Reorganizing My Lie Goals.

Back in college, I had a professor that almost ruined the joy of writing for me. The class was called Comm260w, Reporting Methods. I majored in journalism because I like to write (mostly about myself through personal essays because what else do I know more about than my own life). Anyways, journalism right? Wrong. Inverted pyramids, nut grafs, datelines. I wanted to pull my hair out by spring break. It wasn't about giving our readers some entertaining little story, it was about informing them. Every time I tried to add my own spin on a story, I was literally reprimanded for adding any bit of creativity. Stick to the facts, I was told, nothing more.

So anyways, after months of searching for my dream job, I have been offered a compromise. Starting two weeks from this past Monday, I am hanging up my Nikon equipment and trading it for the AP Stylebook. I've been offered a job as an Associate Editor (is that not supposed to be capitalized? Oh well, I want it to be) with, wait for it, Construction Equipment Guide.

Now I know what you're thinking because I've been thinking the same thing. Yes I didn't get into the world of writing and editing so that I could tell stories about excavators. BUT, for right now I'm ok with that. Not only am I being given a normal Monday-Friday 9-5 ish shift, but I can finally afford to move out! Thank God I have finally found a company that is willing to pay me enough to financially sustain myself.

Those are the two non-related career perks. OTHER perks include the fact that I really do believe I am going to grow as a writer and an editor. And a manager! I'm actually managing freelancers on the West Cost and in the Midwest. Of this country. And I'm going to get to write headlines and lay out the publication. It'll be just like all that scrapbooking I did back in middle school, except replacing Justin Timberlake with...well I don't know yet, considering I know nothing about construction.

I am 23 years old. This is my time to put myself out there and decide what I want. Do I want to be a photographer, a blogger, a writer, an SEO expert, a designer? How about I dabble in everything I can right now while I have the chance. Am I giving up photography? Of course not. I've just photographed enough borough township meetings and high school football games to last a lifetime. It's time to give something else a shot at consuming my 40 hour work week.

Maybe this is turning more into an online diary but I'll try to not sound whiny and actually offer substance. I just want to throw it out there that I'm feeling kind of inspired lately and that maybe my writing skills are going to start coming out of the woodwork.

Cancer Survivors Participate in LiveSTRONG Challenge

There are some technical difficulties, such as having to shoot directly into the sun, that took away a lot from this package. I'm also going to defend myself by saying it was a really busy Saturday and the time allotted just didn't allow for me to do it justice, but since I haven't updated in a while, I think I'll throw it up anyways because it was a well deserved event.

by Christine Reckner

creckner@timesherald.com

WHITPAIN — “For me, everyone crossing the finish line has a story,” Mary Danielsen said as she handed a cancer survivor a yellow rose and congratulated him. 

 “This part of the race is always very passionate."

On Saturday, Aug. 18, approximately 4300 individuals participated in the first half of the LiveSTRONG Challenge, hosted by Montgomery County Community College. Saturday’s portion of the challenge included a 5k walk/run and a 10k walk/run; many participants didn’t choose one or the other, but both.

“What makes this event unique is 100 percent of the proceeds raised by participants goes directly to support our programs to improve the lives of all people affected by cancer,” said Rae Bazzarre, Director of Communications for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Participants raised an estimated $2 million, all of which will go toward people affected by cancer, including friends, loved ones, caregivers and health care providers.

Bazzare states one of the reasons for the strong turnout is almost everyone is affected by cancer in some way.

“This is a disease that doesn’t discrimate between age, gender, ethnicity. It’s a disease that crosses all boundaries,” said Bazzare.

The runners and walkers, many sporting bright, yellow shirts with the slogan “Pick a Fight” were cheered on by the crowd in a course that began in the Morris Road lot and proceeded through Blue Bell Knoll, onto Plymouth Road Road into Lower Gwynedd Township and then back to the college via Normandy Drive.

Every cancer survivor that completed the race was handed a yellow rose at the finish line.

Sunday, Aug. 19, features 45- and 100-mile bike rides, as well as an appearance by Lance Armstrong.