Close Encounters with Gavin DeGraw

Last Thursday night was such a blast! I went to see Gavin DeGraw in concert with two of my closest friends. It was at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas, and we loved it! The opening act was a girl who sounded a lot like Colbie Caillat (yet again another fun concert with these girls). During the first act, we check out the merchandise for sale, mostly t-shirts, and Kristi asked why she got a blue wristband after she bought a shirt. She was told it was because she could meet Gavin personally right after the show. Katie and I march over to the ATM machine and pay a high price for a concert T-shirt just for the chance to meet this guy.

We had a blast seeing him after an awesome show, where he played the piano, played the guitar and just sang (triple threat if you ask me) soulfully to the small crowd. It was a blast and snuggling up for a photo with Gavin was probably the best part. And yes, I got nervous before it was our turn to meet him because I have never met a musician after a show. I can ask serious questions to sweaty professional basketball players after a game, but a soulful, talented musician...forget about it! And yes, Gavin DeGraw thinks my name is Andi, not Angie.

Racquetball, smack-it-ball!

So my friend Kristi decided to introduce me to racquetball the other day, so we went to play at our gym. Always up for a challenge, I decided it wouldn't be so bad. But I felt like a fish out of water with a different kind of racquet and ball and new rules to remember. It was weird, but I was up for it. "One bounce or two bounces in front of the line? Or behind the line?" I would ask. Half the time I was confused and half the time I was a chicken with my head cut off.

I must have looked crazy since I was running around this box like a crazy person, screaming at the top of my lungs and throwing myself into every single wall (not on purpose of course, just sheer lack of skill). I think I have some bruises to prove it. I think they should put padding on the walls. In bowling, you can get the bunkers. Well, I want padded racquetball walls. Whoever said racquetball isn't a contact sport is mistaken. I'm going to try it again today, so we'll see how many more bruises I can get. Update coming soon....

Celebrate Good Times!

So I've been so busy celebrating holidays and birthdays (being a Hurricane as usual), so here are some photo albums from the last few months. Enjoy!

This album contains my friend Kristi's birthday and also Thanksgiving & Christmas with family & friends! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2233010&l=6e5cf&id=17808456

This album includes my glorius birthday celebration that lasted a few days! A big group of us went out to eat and then karaoke! There's also one of celebrating with the fam!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2236886&l=00d48&id=17808456

New love = Hazelhut haircolor!

The other day I decided I was going to change my hair color no matter what. After work I raced to get a few boxes of hair color, and I was excited because I'd never colored my hair from a box before. My friends helped me with my new adventure, and I've never loved the color hazelnut until 11:01 p.m. when we were done. Walllaaahhhhh!
(P.S. It's not the lighting of the room either, it's that dark. It's a few shades darker than my natural hair color, and yes, I still know what color that is)

Party Central

Here's a little collage of random birthday parties at my apartment. I think Amber and I's place is finally legendary, since people actually ask us to throw parties here. It's true. I don't want to brag, but we're kind of a big deal. JK!

RRRRR!!! Halloween!

So Halloween came this year, and I was determined to dress up and have some fun this year. After all, it's not just for little kids to enjoy. I was a pirate, not like a Keira Knightly-tough kind, but a cute, Minnie Mouse-type pirate. Amber was Medusa after she got the inspiration long before October rolled around. Lauren was a cave woman and helped me with my costume. Kristi was a pep rally girl. Jennifer was Where's Waldo - great idea! It was a fun weekend!

My first GALA!

It's official - My first Gala is over, and I survived my biggest week-long conference for work. I survived and called a few people every few days to report that I was still alive during my 80+ hour work week. I was so tired for days afterward, especially my feet. Here are some pictures from it. Ok, so I guess it was kind of fun too! But please note these are just the happy pictures of me. I don't have pictures of the set ups until midnight or last-minute changes to months of planning or fast dashes back and forth from the office to the hotel. Plus, I wouldn't post a picture of stressed, crabby Angie because let's face it, no one deserves to see her!

5K for Charity

Every year my company does a 5K together for charity. We recently ran in the Oktoberfest 5K in Addison which benefitted Wipe Out Kids' Cancer. I trained pretty hard the last two weeks for this event, and I was pretty happy with my results.

I was the second from my office to finish. Shawn, an IT guy, was about 100 meters in front of me, and I couldn't catch him at the end. I did get fifth in my age group with a time of 24:55. Here are some photos.

Summer O' Fun!

Because I put everything on Facebook these days, I neglect to post pictures on here. So here's a little glimpse at my summer, which was pretty fun!


Here's Amber, my roommate, and I out for her birthday. We finally had a reason to try Agave Azul, great Mexican food, and stayed for some salsa dancing. It was a fun night!

Sorry this picture is so far away. This group from my ward won the Carrollton Stake Co-Ed volleyball championship. I also played on the women's team, which also won the stake championship. It was a long, tiring day of volleyball, but I loved it!

Amber, Lauren and I went to see the opera Turandot at the Bass Hall. It was awesome, and we got to dress up a little bit that night, which is always fun!

This is at Cherie's surprise birthday party. Amber, Cherie, Lauren and I took a cute photo!

So a few of us went out on Lake Grapevine and went sailing. It was fun, and we got to help steer the boat. You can't really tell, but Jon, Mitch and I are standing on top of the boat. It was a little scary but fun!

Holiday weekend

This past week has been a blast! My sister, bro in law and niece came into town last week, and I drove probably 1,000 miles going back and forth to see them. But it was pretty fun and relaxing! I did a lot of swimming, playing games, chasing nieces and nephews and of course--eating. After all, that's what we Wallace's do best, right? Leah has gotten so big and is still debating if I'm ok or not. I took Thursday off and relaxed with everyone. I went on this early morning bike ride on Thursday in my hometown, which was pretty interesting. All these memories from growing up there came flooding back (stronger than ever before-maybe I hadn't been in Cleburne for a long, long time). I started remembering who lives where, where I hung out with so and so. The whole being grown thing finally hit me I guess, and it was nice not to care if I saw someone I knew. On Saturday, we had a double baby shower for Hillary and my cousin Amber, which turned into a college football-watching party (as always). Hill, Logan and Leah left on Sunday, but I had some friends come down to Cleburne to hang out on Labor Day. We had fun! I got a good little Texas sunburn and also went sailing last night. I think I officially recharged my batteries! It's been a long but exciting week!

Marketing 101

So now I'm a few weeks into my job and I'm getting more and more comfortable with it and the staff here at Wellness International Network. I love learning new things (like Dreamweaver) and more about marketing. It's new and different but a great opportunity for me. I feel like I'm back in the Communications Department at BYU again sometimes with the learning curve, but it's shaping up to be a great gig! I'm happy here.

I miss getting paid to watch and analyze sports games...not gonna lie...but I don't miss working late nights on deadline. I could get used to this whole 8-5 lifestyle. I do miss working in my PJs at home (like my old online newspaper writing gig) but two jeans days a week isn't bad here. Once in a while I miss seeing my name in print, but I do like the creative/team environment we have here. Plus, we only have to host about one big event a month. I survived my first one pretty easily last weekend, so I'm not too worried about those. I actually have benefits and vacation days etc. too, which I have never had before, so I can't complain! :)

Finally Catching Up

Wow, wow, wow! It's been way too long. I've been busy with figuring out my life, but I have made some progress. Here it goes....

In March, I was informed that my online newspaper company was going under, and I started looking for another job....again. It was a little ironic that I was made employment specialist in my branch, so go figure. I did a few temporary jobs, interviewed some and kept looking... More good news to come on that.

In April, I finished my second season of coaching a club volleyball team. This year I had a group of 14-year-old girls from Denton, which is only 20 minutes away (much better than driving more than an hour to coach in Cleburne like last year). The parents were so great and the girls were fun to teach and a hoot! We did well and won a few trophies. We have an end-of-the year party this weekend.

As of today, I was offered and accepted a marketing writer position with a wellness company in Plano. I love the work I going to be able to do, which will be a lot more creative projects besides just writing. I like the company, pay, benefits and staff. It was a quick process though. They posted the job on Saturday. I applied online on Monday, and I dropped off my paperwork on Tuesday at their office. They kept me there for a three-hour interview, gave me a test on the spot and sent me home with a deadline story to write that afternoon. Last night they sent me an email to come back for a follow-up interview. I knocked them dead again, and they offered it to me. They needed someone last week, so I start on Thursday. I love how things work out!!!!!

Also, my branch recently changed too. In a tri-stake conference a few weeks ago, it was combined with another neighboring singles branch. So church on Sunday was a full chapel of single people, which was quite a change from before. I didn't have to give my assigned talk because of the new changes but will have to speak this coming Sunday. I've prepared hard core for two weeks, so I should be just fine.

I have to go to bed now to ready for my first day of work tomorrow! Wish me luck...more to come soon....I hope!!

Wiiiiiiiks of Fun!!!

Simply put, I love the Wii.

I know it came out months and months ago and people stood in line for hours over the holidays to get one. But my friend left it at my place for the last few weeks, and I'm addicted.

I play it a lot, sometimes several times a day. I can't help it. I get a little competitive and I love that. It's fun thing to do with friends. I try not to be as competitive with them MOST OF THE TIME.

My favorite sport is tennis. I took tennis lessons every summer growing up from the constant push of my mom, who loves the sport. Sadly, I'm a better Wii tennis player than in real life. But that may be safe to say for a lot of us. The only thing I don't like is when you face the same players over and over because of what your scores are. I wish there were more opponents on the computer.

Golf, baseball and bowling can be fun too. I wish they developed more sports too. Perhaps they will.

My first Wii experience came during the Christmas holidays when my sister brought her set and made me play everything. It was kind of fun but had a constant vicious cycle. She kept beating me. I got mad. We'd play again. She kept beating me. I got mad. We'd play again. You get the picture.

Anyway, it's fun....

Has anyone else grown to love the Wii?

Hello American Airlines Center!

So a friend of mine holds a very important role at the American Airlines Center and recently arranged a special night at the AAC for my friends and I on Monday night. (the day after my birthday...I don't want to name names...I don't reveal my sources all the time!)

Anyway, we were able to go out on the Dallas Stars ice and attempt to play a little hockey with modified equipment (little soccer balls, broom sticks and no skates). I have never been a big hockey fan but still competitive as always, I went all out. I nearly scored twice but was not very coordinated on a half inch of ice without skates.

I laughed that I would probably fall about 10 times, but I managed to graciously fall 12 times. I have the scrapes and bruises to prove it. I threw myself up against the wall to check out the experience Mike Modano or any of the other Stars have, and surprisingly it didn't hurt. I also decided on the ice that I wish I was an ice skater. That would be pretty rad.

We took pictures of course and enjoyed the night until we were told we were going on some pretty awesome tours....

Being a huge Mavs fan, it was pretty dang sweet. We went into the Mavs locker room, training room, TV lounge, practice facility and tons more. Oh by the way, we couldn't really touch anything. But just for the record, Dirk wears 3XL pants. They were as long as my Asian friend was tall. Just ask to see my phone, and I can show you all my adventures. My digital camera wouldn't work :( just when I needed it most.

We also went to the Dallas Stars locker room. Honestly, it was nasty smelling in there. But of course that was the "wet room" part of the locker room where they come right off the ice. I guess it's understandable. I was glistening after the whole hockey experience too. Their "dry room" was much better smelling, and I nearly took a piece of gum from their stash.

We went into the dressing room that is used for all the performers that play there. Our tour guide said they spent $20,000 decorating it for Barbara Streisand a few years ago and imported her furniture there too. Must be nice to be a huge star. I heard all the figures about how to run the AAC and it made my head spin. Glad that's not my job. We also went into a few of the most expensive suites in the venue. They were pretty cool, but I liked actually being on the ice better MINUS the falling of course.

To say the least, it was one of the most awesome experiences I've had in a long time. I can say from my war wounds how tough it is to be a hockey player, but I have to say the perks are also pretty awesome too!

P.S. My friends wanted to stow away in the Mavs locker room, but I told I wasn't in because well.... I pretty much can't bend my knees. If I'm limping at some games this week, don't think it's my birthday that is making me look old.

Free Time!!!!!!

So I love all the free time I had to relax and enjoy the Holidays, but since I'm such a busybody, I had to find things to do to fill my time. What else would I do than see movies?

It's one of the only times of the year that I catch up on movies, and I'm proud to say that I've seen almost every movie at the box office. Not too shabby.

I saw the sappy film "P.S. I Love You" yesterday and bawled my little eyes out after already reading reviews in magazines that said "holy sad". Yep, I'm a sucker for these kinds of movies. I liked Hillary Swank and the guys in that movie were very attractive. Although some movie ratings didn't like it that much, it's a good one even if you were prepared and brought tissues. I brought tissues but only because my friend gave me the sniffles over the holiday.

Don't think I'm going to lash out as the Grinch again. I'm doing great and so relaxed. I seriously can't wait to start working tonight just to be busy again.

Peanuts, Grinch and 1 a.m.

So there's this one station that now plays Christmas music. At first, it was annoying because that's the last thing I want to think about. The stress, the shopping, the finishing up work to enjoy my holiday. But now, as I fly through my channels, I do stop for about two songs and two songs only.

They are the "Peanuts" theme that goes dun nuh dunt duh nuh dunt duh nuh, duh...dunt duh. You're probably either singing it in your head or saying what the heck is she talking about. Also, the other one is "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch, you really are a stinch..." I love that!! I even break out my strongest, lowest voice to TRY to do it justice. It never works, but I love it anyway and I try to memorize the lyrics every year. This could be the year that I remember them throughout the season, but who knows. P.S. They just remind me of my childhood Christmases and long school breaks when I got actually got bored (I wonder what that's like...)!

Lastly, I keep hearing about 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. openings at local shopping places. I never was one to shop that early but I guess people do. Then.............I heard one mall opening at 1 a.m. First of all, those poor employees must be paid some big bucks. Second, who is coherent enough then to shop til you drop (I guess it doesn't take too long to drop). Third, what's next? We're going to be running out the door after we eat a little turkey and cranberry sauce for a 50% doorbuster sale? C'mon, give me a break. I want some time for my dinner to settle before I got flying out the door looking like an overstuffed zombie. But if you do and love it, I guess all I can say is more power to you. Besides, most of my shopping's done!

Hurricane Back in Full Strength

So I love my job so much: the writing, the reporting, the people, the flexibility, the steady pay, the perks, everything!!! It feels so great to do what I love to do. I can't believe I forgot how fun it was. Check it out at McKinneyNews.net!

I am finishing up football and volleyball seasons with my McKinney schools, and I recently started covering the swimming teams. I also got the girls basketball and soccer beats along with softball. Busy, busy but I'm ready for it. I don't want to jinx it and call it a dream job, but it's awesome!

I also am thinking about coaching a club volleyball team for a few months again. It's still in the works, but I think it will be for a team in Denton, which is about 15 minutes away (much closer than driving more than 2 hours a week to Cleburne). That should be a fun gig too!

Finally over the job hurdle!

Yes, yes I'm back to the blogging world...Awwww! I have to say it feels pretty good. I guess I finally have some noteworthy experiences to report after a very crazy summer. First of all, I got a job in the journalism field. Yes, the word FINALLY is coming to your brain, but that's okay.

My quest to figure out what I want to do with my life, which has changed from coaching to teaching to sales to PR to whatever will pay my bills in the last nine months, is over! I took a sportswriter position with McKinneynews.net and am covering high school volleyball and football with more sports to come. So far so good!

I was a little nervous about getting back into journalism after a nine-month hiatus, but it's like riding a bike....a fast and adventurous bike! A new thing that I will get to do eventually is blog for the website. Yes, I will be a professional blogger. And no, I will not be a blog snob. I will try and post my stories and blogs on here as well for your viewing pleasure.

What job hunting has taught me...
1. Never give up...Patience is always a virtue but not always an easy one! Keep plugging away and sending out resumes even when you don't think people will be interested. I would not have my current job if I didn't keep at it for nine months!

2. Check a variety of job sites...If you are finding the same kind of job, then look elsewhere to help your search for the dream job. Because I checked a site I normally don't check regularly, I found the perfect one for me and it worked out.

3. If a company wants you, they will let you know...I really got tired of checking back and making excuses for why I didn't get a call back. It's like the book "He's really not that into you" (yes I have read it). If a company is not interested, they will usually be wishy washy or late on returning your call.

4. Know what you're good at and sell yourself...I have always thought cover letters were hard to write. After writing hundreds of them in my job search, they are no problem. I learned how to get to the point and sell myself in a few graphs.

5. Lastly, tailor your resume/portfolio to the job...Every job is different, so almost every resume you send could use some tweaking to better market your skills. Little changes could go a long way!

Man, I should send this to Careerbuilder.com for a little freelance check. They probably will take it, since they have gotten to know so well over there...

Interview or date...you decide!

Job hunting makes you vulnerable...I've decided. I was reading some tips online that said job interviews are like blind dates (click on the title and see for yourself). I think that's true. It's up and down. I want you, I don't want you. Should I follow up? Show interest? Be pesky or hang back? It's a pretty crazy ordeal.

You're also looking for the right fit with the company you're looking at. The company could be the right fit for you, but I might not be the right fit for them. Also, the right relationship will work out if it's supposed to and everything happens for a reason!

Look at all these relationship tie-ins...right before Valentine's Day...or should I say Single Awareness Day!! Maybe I'll find the right company tomorrow! Let's be honest, I probably would be more excited about getting a job tomorrow than having a date!

P.S. Don't worry, I already have plans for V-day!

Explain a time where you wanted to fall off a cliff...

So the last two days, I've been interviewing for jobs. Why didn't anyone in college tell me about the HR questions that never end? "Tell me a time where you wanted to fall of a cliff and no one came to save you but your meanest coworker and they turned out to be your new friend? What was your next move? Did you tell the whole office about it?"

First of all, how many questions do they expect you to answer at a time? 25 with three anecdotes and four examples. Honestly, do they want you to have diarrhea of the mouth? I think they do. There I was in my power black suit that seemed more like a straightjacket, smiling constantly until my cheeks went numb. I felt like I was back in a wedding line with my eyes glazing over because of the flash. Only this time wasn't a flash of light, it was a flash of terror.

I'm nervous and tense and desperately trying to figure out the job description for the people in front of me. Did this one want impeccable interpersonal skills or a working knowledge of HTML. or inside and outside and upside down sales experience. I just can't remember! I also had to hurry up to the right office on the right floor, speak to the right receptionist about the right interviewer and sit there and wait and get more nervous. AND REPEAT. AND REPEAT. AND REPEAT. I hope my sweaty palms will get me somewhere great...cross your fingers!!