Let me introduce you to the ultimate site for sharing where you’ve traveled + getting ideas from other travelers for your next trip. It’s similar to Pinterest. You create travel boards of where you’ve been and where you’d like to go. You can also create custom boards based on any themes that interest you. Hello microbreweries!

This site is pretty cool. You can also share your travel photos in real time so your friends and family can come along with you and make recommendations/comments. Of course you have the ability to share everything on the book, twitter or any other favorite social media hangouts you have.

Tons of inspiration here guys. There’s lots more this site has to offer so check it out for yourself. Sign-up, start sharing and make your travel dreams a reality.

Until next time = )

Students have been chatting it up lately... Click here and check out what other students have been saying about Campus Crate's student storage services.  Study Abroad is fast approaching!!   Let Campus Crate take care of all your student storage needs and you'll be glad to you did, just like our summer storage customers are!  Don't forget, you can also check us out and order your storage right from your smartphone!

You can now access our website right from your Smartphone.  Whether you're away from your PC, on the go, or you just remembered that you need to order your summer storage or study abroad storage before it's too late, place your order right from our mobile website whenever, wherever you are! 

Check your school's page for details.

Well students......your return to college is, I am sorry to say, right around the corner.  We know, we know, we feel your pain.  But we are here to make your return a little less painful.  During the summer we have taken care of the storage of your belongings and it's almost that time to return them back to you.  So, with that being said, one of our crew members will be contacting you in the coming weeks to schedule re-delivery of your stuff and we hope your summer or time abroad is going well.  Yes you only have a few more weeks of freedom left, but it's always fun to get back to college, see some old friends and earn that degree!

Campus Crate would like to thank all the students (and parents!)  that are using our student storage services for the summer and semester abroad.  We'll see you back in the fall or when you return from abroad.  Enjoy your summer!

Spring break is 7 days of absolute ridiculousness. Honestly. For anyone that’s ever been away for SB, you know this. I know this very well. How, you ask? Well I’m a serial-spring-breaker. Yup, my normally stickler parents sent me to Cancun twice, Florida once and while abroad my junior year, I bounced from Prague to Barcelona then back to London. Thankfully, returning safe and sound each & every time.

I consider myself very fortunate to have experiences under safely under my belt but not everyone is as lucky. Not trying to scare you but being abroad is a whole new ballgame. While you’re (obviously) going to party, dance on some bars and do things you hope your parents never find out about, you also need to pay attention to your surroundings, for real. If you don’t believe me, listen to this.

These incidents happened to the very people I was with. Yes, standing right next to them while all this went down. The first night out my friend’s camera got snatched right from under her arm. I can’t tell you how many cameras were stolen from friends while I studied abroad. Literally, it was more common to have your camera stolen than to return back to the states with the one you came with.

Another story that’s much worse: while switching trains in Germany a bunch of us girls went to use the facilities. Everyone was in a stall so I was the only one to witness this. Out of nowhere, this guy comes flying out of the first stall while fidgeting with his jacket. I didn’t know what was happening and didn’t think much of it cuz when your overseas, lots of strange things happen so you almost become accustomed to it. Anywho, a few seconds later my friend starts asking where her purse is. -- It all comes together--. I immediately run out of the bathroom to find the man but he was long gone by then. My friend ended up having not only her purse stolen but her PASSPORT, iPod, wallet and everything in it and a few other things, all stolen. If you’ve ever traveled outside of the US you know that you need a passport to get anywhere. My friend was, basically at that point, trapped in Germany with no way out. Thank god one of the guys thought to go to the embassy. Lucky for her, after spending the night in Germany and pleading with the embassy, she was on the next train back to London.

Like I said before, not everyone is as lucky. Ever seen Brokedown Palace or Hostel? Those are extreme examples but regardless, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So watch your back…. and purse….. and wallet and id’s andddd…….

Safe travels my friends,

Ash

Campus Crate is seeking college students to work as Campus Brand Representatives at over 20 New England colleges and universities. The Campus Brand Rep is the most important part of the Campus Crate promotional marketing team.

This person is a go-getter and works to adapt & execute Campus Crate’s marketing strategy on his/her campus. Depending on the time of year and how much money you’re motivated to make, you can work anywhere from 5 hours a month to 5+ hours per week.

Job Description:

The primary objective of the job is to increase awareness of Campus Crate’s brand and services on your very own campus.

Responsibilities:

• Networking on campus to make students aware of the Campus Crate brand and the services offered;

• Handing out promotional pieces (ie: brochures, flyers, magnets, etc) and explain our services to interested students;

• Hanging posters in dorms and other locations on campus;

• Putting fliers under dorm room doors or stuffing mailboxes;

• Collecting referral e-mails from interested students.

Compensation:

Campus Brand Reps are paid an hourly wage in addition to commission-based payments. Your compensation is a direct reflection of your work progress. This allows for unlimited income potential.  In addition to hourly and commission-based pay, Campus Brand Reps are given bonuses for meeting specific requirements.

Ambitious, friendly and ‘in the know’ on campus? If this sounds like you or a friend, this could be the beginning of a beautifully beneficial (for both sides) partnership. Email a resume or a brief statement detailing any relevant qualifications and why you are the best candidate to be a Campus Brand Representative for your school.

Send to: Mike Panniello Jr -  Operations Manager, at michael@campuscrate.net or call (617)224-8173 and ask for Mike.

Heading abroad next semester? Not sure what to pack? I’ve been in your shoes and understand it can be overwhelming. I also know what you’re thinking right now, how do I fit my life into only 2 suitcases for the semester?! I’m going to help you out. Call it an early Christmas present. Without further a due, I’m excited to present my Ultimate Study Abroad packing list!

Clothing:

Underwear (two week’s worth)

Socks (two week’s worth plus a pair or two of wool socks)

Undershirts

Thermal underwear

Long sleeve shirts

Short sleeve shirts

Sweatshirt/hoodie (2-3)

Sweaters

Jeans/Khakis (2-3 pair)

Shorts

A belt or two

Skirts (for the girls)

A set or two of workout clothes

Pajamas

Swimsuit (for those going to warmer climates)

Coat/Jacket (I recommend at least 2 – one for cold weather, and one that is water resistant)

At least one nice outfit for formal occasions

Flip flops/sandals of some sort (good if you’re going to a warm climate, but also good for hostel showers)

Sneakers/dress shoes/boots/rain boots

Cold weather gear (i.e. gloves/mittens, hat, scarf)

Toiletries:

TSA Compliant Toiletry Kit/ 1-quart zip-top Ziploc bags

Shampoo/Conditioner

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Soap

Deodorant

Feminine Products

Brush/Comb

Razors/other shaving supplies

Contact lenses and solution

Nail clippers

Makeup

Over-the-counter medicines

Extras:

$300 in local currency

Purse/ wallet

Important documents (passport, visa, itinerary, plane tickets, etc)

Sunglasses/ extra eye glasses/contacts

Laptop and charger (don’t forget, you’ll need an outlet adapter for the plug on your charger to work)

Camera (don't forget your cords and charger)

Bath towels

iPod/ MP3 Player

Journal/diary

Until next time…Happy Holiday’s!

All storage companies have specific rules and guidelines that spell out the things you can and cannot put into storage units. I’d like to think that it’s exceptionally obvious the items that don’t belong in storage units, but you know what, isn’t it always best to spell it out- just in case. By just in case, I’m referring to the kid that brings the equivalent of a 4-course Thanksgiving dinner to your 2pm pysch class and thinks nothing of it… You know exactly the type of kid I’m referring to. The oblivious one.

Now, let’s get this list started:

Live animals or plants. Apart from qualifying as outright cruelty, storing either will attract insects and possibly other live animals. I’m not referring to your cute pet rabbit you call Trixy, I’m talking big, fat rodents that hang with those ninja turtle characters.

Stolen property. Do I need to explain this one? I hope not. Stealing is bad.

Hazardous materials. Anything that can cause serious damage in the event of an inadvertent spill should be kept far away from, well anything important, really.

Noxious materials. These can not only result in damage to property, but also cause serious health issues to individuals exposed. Seriously guys, no noxious materials.

Flammable materials. Please note that in this case only will memorabilia pertaining to any team other than a Boston sports team not be considered as flammable.

Perishable items, like food. Don’t be silly. Seriously, don’t store food. It can go bad, start to smell, sometimes even grow things on itself. Then come the rodents.

Illegal drugs. Unless you’re looking to get arrested, I’d suggest you refrain from storing anything illegal period.

Explosives. This should go without saying, for obvious reasons.

Firearms or weapons. If you own a gun, you got it for a reason, either you enjoy hunting or you got it for protection. Either way, you’ll want that sucker on you or stored safely at home. Let’s keep it that way.

People. While it sounds kind of funny, if this thought seriously crossed your mind, you should go directly to a counselor. Or a mental health clinic.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this lesson on what not to store with us.

Until next time,

Ashley

Summer has come to an end, school has started, and the holidays are just around the corner. You know what this means, right? Fall has finally settled in. Along with the weather changes, our wardrobes have also begun the transition from the breezy materials of summer to warmer and heavier winter clothing. If you’ve found yourself bundled up and huddled in your warm dorm room only to realize that your space is still cluttered with your summer wardrobe lying around, no worries. Campus Crate student storage provides a great opportunity for de-cluttering your dorm any time of year.

No one needs to have access to summer clothing during the winter, so take out all of your summer items and pack them away with Campus Crate until summer returns. You can leave some of the clothing accessible, like t-shirts and a few pairs of shorts, but your winter clothing should have prime real-estate for the cold weather approaching. If you haven’t done it already, this is a good time to do a quick inventory of any gaps you have in your wardrobe.  Check to make sure that your mittens have mates and make a list of things you need.

With music from your favorite Pandora station, a friend by your side, and the right mindset- your end of summer transition will be easier than you thought.

Happy Packing!

<3ash

Well another school year is here (already!!) - We hope your summer was good!!

For you Semester Abroad students, your adventure will be here before you know it.  Let Campus Crate Student Storage take care of your storage needs while you are off and running on your advertures during your time abroad.  Keep Campus Crate in mind for all your student storage needs where you'll never have to worry about your stuff while you're away.

Hey guys!

I bet everyone's getting realll excited for Spring Break 2011, huh?!? It's right around the corner. Next thing you know, you'll be packing up all your stuff and heading home for the summer...that's where I come into play. I want to take this time to share with everyone Campus Crate's pick-up dates. What does this mean, you ask? Let me explain. Campus Crate will be heading to a campus near you in the very near future. We want to give you as much time as possible to plan what you may or may not want stored away for the summer. Once you decide, head to the 'Order now' page, choose your school & which items you want stored then leave the rest up to us!

Pick-up dates by school

Babson College- Thursday, May 5, 2011 & Friday, May 6, 2011

Bentley University- Wednesday, May 11, 2011 & Thursday, May 12, 2011

Boston College- Monday, May 16, 2011, Tuesday, May 17, 2011 & Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Boston University- Thursday, May 12, 2011 & Friday, May 13, 2011

Bowdoin College- Thursday, May 19, 2011 & Friday, May 20, 2011

Dartmouth College- Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Emerson College- Thursday, May 5, 2011 & Friday, May 6, 2011

Emmanuel College- Thursday, May 5, 2011 & Friday, May 6, 2011

Harvard University- Thursday, May 12, 2011 & Friday, May 13, 2011

Lesley University- Thursday, May 12, 2011 & Friday, May 13, 2011

Northeastern University- Thursday, April 28, 2011 & Friday, April 29, 2011

Plymouth State University- Thursday, May 19, 2011 & Friday, May 20, 2011

Simmons College- Thursday, May 12, 2011 & Friday, May 13, 2011

Southern New Hampshire University- Thursday, May 5, 2011 & Friday, May 6, 2011

Tufts University- Thursday, May 12, 2011 & Friday, May 13, 2011

University of New Hampshire- Wednesday, May 18, 2011 & Thursday, May 19, 2011

Wellesley College- Thursday, May 12, 2011 & Friday, May 13, 2011

Wentworth Institute of Technology- Thursday, May 5, 2011 & Friday, May 6, 2011

Wheelock College- Thursday, May 5, 2011 & Friday, May 6, 2011

That's all for now. Later party people!

<3Ashley

Happy Monday all! How bout that Superbowl? For a minute in the second quarter I thought the game was all over but the Steelers made a comeback to make it exciting. Thanks Ben.

Naturally being the day after the Superbowl I’m wondering what everyone’s favorite commercials were. Personally, I laughed hardest at the chimps from the Careerbuilder.com commercial. I mean, who hasn’t been stuck next to a car that parked way to close. Everyone has so everyone can relate. Normally I’m let down with all the hype about the commercials but this year was better, in my eyes. So congrats are in order not only for the pack but for the advertisers for stepping up their games. Well done. And can I just say, all that yellow on the field last night was confusing. We need our beloved red, white and blue on the field and we need it now.

Whoever thought to start a textbook renting company is a genius. I'm talking about chegg.com people. Check it out for yourself. They let you rent your textbooks instead of buying them, helping you to save cash and the environment. They plant a tree for every book you rent from them. How cool is that? With our generation being as eco-friendly as it is, this is sure to be a hit for many years to come.

Don't forget- tomorrow is FREE SHIPPING DAY (12-17-2010). Your purchases are guaranteed by Christmas Eve and thousands of retailers are participating. So for all you slackers out there, here's your chance to get all your Christmas shopping done without leaving the couch. You're welcome.

Happy Holidays!

<3ash

Adrian Gonzalez on Monday. Carl Crawford on Wednesday.

What's next, Cliff Lee this Friday? I wish!

So far, our beloved Sox have invested almost $300 million for 2 high-caliber players this off-season. That's alotta dough. I, for one, am happy about this. We needed to make a splash. Last season was painful. And I know I'm not the only one feeling that way. How do I know you ask? Well, any REAL Sox fan knows this, but I know because last season's ratings dropped faster than Shawn Thorton's gloves on March 18th 2010. If you don't know what I'm referring to, ask my good friend google.com.

Want my opinion on the current Cliff Lee situation? You're getting it regardless so listen up. If he's smart, he should take less cash money and sign with the Red Sox already. I know what you're thinking and no, I am not saying this just because I am a Sox fan, I'm thinking more along the lines of preserving his numbers.

Check out our projected 2011 line-up:

1. Ellsbury CF
2. Crawford LF
3. Pedroia 2B
4. Gonzalez 1B
5. Youkilis 3B
6. Ortiz/Cameron DH
7. Drew/ McDonald RF
8. Scutaro SS
9. Varitek C

Sign with the Sox & avoid getting lit-up like a Christmas tree come springtime.

jus saying....

<3ash

Free Shipping Day is a one-day event held each December and involving hundreds of merchants who offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve.

This year's event begins at 12am EST on Friday, December 17th and ends at 12am EST December 18th.

More than 750 merchants participated in 2009; more than 650,000 merchant offers were clicked on and more than 35,000 sales took place through FreeShippingDay.com.

Check it out at: Free Shipping Day 

You can thank me later ; )

Ash

Free Holiday Parking

Weekend Shoppers can enjoy two free hours of metered parking throughout Boston's commercial districts, including Downtown, starting on Black Friday and continuing for five consecutive Saturdays through December 26th. While the meters are free on these days, a two-hour time limit will be enforced by the Boston Transportation Department to accommodate as many visitors as possible in shopping districts.

Mayor's Holiday Special

The Mayor's Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events (who knew there even was one, you do now!) and ArtsBoston present a program of discounted tickets for your favorite holiday shows.

Anyone catch last night's hockey game? If you didn't, your loss. Not that the B's played great cuz they didn't. In fact, I'd say they played a solid 45 minute game out of 60 minutes. The Flyers literally came out FLYING! But the B's were able to find their game and give Timmy his 5th shutout of the season.

Fact- Timmy stood on his head the entire game. He was a complete animal and that's why we love him. His mustache also deserves a mention here.

Opinion- Now you're either a Jack Edwards fanor you're not. For those of you who don't know who Jack Edwards is, he's the play by play announcer for the Bruins on NESN. Personally, I am a fan because he cracks me up and keeps it interesting. I can't tell you how many times I'll be sitting there, watching the game and literally can't believe my ears when he makes a comment. I can guarantee you will hear at least two of these catch-phrases used in every game Jack announces:

Fungoes the puck

Set's up in Gretzky's office

Bonerrific play by ______!

Dangles along the blueline/sidewall**

The Bruins have just given the Canadiens the proverbial dutch oven!

Forearm Shiver**

Catch tonight's matchup vs. Tampa Bay for more 'Edwardisms.' The puck drops at 7pm. Giddy up!

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone! Hopefully you had some time off and were able to enjoy it. I know I did!

As I mentioned in my very first blog post, I was fortunate enough to spend the Spring semester of 06' studying abroad in lovely London, England. The reason I bring this up is because I was searching online and found several articles that state London as the #1 study abroad destination for US students. The reasons for this, in my eyes, are very obvious.

1-They speak English and for anyone who has ever been abroad, its hard enough to understand other cultures as it is, no need to try to learn a language.

2-London is the epicenter of Europe. That might or might not be a known fact. I just made it up, but having lived there, I 100% believe it to be true. You can get anywhere (for very little money) from London.

Top 10 List

1. United Kingdom
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. France
5. Australia
6. Mexico (not sure why anyone would want to spend an entire semester in Mexico but to each his own i guess)
7. Germany
8. Ireland
9. China
10. Costa Rica

Until I get the hang of posting pics, you will have to settle for one at the moment. But don't worry, I have PLENTY more on the way = )

This Book is laugh out loud funny. I can't say enough about it so I'll post some quotes and let you see for yourself just how hilarious Sam Halpern, "like Socrates but angier and with worse hair," is.

1. "You're like a tornado of bullsh** right now. We'll talk again after your bullsh** dies out over someone else's house."
2. "I just did an hour on the gym machine. I'm sweaty and I have to sh**. Where's my fannypack, this workout is over."
3. "Your mother made a batch of meatballs last night. Some are for you, some are for me, but more are for me. Remember that. More. Me."
4. "The worst thing you can be is a liar...Okay, fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but then number two is liar. Nazi one, liar two."
5. "I didn't say you were ugly. I said your girlfriend is better looking than you, and standing next to her, you look ugly."
6. "Fine, let's take a vote. Who wants fish for dinner? Democracy ain't so fun when it f***s you huh."
7. "What happened? Did somebody punch you in the face?!...The what? The air is dry? Do me a favor and tell people you got punched in the face."
8. "Snausages? I've been eating dog treats? Why the f*** would you put them on the counter where the rest of the food is? F*** it, they're delicious. I will not be shamed by this."

Both my dad and I laughed so hard we cried while reading this. Pay attention, I'm helping to take some gifts off that long list of yours.

Happy Friday! <3ash

If you're dreading winter, chances are you're not a skier or snowboarder. Personally, I prefer boarding given that I've been doing it since the 5th grade, but that's just me. Either way, winter has arrived which means the mountains are ready and waiting for us. And guess what? Like everything else, there's an app. Check out 5 mobile apps for keeping track of resort conditions, navigating the slopes, you can even quantify your slope time for those extremists out there.

1. REALSKI Augmented Reality- Name the runs, chairlifts, and facilities ahead of you just by holding your phone up. Free for Killington but you can download additional resorts in the Northeast for $0.99 each.
2. iTrailMap 3D- Lets you flip between a paper version of resort maps and their 3D, GPS-enabled counterparts. The full 3D version is $4.99 and gives you access to 750 resort maps worldwide.
3. Snow and Ski Report by REI- This app makes it easy to track the weather at up to 12 of your favorite resorts.
4. Elevation Pro- For $0.99, this app tells you what your current elevation is.
5. snowEdge- Judge your skill based on how fast you go, how dynamic your turns are, and how much air you get on jumps. By leaving the application open, you'll get a measurement on each of these factors for every run that you do.

So get your gear outta storage and head for the mountains! (Feel free to stop in Southie to scoop me up on your way)

Happy Monday all!

<3ash

Ciao.. Hoi.. Salut.. Hola.. Eyhay.. (yes that was pig latin you just saw and most likely said in your head or out loud)

Hey there!

This being my first ever blog post, I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Ashley and I am the resident blogger here at Campus Crate. You’re probably wondering what on earth that is huh? Well I’m going to let you find that out for yourself. Check out our How it Works page, friend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more information. Or you can do all 3, your call. And if you still have questions, shoot me an email at campuscrate@gmail.com or info@campuscrate.net. I might be one of the last 20-something year olds without internet on my phone, so if you’re waiting more than 20 minutes for a response, relax and wait longer. I’ll get back to you. I swear.

Since no one really enjoys reading large bunches of text, I figured I’d take a different approach and introduce myself through the 25 things you don’t know about me routine. And yes, I said routine because I bet the majority of people (around my age) reading this have already done so via Facebook. And if you haven’t, I’d bet you’ve seen this while flipping through any recent US weekly. Ok, here goes.

1. My main goal here is to entertain you. My biggest challenge will be keeping you entertained.
2. There’s no point in me trying to keep my personal info a secret in this day and age so I guess I’ll tell you, I’m 25 years old. (there, I did it)
3. Other than when I have to write my rent check or when I’m running around Boston in the so-called ‘real world’ (aka life after college) I really do still feel like I’m in college. Especially when I’m with my girls. So that puts me at about, let’s say, 20 years old mentally on (most) occasions.
4. Like I said, I live in the city but I’m originally from a town 15 minutes north of Boston.
5. I can be very sarcastic. I already lied. I am sarcastic.
6. I’m the oldest child with two younger brothers, one 24 and the other 14. I’m positive they will both be providing me with plenty of ridiculous things to talk about. Did I mention the 24 year old is still in college and the 14 year old is a freshman in high school? BINGOOOOO
7. We can be friends if you can tell me where that quotes from (hint: HBO series).
8. I have a Boston accent so it will sneak into my writing. You know, drop the ‘ing’ for an ‘a’ like gonna. Or combining two words like kinda (kind of). Or the big, drop almost any ‘er’ for an ‘a.’ Motha, fatha, whateva, dinna, betta, Jon Lesta. I could go on. (in the future, I will never spell Boston sports figures names wrong, I was just making sure you’re paying attention)
9. I love sports and therefore don’t think I could live without HD tv.
10. I grew up in the rink so naturally hockey’s my favorite sport. I also love baseball. (Let’s go B’s!)
11. I’m not ready to talk about the Red Sox.
12. I studied abroad in college and still think it was the best time I’ve EVER had.
13. I was a cheerleader in college. (Did I mention this is a judge-free zone, because it is. Because I said so)
14. I plan on keeping this blog current which means you’ll stay current if you continue reading it. (Don’t say I never did anything for you)
15. I’m not going to push the Campus Crate product on you in this blog but I’m also not going to lie, it’s a real good idea. One I wish was around when I was in college. (my reason for doing this blog in the first place and I mean, who doesn’t need somewhere to store the 3 foot, light-up ‘This Bud’s for You’ sign you scored at trivia last semester that your mother won’t let within 10 feet of your house sign)
16. My plan for this blog is to try to talk about all things relevant to college kids. So stay tuned.
17. I take public transportation 5 days a week. I mostly find it over-crowded, stiflingly hot, annoying and dirty. But if you people watch, like I do, it can be highly entertaining.
18. I have an English bulldog named Willie and he’s amazing! He’s also a tank, at a solid 73 pounds and counting.
19. I will never enjoy moving, painting, oysters, long lines, people that talk sh_t and the taking off & landing part of flying (why? Because I’m a fan of Travis Barker and DJ AM ((rest.in.peace)) and who didn’t hear about what happened back in 2008)
20. This will be my longest blog post. Ever.
21. I’m so close to 25 I can taste it. And it tastes like victory, which tastes like Budweiser, which is my drink of choice at all sporting events (your obviously thinking about how classy I am right now aren’t you? Well you’re right. All class, all the way babyy)
22. I prefer to read my news online as opposed to watching it because lets be serious, it’s pretty depressing stuff most of the time.
23. I don’t know too much about politics but I do know it’s an important topic. This is cheesy but our future really is in our hands, which is why I’ll be keeping up on it. So go vote. Even if it’s not Election Day, do something, make a decision, take a stand. Our opinions matter. Speak up!
24.  I know this is long, almost done.
25. Lastly, help me help you. I need to know what matters to you guys so we can converse, or complain or pop bottles, I mean celebrate, so COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT!

So much for not having large bunches of text. But don’t worry, like I said, this will be my longest post ever. I apologize for the eye strain you’re experiencing right now, but it won’t happen again. Not from me anyways.

I hope you enjoyed learning a few things about me and what my intentions are for this blog. Being my first post, how did I do?