cest la vie...such is life

DROVE IN L.A.---I'M A BIG GIRL NOW

2009-07-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

I've now worked as an Outside Eyes intern for 7 (week)days and I feel as though I'm catching on pretty quickly. I think any first day at a new job is marked with anxiousness, and mine was no exception! This was the first day of work on Monday, July 6th, and might I say I was a little overwhelmed!

At ULM, my Mass Comm. professors have taught me the role a public relations firm has, how to construct press releases & who to send them to, the importance of being proactive, how to react when a client faces a potentially damaging crisis--all of these skills have been vital to keeping up with what's going on at Outside Eyes--however, not much can prepare you for what its REALLY like.
At any given point, you could be compiling a research binder for a new client, answering the phone to hear an A-list celebrity on the other end inquiring about the status of his/her latest campaign, scanning the news to ensure nothing negative is released from media about any of your clients, editing crucial documents that will be sent on to prominent individuals, calling editors, reporters, and various media affiliates (at networks like ESPN, abc, and Fox) to pitch ideas and stories...all the while, trying not to let your eyes cross! It's a fast-paced, exciting, testing industry. There are no "File these papers" or "Get my coffee" at this internship!

We represent numerous celebrities and athletes, politicians, authors, prosperous companies, former presidents, and non-profit organizations. I can't actually disclose who they are because it's confidential and I'd like to keep my job, but you wouldn't believe whose personal cell phone numbers sit in front of me at my desk...

My favorite project I've been able to work on is an international adoption campaign. Since 2004, the number of international adoptions have plummeted and no one knows why. This campaign is in its beginning stages (in fact, the week my internship started was the campaign's first week so it's nice to be working on something that's as new as I am!) and right now we're conducting a lot of research on American's perceptions of adoption (domestic and international). Because I have been able to work for numerous non-profit causes as Miss ULM and Miss Crescent City New Orleans, this campaign has the strongest hold on me.

As for an update on my riveting California adventures, on Wednesday of last week I went to the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. If you've never heard of this (I would bet you haven't but get ready because it's neat) Google it! Basically, it's this 6 week long event that takes place, here and only here each summer, where art "comes to life". They have enormous, exquisite paintings that are well-known on an outdoor stage but here's the kick.........the characters in the paintings are actual people. I know it sounds bizarre because when someone explained what it was beforehand, I couldn't wrap my brain around it (and I expect you to be no different!) It was probably the most creative, skillful, and intricate thing I've ever seen on a stage--there was even a full orchestra. Being outside made the experience even more unique because the moon shined through trees that surrounded the amphitheater and it was cool enough for hot chocolate!

Thursday night, I had dinner with Dr. Kevin Unter's sister and brother, Dave and Marijane, at a nice restaurant on the ocean called Las Brisas. We had a blast talking about everything from Volcom (where Dave works) to the Grammy's (Marijane is the presenter to the presenters each year! She hands them the official envelope) to, yes I'll admit, stories about their brother...They are very entertaining people. I see where Dr. U gets it from.

The 2nd California weekend was an gripping one...I drove to L.A. and stayed with Marijane at her brand new, incredibly beautiful home. Now, Mrs. Donna Ward (my former dance teacher, mentor, friend, 2nd mother, you-name-it-she's-it) forewarned me about Los Angeles traffic and actually made me a little nervous! "People drive like lunatics on the freeway..they're weaving in and out of cars and they aren't afraid to mow over you. If you can drive in L.A., you can drive anywhere!"

I called her on Sunday to let her know I'd done it...she proclaimed that I'm a big girl. I grinned and felt accomplished.

In L.A., Marijane was the best tour guide a Louisiana girl could ask for! She had planned Saturday out so we could pack as many things into one day as possible. We had brunch at a cafe/bakery called Jack & Jill and the chef was originally from New Orleans so every dish had Louisiana flare to it.

Rodeo Drive was next, where I boldly tried on a pair of Jimmy Choo's...black satin...4 inch heel...peep toe...classic broach on the end...suede soles...50% off...only $450. I tried to rationalize that type of purchase by running "Carpe Diem" through my head a few times, but then decided it would be better to have food for the rest of my stay.

After visiting Tiffany's, Prada, Chanel, and every designer store imaginable, we decided to move on to something else...

We drove around and saw enormous houses, namely the Aaron Spelling mansion and even part of the Playboy mansion! While we were driving around up in the hills, we passed by a movie production crew that was waiting to film a scene outside a house. I eagerly looked for a movie star in that group of guys, but unfortunately saw nothing more than scruffy men with walkie talkies and clipboards.

Marijane and I hiked up to the Hollywood sign--pretty steep of a climb, but totally worth the view--and snapped some pictures. You can't actually get up to the sign, but we were as close as you can get. It was unbelievably beautiful up there...we could see all of the city behind us.

This picture was the display in front of the Prada store on Rodeo. I loved all the red!

We finished our Saturday by driving along the coast to Malibu where we had some tasty mexican food and I heard stories about her backpacking trip in Europe as a 22 year old.

Sunday, I went with my co-workers to the Angels & Yankees game in Anaheim. It was awesome--pretty hot, but awesome! Luckily we were in the shade, so we got to enjoy it a little more. I had never been to a professional baseball game before, so it was a great memory to make with the other interns and my boss.

Only a week and a half in, this experience has already stretched and grown me immensely. I am taking in every day I have here. Hopefully when I go home, I'll be an even better version of myself, prepared to take on the professional world when I graduate next May.

An LA girl in L.A.,

Hope

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY...NOW THIS IS WHAT I CALL INDEPENDENCE

2009-07-09T22:28:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a week since I arrived in Newport Beach, California and (needless to say) the past seven days have been full of excitement, a little apprehension, adventures, and new surroundings. I have always wanted to go live somewhere completely foreign and unfamiliar, to get outside my comfort zone and have to figure things out on my own...it just so turns out the place I ended up is a complete paradise! When people speak of California, all you hear about is how nice the weather is; the word "nice" is an understatement. Can you replace that with "glorious"? It is unbelievably beautiful here. Low 70's during the day and cool at night, no humidity, and the sun happily beaming down on the most pleasant summer days. Now don't get me wrong, Louisiana is my home, love, life, my Bayou State and will always have my heart, but this part of the country wouldn't be too bad to live in at some point in life! Just to get you guys caught up on what I've been doing, I'm going to do a quick recap of the past week so I can begin documenting this remarkable journey I'm currently on.

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2009 - THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2009

It was a momentous start to the trip at the Monroe Airport, seeing as my suitcase I was checking weighed in at a record-breaking 91 lbs at the Delta counter. Luckily, the guy helping me out was a ULM student and instead of having to pay over $150 in surcharges, Mom and Alan helped me take some stuff out of the suitcase and into a box which ended up saving quite a bit of pocket change. Airplane ticket? $400. Price of checking an extra bag with Delta? $40. Look on a security guard's face as he ensures my 91 lbs luggage isn't encasing a nuclear bomb? Priceless! After that, the trip was smooth sailing...We arrived here at 5:45 pm, got my rental car--I drive an egg-- and had dinner with Ms. Donna (the woman I'm renting a room from), her daughter, Sherri, and grandaughter, Elizabeth, all sweethearts. I live less than 10 minutes from where Outside Eyes (the company I'm doing my internship with) is and I don't have to get on the freeway so traffic isn't bad at all.

Mom and I actually got to stay at Ms. Donna's friend's house, Mrs. Renee', for the 4th of July weekend and it was amazing! There are orange trees, avocado trees, and a rose garden in her backyard! Simply amazing.

On Friday and Saturday, we explored the area and drove around to get familiar with where all I'd need to go. We found my office building and went right up to the 5th floor where I'd be working. After suffering through almost an hour of traffic (it can't be TOO easy, right?) we ate at a fabulous Italian restaurant called Sabatino's on the bay and walked around local boutiques. Also, we went to Fashion Island, drove around charming little place called Balboa Island, and walked on the beach. We enjoyed some fireworks over the Pacific from our front balcony, all cuddled up in blankets drinking hot tea. There was a restaurant right off the beach called The Cottage where we had brunch on the 4th--blueberry buckwheat pancakes for me and a California omlet for Mom. The whole weekend went by too fast and before we knew it, I was dropping her off Sunday morning at the airport to head back to a different LA... I've never been gone for this long so it was a little emotional for Mom, which made it hard for me but we hugged, she wished me well, and she was off.

We had a great time last weekend and made memories I'll treasure for a long time. This week has been extrememly busy too with starting my internship on Monday so my next entry will tell you a little more about my job, my adventurous excursions, and a yoga teacher named Rahoya...

Until then,

Hope

Pilots for Patients

2009-04-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Alberto Sandino and daughter, Jada, arrive safely in Monroe from Texas.

Tara Milby, Pilots for Patients Coordinator, gives a presentation on PFP missions in Baton Rouge.

Kennedy Smith, suffering from Craniostentosis, catches a nap before a flight to Dallas.

Janis Park interviews Pilots for Patients CEO, Philip Thomas, before one of his first PFP flights.

Jada Sandino, with craniostenosis, and father, Alberto, get ready for take off from MLU Airport.

H.M. Butler, Pilots for Patients volunteer, speaks to the Kiwanis Club about the mission of the organization.

Hurricane Gustav victims, Debbie Bagwell & Carey Dyer, are transported to safety by Pilots for Patients aircraft.

One private aircraft used to carry critically-ill Louisiana patients to premiere medical facilities by the Pilots for Patients team.

Sports

2009-04-23T06:12:00.001-07:00

ULM Baseball player, Nick Wade, gets a Northwestern State player out on third base.

Will James entertains himself at ULM's baseball game on Wednesday against the Northwestern Devils.

Zach Barnes, Brandon McGregor, Whit Buffington, and Katie Taylor rest after having a baseball game of their own in front of the stadium.

Brandon McGregor pitches to a buddy outside ULM's baseball stadium.

Drake Harp hits a home run in a game against his buddies.

Auger Little opts for his own time out in front of the baseball stadium.

Joseph Miller runs after the tennis ball in a match against his big sister.

Ski team member, Adam Sedlmajer, practices for an upcoming ski meet on ULM's bayou.

ULM baseball player, Matt Collins, warms up before the game.

Jeremy Cross, ULM golf athlete, hits a few golf balls for practice.

Spring Fever '09

2009-03-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

Trevor Johnson gets a little turned around attempting to whack the pinata on Monday.

Mallory Maynard, Art major, participates in VAPA's Piece for Paint on Thursday.

Aviation students Will Blackard, Trevor Hall, and Lani Moneyhon sell raffle tickets on Thursday.

Jeff Morton created a beat while Reagan Robinette and Rachal Russell painted during a collaboration of ULM's Visual and Performing Arts departments on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Dr. Neil White's moved his Sociology class outside to have an interesting learning experience.

Feathered friends enjoyed ULM Spring Fever events beside the Bayou on Wednesday.

Perry Smith took a look at the unique piece of art he helped create at the VAPA Piece for Paint on Thursday.

On Monday, Wes Coleman and Todd Strain conquerred the ferris wheel.

Laura Knotts and student workers sold ULM Spring Fever t-shirts on Monday.

Brent Gibert volunteered to tie up pinatas at Up Till Dawn, a Spring Fever event on Monday to raise awareness for St. Jude's children.

Photo Illustration

2009-03-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Features

2009-03-02T18:24:00.001-08:00

Jeremy Foster & daughters, Jayden and Jeselyn

Elizabeth Bennett

David Philips

Mackenzie Salter

Mike Hinton, Mory Jacobs, & Sonya Jacobs

Onna Gallagher

Lloyd Arnold

Kassie Courtney & Jordan Rawson

Madeline Hoover

Patrick Crawfor, J.J. Kelly, & Tyler Hitt

Portraits

2009-02-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

Joseph Roberts relaxes while listening to music in a cozy chair at Starbucks.

Leslie Lyles, nursing student, shows off her stethoscope.

Cherrelle Carroll enjoys a beautiful day and a pint of ice cream on campus.

Lpshun Slaughter getting ready to ride home on his bike after a long day of classes.

Destiney Parker snacks on ice cream and takes in the sunny weather outside of Starbucks.

Harrison Lilly takes a study break outside the Student Success Center

Destiny Montemayor takes in the beauty of ULM's campus on a sunny day.

Jenn Hill enjoys a walk through the
Quad on the way to class.

Nigel Smedley walks to class after enjoying a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Brooke Stein studies diligently in the on campus Starbucks for an upcoming ULM pharmacy test.

Father-To-Be Attepts Suicide

2009-02-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

Pregnant girlfriend of Fontanta, Laura Garcia, tries to convince her boyfriend to come down.

Marcus Fontana attemts to dive off balcony while distressed girlfriend watches. Fontana and his girlfriend are expecting a child and he recently lost his job.

Ten Faces

2009-02-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Delora Walker

Bruce Walker

Bonnie Gallagher

Blake Anderson

Dr. Claire Vangelisti

Kyle Bullick

Haley Scriber

Jamin Hall

Seth Hall

Lauren Miglicco

10 Hands

2009-02-02T08:25:00.001-08:00

Blake Anderson

Haley Scriber

Dr. Claire Vangelisti

Kyle Bullick

Lauren Migglico

Brit

Seth Hall

Jamin Hall

Lauren Migglico

Graham Meyers

2009-01-27T06:46:00.000-08:00

2009-01-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

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2009-01-20T07:09:00.001-08:00

2009-01-20T07:07:00.001-08:00

2009-01-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

2009-01-20T06:54:00.000-08:00

2009-01-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

2009-01-20T06:33:00.001-08:00

ballerina original

2009-01-20T06:31:00.000-08:00