travel writing

I recently signed up for a travel writing course through the Matador Network, the online mag that I mentioned a couple posts ago. I have another blog with them, and have submitted my first assignment, as well.

Here's a link.

I had to write a bit of evergreen content... I didn't know what that was, either, so click there if you'd like to know. I don't think it's exactly what they're looking for, but it's all I had in me. I'm currently waiting for some critique and feedback from them and other students, but please leave some of your own!

love,
g

self-ramblings.

It’s 4pm on my day off and all I’ve done was jog on the treadmill for 40 minutes and fail at trying to set up an extension for my wireless network so I can sit outside on my computer. Lucky me, I’ve been sitting on a hard-backed chair and become congested from the chilling AC.

I’ve also spent hours staring at my MacBook screen, yet haven’t finished reading or writing one thing. It’s more than writers block. I paid for an online travel-writing course that I felt fell onto my lap at the perfect time. It has to be for me, right? It was between that and an article-writing course and I thought that the niche of travel writing was more appealing and specific than the other. I’m struggling with the first assignment and of course, since my mind likes to go off on more tangents than a boring schoolteacher, I immediately compare this assignment with my future. I can’t figure it out and I feel utterly stuck!

Besides traveling one day, I honestly don’t have any passion other than being a writer of sorts, and I’m not even a good one. I’m 25-year-old BA degree-holder with no real writing experience, a short-lived magazine internship on my resume and a dedicated four and a half years at my current place of work.

At age five I started writing, always kept journals and loved English class. So why was I clueless when choosing a major for college? I started my college career taking music business classes (???). Five years later ended with an English degree (of which I tried all three concentrations- publishing, creative writing and literature).

I learned a lot about myself over the years. Lessons I am proud to say I’ve learned and experiences that have shaped me and made me realize a lot about people and life. Unfortunately, however, I’ve always been two things: boy crazy and confused. Safe to say I’ve got the boy situation under control, though growing up a hormonal little girl no doubt halted much progression with learning. I was an average student, but never pushed myself to accomplish more. The biggest risk I took was probably following through with the internship… crrraaazzyyy, right? You need to keep me on a leash!

Needless to say, upon graduation, I did not pursue a career in English or writing or anything of the sort, but instead took a fulltime position in the retail store I was employed at and currently still working. It’s been Four and a half years.

So, what now? I stare at my inbox and wait for the little red “1” to pop up telling me I have an email…from whom? My favorite magazine asking me to travel with them and help write articles on…what exactly? Not only will I not be receiving miraculous emails from companies asking to have me, I also have no idea what my dream writing material is. So here I am sifting through countless coupons and travel deals that clog my email, with little to no hope left. No dream job, no goals, no talents or hobbies (that I’m good at), and credit debt that disrupts my sleeping patterns.

Oh look, an email from MySpace. Fabulous.

I had great talks about setting goals, etc. with old friends last week and if they’re reading this, I hope they don’t think I haven’t listened to them or didn’t taken anything away from what they said. Every piece of advice I’ve ever been given floats around in my brain- where my college education should be- ultimately weighing my thoughts down and draining my body more than when I’m unable to get my daily protein consumption.

But, my problem still lies with this: I don’t know what I want to do, so how do I set my goals? Start small? I’ve started being thrifty and using my money more wisely, great. (I’m still going to be in debt with credit cards for a long time, which prevents any travel or internships or working for little-to-nothing to get ‘my foot in the door’ i.e. abroad or NYC- unless I want to work 80 hours/week). I also started that writing course (which is currently not going to work in my favor if I can’t even write).

My goal is to have a goal. One that involves moving in some fashion away from home. I’m too comfortable. And there’s not much for me here, on Long Island. As I’ve said, I have job, although not one that makes my heart go pit-a-pat, but one that enables me to pay for everything I need (which can work in my favor if I can only figure out my goals and passions). It’s my comfort level at home and work mixed with my nerves and inability to take risks that has kept me in one place my whole life. Some people are OK with that, but I know there is more out there for me.

matador bbq!

I drove into Brooklyn this week to experience my first legit networking party. I didn't know what to expect, but that's what intrigued me about it. I've been reading and obsessing about this online travel magazine called Matador (and now sosauce) where there are endless, really well written articles on everything from inspiring people who travel for a living, to 'fifty things to do before you die', to travel writing tips. I joined their network and started another blog- a travel blog. I'm not yet the traveler, but one can dream, right?

A post for a BBQ in Brooklyn popped up while I was drooling over the numerous adventure stories, so I RSVP'd and called my fellow spontaneous-random-trip-taking friends and filled my tank. My girl, Karen, came and we swapped life stories on the drive down the belt parkway... I hardly take my trusty Pontiac into the city, so thank goodness for my iPhone...

The party was in an adorable neighborhood 'garden' hugging the side of a bunch of apartment buildings. I recognized the enchanting trees and walkway from the pictures. We grabbed our raffle ticket (which I later had won a prize with!) and weaved our way through the group of eclectic individuals. We weren't sure how to approach these people who all seemed to already know each other, but within minutes of absorbing the bright greens of the garden and the soothing, but fun music from the DJ, we were greeted by a warm, enthusiastic woman, Cindy. She welcomed us, asked us about our lives, made us laugh and introduced us to her brother and friends who are a part of or started these travel communities... I've been lusting to change scenery, climate, states, countries- anything to culture and enrich my life- but after this week, it's confirmed that I officially admire travelers, writers, adventurers, do-gooders or anyone who takes risks and goes wherever life takes them.

Meeting new people is different and intoxicating. Something can be said about strangers who want to bring you into their world and educate you. I do, however, consider myself lucky to have the life I do, the close, large family I live with and the friends who, well, mean the world to me. I have inspiration all around me and every day. Of course, I'm still teaching myself how to capture and exercise it all...but it's there! ...Cindy and her friends were wonderful people and her stories about living in Africa and being a nutritionist were awe-inspiring, but someone else there amazed and captivated me- and not for the first time...

We all have our strengths, positives and that special something that sets us apart from the others. (It's obvious that I'm still learning to use mine.) Karen is one of my best friends, even after only a few years. Her life, stories, charm, strength, family, beauty and heart fascinate me. I can certainly say this about all of my friends, but she left a particularly strong impression on my this week and I felt compelled to tell her. Spending the evening with her at this event left me appreciating and admiring her all the more. We reminisced about becoming friends and this is pretty much how it went down. Karen: "Hi, gina, you're cute, can we be friends?". We have been bests ever since. Something we have in common is we can read people well and were attracted to each other's energy. While talking to our new Brooklyn friends, I listened to her, and was reminded why we're friends. She's exploding with this energy and brightness I don't think I've seen in anyone else I've ever met. She can charm the pants off anyone, every time, including me (and I've heard her stories tons of times)! I thought I was sociable and an extrovert, but I find myself listening more than talking when she's around. Recently, I heard of her dreams to move to BK and work her ideal job and I respect and support it completely... it's also closer and more tangible than I think she knows. I've habitually been better at giving advice than receiving and my advice to her has been what everyone we met that night was also telling her; to cut the strings that have been holding her here and pursue. Because exuberance like hers needs to be let loose!

I hope to employ the admiration I have towards these people or their lives and motivate myself to set goals and eventually live out my aspirations. Whether it be as small-scale as getting my writing published or as life-changing as moving across-or out of- the country, I'm slowly setting priorities to make things happen. ;)

life & the brooklyn bridge.

Last Wednesday I went on an adult field trip to Manhattan and BK with some work friends. They are all photographers with fancy SLR camera's and I got to play around with one of their old ones. My pics here are actually from my little 'point-and-shoot' Canon and I was very pleased with how they came out. The color accent feature is my fav (seen above in the 'Pleasantville-esque photo).

Being an artist for the day was exhilarating... just being around lots of talent and in a crazy city like NY was inspiring; everything you point the camera at becomes art. I know now how easy it is to find inspiration and be someone or something I didn't think I could be. Who says you need a degree or title to do something you love?

I've been dissecting life lately in hopes to figure out what I have passion for... My sister loves kids and animals, some friends spend their free time on boats or sailing, my grandma likes sewing and jewelry, my other sister doesn't stop singing, my best friend is an expert in anything beauty, my other best friend loves to surf and lives around the world just to do so and my work friends are either graphic designers, photographers, movie makers, musicians or teachers. I enjoy fitness and eating healthy and reading, among tons of other things I 'like' and wish I loved enough to make it a fixture in my life, but nothing screams "change your life for me, Gina".

Yes, writing is a passion of mine... something I never stuck with throughout my life but always came back to. However, in order to keep me writing, I'm going to need to keep re-fueling my inspiration tank... Something all the 2 days mini-trips can't afford.

My last blog entry was about how lucky I am to take those little trips and reset my boredom button. But like a bandaid, the trips cover the imperfections temporarily, but the next day when it falls off in the shower, you think "oh, it's still there, damn". How do you find what it is you're looking for, grab it, admire it, perfect it and have it to look forward to when you're on your way home from the little getaways? Hard work? Sure... once you find it, it'll only be natural to slave over whatever means necessary to grab and perfect it... But, what about the "it"? What is "it"? If you have it then I envy you.

I've known some people who traveled or moved away or just out of their houses and whether they were looking for it or not, they found it anyway- or it found them. Maybe I won't find anything for years, which i've come to accept, but is staying stagnant the best option? Wait for something to come to me, or get out there and search? Go back to school, travel Long Island or travel the world? If only I had a partner in crime...

spring fever...

I haven't updated in a while, and i've been waiting for a moment that really makes me want to write... Well, last month I went to Puerto Rico and this passed weekend I took a ferry over to Fire Island. Both times were to visit my best friends since birth. They are brothers who live in different locations for each season to live, work, surf, ski, and do whatever else they choose. It's an amazing way to spend your twenties. 

I not only admire them, but I also get to reap the benefits of beautiful locals around the world when I visit them! Going on vacation for a week, or even a day, has nothing but perks. Every time I travel anywhere new or revisit a special place, I tend to reflect on life a bit. Doesn't everyone? I mean, if you don't, you really aren't fully appreciating your life and the life that's out there. 

A walk down a beach front unknown to me, a lunch outside next to a bay, a gorgeous sunset from an alternate point of view, being out on ANY kind of boat-anywhere... these are all things i would never take for granted. My girlfriend, Karen, and I went to eat at the restaurant our friends work at in Ocean Beach, Fire Island, and took a seat at the big round tables on the outside deck next to the Great South Bay. To some, this is common, or maybe not a big deal, but to us it was heaven. We didn't even have to talk to each other, I just literally and figuratively soaked in the sun and the surroundings. As I sampled a new white fish with perfectly seasoned veggies, the sun warmed my skin and smoothed out any goosebumps I had from the breeze off the water. 

Even on the ferry ride, same as a road trip in a car, there's not one thing around me I wouldn't look at. How can anyone face forward on a trip and not take in the views? A tree with orange leaves in the fall, a snow covered playground in the winter, the Robert Moses bridge from a few miles away in the middle of the open water, a line of cute sail boats docked along the shore, or the view of the still bay and clear skies while eating with a great friend...

This is what I live for! Simple moments. 

optimistic.

Well, it's been over a month and three people in the passed week have reminded me how lonely Warm October is... So, I'm finally back. February was a crazy month for me... Lots of decisions and changes were made, all... for the better. 

I came to an epiphany sometime in mid February, while exploring options for my possible near future, and that's: I am happy where I am and with what I'm doing. Simple as that. You may feel it's minuscule to come to such a realization, but, to me, reaching that step came along with a clearer mind, a load off my back, tons of stress relief and even a healthier me. Becoming conscious of this- along, of course, with the support and LOVE from my amazing friends- helped me through a sad and exhausting breakup and each day is looking brighter than the last. I can only go forward from here... and now, unlike a few weeks ago, I am anticipating my unknown, exciting, optimistic future...

To 'piggyback' on the above, i've also come to appreciate not just what's (un)planned for my future, but for what I already have today. As cheesy as it sounds, think about it... you might forget about something so simple as a sweet and generous gesture- or as not-so-simple as a great friend. Or something hidden in plain sight, like a beautiful person that you've always known, but now is an extraordinary friend... 

25 random facts

I was recently sent a few of these on Facebook from some friends and the point is, if you receive them, you should fill them out and send 'em back... I haven't had anything to write this week for my blog, sooo, here's what I did on Facebook:

 25 random things about me:

1. I don't think I'm interesting enough to write in these things.

2. The thing I wanted to be "when i grew up" was a writer and I wanted my best friend, Jens, to illustrate it.

3. I used to go to punk, ska and HC shows when I was 14-22(ish) years old. Definitely the best times any teenager could have. I even met & got pics with all my favorite bands.
4. I love makeup.
5. I love boardgames, the fun ones. And still try to have nights where my friends and I can play games, drink a few and laugh all night.
6. I have four sisters and I'm the oldest.
7. I (can be) the most emotional and (am) the most indecisive person I know.
8. My dream job would be to work for a popular magazine like Cosmo or Glamour. (To me) it is probably the most glamourous career (no pun intended).
9. I intern for the LI magazine, Pulse and have been published (for the first time) twice.
10. My dad played drums for an 80s cover band named "Splash" and played at bars all over LI. My mom was prego with me going to his shows... explains a lot.
11. I wish i were more creative, i.e. wrote more, drew, painted, interior design, took up photography or videography... but realize it's never to late.
12. I eat healthy, but cookies are my weakness
13. I regret not going abroad while in college... but I may go back to school one day.
14. I can read people really well and figure them out easily.
15. I still can't figure out what hair style/length fits me best, it's very frustrating for a girl.
16. I really would love to travel abroad and work, teach, intern or study.. ANYTHING... but have been too scared to go it alone :/
17. For years i've wanted to start a blog and I finally have: warmoctober.blogspot.com
18. I hope to live in another state for even just a short period of time, preferably near a large city like LA or Chicago (never been there).
19. I wish there were at least ONE less work day: 4 work days & 3 weekend days... who made it 5 anyway?? I just can't seem to get it all done.
20. I have a handful of beautiful girlfriends that have been there from all walks of life; from elementary to my current job, who have and will always be there for me and visa versa!
21. I hate holding wooden spoons with a dry hand... ::shivers:: I also hate tomatoes!
22. I have two tattoos & wish I had money for more!
23. My uncle is an actor on The Closer. Visiting him in Cali was some of the best times i've ever had.
24. I realize I really do love life and I appreciate all the different activities you can do specific to each season. (snowboard, festivals, beach, camping, BBQ's, apple picking, etc)
25. I've been a camper since i was a toddler. My parents have brought me when the "bathroom" was a hand-dug hole in the ground & now we own a huge travel trailer that has a kitchen, full BR & sleeps 8.