Why 2009 blows.

So, generally, I try to keep my online self a pretty upbeat person. I don't think the web is necessarily where I would like to air all my grievances. But sometimes, like now, when things build up-- and all the people that you usually turn to are probably sick and tired of hearing from you, I believe there is no other choice than to go where everyone can see (but no one probably cares to see) everything.

Tonight-- December 5, 2009, my car's (well, technically my uncle's car, since my piece of shit GM caught on fire in like Feb or March) brake lines busted while in the neighborhood of East Liberty of Pittsburgh. If you aren't familiar, google it-- I dare you. So, not only did my brakes go out-- but they are so bad that I'm going to have to be towed--LESS THAN A MILE to a garage to get them fixed. Awesome.

Now, granted, if this was the worst thing to happen to me all year, I would be like, "You know, this sucks... but shit happens..." BUT it's not. In fact, as my friend, Julie put it, "At least it's not the worst thing that's happened to you."

No, it's not. The year started awesomely enough. On January 1 last year- the year I was actually 22, and was old enough to be CRAZY for New Years, I was sick. I sat on a couch and watched the ball drop-- or maybe even went to bed early-- who knows...

And then, in February, I was worried about the economy-- so I took the GRE and the GMAT- and then only applied to like one or two grad schools-- that I didn't even go or really even finish applying... Also in February, I got into a huge argument with my Mom and told her I didn't want her to come to my graduation. I then gave her the silent treatment-- not calling or answering the phone. Ignoring the letters she wrote. You know-- generally being a bitch.

So, no surprize that in March she died w/ complication from pneumonia. FML.

My dad didn't take it very well. Instead of being there for him, I locked myself in a house and just felt sorry for myself for a while... Which was awesome, b/c in October, only six months after moving to Pittsburgh, and seeing him once between the two dates,, he died in a house fire....

With two huge tragic events, you would think that all of these little things wouldn't matter--- but they do... and it sucks. My Pontiac caught on fire in March.... My college roommate and I stopped speaking in April... I graduated and left the only town that's ever felt like home in May... I was rear ended in my uncle's car later in October... My fish died the first week in December... My family hates that I'm in Pittsburgh-- and aren't afraid to let me know it...

And the thing is, I know I'm really lucky. I have wonderful friends who are amazing. I have a wonderful job with wonderful people that I really enjoy. I have a family, that, while doesn't always agree with my decisions, are always willing to help in their special ways...

But I can't help but feel overwhelmed... 2009 has been a horrible year... and I can't wait until it's finally over....


On a side note-- does anyone know of any good garages/towing services in Pittsburgh?

GRRRR General Motors

My car was one that caught on fire under the recall (Pontiac Grand Prix). I had to talk to two different agents, send it all the information, pictures, title... and then wait. After a month, I called to check, and it's protected under bankruptcy.

Businesses without ethics, adaptability, and accountability should fall victim to the market. I just graduated from college, and have my first job. I'm starting to pay back student loans, paying for my own rent, and all the bills that come with. I have had to borrow a car for the last 4 months. I worked through college to pay off my car-- and now it looks like I'm going to have to start from scratch and try to squeeze in a new car payment, as well.

This poor service from GM makes me certain that my next car will NOT be a GM. I hear that Honda has great warranties, and customer service.

Internship Jackpot!

For those of you that don't know, I've been looking for an internship for sometime... Not really going out and digging, but reading the paper, and checking online for something that would give me a lot of different experience. I'm interested in a variety of things, and am not sure what I want to do after graduation in May. Last semester I did a ton of project and event planning and management. I planned a birthday party for an institution, held an alumni event and also was part of a team that planned a Debate Watch for the second presidential debate.

My advisor, and personal hero, Dr. Kay Long, gave me a couple of leads where she thought I might find myself some different types of internships. I had it narrowed to marketing, crisis communication, and anything else. Ha! So then, I did what the typical me does. I emailed all of those contacts and went with who emailed me first. Luckily, I can't imagine a better internship.

Steve Foster of the Upshur County Development Authority had a 'small' project that could use an intern or two. Apparently, last semester another intern, and friend of mine did some asset mapping of the area. She found that over 30 local artisans were featured in Tamarack, West Virginia's most prestigious art gallery. The opportunity that we have here is that some space has become available to open our very out artisan co-op on Main Street Buckhannon.

The internship includes everything from creating by-laws, to developing a website concept and PR plan to designing the layout for the studio. Steve says it is about as close as you can come to starting your own business as you can without actually starting one. Again, I have been blessed that I will have help of another intern and a great friend, Jaclyn Randolph. Our professor, Dr. Kevin Lee, has also been proactive in helping with the brainstorming sessions. He suggested a weekend roadtrip visiting different artistic towns that have similar co-ops. Currently, the only one that I am familiar with is Poplar Forest that had been located in the Flatwoods Mall. This co-op did not work-- but there is thought to be many reasons they didn't, and Steve has throroughly researched why it will work in our town... and I totally agree!

I think that this has huge promise in this town. First, this town seems like one you would see on a television show. It is more than a small college town. It is a town that is continually looking to improve the town, economy and quality of life. While West Virginia has this reputation, and seems to be experiencing what Governor Manchin describes as the 'brain drain,' where our young and brightest are leaving the state, many students are finding jobs here in this community.

I will continually update how the work is going. I think this is going to be both a fun and rewarding experience.