the importance of getting up early

It's been two weeks

2010-06-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

Two weeks in and all is going well! I'm officially a Disney ~~employee~~ cast member now! Who doesn't want to work at a place where your primary job is to make people happy?

Socal is great! Being fifteen minutes from the beach is amazing, although I quickly learned the importance of sunscreen...

I have made some new friends and kept in touch with some old ones. Things are comfortable here, I'm looking forward to starting a life here.

Well getting up early is still important...

2010-06-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

What happens when you wake up in a new city 2000 miles from where you have spent the last 22 years and know that this is your new home?

I love adventure and new places, but it is different when you fall down a hole. Gravity doesn't stop, you just keep falling. I have the knot in my stomach, a little like I am falling, but its a good thing. I think that I am going to like it here, you know, as a permanent residence and such. I need to get out and see more but being fiscally responsible until my first paycheck hits my bank account is the adult thing to do.

What is "the adult" things anyway. Lots of people are adults and what are they doing? I think I am going to go with my intuition. Maybe that means doing something silly or making someone smile.

The way I see it, being honest, charming, sincere, and creative is all you need.

What happens when you wake up? You realize you ~~are an adult.~~ have started the rest of your life.

Update. (it is a long one.. get ready.)

2009-10-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

Life comes at you fast... you should consider a helmet. I have one now in fact, but its for trike, not life. For those of you on the home team, trike is a greek tradition at ISU (that is quickly being picked up by the independents... independents are non-greek people). Anyway... it is a race on a large tricycle, but its not cute and fun and easy. Its fast, hard, and extremely competitive. The goal of trike is to win the race, however each person takes a lap until the team has completed a circuit then we start again. Each person goes around 10 laps, im not sure of the total amounts of laps the race is (yet). BUT, the trick is, when you pit the bike doesn't stop. You pull into the pit and the next rider pulls the bike out from under you and then jumps on and keeps peddling.

I am racing this year along with five of my other brothers. It has been most excellent so far, aside from my calf and upper leg muscles burning.

Also, with trike usually someone goes to the hospital due to a crash or a flip (ouch right?!). Well this year in stead of the 9 greek teams they usually have, due to the independent teams, we have a whopping 18 teams..... Seriously.. SERIOUSLY. Anyway we have to watch it, that is a lot of people pitting at and around the same time.. Quals are next week and the race the week after...... that means hitting the gym a lot.

Next order of business: Sycamore Sync (formerly known as AirBand). Sycamore sync is where greeks (and now independents.. ugh) compete to a lip sync contest. Fraternities and sororities are paired together and come up with a routine. This year pike was paired with AOTT (greek for A O Pie). Our theme is broadway... And who is the only pike and AOTT currently pursuing a bachelor of science in theatrical studies... that would be me. So naturally I am helping this process along as well as making up choreography and OH YEAH dancing in it as well. Good thing I'm a T E C H N I C I A N. It will be brilliant, in 19 days google pike & AOTT sycamore sync and look for the youtube video, its going to be a lot of work and effort. But anything is possible right.

A wise professor told me once showbiz in this neck of the woods works like this:

You have TIME, MONEY, & PEOPLE. Pick two.

Fortunately we have money and people.. But 17 days... SERIOUSLY! I know that sounds like a lot but what about TRIKE?! Oh yeah.. I have class and work too. ANNNDDD also now 20+ people's schedules to work around for practice. Hmmm. I need a clone or an assistant, and since the first is expensive and impractical I'm going to have to start accepting applications. I say this all the time that I am hiring and people laugh.. I don't see what is so funny about it.

This is why it is important to get up early.. so you can fit all of this in. Another random thought, I'm taking these new vitamins, I feel different after two days, is that bad? Maybe I wasn't getting enough of them before?

SO for the FAMILY (biological and otherwise): I love you, sorry I have been out of touch but clearly I have been preoccupied, not only with school and greek things, but also with life and graduating, and plans, and the crazy guy at the place with the things... But I treasure the time we get to communicate, even if it is a short e-mail, a text, a telephone call (i know i owe you one lojo), or even through our shared crazy hairdresser trying to cut off your hair, convince you to get a tattoo, and talk to me at the same time (charity).

FRIENDS: I miss you. really, NY and Iowa, and LA, and Florida, and South Carolina, and everywhere else is TOO far away, especially when I am still in terre haute. im visiting soon, promise.. just wait for the wind to change and ill grab my umbrella.

PS. I graduate in 214 days. How crazy is that? Also, I am going to Washington, D.C. on friday. I'm going with friends, and we are driving fyi. I should have some great photos posted soon.

I miss you all,

Mitch

The cleanup day.

2009-09-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

10:00 AM

Do you know that day when you realize that everything is a wreck? Your apartment looks like you have been trapped inside without food or water for months and you went crazy trying to find a way out; you have projects piling up in almost every class and you realize that you aren't going to have a life this week - except you have to still to work and trike practice; you see that leftover food in the fridge from last night... Err last week; the trash hasn't been taken out; you can't count the number of empty starbucks cups around the room on both hands; and OF COURSE there is no clean clothes. Guess what, today is my day.

1:43 AM (next day)

The room is clean, the laundry is done, trash taken out, homework..... well its getting there. HELLO 6AM.

A decent quote of mine in The Statesman

2009-09-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

SGA aims to increase ISU apparel

Students asked to wear blue on Fridays, trade in clothing from other colleges

By: Rachel Leshinsky

Posted: 9/21/09

At colleges around America, students can be spotted in clothing that shows their school spirit.

However, at ISU, the student government feels that there is not enough support from students across campus. In order to encourage students to wear more ISU-related apparel, SGA has designed a new program they hope will inspire them.

SGA president Michael Scott Jr. said that ISU has paired with Universitees, a clothing retail store, in order to provide vouchers to students who turn in their T-shirts affiliated with other institutions for one associated with ISU. The other option that the program offers is for SGA to provide free ISU shirts into students' hands.

"We hope to launch the project in early October," said Scott. "Hopefully, students will buy into the concept of Spirit Day Fridays, as we will also have some incentives for wearing ISU gear."

Not only does the SGA board hope to motivate students through incentives, they will also ask faculty and staff to wear ISU-related clothing on Fridays in order to inspire school spirit around campus.

"SGA would like to help set a trend for the ISU community," said Mitchel Lathrop, Director of Public Relations for SGA. "I think that trading in your IU or Purdue shirt for an ISU shirt is an interesting way to get our apparel and branding out."

Students seem to be receptive to this new program, and feel it is a good idea.

"I think this program will make it easier for students to get ISU shirts," said freshman Jenna Stinson, a music education major. "Some students are on strict budgets, some haven't been able to buy them, and I believe the vouchers will help."

ISU intends to have school spirit beaming from every corner of the campus due to SGA efforts. Scott believes that this initiative will build a stronger connection and pride within the institution.

a trend in my blogs

2009-09-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

I have a tendency to start my blogs with "its been a while since I have done a blog". I am not going to promise that it wont happen again, but I'm going to make an effort.

I am a month and a half through my senior year of college. (fyi: my advisor confirmed that as long as I do not fail a class that I will graduate on time, THAT IS IN AND OUT IN 4 YEARS!) I am glad that I can see the end. As much as I love my time here I am so ready to get out and see the world. Most of my family sees me from a point of view that I am bound and determined to jet all over the country while I am in college, but its kind of dismal to return to ISU after being in New York, most especially after talking to a potential job connection or looking at a grad school. I have nothing against ISU at all, its just that I am an impatient person. I see what is out there, and I see possibility but I also know that I have to finish jumping through hoops to get my degree.

That aside, I am ok with classes and such. My workload is beginning to balance out between IT, SGA, Hulman Center, and the other random things that I have going on. I have some plans for projects that I want to do before I graduate. One of them being a demonstration of technology in an entertainment environment. I have high hopes for that. I want to invite all my friends so they can see "what I do". Its really difficult to explain what/why/how I work.

Well for now I have to go and do other things. Just wanted to let you know I am alive and will be coming up with new things to blog about.. I knew you were worried : )

Thought for the day: Carpe Diem

just to catch you up..

2009-07-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have blogged so I though it would be a good time for an update:

1. ISU Summer Stage (most discouraging, upsetting, painful, and so on)

In a nutshell, I did not finish my summer at crossroads rep due to the fact that one of my professors can not control his temper and emotions. After an incident that ended up in me working my way up the chain of command at ISU to get someone to look into this situation to help deal with the hostility and blatant berating of students in a pubic setting, I was met with something most surprising. I was told that my contract would not be renewed for the rest of the summer and that I should pack my things. The most upsetting thing was that other professors, administrators, and coworkers knew what was going on and chose not to take sides. I was told several times that I was right, and I did the right thing, however I was still the one that was let go. People within the company had said "do not answer your phone when anyone calls for questions or help". And so that is what I did.

Basically what this meant was that I had a few extra weeks at the end of my summer and did not have to put up with the horribly unstable working environment that is allowed to exist within a collegiate setting.

2. Quick trip to Pittsburgh, PA

After the end of my CRT contact my friends convinced me that it would be a good idea to take a short road trip to the east. (Mostly because my friend Clarissa was hoping to see her boyfriend, a Rose-Hulman student that is working on scientific research in New Hampshire) It was a great trip and we got to see lots of the downtown area, the parks, and the waterfront. Its a cool place. I also learned the responsibilities of showing friends new things (Jordan).

3. New York City

NYC was a breath of fresh air, even though it was not the best weather. We made our way through the massive island of manhattan and saw the sights and heard the sounds of the big city. I took lots of photos (as documented on flickr.com/mitchelhall). It was a time to get to know newer friends, share with good friends, as well as reminisce with old ones.

4. Cleveland, OH: 48 hour film

My friend Ace from college that moved to cleveland after she graduated is involved in a startup production company. The production company erie lake pictures registered for a 48 hour film competition, which is-like it sounds, making a movie in 48 hours. The film had to be at maximum 7 minutes, which was somewhat difficult to narrow down our footage given the story. Anyways, it was great fun. Lots of coffee and energy drinks and very little sleep. We did get the movie wrapped on time; many of the teams don't make it back, or within the deadline. It was worth it to go down and see old friends and also to make some new ones. It is also a great resume builder.

5. Senior Year (finally)

I am about three weeks out from starting my final year of undergrad!!!! I have never been this excited about starting school, mostly because this is the beginning of the end of my academic career and the beginning of the rest of my life..

This year (as I have been planning) I have some excellent things lined up:

Classes (good ones, ones that I actually am looking forward to..)

Work (Production Company, Office of IT, possibly ISU's Office of Marketing & Comm, and developing MitchelHall Productions)

VP of Pi Kappa Alpha (vicepres of ISU's biggest fraternity)

SGA director of public relations

Some Excellent Road Trips!!! (so far plans for NYC, Florida, & DC)

So there you have it. This is my summer and near future in a nut shell!

Ill see you when I see you...

Spring Break 09: Panama City Beach

2009-03-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

just wanted to share some bliss.

I recently purchased a Nikon D40 (expensive camera) and I used my friends as models and also took shots the beautiful scenery..

Anyone need headshots, wedding photos, event photos, anything else... lol hey I got to pay for it somehow right? (and I have a deal with a good printing company!!!)

check out the gallery that I posted below! miss you all!

http://picasaweb.google.com/mitch.lathrop/SpringBreak09?feat=directlink

Spring Break '09

2009-03-07T12:17:00.001-08:00

We made it!!

for those of you on the home team..

2009-03-02T22:08:00.001-08:00

i have started using a service that lets me sync my social networking sites. so when i post on facebook it updates my blog and twitter and so on.

so simply expect more updates. :)

2009-03-02T21:59:00.001-08:00

getting some sleep, then, agains all odds, going to the gym in the morning...

2009-03-02T19:54:00.001-08:00

Working on making life easier. / Soooo ready for the weekend.

Just a quick note

2009-02-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in the library sipping tea and trying to be invisible if for just ten minutes. Life seems to be in fast forward...

I have failed to be invisible.. As I was typing this a professor came over and asked me about a show coming up, and a fellow classmate spotted me and asked about a trip we are taking in a few weeks... And now I have class in 5.

Maybe I'll get a good post in sometime this week.

Mitch
-- Post From My iPhone

2009

2009-01-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Well here we are, a few days into '09 and things seem to be OK. The world hasn't ended and the sun is still shining. The stock market is still a bust, but what else is new..
I was writing this from a coffee shop last night, but I was delayed so I am writing from my room (just before dinner).
Today was my first day of classes in my antepenultimate year of college (note a word worthy of my BS degree). It was exciting, something about learning new things and meeting new people... It never really gets old for me. Tomorrow I will have more new classes to go to, but after that it will just be the routine. This year I am taking "US History After WWII" which, I think, will prove to be interesting. Also "Quantitative Literacy", which is college for math. Those are my general education classes for the semester. My major classes include Acting (mandatory for my degree, I'll make the best of it), Technical Theater Practicum (technical stuff that is my favorite - I will most likely explain how media servers and other technical gadgets work to my peers for some of the class), Stage Costume Practicum (basically sewing and costume stuff- its a fun class, also mandatory for my degree), and finally Stage Makeup. Also as an "experiential learning" class I will be technical director for the show "Stage Blood" later on in the spring.
As far as work goes, I'm an RA - which entails that I have a floor of students that I build a community with and also, when appropriate, police. The RA job entails many hours, being on duty and covering the entire building, making sure that the residents are getting what they need to out of college... It is a huge responsibility. Other work that I am doing: I work for the Office of Information Technology as a technician, and the Theater Department as the Master Electrician. Occasionally I will work a show or a basketball game for Hulman Center (I run a camera, look for me on TV!)
Well for now I am going to get dinner, if I say everything now what will I have to talk about later..

Mitch

From Manhattan

2008-11-28T15:59:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting in a starbucks in the financial district of New York city. I have been strolling along the waterfront through battery park listening to my iPod. It's not too cold and the skies are pretty clear, it's a lot to take in.
I was taking with my good friend Tresa from Chicago about how sometimes you need a reset. Life gets complicated, life gets tough, and guess what - it doesn't stop. Everyone needs that big red button in their life that wipes out where you have been and what you were doing so you can refocus and "get a grip" as it were....
Being here is my own little reset. NYC is a place that is full of everything. History happened here. There are lots of things in this city that represent our nation, objects that are loaded with more meaning than than just the metals and concrete that make them up. For example the Statue of Libery. Yeah it's a tourist trap, but it represents something more than what it is made of. It represents Liberty. Liberty means personal freedom from oppression, servitude, and confinement. It's a beacon of hope that stands through the weather - true and strong reminding those who look to her that we live in a place that was formed for the people and by the people. It gives me a sense of pride and joy when I think about that.
Among all the terrible and dark things that are going on these days we still have a beacon of hope and the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Now, after that long diatribe I am going to pick up shop and revel in the fact that I am in a beautiful city and enjoy it while I can.

I took some good photos of the World Financial building and along the waterfront. While in the WFB I discovered a brilliant view of the WTC site. It's coming along, slowly but surely. It's amazing the work and effort that must go in to building a structure in the middle of New York. It surely isn't easy.

From the local starbucks here in the financial district at the corner of Broad and Bever streets, between two business women on my left, and on my right, undoubtobly a homeless man talking to the reflection of himself in the window - Happy Holidays and Goodnight!

New York

-- Post From My iPhone

Times Square

2008-11-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

Uploading some pictures before getting some sleep... Word is that we have to get up early to get a good spot.... Hello 4 am.

The city is beautiful and there is definitely a sense of joy and excitement on the street. Walking through the areas where there will be live TV coverage there are crews setting up and such.. Nice to know my field of work isn't going anywhere!

Here are some pictures, more to come!

Departing for the big apple!

2008-11-26T05:00:00.001-08:00

I'm just sitting here at the gate... Waiting to depart. The new Indy airport is stunning!
Pictures to come soon - stay posted!

-- Post From My iPhone

The Holiday Outlook

2008-11-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

This holiday season is looking to be a good one. Starting off with Thanksgiving, I will be in New York City! It will be nice to see the holiday sights and sounds like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, as well as to catch up with some old friends and do some touristy things.

Then, moving into the heavy duty holidays: I will get to spend about 2.5 weeks at home with the family, which I have not been able to do since I left for college. During that time at home I have at least one or two excursions to Indianapolis to visit friends, which should be fun as well.

Then for the grand finale I will be heading back to New York (by car this time!) with two friends from college to meet up with our long time friend that now resides just outside the big apple. We all will spend a few days together and then watch the ball drop on 2009!

Since I have been to college I have forged many strong friendships with really great people. And likewise I have built stronger relationships with family that, in years past, havn't been as strong as it should.

It is going to be great to see and spend time with all of these wonderful people and celebrate a years worth of pain, suffering, economic failure, hard work, perseverance, academia, healing, joy, fun times, ridiculous times, hard times, and most of all: our love for each other.

The color is fading

2008-11-11T17:37:00.001-08:00

Walking back to my place after working in the theatre was very depressing.
Crows flying above me, "cawing" loudly. The color seems to have been drained from everything living. The overcast sky doesn't help the color scheme much either. As I was walking I couldn't help but think things looked a little "Poe-ish".
Fall was beautiful but it seems to have gone away and we are left with cold, wet, and rain.

-- Post From My iPhone

the opening statement

2008-10-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Being in college is all about change: People change around you, the way you think changes, and you change. While you are in the collegiate scene you have to opportunity to learn from professors, administrators, coworkers, and friends. The best part is, you are shielded from some of the pains of the real world. So take time to learn, love, and live.

That said, being in the downhill run of my undergraduate career has brought about the opportunity to look back and see where I have been, how I have changed, and also look ahead to where I want to go. It's a good place to be for now.

So to sum up all this:
Life is going to change, get accustomed to it - embrace it.

And if you read closely enough between the lines you will also see that the point of me keeping this blog is to document the change I experience.. and to record some of the incredible and interesting things that I observe along the way.

Mitch