College Kids - Go for Your Dreams

My niece is off to college. It's her first time on her own and this is an exciting time for her. It's been a long time since I've been to college but there's one thing that should be at the top of the list for every college student. Go for your Dream!

Don't settle for less when you go to college. Even if it seems crazy, if it's a "tough" industry to get into, if it doesn't "pay well" or if it seems unattainable. Go for what inspires you. If you enjoy your work, you will be happy and successful.

College is the time to go for it. It is the time to give it a go. There's always time to fall back on another career but if what you really want does not pan out. College is the place to make your dreams come true so don't sell yourself short.

I know of a girl whose dream was to be a dolphin trainer. She went to Sea World and talked to a trainer, very commendable, but the trainer told her there were not many jobs available and it was hard to find a job. So she gave up on her dream and is going to nursing school. This breaks my heart.

Don't give up on your dream because one person says it's hard. Go to college. Learn your trade or industry. Give it your all and be the best. Maybe that specific job wouldn't pan out but there's other job in the field that she could have done that would be a lot more exciting and rewarding for her than completely abandoning her dream before trying.

Get an intern position in your field. Definitely a summer internship but see if you can even intern during the school year. Having a long-term intern position not only looks good on your resume but also gives you a leg up for a paying position. Even if you don't start out with your dream job, if you are in the industry, you can work your way there or do something comparable.

This girl has an aquarium less then an hour away from her home. She could have interned there to see if she really would enjoy it as well as learn the other opportunities in the industry while at the same time having the chance to make a good impression which could lead to a paying position and at the least ask for a letter of recommendation to help her chances of landing a job somewhere else.

Then there's my niece. I learned that she is devastated because she wanted to go to college to become a vet but she missed a pre-requirement in high school so she's giving up on her dream.

I say do what you have to do to get what you want. Talk to the guidance counselor and find out how you can work it out. Take the class in summer school at a community college.  Don't take no for an answer.

Scared of classes that are challenging is also no excuse, that's what college is for, to challenge yourself, gain discipline and conquer your fears. Life is full of challenges. Learning how to tackle these challenges is what makes you stronger. Don't give up before you try. When you succeed it will make it that much more sweet.

College is the time to become anybody you want to be. I think everybody knows what they are passionate about. Some are just afraid to try it or think it's too difficult or too unattainable. In this economy any job in any field is tough. So you might as well go for the one that you dream of.

Believe in yourself. If you don't, nobody else will. College is setting you up for the rest of your life. Your Life. Make it the best it can be. Do what makes you happy. Don't let anyone or anything squash your dream before you give it try. GO FOR IT.

Cheers and Good Luck.

Jan

Why Is An Engagement Ring Important?

I heard a discussion on whether or not a man should buy a ring for an engagement. Some people felt that being this is 2011 that a ring is not necessary. The argument was that women work and can support themselves. That a ring isn't necessary to have a commitment. Why should a guy spend money on a ring?

Why? Because this long-standing tradition is they way that a man shows his commitment and love for a woman. The ring symbolizes the commitment that he is making.

The proposal is the guy's day. The proposal should be thought out and special.  It's the day that he gets to create and plan. Then the woman plans the wedding. The man pays for the ring. The woman pays for the wedding. It all evens out and actually in most cases the ring is way less then the cost of a wedding. Sure today it's possible that both plan the wedding and both save up for the wedding but I'd have to say in most cases the woman has had a vision of her wedding all her life and will be the one to do the majority of the planning.

Why wouldn't you want you man to buy you a ring? Even if it's not expensive, it shows that he put in the thought and wants to give you a symbol of his love. It's special. If he proposes on a whim without a ring, I think it's romantic and great but not official until the ring is on her finger. A second proposal should be made as an official proposal.

Just say yes to the ring.

Jan

Better Tasting and Healthier Than a Burger

  In the summer we love to grill and grilled veggies taste great!  Instead of putting beef burgers on the grill try a portabella mushroom!  First, marinate the mushrooms in olive oil, you can add herbs like oregano, basil, garlic, salt and pepper.  Let the mushroom marinate for at least 20 minutes.  If you are looking to save on calories you can use an all natural olive oil spray and lightly spray mushroom.  Then place it on the grill, add a slice of  your favorite cheese on top and place it on a hamburger roll.  It tastes delicious and it's healthier than beef, turkey or chicken.

  We had a big barbeque party this past weekend for my daughter's birthday and served choice of beef burger, hot dogs and of course the portabella mushroom burger.  Our guests were skeptical and didn't think they would like the mushroom burger but everyone had a taste and the mushroom burgers ended up being a huge hit!  We ran out of portabella mushrooms and had to go out and buy more! 

 A great side to go with your mushroom burger is corn on the cob, spray it lightly with butter or olive oil spray and place it directly on the grill, it gives the corn a great flavor!  Enjoy!  Happy Barbequing!

Steph