Welcome 2010!

Wow. 2009 has come and gone, and it was a whirlwind of a year for me. I went from studying broadcast engineering to working on social media projects with fellow enthusiasts in the Twins, from possibly getting my masters in communication theory to hopefully starting an MBA program in a year and a half... Obviously, I've changed and learned different things about myself, like how your passions can change.

I learned so much about myself in 2009, most if it is because of the friends I've made and the ones I've maintained.

I've made personal and professional resolutions this year. While I feel that it's important to bring them together, I think for this year I will be keeping some separate.


My personal resolutions have to do with my mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. They will remain a top priority this year. With that in mind, understand that some of these resolutions will require a lifestyle change- which is never easy.

• Drop the pop. I don't drink much now, but this cuts the corn syrup off. No soda, coke, sugar water- whatever. None. Zip. 
• Read one new book a month. This doesn't sound like much, but I've gotten out of the habit for leisure. Since I stare at a computer all day, a hardbound book would be a great change of pace. Also, I have new because I can sometimes reread books for months...
• YOGA 4 times a week- for sure. Right now, I go back and forth. I'm trying to establish healthy habits here... and I LOVE yoga, so I need to make time.
• Increase my serving size awareness.  This means no more stuffing crap in my mouth. Nope, time to check and see how much I should be eating.
• Maintain all volunteer activities. This means that I will always finish what I start and I will continue to request support when needed. I love to volunteer, I shouldn't bite off more than I can chew.
• Have 30 minutes of 'free association time' a day. This means that I will have a half hour to myself to brainstorm, create or clear my head before, during or after work. This will help me keep a clear mind and focus (not to be confused with yoga time). 

Most of these resolutions require me to take more time for myself. I've noticed when I allow myself to stop, everyone wins! I'm happier, healthier and overall easier to be around (sorry boyfriend)...

What are your New Year's resolutions?

With relaxation comes realization

What have I been doing for the holidays? I didn't head to Texas and I wasn't able to jump back to North Carolina- I stayed in Minnesota. Before you feel bad that I was away from friends and family this Christmas and New Years,  I just want to let you know that staying was one of the best choices I could have made.

I've been relaxing, reading and blogging. Yes, I'm all over the 'interwebs' as one of my coworkers says. I have found some great passions this 2009. I started out working toward a certificate in Broadcast Engineering with the hopes for graduate school to study communications theory. Now, heading into 2010, I'm looking into

• MBA programs to study business communications
• Create a social media plan for a non-profit and for profit
• increase my consultative sales experince

All of these things would have never been on my list 7-10 months ago. I know that God has been leading me in a direction that I not only enjoy, but I thrive in. Stay tuned for my list of new years resolutions sometime after the new year. I have some projects that might be completed the first week of the new year. So, I feel like it would be cheating to complete some things on January 2nd and have them on my new year list. 

Does anyone have resolutions they would like to share? Or, perhaps some suggestions? 

Community

Every Thursday we have game night. Some of us get together to forget about work (or try to), seminary shenanigans (or try to), the plummeting temperatures and the overall stress of life. For two to three glorious hours we bask in the glow of community, a little beer and some wonderfully awkward and sometimes confusing board games. Last night we played what some just call 'the awkward game', I don't even know the real title of this cardboard square that makes so many of us giggle. Frankly, I don't mind that so much. It's about spending time with people. I may not remember the games or who won, but I know that I left energized and full.

This has been a fabulous blessing. When I'm having a tough time with work, life and being away from family and friends, a since of belonging is sometimes all I need to get through the remainder of the week.

I'm also incredibly fulfilled with my community of strong women around me. They range from coworkers, mentors, fellow church members, encouraging seminary wives and friends that I can just bum around with on Saturday night. It's been a long year and three months in Minnesota, but things have really perked up the last five months, and for that I'm left blessed and thankful.

 'People won't remember what you did for them, but they will remember how you made them feel.'

A cat, snow & the loss of leaves

With the beauty of fall comes the loss and stillness of winter, and winter is finally here in all it's Minnesota glory. I've been mentally preparing for the cold for about a month, and now that it's here and I know what to expect when I go outside again, so it's a little easier to bare.

I know that my cat isn't as big of a fan of the snow, not as much to look at out the window. I adopted her and I'm pretty sure she was a 'wild' cat. My apartment isn't as interesting as the wild outdoors apparently.

I have been working with my church St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church for the past few months on the Communications/Outreach Commission. It's been pretty amazing actually. I'm in there with people that love their faith, the church and communications. Pretty awesome. It's been an amazing experince, I'm actually in charge of some of their social media efforts. I created and currently maintain their Facebook fan page, and it's been loads of fun. I also 'tweet' and maintain a Facebook page for Suka-Rama Boutique in the Park. This shop is located in St. Anthony Park, MN, and it's where I've been working off and on since I got to Minnesota.

I will be staying in the Land of 10,000 Lakes this Christmas, but it will be nice since I have a few days off between. I have some tasks around the cities that I need to take care of, so this will be a great time to get some things done.

I've also been dealing with death this week. A great mentor and friend, John Hipp, died this past weekend. He was hit by a drunk driver and was killed. It's been an intense time for the Lenoir-Rhyne communications community. Also, my black lab, Sadie, had to be put down this week. Sometimes life deals you a hard deck to deal, but you just have to keep playing. I know my buddy John wouldn't want me to be shutting down. He was a strong and passionate person to have in my life during college. I'm blessed to of had him in my life.

If you are on Facebook or Twitter, connect with me! My Twitter name is Kristina_e.

Radio waves & pumpkins

I went to a movie last night and saw ZOMBIELAND. It was completely American, gory, mindless entertainment, which I needed. However, my boyfriend and I realized that we had not been to a movie in months, and came to the conclusion that it was because of the Minnesota summer. No more bar-b-ques, camping in 70 degrees, sitting at the lake without a fleece... Nope, the next few months will have more inside activities. Which, luckily, are also abundant in Minnesota. This brings me to my latest inside venture...

I have an espresso machine. Now, I've only used it a handful of times, but through some coaching, with a friend of mine, I have now learned how to make a mocha... So now, I wouldn't say that I'm a skilled barista, but, I sure can steam milk and sprinkle cinnamon like it is no ones business... It's been added to the winter project list.

Friends and family often ask me how I stand the cold, darkness and the isolation that we experience in the winter. Even in a metropolis like the Twins, isolation can be a tough one. It's -15 degrees and snow and ice are covering the streets and sidewalks, making a milk run a death trap. What is one to do?

Well, all of these little projects and activities help me keep sane and socialized over the winter. I'm a reader, knitter, cook, snowshoe-er, radio volunteer, perpetual communications nerd, and now a writer for the Minneapolis Examiner.

Thankfully, it's October and we can ease into cold-er weather. So thankfully, October means pumpkins, Halloween and parties! Now, for some friends of mine, Halloween is the best time of year and they throw amazing Halloween parties. I'm not quite sure what I'll be this year. Last year I was Sarah Palin, I'm all about timeliness. I'll keep you posted.

Currently, my Halloween spirit rests in my newly carved pumpkin sitting in my apartment window.

Moving into the MN Fall

The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dro- oh, wait. It's been 80 something here the past few days. Well, the leaves are changing, and the morning air seems, crisper.

It's that time of year to unpack some jackets and find my scarves once again. This year I feel more prepared. As I reflect on when I arrived in the Twin Cities I have really grown to love and adore this area. There are countless opportunities for volunteering, community and continuous learning. It was difficult to find what I wanted and needed. However, I feel confidant about this year and it's upcoming activities.

Back in August I wrote about 'winter projects' and I'm happy to report that I have a few good ones that have popped up.

Since I started looking into writing for the Minneapolis Examiner covering Generation Y, I've rekindled my love for various communication outlets. I'm able to join my passion for technology, culture and explaining why some of the people in my generation behave the way we do. I'm not claiming to be a behavioral analyst, just an observer and participant. I must say, that I've been searching for books, articles and even podcasts on the subject, and I'm learning an incredible amount about myself. I think I'm getting a better grip on how to work with my managers, fellow (wh)Yers (as I like to call us), and even get a better grip on the imporatance of social media not only in the current, but for years to come.

I've also jumped right into volunteering at KFAI, Radio Without Boundries in Minneapolis. I've been volunteering once a week with the 'Cart Crew' which records PSAs and other various spots for airing. I think it really gives me a nice broadcasting fix.

I've taken a dive right into learning more about how Facebook, Twitter and other various online tools are used for branding, for personal or business. I must say that it makes me think about getting an MBA in Communication Studies versus a MA in Communications. We'll see!

In the mean time, check me out on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinaproctor

MN State Fair on a stick

I attended the fair this past Tuesday and did enjoy several things! I did have some fantastic foods along the way:
- nice vanilla shake from the U of M dairy barn
- fried cheese curds
- Tornado Potato... and yes, it was delightful. I had some spicy seasoning on it as well.
- corn on the cob dipped in butter (I'm in the mid-west)
- Sweet Martha's Cookies... mmmmm.

... I'm sure there is something I'm missing. I did see some rather interesting things on a stick. You'll have to see to believe. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera.

The fair is not all food, rides and shows however. If grease and Garrison Keillor are not your thing, there are several things other things that can keep you busy. For instance, we visited the 'Miracle of Life Birthing Center.' Here you can see animals, you guessed it, being born. I'm not talking about TVs just broadcasting births. I'm talking, if there is a cow about to have a calf, into the birthing center they go. This place has bleachers and monitors for all to enjoy. When we strolled through, we saw a 3 hour old calf in the middle pin and piglets nursing in another. Pretty cool actually.

We also walked through the cow, swine and horse barns. I don't get to see these things in the middle of a metropolis too often. So, when I can, I jump on the chance.

If you are a media junkie, or fancy a certain weatherman (Sven), then the fair is good for that as well. See, all major TV news and radio stations are present at the fair. You can again, sit in bleachers, and be an active participant in the broadcast, see the anchors and camera operators at work and the interns running about.

There is also an art exhibit and a 'green' expo. I now see why people can spend days attending the fair. It's rather difficult to absorb everything in one visit, especially if you are seeing a show or want to be on a live Newscast.

I didn't get to visit the beer garden or attend a show this year, but I'm looking forward to the 2010 fair and this one's not even over yet.