I've Got to be Starting Somethin'

I can be creative and funny. Usually I'm the only one who appreciates these attributes of mine, but last Friday, I believe, I was not alone.

The NextStudent Web Marketing Department used to be an unpredictable and somewhat chaotic work environment complete with Nerf gun bullets whizzing past your face at any moment, Google beach balls barreling down on your desk and random outbursts of horribly catchy 80s tunes or Hanson songs. For a number of reasons, the mood in the office has been, let's just say, deflated as of late.

I thought it was time to inject some of that old NextStudent Web Marketing flair back into our days, so last Friday I proposed that we have Michael Jackson Fridays where the day's work of promoting student loans would be interspersed with MJ tunes at the most random and inappropriate of moments, and possibly some one-hand glove wearing.

Being the quirky and hilarious Web Marketing bunch that we are, my suggestion spawned a feisty brainstorm session, which resulted in our conclusion that every Friday would be themed Friday and it would be the responsibility of a new team member each week to pick the theme.

The day's creative responsibilities include coming up with: a song for the day, an appropriately themed prop (ie: pirate eye patch), and a word-for-the-day (non-theme-related) that will be used Pee-Wee Herman style.

Needless to say, this Friday will be an interesting one in the NextStudent Web Marketing world.

Can't Stop Laughing

My job at NextStudent is great because I get to listen to stuff like this blasted from computers all day.

***Warning: You might want to turn down your volume. This is David Lee Roth's overdub track on "Running With the Devil"... just the overdub track.

It's Good to be Me

I never thought I'd say this, but for the first time in my life, I'm happy living in Phoenix (with the exception of the unbearable heat). I have the best job I could ever ask for as a copywriter at NextStudent, where I get to write to my heart's content about anything that interests college students and use my composition skills to help former and current college students like myself have a better understanding of their student loans (something I wish I would have known about a long time ago).

I'm finally on my way to financial independence. My townhouse is absolutely perfect, except for the fact that I am still forced to be separated from my one true love, Jakey.



And I still get to live near all the people that matter the most to me.

After my trip to Europe I am beginning to truly develop my sense of self and feel like I have purpose and direction. Whereas a few months ago, all the major elements in my life were up in the air, the dust has settled and I am living relatively care free.

Wow, does this mean I'm turning into an optimist? Blasphemy. It'll never happen!