Anxiety, Excitement and so much more

Ah! Three hours until my first shift! I am freaking out ahah. I'm extremely excited but also nervous at the same time. It's been practically five months since I've worked at a news station. I'm hoping they don't ask a lot of me, but I have no idea what to expect. I haven't been to the station in nearly a week since my meeting/paper signing. I know who the anchors and reporter is for the morning show, but I have no idea who the EP (executive producer) is or who is in charge of production crew members during the morning. And therefore, I am freaking out. The good news is I made it to the doctor's office this morning and was able to get some good sleeping hours in this afternoon. I slept from about 11ish until 2:30 and then again from 4-6. Those hours on top of the two I had last night. I think I will be just fine in the morning and will make it through my shift. I'll try to write tomorrow, but if not I will fill everyone in after Thursday's shift.

As for my weekend... it turned out fantastic. I spent part of Saturday at the pool until I got way too hot. I then stopped by the mall (bad idea) and took advantage of the Memorial Day sales. Luckily I didn't do too much damage. Unfortunately, I watched the entire Reds game and they lost. I am getting very skeptical about being a fan. Don't get me wrong, they are playing well, i just can't seem to be able to celebrate a win. I have been to 4 games and all four games they have lost. I'll watch and or listen to them on the radio and they will lose. If I don't listen or watch, they just so happen to win. I can't explain it nor am I enjoying it!Sunday, I helped my friend Sarah with her final project for school. She's in the DAAP program at UC studying graphic design. She needed someone to model (mostly just my hands, face and shoulder). I can't wait to see how it turns out. I have a feeling I'm going to be pretty critical. O well as long as she is happy with it and gets a good grade. Afterwards, Matt, Kevin and I went to a cookout. It was nice having all three of us hanging out together and getting along. We're finally at that age when we can all be friends with each other and the other siblings friends.

Finally on Monday the three of us attended the Taste of Cincinnati downtown. We lucked out with the weather. It started raining right as we finished up. Unfortunately, I didn't taste anything overly wonderful, but it's always nice to try new things and see what restaurants I haven't tried and what their specialty is. This isn't the best picture or representation of the event, but it was pretty crowded when we were walking around and didn't want to take pictures. Then, it started to rain so this is all I got. The booths are on both sides of the street and you can only see the one side in this picture. We were sitting on the other side of the event finishing up our food. The booths continued down the street for about 5 or 6 blocks.

Big changes ahead

I am really excited to get started at the station this week. I was suppose to start yesterday (Saturday) but the executive producer that works on the morning show was off. Instead, my first day is Wednesday. It is a part-time position so my days are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The "catch" is I will be working on the morning show so my hours are 1am to 9am. Yes, it's going to be interesting as I work on changing my sleep schedule. Right now I am planning on sleeping after work from 10 until 4 or 5pm, then getting up and using 5 to 12:30 as my daytime. That way I can attempt to have a normal social life. I can still get dinner with friends or go to a movie/event etc. before heading to work. I don't know how well it will work out, but it's worth a shot. The ladies at the Dr.'s office have been fantastic too. I want to continue working and helping to finish off the projects I started and make a little money, so they made me an extra set of keys so I can keep my sleep schedule and come in as early as I want. I tried it on Friday going in at 6am and staying until 10. It was definitely weird, but not too bad. I then came home and slept for 3.5 hours (I did get some sleep at night) before going out with friends. I think once I get into the routine it will be fine.

Well, I need to get going. I'm helping my friend with her final art project of the year and then I am heading to a cookout. I will write again tonight or tomorrow because I definitely left A LOT out of this post, but I had some extra time to I thought I'd at least start a post. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Thank you, thank you, thank you...

...for all of your thoughts and prayers! I received the big call yesterday offering me a job at the local station right here in town! The news director called me as soon as he found out the position was approved and it's mine. I am going to the station Tuesday to go over the details and fill out paperwork. I am still in a bit of shock that it is all happening. I am truly grateful, of course. It makes me laugh when I think about how all of this came to be. my dad had been bugging me about emailing him my resume so he could forward it off to one of his cousins who "knows everyone". Sure enough, he knows the meteorologist at the station and she and her husband owed him a favor. That favor turned into chatting with me and giving me a tour of the station. We ran into the news director during the end of my visit and the rest is history.

I will be sure to write after I get all of the details on Tuesday. Right now, what I do know is that I will be working an 8-hour shift, 3 days a week (part-time position). One of the shifts will most likely be for the Saturday morning show and the other two he and I will discuss Tuesday. I will then round out the rest of my hours at the doctors office - that's the plan right now at least. Thankfully, everyone at the doctor's office is very excited and supportive.

Now, I need to catch up on my errands/chores/cleaning/everything so that my life is in order when I begin working!

Still Rolling Along

Yes, things are still going smoothly here, or as much as they can for the time being. This past weekend was great. Kevin is done with his sophomore year and back at home for a couple of weeks before he moves into a house near campus with some friends. My friend Beth was in town from Chicago. We went to high school together and the last time I saw her was 2-3 years ago. It was great catching up and hearing about her post-grad life. Neither of us could believe that we've been out of school for an entire year. So much has changed, yet so much has stayed the same. Sunday I went to the Red's game only to have my losing streak continue. I'm starting to think that I'm not going to be offered tickets anymore. I am 0-3 as of now. The rest of the day I celebrated Mother's Day with my family. I even baked a Megan friendly cake thanks to Kelli. It was definitely tasty. I used both the chocolate and white cake mixes to make a double decker cake that my whole family enjoyed. I think there is only a small piece left.
On the job front things are at a bit of a standstill. I was talking to a local station as well as one in Dayton. Both are working on getting job approval before offering anything. It's kind of a nightmare - everything seems so up in the air. I just keep trusting my belief that in time the right job will open up and I will be where I am suppose to be. Until then, I am here and I will enjoy time with friends and family, and be of use at the doctor's office. In the mean time, I've seen some good movies. While I have never seen an entire "Star Trek" episode in my entire life, I did go see the movie opening night. I was extremely disappointed that audience members weren't dressed up for the occasion, but the movie did not disappoint. I thought it was extremely funny and entertaining. "Seven Pounds" is another good one. It's been out for awhile and I finally saw it yesterday. I was definitely confused throughout most of the movie, but in a good way. It's one that over the course of the movie it explains itself you just have to pay attention. I know I am forgetting a couple other ones... Most importantly though, I'm renting "Breaking Away" from the library. I tried to rent it once from Blockbuster, but it was a VHS and so old it wouldn't play in our VCR. I plan on watching it tomorrow. I know, I know, I spent four years at IU and have been out of school for a year and still haven't seen it.
I will keep you posted on the fun things going on this week/end. Keep in touch and keep smiling!

Spring is here

I cannot believe it is already May. Where has the time gone? It's hard to believe I have been back in the Midwest for a little over four months. At least it has been a good four months, busy, but great. I'm even more excited that it's spring and the weather is beautiful.
I'm still working at the doctor's office and interviewing when I get the opportunity/offer. I'm still staying optimistic for a job locally, but until I have a contract in front of me I am going to continue meeting with news directors. This past week I interviewed in Dayton. I thought it went relatively smooth. I was surprised how male dominated the newsroom was. I think I saw two females in the entire building - it was very strange. I also received a call from a news director in Cleveland. I'm not sure how I want to follow through on that yet. I'm really hoping I will hear back from one station in the next couple of days before I decide whether to drive hours north for an interview.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not just job searching. I contacted the local Theta alumnae group last week and met a handful of the women for brunch. I had a great time and was surprised when they were all under 30; I was expecting a couple older ladies. One even attended the same high school as me so we laughed about teachers and the drama/rumors that we've heard since graduating. I of course haven't forgot about my IU Thetas! Kelli sent me some fabulous "Megan friendly" desserts for my birthday and I can't wait to continue baking them.

The brownies were AMAZING!! - which makes me a little nervous to bake the rest because I ate almost all of them in a couple of days :)
I attended another baseball game Monday. It was the perfect night for a game: clear skies, temperature in the 70's, no wind. Best of all, fantastic seats right on the third base line.
I've been told I shouldn't go a game anymore because both times I've gone they've lost. I think the Reds just have to play better at home!
Well, I think that wraps up most of the week. I'm still babysitting regularly and already have two lined up for this week. Today though I'm spending my time with my family. I'm headed to the mall with Matt and my dad to get a mother's day gift for my mom! I hope everyone else is enjoying the first days of May. And, those of you studying for finals GOOD LUCK!!! Summer is right around the corner.

Catching my Breath

It feels so good to be in one place right now. I know I have been MIA for a while and I apologize - life has been a bit crazy. I did make it back to work last week, but did start feeling like my normal self until this week. I have also been babysitting up a storm. Last week I babysat one family Wednesday night (a normal evening job) and then Thursday through Sunday I took on a full-time over-night job for four kids in my neighborhood. Thankfully, they were really good kids (all under the age of 12), but it was slightly overwhelming making sure they were up at the right times for their sporting events, fed and entertained when needed. I had a fun time with them, but I was also glad to be back in my house Sunday night. Needless to say, no babysitting this week/weekend. I was looking forward to being in Bloomington for Little 500, but when it came down to it, I decided I'd rather just stay in once place and not worry about driving all over the place. PLUS, I had an interview today so there was no way I could make it to the women's race! A couple weeks ago I wrote about a meet and greet I had at one of the local stations here in town. I toured the station with one of the meteorologists and introduced myself to the news director. Well, he called me the other day and invited me to the station today to talk about future opportunities. The station is currently on a hiring freeze (for full-time employees), but he'd like to propose a part-time position that would basically be a training ground for when a full-time position opens up. I told him I am absolutely interested and he plans to have the proposal for me next week! I can't see how this could go wrong, but keep your fingers crossed! It really is a strong station and I had a great feeling about the environment and people working there the first time I visited.
Overall, I've just been getting my bearings together all week. The weather was gorgeous today and is suppose to continue throughout the weekend. I'm hoping to make it to a Red's game either tomorrow or Sunday and spend some time running outside. I hope everyone else had a fantastic week and are beginning to enjoy the weekend. I will be sure to keep you updated on the job proposal.
Speaking of proposal... I want to say a BIG congratulations to my best friend Emily for getting engaged last Saturday! I'm so excited for her :)

Busy Week to Bed Rest

The headline is somewhat true. I'll start from the beginning...
Last Wed. I had a meet and greet at one of the local TV stations here in town. I met with one of the meteorologists who is a friend of my dad's cousin. She showed me around the station and introduced me to a handful of people. As I was leaving we stopped by the News Director's office and we chatted for a bit. I really enjoyed meeting him - we had a lot in common. One of his kids attends the same high school I did so we chatted about that for a bit. The station isn't hiring right now but he told me to keep in touch and not to make any decision until talking to him first.
Thursday I interviewed in Louisville. It seemed to go well, but at the same time I just got a really strange vibe from the station as a whole. I was their first candidate so it's going to be awhile before I hear back. Also, the management team isn't completely sure what position they really need at this point. They are still trying to determine what is most important - it was a bit confusing.
Friday I was back to work, but not without drama. I pulled out of my driveway only to realize that my front left tire was completely flat. I spent the next hour and a half to two hours at the tire store. I finally made it into work and haven't been back since ;)
Monday I attended Opening Day for the Reds. I've never been to Opening Day so when I was offered a ticket I couldn't resist. It wasn't the best weather for a baseball game, but we had fun. I had tights and jeans on, three layers of shirts, a poncho and my high boots.
Tuesday I had another interview. This one was at a station here in town. I met with three different people and felt as though I hit it off with two of them, but the News Director just seemed very distant and not very prepared for me to be there. I don't know, I just don't have a good feeling about the visit. Again, I was the first candidate they've met with and the News Director is highly considering an internal candidate. If that happens then a totally different position will be open. I don't expect to hear back until May-ish.
After that day everything went downhill. I don't know if it's due to the weather at the baseball game or just coincidence, but I have been stuck in bed. It started out as a sore throat and then my temperature began to rise. I wasn't able to get a doctor's appointment until yesterday and as soon as I opened my mouth he was stunned. He told me strep is going around, but he couldn't remember the last time he saw a case as bad as mine. I apparently, have sores all over my tonsils and down my throat. The rapid strep test at the office came back negative so he took another to send out. I won't hear back about that one until Monday. If that is negative he wants to check for mono - how wonderful. He's treating it as strep right now with antibiotics and also prescribed me Vicadin for the pain because it's been so bad. The good news, my fever is finally gone. The "bad" news is that I can't tell if my throat is getting better or the pain medicine is just doing it's job. Either way, I've been house bound since Wednesday and won't be back to work until I hear back about the strep test.