Graduation...?!

So, here it is. The end of Fall term 2008, and I will be done with college by Friday. I am currently (procrastinating) writing my last paper as an undergraduate. I just have to write a reflection on the volunteer work I have done so far for Rainbow Health Resources. It's hard to write six pages on condom distribution... but I'm trying to make it work. In the meantime, my last day at Benton County Health Department is tomorrow. We will be distributing Problem Gambling Prevention calenders to local schools, churches, banks, and other organizations. The calenders were designed by local youth, with a message that gambling can become a problem, and to seek help if it is.

Then....? It has been very difficult to find employment here in Corvallis. Since Oregon is the third hungriest state in the Union, we must not be the wealthiest either. I have been picking up shifts at Jamba Juice, but they have recently closed NINETEEN... that's right NINETEEN stores in the last few weeks because the company cannot afford to keep them open. It is expected that unemployment will reach 10% nationally. This is the worst time to be graduating. I'm hoping that the Applebees here in town will hire me. I am calling the manager tomorrow, and hopefully they will like me!

I should get back to my paper... hope all is well with everyone. Next thing you know Christmas will be here! Yikes!

Almost Thanksgiving!

Well, this Thursday is Thanksgiving... already! I can't believe that November is almost over! I am actively searching for a full-time job to start ASAP, but because of the economy, I am having a hard time finding a position that I might be happy with (or that I might be qualified for). So, if you know of anything that might be opening up, let me know!

Other than that, two weeks until I am a college graduate. Pretty scary!!! I've been busy wrapping things up with the health department, finding jobs, and finishing my last few classes.

Dad and Jackie are coming up to my house for Thanksgiving! We plan to drive up to Hotel Oregon, a destination McMenamins, for a full on Thanksgiving buffet! I'm pretty excited for them to be here! Dad has never been the Cottage before (the house I currently live in), and Jackie hasn't been here since summer. It should be fun!

Back to homework!

Halloween Pictures!

All the girls! Alissa and I were witches, Sarah was a pirate lady, Emma was a cowgirl, Brittney was a devil, and Dave... he was my baby mama.



The boys that participated in the costume exchange. Oh man they were out of control!





Liss and I even scared ourselves... we made good witches!

Project Sticker Shock Success!

Hey all! So here's a little about what I've been up to!

Our first round of Project Sticker Shock was done last Friday, on Halloween. It was awesome,

and hopefully the next round will be even more successful with more volunteers and more participating vendors!

Election Time!

So, being a new member of a public service agency, I am new to the world of "the measures on the ballot directly affect me" club. I'm learning, but this year, I still cannot vote in Oregon, because I am still a resident of California (this will be changing soon I hope!) So, for those of you close to me, who are reading this, and have yet to cast your vote, check this out. It is an article on how I will be directly affected by voting (not only temporarily with my internship, but also in the future). And make sure to VOTE!VOTE!VOTE!

Difficulties

Not to complain, but life is STRESSFUL sometimes! First of all, Monday's tend to be the rough days. And it just so happens that today is Monday. I am working hard on Project Sticker Shock, and it has come down to me calling every store in Corvallis to speak with their managers to see if they would like to participate. It proves difficult when managers of stores have better things to do besides hear my "shpeel" on the project, but it is even more alarming when managers are COMPLETELY opposed to putting up warnings to their customers about purchasing alcohol for minors. Many have expressed that they want absolutely nothing to so with prevention of underage drinking, and are "greatly opposed" to participating. Ugh. Lately it seems that people are mad, and are taking it out on people who are just trying to help others, like myself. I'm just trying to make a small change in the world. No big deal. But seriously, next time you feel like being rude to someone random and pointless in your life, just take a moment to think about it before you proceed.

Red Ribbon Week!

Starting on Thursday, it is National Red Ribbon Week, for awareness of underage drinking and excessive drinking. Since this is my current field of work, I am encouraging all to wear a bit of red from Thusday to next Wednesday. I'll have more infor later... I gotta get my homework done before 2! eep!