God Belongs in My City: NYC 2013

My weekend was definitely a fulfilling one. On Saturday, October 26, I attended the God Belongs in My City walk and it was nothing short of AMAZING! My first GBIMC walk was actually in Mount Vernon, NY, but it was nothing compared to the walk in NYC! Over 4,000 attendees joined the movement on Saturday and I'm happy to be one of them.

Check out my article on the walk, on my news blog HERE.

The GBIMC crowd in Times Square

Moving into 2013 with "101 Tips"

I started off 2012 with a post entitled, Merry New Year! and sure, the year brought about "merry" moments, but there were also not-so-merry moments too. Nonetheless, 2012 is behind us and all one can do is move forward into 2013 with an optimistic mindset.

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

During the summer, I  purchased "101 Tips For Graduates: Revised Edition" by Susan Morem. As a recent university graduate, I felt as though this book needed to be in my possession. I ultimately finished it on the last day of 2012 and breathed a sigh of relief that it was just in time for me to utilize what I learned, for the new year. Each tip contained profound advice and Morem went into great depth to ensure that readers understood how to move from where they are in life to a more positive position. She did this in 7 distinct categories:

• Work Skills
• Communication Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Social Skills
• Self-Discipline
• Demonstrate a Positive Attitude
• Areas of Distinction

Each section allowed me to focus on specific attributes and habits of mine, and determine whether or not they will be beneficial to me in 2013. There was not a day I did not have a highlighter in my hand, each time I picked up this book. That pretty much explains why it took me so long to complete it... I read it like a school text book... carefully and meticulously! But I didn't care, because each tip spoke to me--some more than others--and I needed each one to stick. 

I'll share some of the tips that stood out the most to me (each of the above 7 categories included). So, if you're looking forward to a successful new year, my advice is to apply the following tips to your life and expect nothing but the best for yourself in 2013! (Tip 102 and a half? Get this book!)

Tip #5: Get in the driver's seat

Not literally. But this tip offered steps to a successful road trip through life. "Don't depend on others for your happiness or success," Morem states. "You're on your own now, and it's up to you to take your life in the direction you choose... Trust yourself."

Tip #17: Your image speaks volumes about you

"If you look successful, you'll increase your chances of becoming successful"... simple as that! We each have an image, but many of us need to transform it into a more professional one, especially when applying to jobs. "Never, ever, underestimate the power of your image."

Tip #44: Dress for the position you want

I love this tip! "Don't dress for the position you have. Dress for the position you want." Morem also states, "Don't choose clothing based on who you are today; choose clothing that reflects the person you are about to become." This was definitely advice I needed to take heed to, because I personally love to feel comfortable when going out, and suits, skirts and heels are not articles of clothing I'd choose over jeans and a hoodie. But after reading this tip, I started making steps to ensure that my wardrobe portrayed the professional woman I wanted to become. I had to suck it up and realize that I could bump into someone really important one day and if I'm in sweats and a hoodie, my professionalism will be disregarded entirely. "Don't let your clothing be a barrier."

Tip #50: Network, network, network

I'm always emphasizing the importance of networking. Why? Because I know how important it is and how effective it can be. Expanding you network can lead to job opportunities, new ideas, exposure for a business you may have, or just a way to meet people you wouldn't have met otherwise. "Network to give, Network to grow, Network to gain."

Courtesy of flickr.com

Tip #62: Control your spending

This tip really hit home for me. I don't consider myself an out of control spendthrift, but I know for sure I can do much better with saving. I've created Excel budget sheets before but never stuck with it; however, in December I made the effort to record all my expenditures and was successful. It was an eye opener for me, because I was able to see how much money I had spent on things--whether it was food, gifts, or clothes. "Know the difference between a want and a need."

Tip #79: Look on the bright side

Looking on the bright side isn't always easy, especially when so many negative events occur. "Think positive. Be optimistic. Don't be so hard on yourself. Smile! Things will get better. Sleep on it. Stop complaining. Tomorrow's another day. It won't hurt your eyes to look on the bright side."

Tip #101: Never give up on your dreams

This last tip sums it all up, I'd say. We all have dreams, desires, and/or goals, yet many get lost along the way. Some get steered off course by friends or family that offer negative comments and words meant to bring him/her down, and others develop second thoughts and wonder if their dream can ever become a reality. Yet, there are those that see the dream and do whatever it takes to achieve it--even if it means defending it because you're the only one who can see it. "Believe in your dreams...know that anything is possible. It doesn't matter who you've been. Your future success is a result of who you become."

Honestly, recent graduate or not, "101 Tips For Graduates" shouldn't be looked upon as a text exclusively for grads, because a majority (if not all) of the tips provided are meant for anyone who desires to move forward in successfully--whether career wise or just in life. 

Grey's Anatomy Season Premiere... With a Twist

**Huge Spoiler Alert**

"Grey's Anatomy" || Courtesy of boomtron.com

Fans of "Grey's Anatomy" were finally able to stop holding their breath on Thursday night. After four months of anticipation, viewers were finally able to... um, be disappointed.

Catch up on the finale of season 8 here, but if you already know about the devastating plane crash that took place in the woods, then chances are you were shocked with the twist of events that took place in just the first few minutes. "Going, Going, Gone" wasn't meant to an ordinary premiere. Not only did the Shonda Rhimes circumvent the core details of the crash, but she left viewers frustrated throughout, as scenes jumped from the present to the past and right back again.

Now, don't get me wrong... Rhimes' writing was genius. As annoyed as I was during the first several minutes, I can definitely respect her style of script writing. She threw everyone off. We all expected her to take us back to the site of the crash and we expected her to reveal to us who survives, but she instead brought viewers to Seattle Grace, looking as normal as ever.

"Dying changes everything" are the chilling words of Meredith's narration at the start of the program. New faces emerge and viewers can see that they are brand new interns eager to learn the ropes. Dr. Jo Wilson is apparently afraid of Meredith (known as "Medusa" by the newbies) and when she approaches her, Meredith's tone is sharp and she then dismisses her. Bailey is evidently amused, and asks how Cristina is doing. According to Meredith, she loves Minnesota.

Viewers then see Cristina heading outside of the hospital in Minnesota. She speaks with her Attending, Dr. Parker, and realizes that he wants to change her schedule, due to Dr. Thomas' request.

Meanwhile, back in Seattle, Derek is exercising his left hand--the same hand that he had to smash with a rock, in order to free himself from the rubble of the plane. Webber checks in on him and lets him know that they're all set for 5 o'clock.

As Bailey is doing her rounds with the interns, Ben interrupts and she fails miserably at hiding her bliss, as the interns watch her. With limited time on their hands, she and Ben head straight for the on-call room, but discover the door is locked and occupied by Alex and Heather.

Callie and Derek || Courtesy of tvline.com

As people walk by Callie in the hospital, she insists she is fine, when she catches them staring at her. Viewers can only wonder in horror what became of her wife, Arizona. Derek feels like he is ready to perform a surgery that day and is willing to join her. Callie says it's a big deal, but he repeats that it's not. Even though Callie had already cleared him for surgery, Meredith doesn't think he is ready; yet, Derek said he feels good and he needs to do this, "especially today."

It's 7 hours until 5 o'clock and Callie is seen by Marks' bedside, speaking to him, but we discover that he is on life support. The plan is to grant his wishes and disconnect him if there is no signs of recovery after 30 days.

1994 appears on the screen and a video of Derek and Mark is shown. They are in their black tuxedos preparing for Derek's wedding with Addison. "You will never, ever find another friend as good as me, ever," Mark tells Derek.

Time moves forward to 2007 and a video shows Mark and Callie about to get intimate, right before Callie throws a pillow at the camera.

In the present, Cristina sees how Dr. Parker's OR differs from what she is used to, when she walks in with a question and all surgeons cease their procedure and give her their full attention. There is no multitasking done in there. She doesn't want to have to perform surgery with Dr. Thomas, the "big talker." Cristina and Meredith talk via video chat and Meredith finds out Cristina's flight to Seattle was pushed back, so that she can conduct a surgery. Meredith can only hope that her friend makes it to Seattle Grace by 5 like she said she would. Owen overhears this and of course, his expression is that of interest but pretty hard to read.

During lunch, Jo tells her fellow interns that she'll never see the inside of an OR as long as "Medusa" is her attending; but just as she says this, Meredith walks over to the table and announces that Jo will be performing an appy.

When Dr. Barnett (the new Peds Attending) is introduced to Callie, he says that he heard about her wife and that he is very sorry. Callie later breaks down in the supply closet and at that point, viewers can only assume that Arizona succumbed to her injures in the plane crash. Why else would she be sobbing like this, right? Anyway, Alex and his frisky self comes in with an intern, but soon realized Callie's presence. Despite Callie demanding that he leave, Alex shut the door and silently sat on the floor.

A 2010 video shows Mark conducting a surgery. It's a video in which he's speaking to Avery who's holding the camera and showing him a procedure. He then tells him to scrub in and finish up--which Avery is happy to do. In the present, Jackson is by Mark's bedside talking to him about patients. He speaks to him as though Mark is responding to him.

Back in Minnesota, Cristina is watching a surgery while web chatting with Meredith. She tells her that she won't make it by 5, and has no problem voicing her thoughts that Dr. Thomas needs to retire.

Miranda and Ben || Courtesy of watchtv-showsmoviesonline.com

Miranda and Ben are getting comfortable in the on-call room, and even has her intern slip her a scan under the door. After hearing soft chattering and giggling in the hall, Bailey opens the door to find several interns scattering in different directions. As Alex and Barnett chat, he finds out that he is not continuing with the exchange program, and so this gives us an idea that his John Hopkins plans might change.

Derek is greeted with an applause as he enters the OR and everyone waits for him to declare his renowned introductory phrase: "It's a beautiful day to save lives." During surgery, Derek drops his surgical tool and he immediately flexes his hand. Callie calmly instructs him to take a second, but he walks away from the table. He later states angrily that his hand went numb.

In the present, Meredith is instructing Jo in her first surgery and the interns are watching from the window above, making comments they didn't know were audible at first. Jo freezes when the patient begins to bleed out, and so Meredith quickly takes over. In the Midwest, Dr. Thomas tries to take Cristina's surgery, but she definitely was not about to have that happen.

2009 flashes on the screen and viewers see a video of Mark talking to the camera and congratulating Arizona and Callie on their marriage. "If you had a partner who would it be?" the camera man asks. "Oh, that's easy," Marks said. "Lexie Gray."

Avery goes back in Mark's room and speaks to him one last time. "Plastic Plastic posse's gonna live on," he says. "Because... I can take it from here," and he tries to keep it together as he leaves, but it's obviously hard for him to deal with this.

Although they were well aware of the procedures, Dr. Webber still explained what he was about to do to Derek and Callie, because as much as they thought it would be easy, Webber assured that it wouldn't be. Evidently, Mark's final requests were that only comfort care be given to him in his final moments, and so Dr. Webber finally turned the ventilator off and then extubated him, as Callie and Derek stayed by his side.

In Minnesota, Cristina is in the middle of surgery and she watches the clock strike 5 o'clock. Meredith is in the middle of her own surgery and she sees the clock as well. Later, Meredith says that she's going to the airport and will be visiting Cristina.

Chief Owen Hunt || Courtesy of buddytv.com

Owen finds Jo crying in the hallway and she asks why Dr. Grey is mean. Owen let her know that the surgery was purposely designed for her to fail. She brings up the plane crash as a possible reason for Meredith being the way she is, yet, obviously has no details of the situation. Owen defends Meredith saying that going easy on her would be a disservice and ultimately tells her to cry somewhere else.

Cristina meets with Dr. Parker in his office and requests the Thomas be steered in someone else's direction. Parker doesn't think she is thriving and reminds her that this is not a competition. He gives her a mandatory leave for a while, telling her to "sharpen up those sharp Seattle edges"--in other words: Relax.

Miranda finds out that her nickname is no longer "Nazi" but, BCB (Booty Call Bailey). She thanks Alex for letting her know before he leaves Seattle Grace "forever."

Meredith reaches the airport and bumps into Alex for is headed for John Hopkins, and she gets mad at him for leaving. "Everything is different. Everyone leaving and everyone is dying," she tells him. He doesn't care, because he knows Hopkins won't wait forever. We then see Owen at the airport as well, bumping into Alex and then running to show his ticket and catch his plane.

Why Mark? Why? || 
Courtesy of abc24.com

We see Derek and Callie by Mark's side, as the monitor shows his vitals weakening. He ultimately died and both are distraught. A clip of Mark holding Sofia is shown. Mark Sloan fans may have been in tears at this point.

Meredith is seen seated on the aircraft, but gets up and makes a scene demanding that she be let off the plane. Later, at the bar, she chats with Cristina on Skype and even Cristina admits her own fear of flying. Alex shows up at the bar and sits next to Meredith--he couldn't go either. Alex mentions bumping into Own at the airport and everyone believes that he's on his way to see Cristina.

Owen finds himself on a farm and out of a barn emerges April Kepner. She is shocked to see him and is surprised to know that he is there to rehire her. The next scene is quite a shocking one, because we see Callie talking to a woman in bed, whose back is turned. It's none other than Arizona! Callie is clearly upset and frustrated and demands that she get out of bed and snap out of this. Arizona looks angry and tells her that she can't "snap out of this" as she pulls back the covers revealing her amputated leg that she blames Callie for.

Dr. Mark Sloan || Courtesy of sheknows.com

The final scene shows a happy moment between Arizona, Mark and Callie. Arizona holds the camera and tries to take a photo of Callie, Mark and the baby, but the camera continues recording. Mark takes the camera from her and points it at himself, happily says that hes's got it, and ultimately snaps a picture of himself--all smiles.

R.I.P. Mark Sloan 1968-2012 is on the screen and by this scene, the Mark Sloan fans have either emptied their tissue boxes or have officially ceased watching Grey's Anatomy for good. 

Again, kudos to Shonda Rhimes for being so bold! But come on, Mark? He was favored by so many! And the fact that the next episode is continuing where the season finale left off, is just so... backwards! Either way, fans have been anticipating this upcoming episode in particular because we still need to know how they got out of that intense situation.


It's been a long journey for Grey's so far, and Season 9 doesn't seem to be holding back!

What Now?: Options to Consider During Post-Grad Life

The nights are getting chillier, the swimming gear is being packed away, and the school bells across the country are being rung--which means: Summer is pretty much over.

As lovely as being a college graduate is, the feeling of being out of school is a weird one. Whether you loved academia or hated it, one thing's for sure, once you've entered into post-grad life and the energy of summer has dwindled... it gets you thinking about a lot of stuff. Many graduates have just started getting adjusted to their new Grad School, others are still job hunting, and some are still inquiring: What Now?

If you're in the What Now? box, there's a lot of options to consider before getting too stressed out:


Get a Job Experience
Getting a job is a no brainer to a lot of, if not all, college graduates. Isn't one of the reasons why you worked so hard to obtain your college degree, to establish yourself successfully in the professional world, giving yourself more of an advantage in the job market?

The word "Job" sounds soooo dry and 9 to 5; but "CAREER" is so much more vivacious and professional. Your goal should be to gain experience so that your skills will be molded to fit your prospective career choice. Sure, getting a paycheck is important, but the right job that provides you with the experience and new skills you need, will be most beneficial.


Further your Education
Don't be afraid to go back to school. Never assume that you're too "dumb," too "old," or too "busy" to further your education. Although there's no reason to rush into Grad School right after your Undergrad career, there's also no reason why you shouldn't consider going back to school to obtain another degree.

It's ok to take a break from school, however, once that brief break is over, you've got to be back on your game and look into the Graduate schools that interest you. Apply to those schools and apply to the many scholarships available. If you can't commit to a full-time degree, consider going to school part-time in order to make room for an employment position you may already have or are making room for.


Get an Internship
Yes, you read that correctly. This goes hand-in-hand with my first suggestion--get experience. Internships are not only for [college] students; it's meant to provide minds, that yearn for knowledge, with the experience they need to be successful in whatever career the internship is geared towards. Now here comes the hard part: If you've graduated and are still job hunting, whether it is paid or unpaid, an Internship is a GOOD IDEA. The "I can't afford to accept an unpaid internship" mindset needs to be combated with the "I can't afford not to have an internship that will help push me in the right direction."

Think about it, would you rather be a prospective journalist with an unpaid/low paying intern position at the NY Times, MSNBC or other renowned company OR continue to restrict your job search, locking yourself in a box of little growth.


Continue Learning
You may be finished with academia, but don't stop learning! Read books that will enrich your life... Download iTunes U and listen to some real class lectures... and pick up the newspaper or tune in to CNN for once to stay informed.

Mid-way through the summer, I purchased a book called "101 Tips for Graduates: A Code of Conduct for Success and Happiness in your Professional Life" (Revised Edition) and not only have I been recommending this book to almost every grad I know, but I learned quite a few things... one of them being this: "Your degree is an accomplishment. It doesn't entitle you to anything. The effort you put forth and the attitude that you approach your work and others with can either help you or hurt you... as you enter the work world."

Take a moment to let that marinate... Powerful, isn't it? It's very true, and makes so much sense when you think about it.

This book (which I picked up in the Business section of Barnes & Noble) focuses on Work Skills, Communication Skills, Leadership Skills, Social Skills, Self-Discipline and demonstrating a positive attitude: areas in which all grads should be learning more about.


Be Productive
Waking up at 2 in the afternoon, making a hearty breakfast and starting your job search at 3:30 is nowhere near productivity. If you're out of school and currently job hunting, try making a schedule. You've had to deal with class schedules all your life practically, so maybe a schedule is just what you need to maintain productiveness as a post-grad.

Plan ahead what you'd like to accomplish in the upcoming week. Even if you have to write down a time and a task, and repeat until you reach your bed time, then so be it! Start early, so you can get the most out of the day. Wake up ready to work, even if you don't necessarily have a job to go to. Wake up ready to build networks. Wake up determined to find experience/a job. Most importantly, wake up with an optimistic mindset, everyday.

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If you're still in college, well then you still have some time before the post-Grad life. Be sure to check out my post "What every College Student Should Do Before Entering the 'Real World'"

"Switched at Birth" Premiere Recap

After about five months of patience, one of my favorite TV shows (there aren't many) finally returned to ABC Family with brand new shows. The fall premiere of "Switched at Birth" was an hour long long episode that I enjoyed with a small bowl of Kettle Corn.

Spoiler Alert: If you haven't watched Monday night's episode of "Switched at Birth," then there is no need to read any further just yet...

Courtesy of  hollywood.com

This is the Color of My Dreams is the title of the premiere episode, and Regina (Constance Marie) is seen walking down the aisle in a wedding gown. Everyone is visibly filled with bliss, except, Adrianna (Ivonne Coll), of course. She shakes her head in disappointment as her daughter gets ready to take Angelo's (Gilles Marani) hand in marriage. We find out that Regina's new fling is the priest and he asks her "Why are you doing this?" Regina is awoken from her slumber by her alarm clock and it's evident that it was all a dream. Obviously, she was thinking back to what John (D.W. Moffett) told her in the last episode, that the only way to avoid Angelo's possible deportation is if he were to marry a U.S. citizen.

Bay and her new boyfriend || Courtesy of  funny-videos.eu

We then see Daphne (Katie Leclerc) and Toby (Lucas Grabeel) swimming laps in their pool, just as Bay (Vanessa Marano) returns home from an Enrichment Program in the Galapagos Islands and surprises the family with a guest--her new boyfriend, Alex. It seemed to me like an obvious rebound, considering Bay's recent heartbreak, after discovering that her deaf boyfriend, Emmett, regrettably cheated on her with Simone. Nonetheless, Bay seems to have moved on and doesn't want to think about Emmett at the moment. She went as far as to tossing a note from him (delivered by Daphne) on the top shelf of her closet, out of sight.

Meanwhile, both Kathryn (Lea Thompson) and her husband, John, are getting adjusted to her new-found fame, thanks to her newly released book, "Switched at Birth," which details the complicated lives of both the Kennish and Vasquez family and their amazing journey. Alex is still trying to catch up with all the details of Bay's interesting life, and skims through her mother's book, during her Book Party. He stumbles across Emmett's name and dashing description and Bay quickly retrieves the book, storming into the house asking her mother why he was even mentioned. Kathryn made a great point stating, "Emmett's apart of our story; I'm sorry, I can't erase that."

Regina later learns that her new fling isn't a fan of marriage, but he sees her as apart of his life it seems. She later visits Angelo in prison and hopes just as much as he does that he is not deported, due to past mistakes. As the court date approaches, he beats himself up for messing everything up and wishes more than anything to finally have a father-daughter relationship with Bay.

Daphne and the Chef || Courtesy of welovesoaps.net

In the world of Daphne, viewers see just difficult it is for her to have a successful job interview once the interviewer discovers she is deaf. She went on 12 interviews and Daphne ultimately felt defeated. However, she followed Toby's advice and asked Kathryn for help, since she had connections. The next thing we know, Daphne goes in for what she thought was an interview at a restaurant called MAIZE, but is instantly hired by the stern Chef Jeff Reycraft.

Meanwhile, Bay decides to open Emmett's note and realizes it's a map. She hops in her baby blue jeep and follows his drawings, until she reaches a lot. On a white wall, she sees a pair of hand-drawn female eyes and male eyes looking at each other with the words "First meet June 2011" underneath. She walks along the side of the wall and is welcomed by more art/words with each step: "First kiss" ... "First birthday surprise" ... "First 'I Love You'" ... "Emmett makes a mistake" ... "Bay Forgives Emmett" ... and finally, "Bay and Emmett Forever."

Daphne is excited about her brand new position, and is thrilled to be in the kitchen doing what she loves. However, on her second day, we witness the difficulties that Daphne's deafness brings to the kitchen. After misunderstanding a spoken ingredient and making a mess after bumping into a chef behind her carrying a tray load of food (who loudly stated his presence), Chef Reycraft demanded that she leave the kitchen.
The next day, Daphne is back in the kitchen and what the chef says to her is a clear sign of ignorance and idiocy on his part. Not only did he insult Daphne's capability of doing anything as a deaf person, but he demoted her to Dishwasher, deeming her unsafe, stating that she couldn't do much damage washing dishes.

Kathryn's popularity is at its peak and this means: meetings, book signings, phone calls, emails, and late hours. John is obviously getting tired of it and didn't realize that his wife would be so busy with little time to be with him and the rest of the family. "This isn't the end, this is the beginning" were words that he may not have wanted to hear from Kathyrn, but he's not willing to give up and says calmly, "I'll get there".

While on a date with Alex, Bay struggles to explain her life, but gives up and changes the subject. It was obviously easier to discuss things with someone who had lived through the events with her. Throughout the entire date she is evidently distracted by thoughts of Emmett and eventually is honest with Alex about how she feels. She clearly hates being hung up on Emmett still.

In the next scene, Daphne feels pigeonholed and feels like everyone in the world won't give the deaf/hard of hearing a real chance at careers. Back at MAIZE, Kathryn stops by the restaurant and is angered by the chef's injustice towards her biological daughter, wanting to speak with him personally. Daphne stops her immediately and tells her to go home, leaving Kathryn at a loss. Later on, at home, Daphne explains to Kathryn that she's used to handling things on her own. With tears in her eyes, Kathryn admits to wanting to protect her, even though she had only been her "mother" for a few months.

Emmett and Bay || Courtesy of  theangstreport.blogspot.com

Meanwhile, Bay and Emmett meet up and tears fill Bay's eyes as she explains her hurt to an apologetic Emmett. Bay said that he ripped the fabric apart and he can't just tape it back together with words. Emmett's response was that he will wait until he figures out how he can. Bay drives away leaving Emmett standing alone in the night.

Daphne returns to MAIZE and takes initiative by installing a mirror overhead, so she can know who is behind her more quickly. The chef approves nonchalantly and viewers can assume that things in the kitchen will be OK for Daphne after all.

In court, the judge brings up points that seem to side with Angelo and the possibility of his release; however, the fact that he overstayed his visa and that the court cannot ignore the pattern of law-breaking, the judge granted the government's petition for his removal and his return to Italy within 48 hours. A distraught Bay is too much for Regina to handle, and knowing she didn't do everything she could for her biological daughter to have her father in her life, led her to run back into the court house. Next, we see Regina and Angelo in the  Municipal Court room, standing in front of a man who ultimately pronounces them man and wife.

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So, many viewers think that we are now in season 2 of "Switched at Birth," but we're actually still in season 1. The second season is set to premiere in Winter of 2013, but for now, there are nine episodes left in this unique family drama. I can't wait!