.

Finally, just because…“An-one seen a leprechaun, say yeeeaaaa.”

Everyone have a great (and safe) St. Patrick’s Day!

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Posted by Jackie

I love the ’80s

February 23, 2011

No doubt, the ’80s were quite an era…

Big hair. loud clothes. leg warmers. extravagant makeup. bangles. sex, drugs and rock and roll. Madonna. 

Of course, this is just what I hear… I didn’t have the pleasure of actually living through it. Born in 1987, the only evidence I have of my existence in the ’80s are old Polaroid pictures and a birth certificate.  The 21st Century is great and all, but man, I bet the ’80s were awesome. Ever been to retro-rewind at The Vogue? Exactly.  There are a lot. A LOT. of things that made the ’80s rock. One thing in particular are those cheesy, yet classic, ’80s films.

Pretty In Pink. Top Gun. Flashdance. Fast Times at Ridgemont High. St. Elmo’s Fire. Dirty Dancing. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Heathers. Say Anything. Footloose. Mannequin. The Breakfast Club. etc. etc. etc. etc!!!

For some reason, they fascinate me. YES. I’m the first to admit that some are cheesy; even stupid. But, how can you diss a John Hughes film or any film that puts the Prom on a pedestal?  I think my fascination started when I first saw Sixteen Candles. Molly Ringwald. Who didn’t want to be her and have the hottest guy in school want YOU. The epitome of a stellar high school experience. 

There are so many ’80s films that I want to see. But who do I watch them with? A. Majority are chick flicks. B. There are tons of great films out in theatres now. C. The were made in the ’80s; ’nuff said.

Well, while my boyfriend has been gone (pharmacy rotation) I decided to catch up on my ’80s pop culture and Netflix my way back to the ’80s. I’ve already seen a couple of ’80s films: The Breakfast Club, Dirty Dancing, Ferris Bueller, Fast Times, Top Gun, Flashdance…Mannequin.  Thanks to Netflix,  So far, I’ve (finally!) seen Pretty In Pink, St. Elmo’s Fire and Heathers. I would totally recommend the first two. Heathers… not so much (sorry Winona).

I know, I know… these are all about Brat Pack, high school romances, finding yourself and first kisses. But, that’s why they are so good!

So, let the ’80s viewing saga continue!

  Any great ’80s flicks I should check out?

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Posted by Jackie

Love Love

February 16, 2011

I know I’m a little late on this, since Valentine’s Day has passed, but I needed time to decide how exactly to state my position.

A lot of people are hostile on or around Valentine’s Day and it confuses me why. How can  a “Day of Love” be scorned so much? I think people despise it for different reasons. Instead of Valentine’s Day, it has become “Singles Awareness Day;” a day that reminds people that they are still single without someone special in their life. People also think Valentine’s Day is overrated; “it’s not that great and it just gives couples the permission to flaunt their love, treats and flowers to the world.” From what I saw on Facebook and Twitter alone, I couldn’t believe the negative attitudes some people had. I just don’t get it. I’m not saying my opinion is correct, but I think people are missing the point.

I’ve been single on Valentine’s Day. I’ve been (and am currently) in a relationship on Valentine’s Day. What I am trying to say is…I’ve seen both sides. However, you will never see me bash it. Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day for lovers…it’s a day to remind those, who you do love, how much you care about them. You don’t need to be romantically involved to appreciate Valentine’s Day. This year, I sent 16 Valentine’s Day cards out; three of those cards were for boys (my dad, brother and boyfriend) and 13 went to my girlfriends or other family members. My girlfriends mean everything to me! They deserve a Valentine just as much as my man! I also brought chocolates to work for my coworkers and even had a Valentine’s Day dinner with friends since my boyfriend was out-of-town on the day.

My point is, instead of dreading the day, embrace it. Think about all those that bring joy or love into your life. Honestly, we shouldn’t have to have a holiday like Valentine’s Day to remind those who we love, that we love them. We should just do it anyway.

With that said, I do hope everyone had a pleasant Valentine’s Day. And if you didn’t, know that I love you for just taking the time to read this blog post.  :)

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Posted by Jackie

Recollections

December 26, 2010

2010 was a great year.  A big year! I like to think that 2010 was the year that I transitioned from a post-college grad to a young professional. Well, actually that is exactly what happened. This year marked my first year as a working professional. I’m official — I’m a real person. Not that I wasn’t real before, but now I get a nice chunk of change taken out of my paycheck. Therefore, I’m real. 

My first full working-year out of Butler isn’t the only reason why 2010 is distinctive. A lot of great memories were created this year that I will cherish forever. 

This year…

  • I moved into my cute “Pottery Barn” home with a friend who has become more like a sister
  • Marked my one-year as a graduate student at IUPUI
  • I traveled out-of-state for my first client event — this led to three more out-of-state trips
  • I visited Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, California, Colorado and Ohio
  • I celebrated two years with my amazing boyfriend (and counting!)
  • I was promoted at work
  • The Butler Men’s Basketball team made it to the Final Four in Indianapolis
  • Two of my best girlfriends got married
  • I was a bridesmaid for the first time
  • I was reminded how much I miss college when I visited my brother at Michigan
  • I was reminded how much I don’t miss college when I visited my brother at Michigan (disgusting frats for one, ha!)
  • One of my best friends delivered her handsome son Camden (and I was there!)
  • I had the best Fourth of July ever in Michigan with friends
  • I started my blog
  • I took a vacation, a real vacation, to Florida with my boyfriend
  • Reminded me that even at 23, I’m still, and always will be, “Daddy’s little girl”
  • Reminded me that the bonds of friendship are strong regardless of distance or how often you see one another
  • Reminded me that family is forever 

Was 2010 the best year ever? Maybe not, but it was one hell of a year because it challenged me to prioritize and balance; balance work, with school, with friends, with family, with love. I think 2011 and 2012 are going to be huge.  My boyfriend will graduate from pharmacy school and I will receive my Master’s degree. I still have a lot of questions with unknown answers. I’m only hoping that this next year will bring me a little closer to those discoveries.

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Posted by Jackie

Little Life Updates

December 19, 2010

It’s been more than two weeks since I last blogged. Pathetic, I know. There has been so much going on! First, I took a little R&R and went to Florida for a week; Punta Gorda, about 40 minutes from Ft. Myers, to be exact. I know—rough life. But, oh-was it SO worth it. I went with my boyfriend Scott and two of our friends (Nicole and Jason–on right in pic).  We had a great time, and though the weather could have been a little warmer, it wasn’t too bad laying out in 68 degree weather. Much better than what Indy has been getting!

Upon my return, I felt rejuvenated, relaxed and ready to take on work….and school again. Yes, school. I thought it was done too, but it turns out my group members and I had to revamp some of our paper and turn it back in. No worries, though. It had the same focus and we didn’t have to do too much reworking, but it did cause me to spend an additional six hours on it; six hours that could have been spent working out, watching Gossip Girl, or Christmas shopping. Luckily, it REALLY is all done now. I submitted the paper back to the professor last Thursday. Let’s cross our fingers on that one…

But then, my heat went out.  I really don’t know how pioneers, Indians, and our Founding Fathers did it. My house was 69 degrees one day, and dropped to 41 degrees by night. I know it doesn’t sound too bad, but when you are in it—it’s awful. With no heat, it is so hard to focus on anything besides thinking how cold you are. It turns out that the furnace in the home I am renting was 27-years-old. Yeah, that will do it. The gas valve was shot and it was trying so hard to catch (when the pilot light was lit) but it was no use. I survived two nights of no heat. Luckily, Scott brought over additional space heaters to keep me warm. A new furnace was installed on Thursday! I worked from home for the six-hour process and am thrilled to have heat again! Merry Christmas to my roomie Beth and me.  Thank you landlord.

So now, it is the week of Christmas and I get to go home and see my family! Three more full days of work and it’s another mini vacation! Something I am really looking forward to this holiday season is seeking WICKED! My family and I are going and I’ve never seen it. I have only heard spectacular things; I can’t wait!

With Christmas around the corner, then New Years, it is only a matter of time before 2011 is here. I plan to do a blog post about my 2011 PR-Resolutions (time for more PR blog posts!) With a new year comes a new class for school, new travels for work and new obstacles/projects to face. 2011 is going to be a great year, but for the time being, I’m going to soak up as much 2010 that’s left–and do it by watching Christmas movies, reading good books, and just…relaxing.

Happy Holidays!

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Posted by Jackie

Celebrate with Cheesecake

December 2, 2010

Another semester is down! That’s right…I have completed another course in the IU Masters in PR program. My group members and I delivered our final presentation about the nonprofit organization Never Too Late in class on Tuesday. It went great! My classmates were intrigued and kept attentive the whole time (which is NOT always the case). Best of all, the professor claimed at the end that our plan recommendations could make an extremely viable campaign case for the following semester. Yah! Now, I have a whole month of freedom and it feels so good! I hope it goes super slow because after all, I love the holidays!

So what did I do to celebrate? I went home and made Ricotta Cheesecake!

My Yiayia (Greek for Grandmother) gave me the recipe over Thanksgiving to make for my family. Let’s just say it was a hit! Never in his life did my father’s mother make this delectable treat for him or my aunts and uncles. I first tried it when I was in Boston for work. Yiayia served it for dessert and the rest is history. Lucky for you, I will share this yummy Greek recipe! It is SUPER easy. All you will need is the following:

  • 1 package yellow cake mix
  • 2 lbs. of ricotta cheese
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (I used 1 tablespoon – LOVE vanilla)

Mix the yellow cake mix exactly as the directions on the box state. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured 9×13 pan. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla—blend well. Pour this mixture on top (and all over) the uncooked cake mix; do not mix it all together! Bang the pan on the counter once so the top layer will begin to seep through. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until the toothpick comes out clean! Once cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar (my favorite!)

Share this treat over the holidays and everyone won’t know what hit them! Enjoy!

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Posted by Jackie

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