This summer I’ve traded the servers, the front-door welcomes, and the stress of the restaurant life for a cubicle and a business suit.
Instead of living my hostess life that has been the staple of my summers since I was 16, I am interning at State Farm.
Everyone in Bloomington knows you can hardly meet a person who doesn’t have at least some vague connection to the corporation, but now I finally am a part of it. And let me tell you, there is an entire world within its walls.
Everyone I have met thus far has been kind and happy to be here. But, then again, there is a Chick-fil-A in the cafeteria, so really, how could they not love their job? (Although I haven’t eaten there yet, my diet hasn’t allowed me) But, in all sincerity, I have been very impressed with the company and its employees.
I am working in the Storytelling department which is very appropriate with my english and journalism double major. So far so good.
I do feel like I’m living inside the show The Office. So now I’m just trying to find my Michael, my Dwight and my Jim. I need someone who’s staplers I can put in jello and someone who makes me fall in love with them. (not that I’m capable of love) So far no luck there… Joking, of course.
Besides the office life, being home is good, but it’s an adjustment. I’m not sure if it’s just that I’ve gotten so used to Texas or if it’s because I had a car this semester (life changer) but Dallas feels more like home now. Coming back to Illinois used to feel normal, but it’s getting less and less normal the longer I’m gone. And Bloomington is beginning to pale in comparison. (I mean it always did) I don’t even know what I used to do here. I am also definitely missing my Shelby life. And Casey. Going from my own bedroom and bathroom living with my best friend to being back home is odd. But, I love my family so that part is nice. I wish I could just pick up Casey and my apartment and put them both in my house here, that way I could have the best of both worlds. I also miss my Dallas food favorites and the SMU gym. But, I’m sure I’ll get used to not having them soon enough.
My crazy dogs are still crazy with Miss Gussie Sophia being the worst. She hasn’t accepted our house guest Chase, another State Farm intern, yet and every time he comes around, I’m pretty sure she barking-ly challenges him to a duel. Which is annoying, but also somewhat amusing. Although her pathetic ten pounds is no match for his lacrosse playing stature. I will be interested to see if he can win her affection. Gabby and Gracie did love on Jennifer when she was over. Proof that they are capable of progress.
In other news, I’m on a “lifestyle change” aka a permanent diet. I know, shocking. My new obsession is quest bars. They’re pretty bomb if I do say so myself. I usually reject protein bars, as Casey can attest. But, I actually think these might be worth it. They have about 20 grams of protein and 20 grams of fiber, with very little sugar so they seem worth it to me, at least for lunch. So far the chocolate chip cookie dough and cookies and cream are my two favorites. Other than the bars, I am giving up desserts for the summer, (Okay, I’m mostly giving up desserts Skinny cow doesn’t count. I mean it is 140 calories of happiness. Who would give up that?) But otherwise I’m thinking I’ll go mainly paleo, with a few exceptions, like oatmeal. I don’t want to be one of those crazys, so I allow for some cheat room on the weekends if I’m out. Having the internship helps me control what I eat during the week pretty well. I think my goal is to lose about 15lbs. I know that everyone loves to watch me OD, but that has to end. Sorry Delaney, Hailey, Casey, and Cauley. Try not to be too upset.
I’m still injured. My foot is doing better (I was in a boot for a couple of weeks in March and April) but the shins are in a lot of pain. Hailey was pretty cute the other day when I was getting ready to go workout she said, “Honestly, Mallory, you just need accept that they are never not to going to hurt. So just suck it up and run with the pain. What is pain?? That’s my motto.” So I took her advice. And yes they are in pain. I’ve been doing RICE, and trying to run every other day so hopefully that helps. But I doubt it. My problem is I just love running too much. I don’t want to cross train. I do, of course because I have to. But if I could run every day instead, I would. I’ve been trying to swim laps, but it just seems like such a hassle compared to simply throwing on my shoes and going for a run. And, there really is no better metaphor for life than running. I’m sure there will be a blog to come about that soon enough. 🙂
This is my first blog post, so I’ll see if I like doing it. Maybe more to come. Maybe I’ll disappear. It’s anyone’s guess.
Mallory McDonald 