Raw Foodism

Over the past week, I've been practicing raw foodism. This means that I eat everything entirely raw, nothing cooked or processed. I eat fruit, vegetables, nuts and drink tea and water. After vigilantly following this lifestyle diet, I've realized how great it has made me feel. The first few days are considered "detox" days because your body is physically addicted to preservatives. These days, people may encounter different withdrawal symptoms, or nausea. For me the first two days were filled with bloating and nausea, not to mention extreme tiredness. But after that went away, I started feeling great. Day 8 is exciting because I've officially surpassed the week mark. 

I've been reading plenty of blogs on raw foodism, and how it can be a permanent lifestyle. For me, I am planning on doing this for only three weeks and did it in order to "cleanse" my body. But after doing my research, I am contemplating on changing my lifestyle to complete raw foodism. As a season yogi and overall health freak, this is most extreme health challenge I have done. I take Iron pills, as I am normally a vegetarian, as well as other vitamin supplements so I know I am meeting all of my nutritional needs. I eat enough during the day to feel satisfied, it just is all raw foods. This is the ideal lifestyle for someone like me who is always concerned about health and working out. This fits perfectly with the "yogi" lifestyle I lead because raw foodism doesn't require much working out because your body has a hard time sustaining energy. Doing yoga and maybe some light jogging is paired with raw foodism perfectly, also yogis are known to lead a "healthier" more "natural" lifestyle, as stereotypes go. 

What was originally a three week cleanse may turn into a permanent lifestyle change for me. Raw foodism has immense benefits and gives you nutrients that cooked foods lack. After reading how horrible processed foods are on the body, and how they act like a "drug," I am ecstatic to challenge myself to see if I can do this. 

Even if cupcakes do sound absolutely perfect right now.......

Home Stretch

There are 2 weeks before Christmas break. Although saying that seems like no time, these will be the 2 most stressful weeks of the semester. Luckily, I have no finals during finals week, but I do have 4 tests, 3 projects and other homework to be completed for my final grade. I hate this time of year, and I can't even get excited for Christmas because I'm always stressed out. But more than anything, I'm ecstatic to be done, have two journalism classes under my belt and be stress free for 37 days. Bring on the end of the semester!

Traveling over Thanksgiving

For most people, Thanksgiving is an exciting time to enjoy turkey dinner with your friends and family in the comfort of your own home. But for me, I haven't spent a Thanksgiving at home since I was 11. My family lives all over the United States: San Francisco, Seattle, New York and Wisconsin. When my grandparents were alive, we would always travel to Seattle, but since they passed away when I was 14, we began going to New York city to spend Thanksgiving with my cousin. I would consider my family very close, but the cost of traveling was too much every year to bring out 3 large families to one place. We would spend Thanksgiving in the city, at a nice restaurant in along the river, under the Brooklyn Bridge. For as long as I can remember, this felt normal to me. I was spending Thanksgiving with my family, and celebrating the holiday with people I love most and most importantly: great food. But being at home for the Thanksgiving holiday seemed silly to me. This year, it will be our first time going to Seattle to visit my aunt, uncle and my cousins without my grandparents. I predict this trip will be more nostalgic than the others, but regardless I'm excited to spend Thanksgiving at their home with people I love the most.

EXTRA CREDIT BLOG POST WITH PICTURE

At 10:30a on Nov. 8, Randy Picht introduced why he is so happy at RJI after being here for 29 years. The reason for this announcement was to announce a gift. According to the pamphlet, the gift "creates an endowment to permanently underwrite RJI media research." With Missouri being one of the top journalism schools, this gift promotes continuous innovation and succes of the school.

Chancellor Brady Deaton officially announced the gift and Roger Gafke, Steven Anderson and Dean Mills spoke throughout the event.

The gift is $30.1 million donated to MU. This is the largest gift granted to this school. The chancellor expressed his deep gratitude of this gift and is excited for the journalism school to progress even more. The money will benefit all the research and plans the journalism field has.

MU's Department of Art and Archaeology Hosts Ancient Exhibits

Mary Pixley has been working at the University of Missouri as an associate curator of European and American art, since 2007. Pixley works in the Department of Art and Archaeology and focuses mainly on art from 1300 until today.

"What makes our museum really special is that we are an encyclopedic museum and we have pieces that go tens of thousands of years before the common era," Pixley said.

Pixley helps organize exhibitions at the gallery and works on the intellectual component of the art, as well as the label matter on each piece. Because each piece requires so much research, Pixley's job is crucial to the accuracy of the displayed exhibit.

"Many of the oldest pieces on display come from Ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt," Pixley said.

With so much history involved in each exhibit, Pixley explains that each exhibit fits well with the research interest of the University.


Photo 1: Pixley stands next to her favorite section of the European and American art exhibit in the Department of Art and Archaeology in Columbia, Mo., on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Photo 2: The Department of Art and Archaeology provides a European and American art exhibit in Columbia, Mo., on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Reasons I'm Voting For Mitt Romney

As the great Ronald Reagan once said, "Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives." Flashback on these past 4 years and ask yourself, What has Obama done to protect the people? What has he done to make our country a better place for it's citizens to live? Yes, during his presidency Osama Bin Laden was killed, but so was an ambassador and three other American diplomatic personnel.  Obama has inflicted a sense of dictatorship and decision making over the lives of ALL Americans. Our individual rights are diminishing at a rapid rate and with four more years of this guy say goodbye to choices that you want to make for your future AND that of your family. What we need is LESS government NOT MORE.

As a young voter in this modern age, it is crucial to stay informed. As we are transitioning out of our teenage years and into the real world, the political issues of this country begin to affect us more directly. We are in college for one reason and that is to become educated so that we can enter the workforce prepared to work hard, start a career and make a living. We will have families that need support, taxes we'll need to pay and healthcare we'll need to acquire. Obama's policies are making it harder and harder for our generation to do that.  During his first term, the deficit more than doubled, the number of families on food stamps increased to 46.7 million which is more than some entire nations.

The election of 2008 signified a substantial moment in history with Obama being the first African-American president, but the past 4 years have proven his unfulfilled promises and a failed job as president. Obama's big promise in 2008 was to unite America but what Obama has done is divide classes further apart and has lead Americans to a lower standard of living. Obama is a dishonest, power hungry, and incompetent man. Its time for a REAL change not Obama's change - what America needs is none other than the Grand 'Ol Party back in office. Mitt Romney has my vote for a number of reasons. Romney has experience in both government and the private sector.  He has run successful businesses, saved the Olympics and turned around the state's economy while being the governor of Massachusetts. For America, he plans to decrease taxes on small business owners. By doing this, those small businesses will be able to hire more people, lay off less and stimulate economic growth. What obama is doing is increasing taxes on small businesses thus decreasing the rate of job creation. This is important for college graduates because right now 50% of college graduates cannot find a job. In fact, there are over 12.5 million adults out of work.

Secondly, Mitt Romney has my vote because he and his running mate Paul Ryan have a plan that will create a more balanced budget and reduce spending on things that aren't crucial to the success of America. Romney wants to handle the deficit in a fiscally responsible way by creating jobs and cutting federal spending. Unlike Obama's approach, raising taxes is not the answer. Thirdly, Romney's steady, strong approach to the three debates, even during Obama's ruthless attack of his character, is the type of president, I want to see for this country, not somebody who will point the fingers but someone who can stand strong when times get rough. The debates were enough to prove that Romney has a strong approach and will not back down through anything.

In addition, Obama's healthcare, more commonly known as "Obamacare" will allow those without health insurance to be covered, at the expense of the American people's pockets. What people don't realize is that Obamacare is basically at tax - in 2013 there will be five major taxes that will come into force and more to follow--  with a total of $500 billion worth of taxes by 2018.  And for many, premiums will go up 11-30%.  In addition everyone will be forced to have health insurance or face a steep penalty. Those who that do have health insurance will no longer be able to use it.  With Obamacare, citizens can no longer freely choose their doctors but will be set up on a pre-chosen plan. Women who want to get mammograms aside from the time of their normal checkup, yeah forget it, your insurance won't cover it! This universal healthcare system Obama is trying to implement is already a failed plan. Look at Canada or countries in Europe, they have the worst healthcare in the world. In fact, some of those citizens come to America for proper treatment. This is terrifying as citizens in America, with new diseases and cancer being diagnosed daily. With Obama in office, this will become a full fledged disaster. Lastly, Romney is a true American that would never criticize, lie and abandon America, like Obama has. When Obama released his apology, he apologized for our freedoms of  speech and our opinions as Americans. No president should ever apologize on behalf of his country or go abroad to criticize America.

With Vice President choice, Paul Ryan, they bring a fresh outlook to America. Obama has been dishonest by saying he has brought bipartisanship to the legislature. Romney, as former Governor of Massachusetts, knows how to work with Democrats to actually create a more unified legislature. With Romney being a Mormon, it will promote even more equal opportunity and to criticize him on that front is wrong. Romney wants to better America, not swindle his way into office by luring certain types of voters by overgeneralized statements in his ad campaigns or attacking Romney by twisting his words.

At the beginning of his administration, Obama promised: "If I don't have this done in 3 years then this is a one-term proposition.”  Not only doesn't he have this done--  he has made it worse.  He doesn't deserve a second term.

What we see today is increased gas prices, more of a deficit than we could imagine, increased taxes on the middle class, fewer jobs and a divided country. Obama has gone against all the ideals of what America was founded upon. This great nation needs to be united once more with a leader who wants to unify and better this country.

I am proud supporter of Mitt Romney and his American ideals. I support his plans to create a unified country looking out for our best interest, and his plans to promote hard work. The future success of college students like me depends on change of leadership. This is the most important election of our time and voting for Romney will help get our country back on track.

At the beginning of his administration, Obama promised: "If I don't have this done in 3 years then this is a one-term proposition.”  Not only doesn't he have this done — he has made it worse.  He doesn't deserve a second term.

EXTRA CREDIT BLOG POST

On Friday morning, I attended the TAM Summit where William Kovacic, from the Law department at George Wash U, spoke.  Kovacic talked about the laws from the 1960’s compared to today. Back then there were more laws and importance in textile labeling. Today, it’s just as important, but is buried in one of the 15 divisions in the Bureau of Consumer Protection, one of the major FTC operating units. This is an issue because textile labeling is being forgotten, even though it still is as important as ever.

            If textile labeling was wrong, for example if something said 100% silk, but was not, the company could potentially lose sales for being dishonest to the consumer. Also the warnings may be different for some of the fabrics, potentially putting the consumer at harm. This is also applies to food. If we don’t know what is in the product, this could be dangerous. When certain products come to the US and doesn’t meet labeling requirements, Congress complains. But since textile labeling isn’t as much of a priority than anything else, how does it change? Coming up with a policy was Kovacic’s main concern. He described the physics vs. the engineers. The physics is easy to come up with, but the engineers have it hardest—how do you implement that?

            FTC’s main priority now is Modern Repositioning, which means changing the process to increased social awareness about the environment. The FTC is in the process of transitioning to “green” products and awareness. Although there are still positives about FTC, it is time for the industry to change its ways and focus on how to implement the policy, which was the purpose of this Summit. 

Halloween

Halloween, personally, is my favorite holiday. Not because everyone gets to dress up, but because I love fall. Fall symbolizes a changing point, from hot weather to cool weather. Activities change, food changes, drinks change... it comes at the perfect time where you're a little too sick of warm weather and need some change in your schedule. Unfortunately its a time when EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE is getting sick. It's repulsive. People are coughing everywhere, you can't breath fresh air in class because so many people are sneezing and you just feel gross all the time. Seriously, as fantastic as Halloween is, you just can't catch a break. This week marks the THIRD week in a row I've been sick. And on top of that I haven't even gotten to dress up, carve a pumpkin or eat a caramel apple.

Journalism Emphasis Areas

Choosing an emphasis area is down to the wire. After hearing all sorts of options, it seems impossible to choose an area that I will have to immerse myself in the next few years of college and ultimately shape what I do with the rest of my life. This is not a light decision. With someone so indecisive as me, who changes her mind on a weekly basis, I'm absolutely lost. 

When I first came to Mizzou from Wisconsin, for Journalism, I planned on getting into Magazine journalism. But with everything transitioning to digital media, I started looking at my other options. I love social media, I love visuals and I love videos, so I thought, great, Convergence. After being in J2150 this semester, I appreciate the creativity and work to it all, but I'm just not very good at taking pictures or filming video. I get more nervous about capturing the video and what I'm doing right in comparison to how excited I get. If this doesn't come naturally, it probably won't be for me. So that's out. Then there is Strat Comm. Growing up with a father who is in business, and interning at a Marketing firm as a social media intern, I LOVED Strat Comm and thought it would be the perfect path for me. But after looking at the classes I would take, like business, etc., I don't want to do business classes. Broadcast, Print, etc. are all out of the question for various reasons.

Ultimately, I love writing and I love photography and I love editing. But which do I choose? There are too many negatives to each emphasis and I can't decide what exactly I want to do with the rest of my life because I'm still learning all of it.

AHH stressed.

Journalism Emphasis

As the semester peaks, students in the J school have to start applying to their emphasis areas inside the journalism school. Some people came here with a clear idea of what they wanted to do exactly, example, magazine journalism. For me, I had/have NO idea. At first I loved magazine journalism, and still do, but I need to be realistic about where the most jobs lie once I graduate school in 3 years. I want to be a part of the future of journalism and don't want to be left behind in the dust doing print journalism. Applications for Fall 2013 will be released in November and until then I have to decide what I want my emphasis area to be. Being a journalism student is really rewarding, but extremely difficult to manage. I'm hoping all of this hard work and time I'm putting into this will pay off in the long run.

Chicago Marathon

This past weekend, after 5 months of training, I ran the Chicago Marathon. All of my miles, all of my hard work, all of my anxiety, all of my excitement was packed into ONE day, FOUR hours. How I chose to begin those 4 hours would make or break the goal I set for myself, and determined if those 5 months of training would pay off.

It did.

My goal for the marathon was under 4 hours, and I completed it in 3 hours and 51 minutes (missing the Boston Marathon qualifying time by a mere 6 minutes for my age group). Before the marathon, I was a nervous wreck. When someone would cough by me, I would cover my mouth a run away, wish I was kidding. When I got hit by a bike (see other blog post), I was so afraid my concussion and my side bruise (forgot the fancy name the ER doctor called it) would interfere with my training. On top of that, I was diagnosed with severe anemia because I'm a vegetarian, among other bizarre eating habits, being a runner and a very OCD healthy eater, control freak... I've come to terms with this.

On race day, I took advantage that I was healthy, I was with my family, friends, I was running for the American Cancer Society and had been fundraising for just as long as I had been training, and that I was blessed to be in the position that I was because not many people have the opportunity to experience what I had. The race started, my nerves creeped, and before I knew it (as cliche as that sounds, I think my mind blacked the pain out) I was at mile 13, 17, 22, 24 and rounding the corner to complete the .2 mileage that to anyone, would seem easy after running 26 miles, but what was actually the most difficult part of the race. My brother ran the first 13 miles with me (on a whim because he's such a fantastic runner that 13 miles is nothing to him) and the last 2. Without his encouragement, I doubt I would've finished the race.

Although I am so proud of myself, and so proud to tell people I ran the marathon in under 4 hours, and how it has been a goal of mine to run a marathon before I'm 20 (I turn 20 in April), I am more appreciative of everyone else running the marathon. There were people out there running it for themselves, yes, setting new course records and new PR's, but there were people out there half running half walking, who maybe weren't in the best running shape, but they were giving it all they could. There were men and women in wheelchairs, being passed up by all the runners, but were working their arms as fast as they could go. There were blind people being guided through by guides that were encouraging them, and people who had illnesses who were running it sponsoring a charity. It's breathtaking, and makes me so happy to see those people who had to overcome something, and work hard for something to be there.

During the run, I felt like the people I was running with were MY people, MY group. My success was their success, because we all were a part of the same thing, supporters included. A marathon is a joint effort, there is no one person better than the other because we all were out there running the same course, seeing the same signs and experiencing the same atmosphere. As strange as it sounds, I gained a newfound respect for people as a whole. I was so appreciative of everyone that came out and ran it, who was training just as long, or even longer than I had, that put all their effort and all they had into this one Sunday morning.

The Chicago Marathon is an experience that I'll hold dear forever. Not only did I accomplish my goal, and prove to myself I had it in me do to something not many people even WANT to think about (really, who in their sane mind wants to run for 4 hours straight?), but I gained a newfound respect and perspective of people just like me who are in it for the greater good, and it in to prove to themselves and others that they have what it takes. It was an incredibly emotional experience for me, I had to hold back the urge to hug everyone that finished by me because not only, was I so happy it was over, I was so excited for everyone who felt that same empowerment I did!

So congrats to everyone who OWNED the Chicago Marathon this year. Even though nobody but my professor reads this blog and now I sound like a weirdo talking to myself.

Chicago Marathon 2012

This weekend, I'll be participating in my first ever full marathon in Chicago. I've been a runner since middle school, but I've been officially training since June. The farthest I've run is two 20 mile runs and I'm getting more nervous as the day approaches. My family's coming in to visit that weekend, from Wisconsin, and we're staying Saturday and Sunday in the city. Even though I've been training, and running for over half of my life, I'm getting more and more discouraged. I initially chose to run the marathon to prove to myself I can run one, and because I'm running it for American Cancer Society. Ahh I have such mixed emotions about this weekend, but I'm excited to see how it goes and get it over with!

J2150 Audio Assignment

On Sunday, I recorded my audio for my J2150 assignment. I went to Mr. Fogle's house to do the recording and it went really well! I got 20 minutes of awesome audio and was so excited to hear about his life and how he got so involved in hacky sacking. It's crazy how so many people see him and know nothing about him, including me, but then when talking to him he has this amazing, inspiring story!

It was really hard to cut down 20 minutes into 45 seconds. Unfortunately I didn't get time to collect my nat sound because Mr. Fogle was only hackysacking until 12:30 on Thursday (the only day of the week he hacky sacks), and I have class until 12:15.  :( I'm planning on resubmitting my assignment on Thursday when I get to redo my audio including my nat sound.

True Life: I Got Run Over By a Bike

I'm going to start off with the most cliche of cliche phrases by saying that, last Thursday began as another normal day-- because it did. I woke up, went to both of my classes, and was done before noon with all of my necessary obligations. At about 2, I decide to go for a run. I'm training for a marathon, and it feels as though I've run every trail, path, sidewalk or treadmill in all of Columbia, Missouri. So on this specific day, I opt for a short run around campus.

This Thursday had ideal running weather, a little overcast with a slight breeze. I had to drop off my parking ticket in the mail at the student center, so I run there first. Instead of turning right out of the main doors of the student center, I turn left and head towards the Ag building. I'm on the phone with my mom about how excited I am to study abroad my junior year, and was really into my conversation. So I'm laughing, talking with my hands, you know... pretty into this conversation, when I hear an approaching, "Watch out... WATCH OUT." I was in mid-run and not even on the sidewalk, so of course I pay no attention to the background voice, figuring it was some other idiot who wasn't looking where they were going. Out of my peripherals, I see a terrored face coming straight at me on a bike. My reaction is no good at this point, it was physically impossible for me to move that quick to get out of the way of this bike. He runs into me first, I skid against the ground, the bike is laying on top of me. His bookbag and all of its contents were splattered on the ground, as well as his brand spanking new-looking Beat (Dr. Dre) headphones. This kid looks TERRIFIED. I get up, still on the phone with my mom, ask him if he's okay and repeatedly say how sorry I am. He looked like a baby, freshman. He was scared, didn't know what to say or do. I am almost positive I saw those innocent eyes of his sparkle with tears. I couldn't help but laugh a little, as horrible as that is, and help him grab his things.

I laughed because really... who gets run over by a bike... while they are running... directly in front of the student center. Come on. I'm sure I'm a social media hit all over Mizzou laying flat face on the ground, in my hot pink workout top. The scene was pretty hard to miss.

That night, I realized I had a concussion, and about a bruise (that still hurts) the size of both my fists together on the right side of my body. I'm not sure if his handlebars didn't work properly to turn, or I'm just an idiot who should pay more attention when crossing the street. It's safe to say that I never thought that I would get run over by a biker. On the bright side, at least it's a funny story to look back on.

Multimedia Story

The first part of our Multimedia Story is due this week, and I am sooo confused as to which direction I should be headed with my story. Also, I still need a ton of practice with these cameras. Yet, I'm really excited to get the story underway. What I love about Journalism is that each article, interview, story is a work of art. Seriously sound so lame. But there's nothing more artistic than taking a reality and turning it into something from a certain perspective, and showing people a side to a story they've never seen or wanted to know more about. Multimedia stories are captivating in the way that people use videos, photos and audio to set the mood of the story. 

What I want to accomplish with my multimedia story is just that. I want people to watch it over and over again and still not be tired of it. Because my idea is pretty unique, this is my one shot, and my interviewee's, to tell his story through me. It makes me SO nervous because this is my first project, but I'm really excited. Especially because this is what almost all journalists will have to do in the future, because backpack journalism is so prevalent in today's society with our fast growing technology. People want video, pictures and audio FAST and relevant. Multimedia stories take more time, but it gives us all a little sneak peak into working with tools we'll need right out of college and far beyond.

Random Musings

My random musings on this blog are really annoying, even to me. But I have ZERO clue what to write about, so I'll just keep posting random musings. At first, I wanted to create a blog a few years ago, like a fashion type blog. That never happened. But actually, fashion is my minor so it's something I've been considering. Especially since I'm obsessed with clothes, and trends, and personal style. It sounds incredibly shallow, but style is really important to me. It's the best form of daily self-expression, which identifies each person. I find that pretty intriguing. Anyways, this isn't even close to being a fashion blog, nor do I plan to make it one. 

But actually, now that I'm on the topic... I could talk all day about my own interests... I really want to work for a high end fashion brand, or even Free People interning, or assisting, doing PR or writing/blogging/tweeting for some brand, something like that. This summer, I'm going to try and get an internship. I'm applying and looking at places now, both in NYC and on the west coast-- NorCal is definitely where it's at. I think that would be a really cool experience, especially since I'm thinking of going into StratComm/PR. Not too sure yet. 

As for now, I'm excited for my week to get organized and back into the swing of school.

AHHHH

So, this week has been pretty stressful for me, as well as everyone else I'm sure. But seriously, I thought syllabus week, and the first few weeks of school were easy. Maybe freshman year, but sophomore year? WRONG. At this point in my life, I feel like I know enough about Mizzou and enough about what I want to do that "getting used to things" isn't an excuse anymore. This past week I've been scrambling from meeting to meeting, and class to class signing up for things, figuring out projects, attending meetings AND trying to find time for marathon training. I really have nothing to complain about, but I feel like now I need to figure out exactly what I need to do and find time for all the things that will count towards my career. I've barely had to time to sit down and sort through my thoughts. I'm driving myself up a wall.

This weekend I'm headed home to good 'ol Wisconsin to the the family and my three adorable golden retriever puppies. Facetiming them on my sister's phone isn't good enough. Hopefully this weekend I'll have to time to write down all my thoughts, and all my plans. I can't survive a day without physically writing down at least 3 lists. YIKES... I sound like a crazy person.

I needed to vent. Maybe I should do this more often.

First Day of J2150

Coming from Wisconsin to Mizzou was a huge step in my life. Ultimately, I came for the Journalism program. After completing my freshman year, I left with a little more knowledge and a little more experience, but not enough to get a complete feel for this career path. This first semester of my sophomore year is when I plan to start more intense journalism classes, for example, J2150. 

J2150, I've heard, is demanding and at times can seem impossible. After the first day of class, the amount of information thrown upon us solidified this fear, yet made me SO excited to officially start doing hands on work in what I would someday call my career. This summer I interned as a social media intern at GMR Marketing. There I tweeted for various clients of theirs, blogged, did research, posted Facebook posts, etc. Some stuff overlapped, like the tweeting and blogging, which I think will be to my advantage this semester. Although there is so much left to learn, I'm anxious to begin this class and see what the rest of these years have in store!