Beyond the Page: Say Yes

I had the privilege of writing a story for the February issue of the Argus Leader’s She Magazine. The link to the story is at the bottom of the page but this post is going to go beyond the article.

This story was a challenge and a little bit out of my comfort zone. When I was asked to explore ‘clean eating,’ what it means and how to start, I got a little nervous. I had never written about food before. That might sound ridiculous but those of you who know me, you know that I am not great in the kitchen. As in: until our son was born I basically lived on the same five meals because that’s all I knew how to make. Now that I have a family, I’m getting much better about cooking meals and learning new recipes but… the thought of writing a story about a diet was a little daunting.

However, whenever I consider new opportunities I refuse to say ‘no’ just because it’s out of my comfort zone. I don’t know when I started consciously deciding to go outside my ‘norm.’ It might very well be in my blood.

My sisters and I always tease my mom about constantly thinking of random things she wants to do and accomplish. For example, when I was pregnant with my son, she took my youngest sister to an alpaca farm (random in itself) and seriously entertained the idea of raising an alpaca at her house so her future grandson could have an alpaca to visit at his Nana’s house. A couple of years ago she decided to be a bee keeper (she is still raising bees behind her home.) Most recently, she learned how to deliver lambs so she can help her fiance on his sheep farm. She has also decided she is going to learn how to artificially inseminate sheep.  Just another day at the office people.

We tease her but I often remind her that she has instilled this in her children. She models what it means to be unafraid to try something new. My mother teaches us to be life-long learners.

After writing the ‘clean eating’ story, I walked away with some very do-able things that I can do in my own cooking habits. I learned much about something I previously knew little about. Without the ‘yes’ that preempted the experience, I wouldn’t have gained any of this new knowledge. I hope, in return, the article is able to inform others wanting to know more about eating clean (which is what I love so much about journalism).

I’ve created a habit out of saying ‘yes.’ As a result, I continue to be a life-long learner and step outside my personal comfort zone.

Because consider this: who forged the trail without exploring the unknown? I have never once regretted reconsidering my brain’s automatic ‘no’ response.

I’m always glad I said ‘Yes.’

To read my clean eating story in this month’s issue of She Magazine click HERE

Living the Map: Guest Post by Daniel Seddiqui

I had the pleasure of meeting Maren at the KDLT news station on an early Sunday morning.  She was the only reporter at the station at such an hour and since she couldn’t leave, Maren didn’t have much to work with, so I had to resort to storytelling.

Daniel visited KDLT while I was working there as a reported. I was able to do a story about his book “50 Jobs in 50 States” while he was on his book tour.

It was my first time back to South Dakota, as I was touring the country with my book, 50 Jobs in 50 States- One Man’s Journey of Discovery across America.  I had done exactly what the title described.  It was no easy feat, feeling like an expat in my own country.  No state’s culture and environment felt more foreign to me than South Dakota.

I had chosen to work at a rodeo in the small prairie town of Oelrichs, South Dakota, located in the Southwestern part of the state.  Just about everything was different than what I had experienced growing up in San Francisco; from cowboys galloping horses along the highway, boots and belt buckles, neighborhoods with dirt roads, “oysters” from the Rocky Mountains. And how could I forget, the kindest people I had ever met.  It was a lifestyle that I knew nothing about, but I was there to learn and discover, just like the other states.

As my first day in the South Dakota came to an end in Oelrichs, I was anxiously wondering where I was to sleep.  A cowboy came up to my car door and asked me a question that opened my world and mind.  “Where are you staying while you’re working in South Dakota?”  I had a feeling he was going to offer to let me stay with him, but I thought it would be unreasonable to accept anything from a stranger.  I learned that night, that all progress is made by unreasonable action.  I agreed to stay with him and his family that night and through the rest of the week.  It was an experience and mindset that I have carried throughout the rest of my life; to trust people, accept help, and reciprocate kindness toward others.

Daniel worked as a rodeo announcer while in South Dakota!

Throughout the rest of my ventures across the U.S., I had a chance to catch lobsters in Maine, patrol the border in Arizona, mine coal in West Virginia, make cheese in Wisconsin, assist the breeding of horses in Kentucky, produce music in Tennessee, coach an obese community in Mississippi, build furniture with Amish in Pennsylvania, and serve as a surfing instructor in Hawaii; just to name a few.

Each of these roles and locales I had never considered or was completely unaware of prior to starting my journey.  I’m not the only one that has put myself into a bubble.  I’ve met people in Long Island that had never been to New York City, residents of Arizona that hadn’t been to the Grand Canyon.

The biggest realization that I made through my travels is life’s what you make it.  I could have continued to be a discouraged college graduate who experienced endless amount of job interview rejections. I could have continued to feel like a victim of the recession. Or: I could go out there, make discoveries, and find an environment, a culture, and a career.  There are a lot of unhappy people out there, much of it caused by a lack of curiosity, exploration, and courage.

If we learn to overcome fear of the unknown, big and exciting things can, and will, happen.

Each time I visit South Dakota, I feel like I’m home.  I’m familiar and comfortable.  It’s something I never would’ve imagined that several years ago.

(To purchase Daniel’s book “50 Jobs in 50 States” click HERE! Check out his website by visiting http://livingthemap.com/)

Notes: Daniel is currently running an innovative career exploration program that gives college students an opportunity to experience a rapid prototyping of work and culture, related to their majors and geographic interests.  Students earn college credit to work their chose of 5 Jobs in 5 States during the summer.  He is partnered with several colleges across the country.

He is working on his next book that gives readers a glimpse at his most recent experiences while living and working with the struggling and isolated communities in America, one being South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation, While on the reservation he worked in career development for youth.  The book focuses on going the extra mile to do something valuable and rewarding while understanding the world around you.

Follow on Instagram: @m.n.jensen

Top 10 Stocking Stuffer Ideas

It can be a challenge to find that perfect gift for each of your loved ones during the Christmas season. I definitely struggle to find quality stocking stuffers. When it comes to filling those socks (seriously who came up with that tradition?!), it can be hard to find smaller items that are useful and memorable. Who wants to give random stuff that no one uses?!

SO: I have done some research for you. Here are some of my favorite stocking stuffers for 2014… for just about everyone on your list!

Double Wall Traveler for the coffee lover!

This travel mug comes in a variety of different styles/colors and is great for at home use or when you’re on the go. It’s easy to wash and the double wall insulation keeps your beverage of choice at the perfect temperature.

Forever 21 faux fur beanie

This hat is so incredibly cute, practical and affordable! It looks very similar to the Club Monaco version (which if you’re looking to splurge is also amazing).

Sugar lip set… my go-to lip moisturizer.

Sephora has so many awesome gift sets this season so you really can’t go wrong. This one happens to be my favorite lip gloss/moisturizer. I’m not a huge lip gloss/lip stick fan and tend to go for the basic Burt’s Bees BUT this is the perfect compromise. You can even split up a larger set like this and gift individual colors to several of your favorite ladies.

Kate Spade New York coffee table book

I love a good coffee table book. This is obviously a choice geared toward the more girly of gals on your list but I couldn’t NOT include it. Kate Spade has so many perfect holiday gift ideas that go beyond just this book so here are a few of my favorites: (calendar, compact, tumbler)

J.Crew Factory Glittens… they’re gloves and mittens and I love them.

I firmly believe that I am warmer when my hands are covered. If you’re braving the cold in the Midwest, at least 1/2 of your year requires such hand-coverage. So who wouldn’t love a great pair of Glittens (that’s gloves and mittens) for winter! Let it be known: you can’t rightly be texting etc. without free fingers… thus I picked the Glittens. Looking for a manly-er version?! Got ya covered like a blanket baby –> Man Glittens

Rifle Paper Company calendar. Perfect for home or office.

The Rifle Paper Co. is amazing. This calendar is the most feminine of their option (which I appreciate) but they have so much to offer. In general, I think people enjoy pretty paper so you can’t go wrong with a cute calendar for the upcoming year or stationary. (Side bar: if you live in the Sioux Falls area and you enjoy supporting small business like I do, head over to Engage Paperie to find Rifle Paper Co. products and so much more!)

BKR Water Bottle. So many colors/styles to choose from… anyone would love this gift.

These BKR water bottles are perfect for anyone on your list. Everyone drinks H2O so that helps. These come in SO many different colors and styles. Must-Have for men, women, or kids.

SmartWool Socks. Keep those feet warm people… this is the Midwest.

You don’t have to be an outdoorsman/woman to appreciate warm socks. These SmartWool socks are the best of the best when it comes to warm toes. Available in men and women styles.

LWPH Boppy cover. Perfect for the new mom on your list!

If you haven’t discovered LWPH (Little Wife Power House): welcome to my favorite place to find adorable gifts for all of the new moms/babes in your life. Everything on her website is so unique and it’s another (online) way to support small business.

Coordinates Bracelet. Such a unique and personal gift idea.

I have purchased one of these coordinates bracelets as a gift in the past and it was a hit! Look up geographical coordinates that are significant to the giftee (could be their home, where they got married, etc) and have the coordinates engraved. Since I have ordered from this particular (small business!) on Etsy, I can easily recommend this particular product. AND this is something I would recommend as a great gift for men OR women. It came quickly and it was an awesome/unique gift!

I love this time of year for so many reasons. I love being able to give gifts that mean something to to my loved ones. Gifts from the heart are the absolute best gifts. I hope my top 10 stocking stuffers will inspire ideas for your own spirit of giving this holiday!

Have some awesome stocking stuffer gift ideas? Share them with me! Looking for more of my favorite gift ideas? Follow me on Instagram (@m_n_jensen)

-M

South Dakota on Purpose

I firmly believe that each person is led on a Path. A Path that you don’t often see clearly until you reflect back on where you have been. I entitled my blog “South Dakota on Purpose” because I know I have been led here.

It’s hard to describe the I feeling I get when I think back on all of the things/factors that brought me over the boarder. As an Iowa native, my decision to move just an hour and a half from home to attend Augustana College in Sioux Falls seemed so insignificant at the time. I chose Augie for three pretty basic reasons. First, I was offered a number of scholarships; second, Augie offered the majors of Business Communications and Journalism that I knew I wanted to pursue. I also wanted a school that very few of my high school classmates were attending so I would have a chance to meet a whole new group of people. So keeping all of those very common factors in mind, going to Augie didn’t seem like I was being pushed in a certain direction. But this choice was the first of many that would greatly impact my future.

Throughout my four years at Augie a lot changed, but along the way I continued to feel confident in one thing: I was learning in the classroom. I had always known what I wanted to study in college and I never once felt like I wasn’t doing exactly what I was supposed to do.  

When I got to my senior year and went looking for an internship, I received a suggestion from a fellow classmate. She had just completed an internship at KDLT News in Sioux Falls. Admittedly, even though I was majoring in journalism, I had not once considered going into broadcasting. However, if this was a chance to fulfill my degree requirement while learning something completely new, I was in. Not long after applying, I got an internship in the sports department shooting high school basketball highlights for the 10 pm show on KDLT. Another decision that seemed so non-nonchalant at the time I was making it.

What happened next is what blindsided me. Above all, this is the piece that makes me realize that I was in South Dakota on Purpose.

My first night working at KDLT is one I will never forget for a number of reasons. That night was the first time I experienced the adrenaline rush that comes with shooting a story and putting it on air. It’s an experience that is impossible to describe but I can tell you this: the feeling is extremely addicting. It’s that addiction, the broadcasting adrenaline rush, that is the only thing that explains why people stay in that crazy business. It certainly isn’t the pay or the hours 🙂 It was that first night behind the camera that would lead to my two-year career as a broadcast journalist. (Those two years and what happened after are a whole other blog post.)

Anchoring a weekend broadcast in 2011.

Another reason why my first night in a newsroom is one to remember? It was the first time I met my husband.

When I walked into the station, the first person I met was Max. This next part sounds completely ridiculous but I swear it’s true. When I turned the corner and met his eyes, something in my head said “He is the one you will marry.” I promptly thought, “What?! Slow down, crazy! You haven’t said a single word to this person and now you’re going to marry him?!” But just thinking about that moment makes me tear up. There is not a single part of me that doubts that it was God speaking to my heart.

My husband Max and I shooting a story in Pierre, SD during the 2011 flood.

There is a quote from one of my favorite fashion designers that I have kept at the forefront of my mind for several years. Diane von Furstenberg says, “I did not know what I wanted to do, but I knew the woman that I wanted to be.”  The person that I had become in college was not who I wanted to be. The person that walked into that news station was not who I wanted to be. I was selfish and scrambling for direction. I was led to there to not only start a career that would better me as a professional, but also to meet the man who would change my world.

Many of the choices that we make throughout our lives may seem insignificant at the time we are making them but are they really? In reflection I find that all of it was intended to teach me something, either about myself or life in general. All of it was meant to lead me here; lead me to what I was meant to do and to become who I want to be.

Today, I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a business professional, a volunteer and writer (just to name a few). I continue to work on who I want to be (and the woman that God wants me to be) in each of those roles. But, now, it’s easy to see that I am being led.

It’s not always a smooth ride but this is my Path. I’m in South Dakota on Purpose.

Fated Friendship

If you’re a mom in Sioux Falls and had a baby at Sanford Hospital, you’ve likely heard of the Centering Pregnancy program. If you haven’t, simply put – it’s group prenatal care. The group meets monthly and is made up of expectant parents all due in the same month.

When my husband and I were making decisions throughout the early stages of my pregnancy back in 2012, our OB-GYN asked us if we would be interested in joining a centering group. At first we were a little apprehensive. Prenatal care, and just your pregnancy in general, is such a personal thing. We didn’t know if we would want to share our journey with a group of people that we had never met. But after some discussion, we decided to give it a shot.

We took the decision very seriously and it took us several weeks to decide that we were, in fact, joining the November centering group. Once we finally said ‘we’re doing this!’ the group was already several weeks into their meetings. It didn’t matter and it was clear early on that we had made the right decision.

We were with five other pregnant women (and their significant others) that were all due in November and early December, as well as two nurses and our physician. Each month we had our ‘normal’ checks (blood pressure, weight, belly measurements etc.) at the beginning of class and then moved into a group discussion where we would talk about a different topic pertaining to how far along we all were in our pregnancy.

Skip ahead to November 2014: our son, Carsten William, was born on November 9th at 10:37 pm. By some miracle, our centering physician was on call and helped bring our little man into the world. After we had settled in, our doctor filled us in on the status of the rest of our centering group. All of us (except for the only baby girl in our group) had delivered within 48 hours of each other. Our doctor literally had to leave the one centering mom’s delivery to go deliver the twins of another mom in our group! According to the centering doctors, no other centering group has ever even come close to delivering this close together.

Skip ahead to October 2014: Five of the six from our centering group still meet (at least) once a month to catch up on how everyone is doing. It is something we all look forward to doing each month. Each monthly meeting is a little different. Sometimes we meet with moms and babies (who are now almost two), sometimes with both parents and kids, and sometimes the meeting is just the ladies. We catch up on how our babes are doing during that particular month of development and discuss how we are working to overcome the challenges that come with that stage. We gush about the exciting milestones that our kiddos are reaching and how much fun we are all having as new parents.

One of the best parts about meeting with this group is the reality that we all have very different families. We have different jobs and different lives. We do not judge. We do not question. Instead we encourage and uplift one another. We understand each child, family and situation is different; not inferior. Regardless of what parenting choices we make for our individual families, we all know that the goal is the same. What we have in common is that we all want to do what is best for our kids.

My relationship with this group of mommas, and their families, it is the most unique and one of the most beneficial and rewarding friendships I have ever had. We consistenly share things about our lives and about who we are as individuals. We have formed a true friendship that goes beyond having children born in the same month.

When my husband and I chose to be part of centering, I thought about how fun, and almost relieving, it would be to have other women that I could relate to at each stage of, not just my pregnancy, but what would follow after our child was born. I wanted to be able to talk to other new parents that were learning and experiencing the joys, struggles, heartache and triumphs that come with bringing new life into the world. I joined centering hoping to walk away with not just knowledge, but also friendships.

What I got was much more.

I am still amazed at the bond that we have created. The connection that our families, children, and we, as moms, now share. We have something that is so incredibly special. We were meant to be friends. We were meant to be part of each others lives. Our friendship was created by something greater than ourselves: it was in His plan. We were meant to grow as moms together.

To my centering mommas: I love each of you and I can’t wait to see where we go from here. See you in November!

Want to learn more about how you can be part of a centering group? Click here for more information! I would also be happy to answer any questions you might have about my personal experience with centering prenatal care and why I recommend being part of a centering group.

The five of us at our All Family Get-Together in September 2014

Centering babies meet, in costume, in October 2013

6 Month Pictures with the Centering Babes

Looking Forward

My hope for this blog is simple. I want a way to document my experiences as a wife, mother, and career woman in South Dakota.

I plan to share my ideas, projects and glimpses of my Midwestern life.

It’s a journey in progress and you’re welcome to join me.

M

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @m_n_jensen