From Friendless to Almost Famous

So I am on facebook. Who isn't? I signed up about three or four years ago and I have enjoyed keeping in touch with people through it and looking at pictures and profiles to see what everyone's up to and things. However, I noticed a small, depressing trend - I rarely get/got any friend requests. It was a little emotionally disturbing. I figured I was simply a bigger dork than I thought and not that many people wanted to be friends with me. While on the other hand I thought "What the Ef. I am an okay kid, why wouldn't someone want to be a 'friend' of mine on this little website?" While I spent three years or so pondering in and out of a state of curiousness, I finally decided to stop pouting about it and write it off as another social misshap/fopa and just forget about it. So I moved in, leaving facebook behind, and trying to slowly but surely drift away from the slightly addicting website.

I quit going on it almost completely, maybe now and then when I got an email saying someone wrote on my wall or tagged a photo of me. Other than that, this "social network" eventually began to drift away in the wind for me.

About a week ago I began to notice a new trend. People were actually asking me, yes asking me personally why they could not find me on facebook when they searched for me. With a rush of excitement that I immediately suppressed, I just laughed it off and told them it was because there are so many Jessica Carlson's on that goofy site. (Which there are). Finally after about the third or fourth coworker asking me the same thing, I decided to investigate. I glimmer of hope began to shine forth and I started to contrive up an idea in my mind that there might be more to the mystery of being facebook friendless than the mere fact that I am a dork. While during a break at work I asked my friend to try and search for me on their Blackberry just to see if it is true, and that you cannot find me.

Sure enough, he typed in the name and even filtered it down through the Penn State and Pittsburgh networks. The only Jessica Carlson that appeared, amusingly enough, was a comical character displaying the same name but with a picture of a monkey as their profile pic. (Not me for the record)

Hmmmm. that glimmer of light just got brighter.

Adrenaline began to pump through my veins. I immediatly felt a surge of excitement and suddenly no longer desired to be at work making money but wanted to dash home to my laptop to pull up my profile and decipher this issue until it resolved itself. I impatiently waited out the day and rushed home, bursting through the front door and dashing up the steps to my room where the answer to all my questions and insecure feelings awaited me.

I logged onto the long-lost website - having to retype in my email and password because it had been so long since my last log-in. I checked out my privacy settings and sure enough...all this time...I had them set so that you could not search for me. Who the hell does that? Who sets their privacy so that you cannot even be searched for? Did I do this as a precaution at some point so that no employers could search for me? If I did I don't remember. Did I do it so that I could be 'mysterious' and have more control over who I find rather than who finds me online? Or was it a terrible over'site' (pardon the pun), on my part that when I initially signed up that was the actual default setting that I never knew to change?

I may never know how this whole problem generated itself, but I do know that it has been resolved. If I may add, since changing my settings so that anyone can search for me, within 24 hours I had FOUR friend requests. Count 'em - FOUR. That's more than I have had since I signed up for this silly site. I mean I went from being on the edge of friendless to dancing on the line of almost famous.

So, after letting out a very deep and long overdue breathe of lonely air, I smiled and felt assured that from now on I will sleep much more soundly knowing that I've got a friend in facebook.

Hi Ed

Hello, you're the only one who reads this so I thought I'd say hi.

Degree or No Degree?

A few years ago, after just a year of college, my boyfriend told me he was thinking of not going back to school. When I asked what his alternative plan was and he had none, I let him know in the simplest, if harshest, way that I would not date a bricklayer for the rest of my life. After my nerves settled a bit I politely persuaded him to give college a second chance and just get some sort of degree under your belt. You know, as a "just in case" security blanket, even if it's an Associates, just have something. So, after a few discussions and healthy persuasions, he decided to stick with it and go for his degree.

Because of his roller coaster ride decision making process on where to go, what to study, and what sort of degree he wanted to get, it set him back a year on "normal" graduation time. In other words, I graduated in May (2008) and he is rounding out his second to last semester. He really bit the bullet and went for the Bachelors degree. I was happy with his decision, for a while even felt bad for feeling like such a strong influence on making him do something he did not want to. But he still claims to the day that he is really glad he stuck with it. But while I was preaching about the importance of a degree these days, I soon realized upon graduation, oh what little did I really know about the plug and chug of the real world.

College is supposed to prep you for the real world right? So why am I sitting here six months later, with a Bachelors Degree in Communications and Media Studies...and I have yet to put any of that knowledge to use. Want to know why? Sure you do, cause it is the real kicker of this whole ordeal. The sole reason I am having such a hard time finding a full-time job is because I lack experience.

Oh really? I thought that was what those two internships I completed were for? I thought I was gaining experience, along with enjoyment, by being a writer and editor for my school newspaper, the Public Relations Director for the Student Government Association. I thought I was displaying leadership by being captain of the soccer team for two season, not to mention leading a team that won their Conference and advanced to the Division III NCAA Tournament. I thought my solid GPA and my volunteer work showed I was able to be organized and balanced with my busy schedule, while maintaining good studies and a healthy social life.

I think I thought wrong. Or did I? I mean, when did the college degree suddenly become not enough? All of sudden I am sitting here with piles of student loans to pay off, health insurance payments to try and cough up, while also pumping gas in my car and splurging on, not only a cell phone bill, but a few cheap perks for myself here and there because I enjoy a good Starbucks latte from time to time.

I laughed my way through college, thinking I had it made and I was paving a golden road towards immediate success. It's sad but true, we humans expect immediate results or we are not happy. It's been proven in studies, we rely on emotion, we thrive on success and seeing results sooner than later. So I've got this piece of paper hanging on my wall in a beautiful (and expensive) frame that's telling me I completed four years of ... what?

I went in for an interview the other day. I was pretty excited about it because it was entry-level, and seemed like a good opportunity to get my start in the Advertising world. I went into the interview with confidence, a little nervous because after all I am human, but I was also hopeful that this would be my big break. I can sum up the interview real easily for you because it lasted a mere ten minutes - if that. Not a good sign at all. I walked out of that door feeling completely opposite as a did prior to walking in. I knew there was no way I was getting this job. Why sound so glum? Because of one of the very first questions he asked me.

After a few moments of me briefly introducing myself and trying to sum up my life and who I am in about a 30 second window, all the while trying not to bore this man, he asked me about my internships. I piped up at the question and proudly announced (though a slight tinge of annoyance had slipped through my brain at the fact that if he had really read my resume he would know all about my internships) nonetheless I explained the two that I had completed at Star104 and WPXI. After a moments pause from him he asked with a hesitant eye whether I had had any advertising internships.

Well, no. Was all I could muster for a reply. My hopes were shot down quickly but I tried my best to bolster them back up by explaining that that was why I was so interested in this position. Despite the fact that the company seemed like a fun place to work at (seriously - I wasn't just buttering him up) but the position was posted as Entry Level; which I interpret as some or no experience is really required. So why was I sitting at the table suddenly feeling inadequate for the position? Maybe because after my stifled "No" to his question, all the rest of the interview seemed to plummet. He seemed to have no more questions for me while I continued to spit out dozens to him in hopes of saving face and trying to keep his interest in me peaked.

After the interview I drove myself to work - at a little restaurant not far from my home. I mean, I really like the job, but it's not what I went to school for. At least it passes the time and pays the bills for now though. But on my drive to work I was really grinding my thinking gears trying to figure out what I am missing. I have been on at least a dozen interview since the spring time. And all seem to give me the same turn-down answer: "Sorry, we are going to go with somebody with a little more experience than you." Interesting. Did I miss a very large chunk of the puzzle here? Or am I just looking for a job in the complete wrong industry? But it's what I want to do, so what am I supposed to do? Settle for a close but no cigar type gig? Which might I add is what I have already done. I have accepted, for the time being, a part-time job at a local TV station. It's by no means my ideal job but it's something for now.

I try not to complain too much. I am well aware that the economy is absolutely atrocious for the time being. And I am trying to deal with what I have but it gets frustrating. I try to keep calm about it and tell myself that something will come around soon. As a good friend once told me, "It's not our time, it's God's time." Hm, I wonder of they sell a God's-time-watch anywhere?

Steelers stomp the Texans

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers did what they needed to do. They began their 2008 season with a solid performance, resulting in a victory over the Houston Texans. Coming into the regular season after four sub par preseason games, Pittsburgh needed to do a little revamping. Despite going 3-1 in the preseason, the majority of their points came off of Jeff Reed's toe, kicking a total of eleven field goals out of the four games, including a 50 yarder against the Eagles in the first game.

Despite the fact that many were aware that this was a must win for the Black and Gold, the team out on the field looked much like the Super Bowl champions of two seasons ago. With key players returning this season like safety Troy Polamalu and running back Willie Reed recovering from a broken leg towards the end of last season, the Steelers were able to round off a full roster of strong, healthy players, looking hungry and eager to play. Even nose tackle Casey Hampton, who was put on the physically unable list the first day of preseason because of his weight, was impressive when he stopped the Texas from converting a 4-and-1 to a first down by stuffing QB Matt Schaub. Then again, Hampton does weigh 350 pounds.

Regardless, the Steelers got the ball into Big Ben's hands and let him go to work. After eight plays and 52 yards of hustle, Parker found his way into the end zone for the TD, followed by Reed's extra point to put Pittsburgh up 7-0 in the first quarter.

It was all downhill for the Texans after that. After three quarters of play, Roethlisberger missed only one pass attempt, going 13 of 14 for 137 yards and 2 touchdown tosses. When Ben wasn't busy passing, he was handing it off to Parker who had 25 attempts, racking up 138 yards and three touchdowns.

On the receiving end of Big Ben's gun, Pittsburgh proved they have diversity across the field by completing passes to six different players. Hines Ward brought in six passes totaling 76 yards, not including the 75-yard bomb that was called back for offensive pass interference. Despite that one play, Ward still nabbed two touchdowns to keep tallying the score. Heath Miller had three receptions for 26 yards, Santonio Holmes went two for 19 and both Carey Davis and Matt Spaeth caught a pass totaling 16 yards.

Along with the offense doing well, the defense did not falter at doing their job either. Second-year linebacker LaMarr Woodley proved his position, having a standout game which included an interception, a fumble recovery and a sack, amongst other stellar plays. His size mixed with his agility and speed ought to make for a successful season this year. Also adding to the defense was the much missed Pro Bowler Polamalu who grabbed his first interception in two years, proving that his injuries are no longer impeding his playing skills.

Maybe it was the sunny and warm weather, maybe it was the mere excitement of the start of another football season, maybe it was the few beers that I'd had at the game giving me the buzz of delight I got from watching the Steelers march up and down and all around the Texans. Regardless, Sunday's performance was impressive, hopefully it keeps up throughout the difficult schedule the Black and Gold have ahead of them.

Next week on the 14th, Pittsburgh travels to Cleveland for an 8:15pm kickoff.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Finally, the lulling preseason games are over and the grueling regular season can get underway for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Saying that the Steelers' schedule is difficult this season is like saying water is wet. It's a no brainer to determine that it will be a challenging year. However, they have the opportunity to start off right on Sunday when they take on what you could call an "easier" team than what the rest of the season's opposition is proposing.


Pittsburgh will take on the Houston Texans for the third time in history. Each team claiming a victory on the road. Hopefully the pattern does not stand true for Sunday's game to start at 1 p.m. at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh has yet to lose a home opener since 2000.



Most of the Steelers are finally healthy and in shape for the game. Concerns of Larry Foote have been dismissed as Tomlin has expressed his confidence in his return against the Texans. The greatly missed Troy Polamalu will be back in the lineup to help contribute to the defense. And we are all praying to the sweet Lord above that rookie Rashard Mendenhall's mental stability has recovered after fumbling the football three times in two games.

To add to the line up, C Justin Hartwig finally stole the spotlight from Sean Mahan as Mahan was shipped off to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Mahan off the roster, the Steelers were able to aquire tight end Sean McHugh from the Detroit Lions.

Under the official title as captain, Big Ben Roethlisberger will look to lead his team to another AFC North Championship. Despite falling short of a strong playoff rally last season, Roethlisberger threw impressive numbers during the season, proving that he is much more of a threat in the air than some may have predicted. Last season alone he threw 32 touchdowns and a total of 3,154 yards. He also managed to cut his interceptions in half from 23 in 2006 to 11 in 2007. Add all of those numbers up and you get an impressive 104.1 quaterback rating, falling just under Tom Brady.

You can also expect to see a lot more out of second year linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons this season. The biggest hole that has most likely left the most question marks is whether or not the shoes of guard Alan Faneca can be filled. Chris Kemoeatu is most likely to be the one to come closest to taking on the challenge.

With the second half of the 2007 season proving to be less than subpar, the Steelers have a chance to start off the 2008 season with a clean slate and with a solid victory over the Texans. Game time is set to kick-off at 1 p.m. We can only hope Jeff Reed won't be the only point scorer for this game.