Are You Aware?

I've been doing a lot of research lately on the different channels social media offers to BILLIONS of people all over the world.  I found this picture while I was doing research and thought it was definitely worth mentioning.  This is what is happening on the web every minute of every day! How amazing are those numbers? 

Have you ever thought about the billions of people that can view your data?  Whether you have it private or public it is all still accessible.  Once you are on the web, you cannot be taken off.  Most of the research I've been doing I have to make sure I type 2012 after the search or I could get articles and data from 2006 or earlier!  Next time you are making a post, think about what you put online.  I am so guilty of this! Most of the time I post with the thought that my followers and friends are the only ones that can see my data.  However, I'm not private on most of my sites so there are plenty of people that could search for my name or anything I could be talking about and it can pop up in a search engine.

Try Google searching yourself.  What do you find?  Now if you have a name like John Smith it might be a little different than a more unique name.  When I search my name, the first link that pops up is my Twitter account.  The next few links are not related to me but then take a look at the images.  The first image is my picture from my college job as an orientation leader coordinator.  You have no idea how much information you can find on yourself.

I am writing this blog to make you aware that it isn't just you sitting at a computer.  It is you and billions of people that you have no idea who they are.  I have been active on the internet since the 7th grade.  Probably not my smartest choice, but I've always been intrigued by it.  I am aware of the severity but still post a lot of data DAILY.  I do not want to turn anyone against these interesting products and sites but please be careful what you put on the web.  It can never be erased.  A delete button only takes it away from your eyes, not the universe.

Awkward Work Encounters

Being new to the business world and not technically studying business, it's needless to say, I do not know much about this crazy intense world.  In the last few weeks, I have become a lot more business oriented just by being around it.  I've learned it's not okay to stare in bewilderment when you meet the president of a department. It's okay to just listen in meetings when you are new and have nothing of value to say. And it's imperative that you know the latest news (world, nation, local, politics, sports, lifestyle, and especially industry news).  You will be tested.  Whether in casual conversation, in meetings, or out on a business lunch/dinner.

However, there are many more things that I'll never understand.  Having the awkward conversations with your boss or asking for an expensive item that you know you'll need to expedite your work are never fun.  It will probably never get easier having all those weird encounters but I know that comes with every job.  It's how you handle the situation that makes it easier to deal with.  Take a few breaths and just go talk to them.  What's the worst that can happen? They fire you? haha

I have been extremely blessed in that I love the work I do and I am so lucky to have found this company right after graduation.  The learning experience has been exponential (already and we haven't even launched).  I know some of you know the company I am working for and some of you may not.  I wish I could broadcast it to the world but for the time being I have to keep it a secret.  I trust the people who do know not to blab their mouths (please!) but encourage them to talk about what I do.  This is going to be great.  Stay tuned for a blog post about the launch of our company and I hope you will love it!

Getting in a Routine

This was my first full week of work. My first week of work consisted of Thursday and Friday.  My second week I was in Chicago for 3 days and only worked Monday and Friday in DC.  And now I'm on my first full week and I am exhausted.  How do you guys do it?

I've decided the only way to help me get use to this type of week is getting into a routine.  Granted, this week was not the best example of that.  One night I stayed up until 1AM, another night I went to sleep at 10PM, a few days I got up and worked out and other days I hit the snooze. (Side note: I have never used my snooze until now. If my alarm was set for 8AM in college, I was up at 8AM no matter how tired I was. This week, we became close friends.)

So, my routine needs to consist of three things: 1. A bedtime 2. A set time to wake up 3. A time to run.  I've been trying to run before work because it's a lot more relaxing to come home and do nothing than it is to know I have an hour workout ahead of me.  I've noticed on the days I don't go for a run I'm hungrier and more tired.  On the days I do run (or go to the gym), I have more energy and my diet is much better.  The last one on my list (set a time to run) should be easy so long as the other two are in effect, which will definitely be the hardest.

Number 1 is the hardest.  I can always think of something else I need to fit into my day (or want to fit in) and the time gets pushed later and later.  The second one isn't as hard because like I said, I've never been a big snooze button person so hopefully I won't get into the habit of using it.  And if I do, I'll just set the alarm 9 minutes earlier than I really need to get up. ;)

Since I am new to this whole grown up thing, I would love some tips on how you make it through your week.  I'm not a busy mom.  I don't have any family here so I don't have places I HAVE to be.  The only thing that is set in my schedule is the time I spend at work (9-6).  So, please, feel free to leave me a comment here or on my other social pages.

With love,

Kayla

First Week in a New Chapter

Last week I moved to Washington, D.C. to start my life as a professional woman. I had no idea what to expect all I knew is I was exited for something new and different. As my last post stated, my parents helped me move everything in and get me ready for this huge transition. They left on Wednesday morning. The first realization of being alone in this big city started that night. I kept thinking to myself, what have I done? How will I make friends? All I have is work here. No clubs or college activities to keep me meeting new people. After consulting with Brenden, I began to feel a little better. I'm outgoing and fun. I can meet people.

Thank goodness my first day of work was the next day to keep my mind off being alone. I had a great first day. Once all the paperwork was finished, I was immediately given my first assignment. A very large one at that. So for the 8 hours I'm at work it consumes my time. Thank goodness my professors made me do competitive analysis and PowerPoint presentations all through my four years. I feel confident I can knock this first assignment out of the park.

In the words of my boss, I am to be a sponge for the next few weeks. Friday was my first full day of work and wow was it full of information. I left that evening a little later than the office was open. But I know this will be my first of many nights I'll leave a little late.

The weekend came and went and was full of activity. So I was beginning to feel like I wouldn't be alone after all. I kept myself busy and realized the more things I do the easier it will be to get through this. I also realized why people get married right after college. It would definitely make this transition a lot easier. But part of my journey is to learn to be independent. And I will do just that.

Today, I worked a half day because I am flying out to Chicago in about 30 minutes. Chicago is a dream place for me to go (and one day live in). I will be there for a week soaking up information about this new position.

After 22 years of being taught about life and prepared to go into the real world, you never realize how hard it will be to make it. People warn you, but it's not nearly big enough. I am excited about this challenge and chapter in my life. It comes with a lot of changes but I know I will come out just right.

Kayla