Camp.Grenada’s Neighborhood

i stole this from suzanne's livejournal. i am from the region, and i enjoyed this thoroughly:

Warning: If you are from Northwest Indiana you will find this completely pandering and long

I am a Region Rat. I’m aware not many people would readily identify themselves as a rat. Allow me to explain. Or at least attempt to. As many of you know I’m proud to be from Indiana. Well, as proud as anyone from Indiana can be about being from Indiana. We’re not really the bragging type as you’ve perhaps seen in my stand up.

Then what is a Region Rat? Well, the “Region” refers to the part of Indiana where I was raised. I’m from Northwest Indiana also known as The Calumet Region or just The Region. Now for the “Rat” part? I only have theories on it. Well, let me set it up and maybe you’ll understand why I say “Region Rat” with pride.

Northwest Indiana is the oddball part of the state. It’s kind of like the Goth Girl at church. Indiana is considered by some to be the most northern Southern state, but the people of Northwest Indiana often have Chicago accents, root for the Bears and watch Chicago television (I’m a huge Colts and Bears fan). Additionally, while most of Indiana may be rural/pastoral or even hilly, The Calumet Region, while beautiful in many ways, resembles many other industrial rust belt areas of the Great Lakes. The steel mills disappeared in the 80’s and 90’s along with many good paying jobs. The largest city in Northwest Indiana is Gary and well, let’s just say it is nothing like “The Music Man”. In 1937 Time magazine declared Gary the most beautiful city in the world. What they didn’t declare was that whoever they named Gary after had some pretty bad B.O.

Essentially, Northwest Indiana in many ways feels, sounds and in some parts smells different from Indiana. As a result, when most people from Indiana find out I’m from Northwest Indiana, there is usually a polite pause and then a tentative “Oh, ok” which is code for “Technically, you are from Indiana, but not really”.

So is Northwest Indiana part of Chicagoland? Well, yes, but not really. Northwest Indiana rests right up to the east of the City of Chicago geographically and people do commute in for work, but to Northwest Indiana, Chicago is like that boss that never remembers your name. I’ve told people in Chicago many times that I’m from Northwest Indiana only to receive a blank stare followed by an occasional “Where’s that?” It’s ten minutes away. For Chicagoans that do know of Northwest Indiana, Region Rats are not considered equals. We are considered “hicks” or well, Region Rats.

I don’t know who came up with “Region Rat”. Was it our fellow Hoosiers to the south or “our boss”, Chicago, to the west? Either way, Region Rat stuck and frankly I love it.

And as probably the most famous Region Rat, Michael Jackson, once sang; “I’m going back to Indiana”.

I love you and Schoop’s,

Jim

....on me, that is. for not keeping you all updated on my life. i know, it's tragic.

so NBC turned into KNBC in L.A., and the people i talked to there were complete morons. sorry, i'm not picking up my life, moving across the country to intern at the local TV station filled with idiots. i can do that here. if this were actually NBC Universal, yes, i would go. here is what i had to deal with talking with two people at KNBC:

woman 1: "so, you're in illinois?"

me: "Indiana."

woman 1: "Oh, well this internship is in L.A. How would that work?"

me: "well, i have friends what live out there, so i would move out there for the semester."

woman 1: "ohhhhh..."

actually, ma'am, i'm gonna take the red-eye every night. it's a bitch of a commute but....

next phone call:

woman 2: "you're in indiana?"

me: "yes."

woman 2: "well, this would be in Los Angeles, so...I don't get how this would work?"

me: (holding back a sigh) "welllll, I would move out there."

woman 2: "but how would you be in school at the same time...if you're here?"

me: "um, this would count toward my degree. it would count as a class, actually."

woman 2: "and they would let you go?"

me: (no longer holding back sighs) "yes, an internship would be part of my credits.

woman 2: "ohhhh."

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF AN INTERNSHIP BEFORE? I COME. I LEARN. I LEAVE.

it's people like that who are in positions like those that really make me question America's intelligence. i'm not interning (i.e. sharpening pencils and getting coffee) for people who are unproffesional and just plain dumb. NOPE, i already work for people like that HERE.

siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh. oh well, at least the woman i talked to from NBC universal was nice. and they took a second look at me, so that feels good. maybe this just means i'll be getting that fellowship with ABC Disney! oh man, that would be amazing.

everything is the same here in naptown. school started again, and i'm excited for one of my classes. i haven't been to the other class yet, so we'll see.

coaching started again as well, and it's just friggin hot out. i don't have anyone scoring goals, and my teams overall focus is making me very frustrated.

i just had a interview on friday with JP Morgan downtown with their education finance department. basically when schools request proposals on our student loan programs, i put them together. some writing on my part, and it's alot more money. it's going to be challenging, which i like. i had a phone interview today as well, and i nailed it! naturally.

let's see..what else? i miss my friends, like always. lauren is moving in with me sept.7th, and we are moving into a bigger house just down the street, but in the same development. i love the area, and i'm really glad i don't have to leave. plus TWO BATHROOMS! WOO!

i had a great weekend with my work friends. sandra threw a party, and we all went. it was a blast! if i do leave here, i will absolutely miss them the most.

so, there's my update. how about a what i'm reading, watching, and listening to? COOL.

A Little Bit Longer

Jonas Brothers

Duh. I obviously bought the new Jonas Brothers album. i gotta tell you, it's pretty fantastic. catchy tunes, great beats, overall fun stuff. judge me, go ahead. i love them!

Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)

Stephenie Meyer

i finsihed the last book in the twilight series a couple weeks ago. annnd then i started reading them all again! loved every single on of them. i didn't understand the backlash for the last book, i thought it was a good way to end it. although the first one is still my favorite. now if i can only wait until december 12th...

The Last Lecture

Randy Pausch

my dad gave me this book to read. he raved about it. i'm almost done, and while it is very good and inspirational to read...nothing in it has made me say, "wow, this book is awesome". and i usualyl do think that to myself when i'm  reading excellent books. but it's inspirational, so pick it up if you're into that.

Stephen Colbert Announces Presidential Candidacy for 2008

thanks to my wonderful, wonderful DVR..i can actually catch up on all things that i never have time to watch or always miss because i'm out. i've been really into the colbert report lately...i forgot how funny it was. and i watch it every morning while i get ready for work. also on my DVR: throwdown with bobby flay; diners, drive ins and dives; the daily show; Greek; gossip girl; the Hills; Jonas Brothers: livin the dream; The disney channel games; Conan O'brien

enough about me? how have YOU guys been?

Blogsdotcom

2 comments

One of my favorite things about working at Six Apart is that it's a company founded by bloggers, for bloggers. As a result, not only do we want to provide bloggers with the best tools (like Vox, TypePad and Movable Type), we're also committed to helping bloggers find a broader audience, and helping readers find the blogs that matter to them. And with over 175,000 new blogs created every single day, this is no easy feat.

Luckily, with the launch of Blogs.com, Six Apart is making it easy for you to find the best blogs on the web. Hand-picked by a team of passionate editors, and organized by the topics that interest you, Blogs.com will help you find blogs on a variety of topics from Life, to Entertainment, to seasonal topics like Student Life. You can also catch up on the latest buzz on the web by reading featured editorials or checking out the top ten lists.

Wondering how you can submit your blog to the Blogs.com editors for consideration? It's easy -- Just fill out this quick form. In the meantime, check out Blogs.com and let us know what you think in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

-daisy

The Happy Couple

20 comments

"When was the last time you were at a wedding that had a death defying hike, rogue waves, a luau, ultimate fighting, a presidential candidate and a budding bromance?" asks Papi Chulo. For most of us, the answer is never, but luckily, Papi Chulo and Secret Agent Scotch took the time to Vox all the amazing moments during their unforgettable Hawaiian wedding on 08.08.08 so we could all take part in the festivities.

The story began last February, when Papi Chulo popped the question and  Secret Agent Scotch said yes! Since then, they've kept us in the loop about all the details, from the bride's veil to the wedding song to the final To-Do List. And throughout it all, they inspired us with their love for each other. (I'm pretty sure it doesn't get any better than knowing your future husband thinks you are The Perfect Girl.)

It's an amazing love story and we are thrilled they shared it with us. Watch the video of the ceremony and please join us in wishing Papi Chulo and Secret Agent Scotch the fairytale ending they deserve.

And What's a Team Vox Post without New Themes?

Spice up your Vox blog with one of our latest themes (found in the design area under "New") or any of our hundreds of themes. From shopping to sushi, comics to cycling, there's something for everyone.

Vox Themes August 08

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Can't get enough of the wedding? A few lucky Voxers - Krissy, djchall, and Beau Smith - made the trip to Hawaii to take part in the celebration. Check out their Vox blogs for more pictures and stories.

Congratulations again to Secret Agent Scotch and Papi Chulo! Enjoy the Honeymoon!

~daisy 

Leo

July 22 - August 22

My phone interview went great last week! And now human resources will be calling today to talk to me! THIS IS SO EXCITING!

if i get this..

I could meet so many people in the industry.

I could get the experience I need.

I'll be exposed to so may different experiences.

I'll be with Dolo and Gina in L.A.

..let's not get ahead of ourselves. but i am excited to keep moving forward.

HAPPY THOUGHTS TODAY FOR JENNA!

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

So, I applied for an internship with NBC for TV Development/Production on the West Coast. And they emailed me yesterday wanting to do an interview. Today.

An internship with NBC, especially if it involves the writer's room or production with a television show, would be the ultimate foot in the door.

So, you can imagine how tense I am, waiting for that phone call that is coming at 4pm today. I just want to get it over with. This very well may be the phone call that changes my life. Who knows? I might get there, do the internship, find a job within the industry and never come back.

I'm so jazzed, I don't even think it's happening. I hope I nail this interview. And if I don't get it, at least I know they liked me enough to take a look at me. I made it to the next step, and that's a big deal considering the sea of applications they get.

I'll let you know how it goes, VOX WORLD. until then, i'm trying not to curl into a ball and cry out of anticipation.

also, the twilight series rules my life.

that is all.

*GULP*

At Vox, we believe that change is a good thing. After all, you wouldn't wear the same t-shirt day in and day out, so why should your blog have to suffer the same fate? Give your blog a new look with one of our latest themes (found under "New"), or pick from any of our hundreds of themes designed with your passions and personality in mind.

Vox Themes July 08

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Katie got the assistant coaching job at Quincy University. I am SO proud of her.

Am I going to miss her terribly when she leaves? Absolutely.

Dolo is moving to L.A. this weekend, and already has comedy gigs lined up. I am SO proud of her!

Am I going to be sad when I realize she's across the country and not up one state above? Of course.

So yeah, not a good week coming up.

Plus, my back up roommate fell through. So now I must either figure out a way to afford that place by myself or hopefully go forward with the original plan of moving into a cheaper place and just transfering my lease. We'll find out tomorrow after a meeting with the land lord.

Hopefully all this won't matter, because I'm going to get this fellowship! RIGHT? right.

Mommy is coming on sunday. thank god, something tells me i won't be doing so well come this weekend.

I have picked up a rather embarrassing guilty pleasure. but i love it SO much. and no, i won't tell you about it. it's THAT embarrassing. but i thought i'd let you know i am doing things to keep my spirits up.

oh, and i still work here. raj has magically come into work every day for two weeks. work from home? REALLY?

siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh. this day needs to be over. this week needs to be over.

debbie downer. wahhhh wahhhhh...

The show was amazing! They put on a such a good live show. I turned 13 again...i danced, clapped, sang, jumped around. It was fun. Me and katie had a good time. they are really talented, they put on one hell of a show.

katie and i exchanged emails with all of our best friends, please enjoy reading about our experiences below:

From Katie yesterday:

THIS EVENING'S EVENTS INCLUDE:
 
1.) Jenna and myself going to the Jonas Brothers Concert at the Verizon Wireless Theatre.
2.) Jenna dressing up as a boyband groupie wannabe.
3.) Me (loving the Joe Bros) but waiting in line for a hot dog and trying not to be a pedophile unlike Mullins ramping her way through the crowd to try and get on stage.
4.) I will attempt to hold up a big sign that says AIDS.
5.) Also gonna make one that says "YOU BOOZE YOU LOSE!"
6.) TABLE TOPPING. need i say more.
7.) Jenna also said this and I QUOTE, "I'm gonna take a picture of my vagina and blow it up poster size."
8.)  Jo Bros usually bring up someone on stage. It will most likely NOT be Jenna. BLOOD. Everywhere. Babies crying. Jo Bros backpacks ripped to shreds. Hopes and dreams shattered. No college, high school, middle school dreams for anyone.
9.) I will most likely run into my high school soccer team I coach because last night they did inform me they were going and then they found out I was going. Embarrassing. And also they will most likely see Jenna trying to hold my hand.  Katie - 0    Life - 9898789
10.) I am taking a quarter for the one phone call I will get when we are in jail. Gina it will not be you. Metsch make sure you have gas in your car.

From Me:

also add to that list:
 
1. used tampons being thrown at any TWEENAGER who stands in front of me during Big Rob's rap on "Burning Up".
2. Katie being trampled after i announce that she has their cell phone numbers.
3. me holding hands right when katie's soccer team shows up "Oh Heeyyyy coach katie!"
4. me TRYING to get on stage by stabbing, pulling teeth, or tripping infants. whatever i need to do.
5. i am literally leaving work at 3pm. Parking lot opens at 430. Doors open at 5. Concert starts at 7. It's gonna be a LONG night.
 
Thank you. Please pull around. Bring on the judgement.

From katie this morning:

Oh so many things about the Jo Bros Concert last night. I will let Jenna write about that

and write about it i did....

I have a dull ringing in my ears from the high pitched SQUEALS from the girls standing behind us who i SWEAR to god were doing it on purpose. assholes. katie literally had to calm me down. "jenna, their 15."
 
but it was a GREAT show. katie made noises whenever joe did something on the big screen, i knew all the words and almost punched the girls behind me, and i had to dive onto the grass to save a good lawn seat for katie when she got there. so i was chillin by myself in the grass for almost an hour. i wasnt embarrassed. i brought a book!
 
maura asked if i left out of place there. sure didnt! as soon as they came on stage, i was jumping, singing along, clapping. katie and me probably only screamed when big rob came on stage to rap. best part of the show.
 
avril lavigne was good, demi lavoto was good, and the jonas brothers want me to carry their babies for them. they told me.
 
after the show's encore (they played "when you look me in the eyes" and "SOS" which made us really excited.) i booked it to my car, literally RAN. i got out in 10 minutes cuz i didnt wanna risk getting mad at the traffic and hitting a poor little girl just trying to cross the street.
 
all in all, a GREAT show. and if katie gets this job, that was kind of our last big roommate event for us. WOO!
 
there were so many girls with braces the sun reflected off of them and blinded me.
 
don't judge us. their music makes me happy! :)

GOOD TIMES GUYS.