Always learning

I just had my first day of training for my new job!

I absolutely love it! I'm still learning so much about being an effective team member and building upon leadership skills that not only help me in the job but also in the real world.

I am truly thankful for getting this opportunity and definitely not letting it pass me up. I'm literally being immersed into the company and learning so much! I'm really excited to see where it'll go.

However, with all the excitement I have a few downers but luckily it wasn't too depressing. I'm sad that I'm missing my family reunion (as previously mentioned) and not being able to see relatives whom I haven't seen in years...seriously YEARS now, when they only live a state below me. Also one of my Uncles traveled from Texas this year for the reunion whom I haven't seen in literally a decade...but a job is a job and I really needed this...plus my parents were understanding.

Also I missed my friend Jasmine's son's birthday party today too, however sent a text and she was totally cool about. However I did by a gift and hopefully she'll like it for him. I literally asked people for advice...I haven't shopped for a one year old boy since my brother was born...lol

Anyways, I definitely feel even though I'm not attending an educational structure in the fall (for many its in a few weeks) I'm still learning. I even today said that "I'm a RA," then retracted that statement because I'm not going to RA Training which starts next weekend for them...though I'm jealous I'm not jealous of having to do the training...hahahaa But I will miss all that experience I had then. Also all the Welcome Week stuff...sigh...it's not a distant memory...hahhaaha

I also applied for another job...
Call me crazy, but I THRIVE on being busy...literally...the fact that I'm not going back to being a RA and being involved on a University campus...I have to compensate for the participation with that into something else...and what better way...multiple jobs...lol Granted my social life will be revolved around the jobs but who cares...I've made friends from the job and I still have my close friends from college and high school.
Anyways, applied for the job, sent my resume, cover letter and two sample writings. Which I never really done a writing sample and so I asked for some advice from a friend, who actually has a similar position to the one I applied (shout out to Will) for some times. His advice was really helpful and constructive. It made me really excited and driven to apply...so I did!

=]

My mind is on overdrive

My mind seems to be really active at night and granted I should be asleep, but I can never seem to fall asleep instantly when there are some any thoughts going on in my head. From reading many articles it's good to jot down your thoughts and to come back to them later. So that's what I'm going to do...time to jot down the many thoughts going on my head right now. All while listening to my itunes library as background noise/winding down to get ready to sleep.

Thought #1
I've really been evaluating my friendships that I've developed and trying to figure out which, to continue; to pursue; as well as to try and fix or build a better friendship.

The past few months have definitely shown that I lack communication, but I feel that it's more of a fear that I'll say something wrong or that I'm just really over thinking situations or I'm creating unnecessary conflict/issues. I know that I can easily where my heart on my sleeve but I can also be very guarded. Which sounds really ironic but it's really true thought. I'm very talkative but also very private with thoughts. It takes a lot of trust from me to trust people I can effectively communicate with. There have been people that have broken my trust which has saddened me but I've learned from that mistake and have continued to better myself as a person.

A good friend of mine has said, "they'll forgive, but never forget," this statement has definitely stuck with me...in a negative way. I always seem to think of the negative in the situation. Again, I'm trying to grow as a person, but I hate to disappoint others.

Also I really want to call people and catch up with them....I need to do this or if you're reading this and we're friends (obviously we are) call me and let's catch up! hahahaha

Thought #2
I really am stressing about this whole Grad School thing. I want to make sure I'm preparing myself in the best way possible. Researching schools, which is already a big feat in itself, trying to figure out which Colleges would be best for me and what they can offer me in my growth of higher education.

The GREs are going to freak me out. I'm not the best of test takers and so I've already invested quite an amount of money to make sure I'm studying and focusing to do my best. My main task is keeping focused and actually studying; then retaining the information learned as well as implementing what I've learned into real life situations.

Statement of purpose....blah, I need to really start on writing this....I know I've said that earlier but it's definitely something I NEED to start doing too. Which also brings up getting letters of recommendations from professors/faculty/people I've had good relationships with me who want to see me continue my education and who will recommend me into graduate schools. I think I've got a good handful of people I'd be honored if they'd write a letter of recommendation for me. Hopefully they'll feel honored that I asked them.

Thought #3
I really miss a lot of hobbies right now. I've been really busy focusing on finding a job(s) and relaxing.

But I miss theatre. I miss acting, singing, directing, do something in theatre right now. However I did check out three plays from the library to read...which I haven't done yet. I also want to sign up for a dance class or two or three. But that involves time and money, which right now I don't have the money but time could easily do. However with the job searches, that may effect when I could take the class(es).

I miss running and I really want to work out, I want to get some muscle definition as well as mass on my freaking scrawny body. I'm not saying I'm not happy with my body, but I definitely would like a body that's in shape. I miss competing and doing xc races. I should really e-mail may coach randomly and see if I can attended a practice...even though it's been a few years and I could easily still look like someone who's in high school...hahaah

I really want to do a photoshoot. One for myself to get some new headshots but also take some photos for fun! I just really need to go out and take some photos. It's a possible grad degree I'm looking into so I should really start working on building that portfolio up.

I know I'll eventually get to it each of these missed hobbies, but right now I'm really trying to get a stable job(s) in tact.

Thought #4
Job search, trying to think when enough is a enough searching and be happy with the jobs I currently have.

I recently accepted an offer to start working at the Apple Store, which I'm really excited for the opportunity and look forward to the Orientation which is three days for eight hours. However since I accept the job offer, I'm going to be missing my family reunion. Which I'm sad because I haven't seen many of them in years. A sacrifice that I had to take, but I'm sure my extended family will understand.

But yeah, my job search is still going. I need to make sure I have a job(s) that will help pay off debt (credit card & soon Student Loans). Plus I want to save up for Grad School/moving and for a car. I really need to get my own car to own. It's the next "grown up" purchase I need to do along with getting an apartment.

Thought #5
I want to TRAVEL! Like really bad! I want to go overseas experience different cultures visit different continents and countries. ::sigh::

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Those are pretty much what's going on in my mind currently...lots of rambling but this had definitely helped. Therapeutic and just good to keep doing something I said I wanted to do on my "Summer To-Do List."

I'll post a blog entry of some pictures soon. I really like how most of the months I've averaged seven entries. This is entry no. six, so I definitely need to get another one in before the end of the month. Which is totally do-able!

=]

Another late night blog

So I'm feeling thee mood to blog again and its midnight...lol

This past weekend was filled with meeting a bunch of people and working a nine hour shift.

I recently attended a high school reunion and it was at a bar in Royal Oak. Which the city was a very lively on Friday night. I forgot that the city was a very lively place and reminded me of Fort Collins, CO. Anyways went to the reunion and realized it's going to be interesting going to my 10 year, which is in five years...and I feel like it'll be interesting. But going to my friends reunion, led me to a contact with a production company...so keeoing my fingers crossed in setting up a meeting. Also played so skee ball and danced at the bar, which was fun. It was good to be in great company of good friends.

The next day I attended my friend Courtney's brother Chris' daughter Lily's second birthday. It was fun and interesting to see two year old interact. Left a bit early to get to bed early. However before I left found out I wad offered a job. They left a'm message to call them back and I did immediately. I of course accepted the job, however the down side is that I'm missing my family reunion. I hope and I'm my extended family will understand.

Then on Sunday woke up at 5am to get radu to work a none hour shift, which consisted of rearranging the store. Had a lunch break and when I came back to work in the back rearranging the back room. Pretty much manual labor work day. But it was good and the time flew by.

After work took a nap and then headed to another birthday but this time Courtney & Chris' Uncle Jon's birthday. Total 360° from the group yesterday but it was a fun party nonetheless.

Today was an easy day. However still needing to study for my GRE that's at the end of September. Also continuing my Grad School search and really needing to work on my Statement of Purpose...which I haven't really done since doing a Mission Statement when I was a Theatre Ed major which was three years ago, when I first attended UNC. But I'm stating positive and not trying to stress...too much hahaha

=]

Blogging Mood

I'm in the mood to blog...about what...that's a good question....

Let's see I could start off with what happened today....nothing too exciting...I did however went to work today for a closing shift and that was interesting. Then went over to my friend Courtney's house to hang for a bit and drop something off.

Courtney and her family were watching, "Merlin," the NBC show that didn't work for the US but now is going into Season for in the UK on BBC. Interesting show....from the two-ish episodes I had watched.

My day was kinda boring...but that's how it goes for a post-college undergraduate still trying to find a "Grown Up" job. Though I do enjoy the current job I have, but I need something more fulfilling.

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Summer has been fun so far! I've truly enjoyed my time back home, even with it's ups and downs; pros and cons, it's home.

Did some random shots of stuff around Courtney's house, thought they were cool and wanted to share them on here...

I throughly enjoy the "toy camera" feature on my digital camera...It does my photoediting I want done for me for photos I want to look a little vintage and getting a different point of view.

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I'm a reality junkie...I admit it...thought this isn't a surprise to my friends, they know I like watching them and know maybe too much about them...hahahha I've even auditioned for some. Yeah I'm weird like that.

Current reality shows watching...
Big Brother 13 and So You Think You Can Dance 8

BB13 - This is pretty much the season of the returning houseguest....the past two weeks it's been Alum who've won HOH (Head Of Household) competitions and obviously nominating the new people. It's kinda annoying...I actually applied for this season and I definitely feel like I've got WAY MORE PERSONALITY then some of these characters on the show. But I could always apply next year...lol

SYTYCD8 - I like how they stuck back to the original format of the top 20, however Nigel (one of the "resident judges"/executive producer) made some horrible choices for eliminations. Though I'm happy with the top five girls, the boys are all kinds of messed up. Ricky and Mitchell should have peaced out! I would have liked Chris and Nick/Alexander in the top five guys. But these are just my opinions. Nigel, "MUST KNOW" what America wants right...*cough* RATINGS *cough*....just FYI Nigel Ricky and Mitchell will be getting the low votes from America...just watch!

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My grandma (mom's side) is here again with us! I picked her up while babysitting my brother form the airport. I liked how I planned driving and getting their just as she walked outside to the International Arrivals pick up area. Great timing! Even though my mom told me I should have left just as I was getting there. Going with my gut won! Plus it was good to see my grandma again!

=]

Rolling in the Deep

If anyone hasn't heard this song from Adele, you need to!

So interesting story....

I convinced begged friend Courtney into auditioning for our city's version of "American Idol," called "Farmington Idol," for our city's annual "Founders Festival." Being very courageous, I decided to do Adele's song of "Rolling in the Deep," as my audition song. People were surprised by my song choice but I sang it acapella and did a good job.

So there were 21 people that auditioned and 11 made it through...Unfortunately Courtney didn't make it...but I did. I was excited but kinda  REALLY bummed that Courtney didn't make the finals.

Anyways, so after the auditions, went home and then got ready to see HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART TWO at midnight with my friend Jasmine! We went to Buffalo Wild Wings for some dinner before the show. While watching the movie...in 3D we were split up due to the amount of people watching it! But it was worth it! Enjoyed the movie!

Back to the story...

Had to find another song to do for the finals or I could stick with the same song, hoping nobody else did it. Fast forward, decided to stick with my audition song got the music and started practicing. In between going to a job interview. 

At the finals, definitely was nervous and it definitely showed in my performance. I had my friend Courtney record it, but to spare people (and my pride) I'm not posting it. I'll be honest the nerves got the best of me and I was PITCHY...BEYOND! I was sad but I remembered I was going in it for fun and not to WIN. As much as I would have like to, I really wanted to do it for fun and I did even though the issue of nerves.

So yeah that pretty much sums of today. I really hope to get hired at this job I interviewed for! I really like the company and it would be good to get more money to pay off debt and save-ish...hahaha Downside my training is during my family reunion...dilema 

However my family will understand, granted I haven't seen any of them in a good five years...

Road Trippin Adventure

So its my best friend Courtney's Birthday this weekend and we went and picked up her boyfriend, Dennis and her other friend Garrek from East Lansing, which by the way I haven't been to since my Junior year of high school.

Anyways made the trip over and when we had past a certain city we completely lost our radio station we had been listening to and were torchered by country music stations. Luckily on the drive back we put on Pandora from Garrek's phone.

Then finally got back to Courtney's house in time for dinner. I then learned how to play Settlers and all four of us played. Its an interesting strategy game and we played two games. The first was a decent length of time but the last game took forever.

Finally after the last game, was getting dropped off home and to my surprise was locked out.I didn't bring my keys thinking I'd be fine getting back inside but no. not sure if my parents are trying to teach me something or they thought I would be staying the night over Courtney's house.

Anyways left a message on the parents cell phone as oppose to call the house and waking everyone up. Left a message and headed back to Courtney's.

But lesson learned bring house key with me next time...lol

Job Hunt Continues

As much as I love my current job, it's not enough to 1. sustain an adequate living; 2. pay off debt (i.e. credit card & college loans); 3. purchase a car or get an apartment

So I'm on the job hunt! Honestly besides auditioning for film/stage opportunities what else could I do with a BA in Theatre?!?! LOL Ok I can write plays, direct, be a guest artist etc but that isn't the point.

I just need a good paying job, whether it be in theatre or non-theatre.

I've currently awaiting on two higher education jobs I've applied for. With my over involvement at UNC I feel that Higher Ed is a place I could definitely do some work in for now. But they "desire" someone with a master, well if I get into that college/university, I will definitely consider going to school their...just sayin.

Then I have an opportunity to possibly work for a company I really have an interest in. However the interview is a group dynamic setting so I need to research and study on how to be a stand out but still be a team player. I am excited for the opportunity though.

We shall see how these three opportunities pan out.
But as I wait...
I shall continue searching for a job or even my dream job!

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