Hello World!

Today, is December 1, 2015, and as the year comes to an end, I find myself in a reflective state. Each December, I find myself looking through my photo album of the year, or photos on my Facebook. Looking back over the snapshots of the year, realizing... “Wow, a lot has happened...” always has me feeling a bit sad that the year is ending, but also excited for what's to come.

Recently, I've began two new adventures.

MARY KAY

I've recently started selling Mary Kay. I know!! I know!! You're thinking, “Jenn?! Really?! Of all the things...you succumbed to the never ending inquiring from others to sell Mary Kay?!” And...yes. Yes, I have. HOWEVER! It's definitely more than you think. I truly believe the timing was finally right to give it a try, and come on, where would you be in life if you didn't give things a try? You know me! I'm the type of person who will try everything once. Life...is meant to be lived and sometimes, it's through these challenges that we discover more about ourselves.

I've been using Mary Kay products for years! I was 11-years-old when I first started their skin care lines! At the time they sold Velocity. It was a skin care line for young preteens and teenagers. Now they've since done away with the line, and there are many other skin care lines that can meet anyone's skin care needs. I started using Mary Kay, because...well, it worked. As I got older, I changed to various other lines, and have added other products into my skin care process.

It only seemed natural that after...say, 16 years, I may know a thing or two myself. Honestly, starting to sell Mary Kay, has been scary. I'm not the type of person to “sell” things. I've worked in retail yes, and I've sold Girl Scout cookies...but this is totally different. In a way, I'm learning a lot about myself. I'm challenging myself to meet new people, approach new people, and to talk to new people. I challenge myself to express how much I do love my skin, and how much caring for our skin is so important. I am challenging myself to learn new skills, and I like it. I can't be my introverted self all the time. I can be outgoing, extroverted, and I'm excited to be.

I know the products, I know Mary Kay...I know I can succeed, and WILL!

My parents are sort of supportive, but at the same time, they're not, and it's more inspiration and more determination to PROVE them wrong. I know I need to learn my own wording, and discover the ways that work for me, but I believe that I can do this.

If you're reading this, and would like to find out more about Mary Kay yourself and the products, visit: www.marykay.com/jso129 for more information.

CDOT

I've also recently started working for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), on a radio show that they're doing through a campaign to help change the peak drive time of those heading to and coming home from the mountains. It's a really neat initiative.

The press release is below:

On-The-Go I-70 Travel Information Is Back
Mountain Travel Radio Provides Live Traffic and Travel Updates Through COtrip.org

STATEWIDE — As part of its Change Your Peak Drive winter driving education campaign, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is expanding its live streaming Mountain Travel Radio service on COtrip.org, providing motorists with the most accurate and up-to-date travel information, road conditions and more. The live broadcast will regularly air on Friday afternoons, Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons, and on holiday Mondays, but with Thanksgiving being a major travel holiday, Mountain Travel Radio will do a special broadcast this afternoon, Wednesday, Nov. 25 as an anticipated 40,000 vehicles travel the corridor.

With major changes on to the Mountain Corridor, namely the implementation of the Traction Law and the launch of the I-70 Mountain Express Lane, Mountain Travel Radio will be a key communications avenue for I-70 travelers to learn up-to-the-minute road conditions directly from Jim Hudson, Nia Bender and Jennifer So, who will report live from CDOT’s Traffic Operations Center each weekend.

“Conditions along the I-70 Mountain Corridor change extremely quickly, and doing a live broadcast is one of the best ways to inform motorists and keep them updated with the most accurate info,” said Amy Ford, Director of Communications for CDOT. “Mountain Travel Radio is the best distraction-free resource available to motorists — once you tune in on COtrip.org you can expect to hear regular travel updates, event information, special Peak Time Deals and more.”

Listeners can tune in to the live broadcasts through COtrip.org by clicking the “On-Air” button.

Kicking off the mountain travel season with a live broadcast tonight, Mountain Travel Radio will normally broadcast every Friday afternoon from 4-7 p.m., Saturdays from 6:30-9:30 a.m. and 4-7 p.m., and Sundays from 6:30-9:30 a.m. and 2-7 p.m. throughout the winter, coinciding with peak travel times along I-70. For the two popular long weekends in January and February, Mountain Travel Radio will broadcast on those holiday Mondays from 12-4 p.m.

Content will include live updates on the rapidly changing I-70 road, weather and traffic conditions, as well as information about Traction Laws, the I-70 Mountain Express Lane and more. In addition, Mountain Travel Radio will provide information on events at ski resorts and mountain towns, along with Peak Time Deals — discounts for motorists who choose to stay off I-70 during the busiest travel times and instead enjoy deals on recreation, lodging and dining throughout the Mountain Corridor.

Jim Hudson and Nia Bender are returning from last season to host the broadcasts, bringing with them more than 50 years of combined radio and TV experience. Hudson is a freelance voice talent and a 25 year broadcast veteran, with 15 of those years reporting traffic on TV in Denver. Bender is a news anchor at NewsRadio 850 KOA and owner of The 4th-Estate, offering media services in the radio and TV industry. With expanded hours, Mountain Travel Radio will feature a third host this year — Jennifer So. So has four years experience with radio broadcasting, including her current show “On the Go with Jenn So” in Fort Morgan.

“Last year, we saw major success with Mountain Travel Radio, one time reaching 40 percent of I-70 travelers,” said Hudson. “We hope this service continues to be valuable resource for mountain travelers to stay informed and know what’s ahead.”

CDOT’s Mountain Travel Radio is part of the Change Your Peak Drive campaign, which works to improve the I-70 Mountain Corridor by encouraging mountain travelers to change not only the time they drive, but also how they drive. Through public education and strategic partnerships, CDOT works to give motorists the tools they need to be winter ready and know the resources they have for I-70 information. To learn more about the campaign and winter driving tips, visit winter.codot.gov.

I'm totally stoked to be joining my teachers once again, and to be embarking on a new adventure career wise as well. This could lead to many other opportunities, and although I don't know where I'll end up...I've got a foot back in Denver, which is great!! (We all know, from previous posts, that I'm looking for something news. I'm ready for a bigger market.)

While this is just a seasonal thing, I'm going to give my all to it. I'm going to do all that I can to make an impact, and maybe...maybe this will lead to other adventures as well. I know...I'll be super busy, but I'm totally okay with that. I don't mind, because it's all so exciting!

As I drift back to my reflective state, I find myself thanking God for this year. All the weddings of family and friends, the moments spent embracing the beauty of life...I close my eyes and see a flash of scenes play through my head. It makes me smile. I find myself even more sentimental than normal, holding on to the memories...slightly afraid to bid 2015 ado; but in those moments of uncertainty and apprehension, I look forward what 2016 will bring.

Here's to the New Year! Here's to continued love! Here's to family and friends, happiness and joy!! Here's to everything that makes life exciting!! Here's to future me and future you!! Embrace it!! 2016 will be amazing...I just know it will be!

ps...

My trip is officially 107 days away!

                                                           HELLO WORLD!!

                                                                                           I'm coming for you!!