A New Semester :)

Hi there! My name is Christine Merkley. I’m majoring in Journalism. Last semester I decided to emphasize in Technical Writing within the Journalism major. I don’t have any media writing experience other than in classes I’ve taken at Weber. I am taking the Signpost class for the first time this semester.

Last semester I took the Magazine Article Writing class and really enjoyed writing and submitting my work to magazines. One thing I did notice in this class was that my editing skills were lacking. I’ve found a love for writing and desperately need to brush up my editing skills. Like many others, I am too close to my spell check button. I rarely take the time to learn how to spell something. Why would I if I can use my spell check? Well…come to find out…I shouldn’t be relying so heavily on it. This is part of the reason I’m taking this Editing class.

Apart from being a student, I am currently a secretary for a private school that houses adolescent kids with behavioral issues. The program provides them with a structured atmosphere and regular school classes. As much fun as that sounds ;) I do want to graduate with a degree in Journalism and find a wonderful job I can completely fall in love with. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for about a year and a half. We are both working full time and I attend school full time while he attends part time, needless to say, we barely see each other during the week.

Apart from writing I have several other hobbies. I am completely in love with cooking healthy meals for my husband and myself. We’ve both found a love for a healthy lifestyle and I really enjoy searching out new cookbooks or recipes that help us indulge in great tasting food without the bad side effects. We used to eat out several times a week…then we watched “Super Size Me” and “Food, Inc.”…barf. That was about all we needed to see. I also love working on crafts. I make canvas name signs, anniversary gifts, blankets, clothing, magnet boards, and other odds and ends. I also love curling up with a good book for thirty minutes or so to wind down from a stressful day. Other hobbies include hiking, playing the piano, and organizing my house (yes I LOVE to organize).

Another full time hobby is playing with our cute dog Kaimanu. We call him Kai or Kai Kai. I rescued him from the Ogden Animal Shelter about three weeks before I met my husband. We think he is around three years old now. We assume he is a chow chow mixed with golden retriever. He’s a beautiful ball of fluff and energy. He’s always around to make us giggle.

Now that I’ve rambled on for 500 words  I hope you all have a fantastic semester and good luck with your classes!