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

A Nationwide Traveler

October 29, 2010

In one month…

To say that work has been pretty busy is an understatement. I’m just now coming off an adrenaline high as this month has been quite eventful. Never in my life will I have an October like this one again. At least…I don’t think so. I already love my job at Borshoff as it is…but getting to travel…to COOL places is definitely a perk that I don’t take for granted.

It’s been a busy conference season for my client. Lucky for my colleagues and me, we get to travel around the United States and work at conventions. In July, I attended my first client event out-of-state. I thought then, “This is awesome, I want to travel more!” And that was in St. Paul, Minnesota. They always say be careful what you wish for.

Throughout the month of October, I have been on an airplane six times. The first was to Denver, Colorado for the American Academy of Family Physicians Scientific Assembly.  Two weeks later, a trip to Boston for the American Psychiatric Association conference. One week after I got home I was off to San Francisco for the Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition.  In one week I went from the east coast to the west. I doubt I will ever have that grand opportunity again.

The Denver trip was a first for me. I had never been to Colorado and had always wanted to go. Flying over the Rockies was both a scary and incredible experience. You don’t see much of that in Indiana. I remember drinking an absurd amount of water while I was there, too. They don’t call it the Mile High City for nothing. That altitude is intense!

My Boston trip was a special one. I’ve been to Boston almost every summer since I was born. Why? My dear grandmother, Yiayia, lives there, as does the rest of my Greek family. When I found out I was going, I immediately called Yiayia and she couldn’t stop hyperventilating on the phone; she was so excited. We are extremely close and as her health declines, any time I had after the workday was spent with her. Not to mention, Boston is one of the coolest cities in the U S of A! All the history there; it’s amazing! If you haven’t been…GO! (Pic: Faneuil Hall and a statue of Sam Adams in Boston)

Now San Francisco. WOW. I had never been to California and though the weather was a bit chilly, San Fran did not steer me wrong in my assumptions of California-living. The cable cars, designer boutiques, fabulous food, Golden Gate Bridge and hilly terrain—I only wish I had more time to explore the city. I will definitely be going back.

Though all three cities were amazing in their own special way… nothing beats home sweet home. I may have been born on the east coast (VA Beach), but I’m Midwest, Hoosier girl at heart. I will never forget these work adventures and luckily I have the pictures to reminisce! I look forward to more trips in 2011. I wonder where I will be going next! (Pic: Flying into downtown Indy)

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Posted by Jackie

30 Lessons Learned

September 9, 2010

One week ago today marked my one-year anniversary at Borshoff. I’ve been working full-time for one year…and counting. Wow. Where did the time go?

I’ve learned a LOT, not just about the working world, but life too.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

  1. I’m my biggest critic.
  2. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. (Thanks, Dad)
  3. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.
  4. When you deserve a pat on the back, by golly you better pat yourself on the back.
  5. Please and thank you’s never get old. (Thanks, Mom)
  6. Whether you’re 23 or 53—people come to you as the professional in your industry.
  7. Work and life is a balancing act.  Toss in school and you’re now a juggler; and you better not drop any!
  8. It DOES get easier to wake up in the morning.
  9. With the right pair of heels, a girl can conquer the world.
  10. Treat yourself every now and then. You deserve it!
  11. Your well-being shows in your work. Be rested and ready to take on the day.
  12. People who offer you constructive criticism want you to succeed.
  13. Admit it when you make a mistake and learn from that experience.
  14. Get along with everyone—your attitude says a lot.
  15. Ask questions.
  16. Sleep is good. REAL good.
  17. Get involved; let people know you care.
  18. Slow down. We are all trying to do too much and this leads to error.
  19. Be cautious not to hit “Reply All” (HA!)
  20. Strong interpersonal skills are crucial in business.
  21. Be calm and confident in what you do.
  22. Dress like a professional and you start to feel like one.
  23. Sometimes, you have to depersonalize yourself from your work.
  24. Not every day is a walk in the park. You just have to make the best of it.
  25. Employee recognition is always awesome and appreciated.
  26. Go above and beyond what is expected or asked of you.
  27. Smile—people notice.
  28. Favorite saying: “Life’s tough. I recommend getting a manicure and a really cute helmet.” (From CurlyGirlDesign)
  29. Live. Laugh. Love. (I know it’s cliché, but seriously—do all three).
  30. The lessons keep on coming.

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Posted by Jackie

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