Sorry for not updating. I've been slowly getting sick due to diving back into the 40 hour work week.
My graduation from a month of training at my call center job is tomorrow and I'm very excited but nervous out of my mind.
It's such a comforting feeling to be in training. There's always someone around to answer your question, if you make a mistake, it's ok! You're in training! But starting on Monday, I'm pretty much on my own to figure out my own questions. I'll be dealing with irate customers without much backup.
Needless to say, I'm terrified.
More updates to come. It's ridiculous, but I'm actually going to bed. Its 8:22 pm. I am just so damn tired.
Sigh.
I miss college.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Intern (Part Two)
So, I found my blog entry about interns to be longer than I’m sure you, poor reader, felt like reading. (need a refresher? Part One) Hence, The Intern - Part Two ... wait, I have an intern?
It feels out of sorts for me to have an intern as the 22-year-old assistant / coordinator. Long before I started here as the assistant, I was Mrs. Boss’ intern. Psycho intern who worked 60 hour weeks preparing for a national conference that went off without a hitch! But now, a year later, I have interns of my own.
It’s weird since our interns are only a year or two younger than me - if not the same age. Yet somehow, I’m supposed to know more than them, to teach them. It started to make me question - do I really need interns?
Then, I looked at the stack of inventory I have to do, or the 44 hours of transcribing that has been on my desk for months, and I remember what interns are for. While I’d like to be the place that has the “totally awesome internship” and while I’d like to stay true to the words I uttered as an intern, “when I’m in charge I’ll never make my intern ...” that isn’t what interns are for.
Interns make copies. They get coffee. They run errands and they file. I know so many interns are probably wondering “Why can’t I do something MEANINGFUL? Something that will be worthwhile and make a difference for this company?”
I realize that the copies and coffee don’t seem worthwhile. But what those copies & coffees allow is. When my intern is running to pick up lunch for the office, I’m on a conference call with our designers before they fly out to meet with a client tomorrow. While my intern is plugging material into the inventory, I’m running the agenda for tomorrows meeting in office.
So yes, what the interns are doing may seem tedious and pointless. But by taking the tedious and pointless away from people who have “worthwhile” things to do - their work is worthwhile after all.
Of course, after I read this entry I sit back and laugh. I think I just explained my job a little bit as well.
It feels out of sorts for me to have an intern as the 22-year-old assistant / coordinator. Long before I started here as the assistant, I was Mrs. Boss’ intern. Psycho intern who worked 60 hour weeks preparing for a national conference that went off without a hitch! But now, a year later, I have interns of my own.
It’s weird since our interns are only a year or two younger than me - if not the same age. Yet somehow, I’m supposed to know more than them, to teach them. It started to make me question - do I really need interns?
Then, I looked at the stack of inventory I have to do, or the 44 hours of transcribing that has been on my desk for months, and I remember what interns are for. While I’d like to be the place that has the “totally awesome internship” and while I’d like to stay true to the words I uttered as an intern, “when I’m in charge I’ll never make my intern ...” that isn’t what interns are for.
Interns make copies. They get coffee. They run errands and they file. I know so many interns are probably wondering “Why can’t I do something MEANINGFUL? Something that will be worthwhile and make a difference for this company?”
I realize that the copies and coffee don’t seem worthwhile. But what those copies & coffees allow is. When my intern is running to pick up lunch for the office, I’m on a conference call with our designers before they fly out to meet with a client tomorrow. While my intern is plugging material into the inventory, I’m running the agenda for tomorrows meeting in office.
So yes, what the interns are doing may seem tedious and pointless. But by taking the tedious and pointless away from people who have “worthwhile” things to do - their work is worthwhile after all.
Of course, after I read this entry I sit back and laugh. I think I just explained my job a little bit as well.
Breaking Dawn + 2 Films = FAIL
I would consider myself a fangirl. Twilighter. Whatever you want to call it.
Urban Dictionary defines fangirl as “a rabid breed of human female who is obsessed with either a fictional character or an actor. Have been known to glomp, grope, and tackle when encountering said obsessions.”
Ok, so I guess I don’t follow Urban Dictionary’s definition. It is a bit much for me. I wouldn’t consider myself “rabid” nor have I ever groped or tackled anyone for that matter.
I would consider myself a quiet, NOT creepy fangirl. I don’t own posters of the books and films, nor have I bought any fan memorabilia. (It has been bought FOR me, but I don’t count that haha).
With that said, I’m an official Twilighter. I love the Twilight series. A lot. I’m so excited for Eclipse to come out this summer. But recently, it’s been revealed that the final book in the series, Breaking Dawn, is going to be 2 films.
Ok. Let’s be real. Breaking Dawn is the same length as all the other books. I have no idea why it needs to be two films for story purposes. I get it though, Summit wants to make 2 sets of millions of dollars on films they know people like me will see. Obviously. I’m just nervous as crap out it.
Breaking Dawn is a weird book. It’s actually my least favorite in the series. I understand why Stephenie Meyer wrote it that way. It was a big series with lots of questions that needed to be answered happily. I won’t go into in case you’re one of the 5 people in the world who hasn’t read the series.
I just get annoyed at the film industry for stretching out a pretty bare plot line filled mostly with waiting to make more money that they already are receiving. Thus proving even more why I shouldn’t produce film. I have no idea why I thought I could work in that world.
So needless to say, I'm still excited to see the film(s) on screen, but I'm nervous as hell to see it split into two films. Don't even get me started on the 3D rumors.
Ugh.
Urban Dictionary defines fangirl as “a rabid breed of human female who is obsessed with either a fictional character or an actor. Have been known to glomp, grope, and tackle when encountering said obsessions.”
Ok, so I guess I don’t follow Urban Dictionary’s definition. It is a bit much for me. I wouldn’t consider myself “rabid” nor have I ever groped or tackled anyone for that matter.
I would consider myself a quiet, NOT creepy fangirl. I don’t own posters of the books and films, nor have I bought any fan memorabilia. (It has been bought FOR me, but I don’t count that haha).
With that said, I’m an official Twilighter. I love the Twilight series. A lot. I’m so excited for Eclipse to come out this summer. But recently, it’s been revealed that the final book in the series, Breaking Dawn, is going to be 2 films.Ok. Let’s be real. Breaking Dawn is the same length as all the other books. I have no idea why it needs to be two films for story purposes. I get it though, Summit wants to make 2 sets of millions of dollars on films they know people like me will see. Obviously. I’m just nervous as crap out it.
Breaking Dawn is a weird book. It’s actually my least favorite in the series. I understand why Stephenie Meyer wrote it that way. It was a big series with lots of questions that needed to be answered happily. I won’t go into in case you’re one of the 5 people in the world who hasn’t read the series.
I just get annoyed at the film industry for stretching out a pretty bare plot line filled mostly with waiting to make more money that they already are receiving. Thus proving even more why I shouldn’t produce film. I have no idea why I thought I could work in that world.
So needless to say, I'm still excited to see the film(s) on screen, but I'm nervous as hell to see it split into two films. Don't even get me started on the 3D rumors.
Ugh.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Intern (Part One)
It’s February and the spring semester is upon us! There was one point where that meant I was already knee deep in Honors reading that I had ignored over interterm but this year it means something completely new:
The interns are here!
Our office has been without an intern for a semester, but with my promotion a couple months ago we’ve been in dire need of one since early November. However, I had absolutely no clue where to start when hiring an intern - a strange feeling, being that I myself have been an intern dozens of times before!
Suddenly, I found myself on the other side of the table asking myself serious questions like “What kind of qualities do you need in an intern?” and “How do you politely ask ‘Hey - can you go on another Starbucks run?’ ”
Posting on facebook brought a lot of well meaning but essentially helpless advice. “Someone hard working” “Willing to do anything” “Someone dedicated.” Like I said - all great suggestions. But lets face it - every resume and cover letter looks alike. Everyone wants you to know that they are “hardworking, dedicated and intelligent.” Everyone wants to impress you with the laundry list of student films they worked on.
Like I said - Everyone is the same.
But ultimately, personality is what I want. You’re an intern - I’m not planning on handing you any monumental tasks that will require the height of your film school knowledge. I’m going to ask you to file. So as long as you can promise me that you’ll show up on time and not complain, I get the whole hard working picture - now tell me something else. If I’m going to be sitting across the office from you 16-hours a week, I want to know you have something interesting to offer.
So, in the hopes of saving numerous assistants from enduring the same resume monotony that I went through, here’s my list of things to do (and not to do) on your Internship Resume:
The interns are here!
Our office has been without an intern for a semester, but with my promotion a couple months ago we’ve been in dire need of one since early November. However, I had absolutely no clue where to start when hiring an intern - a strange feeling, being that I myself have been an intern dozens of times before!
Suddenly, I found myself on the other side of the table asking myself serious questions like “What kind of qualities do you need in an intern?” and “How do you politely ask ‘Hey - can you go on another Starbucks run?’ ”
Posting on facebook brought a lot of well meaning but essentially helpless advice. “Someone hard working” “Willing to do anything” “Someone dedicated.” Like I said - all great suggestions. But lets face it - every resume and cover letter looks alike. Everyone wants you to know that they are “hardworking, dedicated and intelligent.” Everyone wants to impress you with the laundry list of student films they worked on.
Like I said - Everyone is the same.
But ultimately, personality is what I want. You’re an intern - I’m not planning on handing you any monumental tasks that will require the height of your film school knowledge. I’m going to ask you to file. So as long as you can promise me that you’ll show up on time and not complain, I get the whole hard working picture - now tell me something else. If I’m going to be sitting across the office from you 16-hours a week, I want to know you have something interesting to offer.
So, in the hopes of saving numerous assistants from enduring the same resume monotony that I went through, here’s my list of things to do (and not to do) on your Internship Resume:
- Tell me what makes you unique! Did you just self - finance your own short film? Or are you fresh off finishing the LA marathon? Maybe you just got back from feeding orphans in Africa? Tell me something that makes you different from the rest - and what you’ve learned from it to bring to our team. It shows you have personality and gives me something to remember you by - 10 resumes later I’ll probably still remember the marathon guy vs. the guy with that one GPA.
- Tell me what you know about my company I specifically work in a company focusing in a very niche market - not just anyone can do what we do, so I hired my interns with those questions in mind. But it works the same with any company - tell them that you’d like to intern with the company that produced movies XY and Z or managed star AB and C. It shows we’re not just another name on the list.
- Tell me what you want to do at my company You’re an intern. No matter what you’re going to make coffee and copies. However when the occasion arises, some interns get to do some pretty cool stuff. But if you’re an editor who suddenly ends up doing research for The Boss’ new screenplay, it doesn’t seem as cool. Even if you probably won’t get to edit our next brilliant commercial, it never hurts to say “I’m a pro at coffee and copies - but what I really like to do is cut!”
- Ditch the “I ams” I get it. All the soon to be college grads want their employers to know that their dedicated and smart and bla bla bla. Let me repeat: ALL. Those words start to become pretty pointless when they’re on every resume you see. Tell me the WHYs or HOWs behind those adjectives (see tip #1) or else skip the “I ams” completely
- Give me your contact info! I realize these are the days of emailed resumes. Thank You technology! However, don’t forget to leave your contact info on both your resume and your cover letter. Yes, I realize you emailed me from your email address - so I should already have it. But chances are, I’m printing out your cover letter & resume and then dropping the email into some deep dark folder with only the hope of “search” to bring it back to life. So give me your contact info up front - and you’re already making life much easier for me.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Flaws of Baking, Even If It's So Damn Cute
I recently went on a blog hunt. I started with cooking blogs, then found baking blogs and seriously fell in love. My favorite one out of all of them is Bakerella.com.
It’s freaking adorable. Even the name reminds me of Cinderella and being a little girl, playing with my Easy Bake Oven. Most of the recipes include easy ingredients such as boxed cake mixes and regular candy for use. It’s awesome.
For the Valentine’s Day party at work, I attempted to make the Cake Balls that are just adorable. I wanted to make Cake Pops, but at 10:30 pm, my local grocery store just didn’t have candy sticks. Just freaking skewer sticks. Which are ugly and not helpful. But I digress.
The example is of red velvet cake with chocolate coating. I instead just used chocolate cake. With white chocolate coating. To make them, you bake a cake then let it cool. You crumble it, mix in cream cheese frosting, then roll into balls. Cool in either refrigerator for a few hours or freezer for a faster cool. Then dip in melted chocolate and let cool in fridge. Sounds simple. WRONG.
I was hoping they would turn out just like that. But of course, mine were not that cute. They weren’t even, nor did I take the time to do the designs after the fact.
Problem 1 – I didn’t wait for the cake balls to freeze before dipping them in the chocolate. So it was a hug pain in the ass to dip them in the chocolate.
Problem 2 – I didn’t buy melting candy or whatever it’s called. I bought melting chocolate. For dipping strawberries or fruit. It’s was annoying. And uncooperative with the cake.
Problem 3 – I started making them at 10 pm. I worked at 8 am and carpooled with my mom who started at 7 am. So I was in a rush. (Never a good trait for baking)
Problem 4 – I have never made these before.
Problem 5 – I ran out of white chocolate so had to try using melted white frosting. It didn't work as well. I might have microwaved it a little too long.
Problem 6 - I didn't use any sort of measure tool to make the cake balls, so they were all different sizes and shapes. Whatev.
Problem 7 – I’m a perfectionist. Major FAIL.
So needless to say, they were definitely not perfect. But they tasted freaking delish. While they didn't look pretty out the outside, they were so yummy, I had 3 before I went to bed.
I’m excited to try them again. But with strawberry cake. And white candy coat. Yum.
I’ll post pictures next time.
It’s freaking adorable. Even the name reminds me of Cinderella and being a little girl, playing with my Easy Bake Oven. Most of the recipes include easy ingredients such as boxed cake mixes and regular candy for use. It’s awesome.
For the Valentine’s Day party at work, I attempted to make the Cake Balls that are just adorable. I wanted to make Cake Pops, but at 10:30 pm, my local grocery store just didn’t have candy sticks. Just freaking skewer sticks. Which are ugly and not helpful. But I digress.
The example is of red velvet cake with chocolate coating. I instead just used chocolate cake. With white chocolate coating. To make them, you bake a cake then let it cool. You crumble it, mix in cream cheese frosting, then roll into balls. Cool in either refrigerator for a few hours or freezer for a faster cool. Then dip in melted chocolate and let cool in fridge. Sounds simple. WRONG.
I was hoping they would turn out just like that. But of course, mine were not that cute. They weren’t even, nor did I take the time to do the designs after the fact.
Problem 1 – I didn’t wait for the cake balls to freeze before dipping them in the chocolate. So it was a hug pain in the ass to dip them in the chocolate.
Problem 2 – I didn’t buy melting candy or whatever it’s called. I bought melting chocolate. For dipping strawberries or fruit. It’s was annoying. And uncooperative with the cake.
Problem 3 – I started making them at 10 pm. I worked at 8 am and carpooled with my mom who started at 7 am. So I was in a rush. (Never a good trait for baking)
Problem 4 – I have never made these before.
Problem 5 – I ran out of white chocolate so had to try using melted white frosting. It didn't work as well. I might have microwaved it a little too long.
Problem 6 - I didn't use any sort of measure tool to make the cake balls, so they were all different sizes and shapes. Whatev.
Problem 7 – I’m a perfectionist. Major FAIL.
So needless to say, they were definitely not perfect. But they tasted freaking delish. While they didn't look pretty out the outside, they were so yummy, I had 3 before I went to bed.
I’m excited to try them again. But with strawberry cake. And white candy coat. Yum.
I’ll post pictures next time.
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Last Airbender: A Twixter's Dream
Recently, the full trailer for Last Airbender released.The Last Airbender is a Nickelodeon cartoon spanning 3 epic seasons that follows the journey of Aang, a young successor to a long line of Avatar must set aside his desire for an innocent childhood to stop the Fire Nation from enslaving the Water, Earth and Air nations. Hm…a character running away from his responsibilities to have fun and be a kid. Sounds like a Twixter to me….
When I saw the trailer released, I freaked out. I was at work, thankfully on a break, and watched the trailer. My trainer was laughing at me, because I was literally freaking out. I had my hand covering my mouth, mildly hyperventilating. I may have clapped at some point. It was bad.
But seriously. Sweet. Mercy. It looks incredible. I watched the cartoon series (Avatar: The Last Airbender) and watching the trailer was like seeing the cartoon come to life. There were even scenes straight from the cartoon translated to film. It looks gorgeous. I can’t wait.
This is one of my many Twixter traits. I love kid movies. To this day Cinderella is still one of my favorites. I’d watch it any time, any day. So now that this epic cartoon is being made into a movie, it’s my Twixter dream coming true.
But back to Last Airbender. My favorite nation in the series is the Earth Nation which has Earth Benders. (To clarify, not everyone has power of the elements, only “benders” can; everyone else is just a citizen of the nation itself). Each Bending nation utilizes a different form of martial arts fighting. Fire Benders are very forward, concentrating on offense. Water Benders are smooth and quick, utilizing their speed for evasiveness and attack. Air Benders are very defensive, moving fast and not really attacking.
But Earth Benders. Ah, they’re the best. Their fighting is about core. It’s in your stance. You’re strong and firm, like the earth itself, unmoving to the elements. You’re positioned at the ready, for either attack or defense. Their movements are strong and sure. I like them the best because I evny the power and sureness. I’m more of an avoider. An Air Bender, if you will. Seeing that power and confidence is something I strive for.
I think I just said I wanted to be an Earth Bender.
I am a freaking nerd.
Sick Day
Today I’m out of work on a sick day.
Back when I was fresh out of college, a sick day sounded like a wonderful idea. Getting paid to stay at home and be sick - AWESOME! Of course, those were the days where I operated off of the thought that if I woke up with the teeniest of headaches (regardless of last nights activities) it was totally worth it to ditch classes.
Of course, in the real world staying home sick from work doesn’t work that way. I’ll go to work coughing and sneezing and ugggghing in order not to take a sick day. Because one day sick equals about 3 days worth of catch up, and most of the time it just isn’t worth it. Of course, most of my office tends to have this same “work through the pain” mentality, which means for a couple months at the end of last year our office was an feasting ground for whatever the hip disease at the moment was.
However today there was just no way I was crawling out of bed before noon. It’s 1:00 and I’m just now stumbling out of my PJs - right into another pair.
All this to say, sorry about the shortage of posts over the last week / weekend. I promise more to come as soon as I Ahh Ahh AhhhhhCHEW! Well, you get the idea.
Back when I was fresh out of college, a sick day sounded like a wonderful idea. Getting paid to stay at home and be sick - AWESOME! Of course, those were the days where I operated off of the thought that if I woke up with the teeniest of headaches (regardless of last nights activities) it was totally worth it to ditch classes.
Of course, in the real world staying home sick from work doesn’t work that way. I’ll go to work coughing and sneezing and ugggghing in order not to take a sick day. Because one day sick equals about 3 days worth of catch up, and most of the time it just isn’t worth it. Of course, most of my office tends to have this same “work through the pain” mentality, which means for a couple months at the end of last year our office was an feasting ground for whatever the hip disease at the moment was.
However today there was just no way I was crawling out of bed before noon. It’s 1:00 and I’m just now stumbling out of my PJs - right into another pair.
All this to say, sorry about the shortage of posts over the last week / weekend. I promise more to come as soon as I Ahh Ahh AhhhhhCHEW! Well, you get the idea.
Friday, February 12, 2010
PAY DAY!
I'm sure this will happen a lot because I tend to get forgetful when a big change happens in my life. Bear with me this morning as I'm drinking my coffee as we speak and still trying to process how to spell. (Thank the lord for spell check). I'm an hour and a half early since I carpooled with Mom. But at least I didn't have to pay for the gas.
Today is PAY DAY. I'm so excited to receive my first check in 6 months. It feels strange to be living on paychecks again instead of installments of money at random times. Husband and I created an intense budget based on our wages. It's very strange to plan out my money so specifically. I've always tried, but never really succeeded in keeping with it. Partially because I never really understood how expensive "unexpected" expenses were. (That's a tonge twister. Expensive unexpected expenses. ha) We're saving for something pretty huge. (Blog on that to come probably Monday.)
But needless to say, working 40 hours a week will finally start to feel like it's paying off. I have to constantly remind myself that this job is worth it. It's a stepping stone. I won't be doing this for the rest of my life. Thank God.
It's hard to imagine people who stay in jobs they hate. I know how important money is to survival, but I would rather be slightly poorer but happier in a job I enjoy versus a job that pays well. Don't get me wrong, I understand the concept of working a very well paid job that you don't like so you can enjoy your time off. You can have a great house, nicer clothes, better vacations, etc. But that little happiness you look foreward to versus a general happiness all the time just doesn't seem worth it to me.
I might feel differently when I have kids though. We shall see.
Today is PAY DAY. I'm so excited to receive my first check in 6 months. It feels strange to be living on paychecks again instead of installments of money at random times. Husband and I created an intense budget based on our wages. It's very strange to plan out my money so specifically. I've always tried, but never really succeeded in keeping with it. Partially because I never really understood how expensive "unexpected" expenses were. (That's a tonge twister. Expensive unexpected expenses. ha) We're saving for something pretty huge. (Blog on that to come probably Monday.)
But needless to say, working 40 hours a week will finally start to feel like it's paying off. I have to constantly remind myself that this job is worth it. It's a stepping stone. I won't be doing this for the rest of my life. Thank God.
It's hard to imagine people who stay in jobs they hate. I know how important money is to survival, but I would rather be slightly poorer but happier in a job I enjoy versus a job that pays well. Don't get me wrong, I understand the concept of working a very well paid job that you don't like so you can enjoy your time off. You can have a great house, nicer clothes, better vacations, etc. But that little happiness you look foreward to versus a general happiness all the time just doesn't seem worth it to me.
I might feel differently when I have kids though. We shall see.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
You Better Shape Up ...
One of my favorite profs in college once told me that it would take 10-years in the work force before I REALLY began to use the skills I learned in college.
So I couldn't help but laugh when I Stumbled upon this on Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal the other day:
So I couldn't help but laugh when I Stumbled upon this on Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal the other day:
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Playing the Tourist
This weekend The Boy and I headed up to Mt. Baldy to spend a much needed afternoon playing in the snow. Since I’m a horrible skier we just embraced our 5-year-old tendencies - we made snow men and went sledding. Just two weekends before, The Boy and I were in Santa Monica all of Saturday - feeling the sea breeze on our faces and digging our toes into the sand.
You have to love Southern California. You can spend one weekend sprawled on the beach in T-Shirts and 70 degree weather, and the next weekend bundled up in gloves and beanies throwing snow balls.
There are endless possibilities to do and see in Los Angeles, and somehow I missed the mark. I went to school just an hour South of here, yet I never really ventured into the city. Every so often I’d randomly find myself venturing down a street in LA with little clue where I was at, but I was so lost I’d never try to return to it.
When I moved up here permanently, I told myself I was going to take advantage of my newfound freedom. No more homework and no more papers, my “off” time would become my time, and I planned to take advantage of it. Little did I know that when I finally was “off” I’d be too exhausted to think about going out and exploring the city. Weekends were strictly for laundry and grocery shopping.
When January rolled around I realized I’d spent 6-months living in a city that I hardly knew anything about. So one of three resolutions were birthed: I was going to become a tourist.
The plan is to do one thing every week as a tourist. I live a 10-minute drive away from the Hollywood sign, but until January 9th I had never actually taken the classic tourist shot in front of it. Now I have.
Of course, I have an advantage to acting like a tourist - I’m a local. Any guide book will tell you that you can see the Hollywood sign from the Griffith Observatory. But only locals know that if you drive up Lake Hollywood you’re eventually standing right under it. (Noted: You do have to ignore the sign at Lake Hollywood & Barham - “No Access to Hollywood Sign.” - Ha! Whatever).
I think I’m grateful that I waited ‘til I felt more like a local to be a tourist - as long as I can get over being ridiculed by other locals for my cheesy facebook pics. And once the tourist stuff starts to get old (I’m already over visiting Hollywood Blvd - right now it’s just annoying that it’s the Fresh n Easy closest to me) I have another trick up my sleeve.
When I lived in London I fell in love with The City Walk cards, and for my last birthday The Boy got me City Walk: Los Angeles . There’s 50 cards that take you through walks all across the city - stopping you at sometimes unnoticeable but always interesting landmarks. It’s a nice transition from tourist to local - even for those of us that are just a little bit of both.
You have to love Southern California. You can spend one weekend sprawled on the beach in T-Shirts and 70 degree weather, and the next weekend bundled up in gloves and beanies throwing snow balls.
There are endless possibilities to do and see in Los Angeles, and somehow I missed the mark. I went to school just an hour South of here, yet I never really ventured into the city. Every so often I’d randomly find myself venturing down a street in LA with little clue where I was at, but I was so lost I’d never try to return to it.
When I moved up here permanently, I told myself I was going to take advantage of my newfound freedom. No more homework and no more papers, my “off” time would become my time, and I planned to take advantage of it. Little did I know that when I finally was “off” I’d be too exhausted to think about going out and exploring the city. Weekends were strictly for laundry and grocery shopping.
When January rolled around I realized I’d spent 6-months living in a city that I hardly knew anything about. So one of three resolutions were birthed: I was going to become a tourist.
The plan is to do one thing every week as a tourist. I live a 10-minute drive away from the Hollywood sign, but until January 9th I had never actually taken the classic tourist shot in front of it. Now I have.
Of course, I have an advantage to acting like a tourist - I’m a local. Any guide book will tell you that you can see the Hollywood sign from the Griffith Observatory. But only locals know that if you drive up Lake Hollywood you’re eventually standing right under it. (Noted: You do have to ignore the sign at Lake Hollywood & Barham - “No Access to Hollywood Sign.” - Ha! Whatever).
I think I’m grateful that I waited ‘til I felt more like a local to be a tourist - as long as I can get over being ridiculed by other locals for my cheesy facebook pics. And once the tourist stuff starts to get old (I’m already over visiting Hollywood Blvd - right now it’s just annoying that it’s the Fresh n Easy closest to me) I have another trick up my sleeve.
When I lived in London I fell in love with The City Walk cards, and for my last birthday The Boy got me City Walk: Los Angeles . There’s 50 cards that take you through walks all across the city - stopping you at sometimes unnoticeable but always interesting landmarks. It’s a nice transition from tourist to local - even for those of us that are just a little bit of both.
Friday, February 5, 2010
The 10-Year-Plan
I had a new ream of business cards printed about a month ago, but today was the first day I broke the seal and passed along my newly minted card - with my not so newly minted title.
Almost three-months ago now, I got a promotion at work. It’s was kinda a shock to me, being that I had only been at the company for six-months, but I loved the new responsibilities and change of pace.
Only, it came with a catch.
The Boss has had a bit of a history with assistants lately, managing to go through quite a number in the last couple years. When I first started the job I was told by more than one of The Boss’ friends and colleagues that my best title was “The Boss’ CURRENT Assistant.” Yea, that’s a good way to scare the new girl.
Luckily, The Boss and I hit it off great and not only did he keep me around - he promoted me! But in fact, he wanted to do both. My title switched to Client Coordinator - I now handle all the communication between our clients and the company, as well as (!) Coordinating all the shoots we do out in LA. But my pay remained the same, and my job responsibilities didn’t change - they doubled.
So now, I’m juggling both the assistant job and the coordinator gig, for the one low price of an assistant. The money woes are frustrating (that’s another blog entirely) but I’m ecstatic to add Coordinator to my title - it’s one GIANT step closer to where I want to be long-term. (Which actually IS as a Coordinator - only in a much larger role.)
Of course, the assistant gig continues. I’m still on hold with Hertz and managing The Boss’ appointments, and there are days where 5:30 hits and I still have a stack a mile high teetering on my desk. There’s points where it gets overwhelming, but I love my new title.
Originally, I had very short-term goals for this job. I figured I’d hold the assistant job for a year or two and then try for bigger and better things. But now the slightly bigger and slightly better things have found me, which again throws a huge spin on Twixter One’s set-in-stone life plan. Suddenly, I find myself working in a place I never thought I’d want to work (small office in a very niche market) but working on the first step towards my dream job - a step that should have taken at least a couple years post-grad to reach.
Throughout high school and college, my profs emphasized the need to have a “life plan.” The 5-year-plan / 10-year-plan assignment came up on more than one semester. Now, when I’m only 1-year out in that 10-year plan, nothing has gone the way I planned. It’s not better - not worse - but different entirely. My dreams change every year, my goals change every year, and my circumstances change by the month.
So what was the point of my 10-year-plan again?
Almost three-months ago now, I got a promotion at work. It’s was kinda a shock to me, being that I had only been at the company for six-months, but I loved the new responsibilities and change of pace.
Only, it came with a catch.
The Boss has had a bit of a history with assistants lately, managing to go through quite a number in the last couple years. When I first started the job I was told by more than one of The Boss’ friends and colleagues that my best title was “The Boss’ CURRENT Assistant.” Yea, that’s a good way to scare the new girl.
Luckily, The Boss and I hit it off great and not only did he keep me around - he promoted me! But in fact, he wanted to do both. My title switched to Client Coordinator - I now handle all the communication between our clients and the company, as well as (!) Coordinating all the shoots we do out in LA. But my pay remained the same, and my job responsibilities didn’t change - they doubled.
So now, I’m juggling both the assistant job and the coordinator gig, for the one low price of an assistant. The money woes are frustrating (that’s another blog entirely) but I’m ecstatic to add Coordinator to my title - it’s one GIANT step closer to where I want to be long-term. (Which actually IS as a Coordinator - only in a much larger role.)
Of course, the assistant gig continues. I’m still on hold with Hertz and managing The Boss’ appointments, and there are days where 5:30 hits and I still have a stack a mile high teetering on my desk. There’s points where it gets overwhelming, but I love my new title.
Originally, I had very short-term goals for this job. I figured I’d hold the assistant job for a year or two and then try for bigger and better things. But now the slightly bigger and slightly better things have found me, which again throws a huge spin on Twixter One’s set-in-stone life plan. Suddenly, I find myself working in a place I never thought I’d want to work (small office in a very niche market) but working on the first step towards my dream job - a step that should have taken at least a couple years post-grad to reach.
Throughout high school and college, my profs emphasized the need to have a “life plan.” The 5-year-plan / 10-year-plan assignment came up on more than one semester. Now, when I’m only 1-year out in that 10-year plan, nothing has gone the way I planned. It’s not better - not worse - but different entirely. My dreams change every year, my goals change every year, and my circumstances change by the month.
So what was the point of my 10-year-plan again?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Happy Groundhogs Day
25-years ago today, my Dad asked my Mom to marry him. They’ve never been big anniversary people, but Groundhogs Day has always been a huge holiday in my family for as long as can I remember. And my mom has 25 plush groundhogs to prove it!
Mom & Dad planned their wedding in 4-months, and were married the same week as my grandparents – who will celebrate 50 years this June!
I’ve been so fortunate to have not one but two strong, committed relationships as role models in my life, and the next couple of months will be all aflutter as we get ready for a family reunion and to celebrate such major anniversaries.
When I think of spending 25-years with the same person, my mind can’t begin to comprehend it. Heck, My mind isn’t even that old!!!
How is someone supposed to be mature enough at 22 or 23 years of age to make a decision that will affect them for double their current life span? When I spent half of my life completely devoted to butterfly clips and glitter – can I REALLY be trusted with that big of a decision?
When it comes down to it, I think commitment is the ultimate Twixter problem. We don’t want to commit to a job. We don’t want to commit to an apartment. We DEFINITELY don’t want to commit to just one person. Yet, we’re in the stage of life where everyone is telling us to commit! commit! commit! All the while, we’re yelling back why? why? why?
On anniversaries like today, I’m reminded of an endless list of answers to why?
Why? because my Dad took my Mom to San Francisco this weekend, and then sat inside the Britex fabric store with her for HOURS, just because she asked.
Why? because my Mom will drive 23-hours with an infant, just so my dad can take our boat to the Lake House in the Ozarks.
Why? because even if dinner’s not made, or the house is not clean, or someone gets home way too late my Mom and Dad crawl into the same bed every night, and get up together again every morning.
Why? because 25-years ago, my Dad asked and my Mom said yes. And maybe it’s time for the Twixters to learn from other’s experience.
Happy Engagement-a-versary Mum & Daddy!
Mom & Dad planned their wedding in 4-months, and were married the same week as my grandparents – who will celebrate 50 years this June!
I’ve been so fortunate to have not one but two strong, committed relationships as role models in my life, and the next couple of months will be all aflutter as we get ready for a family reunion and to celebrate such major anniversaries.
When I think of spending 25-years with the same person, my mind can’t begin to comprehend it. Heck, My mind isn’t even that old!!!
How is someone supposed to be mature enough at 22 or 23 years of age to make a decision that will affect them for double their current life span? When I spent half of my life completely devoted to butterfly clips and glitter – can I REALLY be trusted with that big of a decision?
When it comes down to it, I think commitment is the ultimate Twixter problem. We don’t want to commit to a job. We don’t want to commit to an apartment. We DEFINITELY don’t want to commit to just one person. Yet, we’re in the stage of life where everyone is telling us to commit! commit! commit! All the while, we’re yelling back why? why? why?
On anniversaries like today, I’m reminded of an endless list of answers to why?
Why? because my Dad took my Mom to San Francisco this weekend, and then sat inside the Britex fabric store with her for HOURS, just because she asked.
Why? because my Mom will drive 23-hours with an infant, just so my dad can take our boat to the Lake House in the Ozarks.
Why? because even if dinner’s not made, or the house is not clean, or someone gets home way too late my Mom and Dad crawl into the same bed every night, and get up together again every morning.
Why? because 25-years ago, my Dad asked and my Mom said yes. And maybe it’s time for the Twixters to learn from other’s experience.
Happy Engagement-a-versary Mum & Daddy!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Culinary Dreams
A few years back, I got this crazy idea in my head that I wanted to drop out of college and go to Culinary School. I even went to visit 3 different culinary schools in my area of southern California. I was smitten. I wanted to wear a chef coat and create amazing scallops on a big plate with green and orange garnish sauce underneath and vegetables stacked perfectly on top.
I've always loved baking and cooking my entire life. It's my sort of zen. If I'm stressed, I usually bake or cook something. I even had the measurements of 1/8 of a batch of chocolate chip cookies memorized. It makes about 4 cookies. I started to put 2 and 2 together, realized I could potentially cook for a living. Would that be so bad? I ultimately decided finishing my undergrad would be a smart back up plan. (This was before I decided to change my major. Idiot).
So I've started researching culinary school again this past week, with 1 semester left of my undergrad. I just found out that the Cordon Bleu in Vegas costs $40,000 for the culinary and $25,000 for baking. W.T.F.?
My private school for 5 years of education will not cost me as much as the Cordon Bleu program.
Now I've chatted with several people that now tell me you don't HAVE to attend the CB and many other schools are regarded just as highly and are significantly less expensive.
But then I researched what life is like for an aspiring chef. It's long, strange hours for the next 10-15 years of my life. Strange hours meaning, 4 pm to 2 am including holidays. Is this the type of life I want? Not really. I want kids. I want to be able to come home and hang out with my husband. I want to be able to go out with friends.
I've heard that culinary is like the film/television industry, in the fact that if you can picture yourself doing something else, you should do the something else. I've magically found myself interested in 2 very niche passion industries.
Can I picture myself working 12 hour days in a kitchen? Yes.
Can I picture myself working on a set for 14 hour days? Yes.
Can I picture myself doing something else? Yes.
Well, damn it. Now what?
I've always loved baking and cooking my entire life. It's my sort of zen. If I'm stressed, I usually bake or cook something. I even had the measurements of 1/8 of a batch of chocolate chip cookies memorized. It makes about 4 cookies. I started to put 2 and 2 together, realized I could potentially cook for a living. Would that be so bad? I ultimately decided finishing my undergrad would be a smart back up plan. (This was before I decided to change my major. Idiot).
So I've started researching culinary school again this past week, with 1 semester left of my undergrad. I just found out that the Cordon Bleu in Vegas costs $40,000 for the culinary and $25,000 for baking. W.T.F.?
My private school for 5 years of education will not cost me as much as the Cordon Bleu program.
Now I've chatted with several people that now tell me you don't HAVE to attend the CB and many other schools are regarded just as highly and are significantly less expensive.
But then I researched what life is like for an aspiring chef. It's long, strange hours for the next 10-15 years of my life. Strange hours meaning, 4 pm to 2 am including holidays. Is this the type of life I want? Not really. I want kids. I want to be able to come home and hang out with my husband. I want to be able to go out with friends.
I've heard that culinary is like the film/television industry, in the fact that if you can picture yourself doing something else, you should do the something else. I've magically found myself interested in 2 very niche passion industries.
Can I picture myself working 12 hour days in a kitchen? Yes.
Can I picture myself working on a set for 14 hour days? Yes.
Can I picture myself doing something else? Yes.
Well, damn it. Now what?