I'm Just a Summer Girl

So, what happens when you take a sweet, Southern Bell and send her to a small, Midwest town that is home to the headquarters of one of the largest manufacturers of construction and mining equipment?  Well, I may not fit the sweet, Southern Bell stereotype in the least, but I am an Atlantan - born and raised - and living in Peoria, IL for the summer, so you have a chance to find out if you keep up with my blog!

For those of you who know me, you know that this is not my first rodeo here in the fine establishment of Peoria. During Fall 2010, I had the opportunity to work in East Peoria and find out what the corporate world was all about as a technical marketing intern for Caterpillar, Inc.. However, this internship will be different...in a good way! I'm excited to figure out if Caterpillar is the company for me and if I could see any extended part of my life here in Peoria! So, how am I going to do this? I have set up some goals that I am going to share with you (so, help keep me honest and check in on me!):  

Professional

• Further understand the Caterpillar company culture by consistently meeting with my mentor and buddy
• Determine if my job truly challenges me while utilizing my strengths by quantifying the value of the work I do and communicating with my supervisor
• Attend all intern events - both technical marketing and corporate
• Expand professional network through interaction with Young Professionals   

Health

• Join the Riverplex (an awesome gym that has a gorgeous view of the Illinois River) and attend Cycling classes ALL THE TIME (I am addicted to spin class...) oh and maybe a little Zumba on the side because just like Shakira, my hips don't lie. 
• Comprehensively train for my third half marathon (to be determined which one once Lea and I figure out our schedules!)
• Get together an intern team for a sand volleyball team  

Spiritual

• Find a Catholic Church that I enjoy the community and feel
• Read and journal to "A Purpose Driven Life" 
• Begin studying the Bible again  

Intellectual

• Study Portuguese (thank goodness for Rosetta Stone!)
• Read "The Science of Success" 

If you can't tell - I have been thinking about this extensively.  I want to get the most out of this internship, and as my favorite quote reads "If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail." So, stick with me and see how I do - I've always been up for a good challenge and making life an adventure every day!