PTT: Post Grad Thoughts

Professional Tip Tuesday

Dear Recent Grads, 

How are you feeling? Graduation weekend went by like a blur. And now here you are, in the 'real world'. It probably doesn't feel much different right now.. other than this sinking feeling in your stomach that things are about to change. 

But you have that diploma, and the world at your feet. There are so many things ahead of you as begin your post-grad journey. So, inspired by this roller-coaster of a year, I wanted to pass along this article - 10 Life Tips for New Graduates.

I survived the first post grad challenge - Embarrassing baby pictures at the graduation party.

I love the last tip the author mentions, "Enjoy this time of uncertainty." I am constantly embracing this in my post-grad years. There will be times of doubt, but it's all about figuring out what your passion is and growing along the way. Whether a full time job or grad school is in your future, here's to an exciting ride! 

Cheers, class of 2014! 

What's your biggest piece of advice for new graduates? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - A YEAR?

Favorites on Friday

This was an extra long week. We had to do a couple of demos from 5-8pm 3 days this week so I am especially ready for the weekend!! Here are a few of favorites that helped get me through the 52 hour week.

                               

~We'll be in our Cap and Gowns~

Those 4 years would not have been the same without my Real Friends.

-One year since I walked across the stage WITHOUT tripping!! This is a bittersweet 'Favorite' -I am happy to be an alum of my beloved University but it was also very surreal. Anyway, congrats to the Class of 2014! Go Hawks!

~Anything Dogs~

Does it get any cuter?

-I love anything that features a few cute pups. So this Buzzfeed article is my new go-to for whenever I need a reason to smile. I have already looked at The 100 Most Important Dog Photos of All Time 3 times since last night.

~SLC Adventures~

-Laura is on her way to Salt Lake City! I am looking forward to a weekend of checking out the Salt Lake City summer sites with the roomie. It is supposed to be beautiful weather here. So I think we're going to pretend to be outdoorsy and do a little hiking. Don't worry.. I looked up 'family friendly hikes'. I figured that's the best bet for my first trek up in the Utah mountains.

Any tips for a first time hiker? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Mother Knows Best

Professional Tip Tuesday
With Mother's Day just behind us, I have been thinking about all I have learned from my beautiful mother. Her bright spirit guides me every day and has made a huge impact on my accomplishments. Those lessons from Mom will take you far both personally, and professionally.

So this weeks Professional Tip Tuesday is an ode to my dear mother. Especially starting this new part of my life, the following traits have been a great addition to the workplace.

Mom, thanks for teaching me to smile. 
I don't think my mom ever stops smiling. Moms are good at that. No matter what's going on, they always seem to find something to smile about. This has been a great thing for me in the professional world. People appreciate happy people! A friendly smile will immediately make someone feel more comfortable.

My mom and I grinning from ear to ear when we met Dolly Parton at a Nashville truck stop.

Mom, thanks for  teaching me empathy.
This is big, and a huge add on to the smiling thing. It doesn't matter who you are talking to - strangers, acquaintances, or friends - making someone feel like you care about them in the moment is something special. After watching my charismatic mama all these years, I could strike up a conversation with a shoe. And you had better believe that shoe will get my undivided attention!

Mom, thanks for teaching me to get excited. 
Enthusiasm is one of the best qualities my mom could have passed down to me. Her dynamic personality is contagious. When she is excited, everyone is excited. This has been an awesome trait for my professional life so far. People feed off that energy in the workplace, so showing just the slightest bit of happiness can make you much more enjoyable to be around.

My mom has taught me some pretty cool stuff throughout the years. But sometimes you don't realize some of the most special characteristics until you are older. So thanks, mama, for all you do. I see more of your traits in me everyday.

And sending lots of love to all the moms out there. Where would we all be without you? 

P.S. We didn't really meet Dolly Parton. That was a cardboard cutout.. did I fool you? :)

What have you learned from your mom over the years? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - Never Too Old for Dress Up!

Favorites on Friday

I had a really busy work week and it went super quick. So this week's Favorites on Fridays is mainly from last weekend. BUT the weekends are where most the fun is anyway, right? 

                               

~Fitz & the Tantrums~

-A summer favorite are the summer concerts in Kansas City's Power & Light District. On Saturday, my friends and I went down to P&L for the Fitz and the Tantrums show (click the link for one of my favorite songs right now!). It was only a $5 admission and the weather was perfect! Power & Light has a lot of free concerts during the summer - so I am excited to enjoy some good music there this summer.

~Death at the Doo Wop~

-Britt and I went (and accidentally participated) in the Grimprov Murder Mystery Dinner last Sunday. The theme was 50s prom and we are a little too good at themes (A.K.A we were the most dressed up people there). And this particular Murder Mystery Dinner involved heavy audience participation. So I think when Britt and I walked in looking all snazzy, we were the perfect targets. I even got a part in the show and had to do a dramatic death scene in front of everyone!! Britt won 'Best Dressed' for his baby blue suit. The night was a success!

~The Baby Blue Suit~

-Britt's baby blue has gotten a lot of use over the years, and deserves some recognition all on it's own! Winning 'Best Dressed' at the Murder Mystery Dinner was an easy feat for this piece of apparel. The suit just seems to work for every theme. Britt's brother snagged it originally from a second hand store and 'passed it on' to Britt. One of my favorites is the 80s theme party pictured above!

What's your favorite dress up theme? Comment below! 

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!

PTT: Real Friends

Professional Tip Tuesday
In almost every experience I have had, my work friends have become my best friends (see my ode to my O-Team friends here). From my high school days working at the movie theater, to my job with Iowa Orientation - I always end up wondering: How did that friendship happen?

Remember my Ode to my O-Team friends?

Let me tell you, I am a fairly bubbly and energetic person. I love meeting new people. And I thrive around my close friends. But put me in a room full of acquaintances, and sometimes I would prefer to curl up in the corner.

I just get so awkward and shy around those 'inbetweeners'. I hate fake conversations (i.e. the weather). And that's what you have to do with acquaintances. My problem is that I'm always worried about asking the right questions without feeling too nosy or overbearing.

How do you seal the deal on the move from acquaintances to friends?

That's the stage I am going through with my a lot of people on my project team. I really like them - but I just haven't figured out how to create a real friendship with them yet. So when I saw this article on Huffpost Women, I thought it offered some great ideas!

Here are the highlights of how to become more comfortable with acquaintances!
1. Be brave. 
- Asking questions isn't so bad. People like to tell you about themselves. It isn't offensive to ask them about more extensive topics than the weather.. at least that's what I am figuring out slow but sure! This is how you get to the good stuff - the stuff that truly creates a bond.

2. Potential friendships aren't as fragile as you think.
- This is something that's really hard for me. The minute I do something 'wrong' - I get 10x more awkward. It's the worst cycle. But the truth is, one thing can't ruin a potential friendship. Like the author says, a sincere apology can make all the difference!

3. Be yourself.
This last one, the most cliche, can be the most important for me. If I think back to those times when my acquaintances do become friendships - it's the moment that we can let go and completely be ourselves. Like the article said, don't try too hard to impress. People like real people.

My 'Real Friends'

My Orientation friends became my 'real friends' because of the kinds of efforts outline in that article. Work is a great way to bring people together - you all have a big thing in common. While getting to that next phase isn't easy.. it is definitely worth it. Those close friends in the workplace can make a huge difference!

How do you make that extra effort with acquaintances? Comment below!

Favorites on Friday - Happy Hiking!

Favorites on Friday
Happy, happy, happy Friday! Cheers to the weekend - here are a few things that made my week!

                               

~Hollywood Hiking~

-One of the highlights of last weekend in LA was hiking up by the Hollywood sign. On our last day in Cali, we took the trails up by the Hollywood sign. It was perfect weather and the most beautiful view. It seemed pretty crazy to be on such a serene hiking trail in the midst of a big city. 

~A Summer Savory Salad~

-As I've mentioned in previous post about my desperate food measures while traveling, it's not easy to eat healthy when you're living out of a suitcase! So this week I ventured out to this cute little cafe and got the most delicious salad. This strawberry and avocado salad was so tasty! And I felt much better about myself after this as opposed to that cup of noodles I had a few months ago.. :)

~A Little SLC Pampering~

-Pretty nails and a mini-confidence boost! I wish I hadn't start this - but I have an occasional habit of getting my nails done in Salt Lake City. It's a new thing for me. Luckily I found a really reasonable little salon. The gel style nail polish just lasts so long - it's my new favorite thing. And this might sound silly (especially to any gentleman readers!) but it's actually a major confidence booster to have well-maintained nails. Especially when you are pointing at a computer screen all day!!

Do you have a favorite hiking spot? What are your typical airport thoughts? Comment below! 

Have a great weekend - and enjoy some of that warm spring weather!

And for past Favorites on Fridays posts, click here!