Whoops

Through all the commotion, I forgot to do my last blog post.

My last week was good, though uneventful. Kevin gave me Sandinista! and Combat Rock (both Clash CDs) for my birthday/thank you gift. I got three offers for job reccommendations, which I will be taking advantage of, and everyone was really nice. I'm very happy with my internship.

I'll maintain for the rest of my life, I think, that Georgia was the best thing that ever happened to me. I really learned how to function there, and I'm really thankful for this awesome opportunity. I couldn't have done it without my Aunt Janet and Uncle Charley, though.

Since I've been home, I've been going non-stop. On Saturday, the day I got back AND my birthday, my brother and friend Andre threw me a surprise party. I was so surprised. Well, that's obvious. But still, I had a great time and got to see Spencer, whom I haven't seen for quite a while.

So far it's been really hard to adjust back into my household. In Georgia I had a very specific, structured schedule, and I thirived in that. Here, back at my house, nothing is set in stone and I would go as far to say that it is hectic in a bad way. I'll adjust.

I also have to find a job this week. Man, life is really happening.

love---micha

8 days

8 days? Like, really? I just got here!

I've been working on the beginnings of my symposium speech. And I say speech because I will be doing talking, with a sliudeshow in the background. Now, the only problem with that is there runs the risk of people only paying attention to the slideshow and not what I have to say. But I think the people that really care will actually listen. Do we give our symposium at graduation? I'll look at my email...

Oh, sounds like symposuim is before graduation. So why does is take so long? Our class is not that big. Oh, I guess all the videos will be shown. Maria, Tenara, Genelle, and Amy B. are doinf my video. They say they have no idea what to do. I have no ideas either.

Well, this week was slow. I did celebrity birthdays, ballots (for the 'Best of Everything' in Atlanta), and rode the bus, train, bus like always. Kevin said we need to get together to talk about what I want to do for my last 8 days. I really haven't thought about it, but I suppose I should shoot for the stars. Interview Anti-Flag for some random feature? That would be my dream. Actually it would be to interview the remaining members of The Clash, and Anna Wintour, Obama (not because I like him but because, hey, he's the Prezzzzz), and I'm sure there's other people--oh like Jemina Pearl--but I can't think of any. My head is foggy today. I'm tired. I think I've just gotten progressively more tired as the weeks go on. BUT it's two weeks until my birthday. I'm asking for money. It'll just go towards prom.

I'm not in the mood to write today. I'm hungry. We're having a birthday party today and they're making marzzetti. (spelling?) Anyways see y'all.

love---micha

Hey all

Well, my fourth week is done and I've got three weeks left.

I wrote an actual story yesterday. Kirsten, who is the life and food editor, said it looked really good. The article was on deals in restaurants in Atlanta; like loyalty programs. She let me pick out a few books to read as well. I picked out three and I'm going to review them before I leave. The book I am currently reading is called "Little Bee". It's about a Nigerian refugee, and the woman she lives with. It's really good, but I probably just like it because it's British. I have an extremely disconterting (yes I know what that word means) obsession with GB and Europe in general. I plan to live in England as soon as I can. I don't care if it's rainy or dirty or anything like that. I have always felt a connection to London and I think I would really fit in there. Plus it's where Joe Strummer is from, so I can visit his grave AND follow my Clash map of London. SPEAKING OF THE CLASH:

I, as some of you may know, am getting a tattoo. But what to get? Well, I am definitely getting a phoenix on my right wrist. Why a phoenix? Long story short, I have risen out of the ashes just like a Phoneix. I have a new life, just like the bird. So I'll symbolize that with a tattoo. However, I haven't found the right design, so I asked my friend Liz to design it for me. Now, you may be thinking, Micha, why on your wrist? WHYYYY? And how will you cover it up? Well, it's because I've always wanted a wrist tattoo. And as for covering it up, they're called bracelets. Amy V. has a wrist tattoo and you can't even tell it's there because she covers it up just like that. Plus, from what I can tell journalism is a bit more lax when it comes to tattoos. I'll ask my mentor what he thinks, just in case. I wouldn't want something that silly to ruin my chances at getting a job in my chosen field.
Ok, there is something else I want to get:

As you all know I am a die hard Clash fan. And I don't just like London Calling and their self-titled. I LOVE it all--Sandinista, Combat Rock, and even the uninspiring Supet Black Market Clash. So I was thinking, what can I get tattooed on me that will represent the Clash? I looked up 'Clash tattoos" on the internet and lo and behold, there came up Angelina Jolie. She has a tattoo in the middle of her shoulders that says KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. Now, that's cool, because that's the name and main line of a bangin' Clash song, but as I am not very political AND Angelina Jolie already has it, so I will not get that. But when I saw that I thought of the quote that I live by. And I mean, I truly live by it. It is a Clash quote:

"Then you realize that you gotta have a purpose or this place is gonna knock you out sooner or later."

So I'm thinking about getting "gotta have a purpose" right where Angelina got hers, and in the same type, because it looked pretty darn sharp. That way I can cover it up, and not have to worry about explaining it.

I just love The Clash. They changed my whole existence, and that's the god-forsaken truth.

Night y'all--micha

YES

I have found the secret to waking up in the morning...

3 cups of bold roast coffee. Yes, I will soon have a caffeine addiction, but it is better than a sleeping pill addition. It is in my eyes anyway.

I submitted my pictures and interviews for the fashion story to Kirsten. One picture I got was of a very chic business manager who wrote down his address so I could send him a copy of the paper he was in. I liked him. The second person I photographed was dressed totally punk rock, which is my weakness. I mean, it doesen't get better for me than Punk. I asked about a million people and only those two said yes. I would be totally flattered if someone liked my style enough to be featured in a newspaper. That's ok, I guess some people are shy.

I was in the paper last week, this time even more. And I feel like I am getting into the mood of humor that is required to write celebrity birthdays. That feels pretty good.

The two guys I am always with, Zach and Ryan, keep me laughing all day long. They're 20 and 21, respectively, and we get along pretty well.

This week was great. It was so easy to get into the swing of things; I REALLY enjoy my job. I probably say that a lot. But it's 100% true. I love journalism; it's my passion and really the only thing I want to do. I can't wait to write for Kent State's paper, and then Vanity Fair. Ha. But If I could choose anywhere to work, it would be Vanity Fair. Would it be possible to work for them in the U.K.? Or Bazaar. Those are my two favorites.

I will be graduating high schoola published reporter. That is amazing. I am so thankful to Graham for providing me with this opportunity.

love--micha

Second week

I know I'm a little late...

This past week was good. I picked up the paper that I'm published in, wrote a little story (which my mentor said was good), and on my weekend took pictures of people at the mall that looked good. The first guy I photographed was named Menard, and I gave me his address so I could send him a copy of the newspaper he'll be in. Hopefully he'll be in one of the first ones. Well now, I haven't even said anything about the column. It's Atlanta Street style, and we (Jill, the other mentor and I) basically take pictures of people who we think look good and ask them a few questions. All the people have to do is sign the release and I'm on my way. Most people, I've found, don't want to be photographed. Oh well. And those people are the best looking ones.

I really love my job. I hope to write bigger stories soon. But anything is fine really. I just love journalism. It's amazing how efficient people are. They know how to do their job well and they get it done. I respect that. There's a deadline every week and they always make it.

My body does not get up at 6:30 every day. It sucks and I'm not a fan of it. However, I still get up and do my make up and my hair, eat, and brush my teeth. Plus I havent missed any connections yet and I'm never late for work. That's pretty good. It's because I'm taking care of myself outside of work. I eat, I shower, and I take my vitamins. Although, I can never get to sleep before 12:30. It's like during the day my body just gets over this hump and then I'm awake until between 12:30 and 2:00. Lame. I need something to help me sleep. Benadryl does absolutely nothing to me except give me bad dreams. Any ideas? There is a yoga place near my house...

See y'all...micha

Wellll now...

I am very happy to be here. Yes, with travel I work 11-hour days, but my name is going to be in the newspaper this week. Finally, I am published. It is only a little paragraph, but that's more than most high schoolers can say. I realized that in Columbus, people would be virtually attacking The Sunday Paper with requests to work for them. I am extremely lucky to have this opportunity. Yes, the four hour commute everyday is a bore, but I am actually doing journalism! That is so great. That's all I've wanted to do since I decided I wanted to become a reporter in 7th grade. I never thought I would be seriously doing it in high school. My boss, Editor-in-Chief Kevin Moreau, asked me what I'm interested in. I told him I loved fashion, music, reading, and that I would love to write about those things. He is setting up a meeting with the writer who covers those sections. I AM SO HAPPY I DID THIS. People at SP keep asking me how I found them. I literally put "newspapers near Buford, GA" into google and this was the only place I emailed that responded. And I'm pretty sure that so far it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. If anyone from SP is reading, no pressure. I'll make it my own.

All the computers are Macs at The Sunday Paper, so I'm still getting used to that. It's frustrating but if that's the hardest thing that has come my way so far then I'm happy.

The ride in is no problem, I sleep for half of it and then I'm good to go for the rest of the day. It's really not that complicated at all. Get on the shuttle, get on the MARTA, get on the bus. Somehow it only takes me four dollars to get from my house to SP, but for some reason it takes $8.50 to get home. Have I beaten the system? I hope so. But still, that's 12.50 per day. Now I really wish I had gotten that scholarship. I should have. Oh well, silly Micha didn't turn the paperwork in. I don't know how, but I totally missed it and now I have to spend college money. Great.

Anyways work is great so far and I am looking forward to tomorrow. I don't know if I mentioned this before but I am still work on perfecting the Southern drawl. I'm just fixin' to get me some sweet tea, Miss Scarlett.

g'night---micha

GEORGIA

Yes, folks, I am here.

I got my license on Monday (it is Thursday) and I now have to learn to drive in Atlanta in an old green stick shift station wagon. Weirdly, I am really looking forward to it and becoming a better driver. If I can drive in the god awful traffic of Atlanta, I can probably drive a lot of other places as well. At least that's what my mom says. She and my grandma are here staying with me until Tuesday. Today, my mom and I got up at 6:15 to make it on the 7:30 shuttle bus to Atlanta. That was an hour. Then we took a Marta to some place else (I myself was half asleep, so I remember very little of this,) and then took another bus to my work. It was altogether a 2-hour trip. I'm not really happy with it, but if it's what I have to do, then that's that. Tomorrow we are actually driving (well I'm driving) into Atlanta to see how bad the trip is. That should only be an hour. That's half as long but twice as bad. Which route is better? I don't know. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Anyways the weather is awful (cloudy, chilly, and rainy--all day), so hopefully it will warm up. I'm dead tired but I think the overload of seeing all the family and my trip today and the knowledge (and mystery) of this Walkabout before me has gotten me going. Wish me good luck sleeping.

g'night---micha

D-D-D-DONE!!!

Well, that's it! Today was great. Tristan's mom, Jessica, made me a beautiful cake. It's pretty much me in a cake. Literally. HAHA...funny. Well, today Jacob wasn't there because he is deathly ill, but he asked my to stop by tomorrow to say good-bye. He was a good mentor. He really cared about seeing me become a well-rounded individual. And apparently I have good work ethic. Anyways I'm really going to miss him, and all his...antics. What am I saying, I'll miss everybody. Claudia, Jessica, Gary, Web, Michelle...EVERYBODY. I certainly learned about libraries, and I definitely want to be a librarian someday. Not in Leesburg though. I need big cities. I mean, there's nothing alternative or even anything that's interesting to me. Sorry Lesburg, you took very good care of me.

It seems like these eight weeks have gone very fast and extremely slow at the same time. I don't know what that means, but it blows my mind.

I didn't realize how hard it would be to be away from home for eight weeks. I will have to get used to it though. I think it was mostly hard because I didn't have any people close to my age to hang out with. I had to tell the teenagers at LPL that I was 20 going on 21 to get them to listen to me. And I probably should have told them I was only 17 before I left. Oh well, maybe I'll Facebook them. Maybe not.

I've been packing for a few days now, and I think my bag will be JUST under 50 pounds. I think the count right now is 44. But I don't have that much more stuff to go in it. I stress the word "stuff".

Apparently my mom can't pick me up at the airport, so my grandma is doing it. She's like "Call me when you get off the plane because something might come up." I'm like, "What could come up, Gigi? Do you have a drug deal about to happen?" [Am I allowed to say that?] She says she doesn't. She deathly afraid of flying and she hasn't been to the airport for ten years. I just told her to follow the signs. Duh.

I lost 15 pounds while I was here. That's pretty darn good. I wish it was more, but hey...

I made Jessica, Claudia, and Jacob pictures with cutouts from my magazines. They all had "This person is you because...". I'll take pictures of them.

Yeah, about that. I left my camera at LPL, so now I REALLY have to go back. So, tomorrow, I'll be updating to my Facebook and blog. I really am sad to go; I've had a great time. Atlanta will be very different. Not in a bad way, though. I just don't like driving stick shifts up hills. *Shivers in fear*.

Well, I'll update one more time tomorrow, and hey, maybe on the plane as well. Probably not. The wireless is expensive.

Second to last post

Well, I'm almost done. Thursday was an extremely lazy day. I did next to nothing and we ended up watching Pinky and The Brain for an hour. I'm going to try to be at least a little productive on my last day. We'll see how the day goes. I was extremely sick on Wednesday, and I passed it on with a vengeance to my mentor, Jacob.

Oh, by the way, I'll be taking pictures on Monday and those will go up along with my last reflection. Thanks for reading this, guys. I really should have been deeper. Oh well. I promise to be super reflective on Monday night. ---Love micha

Almost done!

This past week was...irregular, to say the least. I had a normal work day on Monday (10-5), but then on Tuesday I had a sleepless night and ended up working 11-8. That was a super long day. The next day I had to work an extra hour (10-6) because my grandmother's arthritis treatments went longer than she had anticipated. So, I only had to work 10-4 on Thursday.

But this week was good. Jessica and I went out to lunch, and Claudia and I made a huge cupcake for Jacob's birthday. He liked that. Tristan, the little boy who has a big crush on me, asked to live with me in Ohio. I think Tristan's mom might make me a cake, and I'll have to eat it. I'm not going to be rude about it!

Next weekend will be my big reflection, but here are some thoughts:

I definitely fit in at libraries. I like it, and for some reason I don't find it boring at all. A career in libraries is definitely in my future, and I am trying to get a job at Kent State's library. I'm sure they would love to have somebody with so much library experience, and especially someone who has done everything.

I was super lucky with this internship. I am so glad I got (get) along with the people I work with. I have also really enjoyed the patrons. There are a couple weirdos, but other than that, all the people seemed perfectly amicable.

Like I said, the big reflection will be next week, but I have been very happy with this intership.

My last day is Monday, the 15th, and then I have Tuesday off. My plane leaves at 12:00 on Wednesday, March 17th, and I will arrive in Columbus at approximately 2:12 p.m. Yay! See you guys soon!

What I didn't say.

I didn't mention that I learned how to drive stick. That's pretty great.



In response to professionalism in this blog:


I shouldn't have cussed. I'll erase the post completely. I want to be a classy, chic lady, and that did not play into that aspiration. Sorry guys. I won't burden you with my shallow and inappropriate woes again.

KNDWRHIOFHS!!!!

Well, I haven't updated my blog in a while. Sorry guys. I've been busy.

Well, last week was completely uneventful, except for Thursday. At the library, we had a Mardi Gras party (I myself celebrated Fat Tuesday on Wednesday). We had a celebration with the toddlers, and a Dixie Land Band came in and played music. We danced, decorated masks, and ate a beautiful cake that will be pictured as soon as I find the camera. We had a parade through the library, and I took about five thousand pictures of all the little kids. I refrained from having cake, as I am almost 3 months Gluten-free. However, I learned that there is gluten in things like oats and Mug Root beer, so I've got research to do.

So, on the same wonderful Thursday that I played with little kids and had a little boy named Tristin ask me to live with him, my grandpa went into surgery for his back. I wish I could say it went well. First, he was having pain in his right leg, so they did a CAT scan. Turns out they positioned a screw wrong, so they went back and basically re-did the surgery. So he came back out, and didn't have any pain in that leg. Good.

But now he can't stand, walk, or even SIT UP because he has so much pain in his LEFT leg. What did my grandparents do to deserve such a difficult retirement? They worked hard their whole lives--to go to doctor's offices. So he's still at the hospital, and I'm at work. I don't want to talk about it anymore.

Sick...Very Sick

I was extremely sick this week. Actually, I was extremely dehydrated. I went to urgent care and they gave me an IV and phenergan, to help me keep down food. It works wonders. That is the reason that I couldn't keep anything-- and I mean anything--down; because my stomach was so upset all the time. Why my stomach hates me i do not know. So, I took off Tuesday and Wednesday, and here I am at the library again, shelving and updating the blog. Today is extremely slow, mostly because there has not been many people around. Usually I would be shelving DVDs, but today only a few have been returned. I think I'll go look for movies before I leave. I really like the library. I'm hoping to get a job at the library at Kent State. I've already contacted them, so hopefully they'll contact me back.

So, this is the last day of my week. I will continue to drink lots of liquids and try to sleep.

Again

Why am I sick again? I'm actually taking care of myself.

Day Five

I went non-stop today until 5:30. Well, I took a 20 minute break. I shelved, shelved, shelf read, and shelved. It's really not as boring as it sounds. I like it. I will eventually become a librarian. All in due time.

Well, I set up a meeting at Waterman hospital to talk about book carts and storytime. I set up a simliar meeting with a local nursing home to discuss going in and reading the newspaper to the residents. The lady I talked to liked the idea of that. Hopefully we can set something up.

Time to sleep. More tomorrow.

Sick Day

Luckily, I am violently ill on my days off. My head is pounding, I can't sleep, and I can't keep solids OR liquids down. Misery at its finest.

So, the show. Well, basically the show consisted of three men: my mentor, Jacob, and two other library employees; Gary and Jeff. They would read the news, employing both themselves and puppets, which made the show hilarious. I am using all past tense because the show was cancelled on Wednesday. I guess people finally 'got it'. Good and bad, I suppose.

Last Day of the First Week

Well, I made it through my first week. I have really bad blisters and tired feet, but I am very happy with my Walkabout so far.

Today Claudia and I were cutting out FCAT cards when she got a phone call. After trying (and failing) not to listen in on three or so phone calls, Claudia sat back down. She seemed very calm, so I asked if everything was alright. She told me that someone had called her father and told him that her son was in London, England, at a wedding, and had crashed their car and needed money wired to him. "Where is your son right now?" I asked. "In class in Pennsylvania. I just called him."

Sigh. This is a good start to Walkabout. I helped with anime club on Wednesday, which brought back fond memories of my own Graham School. Anime is not my thing, but hey, I can broaden my horizons a little if I want.

Well, I'm looking forward to next week. I've got a three day weekend, so that should help my blisters heal! Love--Micha

Second Day

Ok, so today was an hour longer than yesterday. Yesterday I worked 10-5. Today I worked 10-6. I shelved, pulled holds, helped customers, and helped plan a groundhog-making extravaganza. I also colored groundhog pictures. Just two, actually.

I need to keep my head on straight, and that's all I'm going to say.

Well, I'll be on the show on Thursday. I'll tape it, so you all can see it too. Well, hopefully I'll be on the show..... Love--Micha

First Day Part 2

This is my mentor, Jacob Starks. He is a very pleasant goofball. That's right, I said goofball.
This next picture is of the poster for the anti-valentine's day party. You'll notice that the hearts have springs. Yeah, that was me.

The last picture is of the workspace 'behind the scenes', if you will. Lovely. Well, that's all. Thanks! Love--Micha

First Day!

It is my first day. I shelved books--and realized that I was a little rusty--and I made an "Anti- Valentines Day" poster. I'll take a picture of it. I am currently sitting in the teen room. I think I am supposed to renew the kids' computer time and and tell them to be quiet--when necessary. I already had to tell one guy to be quiet. He was nice about it, so I didn't have to knock him around. That was supposed to be a joke. I'm just entertaining myself right now. I'm reading "The Zen Pocket Reader". It's pretty hard to follow. I guess any sort of religion like that just totally confuses me. Right now my mentor, Jacob, is at lunch. My faith that he would be a good mentor was sealed when he played a Clash themed playlist. I appreciate that in a person; that they listen to the Clash.

Anyways that's the update. I figure I'll be at this computer again sometime, so I'll write more. Pictures up tonight. Oh, and I haven't taken an art class since the 9th grade. It explains the poster. Love--Micha

Career

So, I know this is a little off of the topic of Walkabout but...

I have been thinking about where it exactly is that I want to work when I grow up. I'm thinking of changing my major to Broadcast Journalism, because I'd like to work for The BBC. In London. Yes, well, all in due time.

Unbelievable

Well....

Apparently I will be getting around $2600 per year for school. Per year. What did my mom put on there that screwed me over? Well, I will say that the information I got was just a pre-FAFSA estimate. But still. Two thousand, six hundred dollars? What am I supposed to do with that? What is wrong with my FAFSA?

I'm first generation college student. I have a disability. My biological father is no longer with us. My family makes less than $30,000 a year. I could go on and on.

And the best (worst) part is that my great aunt's grandaughter LIED on her FAFSA and got her whole college paid for. Her dad actually makes upwards of $2oo,ooo a year. I don't understand. Now I have to write fifty million essays per day to try to get this BS paid for.

Thanks a lot, government. You have always been good to me. Lies.

Love--a very disappointed MICHA

YEAH!

I'm so excited for my internship. I can't wait to start on Monday. There is, however, one thing that has tested my sanity, regarding Walkabout. WHAT DO I WEAR ON THE FIRST DAY??? I can't decide! Do I wear a muted dress? Or a flowered top? Business casual is stuck in my mind. Yes, that's probably what I need to wear. Now I just need to figure out what business casual is...

Well there's not much going on here at 11:54. Here are some pictures of my plane ride, and my humble abode. Love--Micha

Unsure

Well, my grandparents are not doing well. I don't know why I thought it would be a good idea to impose on them. My grandpa is basically crippled from pain in his back that he just woke up with. He is also doing at home kidney dialysis, which is not going right. Luckily my grandma's health problems are under control, and she can take care of him night and day. That was sarcasm. I hate to be yet another burden for them to deal with. I am trying to help them as much as I can. I don't want my favorite people in the world to endlessly suffer right before my eyes. I love them. I guess I'll just be as quiet and unimposing at possible. Or maybe I'll try to be a goofy, joyful light in their lives. It will all depend on the day, I guess. Well, I don't want to have a pity party--even for them. Love--Micha

Walkabout

This will be my Walkabout blog. You may think I'm copying off Alex, but really, I did this before him. I have not started my Walkabout internship yet, but I am currently sitting in my room in Leesburg, Florida. I've been driving with my grandmother, and she hates me for it, but I'm getting better, I promise. Today I actually went to the Leesburg public library. I was incognito (if you will), and my mentor walked right past me and did not recognize me. Ha! Success. I will be seeing them on Monday, January 25th. Love--Micha

Welcome

This is my blog. I will keep it short, sweet, and to the point. There, the first entry is done. Told you!