...I just don't understand them.
Pardon my french, but we've all had to deal with our share of shit. Everyone will be heartbroken, whether its in a romantic situation or familial (with the loss of a loved one).
And everyone deals with it in their own way - Adele creates record-breaking albums, Rob Pattinson goes into hiding, and many of my friends post pictures of how much fun they're having without their scorned lover.
But then there are those that swear they will remain single because all (enter specific gender here) are the same, they'll never trust another person, relationships suck, etc. etc.
Once again, a fact of life is that you will always get hurt. These occurrences are just that - occurrences. It's an incident out of your control in most of the situations ...
Unless of course, you're a cynic. Because you bring that negative energy with you, you're ultimately setting yourself up for failure. If you don't think it's right to stereotype someone by race or religion, then don't stereotype an entire gender because of a few bad experiences you've had.
Be cautious. Learn from these experiences to grow.
But don't use them as an excuse to be miserable because ultimately, you will be miserable. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Time to Fire This Bad Boy Back Up...
It's been five months and 17 days, but who's counting?
Since my last post, I've taken (and aced) my GMAT, got into my first choice grad school, graduated from undergrad, and landed my dream job. The awesome part about that last point is that beer-battered ramen actually proved to be a tool in helping me land it.
So as I enter this new phase of my life, obviously the blog goes with me - this time we're turning it from college stereotypes to post-grad dilemmas, inspired by none other than the world of social media.
One of the biggest things that I always preach (and will continue to do so long as people are posting relationship woes and job complaints on Facebook) is about your online image. And one of the biggest questions I've been getting lately is about what specifically to look out for.
Luckily, the great people over at Mashable have an extraordinary ability to read my mind! So they've released a list of 19 slip-ups that will get you fired. Here are three that were most interesting to me:
Serial Daters: We all know one. They come in two forms: the ones that seem to have a new significant other every month, and the ones that are "living up the single life" and have to announce that they're simultaneously texting two prospects while Skyping with another. Either way, the biggest red flag is that it makes you seem disloyal and flaky.
Openly Insecure: This one's my favorite. Especially because these people are either known to fish for complements or have some deep-rooted issue that would best be resolved professionally. Airing your insecurities won't make people care, it'll make you an entertaining spectacle. If you wouldn't go on a first date and point out how your eyes are too far apart or your nose is crooked, then don't put it online. Period. The end.
Plotting Revenge: We all know that person(s) that insist on outlining what they would do to their ex's new fling if they ever saw him/her, and it usually ends with how they pity this person because they don't know what they're getting into. It's not only immature - but it can have serious legal repercussions. Think about it.
Since my last post, I've taken (and aced) my GMAT, got into my first choice grad school, graduated from undergrad, and landed my dream job. The awesome part about that last point is that beer-battered ramen actually proved to be a tool in helping me land it.
So as I enter this new phase of my life, obviously the blog goes with me - this time we're turning it from college stereotypes to post-grad dilemmas, inspired by none other than the world of social media.
One of the biggest things that I always preach (and will continue to do so long as people are posting relationship woes and job complaints on Facebook) is about your online image. And one of the biggest questions I've been getting lately is about what specifically to look out for.
Luckily, the great people over at Mashable have an extraordinary ability to read my mind! So they've released a list of 19 slip-ups that will get you fired. Here are three that were most interesting to me:
Serial Daters: We all know one. They come in two forms: the ones that seem to have a new significant other every month, and the ones that are "living up the single life" and have to announce that they're simultaneously texting two prospects while Skyping with another. Either way, the biggest red flag is that it makes you seem disloyal and flaky.
Openly Insecure: This one's my favorite. Especially because these people are either known to fish for complements or have some deep-rooted issue that would best be resolved professionally. Airing your insecurities won't make people care, it'll make you an entertaining spectacle. If you wouldn't go on a first date and point out how your eyes are too far apart or your nose is crooked, then don't put it online. Period. The end.
Plotting Revenge: We all know that person(s) that insist on outlining what they would do to their ex's new fling if they ever saw him/her, and it usually ends with how they pity this person because they don't know what they're getting into. It's not only immature - but it can have serious legal repercussions. Think about it.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Being a Responsible Adult Really Blows!
I made a vow not to go anywhere near the computer until I finished studying and taking my GMAT in March. I made an exception today because I really missed you and needed a break from being a responsible adult.
I actually should still be studying, considering I have an exam in an hour. And so should a lot of people logged on to Facebook right now, according to many of my friends' statuses.
Which reminds me of how winter the always brings forth a breed of statuses that consist of complaining. If you're in school, you're complaining about having to study and how you wish you were out of school; and if you've graduated, you're complaining about not being in school and how the real world sucks.
Well, a recent study at the University of Waterloo pretty much summed up what I've thought all along: if you're going to complain, your friends will hate you.
I know that Facebook asks "What's on your mind?" and Twitter wants to know "What are you doing?". But in reality, I don't know anyone that has the attention span to actually want to know in-depth details of your every day life, especially if it's going to bring down their day by listening to yours.
So instead of risking being de-friended or unsubscribed, use your procrastination time wisely. If you create compelling content on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., you'll feel more productive and your friends will support your procrastination by engaging in your posts.
You're probably thinking, "Gee, Dia, how on earth can I possibly accomplish this?!"
Well, today's your lucky day! Here's a list of 5 things you can do that don't involve complaining:
http://beerbatteredramen.blogspot.com
I actually should still be studying, considering I have an exam in an hour. And so should a lot of people logged on to Facebook right now, according to many of my friends' statuses.
Which reminds me of how winter the always brings forth a breed of statuses that consist of complaining. If you're in school, you're complaining about having to study and how you wish you were out of school; and if you've graduated, you're complaining about not being in school and how the real world sucks.
Well, a recent study at the University of Waterloo pretty much summed up what I've thought all along: if you're going to complain, your friends will hate you.
I know that Facebook asks "What's on your mind?" and Twitter wants to know "What are you doing?". But in reality, I don't know anyone that has the attention span to actually want to know in-depth details of your every day life, especially if it's going to bring down their day by listening to yours.
So instead of risking being de-friended or unsubscribed, use your procrastination time wisely. If you create compelling content on your Facebook, Twitter, etc., you'll feel more productive and your friends will support your procrastination by engaging in your posts.
You're probably thinking, "Gee, Dia, how on earth can I possibly accomplish this?!"
Well, today's your lucky day! Here's a list of 5 things you can do that don't involve complaining:
- Procrastinate on a site that specializes in procrastination. I'm stealing this idea from my best friend, who is known as the comedian within our circle of friends simply because she can cheer anyone up by re-posting the absolute most random things from this site.
- Read the news. I don't have the patience to read through things that I could care less about (like politics and Nicki Minaj's exorcism), so I go on The Daily Beast to read snippets of important things that seem to cause a stir on my Timeline or News Feed.
- Blog. Practice your writing skills, market yourself, express your ideas. Posting entries on other social media drives your audience and inspires you to communicate in a more effective way that's interesting to your readers.
- Complain about something else. If you absolutely need to complain, maybe start with that horrible book you just read or that awful song that came on the radio. Writing reviews for other things can not only be an outlet, but can link back to you and make you more searchable.
- Do what you're supposed to be doing. Plain and simple. If you need to study, go study.
http://beerbatteredramen.blogspot.com
Friday, January 27, 2012
"Nothing of me is original..."
Said quote is from my favorite book, Invisible Monsters, by Chuck Palahniuk, and is completely relevant to my agitation today.
Yesterday, as I was waiting for Jersey Shore to start, my boyfriend and I started YouTubing "Sh*t (insert demographic here) Say" videos. I watched video after video of stereotypical sorority girl, frat guy, girl, girlfriend, etc. sayings.
They were hilarious because they were extremely true, at least for me. But I started this post discussing my agitation, which I will now explain by asking this simple question:
When did we become so unoriginal?
I mean, does anyone else get depressed at the thought that we've essentially become so predictable and generic that we can so easily be defined, like in these videos?
But this isn't the worst part. I found these videos because of friends posting them on each other's Facebook walls, with accompanying statuses like "OMG HAHAHA THIS IS SO ME!!!"
So, we're predictable and generic, and we're proud of it?
http://beerbatteredramen.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
No, It's Not The ''Economy, Stupid''
Telling a recent grad that the economy is the reason they can't find a job is like this mom defending her daughter for wearing a Confederate flag shirt in school: it's supporting a really stupid idea.
Once upon a time, it was okay for recent grads to use the whole economy excuse, just like once upon a time it was okay for people to hang the Confederate flag outside of their homes.
I know a few of you probably felt their heads fume a bit. But if you don't believe me, let the International Business Times tell you that 95% of college graduates are employed.
But maybe it's not where they'd like to be employed. And maybe it's ridiculously competitive for those trying to find a relevant, entry level position.
In one entry-level marketing position, for instance, a total of 768 applicants submitted resumes, the majority of which with bachelor's degrees and two years of experience.
I told you, ridiculously competitive.
So what sets you apart from the other 767 recent marketing grads? Well, you tell me.
Say you're in my position, a marketing grad with only collegiate experience. How am I going to convince someone that I can sell something else?
By selling myself. (No, not like that.)
You're essentially a brand. Kim Kardashian is the epitome of this. Homegirl has done absolutely nothing to gain her fame, but she's kept it by creating a brand of her name.
From stores to dieting pills to clothing lines, her name brings value to whatever she's selling. This is how a human being works.
We bring value to our name by what we represent; if we can convince the person on the other side of the laptop reading our resumes that we're the best thing since slice bread, then we've put value to an otherwise faceless, mundane, generic application.
This personal brand is something that carries with you. My personal brand as an eccentric marketing apprentice is relevant to everything from the absurdity of my blog to the incredibly awesome marketing campaigns I've come up with.
So if you still want to blame the economy, use this as an opportunity to boost it by putting yourself out on the market and seeing how many people buy a colorful personality.
http://beerbatteredramen.blogspot.com/
Once upon a time, it was okay for recent grads to use the whole economy excuse, just like once upon a time it was okay for people to hang the Confederate flag outside of their homes.
I know a few of you probably felt their heads fume a bit. But if you don't believe me, let the International Business Times tell you that 95% of college graduates are employed.
But maybe it's not where they'd like to be employed. And maybe it's ridiculously competitive for those trying to find a relevant, entry level position.
In one entry-level marketing position, for instance, a total of 768 applicants submitted resumes, the majority of which with bachelor's degrees and two years of experience.
I told you, ridiculously competitive.
So what sets you apart from the other 767 recent marketing grads? Well, you tell me.
Say you're in my position, a marketing grad with only collegiate experience. How am I going to convince someone that I can sell something else?
By selling myself. (No, not like that.)
You're essentially a brand. Kim Kardashian is the epitome of this. Homegirl has done absolutely nothing to gain her fame, but she's kept it by creating a brand of her name.
From stores to dieting pills to clothing lines, her name brings value to whatever she's selling. This is how a human being works.
We bring value to our name by what we represent; if we can convince the person on the other side of the laptop reading our resumes that we're the best thing since slice bread, then we've put value to an otherwise faceless, mundane, generic application.
This personal brand is something that carries with you. My personal brand as an eccentric marketing apprentice is relevant to everything from the absurdity of my blog to the incredibly awesome marketing campaigns I've come up with.
So if you still want to blame the economy, use this as an opportunity to boost it by putting yourself out on the market and seeing how many people buy a colorful personality.
http://beerbatteredramen.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Dear Mr. Paul
I'm not a Republican, or a huge fan of politics. But I have to admit that this election is ridiculously interesting.
Take Ron Paul, for instance.
This guy has run in the past three presidential elections, first time now in the Republican party. Ironically, where the Democrats dominated during Obama's campaign in 2008, Paul is now the frontrunner for voters under 30.
Oddly enough, it's been very difficult for him to engage voters over that demographic. Why?
Because voters under 30 don't remember the Ron Paul who's name appeared on racist newsletters and was seen shaking hands with the Grand Wizard of the KKK.
Sure, it seemed like 353928334 years ago. But people don't forget and these problems don't disappear.
Which reminds me of a magical word that I like to sprinkle into my vocabulary at work: accountability.
In this amazing article I encountered this morning, Michael Medved of The Daily Beast makes the solution so simple, I was more amazed at the fact that Paul hadn't thought to do this.
So many times, especially when we're seen as underdogs whether at school or at work, we kind of elaborate why we may have done / not done something. I mean, I'm definitely guilty of playing the "I'm just the intern" card at work or the "I didn't do it, ask Booger (my brother)" card at home.
And so many times, I've come to realize that if I would have just said "Whoops, my bad" instead, it may have resulted a bit more favorable than being seen in a negative light or have people jump to their own conclusions. Taking the mea culpa looks way better than running circles around the inevitable consequence you're going to face.
Ron Paul is a 76 year-old man and he still doesn't get that point. That's because this isn't something taught at school, kids.
http://beerbatteredramen.blogspot.com/
Take Ron Paul, for instance.
This guy has run in the past three presidential elections, first time now in the Republican party. Ironically, where the Democrats dominated during Obama's campaign in 2008, Paul is now the frontrunner for voters under 30.
Oddly enough, it's been very difficult for him to engage voters over that demographic. Why?
Because voters under 30 don't remember the Ron Paul who's name appeared on racist newsletters and was seen shaking hands with the Grand Wizard of the KKK.
Sure, it seemed like 353928334 years ago. But people don't forget and these problems don't disappear.
Which reminds me of a magical word that I like to sprinkle into my vocabulary at work: accountability.
In this amazing article I encountered this morning, Michael Medved of The Daily Beast makes the solution so simple, I was more amazed at the fact that Paul hadn't thought to do this.
So many times, especially when we're seen as underdogs whether at school or at work, we kind of elaborate why we may have done / not done something. I mean, I'm definitely guilty of playing the "I'm just the intern" card at work or the "I didn't do it, ask Booger (my brother)" card at home.
And so many times, I've come to realize that if I would have just said "Whoops, my bad" instead, it may have resulted a bit more favorable than being seen in a negative light or have people jump to their own conclusions. Taking the mea culpa looks way better than running circles around the inevitable consequence you're going to face.
Ron Paul is a 76 year-old man and he still doesn't get that point. That's because this isn't something taught at school, kids.
http://beerbatteredramen.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
"Stay Classy, San Diego"
The policing part stems from my glory days as an executive board member on my beloved sorority.
Because of all the bad press associated with being a greek, we had to make sure that the ladies always kept a clean, classy, Disney-rated image - especially on social media sites. I was always researching ways not just to improve our image, but promote our organization as well.
It wasn't until I got a big girl job and starting taking a social media class (again, thanks awesome professor) that I started realizing the scope of how important your online image is.
Sometimes, the Facebook hawk in me wants to just wring some girls' necks when I see them proudly boasting their beer bottles in provocative poses, or when their statuses consist of how ridiculously, black-out, I-want-to-hook-up-with-anything-that-moves, wah-why-isn't-the-world-paying-attention-to-me, I-just-puked-in-my-best-friend's-car drunk they got last weekend.
Especially with the new Facebook Timeline, it's so much easier to have this record digitally imprinted for the rest of your life, for the entire world to see...
Including future employers.
So ladies (and gents that find the need to discuss about their unrealistic dating "life" and how they spend 2093808402834 hours at the gym), make it a resolution this year to keep your private life private and clean up your act - at least on Facebook.
You can thank me with your first full-time paycheck.
http://beerbatteredramen.blogspot.com/
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