Thursday, May 29, 2014

Day 4:
Tonight's blog is a little shorter for two reasons: 1) I'm pooped and 2) I pretty much did one thing today. So I had my "orientation" meeting at work today, which was great, and got a chance to talk to my boss about what I would really like to get involved with this summer! It was so nice to share ideas and I feel like I'm really starting to integrate myself in the office. I even sat in the break room during my lunch break, which was a good call. I have a lot of friendly coworkers who are in different departments, and its a young office, so I think I am going to have a lot of fun this summer! 

During my meeting with my boss, I talked about my interest in learning HTML/CSS (coding). Professors are always raving about what a great skill it is to have, so I figured I'm here, why not learn? Well, we decided to tackle that project right away. I did a 7-hour beginner's course all day at work, and I feel like I could make my own (albeit basic) website right now! I still have a lot to learn, and it was pretty exhausting, but it felt good to get all of it done and really feel like I have already taken a big step to gaining a new skill. Jobs are kind of cool, I guess :) 




Ended the night cooking some delicious burgers for dinner, talking to some old friends, and listening to one of my favorite albums, Ella & Louis for Lovers. If you have an appreciating for some real throwback music, give it a listen. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and if you're looking to learn HTML, I highly recommend www.codecademy.com. Free, simple and fun! 

I'm looking forward to the next few days! I'm planning to go on my first big bike ride here on Saturday, exploring the city, and hopefully joining a gym. Time to get back in a routine!

Thanks for reading!
#Day4IndyAdventures
- SBL

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Days 2 & 3:
I'm already behind on the blogging... there's a shocker! Welp, it's day 2 on the job and day 3 in Indy, so it works. I'm currently enjoying my lunch break from the seventh floor of our building, AND freezing my butt off. Note to self: always bring a jacket to work. 

Yesterday was my first day at the USA Football office, and it was interesting! When I start a job, I always have this expectation that the first day is going to be really exciting, and I'm going to be thrown into a bunch of different projects right off the bat. Surprisingly, my first day here was quite relaxing. Everyone was busy catching up after the holiday weekend, and I didn't really get any assignments. So, I got to explore, do some research on the organization, and just get acclimated to my new office! The people here are super nice and laid back, and I'm just looking forward to getting to know everyone a little more in the coming weeks.

Last night was good too! I think I am going to have a hard time understanding the concept of having a work computer, that I leave at work. Homework has become so second nature, but I have to say, it will probably be a nice break, and give me more time to explore this city! 

I'm having a great time with my host family! Mrs. L and I are so similar and goofy together, the kids are super energetic and fun, and I already feel like I fit right in. My family has been blessed with some wonderful friends, and I am so happy to have the chance to really get to know them. 

Work today has been great! I chatted with a few of the interns this morning, got assigned my first research project, and had the chance to sit in on my first content meeting. A bunch of USA Football gear came into the office right before lunch, so I also stocked up on lots of gear (I've never been one to say no to free t-shirts). The research I'm doing today is focused around popular Mom bloggers, especially if they write about kids and sports a lot. If you follow any, let me know! I had no idea how many blogging moms there are out there!! Kudos to anybody who can run a blog and a household... this part is hard enough! I'll share my favorite I've found below :) 

Thanks for reading today! 


#Day2&3IndyAdventures
http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/


Monday, May 26, 2014

Day 1: 
Today was my first official day as a "resident" of Indianapolis, and was it busy! I spent the morning with Mom and Molly, exploring Butler University after  a nice breakfast at Panera. We wanted to cram in a little more sight-seeing before they had to head back to Michigan, and we had heard that the grounds of Butler were beautiful (the rumors were true). 


We had a great time exploring the beautiful gardens and fountains, and it reminded me of the Arb back in Michigan, though I can't say I miss Ann Arbor all that much just yet... this city is so historic and beautiful, and I can't wait to really immerse myself in all it has to offer.  

After a few hours of hiking and nature selfies (my family can't control the urge to take them), we headed to my new home for the summer. It was awesome to have the time to explore with Molly and Mom before they had to leave and I was sad to see them go, but excited about getting settled and ready for my first day of work. 

After saying our goodbyes, I got settled in my new room. It has more space than my last three bedrooms at Michigan combined, and I am feeling spoiled as ever! I finished the last bits of paperwork I needed for USA, and then headed out to dinner with my host family. We went to Yats, a cajun restaurant that's pretty famous in Indy. The food was amazing (if you ever go, I recommend the Chili Cheese Etouffee and the Maque Choux Etouffee - incredible stuff), as was my company. I am so grateful to have such a fun and outgoing family to spend my summer with, and I couldn't be more excited to start my new job tomorrow! If you read all of this, you're pretty cool. I'm looking forward to sharing all my experiences with you! 

#Day1IndyAdventures
http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/