BLOG: Tassajarra Muses

Source: http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2013/12/18/great-posts-on-interactive-writing-blogging/

It has been more than two years since I have posted on my blog (and yes, this is another blog post about blogging). I figured it was time to revamp this blog instead of starting over. I've done that a couple of times now and have been left with several deserted blogs.

So let's begin...

Introducing Tassajarra Muses

When I first started this blog, it was to document my post grad life, following my graduation from the University of Portland in May 2010. I wanted to create an easy way for family and friends to find out what I was up to after graduating. However, after about a year, I realize this blog was more than my post grad life journey and what I was doing professionally. As I started adding more personal content, it became a blog that allowed me to share other parts of my journey including my photo project, reviews for movies and books, changes in my hairstyle and more. 

As this progressed, I changed the title of my blog to follow my mantra for the year; for instance, in 2013, it was Optimizing Opportunities. However, I needed a title that was good for SEO as well as one that catered to all the ups and downs, year in and year out. And that's how I came up with Tassajarra Muses. 

It's my first name paired up with the word "muses." As a noun, a "muse" is a goddess who resides over the arts and sciences, while as a verb, "muse" is to be absorbed in thought. I felt that this describes me well in both senses. Firstly, I am well-rounded with interests and curiosities for several different things, topics, sports, music, activities, and so much more. It has its pros and cons because while I have all these interests, it makes it difficult to specialize in only one. Think of it as playing multiple video games and you're on level one on all of them instead of focusing on advancing in one particular game.  Secondly, I often get lost in my own thoughts or have to think decisions through all the way before deciding. With this blog, I plan to share some of those thoughts on different topics as I continue on this journey. 

I'm excited to start blogging again and hope you'll join me for this ride. :)

More New Year's Resolutions

It's the last day of 2011! While I already started some of my resolutions for 2012, I've come up with a couple more.

5) Network! It's who you know... In this economy, it's evident that having a strong network is how people are landing jobs.  While this has been in the back of my mind of ages, it's long overdue to actually network with others in the industry, gain information about companies, particular positions, etc.  I definitely want to network in 2012, whether that is in person or through social media.

6) Reconnect with old friends.  Since I've moved back home, I realize I should have kept in touch with high school friends.  Sure, we're friends on Facebook.  We send birthday greetings, "like" or comment on status updates and pictures, but nothing more than that.  I'm going to try to reconnect; I just hope others are willing to do the same.

7) Get organized.  After moving from place to place over the past five years, I've accumulated a ton of stuff.  A bit too much.  I definitely want to reduce what I have, especially when I move again.  Garage sale anyone?

8) Volunteer! It's great to give back to the community, and I've somewhat done my part by donating blood.  Not much, so I want to volunteer more and get more involved with the community.

I feel like those are good realistic goals for 2012.  If circumstances are favorable (or not), I'd like to throw in these resolutions/goals as well.

9) Apply to grad school.  If finding a job continues to be a challenge, then I'll challenge myself to get into grad school.  It's still in the big picture.  I need to conduct more research and prepare for it if I want to make this happen.

10) Travel! I miss those college days when I got to travel to different parts of the US or study abroad.  It's been difficult planning trips around work and all, but the itch to explore the world is still there.  I know I have Portland in the books for 2012, but where else?

Alright. I could keep going on with these resolutions, but a year goes by fast and I should keep it focused on just these ten (for now).  What are your resolutions for the new year?

Let's make 2012 an amazing year!  :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

New Year's Resolutions

It's the beginning of December, and I know what you're thinking, "You're already thinking of your new year's resolutions?! Christmas hasn't even passed!" Yeah I know.  New Year's Eve isn't until the end of this month, but what's the harm in starting those resolutions a month early?  It'll be a good way to end 2011 and an even better way to start 2012!

I've started a couple resolutions already, including:

1) Grow stronger in my faith and relationship with God.  I feel terrible for not going to mass as much after getting confirmed.  My relationship with God has had its ups and downs over the past year or so, but I definitely want to reconnect with Him and grow stronger in my faith on this journey.

2) Get in better shape.  After graduating high school, it's been difficult figuring out a fitness routine to get back in shape, especially since I'd have to do it individually instead of with a team.  I'm still trying to wrap my mind about just running and doing other workouts, but I think I'm ready.  Bring it on 2012! :)

Some other resolutions I have are:

3) Find a better job.  The economy is still taking a toll on jobs, but I'm determined to power through it and find a career that I love.

4) Write more.  Whether it is writing in my journal or blogging, I love writing, but I constantly get distracted or get drowsy or some other excuse.  I definitely plan to write more regularly in 2012.

I'm sure I'll think of more resolutions to tackle as the end of 2011 draws closer, but in the meantime, now seems like a good time to start a couple of them.

What are your new year's resolutions for 2012?

Dear 23...

Happy 23rd Birthday! :)

I'm not sure what to expect of you, since you're - well, lack of a better word - odd, literally. According to my best friend, it's my Jordan year. I get that, since Michael Jordan rocked out #23 with the Chicago Bulls for several years and was the best! That's what I need to make this year...THE BEST!

As you know from my previous post (way back in January), it's the year for enterprising.  Starting my birthday year in NYC is definitely a good start because this is where dreams become reality. You know the saying - If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere! And honestly, I can feel it. I'm so close to getting somewhere career-wise, but it's going to take a lot of hard work and determination to reach that goal.  I would be really surprised if I couldn't get my foot in the door here with all the intern experience I've racked up over the past several months. Updates later about the job search...

So 23, can you handle being stacked against my college years? This year marks my first year out of school; talk about freedom. I'm still getting used to not having the restrictions of having a school schedule to plan out my year. It's kind of weird after spending 16+ years constricted to a school year schedule, but that's how life works.

It'll be interesting to see where this adventure goes.  Staying in NYC would be fantastic (for a job) but at the same time, I pine for a return to the West Coast to see my family and friends. It all comes down to faith and trusting God and His path for me.

Also, is it true "nobody likes you when you're 23"? That's a bummer, but maybe blink182 just needed a good number for rhyming and 23 worked?! Hahahaha Well, guess I'll found out with first hand experience. :)

BTW...I was going to put the video, but then, decided not to. I'm sure you can guess why.

But yes, here's to another year and being 23! Let's make it a year to remember! :)

NYC: New Year Brings New Hopes

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! It's 2011! :D

For the first time ever, I actually celebrated New Year's Eve.

Every year, my family keeps it low key...and by low key I mean seriously low key. We're usually just playing on the computer or the Wii for most of the day, and then when it's the last 30 minutes or so, we'll watch the NYE TV coverage (aka the video of the ball dropping 3 hours before).  Then we'll eat some kind of snack and bust out the sparkling cider.  Totally low key...

There are several reasons to celebrate 2010 and to welcome a new year.

1) Graduation from the University of Portland - Those last couple months as a Portland Pilot will definitely be cherished, even with all those sleepless nights and papers I wrote.  There are so many awesome memories that I made with my friends that shadow those lows, like when they kidnapped me to VooDoo Donuts, when we ventured downtown, when we went to the many successful CPB events, when we made those hilariously fun dance videos and soo much more! :D

2) Summer Travels - Although it was a summer without studying abroad, it was fun to travel to Colorado, different places in California, and back up to Oregon.  And what made it better was being able to spend time with my family and friends.  It was such a chill summer.  However, it really sucked applying for all those jobs and not getting any response back until...

3) NEW YORK CITY! - I know I've probably said this a million times, but honestly, I definitely was not planning to be in New York City 6 months after graduation from college.  It has been a whirlwind of success so far, and I'm excited to see what the new year brings...

Here's to 2011!!

To welcome in the new year, Ben and I went to Times Square and waited for a good 8 hours for the ball to drop. We ended up on 49th Street and 7th Avenue.  The view isn't bad from there, but we definitely wish we were closer to get the sweet hats and streamers.  Definitely good to know for the next time I go on this escapade to Times Square on New Year's Eve!

The experience was one to remember.  I don't know how many times I thought about how surreal this is.  Everything about being here in NYC has been surreal.  It's like living a dream, which reminds me...

Our theme for 2010 was the year of chasing dreams! I'm positive Ben and I have accomplished the theme, especially by ending up in NYC to actually chase those dreams and TCOB. Because of this, 2011 has so much promise for us...

As we begin enterprising - boldly going where we have not gone before.  (Go ahead and laugh at my inner geekiness....). But it is true. This is the first time in my life where school doesn't dictate my year.  In fact, I don't even know what the year looks like beyond the first couple months with my internships.  It is exciting, and I know this year has a lot in store.  It's just a matter of continue having that drive and motivation to accomplish everything and reach that end goal of having a career in PR/Marketing.  2011 will be the year to make it happen!

The path is already being paved with my continuing internship with City Parks Foundation and a paid internship with Baltz & Company, a boutique PR agency that specializes in food and hospitality.  I'm so excited to get started with them.  I'm also stoked to continue my internship with CPF, especially as we prep for their biggest event of the year - SummerStage.  With these two internships, I will be able to gather the knowledge and skills needed to excel in PR whether that is in the non-profit or agency setting.

But yes, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Make 2011 an awesome year! I wish the best for you! :)