Molly's Blog

My Final Blog

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:16:00 GMT

If there’s one thing about free time at Grand View University it’s that there is none. If I’m not in the editor’s office working on the next edition of the Grand Views, then I’m probably in class or making you coffee at Holy Grounds on Thursday mornings and Friday afternoons. I hardly ever find any moments, much less a dull moment.

And that is why you will no longer read my blog on the school website. Granted, I loved sharing my experiences here at Grand View with you! But those experiences have seemingly brought me to a schedule that no longer allows me to take part in the blogging. But please continue to enjoy all of those who still find time to share their experiences on this site. And as always, please visit thegrandviews.com for all of the latest Grand View University news!

Molly Hottle

The New Year

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:35:00 GMT

Changes both good and difficult in 2009

Classes came back sooner than I thought. The holidays always move fast, but we definitely had one week less of a break than normal. Still not sure why that is, but it’s kind of motivated me to get started with the year.

Currently, I’m trying to find a yoga studio than can fit around both my school schedule and my student budget. This week, I plan on trying on the new studios and instructors.

I have also charged myself to take more photos. Yeah, it’s already my passion and with two photo classes this semester, it shouldn’t be too difficult, but I want to do more random things with my camera. Not sure yet what that means, but when I see them, I’ll know.

Recently, a friend moved away to Omaha

—or the "Big O" as we like to call it—so that, too, will be an adjustment with the new classes and new work schedule. But I’m thinking that some of these other new endeavors can counteract the changes I will have to endure and give me reason to welcome the new year.

Sugar cookies and finals.

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:32:00 GMT

In the next week I have to study for two final exams and practice for a reading of my poems and prose from the past semester of my creative writing class. I have to work quite a few hours at my job and prepare the Grand Views for next semester. And that’s only the beginning of things.

But all I want to do is break out my rolling pin.

The holiday season is a time I look forward to each year, usually no matter what. I love the lights and the family and definitely the food, which includes sugar cookies, carefully frosted and covered in sprinkles. Trees, stars, stockings, ornaments, all painted with blue, red, green, and yellow sugar.

Making the cookies is a tradition I have never lost, even when living in a cramped dorm my freshman year. My roommates and I frosted cookies my mom made up and brought to me last year when we lived in the Suites. And this year, I’m planning on spending the week of finals, flattening sugar cookie dough and leaving a huge mess in the kitchen. Needless to say, it beats learning public relations principles by a long-shot.

And in case you want to give your profs a cookie before you take the test you didn’t study for because sugar was more of a priority check out this Web site:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/sugar-cookies-recipe/index.html.

It’s by Alton Brown, host of "Good Eats" on the Food Network, and I can honestly say there’s never been a time I haven’t trusted the Food Network to come through for me. Enjoy!

Thank goodness for small campuses!

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:00:00 GMT

After spending my weekend in Iowa City for the big game there is one thing I have to say: thank God for small campuses.

When I chose to go to Grand View for college, I picked it for a variety of reasons, one of which was that it is smaller than the high school from which I graduated. I wanted the small class sizes because they meant bigger opportunities.

As soon as I stepped on the streets of Iowa City this past weekend, I knew it was a whole different world, one overflowing with college students. I wasn’t really sure how to deal with them. Granted, I am a college student, but one who lives off campus so I really didn’t know how to handle the constant yelling, the banter back and forth between rivaling fans, and nearly being hit by everything from glass bottles to footballs from balconies above where I walked on the street.

At nine in the morning on game day, I walked with the mass exodus of fans from the main area of downtown toward the stadium for the traditional tailgating and game celebrations. What you must also know about my experience at this past weekend’s Iowa-Iowa State game was that it was my very first attendance at either one of their games…or any college football game for that matter; pro ball has always been my thing.

Anyway, I joined friends and we went to the game and had a blast, screaming and cheering on Iowa. (To the Iowa State Fans, sorry, I was surrounded by black and gold and was therefore convinced cheering along with them was the only way to survive.)

The rest of the weekend was great, too. But just trying to get around, between all of the people milling—and stumbling—around and attempting to not hit any pedestrians while driving is a feat I’m glad we don’t face at Grand View. Iowa City is nice for the visit but I’ll call Des Moines home any day.

The beginning of the year!

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:47:00 GMT

The school year has officially begun and it has wasted no time in keeping me moving non-stop.

While my class load is pretty light this semester, I have a lot of independent work to do, not to mention attempting to run The Grand Views. Yep, that’s right, I’ll be spending my year trying to earn my place among the great Editors-in-Chief (EIC, for future reference) of years gone by and oversee another successful year of the newspaper that has been “for the students and by the students since 1949.”

We’ve already had a great first issue with football being the main theme throughout the pages. Most of us were wondering if laboring late into the night last Wednesday to produce the issue was actually worth it, but when the papers came hot off the press to our office door on Thursday, we knew it had all been worth it.

The trick will be reminding ourselves that throughout the year. But you can bet no matter how tired we are on those late Wednesday nights, The Grand Views will still bring the community the latest and most truthful news happening at Grand View College.

This is especially possible with the addition of our new website—thegrandviews.com. It was launched at the end of this year and is constantly being updated throughout the week with pictures, videos, stories, and breaking news. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth adding to your bookmarks.

But aside from committing half my life to the school newspaper, I like to go out and hang out with my friends when I get free moments. I currently work at the Des Moines Register as a staff writer intern (as if I could get enough of newspapers). And love to snowboard, take photos, read good things, eat salads and do yoga. My iPod mainly consists of Dave Matthews Band and good jazz, among other great sounds.

This year should prove to be a very interesting one for me and I hope you enjoy the ride as we go along. Here's me...