Saturday, September 24, 2011

And That's...the Horoscopic Truth

Have you ever seen the movie "The Ugly Truth?" Yes, I am Katherine Heigl's character in a way. Actually, I was more like her before I saw "Up in the Air," but I digress.

My point is that beyond the boy vs. girl, man vs. woman, male vs. female relationship struggles, there is another type of struggle. Just look to the stars.

I'm talking about astrology and Horoscope signs. ...if you continue to read this post, I'm glad that you have joined us, fellow non-skeptic.

The day in which we arrive on this planet reveals to some extent about who we are. I'm not insisting on Signs from the sun, but our individuality and uniqueness. Okay. Enough.

My rant can be traced back to the day that I found out that I was a Water Bearer. What the heck is that? My birthday falls on January 23. My astrological sign is the Water Bearer, which means that anyone's birthday who falls between January 21 and February 18 is considered an Aquarius. After learning about this "fact," I immediately wanted to know whose sign each one had, and thus I was "brain washed."

Well, my mom is an Aries, my dad is also an Aquarius and my sister is a Capricorn....and my grandfather is also an Aries, and my grandmother is a Libra.

Upon recognizing these astrological facts, I begin to think about types of interactions with different people. Then it hits me. There are particular positive and negative relationships which I have with different people according to their Sign! Brilliant! (sarcasm)

My mom and I are a fire/air sign combination. She has a tough yet assertive approach to stressful and frustrating situations, which is the reason why her help has blessed me. My dad and I are an air/air combination, meaning that one thing goes through his ear when I talk to him and out the other. I have difficulties talking to my dad sometimes (actually most of the time) and I do not feel as close to him, given that remark. My sister and I are an air/earth combination. She is very grounded in what she does and does not need her "big sister" to help her in any aspect of her life. Disrespect, in my opinion. Whatever.

My grandfather and I are also an air/fire combination, and he is very similar to what kind of relationship I have with my mom. My grandmother and I are an air/air combination, however, she is a Libra and Libras are known for keeping balance (and peace) in most relationships. I do not see my grandmother as frequently as I would like to, and I feel that this is a life struggle which I currently have.

Everyone else's sign? Well, if you're a Leo, then we'll probably be good pals and may get along great together. If you're a Gemini, we'll probably chit-chat really well, and I may kick your butt in arguments every once in a while. If you're a Sagittarius, we'll probably have problems. Of all the people I've known, who have a sign of Sagittarius, I've never had a good relationship with. Ugh. Wishful thinking on that note.

What about Virgos? They're really cool to listen to, however, I do not think they would want to hang around me with my so-called "aloof" ideas. Taurus people are pretty cool because they converse like they know what they want and are aggressive...a little too aggressive for my taste. Pisces are sweet people, kind and really interesting to me. Most of them have inspired me in my life, including my late grandmother. Scorpio people...I have no comment. Really. I do not. And lastly...cancer people. Crabby? Yes, but you're not supposed to tell them that! They do a great job...with everyone else except me.

The one sign in which I would like to really connect with is a Libra. I feel like they really know me well and can conduct themselves in public really well. A friendship with them would be awesome, but I feel like that will never happen. I attended one summer camp during high school, and I was in awe of this guy I met. I kept thinking to myself, 'Is this really happening?' I was so happy. Could not stop smiling. We were dancing at the camp dance on this old skating rink with other campers, and I did not want to leave. Once the dance was over, and I was walking with some camp friends back to the "cabins," I was tapped on the shoulder by him and he gave me a kiss on the cheek. My friends let out a "Oohhh!" noise, and I was a tiny bit embarrassed. I so enjoyed that moment!

Basically, this guy was a Libra after I found out his birthday from asking him earlier. To this day, I am convinced that this is the truth. The best friendship I will have will be with a Libra. Is that crazy or what?

Yep. Crazy.

And that's...the Horoscopic Truth.

- JW

And That's...the Horoscopic Truth

Have you ever seen the movie "The Ugly Truth?" Yes, I am Katherine Heigl's in a way. Actually, I was more like her before I saw "Up in the Air," but I digress.

My point is that beyond the boy vs. girl, man vs. woman, male vs. female relationship struggles, there is another type of struggle. Just look to the stars.

I'm talking about astrology and Horoscope signs. ...if you continue to read this post, I'm glad that you have joined us, fellow non-skeptic.

The day in which we arrive on this planet reveals to some extent about who we are. I'm not insisting on Signs from the sun, but our individuality and uniqueness. Okay. Enough.

My rant can be traced back to the day that I found out that I was a Water Bearer. What the heck is that? My birthday falls on January 23. My astrological sign is the Water Bearer, which means that anyone's birthday who falls between January 21 and February 18 is considered an Aquarius. After learning about this "fact," I immediately wanted to know whose sign each one had, and thus I was "brain washed."

Well, my mom is an Aries, my dad is also an Aquarius and my sister is a Capricorn....and my grandfather is also an Aries, and my grandmother is a Libra.

Upon recognizing these astrological facts, I begin to think about types of interactions with different people. Then it hits me. There are particular positive and negative relationships which I have with different people according to their Sign! Brilliant! (sarcasm)

My mom and I are a fire/air sign combination. She has a tough yet assertive approach to stressful and frustrating situations, which is the reason why her help has blessed me. My dad and I are an air/air combination, meaning that one thing goes through his ear when I talk to him and out the other. I have difficulties talking to my dad sometimes (actually most of the time) and I do not feel as close to him, given that remark. My sister and I are an air/earth combination. She is very grounded in what she does and does not need her "big sister" to help her in any aspect of her life. Disrespect, in my opinion. Whatever.

My grandfather and I are also an air/fire combination, and he is very similar to what kind of relationship I have with my mom. My grandmother and I are an air/air combination, however, she is a Libra and Libras are known for keeping balance (and peace) in most relationships. I do not see my grandmother as frequently as I would like to, and I feel that this is a life struggle which I currently have.

Everyone else's sign? Well, if you're a Leo, then we'll probably be good pals and may get along great together. If you're a Gemini, we'll probably chit-chat really well, and I may kick your butt in arguments every once in a while. If you're a Sagittarius, we'll probably have problems. Of all the people I know who have a sign of Sagittarius, I've never had a good relationship with. Ugh. Wishful thinking on that note.

What about Virgos? They're really cool to listen to, however, I do not think they would want to hang around me with my so-called "aloof" ideas. Taurus people are pretty cool because they converse like they know what they want and are aggressive...a little too aggressive for my taste. Pisces are sweet people, kind and really interesting to me. Most of them have inspired me in my life, including my late grandmother. Scorpio people...I have no comment. Really. I do not. And lastly...cancer people. Crabby? Yes, but you're not supposed to tell them that! They do a great job...with everyone else except me.

The one sign in which I would like to really connect with is a Libra. I feel like they really know me well and can conduct themselves in public really well. A friendship with them would be awesome, but I feel like that will never happen. I attended one summer camp during high school, and I was in awe of this guy I met. I kept thinking to myself, 'Is this really happening?' I was so happy. Could not stop smiling. We were dancing at the camp dance on this old skating rink with other campers, and I did not want to leave. Once the dance was over, and I was walking with some camp friends back to the "cabins," I was tapped on the shoulder by him and he gave me a kiss on the cheek. My friends let out a "Oohhh!" noise, and I was a tiny bit embarrassed. I so enjoyed that moment!

Basically, this guy was a Libra after I found out his birthday from asking him earlier. To this day, I am convinced that this is the truth. The best friendship I will have will be with a Libra. Is that crazy or what?

Yep. Crazy.

And that's...the Horoscopic Truth.

- JW

Monday, September 19, 2011

Wright-er's Block

In less than three months, I will have completed my Master's degree in communication and have graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

So what? Now what?

I cannot express to you how many times I've asked myself where my motivation is and what my motivation is from before.

This is it, though. No more second-guessing, right? Wrong.

I have, what I'd like to call, in order to personalize my situation, "Wright-er's Block." This is a term for how much I have lost sense, or lost depth perception of where I belong in the "real world" with a career in communication...no--athletic coaching. Ahh!

There is something I especially like in public relations, but I cannot perform that skill...or can I?

Living in your mid-20s is not a picnic. I hope that I figure out my future before the future figures me out. What about my past? The runner.

I am very passionate about distance running...or am I? I spent 15 years as a student-athlete, a runner, Now, I cannot even run. I would like to walk without thinking about how I shift my weight on my knees.

Should I ignore my running past? Never. I embrace it. I embrace it with interest, knowledge and eagerness to learn more about the sport.

There is a small passion of mine to interact and counsel athletes in the sport of track and field. I would really like to continue with coaching, but I cannot forsake the years I've spent gaining an education towards earning a job, a career, in communication or public relations.

In the past year, I've spent much time working to provide Clarion University PRSSA with the best possible experiences. I have connected very well with many Clarion University students and I really appreciate the opportunity. Therefore, will I find my future from work with PRSSA? Come mid-October 2011, I may be able to answer that question.

I will be attending the annual PRSSA National Conference in Orlando, Fla., and I hope to find a lead from social networking with PR professionals and students. I am very excited about learning all of what PRSSANC has to offer! However, where is the answer to my "Wright-er's Block" with PRSSANC?

Is it the joy from the people you meet who inspire you to communicate? Why do you do the things you do? Are you happy with what you have right now?

Give me another 12 weeks and four days, and I'll let you know then. ;-)

My "Wright-er's Block" may be broken if I continue to be myself, act professionally, and just have fun!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Stress and Paradise

Surprised by the title of this blog? No worries.

It seems as though nowadays that college students get so stressed out over classes, finding a job and anything slightly related to worries that they forget about Purpose and self.

This semester I am taking a course, entitled "Management of the Communication Process: MMAJ 559," and one of things in which my professor is stressing in this class is to find Purpose, referring to the title of the textbook.

Learning your Purpose in yourself and your life is not an easy thing to achieve. From personal reflection, I'm learned to let things take care of themselves, and part of the reason why this works is due to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Many people may state "Believe in yourself," but you cannot everything by yourself unless you believe that something, Someone greater than yourself can help you. You find Purpose when you accept that that something or Someone who can give you a sense of emotional release and trust.

Trusting people and Christ is difficult, but totally worth it to do so because you reach a sense of paradise. It is especially important to stress patience while the whole process of reaching Purpose occurs.

Let's put this discussion into context.

I am months away from graduating college with two college degrees and finally obtaining a full-time job. My sense of Purpose has been challenged many times through the last six years, and I believe that what I find in "the real world" could be anything. I am patiently waiting, exercising my emotional strength, and believing that God will take over and provide something for me.

Did you get all that? If not, remember that your Purpose is accompanied by passion; and passion cannot be achieved unless you invest time and effort into something that likes you back.

Have faith. Have patience. And good things will come your way. Stress is a mess, but paradise lasts forever.

- JW