tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71082909707350128372024-02-07T04:02:03.234-08:00Post 5000 Miles From HomeThis blog began when I got the opportunity to live in Aachen, Germany, which happens to be 5000 miles away from my home state of Oregon. Although I am back in the US, I'm continuing the blog to keep friends and family all over the world updated on my life in America. Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-89980442596505158372017-10-09T00:48:00.000-07:002017-10-09T00:48:36.197-07:00Pursuing that Higher Education<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Right now I'm pretty high. As in 2,000 feet above New England. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Cue the Vampire Weekend.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a>Over the past three months, I've gotten to travel to new places, meet new people, and step into new roles. I feel as if I've been given a new pair of glasses and the Big Chalkboard of Life looks a little different now. My perspective has changed. What's important has shifted. While the future does seem clearer, I also now see that all the knowledge and planning I've stenciled out on that chalkboard can be erased in a blink. Nothing is concrete.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">What's a public relations conference without a photo booth? </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Living in Mountain View and interning at Coursera flew by. I got to participate in media training, work one-on-one with the company's international PR agencies, give the CEO feedback on his interviews with journalists, moderate an All Hands meeting Q&A, and, of course, write, write, write! One of the most notable achievements of the summer, however, may have been during my second to last day on the job, when my weekly dive bar trivia team -- appropriately named <i>Khaaan Academy!!!</i> -- finally won. It's the little things, you know? </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">We Courserians were a pretty tough crew.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I write this, I'm soaring over Canada en route to Portland. Along with the five other student board members of the University of Oregon's Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter, I got to spend the past four days in the beautiful city of Boston. Or rather, <i>Bahhhston</i>. We were at the National PRSSA Conference along with a few thousand fellow aspiring PR pros and another whole conference of PRSA members, a.k.a. established PR pros. It's been a whirlwind of handshakes, business card exchanges and strategic chit chat. Luckily, we also got a chance to explore the city a bit. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Touring the PR agency Cone Communications before visiting Paul Revere.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was six, my family took a trip to New England. My parents had the goal of showing my brothers and me all 50 states, so we swept through America's historical corner one summer vacation. Akin to going back to your former elementary school, Grandma's old house or seeing a TV show from back in the day, it's a little surreal. Wandering around North Boston along parts of the Freedom Trail, I had flickers of that childhood visit almost three quarters of my lifetime ago.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Make way for ducklings! </span></td></tr>
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The feeling that often surfaces upon returning to previously visited places became a theme for me over the past few months. It's not quite deja vu. It's not quite reminiscing. It's revisiting a place that hasn't really changed, but I have. Boston still has the famous Paul Revere statue. I now know the difference between the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. Lakes Tahoe and Pinecrest still have rustic beauty. I now feel how fleeting that nature may be. San Francisco still has Twin Peaks. I now have the corrective lenses of experience, observation and personal passion (plus maybe a little Warby Parker) to know where I do, and don't, want to be in five years, be that geographically, professionally or personally.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Flying away on Twin Peaks.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perspective is a gift for which I'm thankful. I'm thankful to my family, friends, mentors, colleagues and peers for collectively providing me with it. I've thought for a long time I got the big picture. The only thing I get now is that I don't get it. You only learn how much you have to learn. Nothing is concrete. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">A trip to the Oregon Coast during my one week of summer vacation.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This winter I'll be hopping back across the pond to visit several people I haven't seen face to face in quite some time. My health and my relationships are two monumental things I have right now. That I get. I hope anyone who'll be in Europe this winter who'd like to reconnect reaches out. The past few months I've had a number of reunions, both with people I hadn't seen for three weeks as well as those I hadn't seen in three years, and all of those reunions feel like coming home. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Too many to include.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe it's because I haven't spent more than two consecutive weeks in my hometown since high school or maybe those German philosophy books are getting to me, but my concept of home has evolved. The word "home" is a structure that provides protection and support to the person surrounded by it. My home is where I'm protected and supported by the people who surround me, both emotionally and physically. After living in seven different houses over the course of four months, it's clear that people can also be just as transitory as apartments. Love, perspective and tradition can be found in the house I live in for fifty years as well as the Airbnb where I spend a month. The now must be made beautiful, meaningful and memorable. Nothing is concrete.</span></div>
</span></span>Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-30953095137849478502017-07-03T21:21:00.000-07:002017-07-03T21:21:18.835-07:00Trekking with the Techies <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What has 20 legs, 10 smartphones and one Spotify playlist? A group of Silicon Valley interns going to Lake Tahoe for the weekend! Early Friday evening, a few of my fellow Courserians, two friends of the Coursera crew and I dipped out just as Happy Hour was getting started to begin our weekend in the woods. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">We survived the snow-fed waters above Emerald Bay!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a little surreal being back in the Tahoe area. I kept reminiscing about summers spent with my family at Fallen Leaf Lake and when I saw someone wearing a Pinecrest Lake hat, I was immediately transported back to times at Grandma's cabin as a kid. Akin to those trips, this past weekend I got to swim in a chillingly refreshing lake, enjoy a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone on a hot afternoon and play board games around the living room table. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Who knew they'd let a five-year-old drive the jetboat?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">A big difference between my childhood trips and this past weekend was my travel companions. Rather than family whom I know very well -- how they grew up, past experiences, interests -- I learned a great deal about my fellow interns. Many of them travel abroad yearly to visit family in other countries. Everyone speaks at least two, if not three, four or five, different languages. All of them are incredibly kind, thoughtful and curious people. The car rides to and from Tahoe were filled with compelling conversation (for example about this really neat site </span><a href="https://80000hours.org/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">80,000 Hours</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">) and good music. Being in Silicon Valley almost feels like I'm in a new country -- understanding the unique culture, recognizing different norms and meeting new people. Oh, and not to mention a </span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/language-commonly-used-in-tech-industry-rest-of-the-world-wont-understand-2015-7" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">whole new language</a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">All of those white specks on the water are boats.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lake Tahoe itself was a nice little breath of familiar (literal) fresh air after two weeks being immersed in the Valley. As it was Fourth of July weekend, it was a bit of a zoo, but we hiked a little ways away from the crowds of Emerald Bay. Apparently Lake Tahoe feels busier than ever at the moment because of the high waters this year, making for smaller beaches. It made me really appreciate the areas in Oregon that are less explored and still feel wild. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Happy Fourth of July, everybody! #Munchkin4ever</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's hard to believe I've only been in Mountain View for two weeks. Already I've met wonderful people, put in quite a bit of mileage and learned more about PR and the tech world than I could've anticipated by this point. They say full immersion is the best way to learn anything and I'd say that's true, be it a language or a trade. Can't wait to see what the weeks ahead will bring! </span></span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-41117465722350371392017-06-27T21:08:00.001-07:002017-06-27T21:08:37.700-07:00Lily of the Silicon Valley<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Greetings from the land of techies, hybrids and the highest average SAT scores on the West Coast. This summer I'll be living in the heart of Silicon Valley working as a public relations intern for education tech startup <a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank">Coursera</a>. Maybe it's the free meals and unlimited snacks and beverages. Maybe it's the culture of my coworkers being incredibly friendly and genuinely collaborative. Maybe it's the seven minute commute via bike. Maybe it's the ultra-low humidity yet gorgeous sun. Who knows, but it's only been one week and I can already feel the beginnings of an exciting, memorable summer.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Women in Cloud? More like Lily on Cloud Nine.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Day two at Coursera and my manager leaned over from her desk to casually ask if I'd be up to go into the city for an event at Google's San Francisco office after work. Without a moment of hesitation I jumped at the opportunity. So, as it turns out, my first time in San Francisco as a working woman ended up being for a Women in Cloud (technology) event hosted by Google. I was expecting a high-quality event, but man, Google's events team went above and beyond. Keeping with the cloud theme, there were "clouds" of white balloons hanging from the ceiling all around the room as well as adorable golden cloud temporary tattoos. A pianist and flutist were jamming in one corner next to the full wine service bar. On the other side of the room was a decadent "small bites" buffet, complete with branded cupcakes sporting the colorful Google "G" and super friendly waiters. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Talk about an office with a view!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">That evening, taking the Caltrain from San Francisco back to Mountain View I experienced a great deal of empathy for my colleagues who make that commute daily. Commuting is a way of life here. I feel like when you meet a coworker the first three questions are... </span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">What department are you in?</span></li>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">They say Mountain View is the 'burbs of Silicon Valley. Well, if this is suburbia, I think I'm in love! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Hello from about a fifth of the Coursera team! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Speaking of love, this past weekend there were Pride Month festivities in the city. I didn't celebrate it this weekend, but at work on Friday we did recognize it a bit. There were talks about inclusivity, we were all encouraged to dress colorfully, a company <a href="https://blog.coursera.org/love-without-limits-celebrating-pride-month-coursera/" target="_blank">blog post came out about Coursera's goals for welcoming LGBTQ+ employees</a> and at happy hour there were (delicious) rainbow cupcakes. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If this aspect of PR were only more talked about in school...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">And if Coursera wasn't wining and dining us enough, this afternoon the whole Marketing and PR team got to leave work early to go to our offsite department activity. We went to a little wine bar in San Carlos to paint and sip. There was a picture we could copy if we needed a little extra inspiration and it was interesting seeing who painted the picture exactly as it was and who went totally out of the box. The design people on the team did some pretty impressive -- and different -- stuff, while the analytics people copied the original piece line for line. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Waiting for an <strike>Uber</strike> Lyft at the Googleplex.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Outside of work I got to catch up with my friend and fellow CBYX-er Lucas at a music festival this weekend. I've already run into another Oregon Duck unexpectedly while in San Francisco last week and another CBYX alumnus named Jessica came by Coursera for dinner Monday. It is a small world in general and Silicon Valley is an especially small one. It's only been a little more than a week and I'm looking forward to what the next 11 will bring. But for now, time for some beauty sleep! </span></div>
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Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-81741220925890039182017-05-20T15:07:00.000-07:002017-05-20T15:07:00.328-07:00The Nature of Community <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good places to live have big skies and safe streets. As a result, they also have community. When I think back on the places I've lived, many of my strongest and happiest memories are from bike rides I took, gazing up at the clouds. I think about riding through Salem to the hops fields on the outskirts of Keizer or in Aachen peddling towards Belgium as the sky grew ever darker. I might forget the street names, but I'll never forget the invincible and freeing feeling of flying along on a bike with an enormously blue or gray or black or indigo or pink or orange sky above. This past weekend I went to Seattle and experienced a delightful azure sky and community. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Who knew the PNW could get so schön?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">The UO Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) went on a trip to visit and network with PR professionals in Seattle. We saw the agencies Edelman and WE Communications (aka Waggener Edstrom Worldwide) as well as Microsoft's corporate headquarters. The agencies were pretty hip, what with chairs made out of canoes, professionally graffitied stairwells and locally brewed beer on tap 24/7. I tend to consider myself an in-house kind of gal, but you know, the perks sure do seem perky. Microsoft had its own allure being so high-profile, on its own campus, being at the forefront of the technological world. It also, in the brief hour we were there, oozed stress, hyper-professionalism and intellect. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><i>Oui</i>, WE! UO PRSSA Executive Board looking agency-ready.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">At Edelman, which is in the heart of downtown Seattle, we got to go out on the office patio. There's nothing quite like looking down from the 26th floor on all of the little ant-people scurrying about and just taking in the broadness of the bay with -- what I'd like to imagine were -- the peeks of Olympic National Park framing the horizon. Yeah, I think I could get used to the whole agency dealio.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">From Microsoft to Maddie.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I ended up spending the entire cloudless weekend in the Emerald City. In a beautifully fortuitous twist, one of my host brothers from Aachen, Daniel, was in Seattle on business. Two or so hours after he landed we met up downtown and spent the better part of the afternoon catching up. I also got the chance to spend the rest of the weekend with my fellow CBYXer, Maddie, who was in the Aachen area with me back during the exchange. It's always kind of surreal to reunite with friends or family in a place other than the one in which you first met or most frequented together. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Auf der Suche nach Starbucks.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">The weekend wrapped up with an early morning bus and then train back to Eugene. It was refreshing and energizing to see spring springing out the cabin window -- little lambs wobbling through the fields, goslings waddling out of ditches, fluffy white clouds punctuating the sky. Biking to Yawn Patrol Toastmasters, a club that meets weekly in downtown Eugene at 6:15 a.m., this most recent Friday morning, I felt thankful for my current community as well as the ones in which I've gotten to live. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">What an evening on the quad.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Community isn't just who you know. It's how you feel when you're in the thick of it. Community is the freedom to go on a bike ride and give a friendly nod or smile to passersby. Community means trust, support and connection. The individual communities in which I've lived over the years have scattered across the globe, so when the opportunity arises to reconnect with pieces of them, I go for it. Even though my communities will never all be in the same place at the same time, I hold onto them like a patchwork quilt over my shoulders. Some patches are bigger than others, but it's all there, sewn together into the seams of my life. </span></div>
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Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-3295791468187668542017-05-11T23:48:00.000-07:002017-05-11T23:48:04.834-07:00Wie sagt man Toastmaster? <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Some things simply cannot be translated. <i>Fernweh</i>, <i>Schaden-freude</i> and <i>Zeitgeist</i> to name a few. And in English, the seemingly simple term "toastmaster" apparently doesn't have a German doppelgänger. You've got your <i>Straßenredner</i>, <i>Tafelmajor </i>and <i>Sprecher</i>, but I just couldn't find a short and sweet translation for a plain ol' toastmaster other than: </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Jemand, der bei Diners Toasts ankündigt oder ausbringt und Tischreden ansagt. </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">So, just as we have adopted ersatz, gesundheit, wanderlust and hundreds of other expressions, our pals across the pond have picked up a word of ours, </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">das Toastmaster -- </i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">or if you're feeling especially German -- </span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">das Toastmeister</i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>But enough with the vocabulary lesson!</b> I am myself a <i>Toastmeisterin</i> and this past weekend got pretty competitive at the area conference. For those who are new to the toasty world, Toastmasters is an international organization that helps people become better public speakers and leaders. No bread required. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">I took part in the Evaluator Contest competing against eight other people. We watched a speech then were taken to the official evaluator holding room and given five minutes of silence to organize our thoughts on paper. Then we went on stage one by one to constructively evaluate the speech. While waiting, I sized up my </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">competition. I was the youngest by far. Everyone else could</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> hav</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">e</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">been my parent or grandparent. Perhaps the mo</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">st memorable thi</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">ng</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">that happened during my 15 minutes or so in the waiting room was the advice one of the other competitors, an older woman, gave me. "When you get older like us you don't really have as much hair to shave on your legs anymore," she said. "It gives you more time to tend to your mustache!" </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Before you ask, no, the award isn't toast-shaped.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Another quote</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> of the day came during the networking workshop I </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">attended before the contest. As the speaker was wrapping her talk</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">up, she said in a burst of inspiration, "Now, my fellow Toastmasters, go forth and multiply!" She paused for emphasis and then it was clear that she realized what she'd actually said as a gradual pink filled her cheeks. "Your network! Your </span><i style="color: #444444;">network</i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">! Your </span><i style="color: #444444;">NETWORK!</i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">" And, in typical Toastmaster fashion, we all began to applaud the moment out accompanied by a sprinkling of laughter. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Apparently Wilsonville, Oregon has a thriving Shriners community</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">The </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">conference was held in Wilsonville, which is just outside of Portland, at the Al Kader Shrine Center. I'm no expert on the Shriners, but from my limited Wikipedia-ing and the items that were on display in the building, I'd say it's the Freemasons meets the Elks Lodge. All-male organization, full bar and lots of old framed photos hanging around. But I digress. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Mingle mingle mingle.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">The day ended on an inspirational note with the International Speech Conference. Nine Toastmasters at the top of their game gave speeches about everything imaginable. Having that last phone call with their father. Being stuck between a hybrid and a hard place. Learning to ballroom dance at the age of 60. Maybe someday I'll be one of those seasoned Toastmasters bringing tears to the audience's eyes. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Say hello to the third place Evaluator!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">On a hot Berlin day at the American Embassy, a Foreign Service Officer told me to join Toastmasters. I never would have guessed where that advice would land me two years later. I suppose it just goes to show that you just don't know what group, person or experience will take you where you want to go. I guess often times </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">we just don't know where we even want to go. I can't wait to see where Toastmasters, or PRSSA or Coursera or who knows what else, leads me in the next few months and years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13px;">Chatting with an FSO in Berlin. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">So, thank you fellow Toastmasters and honored guests. Well, I could talk on and on and on about Toastmasters, but for now it's time to study! </span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-67190261804983611642017-05-05T00:53:00.000-07:002017-05-05T00:53:38.661-07:00Alles neu macht der Mai <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They say April showers bring May flowers, so I suppose I'll make like a lily and reappear after my long Winterschlaf. Fall will forever remain my favorite season, but spring is a close second -- biking is palatable once more, sundresses come out of the back corners of closets, fruits and vegetables are finally ripe. Best of all, though, is finally seeing all of the Oregonians emerging out of their caves after hibernating for five gray, rainy months and blinking into this bright, sunny world we almost forgot </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">existed. Slack lines come out. Frisbees get tossed. Flip flops are worn once it hits a balmy 55. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">The pool at my apartment complex turned into a real life version of <i>Where is Waldo?</i>.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've gotten to frolic in the sun quite a bit -- </span><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2017/04/oregon_ducks_spring_game_to_ag.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">the spring football game</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/35546237-75/greenhill-humane-society-rents-dogs-to-ducks-to-relieve-stress-raise-funds.html.csp" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Ducks Love Dogs</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, sunbathing in the EMU rocking chairs -- but it has been a relatively packed term. What with PRSSA, Duck TV, Toastmasters and classes, I've gotten to do a lot of what I love, just in a fairly regimented way. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">My fellow UO Toastmaster Joseph and I are taking part in the District speaking competition this Saturday.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">On that note, I haven't blogged for a while. When asked by family and friends over the past few months if I was done with the whole blog thing, I just shrugged and tried to change the subject. I'm too busy. I'm writing too many other things. I'm too tired. In the words of Gandhi, "Action expresses priorities." Thus, the blog isn't done. I have a feeling I won't be able to live in both Germany and Oregon simultaneously any time soon and for that reason I'll say"Auf keinen Fall!" the next time someone asks if the blog is done. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">UO football seems to be in an upswing. We won our first game of the season!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So stay tuned, my friends, my family! Spring is not only in the air, but also in my step! This summer I'll be in Silicon Valley doing the PR thing once more. It'll be a whole new cultural experience, as was D.C. last year. The closest Toastmasters club to where I'll be living holds its meetings in English and Mandarin. There is city-wide free WiFi (thanks Google) and the area is a Silver-Level Bike Friendly Community. Also, thank God for lower humidity. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Guess which is Mountain View and which is Arlington!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is still half of spring term left in which I'll be in a play, planning some events, producing more Duck TV and hopefully catching some rays while biking through Eugene, spending time with friends and catching up with family. But first, time to study! </span></span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-9513191821103974402016-12-26T22:12:00.001-08:002016-12-26T22:12:41.361-08:00A Winter Weather Migration <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a term in which I interviewed </span><a href="https://blogs.uoregon.edu/lmgf16gateway/audio-slideshow/" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Steven Colbert</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, threw my first Festivus gathering, and survived </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">as a dedicated marching band member for a</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, um, <i>colorful</i> college football season, Winter Break has been a nice time to decompress spending time with family and friends. I remember in elementary school we learned how different animals cope with winter. Some adapt by growing a thicker coat, others hibernate, and then there are the critters that migrate. This year I suppose I took the whole duck thing to heart joining my feathered flocking friends and headed south -- and east -- for the winter. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCFsjf6jXXl04FZ1-TWYtQVLy2GJzDANfoY6r3FkQwKDiDggJFASboI3-pRZ0Fuglugzj6hn7FnFrgoNipUTiIs0d8st9pyVrGdFCEv6EfNJl9l7La70ONAOEocReKjPTXh2PrOfvGhk/s1600/IMG_6442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCFsjf6jXXl04FZ1-TWYtQVLy2GJzDANfoY6r3FkQwKDiDggJFASboI3-pRZ0Fuglugzj6hn7FnFrgoNipUTiIs0d8st9pyVrGdFCEv6EfNJl9l7La70ONAOEocReKjPTXh2PrOfvGhk/s400/IMG_6442.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Looks like the Colorado State University geese procrastinated and got a late flight to Cabo.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once we had both escaped Finals Week alive, my boyfriend Jonah and I hopped over to Colorado to visit some of his family. The last time I was in Colorado I was a little girl with my family doing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volksmarching" target="_blank">Volkswalks</a> and winding through the Rockies. This time I was both an excited significant other wanting to make a good impression with important family members as well as a curious college student exploring the school I'd almost gone to, University of Colorado Boulder. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWA6PXWHHskNn2pazh5e4072m-VNepD8n06pcANQeZbYm44iNtI92mqdMsR3yAfj5M7iX3ZmxTXUQjrX_ZZ8df7EDDCKlmuX_99zsTHl5TwfAoJFCe6IdPsoEv0otnz3HPA8KtoNZbEw/s1600/IMG_6543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWA6PXWHHskNn2pazh5e4072m-VNepD8n06pcANQeZbYm44iNtI92mqdMsR3yAfj5M7iX3ZmxTXUQjrX_ZZ8df7EDDCKlmuX_99zsTHl5TwfAoJFCe6IdPsoEv0otnz3HPA8KtoNZbEw/s400/IMG_6543.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">A brisk winter trek -- who knew it could be snowy <i>and</i> sunny?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The trip was lovely and definitely a success. Not only did we get in the holiday spirit making Christmas cookies and seeing <i>The Nutcracker,</i> but I got to know Jonah's world better. I mean, what says family visit like seeing that adorable (although some might say </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">embarrassing) video of your boyfriend as a toddler dancing his little diapered booty away in baby music class? </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDZhmevNlNMhGNArYwmLZ0foDA2fva1bD9MNPnbv43A_Tag2-TUiP3BUjFExD63q9lwKDjDxC86XA4jT-UIfGnplWWJoAQgbEEPrPU3gedeu5yzc7qYXppcyEy2DIJloCeCj8A1q_YEI/s1600/IMG_6434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDZhmevNlNMhGNArYwmLZ0foDA2fva1bD9MNPnbv43A_Tag2-TUiP3BUjFExD63q9lwKDjDxC86XA4jT-UIfGnplWWJoAQgbEEPrPU3gedeu5yzc7qYXppcyEy2DIJloCeCj8A1q_YEI/s400/IMG_6434.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">My pupper walking the doggos.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then it was back to the wintry wonderland of Oregon. When I arrived in Portland, Uber rates from PDX were at a 500 percent surge. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Five</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Hundred</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Luckily I had my own private chauffeur, my dad. He navigated the slippery I-5, passing truckers adjusting chains and empty cars parked on the shoulder of the </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">freeway after running out of gas the night before. It truly felt like Snowpocalypse had struck the Willamette Valley. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2J4gWUCmcVH9YEefYhHxSYCp3vtEtUZwpq5wh6IeTTagl-1z_OobLZBhFc0cPVXvUYhCrsLo4QvQd52E6ZW-mTqbSY302eu6vdECXMQ3ZGXdLbJVaJ51kQ7y0RX6BQLaMqW_v3gRipEk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-26+at+21.35.39.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2J4gWUCmcVH9YEefYhHxSYCp3vtEtUZwpq5wh6IeTTagl-1z_OobLZBhFc0cPVXvUYhCrsLo4QvQd52E6ZW-mTqbSY302eu6vdECXMQ3ZGXdLbJVaJ51kQ7y0RX6BQLaMqW_v3gRipEk/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-26+at+21.35.39.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Greetings from good ol' Salem, Oregon!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few days cozying up inside, going for brisk walks, and traversing the icy roads to meet up with friends I hadn't seen since summer or last Christmas, I went south with the fam. We drove down to Sacramento to spend the holidays with a few of my mom's sisters, her mother and my cousins. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMP2S-l9UOdROpGsK23HbwRv_oZ1-pgD4JTprUSPj1zqb9ZBCWbizuV8B7x9k9W1Fbp5UU60WIu_wlQTl2ii3BT48aDvcDUgSEWBH7YshpSaiatfb-Pa0kX4Zvf6pOEVziU9Np3hRPV4/s1600/IMG_6559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMP2S-l9UOdROpGsK23HbwRv_oZ1-pgD4JTprUSPj1zqb9ZBCWbizuV8B7x9k9W1Fbp5UU60WIu_wlQTl2ii3BT48aDvcDUgSEWBH7YshpSaiatfb-Pa0kX4Zvf6pOEVziU9Np3hRPV4/s400/IMG_6559.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Aunt Mo, Cocktail Waitress: helping families survive the holidays since 2016. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was wonderful seeing everyone and hearing the neat things they're getting up to -- working for Tesla, studying abroad in the Netherlands, adopting new pups. I was also thankful my stocking stuffer turned out. All I've got to say is that technology is pretty neat. With the assistance of online 3D printing communities, I was able to design and print cookie cutters shaped in either California or Oregon for everyone. The new DIY! The next migration this winter will be out to Central Oregon for some more snow and sun to ring in the new year. But for now, before migrating east again, it's time for some laundry and a little R&R! </span></span></div>
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Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-3698579026333618852016-11-09T14:11:00.000-08:002016-11-09T14:11:10.856-08:00To My International Friends, I Don't Understand Either <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last night I sat in my living room alongside my closest friends and watched a nightmare unfold. We just couldn't believe our eyes. For that disillusionment I could point fingers at countless individuals and groups, but at the moment that feels counterproductive, especially given the river of hate, anger and indignation flowing through social media already. Moving forward and working towards the future is all we have left now as a country and global community. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Peaceful assembly in front of the student union building this afternoon.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Early this afternoon, I went to a career fair on campus. I went to the same one last year. It was surreal what a time capsule the EMU Ballroom had remained with all of the recruiters, banners, free pens and business cards. You wouldn't have known that just a few hours before hundreds of students had been protesting in the surrounding streets. In that way, it was comforting to know that the apocalypse hadn't struck as I had perhaps dreamed and feared it would. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Walking back to my apartment, the </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">unseasonably warm, gentle sunshine filled a perfect blue sky. It's days like this that I'm happy to have the freedom and safety to stroll down the street on my own. It's also days like this that I break out in a cold sweat remembering Eugene hasn't experienced a freezing temperature in more than 270 days. It's days like this that make me feel sick imagining what kinds of forests, water and air my children will play in one day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A long time ago, some guys decided to start a political experiment. I wonder how they would feel about today. Then again, they would be lacking some crucial context to understand why us female Americans are trembling in our shoes -- the 19th Amendment, Roe vs. Wade, the "Nasty Lady" rhetoric. We've come a long way since Washington and friends decided on a system for their new country. That system isn't perfect, I mean, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/11/09/for-the-second-time-hillary-clinton-wins-more-votes-but-loses-an-election/" target="_blank">the American people actually voted for Hillary</a>, but the Founding Fathers designed it with intent. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am undoubtedly concerned for my own future as well as that of my country and the world. Our democracy may not be perfect, but look at those changes we've been able to enact within this system. It's time to speak out and participate. I am as dumbfounded as you are, my international friends, about the outcome of this election. But while it's tempting to run away to Canada or Germany or wherever, it's not my place. I am an American and as an American, I have more leverage than many of those living outside of the US who will be greatly affected by my country's policies even though they didn't ask to be. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Democracy will endure and that means we the people must endure as well. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot say I am happy. I cannot say I think it's fair or just. I can only say I am moving forward and ready to help with progress for all of us -- in America and the greater global community. </span></span></div>
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Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-38066599302980139042016-11-01T16:46:00.001-07:002016-11-01T16:46:55.430-07:00Indiana: The Final Frontier <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy November! The past three weeks have been one, long blur. What with classes, a business trip of sorts to Indianapolis, marching band happenings and Halloween, my favorite month has come and gone without even a casual "hey-o." But onwards and upwards! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Livin' it up in the big city (of Indy).</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You may be wondering why I up and left for Indiana </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">of all places</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(Fun Fact: it's the 43rd state I've visited) in the middle of Fall Term. Well, the National Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Conference was in Indianapolis this year and as a member of the University of Oregon's PRSSA Executive Board, I got to go. Along with the five other members of the board, I went to workshops, heard speakers (including Scott Kelly, the dude who lived in space for a year!), toured a PR agency, networked like crazy (we got to sit down for half an hour with the former VP of Communications for KIND Bars) and explored the city in our free time. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a great experience that only cemented my affirmation that PR is the route for me. The conference itself was interesting, but disaster stricken Day Two when Twitter crashed. It was almost comical watching all of these hyper-Tweeting future PR professionals struggle to sit still and simply listen to a presentation. You could almost see the thumbs twirling like phantom limbs in a subconscious attempt to live Tweet. Even the presenters seemed a little unsure. There was always, inevitably a slide promoting a relevant hashtag or encouraging the audience to interact and discuss something on the Tweet-o-sphere, which, as if in an apocalypse film entitled <i>Tweetastrophe!</i>, didn't exist. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Touring Hirons & Company, a small advertising and PR firm (of no relation to the Hiron's of Eugene).</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another twist to the PRSSA plot was the convention happening at the hotel next door. Apparently more than 60,000 people descended upon Indy for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) National Convention and Expo. There were teenagers everywhere you looked in navy jackets with golden </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">embroidery stating where they were from -- Montana, Texas, New Mexico, California, Georgia. Although the FFA and PRSSA gatherings were very different, I couldn't help but imagine how much the two groups could do if they joined forces... </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Give me an "I!" </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After my long weekend in the big city, I jumped right into one of my biggest responsibilities as the Events Director for UO PRSSA, an event called Ducks Love Dogs. It's a fundraiser for both Greenhill Humane Society in Eugene and UO PRSSA, where you can rent a dog for a specified amount of time to play, cuddle or walk. A college campus is a great place to hold something like Ducks Love Dogs because so many students are what I call "dog sick." They just miss their pooch back home. I don't have that much experience planning events and luckily this one ended up being not only successful, but also fun and adorable. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZW2rfWhdCC5R1MjkvzAjdCXNrXWh3dmboimO8jzJ9wT4GPpaJgP95FdfS1Mi_h5cHbIBX2jusHJfbJdXfmDF-sVMh0_Djdo3nPXgvMXoAC7Fv61J03WoaOcdlsoPEfQpP13yJlQC-uoc/s1600/DLD+Instagram+Fall+2016+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZW2rfWhdCC5R1MjkvzAjdCXNrXWh3dmboimO8jzJ9wT4GPpaJgP95FdfS1Mi_h5cHbIBX2jusHJfbJdXfmDF-sVMh0_Djdo3nPXgvMXoAC7Fv61J03WoaOcdlsoPEfQpP13yJlQC-uoc/s400/DLD+Instagram+Fall+2016+copy.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The event will be back in the spring, so fear not!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, to top off a full few days, UO had a home game against Arizona State. Because it was Halloweekend, </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMK2ml2DxIE/?taken-by=theoregonduck" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">the Duck came out in his costume</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and there was a number of fans in spirited garb, including some Sun Devils in </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">veryyyy</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> form fitting morph suits. The highlight of the game, however, was when we finally pulled a victory. I don't know if I'd bet on a bowl game, but at least we know some success is possible. <i>Sco Ducks! </i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Greetings Earthlings, from Commander Spock and Lieutenant Uhura!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And on a final note, Halloween was quite fun. I celebrated with a few close friends and got to get all dressed up. My boyfriend, Jonah, is </span><strike style="font-family: inherit;">a bit of</strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"> a major Trekkie, so I geeked out with him and dressed as Nyota Uhura, which seems fitting as she is a translator and communications officer. I mean, if I'm going to be exploring strange new worlds I'd like to know how to chat with any aliens we meet. I've definitely come a long way from cowering at the sight of E.T. to dressing up as a space explorer. But for now, before traveling to any other cities, states, countries or galaxies, it's time to study! </span></span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-29923157651691807522016-10-09T11:26:00.000-07:002016-10-09T12:54:09.252-07:00The Cornucopia of Fall Term<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">Hallo nochmal!</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The elusive Lily is, indeed, still here. After slipping off the face of the blogosphere around Fourth of July, I successfully finished my summer internship with Lidl US, reunited with my host brother as well as a former CBYX buddy of mine in Seattle, spent quality time with the fam in Salem, survived two weeks of 9am-9pm band camp and, oh, a particular highlight of September, got my wisdom teeth removed! And now, it's back to the college grind here in good ol' Eugene.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The past two months in overview-- winning a Lidl something special, catching a Mariners game, loosing my wisdom and getting new marching band uniforms.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Because it is the weekend-- how about them Ducks? As a dedicated member of the Oregon Marching Band, I've been to the past three football games. One was against Colorado. We lost. One was in Pullman against Washington State. We lost. And the most recent one was against UW. We lost. It is a bit demoralizing to lose game after game, but the old adage "the band always wins" remains true. Countless fans and students continue to give us high fives and high praise as we're walking home or eating somewhere in uniform after the game. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Me, a dedicated Oregon football fan, with Jonah, my number one fan.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Unfortunately the Ducks' downward slide on the college football totem pole means our bowl game prospects are looking more like the toilet variety than the Sugar, Orange, Cotton or Rose kind. From a public relations perspective it has been interesting watching the team's, university's and media's reactions to recent outcomes. At the most recent game against UW, Oregon decided it would make excellent use of a commercial break and flaunt its new </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuSKO24YbBA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Marcus Mariota Sports Performance Center in a 90 second video</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> shown on Autzen Stadium's jumbo screen. While the center is stunning, it didn't seem to be boosting team performance or morale. (Oregon was 50 points behind UW when the video was shown and didn't exactly make a comeback.)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Hillary Rodham Clinton Donald J. Trump Bingo.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Oregon football hasn't been the only televised event under the public eye in the past few weeks. The presidential and VP debates have been excellent fodder for the political pundits and news outlets as well as us common college students. I watched the past two debates with my roommates and we even had bingo cards full of catch phrases and inevitable topics for the presidential one. This election season has been alarming, unusual and disconcerting. I don't want to get too political, so all I'll say is thank God Saturday Night Live is on again. </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxXaEh1eEwc" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">And they even brought Jimmy Fallon back for a bit!</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">The UO PRSSA Executive Board with our first meeting's guest speaker, Lydia Fakhouri.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">As many of you know, the reason I love to geek out about the PR approach of Oregon football, presidential candidates or (perhaps most often) grocery stores has to do with the fact it's my major. I'm excited to broaden my PR experience even more this year as the Events Director for </span><a href="http://prssa.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">UO PRSSA</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. As a side note-- if you're available October 26th or 27th, I highly recommend swinging by our </span><a href="https://orgsync.com/51811/events/1647244/occurrences/3832892" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Ducks Love Dogs</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> event on campus. It'll be a cute, cuddly time. And then, of course, I'm still at Toastmasters and Duck TV. Needless to say, Fall Term won't be boring. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Celebrating my dad's retirement this fall.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Even with a slightly disappointing football team and the inevitability of Oregon's rain and winter gloom, I have a feeling the next eight weeks will zip by. It's busy terms like this one when I'm especially thankful my family lives just a short drive away. And now my dad is retired, I'm looking forward to weekday brunches or the occasional Cottage Grove bike ride with the fam. I'm sure I'll find a spare hour or two between planning PR events, marching band rehearsals and going to class. But for now it's time to study! </span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-29625175857805438812016-07-06T18:57:00.000-07:002016-07-06T18:58:11.322-07:00An Oregon-ized Fourth of July<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Greetings from the most patriotic place on the planet-- our nation's capitol! This post, or at least this portion of it, should be accompanied by some shrilly trilling piccolo and pulsating snares. I mean, at least a little Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson should be floating up from the floorboards. Or maybe just the sound of rain pouring down onto pavement, which would be a much more accurate soundtrack to my Fourth of July experience. Despite the fact it literally rained on the parade here, it was refreshing to have a little reminder of home halfway through my stay here in DC. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Speciosum hominem extra status Oregon</i> in her natural habitat.</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Friday afternoon Lidl treated us to an ice cream social. I felt like I was in grade school again and it was the day before Spring Break or some other vacation. Everyone was bubbling about their big weekend barbecuing or boating shenanigans. Once the final bell rang, aka my department's mass exodus to beat the traffic to New York, Philly or the Jersey Shore, I turned up the <a href="http://www.infiniteguest.org/tbtl/" target="_blank">TBTL</a> and turned onto full Weekend Mode. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Is that Portland I see? (It's not.)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Friday and Sunday evenings I hung out, primarily with fellow interns, in the charming neighborhood of Georgetown. On Sunday I was introduced to the friends of another Lidl intern. One of his friends and I for whatever reason started chatting about international relations and eventually we were geeking out about the foreign service. Well, it turns out her mother has close ties to the Embassy of Monaco. One thing leads to another and we're all heading back to her place, which just happens to be the Monegasque embassy. Man, never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be having a dance off to Icona Pop on the grounds of the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco to the US with some of my new friends and friends of friends! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">The roomie, good ol' Abe and a few thousand of our favorite tourists.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">The embassy was definitely a highlight, but I also discovered a pretty great place here in Alexandria. I've found my new writing nook, which just happens to be a hip little coffeeshop. Maybe it was the fact they serve A+ cold brew and iced tea in <strike>Mason jars</strike> canning jars (<a href="http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/d1e1e5ff-5006-4493-9342-1b5b6e653183.aspx?utm_content=bufferdcd55&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">apparently AP outlawed that term</a>) reminiscent of Eugene or maybe it was the strangely mesmerizing covers of covers of the Postal Service they play exclusively on vinyl. Who knows. But this place, Alexandria, but also DC on a whole, is growing on me. Maybe not the weather, but the social and cultural environments definitely are. And when I wasn't boogying away to Icona Pop or brainstorming for one of my freelance gigs, I went to the Mall twice (And no, not the Robin Sparkles kind. I know what you're thinking, SSHS Band circa summer 2013). I went once to meet up with a high school buddy and his sister and the second time to get in the Independence Day spirit along with my roomie and her boyfriend.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiH4M28cu2Sp-FeDDF1BlK4iVBidF6ZycD8skBff_5ljgzvohbMyWGr7kTaDvtQq9jTSPXzSp0vYPvECAaDMjaDjoZAvSIrYJJpYln1ax_6XD6MejeeApw9CjayllN6XES8HTBYKi414/s1600/IMG_5535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiH4M28cu2Sp-FeDDF1BlK4iVBidF6ZycD8skBff_5ljgzvohbMyWGr7kTaDvtQq9jTSPXzSp0vYPvECAaDMjaDjoZAvSIrYJJpYln1ax_6XD6MejeeApw9CjayllN6XES8HTBYKi414/s400/IMG_5535.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">I have never seen that many ambulances at once.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">It came as no surprise, but the police and military presence in DC on the Fourth was huge. After the events this past weekend in Saudi Arabia, it's even more apparent how dangerous and unpredictable the world is. Sitting in the shadow of Abraham Lincoln listening to the pitter patter of rain and the low, dull murmur of tourist voices, my roommate and I would flinch every time an airplane would suddenly roar overhead completing its descent into Reagan National. It's hard not to immediately think the worst. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Reflections on freedom.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">And while going out into the world does unquestionably require forethought and prudence, it also requires life. After reading the news day in and day out-- it is literally my job at the moment-- I can think of hundreds of reasons to run home, lock the doors, draw the blinds and curl up in a ball. But then I would never see the Monegasque embassy. Or meet new friends. Or reunite with old ones. Or discover the best coffeeshop ever. Or be in this amazing city learning things I didn't know I didn't know. For all of those things, and the freedom that has granted me the access to them, I am grateful. But enough talk-- now it's time to go seize the day, or rather seize some beauty sleep to take on the day tomorrow. One Lidl step at a time! </span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-48483118165692259882016-06-28T19:11:00.002-07:002016-06-28T19:17:01.069-07:00Do You Know The Way To Gay Street? <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My roommate, Brittney, and I are back to the corporate grind after a lovely weekend in New York City. Not only did we find delicious Italian grub and swim through the Times Square Sea of People, we also enjoyed the city's diverse parks and neighborhoods-- definitely a win for my Fitbit game after a brief, cough-induced hiatus. All in all, the Big Apple was pretty sweet.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">And yes, I did use the Trump SoHo restrooms! #ThanksTrump</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our decision to visit New York was long in the works, but the actual trip was booked last minute. We had perfect summer weather for hours of walking around Manhattan-- with the occasional stop for cold bevs or ice cream at a street kiosk. And like any cultured 20-something American women, we couldn't help but gush as we strolled through the Upper East Side, Central Park and Little Italy about the movies and TV shows that had taken place under our feet. I kept thinking of Ilana and Abbi from <i>Broad City</i> and Brittney pointed out the Central Park bridge that Prince Charming likely jumped from in <i>Enchanted</i>.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">A roommate portrait to hang above the hearth.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The entertainment industry did an excellent job of making me fall head over heels for the city. It used a line baited with everything that can be romanticized about NYC, which included a large dose of Broadway. We snagged TKTS tickets to the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots. Cindy Lauper wrote the music and lyrics. It was about a transvestite who helps save this British dude's floundering shoe factory. The drag queens, glitter, dancing and endless stream of British accents made for a magical experience. We had no idea what we were getting into when we got the tickets three or so hours before curtain, but it was exceedingly entertaining and lovable.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Ladies and gentlemen and those who have yet to decide!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was also exceedingly apropos of the major festivities happening that weekend in the city. We had no idea, but apparently this weekend marked the end of New York Pride Week. Man, if we thought the DC Pride Parade was a big deal, New York's was an international extravaganza. Walking around the Christopher Street area Sunday morning, the barricades were already set, stores had rainbow balloons, flashy signs and multicolored displays, and the NYPD was overwhelmingly, yet understandably, present. I have never before seen so many police officers in the span of six blocks. At least four were chilling on each street corner keeping an eye on things. The parade itself was Brazilian-Carnival-meets-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><wbr></wbr></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Broadway-flamboyance-meets-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"><wbr></wbr></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Coachella. Noise ordinances went out the window to say the least.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcs_t0sEqdubgtBSEpZ5ajZHM1cHiUlznhcsbufDzz_d9fdYh7E0etcjAn5Va1VA1IlrIp3L4j4ouPv8ZRSiBXIxLzYZAr2_j5MeIvnNb8BkTgBQq3UPWrCN7Q3LuOkttWT76f2ny1HQ/s1600/IMG_5450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcs_t0sEqdubgtBSEpZ5ajZHM1cHiUlznhcsbufDzz_d9fdYh7E0etcjAn5Va1VA1IlrIp3L4j4ouPv8ZRSiBXIxLzYZAr2_j5MeIvnNb8BkTgBQq3UPWrCN7Q3LuOkttWT76f2ny1HQ/s400/IMG_5450.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">Hillary remained elusive...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And now we're back in good ol' DC in full corporate life swing. I've gotten to do some very fun and interesting things at Lidl </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">lately, but can't talk about them here because I unfortunately really like this internship. One thing I can blab about, however, was my first Alexandria Treetop Toastmasters meeting this evening. It was an intimate affair, only six of us, but man, each person was such an impressively thoughtful and articulate speaker! I felt a little out of my league, but hey, you only learn from being surrounded by those better than you, right? Maybe by the end of this summer I'll have not only some PR expertise under my belt, but public speaking pro tips, too. It's been a long few days, so for now it's time to catch some zzzz's and have some sweet Lidl dreams. </span></div>
</span></span>Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-85996855527948727412016-06-20T19:09:00.004-07:002016-06-20T19:15:02.952-07:00Commissioner Gordon Takes D.C.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Week Two of life as a Lidl intern: completed. I've already been given and completed some projects and am getting into the rhythm of corporate life. It reminds me of being back in elementary school. Prep your </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">lunch</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> and outfit the night before, wake up early with the morning traffic, sit at a desk all day, lunch with the other kids in the cafeteria, then go home and collapse on the couch and wish Mom was there to whip up something other than mac and cheese (a specialty of mine). But ultimately, I'm feeling like I've found my place at Lidl, with the interns, in D.C. and am even picking up a few new tricks along the way.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">The Lily that brunched. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trick Number One is my culinary skills. I've been fortunate enough to be consistently surrounded by wonderful cooks my entire life-- my mother, my host parents last year, the Waldsee crew (I was technically helping, but schnitzel isn't exactly my forte) the good folks in the UO food service. As an independent, working woman I now realize if it weren't for the excellent concoctions in the dining hall two minutes and 25 second from my bed this year, I would probably never have gone the vegetarian route at all. Disclosure: this summer I'm pausing the full-veggie-dom. Turns out I can't cook tofu. Or really anything with more than three ingredients, actually. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Thank God summer means fresh produce!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My roommate got to laugh at my culinary prowess this weekend as I tried to make pudding and somehow-- I don't know how!-- messed it up. The great cooks in my life have always been very giving in sharing their recipes and methods with me, but I haven't exactly practiced over the years. This summer is an exercise in adulthood. I guess it's only fitting I become an active grocery-goer as soon as I start working for a grocery store. There are also great Farmers' Markets all around the Alexandria, Arlington and D.C. areas, too, which makes cooking more interesting. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Del Ray Saturday Farmers' Market has the cutest babies and puppies.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Trick Number Two is to always make a reservation for brunch. Man, they take their brunch seriously here! All of us interns went to brunch (along with the dads of D.C.) this past Sunday. I was reminiscing about this time last year when I was climbing a mountain back in Oregon with my dad just after arriving in the US again post-Germany. I'm looking forward to more hikes together when I return in August! But D.C. brunch. They have every kind of brunch you could ask for-- vegan, pork-tastic, dim sum, lively French faire, even pancakes served by drag queens-- and it's the must-do Sunday activity here apparently, which hey! I'm not complaining!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What's the official bird of D.C.? Oh, the crane, of course!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And Trick Three is how to talk as little as possible from 8am to 5pm five days a week. It may be a surprise, especially to those who know me well, but this is very difficult for me. I'm, oh, what do they call it... a "talker?" I'm not sure what it was, but since setting foot in Virginia, I've had this hacking cough, which eventually made me hoarse. Turns out that having almost no voice the first two weeks of your internship isn't the best way to establish great first impressions with your department. But thankfully my line manager and colleagues are very patient, understanding and friendly individuals and I feel I am slowly but surely integrating with the PR and Marketing folks. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'd describe my voice the past few days as Commissioner Gordon-esque. A deep, gravelly, some might say mysterious, bark. I'm looking forward to full recovery and then I'll go visit the local Toastmasters club. Who knows? Maybe I'll meet some diplomats or politicians or (much more likely) Toyota salespeople because meetings are held in the nearby Toyota dealership. My voice has healed a great deal and a full week in the communications department unable to even really talk to other humans, be it at Lidl or the Farmers' Market, I'm so excited to show my true, professional self these next eight weeks. Although I can't discuss most of my intern work here, I'm bursting with inspiration and ideas for my upcoming projects! But for now, it's time to a pack lunch, lay out my business smart attire and get some beauty sleep before another day at the office.</span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-17109579954343913012016-06-12T14:14:00.001-07:002016-06-12T14:14:19.153-07:00A Lidl Bit of Pride and Humility<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Days One and Two of intern training: completed. In addition to the values workshop, business etiquette lessons and HQ tours, I've gotten to know the D.C. metro area a bit better thanks to Lidl. The number of interns-- only eleven-- makes it easier to connect with one another. And Lidl seems pretty set on making us happy, meaning they've pulled out all the stops.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Friday after work, Lidl took all the interns, our mentors and the HR department to the Washington Nationals versus Philadelphia Phillies baseball game. I may not be the most baseball-savy person out there, but hanging out for three hours with my new Lidl buddies, boogying to 80s music and munching on classic American sports food (Lidl's treat!) is something of which I'm definitely a fan. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This little stadium has only been around since May 2008.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to the baseball tickets, Lidl gave us some sweet branded gear. I've already put my cloth bag to good use and foresee the umbrella coming in handy later this week when the storms move in. My first real work day is tomorrow, but I already have a very positive feeling about Lidl US as a company, at least from an intern's perspective. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Only the interns get the backpack-- full-time Lidl employees have been eyeing them.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Out of the office and away from Lidl colleagues, I'm </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">continuing to explore Alexandria. This weekend I discovered a great area called Mount Ida, which is just row after row of gorgeous, ginormous brick manners. Families hanging out on their front porches in rocking chairs waved as I passed by. Little kids splashed in cool pools of water in the 90 degree, muggy, late-morning sunshine. Simply put, I'd call that area of the 'hood a textbook example of achieving the stereotypical "American dream." Churches were fairly prominent for a residential area as well as some schools that looked very well-funded. I'd be curious to know where the average Mount Ida teen goes to college. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A glimpse at the quaintest of East Coast homes.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After my neighborhood exploration, my roommate and I got the chance to experience some D.C. culture at the Capital Pride Parade, which apparently is the same age as me. The floats/parade participants were varied-- D.C. sports teams such as crew, volleyball and rugby, k</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">issy-faced</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> drag queens, religious organizations touting ultra-tolerant signage, Hillary for LGBT rights, Grand Marshall Leslie Jordan (aka Beverly) of Will and Grace fame, the Canadian, Royal Netherland and English Embassies-- and all were very upbeat, especially considering the 95 degree and 50 percent humidity conditions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite parade participant was the D.C. Police Department. Officers were decked out in rainbow flags, holding sings saying "Free Hugs" and zooming by on their signature Segways. After experiencing the waves of love and acceptance by all different facets of society at the parade, waking up to the news from Orlando this morning was even more heart wrenching. Other than the irredeemable cruelty displayed, it made me shudder to consider the danger any crowd potentially poses, but I do believe we are intended to be a social society, living among and interacting with one another. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ah, no day like a D.C. summer day for the escalators to break.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps I can't personally solve all of the world's problems, but by being exposed to more of the world definitely allows me to understand others a bit better. I may still be in the US, but life here feels different than in Oregon. It's not just the physical environment. A different history, political importance and culmination of people makes for the stark contrast between regions and their respective communities. So although I'm not the biggest fan of D.C. weather, there is still just as much to learn and experience here as overseas. I'm admittedly excited for my time with Lidl, but I'm also looking forward to a summer full of learning about a corner of the world that both shares and diverges from the culture I've known forever. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And now it's time to go explore! </span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-10395824294937679832016-06-08T06:39:00.002-07:002016-06-12T04:53:40.688-07:00Tiger Lily in the 'Hood<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm getting settled here in Alexandria, which is about 30 minutes outside of downtown D.C. My rental is on the border of two merging neighborhoods. On one side are Salvadoran families and on the other is where all the yuppies moved in. Monday I explored the yuppie territory, also known as Old Town Alexandria.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On bike I got to see more, but also avoided totally melting in the lovely East Coast humidity. The only way I can describe it is as leaving on a hot shower in a little tiny bathroom for about three hours. It's that nice, warm, comforting cloud of moisture... but there's no towel to dry off your face and it doesn't really go away. Lee's just say it'll take some getting used to. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But Old Town Alexandria. Man, I've never seen so much brick! It's </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">beautiful and definitely adds to the area's old-timey atmosphere. Strolling through the streets with names like King, Royal and Prince, it all struck me as Upper-East-Side-aesthetic-meets-Portland-Pearl-boutique-and-coffeeshop-vibe-meets-Copenhagen-artsy-traditionalism. It was a little strange, however, to see a large, stately bronze statue commemorating the Confederate army on a busy Old Town intersection, but that's history for you!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">My summer reading list: compiled from my rental's extensive library.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another unexpected sight was at the neighborhood's beautiful waterfront. After walking by the cute little yachts, sailboats and expensive-looking seafood restaurants, I found a lovely bench to finish my book (<i>Me Before You</i>-- the movie was good, but only a blink of the emotion and value in that story). There was even a nice breeze, so I could take a break from melting. All of a sudden, the breeze caught up to me and I couldn't breathe right. It was pure sewage. BLECK. Well, the sign below pretty much sums it up-- they dump "sanitary sewage" into the bay. Apparently it's a rare occurrence, but man, does it have a lasting impact! I'm sure they have some well-thought-out and environmentally defensible reason for doing it, but talk about a hair in your soup... I felt pretty sick just sitting near the bay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">That said, it was neat looking out across the water and spotting the Capitol and Washington Monument poking out of the skyline. Reagan National Airport is right there, too, so there was a constant blur of aeronautical white noise as Southwest and Jet Blue airlines kept taking off and landing. At one point, I even saw what looked like the Helicopter Squadron. The only reason I know what it looks like is a sad one. After the Umpqua Community College shooting last fall, President Obama visited Roseburg, and en route he flew right over the Oregon Marching Band training field while we were there. Anyway, the helicopters made a second, less mournful appearance in my little sphere this week!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The Painted Ladies' grandnieces. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">School was getting out as I rode home. Bus after school bus filed out of the middle and high school parking lots I passed. I saw kids hanging out in the baseball field getting ready for practice. On the other side of the bike path men who had been in full business suits fifteen minutes earlier were now playing basketball at the community courts in their Adidas getups. And in the middle of all this athleticism, I was dying of the humidity on my little bike as I passed these huge new developments of homes built in the same style as Old Town Alexandria, just super-sized. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Who's ready for some local environmental scanning? #DelRay</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday I adventured through the neighborhoods right next to me on foot. After passing through some of the Salvadoran area, you get to a place called Del Ray. It's the kind of place where the business men where bow ties and you'll find a plethora of health food stores-- for people and pets. It reminded me of a cross between San Francisco and Portland what with all the bike-centric stuff and alternative yoga studios. Not a shabby place to live near. If anything, I can just got there to get my puppy fix. There are dogs all over Del Ray! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The surrounding neighborhoods are a mix of old-school, brick duplexes and refurbished white-washed wood panelling. All the homes, though, have grade A seating options. Man, it was Adirondack and rocking chair heaven! And, as one would expect anywhere new, the gardens were different than back in Salem or Eugene. One seemingly ubiquitous staple in Alexandria is the tiger lily. If the Adirondacks and puppies weren't testament enough to Alexandrian's good taste, then their flora definitely was! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Hello, comrades!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After getting a lay of the land, I have a feeling this summer is going to be pretty great. I'm itching to start at Lidl, but it's nice getting a chance to see a bit before being tied down by the corporate world. I'm looking forward to all of it, but for now it's time to explore D.C.! </span></span></div>
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Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comAlexandria, VA, USA38.8048355 -77.04692139999997438.705861000000006 -77.208282899999972 38.90381 -76.885559899999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-45488643942756586412016-06-04T20:13:00.000-07:002016-06-12T04:53:51.808-07:00Who Moved My Käse?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy summer, folks! Or, in the case of my fellow Duckies, happy finals week! The past few days have been a tornado of finals, major essays and projects, internship prep, packing, meetings and a healthy dose of tearful goodbyes. It may be the deceptive eye of the storm, but I’ve touched down in Arlington, Virginia and am catching my breath before Thursday, June 9— the first day of my internship here with Lidl!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The beginning of something big. #LidlSurprises</span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On the flight, I did some summer reading for Lidl. It was a little fable-like book called <i>Who Moved My Cheese?</i> I guess I’ve officially gone corporate now, as it has apparently been one of the most-required readings for employees in large corporations since the 90s. It was a lovely mix of blatant metaphors and corny dialogue between friends at a high school reunion. Despite its literary faults, the 100 pages or so of point 20 font had merit. It made me reflect on the past year and my own journey in pursuit of My Cheese— a metaphor for a good job, happy family, healthy relationship, playing golf, etc. </span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Not just any roommate is game to reenact SNL gags! (#4444Ever)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The key to happiness for me has been pretty consistent throughout my short life: build community. Last year in Aachen it was essential— through my soccer team, host family, schoolmates, fellow exchange students, the <i>Aachener-Zeitung</i> student board, various big bands— and the same held true in Eugene. Duck TV, Toastmasters, UO PRSSA, and Marching Band provided me with excellent opportunities, outlets for my various passions and, perhaps most importantly, a place to connect with people who possess common interests. Where I built the strongest relationships, however, was in the Global Scholars Hall, particularly on my floor, with my wonderful roomie and the German Immersion Program participants.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Hallo Haus GSH! </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next year I’ll be living in an apartment with my roommate from this year as well as two of our friends. Although it will be different than dorm life in many respects— no RAs, communal bathrooms or prepared dining downstairs— many things will be similar. For one, I believe a fourth or more of our hall will be living in the same apartment complex as us. And for another, I plan on remaining active in the UO German community, which will start with some German classes fall term. <i>Jippie! Grammatik und Gruppenarbeit! </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">On loan from the Smithsonian’s <i>Cutest Things of 21st Century</i> collection.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After building this vibrant personal community, many of whom live within two hours of my home in Salem, and not to mention my amazing boyfriend, hopping across the country to spend the summer in a hot, humid, utterly foreign place began to lose its appeal. Why not go hiking with my family during Oregon’s prime season? Or reconnect with my dearest friends who have been gone since last August? Or road trip down the West Coast with my boyfriend? Or a million other, just as worthy things. It’s because the chance to intern in the Lidl (Lee-dle) US public relations department is an exciting opportunity that speaks to exactly what I want to do someday. In short, it’s My Cheese.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;"><i>Bye bye Oregon, hellooooooooo DC!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A year ago, I would have scoffed. At the time, My Cheese was to become a Foreign Service Officer. It’s amazing what can become evident in a year, both professionally and personally. That so-called Cheese can change appearance in accordance to the lighting in your mind and sometimes you just have to go through a bit of a maze to find the New Cheese. I guess this is Day One of that maze. I am tingling with anticipation to begin learning and working at Lidl! Shoutout to UO PRSSA, Kathryn Kuttis, Matthias Vogel, Tiffany Gallicano, my other wonderful professors and PR mentors for guiding me toward this opportunity!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ-XM-alTOOUthmjY42Te6dQkQRSBW47Bnrc4OcMlvS3u5GqPvgKw6bjRbVtDggpPIBUraMbL6_s2br_T1AJq8HzVVDG6H4CD0pN1a0ZrPp_OjCmWYIHzBpi8rCJUqB3euO9QuZRphTI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-06-04+at+12.36.43.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ-XM-alTOOUthmjY42Te6dQkQRSBW47Bnrc4OcMlvS3u5GqPvgKw6bjRbVtDggpPIBUraMbL6_s2br_T1AJq8HzVVDG6H4CD0pN1a0ZrPp_OjCmWYIHzBpi8rCJUqB3euO9QuZRphTI/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-06-04+at+12.36.43.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And the other Cheeses I’ve uncovered this year— a successful freshman year academically, earning leadership roles in various UO organizations, snagging my dream s.o., maintaining a strong relationship with my family— aren’t going away anytime soon. Part of the whole extended metaphor is about being ready for change, adapting to it and continuing to be prepared for unexpected happenings, but it’s also about maintaining what’s positive and productive in the current situation. So, to keep this whole blatant metaphor going, I’ll be making special care to place my current Cheeses in the fridge and check on them regularly. Thank you, everyone who has made this year at the UO a memorable and enriching one! I’m looking forward to the summer and next year already, but for now it’s time to explore D.C.! </span></span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comAlexandria, VA, USA38.8048355 -77.04692139999997438.705861000000006 -77.208282899999972 38.90381 -76.885559899999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-29879359020110097392016-05-04T10:05:00.000-07:002016-06-12T04:54:02.672-07:00What Does Gracias Mean in German?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The past few weeks have been a blur of Spring Term. A blink later and all of a sudden I was twenty. Another second flew by and midterms were here. And now summer is only a month away. They say time goes by faster the older you get and maybe that's true. Maybe I'm just experiencing age, but occasionally there are moments when I get transported back to a younger time. For me, that was yesterday in a classroom full of second graders.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">My teaching partner, Anyasha, and me with our <i>Reisepässe</i> to Success. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">I'm taking a course in which we learn foreign language teaching techniques and then get to implement them by going to </span><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="https://edison.4j.lane.edu/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Edison Elem</span><span style="color: #38761d;">entary School</span></a> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and teaching the kiddos some German. Yesterday we sung songs, learned names, talked about where Germany is compared to Eugene and counted from </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">eins bis zehn</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Working at Waldsee last summer was definitely great preparation, but man, I have so much respect for elementary school teachers. Shoutout to Mrs. Bridges, Mrs. Larson, Mr. Coxen, Mrs. Wilkes and Mrs. Caputo! The quote of the day is what one little girl said two minutes into the lesson, "I already know two words in German! I do! </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Gracias</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">de nada</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">!" Kids sure keep you on your toes! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hanging out with the second graders made me reflect on how I've changed since I was back at Pringle Elementary. In second grade I liked traveling with my family, giving speeches (Perhaps the best of which was when I dressed up as Abraham Lincoln and delivered the Gettysburg Address to my class. Just because I thought he was a cool dude.), going on </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Volkswalks</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and hikes, listening to the radio and writing letters to my pen pals. Funny how some things never change. I've even been lucky enough to find a partner in crime who appreciates the wonder and silliness of life as much as I do while still making time for us to study, PR and Physics/Math/Computer Science respectively.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: small;">G<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">reetings from Track Town USA!</span> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This past weekend my boyfriend Jonah (Mr. Partner-in-Crime) and I participated in the Run Track Town 5K. It was fun trotting alongside the Eugene running community, albeit the less hardcore members as the Eugene Marathon was the next day. There was even a man dressed in a flapjack costume leading us all, which added to the festive feel. And I can say now that I've run a race on Historic Hayward Field, where the 5K finished. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;">Another first I tackled last weekend was anchoring Duck TV News. Biggest takeaway: studio lights are HOT. Before getting into the anchor chair, I did a bit of research. I spoke with the Duck TV advisor for tips from her impressive trove of broadcast knowledge. I looked to Lester Holt for some idea of what works. But most importantly I watched plenty of my favorite hard-hitting news show, Weekend Update. (#ThanksAmyTinaSeth) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Speaking of a Weekend Update, Eugene was graced by political royalty last week. None other than the Bern-man himself came to town! Bernie Sanders held a rally a few miles from campus, which due to a mandatory class, I couldn't attend. I was pretty bummed out and was sitting outside near the Student Union after class to get some vitamin D and boost my mood when lo and behold six police motorcycles zip by and before I knew it Bernie was right there! He was just casually driving through campus and I saw him in his chauffeured Suburban! Campus was buzzing that day. It felt as if the Ducks had won a big football game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444;">It's been an action-packed few weeks here in Track Town. As summer approaches, I get gradually more and more excited about my upcoming corporate gig in Arlington, VA where I'll be working as a public relations intern for </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.lidl.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Lidl US</span></a>.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> This time last year I could have never guessed I'd be returning to my German connection-- in D.C.! But for now it's time to study! </span></span></span></div>
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Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comEugene, OR, USA44.0520691 -123.0867536000000143.8695016 -123.4094771 44.234636599999995 -122.76403010000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-46021317945182354552016-03-30T23:35:00.000-07:002016-06-12T04:55:17.378-07:00Lilies Gone Wild<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Spring Term has begun! After a week of hiking through the Redwoods, driving along breathtaking (and sometimes scary!) ocean cliffs, visiting family and friends, and, of course, a healthy dose of relaxation, it's back to the college grind. All of my professors have emphasized the importance of creativity, weirdness, and playfulness in their classes. I sense the beginning of a memorable term...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Mother daughter bonding in some of the most beautiful places on Earth!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The day after St. Patrick's Day (aka the last day of finals) my mom picked me up bright and early in Eugene to kick off our road trip. We drove from Eugene to Brookings and continued along the coast along Highways 1 and 101 into California. The Redwoods were, as cliche as it is, breathtaking. I felt like a little Lego lady wandering through the forest. You couldn't even see the tops of the old growth. I kept imagining the Redwoods as Lincoln Logs, but for the children of giants who were building the cute little Empire State Building set (to scale!). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We visited Jedidiah Smith State Park, which is where the Endor scenes in <i>Star Wars: Return of the Jedi</i> were filmed. I kept an eye out for the Chewbacca, but he must have been Spring Breaking elsewhere. But perhaps even more exciting than galaxies far far away was the Chandelier Tree, which is so wide a whole has been carved in it for cars to pass through. I'd seen it on many a vintage postcard or poster, but didn't realize it was still an attraction open to the public. I was the one behind the wheel as we pulled up to the colossal Redwood and despite the compactness of our little Ford Fiesta, I barely squeezed through the tree. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Just like they did in the Model T! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not surprisingly, our initially sunny Spring Break took a turn for the soggy two days in. In Mendocino nothing short of an atmospheric river opened up on us. But did that stop us from lacing up our boots and hitting the trails? Of course not! We hiked the Mendocino Headlands, which skirted the ocean making for dramatic scenery. The waves crashed into the rocks below our feet and foam floated into the wet sky. The fierce wind blew the rain away from our faces and the puddles into our eyes. To add to the awesome imagery, my mom spotted a person on a distant rock (inches from the merciless waves!) doing their morning yoga. I have enough trouble balancing in a perfectly still yoga studio... How that person kept their Zen on rocks in the middle of an ocean storm is beyond me...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Luckily we had the solace of our beautiful inn only minutes from the ocean, which just perchance was run 100 percent vegan. The delicious dining was vegan and the property had luscious gardens as well as a stable. Although I am not vegan, I enjoyed the food and respect the reasons much more now for a person to choose that lifestyle. For the moment I'm trying out vegetarianism. When college food service is cooking for me, it's especially easy to keep a balanced and satisfying diet without meat. We'll see how it develops.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCQVmEjbS3MwZZuPaUxYcoSBN7trC5qmJVmrawGWP3lKwHG-_L0AQHAttprd5uwmqvIQxbknM0FbW_EdmWP4Hq1cy-O_mIz14O3ncKsEfxlKL3Jj7ZKlIspNQLfo263JYeneNcgXUGIk/s1600/IMG_2560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCQVmEjbS3MwZZuPaUxYcoSBN7trC5qmJVmrawGWP3lKwHG-_L0AQHAttprd5uwmqvIQxbknM0FbW_EdmWP4Hq1cy-O_mIz14O3ncKsEfxlKL3Jj7ZKlIspNQLfo263JYeneNcgXUGIk/s400/IMG_2560.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Cheers to veganism! (And excellent chefs!)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We left the Victorian seaside cottages of Mendocino and continued south to visit Fort Ross, an old Russian settlement, and eventually Bodega Bay. We did a gentle hike around Fort Ross, which yielded beautiful, sunny views. I've never seen so many wild calla lilies as I did that afternoon. My mom just sighed how beautiful they were and that was the flower she'd been thinking of when naming me. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Lilies thriving by the ocean-- I count myself among them.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While I love the ocean-- its scent, its accompanying breeze, its vistas-- it was admittedly a bit unsettling to see sign after sign warning of tsunami. <i>Hear a siren? Feel a quake? Run for the hills!</i> There are environmental hazards wherever a person lives, but the idea of an impending "super tsunami" gives me goosebumps. Clearly it doesn't impede my love of vacationing by the sea; however, I caught myself now and then staring off at the horizon scanning for a blip in the calm. Spending time in nature, and especially near a churning ocean, is humbling. In the end, we're just specks on this planet merciless to the rumblings of the earth. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">We enjoyed watching the surfers at Bodega Bay.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">At Bodega Bay, where Hitchcock's classic </span><i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">The Birds</i><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> was filmed, we interestingly enough got the chance to do some birding ourselves. Thankfully the little ducks and egrets weren't as aggressive as Hitchy's. Post-Bodega we headed inland to the Sacramento area. It was wonderful seeing friends as well as my various family members in the remaining days of Spring Break. Ultimately, I'd say it was a successful vacation. I got sand in my boots, sun on my skin, hugged people I love, and laughed as we drove the winding road by the sea. I hope everyone had a lovely Easter and a wonderful spring! But for now it's time to study!</span></span></div>
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Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comCalifornia, USA36.778261 -119.4179323999999823.886875500000002 -140.07222939999997 49.6696465 -98.763635399999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-28645575158824935252016-03-11T00:48:00.000-08:002016-03-11T00:48:29.351-08:00So klar wie Kloßbrühe<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Dead Week is here once more, which means massages are being offered in the library, therapy dogs drop by campus in the afternoon, and 24 hour quiet hours have been enacted in the dorms. Between studying business calculus and brushing up on </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://www.apstylebook.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">AP grammar</span></a> </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for my finals next week, a few unexpected adventures have arisen. So far they've been yummy, fishy, and thought-provoking.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Gutes Essen lässt Sorgen vergessen. #DeadWeek</span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Last night a few of my neighbors in the </span><a href="https://housing.uoregon.edu/livinglanguageprograms" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">German Living the Language dorm community</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> and I went to the home of Matthias, our faculty advisor, to make </span><i style="color: #444444;">Kloßbrühe, </i><span style="color: #444444;">bone marrow soup with dumplings. In German there's an idiom, "</span><i style="color: #444444;">So klar wie Kloßbrühe!</i><span style="color: #444444;">" It can be said ironically like the English expression "as clear as mud" or it could be used in a literal sense to mean "obviously, clearly, of course!" Homemade </span><i style="color: #444444;">Kloßbrühe</i><span style="color: #444444;"> is delicious, but labor-intensive. Matthias prepared the bone marrow paste and broth the day before so it could simmer overnight. The flavor! I've been consoled by chicken noodle soup, homemade macaroni and cheese, Crock-Pot concoctions, and other quintessential comfort food, but they all pale in comparison to the warmth of <i>Kloßbrühe</i> on a blustery winter night. It reminded me of dishes I had last year in Aachen, which was comforting in itself.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61orBGXclNKc7TDl_NdVHBzJwlDkFDv1iS2xggKG5syCMa_apfXy1KRQ1t4lKUh1kZxE9HRJ57489rnN7DQAME_C-0HZwdN5DUQC9ff4Vhjj51riveO9fOIPYhXMOaXhJHfhPEWBxpO8/s1600/FullSizeRender+ads3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61orBGXclNKc7TDl_NdVHBzJwlDkFDv1iS2xggKG5syCMa_apfXy1KRQ1t4lKUh1kZxE9HRJ57489rnN7DQAME_C-0HZwdN5DUQC9ff4Vhjj51riveO9fOIPYhXMOaXhJHfhPEWBxpO8/s400/FullSizeRender+ads3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.dict.cc/deutsch-englisch/Viele+H%C3%A4nde+machen+bald+ein+Ende.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Viele Hände machen bald ein Ende.</span></a> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">#TeamGSH</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">I'm grateful for Matthias's passion for cooking as well as his dedication to the students in the German department. He has made my first two terms at the UO not only delicious, but welcoming. This past Saturday, he took a couple of us on a morning bike ride to explore Eugene while chit chatting in German. Along the way, we came across a gang of turkeys. We'd whistle at them, which would send the birds into a hubbub of, "<i>Gobbaba babbba blbababbbo bloboblobl</i>!" The ride concluded at the cozy </span><a href="http://www.hideawaybakery.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #274e13;">Hideaway Bakery</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> with sticky buns and coffee. Anyone visiting Eugene soon-- brunch at that bakery is a must! (And you're welcome to drag me along!)</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB8Lo8TYk6cz7GKDvwt76-Rh_r2Kmi7XPJ3hM5N-vEXYrO1S_fiqg1Aai1fFhfDxEO2UfYrp0kZ9BIX9BR8wK6lisZx478pcZx3bv11UDaOcvq7EOqK-nx2ea-EOmkC_OROeMexuda08/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-10+at+11.17.53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB8Lo8TYk6cz7GKDvwt76-Rh_r2Kmi7XPJ3hM5N-vEXYrO1S_fiqg1Aai1fFhfDxEO2UfYrp0kZ9BIX9BR8wK6lisZx478pcZx3bv11UDaOcvq7EOqK-nx2ea-EOmkC_OROeMexuda08/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-03-10+at+11.17.53.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The turkeys reminded me of the velociraptors in Jurassic Park. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And speaking of the animals in my world, I recently got a <i>Betta</i> fish. I've already signed a lease for next year, but I ended up going to the UO Housing Fair to grab some free gear, namely pens and candy, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">from the apartment complexes tabling.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I definitely got my target items-- along with a frisbee, Capri Sun, flash drive, safety whistle, sunglasses, bike light, popcorn, chips, t-shirt, some reusable bags, water bottles, and a fish. A fish! They just gave me a fish! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">My haul.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My roommate and I christened her Athena because of her Greek roots (betta). We're still getting to know her, but so far she seems to be a good-natured, curious little fish. She likes exploring her new home, a decent sized vase, and seems to have an affinity for dried bloodworm. The most experience I'd had with fish before Athena was the salmon that regularly appeared on my plate next to rice and green beans or on top of a salad. Athena has shown me a new side to the aquatic world and I like it. I've never heard of crazy fish ladies before, but I might be joining the pack. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I call this shot "Reflection: Part I." </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">And this evening I went to a talk by the philosopher </span><a href="http://www.lorigruen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Lori Gruen</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> about justice and empathy. It sounds dense and highbrow, but the discussion touched on topics such as: Are zoos humane? What does it feel like to be a tree? Is veganism the next step in human evolution? I found it interesting and exactly what I'm craving from my college experience. I may not be burning bras and refusing to eat honey or cheese, but of all the times in my life to be moving in that direction and thinking radically about those topics, it is now. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3eYgzeclCUX9MIvrn1ZqnwaxQwDlCQqYjKhNJx8a2LDWWVR42OqB-OhhIUOJSPhdG6r71jOsSQ-DP0o48bGM8mrbpNFZcx1LIFkU2RtHI711F63y0KdGHACODWHYL5ionQdGykUwWT4/s1600/FullSizeRenasdader+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3eYgzeclCUX9MIvrn1ZqnwaxQwDlCQqYjKhNJx8a2LDWWVR42OqB-OhhIUOJSPhdG6r71jOsSQ-DP0o48bGM8mrbpNFZcx1LIFkU2RtHI711F63y0KdGHACODWHYL5ionQdGykUwWT4/s400/FullSizeRenasdader+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Lori Gruen is a sort of a 21st Century Jane Goodall.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Hearing these big ideas made me think about society, which created an even larger, flashing neon arrow pointing to the fact that we, especially as Americans, have a mentality of disposability. Myself included. I mean, I went to a housing fair to get pre-packaged water and 6.75 ounces of fruit punch in a plastic pouch-- two very disposable items. People in Eugene neighborhoods feed their disposable breadcrumbs to turkeys, which are becoming borderline invasive species here. It's all around us. It's our culture. And sometimes things aren't </span><i style="color: #444444;">so klar wie Kloßbrühe.</i><span style="color: #444444;"> It takes questioning what we are doing, what our organizations and governments are doing, and what the world is doing to get to the bottom of things. That said, I'll leave </span><i><a href="https://www.dict.cc/?s=Man+muss+die+Kirche+im+Dorf+lassen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">die Kirche im Dorf</span></a></i><span style="color: #274e13;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"> I have </span><i><a href="http://www.dict.cc/deutsch-englisch/seinen+Senf+dazugeben.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">meinen Senf dazugegeben</span></a></i><span style="color: #444444;">. Finals are right around the corner, so for now it's time to study! </span></span>Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-886299858841016812016-02-23T23:46:00.001-08:002016-02-23T23:48:05.438-08:00The Lily of Freshman Years Past<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This may sound a little hippy dippy, but yesterday I felt like 15-year-old Lily was giving almost-20-year-old Lily a high five. I was sitting in the UO journalism building, working on an article for the university’s PR society, listening to this well prepared interview I’d just had with the university VP of Communications, and this sudden rush of success and gratitude washed over me. I am living the life I want to live.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Back in high school I dreamed of the day I became my cooler, college self. I’d go to parties and concerts, be fluent in German, meet interesting people, learn what matters to me, have an amazing boyfriend/partner in crime, still be close with my family, and be excited to get out of bed every day to take on the next big adventure. Well, thanks to hard work, good luck, and wonderful people, it’s all come together. I’m halfway through my freshman year of college and experiencing I guess what you’d call self-actualization. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The day before Fall Term started. #LifeAsAJStudent</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">15-year-old Lily definitely made her fair share of lists about her hopes and dreams: How to Rule the World, Movies to See For Inspiration, Books All Great Leaders Read, Where I Will Be In Five Years. I thought I’d be in my sophomore year of college (<i>Surprise! Germany!</i>) studying film in Colorado, California, or Texas. Who knew I’d be sitting in the atrium of the UO’s journalism school writing about PR and protestors surrounded by screens flashing Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump? You never know how much you don’t know.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">My view this afternoon. Perspective sure is a pal.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Still, I know high school freshman Lily would be winking at me in approval from her seat in German I class. I may not be studying film, but I did give a presentation on German television in The Bier Stein, a boisterous Eugene restaurant, to my German topics class. And although I’m not working on my next cinematic masterpiece, my minimalistic video submitted to Hall Government provided me with the resources to throw a memorable casino night. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Nothing beats fresh German pretzels (left) or some wild Bingo games with friends (right).</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The University of Oregon was not where my 15-year-old self envisioned herself five years later. Something I didn’t consider at the time was how I planned on keeping that family-college-friends life balance. Of course it’s attainable from faraway— I learned that last year. But, I mean, it’s also pretty awesome having your dad zip down on a Thursday evening to take you to the Brad Paisley concert two blocks from your dorm. Or if you forget the dress you wanted to wear to casino night, home sweet home is not too far. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;">We're </span><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e79lpByTfXE" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">CRUSHIN' IT</span></a></i><span style="color: #444444;"> with Brad and Puddles.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the UO has proven itself cooky enough for my taste. The people I’ve met aren’t just clever and compassionate, they’re willing to go to all of the awesome events the university hosts— Acro and Tumbling, UO’s LGBTQA3 annual drag show, and other shindigs I don't even know exist yet. It’s tough realizing half of my first year is already over. Partly because the number of memories and new friends that have come into my life during these past few months should’ve taken at least a year or two to experience and gather. But also because it means this whole thing will pass quicker than I can imagine.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Good thing I brought some ones to the drag show! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">15-year-old Lily, I hope you’re proud. I’m getting out of bed every morning excited for the next adventure— exploring the Eugene hills, interviewing high-ranking administration, tackling business calculus— and this is just the beginning of my college adventure. But for now it’s time to study! </span></div>
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Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-5617549754753689442016-02-08T22:38:00.001-08:002016-02-08T22:41:03.167-08:00Atemlos durch die Gym<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">This time last year I was prancing around Aachen dressed as </span><a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prinzessin_Lillifee" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Prinzessin Lilifee</i></span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> and a lion-cat-thing yelling "<i>Alaaf!"</i> at parade-goers and scrambling around for candy in the streets. <i>Karneval</i> in Nordrhein-Westfalen was an intensely cultural experience to say the least. While I'm not celebrating here in Eugene, it's definitely been on my mind.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">The places a year can take you! </span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">My costume this year looks a bit more like "news reporter" than "German children's storybook character." Duck TV has been going well and I even won a coveted Force Award for my coverage of Oregon's delayed Dungeness crab season! </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk50cpRVsCI" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Click here to see the segment.</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> I've also gotten the chance to hone my technical broadcast news skills. Since our slot to film in the studio was during the Super Bowl, only one of the four Duck TV producers could come and I got to run the sound board. Moving up in the world!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Prepping the show (left) and getting crabby in Eugene (right).</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When I'm not on the seafood beat, I'm partying it up with my Global Scholars Hall as well as greater UO community. The Student Activities Board put on a Winter Carnival which was, although quite different, reminiscent of the good ol' <i>Karneval</i> across the pond. I mean, upbeat music was blasting, it took place in the heart of the community, and I went home with a bag full of candy and other treats. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Even with forty Bingo cards between us we couldn't win...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">My friends and I have been going to quite a few UO-sponsored events lately. I mean, might as well enjoy what our tuition is paying for already, right? The Residence Hall Association organized a bowling night at a local alley complete with dinner, drinks, and a party bus. I'm very excited for the upcoming hall event I'm hosting this Friday-- a casino night! All I did was make </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd7UzDBIQns" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">a little video</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> and the hall government gave me the money and resources I needed to put together the event. If this is how politics work, count me in! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0w3FbW4WR6PVzPxskPF87Ud74aUSgdn7Iv8cV9wx8zlo6UZNZCrut6XLQaG1CGY6f-yOUStEb6QwcNh5TQKp3vwcxO1djyt6SpZwk612GCfhkKjx4tf9Bs9aBEgeiS-7QO26qIZwyZE/s1600/IMG_2034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0w3FbW4WR6PVzPxskPF87Ud74aUSgdn7Iv8cV9wx8zlo6UZNZCrut6XLQaG1CGY6f-yOUStEb6QwcNh5TQKp3vwcxO1djyt6SpZwk612GCfhkKjx4tf9Bs9aBEgeiS-7QO26qIZwyZE/s400/IMG_2034.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">A wild night in the alley.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">And finally, the </span><i style="color: #444444;">Karneval</i><span style="color: #444444;"> season would be incomplete without some wonderfully terrible </span><i style="color: #444444;">Schlager</i><span style="color: #444444;"> music. I never thought I would be craving to hear </span><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xolt6BPb6jo" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Scheiss drauf!</span></a></i><span style="color: #444444;">, </span><i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWXDxVhLjNE" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Eisgekühlter Bommerlunder</span></a></i><span style="color: #444444;">, or the mother of them all, </span><a href="http://www.universal-music.de/helene-fischer/videos/detail/video:332993/atemlos-durch-die-nacht" style="color: #38761d; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Atemlos durch die Nacht</a><span style="color: #444444;"><i>, </i>but we all have our weaker moments and this afternoon as I was making my workout </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">playlist, I had only </span><i style="color: #444444;">Schlager</i><span style="color: #444444;"> music. You have to admit though, </span><i style="color: #444444;">Karneval</i><span style="color: #444444;"> music definitely has a strong beat and good tempo. I think I'll be spinning to </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTyXgkAEeXw" style="color: #38761d; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Bobfahrer-Lied</a><span style="color: #444444;"><i> </i>more often. But for now it's time to study! </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Alaaf! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-41156460994498440732016-01-18T13:38:00.001-08:002016-01-18T13:38:13.798-08:00It's Like You Go To Bayern München University<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to week three of Winter Term! So far my term has been filled with UO athletic events, training for the Eugene Half Marathon, quality bonding time with friends (and family for that matter), TED Talk-esque lecture courses, and, to top it all off, Band Banquet marking the official end of Marching Band for the 2015-16 school year. I can't say there's ever a dull moment (unless I pencil it in) which is fantastic.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Shoutout to my three inspiring, entertaining, and talented trumpet section leaders.</span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">While in Aachen I met many students who were studying at the technical university in town, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RWTH_Aachen_University" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">RWTH</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. We'd talk about the usual things, European and American politics, favorite TV series, music preferences, and always, without fail, we'd end up discussing the differences between the US and German education systems, particularly higher education. The students I met were always incredulous that it could end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to go to college whereas in Germany it's practically free. But something that stuck with me happened when I was explaining to an RWTH student how excited I was to be joining the Marching Band since I'd get to go to all the football games and even, maybe, a bowl game. The student appreciated where I was coming from, but he just laughed and said, "You Americans... You don't just go to a university to learn. It's like you go to </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Bayern_Munich" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Bayern München</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> University. You build a professional sports </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">team then a school appears around it." When looking at the UO, he's kind of right. Yes, first came the school and then came the great sports teams, but athletics are a big deal here and I like it. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aYzzo1WoEy2s39eBv8eGzmGBosR85QBqD15Je2diHET5xiCgVriNmwTJrc5onjeGZcXg_npyinp0uf4PFkW4fY4u5J75-fETOy0B45LB6vd_HDUovlNZB7iv9NeEkVlOjXFo7D0frVY/s1600/IMG_1915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aYzzo1WoEy2s39eBv8eGzmGBosR85QBqD15Je2diHET5xiCgVriNmwTJrc5onjeGZcXg_npyinp0uf4PFkW4fY4u5J75-fETOy0B45LB6vd_HDUovlNZB7iv9NeEkVlOjXFo7D0frVY/s400/IMG_1915.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Elisa, a good friend of mine who goes to school in California, visited before heading off to Germany for a term and even partook in the UO school spirit. #scoducks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are disputes on how money should be spent, more academics and less athletics or otherwise. However, that said, band has been an excellent opportunity for me and made me feel more integrated into the school as well as (</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">if only incrementally) </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">the athletic department. School spirit is something unique to American universities. It may sound petty, but jumping on the Duck Bandwagon, wearing my UO gear, and going to sporting events where the student section makes the whole building rumble creates an incredible sense of belonging. I find a university can become a part of your identity and the longer I'm here at the UO, the more I appreciate and am proud of that part of myself. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnWgWLwWkgk00VN_-7pfGeCGBVcIZjIjom_CYZ75-Ahyj8_-tNsF3vtukro9QKWYg4sKfKHJRzZbcynukMU3rZ4n3Vk8C2lSds8zvHJS5bZx6nb4LLVz8BYgoLXIAehAGtLpvtJVld8M/s1600/IMG_1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnWgWLwWkgk00VN_-7pfGeCGBVcIZjIjom_CYZ75-Ahyj8_-tNsF3vtukro9QKWYg4sKfKHJRzZbcynukMU3rZ4n3Vk8C2lSds8zvHJS5bZx6nb4LLVz8BYgoLXIAehAGtLpvtJVld8M/s400/IMG_1932.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Beating Stanford was pretty great, but the UO Women's Acrobatic and Tumbling Team performing at halftime made the game a success in my book.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm just a civilian in the world of sports, not a Prefontaine, Mariota, Jillian Alleyne, or other "warrior," but simply by living on campus the spirit and sports are almost omnipresent. Yesterday, for example, my tennis partner and I were at the Student Tennis Center for our weekly, very casual, Sunday afternoon mini-match. The indoor courts were a bit louder than usual, what with the UC Santa Barbara men's tennis team grunting up a storm as they practiced their 100 mph serves on the courts around us. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FA1abxpH3LwhTITLldShxTQCsxosFKrzJEMngf4iZ0WQj3POB-WtQd3IXbQ7h0GzLlG2qnZff1qSLy3rdSQOF9NLBG_fi6UxBMdGRW4pBLd8jKTHis0mnVDIwh8-NqqDl_vHQ-5ftY0/s1600/IMG_1917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FA1abxpH3LwhTITLldShxTQCsxosFKrzJEMngf4iZ0WQj3POB-WtQd3IXbQ7h0GzLlG2qnZff1qSLy3rdSQOF9NLBG_fi6UxBMdGRW4pBLd8jKTHis0mnVDIwh8-NqqDl_vHQ-5ftY0/s400/IMG_1917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Hanging out with UO's award-winning a cappella group, Mind the Gap.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Of course there are many facets to what it means to be a Duck. Sports are just a great way to forge a universal identity and sense of kinship. I, however, consider my Duck identity linked to my connections with Duck TV, UO Toastmasters, the Oregon Marching Band, </span><a href="http://prssa.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">UO PRSSA</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">, the school's German community, and the Global Scholars Hall. It's as simple as that. So although I go to "Bayern München University," there's so much more to the school spirit and my rampant use of #CallMeADuck than bowl games, Hayward Field victories, and state-of-the-art recreational facilities. </span></span>Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-9779507701379055192016-01-03T23:26:00.001-08:002016-01-04T20:59:53.248-08:00Remember the Alamo Bowl! <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">It looks like 2016 is going to be one for the books. I'm not just saying that because it's a leap year or because a NASA spacecraft will reach Jupiter or even because golf is returning to the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro after a 112-year break, but because of the year's exciting kickoff-- a college football kickoff to be exact. The University of Oregon football team made it to the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alamo_Bowl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Alamo Bowl</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> in San Antonio, Texas and the marching band got to go, too! Although the game was a </span><strike style="color: #444444;">bit</strike><span style="color: #444444;"> major upset, the bowl game trip itself was a major success.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s7M-8aAh1-LnHGraT3tWUb1hsD2kumryKLiq-nUNEghyphenhyphen66laBTYd_cxWMnR0DwYkmmsY_-nxqNMh4Yh31rBzOVNTFqwWqffeemcwXtTLrdd4ASGtK43_L_MKjUstvkj1BuNjp-eUyro/s1600/IMG_1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s7M-8aAh1-LnHGraT3tWUb1hsD2kumryKLiq-nUNEghyphenhyphen66laBTYd_cxWMnR0DwYkmmsY_-nxqNMh4Yh31rBzOVNTFqwWqffeemcwXtTLrdd4ASGtK43_L_MKjUstvkj1BuNjp-eUyro/s400/IMG_1760.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Our hotel was conveniently located 0.3 miles from the Alamo.</span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Just under 200 Oregon Marching Band (OMB) members got to travel to San Antonio for the game. I'd never taken a chartered flight before and it was neat walking down the plane aisle to my seat in a sea of green and yellow. The cheerleaders, some of the </span><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.daisyducks.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Oregon Daisy Ducks</span></a></span><span style="color: #444444;">, and other important UO people flew with us as well. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The football team left a day or two before us and while it would've been amazing to meet the Ducks' top athletic superstars, I cannot imagine riding from Oregon to Texas sitting next to two six-foot-eight, three-hundred pound linebackers. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">During our three or so hours in the air, we passed over the powered foothills just outside Eugene, Salt Lake City, snow-drenched mountains, and the Grand Canyon which made for awesome views.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Soarin' Over <strike>California</strike> America.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We arrived in Texas in the evening which gave enough time to settle down in our hotel then make the four and half minute walk to the San Antonio River Walk. Think Venice waterways meets Disney touristy-ness meets southwest charm and hospitality. While we were there it was still all decorated and lit up at night for Christmas making this below street level pedestrian area bordering both sides of the San Antonio River all the more beautiful. Our first full day in Texas there was a pep rally right on the river. Cheerleaders danced around the stage while TCU and UO fans sat in an amphitheater on the opposite bank while the two school's bands battled in out on the river on barges. I mean, only in San Antonio...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Ex. 1: Ducks and horned frogs exhibit cohabitation on the San Antonio River.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">San Antonio is the seventh most populated city in the US and the second most in Texas. Since it did have more of a metropolitan feel, the Texan stereotypes were toned done a bit. A bit. An itty bitty bit. There were still signs on most stores and other establishments stating the legal guidelines when it came to bringing handguns onto the premises-- in both English and Spanish. There was a great deal of delicious Tex Mex. Cowboy hats were highly prevalent. I was called "honey" and referred to as "y'all" numerous times. And the song <i>God Bless Texas</i> was played more times than I could count. (but TCU may have had something to do with that...) All in all, the Texans I interacted with were generally friendly, genuine, and fun people.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Culture shock?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In between pep rallies and fajitas the band had some rehearsals before the game. We drove about twenty-five minutes or so out to a sporting facility (what must be a very well-funded sporting facility might I add) for the school district we were in. It was much chillier in San Antonio than expected, but other than that and the one day of torrential downpour we endured, rehearsing went smoothly. The total amount of time we performed on the field at the actual Alamo Bowl is in the area of about eight to ten minutes I'd say. A miniature version of our pregame and a six minute halftime show. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA-tRpJslfns-Rx_u_7yA5AK1G7ObRA66K6582ZvwrHFjrNz4JMZqbl2aJlWzjEWVESRRczdHNSmHDOO1pycC8ic00q_-rh6qAXmVUpJiZgMYLax-ub-0iTfypqP8WgbPf_scH_pONBo/s1600/IMG_1740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUA-tRpJslfns-Rx_u_7yA5AK1G7ObRA66K6582ZvwrHFjrNz4JMZqbl2aJlWzjEWVESRRczdHNSmHDOO1pycC8ic00q_-rh6qAXmVUpJiZgMYLax-ub-0iTfypqP8WgbPf_scH_pONBo/s400/IMG_1740.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The last rehearsal of the year... 2015 that is.</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On New Year's Day, the day before the bowl game, we got to play at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. After a brief stage performance and parade through the park, we were given free admission to the park. Despite the rain and chilliness, my group and I stayed until the park closed. Apparently the amusement/water park isn't in prime season on January 1st or when it's 40 degrees and raining which meant impossibly short lines for all the rides! And like the River Walk, Six Flags was all dolled up for Christmas. Of all the things I thought I'd be doing the first day of 2016 I never guessed I'd be dancing through an empty amusement park singing <i>You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch</i> on the way to take a photo with Looney Tunes characters. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TGImWKYIVMfPBfMjv-VZ3cs0YlxLiIZNZM7Ih8ImmTCPCcVA9qMTwTAD9aaGOY0ZF-jsWUBx71fGoX8AiOBPZmm1JXDhk6yqS67ekNr1JUG_VSWUBARdrA8T5_qCDinFvaxZxSXbU6Q/s1600/IMG_1855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TGImWKYIVMfPBfMjv-VZ3cs0YlxLiIZNZM7Ih8ImmTCPCcVA9qMTwTAD9aaGOY0ZF-jsWUBx71fGoX8AiOBPZmm1JXDhk6yqS67ekNr1JUG_VSWUBARdrA8T5_qCDinFvaxZxSXbU6Q/s400/IMG_1855.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">My good friends Taz, Yosemite Sam, and Shea. </span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Then came game day. The roads within a three mile radius of the Alamodome were clogged as we tried to make our way to the stadium and I noticed a Denny's that was taking full advantage of the crowds flooding San Antonio and had a sign in their parking lot, "Public Parking -- $60." After some parading around the area surrounding the Alamodome and playing some pep tunes for the UO Alumni tailgaters, we finally got to go into the ginormous stadium. It was a balmy 70 degrees with a zero percent chance of rain. I'd never realized before that these huge, indoor stadiums are simply "sports studios." Just like Duck TV has a news studio, the Duck football team had their own studio in the Alamodome-- perfect lighting, cameras strategically placed, a live audience. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX_P0DfOrqK-gSgimNF2YY9vN0CwGtGIjn4A9LSwl526BxTsD2S7pJTMktxccfa_azFhwurMSv_XqvGQtcK1_aHON7EnPwOV4mo5cokWlkEL3U7lXRHY1UUs-GJM2YJ8r60WoKpjM0JM/s1600/IMG_1870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX_P0DfOrqK-gSgimNF2YY9vN0CwGtGIjn4A9LSwl526BxTsD2S7pJTMktxccfa_azFhwurMSv_XqvGQtcK1_aHON7EnPwOV4mo5cokWlkEL3U7lXRHY1UUs-GJM2YJ8r60WoKpjM0JM/s400/IMG_1870.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Before the game and still filled with hope to #WinTheDay...</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I won't go into the details of the game itself. I'm sure many of you watched it so long story short it was an exciting, nerve-wracking and ultimately shocking game. TCU won in triple overtime. I was disappointed, yes, that the Ducks lost, but I was even more disappointed we didn't get to stay to see the victors' extravaganza. Once the winning team is given their trophy the whole stadium is flooded with balloons and confetti from the ceiling. (so I am told) As soon as the game was called and fans started filing out, our band director got us out of that stadium as quickly as humanly possible. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGuAzkjRGrLKwB6A7vZN_yGhyphenhyphenNjnlpCkdMUXXmQLotIc0aU0j0_f72SznIlvFH8Ngy6S3E4kG9d3qvIIA68v-1peegat0XGAZ2-O7L91liSwBSvYmSx-LgxfYQCHpycXimt3XQvVzVc8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-03+at+23.19.13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGuAzkjRGrLKwB6A7vZN_yGhyphenhyphenNjnlpCkdMUXXmQLotIc0aU0j0_f72SznIlvFH8Ngy6S3E4kG9d3qvIIA68v-1peegat0XGAZ2-O7L91liSwBSvYmSx-LgxfYQCHpycXimt3XQvVzVc8/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-01-03+at+23.19.13.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">(Above) How I saw the celebrations vs. (below) how the media saw the celebrations.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As much of a bummer it is that the Ducks lost the bowl game I'm still so happy I got to go. Marching band has been a great experience for me in my first term of college and what better school to march for than one that gets to go to bowl games and, better yet, takes their band with them? I'm done with band for the duration of my freshman year but I'm already looking forward to next year's season. 2015 was a great year and I have a feeling 2016 will prove to be as memorable, if not even more so, in not just marching band but also college and life in general. Wishing all of you a healthy, joyful, and successful year ahead. And for my university buddies, best of luck for the winter term starting tomorrow. Sco Ducks! </span>Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-77851206364477038482015-12-27T10:15:00.002-08:002015-12-27T10:17:21.105-08:00I'll Be Home For Christmas (And Hanukkah)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 120%;">I hope everyone had a delicious, safe,
and jolly holiday and are looking forward to the new year— I certainly am! But
before launching into 2016, I got the opportunity to wrap up this past year
sharing laughs, stories, and quality time with family and friends. Not only
were the past few weeks a luxurious break from college and responsibility, but
they were also the longest amount of time I’ve spent in Salem since the summer
before the beginning of my CBYX adventure.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eQ1QLofWvcZpH8WpBEfaWe2Jpb_qrzU44Yz6mhb75O_X8fEQ2sXSJhoL-KXpPuDkznlZVgugHcK8aNOaC3qwLG_AUbxJs3a0dYkhv6xycaDoxJbDvr7SBOYrbQHTENPjJekxB44SRBo/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eQ1QLofWvcZpH8WpBEfaWe2Jpb_qrzU44Yz6mhb75O_X8fEQ2sXSJhoL-KXpPuDkznlZVgugHcK8aNOaC3qwLG_AUbxJs3a0dYkhv6xycaDoxJbDvr7SBOYrbQHTENPjJekxB44SRBo/s400/IMG_0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">From my family to yours!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">The holiday season at home kicked off
with potato latkes, homemade applesauce, brisket, and rugelach, meaning only
one thing— Hanukkah! Ever since I was little I remember doing some sort of
Hanukkah celebration, some years more modest and others more elaborate. Aside
from the delectable and authentic homemade feast, it was especially
heartwarming to sit at a table surrounded by my parents, brothers, and two of
our dear neighbors. Dorm life has been exciting and fun, but there’s nothing
quite like that first meal together as a family after a long time apart. </span><span style="line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 120%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUeeVbA9NFS2ml6fpOvIEIHM5OcZ877db4qRnsg_rcYMskpEAwbiPEw_sIelRep0IIJdvubE4OHKteKUhlVCK_srp0Y-Kyg55Lrto5ZaAukf2vqpGyVGLGzXvgWnaNj9_w9MjlgaiAs8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-27+at+10.03.08+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUeeVbA9NFS2ml6fpOvIEIHM5OcZ877db4qRnsg_rcYMskpEAwbiPEw_sIelRep0IIJdvubE4OHKteKUhlVCK_srp0Y-Kyg55Lrto5ZaAukf2vqpGyVGLGzXvgWnaNj9_w9MjlgaiAs8/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-12-27+at+10.03.08+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Hanukkah's incomplete without menorah and latkes.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">Something else I had been looking forward
to was reuniting with some close friends after our three-, four-, or more-month
hiatus from one another. Life moves quickly at this age it seems! There were
some fairly major topics to catch up on in addition to the trove of stories
saved specially to retell in person. Salem has grown over the past few months
and continues to pleasantly surprise me, as did my friends. I admit, I wasn’t
expecting to whip up a watercolor masterpiece while at the Gov Cup (a local
coffeeshop), but it was an experience that popped up spontaneously and one I
hope to repeat someday. And who knew I’d be on the Kinfolk magazine parody
editorial team? </span><span style="line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJeONIVI2lwtnuul_Vard8O0VSAsI8F3-pOZOVN7QDz4ItUr6P76asmk9dEIjRcAXQBOPNEd8_oow0WUOPz_28saGGQht4AuhxPGv2ynXQkKec-CpDN0mWlZNalLRd8oMTsJhdxA0bEc/s1600/IMG_3777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJeONIVI2lwtnuul_Vard8O0VSAsI8F3-pOZOVN7QDz4ItUr6P76asmk9dEIjRcAXQBOPNEd8_oow0WUOPz_28saGGQht4AuhxPGv2ynXQkKec-CpDN0mWlZNalLRd8oMTsJhdxA0bEc/s400/IMG_3777.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">B. Fupa, <i>Gov Cup Watercolor Part I</i>, 2015, photo</span></td></tr>
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<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">Time with family also lent itself to some
new and perhaps unexpected, but thoroughly enjoyable, experiences. From knife
skills classes and Star Wars shenanigans to tiger suits for super top aunties
and table topics that revealed untold stories, I got to spend quality time with
the people I love and wish I could see more often. Even the scrapbooks and old
family photos were brought out which is an excellent way to hear some behind
the scenes tales! </span><span style="line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJtlWIYQLv0319o7j5kA2NbNcej4ddZwYWwvKvzV3Rx_-oNnJOJfH-vspc-WDxcf230vjW4coW2_M-vmxquE1mKS-pP9zwsloRtV761cSU_-NCttKp-QvvnXrGVmcFBfeMAbNCE7OC44/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-27+at+10.00.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJtlWIYQLv0319o7j5kA2NbNcej4ddZwYWwvKvzV3Rx_-oNnJOJfH-vspc-WDxcf230vjW4coW2_M-vmxquE1mKS-pP9zwsloRtV761cSU_-NCttKp-QvvnXrGVmcFBfeMAbNCE7OC44/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-12-27+at+10.00.52+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The Gordon-Nard clan takes Salem!</span></td></tr>
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<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">And any mention of being home for the
holidays is incomplete without noting my second home, Aachen. Skyping with my
host family, flipping through my trumpet book of German Christmas carols,
seeing photos from friends at the Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt— it all makes for a
large dose of Fernweh for a Christmas I’ve grown to love in addition to my
original traditions. I’ve said this before, sometimes it seems like a terrible
mistake to have gone abroad and fallen in love with another culture, another
family, and another way of life that are all so far away now, but that couldn’t
be further from the truth. No matter where I am I’ll always have some dose of
Fernweh for one, or both, of my cities. Be it Aachen or Oregon, it’s
overwhelmingly wonderful to know there are two places I can call home. The
memories and traditions are different, but love is something that can build
lasting bonds regardless of who or where.</span><span style="line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTG8J9-7IEFycpuXt_HLvsTign-bVWTWJPm3e2prsDN-pSGt-6ngbP7_LHiR90yNXNfyuekdiFWzZAzvLagUL40bpOuM4q8k7GZ7GKp0RwambdH7L0Bn3RFjIyy1FX4K2u9bQSDzv-oDg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-27+at+10.13.49+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTG8J9-7IEFycpuXt_HLvsTign-bVWTWJPm3e2prsDN-pSGt-6ngbP7_LHiR90yNXNfyuekdiFWzZAzvLagUL40bpOuM4q8k7GZ7GKp0RwambdH7L0Bn3RFjIyy1FX4K2u9bQSDzv-oDg/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-12-27+at+10.13.49+AM.png" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Just a few of the people who have been and are important in my life.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 120%;">Oregon, Aachen, Eugene— they’ve all
yielded lasting bonds and communities. Success and happiness in my life have
always correlated with a strong sense of community. And I suppose this
sentimental time at the end of the year is the best opportunity to say thank
you to all of you out there who’ve helped build the communal boat that’s kept
me afloat throughout the years. Whether from soccer teammates and coaches,
bandmates and directors, classmates, teachers, neighbors, friends, family
members, or people I never even knew but looked out for me in ways I’ll never
know, thank you. It’s because of all of you I am so excited and hopeful for
2016.</span><span style="line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="line-height: 120%;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, on that note... <i>guten Rutsch</i>, happy new year, and scooooo Ducks!</span></div>
Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7108290970735012837.post-4248382759668711352015-12-01T00:08:00.002-08:002015-12-01T00:09:53.224-08:00O du fröhliche Dead Week <span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Der 1. Advent ist schon hier!</i> And so is dead week! The beginning of Advent means it's finally socially acceptable to blast the holiday hits. Be it the hotties of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI&list=RDzQniSvlm_p4&index=6" target="_blank">Wham!</a> on the radio or me tooting a little <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3y9u-dGDOg" target="_blank"><i>Tochter Zion</i></a> on my trumpet, I'm definitely feeling the holiday spirit... and the finals spirit. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Enjoying Christmas trees around the world with some wonderful people.</span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To clarify, dead week is a term used for the week before finals, especially in universities. I've never truly experienced a dead week before, but I've heard my fair share of stories. When I do a search of the phrase "dead week" in my mental Google, the words that pop up tend to be "stressful," "sleep deprivation," and "caffeine." There are several UO events to keep students sane, though, like bringing pooches in to cuddle with, providing acupuncture sessions, complimentary yoga classes, "TLC booths," and study breaks featuring cake, pie, and hot cocoa. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Hey! Jake the Poodle will be dropping by this week! Oh boy!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Christmastime always makes me nostalgic. This time last year I was getting ready to perform at the Aachen <i>Weihnachtsmarkt</i> with my host brother as a trumpet-trombone duo. I'm still playing trumpet, but instead of prepping for the beautiful and sparkly <i>Weihnachtsmarkt</i>, I'm looking forward to a (hopefully warm!) bowl game this December in likely California or Texas. This time four and a half months ago I was planning an entire <i>Weihnachtsmarkt </i>which involved baking 300 cookies for all of Waldsee. This morning I was still in the kitchen, but I was baking seven-layer bars for the Duck TV news team of fifteen people. Easy! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRaC4LKIMrIlHvIdvoLCA-crxI5KciBETd0bsp8WqzYIq3_J3CIU24ovfUK6tgVzYBcdYCgXCNtj154O9H0wP_BtQYM2zGtei2PHo0zkp8JSYaOOzneq4HfVkmmPCSW-rzPO1BNEhgRk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-11-30+at+23.55.38.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRaC4LKIMrIlHvIdvoLCA-crxI5KciBETd0bsp8WqzYIq3_J3CIU24ovfUK6tgVzYBcdYCgXCNtj154O9H0wP_BtQYM2zGtei2PHo0zkp8JSYaOOzneq4HfVkmmPCSW-rzPO1BNEhgRk/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-11-30+at+23.55.38.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">"Ich bin kein Vegetarier. Ich bin Dessertarier." -Bill Watterson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Starting Wednesday we'll have to turn the <i>Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree</i> down a notch since 24-hour quiet hours will be starting. It's only day one, but so far dead week hasn't been too bad. I'm looking forward to winter break and getting to be in dear ol' Salem for an extended period of time reconnecting and catching up with family and friends. The light at the end of this tunnel leading up to finals week has beautiful, sparkly, red-green-gold lights and I can faintly hear Bing Crosby's voice emitting at the end. But for now it's time to study! </span>Lily Gordonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17621755621565681320noreply@blogger.com