Hello friends…It has finally happened. Yesterday I went to view the apartment I told you about in my last post, and I fell in love. It is so perfect for me, and my future roommate is exactly what I was looking for! I think we’ll get along perfectly. The bedroom is huge, the kitchen is roomy and the price is perfect. I thought I was going to have to compromise in many key areas, but my new bedroom is larger than the bedroom I reside in now. Friends will be able to fit nicely on the air mattress I will be purchasing in the next couple of weeks! I couldn’t be more pleased with how everything turned out. I move in around the 29th of December. That is only 2 ½ short weeks away! So now the packing begins. It’s so funny how life can work sometimes. I didn’t want to get my hopes too high while I was waiting to view the apartment. How many people have to view tons of apartments before finding the one? And I just had to look at one….how lucky am I? I’m thrilled beyond belief and I can’t wait to buy my new comforter for my new bedroom ☺
Pictures to come soon!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
I'm Moving...Soon!
I have great news. I finally have decided to search for a living space in New York City. I’m so excited! A relative sent me an email she received from a neighbor saying her cousin’s daughter (does that make sense?) is looking for a roommate. I jumped at the offer, and I’m viewing the place on Saturday. I’m thrilled, ecstatic, jumping for joy, over the moon, dancing in the street. This woman did say she has others viewing the place so I’m trying not to get too excited about possibility living on the Upper West Side (eek!). I’m keeping my fingers crossed and sending up a silent prayer to God that this will all work out. If not, on to the next available place. Ps, this also means I’m officially going to become a New York City blogger – how cliché is that?
I had a small panic attack on the Path ride home yesterday as I started thinking about the possibility of moving out of my childhood home in less than a month. Will I be able to afford it? Will I be happy living with someone I don’t really know? Will I be able to afford it? That question popped up a few times. The one thing I will try my hardest not to do is move back home, so for me, this will be goodbye to my house and Pt. Pleasant unless some unforeseeable event occurs where I have no other option. I’ve been ready to leave the nest for months but now that it’s a reality, I’m a tad scared. My parents completely changed their tune on the whole situation practically overnight – they are all for this move. My thought is that the fight we had this past weekend pushed them over the edge and they are silently kicking me out, but this theory has not been proven. They told me in the car yesterday that people are capable of doing anything they set their minds to (cute, right?), and if I choose to move to NYC, I’ll make it work. I don’t care if I have to work at Macy’s, be a weekend nanny or waitress at nights, I’ll figure out a way to make sure I stay put. I went to sleep last night with all of these thoughts racing around in my head and when I woke up this morning, I felt ready. (It really is true what they say. You should take a night’s sleep before making any major decision in your life. The right answer will be there when you wake up.)
So anyway, there it is. I’m moving to New York in the next couple of months. Depending on how I like this apartment and how the girl living there likes me, it could be January 1st, or I may have to look around a bit more and it could be March 1st, but my apartment search has officially begun and I couldn’t be happier.
To any relatives reading this post who plan to send me a Christmas present: Lots of cash, please. I’ll need it ☺
I had a small panic attack on the Path ride home yesterday as I started thinking about the possibility of moving out of my childhood home in less than a month. Will I be able to afford it? Will I be happy living with someone I don’t really know? Will I be able to afford it? That question popped up a few times. The one thing I will try my hardest not to do is move back home, so for me, this will be goodbye to my house and Pt. Pleasant unless some unforeseeable event occurs where I have no other option. I’ve been ready to leave the nest for months but now that it’s a reality, I’m a tad scared. My parents completely changed their tune on the whole situation practically overnight – they are all for this move. My thought is that the fight we had this past weekend pushed them over the edge and they are silently kicking me out, but this theory has not been proven. They told me in the car yesterday that people are capable of doing anything they set their minds to (cute, right?), and if I choose to move to NYC, I’ll make it work. I don’t care if I have to work at Macy’s, be a weekend nanny or waitress at nights, I’ll figure out a way to make sure I stay put. I went to sleep last night with all of these thoughts racing around in my head and when I woke up this morning, I felt ready. (It really is true what they say. You should take a night’s sleep before making any major decision in your life. The right answer will be there when you wake up.)
So anyway, there it is. I’m moving to New York in the next couple of months. Depending on how I like this apartment and how the girl living there likes me, it could be January 1st, or I may have to look around a bit more and it could be March 1st, but my apartment search has officially begun and I couldn’t be happier.
To any relatives reading this post who plan to send me a Christmas present: Lots of cash, please. I’ll need it ☺
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Oh, Hi out there!
Hello friends! I’m baaaaccckkkkk ☺ My life as a blogger had been put on hold for the last three months simply because there were not enough hours in the day (and I was secretly frightened I’d get fired for being a blogger. This irrational fear has now left my mind). I have been working as an intern in New York City since September, and the new job is working out wonderfully. I have a cute little cubical on 34th street where I help plan my company’s events. I really enjoy event planning. It’s a field I never really thought about entering before, but it oozes perks. I’m able to travel, work with all levels of executives, and I’m never bored. There is always another event to focus on and so much work to do every day in preparation. I could totally see myself working at this job full time or moving on to another organization with a focus in events. I have so many friends close to tying the knot that I could just become a wedding planner and call it a day.
While working in New York has been a dream of mine since I was a wee little thing, the commute is a challenge all in itself. I do not know how my parents have done this for so many years! I’m searching frantically for a pint size apartment so I can cut my roundtrip commute from four hours down to preferably less than 1 in the next few months. If anyone has questions on commuting into the city, I’m the new queen of the trade. I’ve taken the fifty-five minute train from Metropark (131 off the Garden State Parkway). My dad calls it the “cattle car” because we are rounded up like animals from one location to the next. I then drove into the city for a while (that’s my favorite although traffic on the NJ Turnpike is a big pain.) And today I started my first day as a PATH train commuter from Jersey City. It’s not the worst form of travel, but it was quite crowded until we hit 14th street. Since this will be my mode of transportation for quite some time, I’m going to look at the positives. It’s the cheapest way to travel and it gets me from point A to point B.
In other news, this past holiday weekend I travelled back to Ohio State for the first time since I graduated. I saw my roommates again and was able to watch OSU stomp all over that school up north. I loved being back inside the Shoe; I loved walking on campus and taking in all the familiar sights, and I loved being with my roommates again. I never thought I would miss school as much as I do, and I always knew I would miss my roommates like crazy, but saying goodbye again was so difficult. Parting just makes the next time we see each other that much better, but I wish I lived about five hours closer to them. This distance is no fun. The best part of our reunion was feeling like we had not been apart for three months. That’s what lasting friendships are made of – Coming together after a lengthy period of time and feeling like nothing has changed.
It feels good to be back in blogging mode. Hope you all missed me!
While working in New York has been a dream of mine since I was a wee little thing, the commute is a challenge all in itself. I do not know how my parents have done this for so many years! I’m searching frantically for a pint size apartment so I can cut my roundtrip commute from four hours down to preferably less than 1 in the next few months. If anyone has questions on commuting into the city, I’m the new queen of the trade. I’ve taken the fifty-five minute train from Metropark (131 off the Garden State Parkway). My dad calls it the “cattle car” because we are rounded up like animals from one location to the next. I then drove into the city for a while (that’s my favorite although traffic on the NJ Turnpike is a big pain.) And today I started my first day as a PATH train commuter from Jersey City. It’s not the worst form of travel, but it was quite crowded until we hit 14th street. Since this will be my mode of transportation for quite some time, I’m going to look at the positives. It’s the cheapest way to travel and it gets me from point A to point B.
In other news, this past holiday weekend I travelled back to Ohio State for the first time since I graduated. I saw my roommates again and was able to watch OSU stomp all over that school up north. I loved being back inside the Shoe; I loved walking on campus and taking in all the familiar sights, and I loved being with my roommates again. I never thought I would miss school as much as I do, and I always knew I would miss my roommates like crazy, but saying goodbye again was so difficult. Parting just makes the next time we see each other that much better, but I wish I lived about five hours closer to them. This distance is no fun. The best part of our reunion was feeling like we had not been apart for three months. That’s what lasting friendships are made of – Coming together after a lengthy period of time and feeling like nothing has changed.
It feels good to be back in blogging mode. Hope you all missed me!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
The roommates have arrived, and the roommates have left…and I’ve been so busy I haven’t told you about any of it. Since we’ve last written, this Jersey girl has gotten a job in the big, bad city (thank God!), Summer has ended (thank God!), and my roommates finally came to visit (thank God!) Last Wednesday four special girls flew in from Columbus, Detroit and Chicago to spend their weekend at the Jersey Shore. Playing hostess is something I love doing. I love planning, and I love showing people a good time. I may go a tad overboard (I went to five different grocery stores last Tuesday), but I have a blast doing it. My OCD went to work, and by the time I arrived at the airport, I had an entire itinerary printed out and ready to be followed (Seriously…the girls have copies to prove it.)
Wednesday was our “go with the flow” day. I was a tad late to pick up the girls (I’m embarrassed to write how late), the day was gloomy and rainy, and Little E was up at 3:30 am to head to the airport, so we stuck to pizza and a driving tour. I was able to show my roommates all of my hometown hangouts; the schools I attended, the places I ate dinners watching the fireworks, and the small town shops that you can only find in a small beach town. They saw the beach I worked at, and we ended the night by walking the boardwalk. The girls kept calling it a carnival – I loved seeing their reaction to my childhood playground. Thursday was dedicated solely to New York City. No one can come visit me and not receive a quick tour (an 8-hour tour to be precise) of the place that inspires me everyday. New York has made me who I am just as much as the Jersey Shore has. I cannot show one part of me without its partner. We began our tour downtown, worked our way to the village, and made our way to Serendipity by four. They saw it all (Wall Street, Washington Square Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and my new place of employment). I revisited spots I had not seen in some time as well. (Note to future hostesses: You will visit many places that you are too busy to spend time at normally. Take advantage of this opportunity. You never know what you’ll come across in your own hometown). Friday was our relaxing beach day. After two days of early wake-up calls and tons of walking, we were all happy to sleep in and go to breakfast at the local diner. After eggs, we spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach. Friday was the first day I actually enjoyed the beach since my beach job began on June. 20th. I had not been to the beach recreationally all summer! I was in Heaven.
Then Friday evening occurred. Please save all judgments for the end of the post. My roommates informed me before this trip occurred that they wanted to see where the Jersey Shore cast filmed. Let me set the record straight: I don’t travel to Seaside. I wasn’t allowed there as a child (for obvious reasons), and I choose not to travel there as an adult. But even I felt I was missing out on something by not going there once all summer. I decided that my roommates and I would have a fun time at Karma if we were together, and perhaps we would even catch a glimpse of a cast member. Well, Did we ever?! We sat in a half empty club until 12:45 am when all of a sudden a bright light caught my eye…then a camera, another camera, and there was Snooki – all 4’9 of her. JWow traveled in after her, followed by Ronnie and Sammi, more cameras, The Situation (I’m not going to lie, I reached out and touched him). Pauly D and Vinny entered the club last. Three sets of cameras, five roommates, and six guidos/guidettes – It was a hilarious encounter. We wanted one, and got the entire cast. Camera crews would not let us close unless we signed a waver. Only L agreed…she signed two actually. Until our ride came at 3 am, we ran around the club (I was in three inch heels) chasing cameras to see what these “celebs” would do next. I’m not sure if it was the lack of sleep or the bright lights, but I actually enjoyed following these people around with my cell phone camera (flash turned off because of filming!). I’m happy to say I have returned to planet sanity for the time being, and my craving to see the Jersey Shore Cast has been satisfied…for good. But what a night to remember.
Coming off our crazy Friday night, Saturday was low key. We sent N off to Philly to visit her man, the girls enjoyed another beach day, we made s’mores on my stove top (I’m so rustic), watched Coyote Ugly, and passed out. On Sunday, they were all back at LaGuardia airport heading off to their next destinations. As for me, I went home, climbed into sweatpants, crawled into bed at 4 pm to take a quick snooze before the Emmys, and woke up at 7 the next morning. Thanks for wiping me out roomies. I miss you girls already.
And so ended the first annual “BLENK Reunion” at the Jersey Shore.
Wednesday was our “go with the flow” day. I was a tad late to pick up the girls (I’m embarrassed to write how late), the day was gloomy and rainy, and Little E was up at 3:30 am to head to the airport, so we stuck to pizza and a driving tour. I was able to show my roommates all of my hometown hangouts; the schools I attended, the places I ate dinners watching the fireworks, and the small town shops that you can only find in a small beach town. They saw the beach I worked at, and we ended the night by walking the boardwalk. The girls kept calling it a carnival – I loved seeing their reaction to my childhood playground. Thursday was dedicated solely to New York City. No one can come visit me and not receive a quick tour (an 8-hour tour to be precise) of the place that inspires me everyday. New York has made me who I am just as much as the Jersey Shore has. I cannot show one part of me without its partner. We began our tour downtown, worked our way to the village, and made our way to Serendipity by four. They saw it all (Wall Street, Washington Square Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and my new place of employment). I revisited spots I had not seen in some time as well. (Note to future hostesses: You will visit many places that you are too busy to spend time at normally. Take advantage of this opportunity. You never know what you’ll come across in your own hometown). Friday was our relaxing beach day. After two days of early wake-up calls and tons of walking, we were all happy to sleep in and go to breakfast at the local diner. After eggs, we spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach. Friday was the first day I actually enjoyed the beach since my beach job began on June. 20th. I had not been to the beach recreationally all summer! I was in Heaven.
Then Friday evening occurred. Please save all judgments for the end of the post. My roommates informed me before this trip occurred that they wanted to see where the Jersey Shore cast filmed. Let me set the record straight: I don’t travel to Seaside. I wasn’t allowed there as a child (for obvious reasons), and I choose not to travel there as an adult. But even I felt I was missing out on something by not going there once all summer. I decided that my roommates and I would have a fun time at Karma if we were together, and perhaps we would even catch a glimpse of a cast member. Well, Did we ever?! We sat in a half empty club until 12:45 am when all of a sudden a bright light caught my eye…then a camera, another camera, and there was Snooki – all 4’9 of her. JWow traveled in after her, followed by Ronnie and Sammi, more cameras, The Situation (I’m not going to lie, I reached out and touched him). Pauly D and Vinny entered the club last. Three sets of cameras, five roommates, and six guidos/guidettes – It was a hilarious encounter. We wanted one, and got the entire cast. Camera crews would not let us close unless we signed a waver. Only L agreed…she signed two actually. Until our ride came at 3 am, we ran around the club (I was in three inch heels) chasing cameras to see what these “celebs” would do next. I’m not sure if it was the lack of sleep or the bright lights, but I actually enjoyed following these people around with my cell phone camera (flash turned off because of filming!). I’m happy to say I have returned to planet sanity for the time being, and my craving to see the Jersey Shore Cast has been satisfied…for good. But what a night to remember.
Coming off our crazy Friday night, Saturday was low key. We sent N off to Philly to visit her man, the girls enjoyed another beach day, we made s’mores on my stove top (I’m so rustic), watched Coyote Ugly, and passed out. On Sunday, they were all back at LaGuardia airport heading off to their next destinations. As for me, I went home, climbed into sweatpants, crawled into bed at 4 pm to take a quick snooze before the Emmys, and woke up at 7 the next morning. Thanks for wiping me out roomies. I miss you girls already.
And so ended the first annual “BLENK Reunion” at the Jersey Shore.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
My How Time Flies
My baby brother turned 17 today! I cannot believe it. I think I am in more shock right now than my parents are (although mom did cry last night and placed two pacifiers in a cake – yes, Tish really did that. Scott and I were a tad freaked out). In NJ, we receive our driver’s license at 17, and Scottie passed his test this morning. I felt like a middle-aged weeping mother as I ran outside in my running clothes to watch him leave with my car (this could be an issue) for work. I forced him to take the picture you see above. I then proceeded to tell him to drive safe, turn down his music, and watch for pedestrians. Oh boy, this is going to be fun.
Each year that I grow older never seems to phase me. I welcomed the last 21 birthdays with excitement for that next chapter in my life; I can officially drive (17), I can officially drive without a probationary license (18), I can buy cigarettes even though I don’t smoke (19), I am officially no longer a teenager (20), I can drink legally (21!). But when you watch those younger than you grow and hit ages that you remember quite well (they day I took my driving test seems like yesterday. I still remember the outfit I wore to school), it becomes scary. My brother is no longer little; he’s no longer the baby. He’s one year away from adulthood. He drove the car away, and I felt a part of my childhood drive away with him. Where’s that boy who I used to play school with? Where is that kid I taught to swim? I still remember (thanks to countless views of old home movies) the way he used to whine “Katie” when he wanted something. He now debates politics with me, talks about colleges, and comes to me when he has questions about friends and relationships.
I’m very blessed to have the bond I have with my brother – a bond that will hopefully grow even stronger with time. We’ve grown closer as we’ve grown older, and I now think of him as one of my friends. We still bicker like cats and dogs, and I think he secretly wants me to move out as quickly as possible so that he can once again commandeer the downstairs (he also wants a cool place to stay in the city). I picked him up from the airport last night, and we chatted about his trip and his birthday. He was nervous to take the test, and I was nervous for him. But when I woke up this morning, there was the text that shouted “I am now a licensed driver!” The text scared me half out of bed (he actually passed?!), and then a sense of pride washed over me. He did it. That little, slightly annoying, used to be chubby, trumpet player in the school band boy grew up over night….and I never saw it coming.
Happy Birthday Scottie! I love you! xoxo DON’T text and drive!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Healthy Time
I’m getting back on track. I’m saying goodbye to the processed foods/treats that I have been indulging in all summer, and I’m welcoming fruit, veggies, and grilled chicken back into my life. Yesterday, I went into the city for an interview, and I wore the cutest gray/black dress from Banana Republic. I had bought this dress about a month ago, and while it fit yesterday, it was definitely snug… more snug than when I had purchased it. I decided that summer is ending and so must my poor eating habits. I am very active. I run 3-4 days a week and my job requires me to walk the beach all day long, but unhealthy eating can reverse any good fitness activities you complete during the day. Enough is enough. It’s time to get healthy.
I am no stranger to weight problems. Today I am a healthy size/weight, but that wasn’t always the case. As a child, I was overweight from limited activity and junk food overload. I would switch between a Big Mac and a number 2 (two cheeseburger meal) every time I went to McDonalds, and once I was old enough to stay home by myself in the summer at age twelve, I would start my morning by waking up at noon and eating a large bowl of ice cream. By seventh grade, I was wearing size 13 jeans in the junior’s section when most of my peers were wearing 1’s and 3’s. I’m proud to say that today I am the smallest I have ever been. Okay, maybe I was a tad smaller in the May/June timeframe, but three pounds of excess weight hardly counts as a tragedy. My weight problems have caused years of confidence and self-esteem issues, and I try every day to stay healthy and yet not focus on my body image constantly. It’s a battle.
Instead of telling myself that I must look like Jennifer Aniston before Christmas comes, I instead try to focus on goals I have yet to accomplish and making myself healthy. I was so pleased when I became a runner after so many years of claiming I could never be one. Nothing pleases me more than when I finish my 3-4 mile run and think of how I probably could have kept going. I love that I don’t wheeze or hurt when I work out anymore. I love that I actually want to work out. I have days when my body is literally aching for a run, and I throw on my shoes and go. My love/hate relationship with food is similar. I can tell how my body feels based on what I eat. I have more energy, my skin looks better, and I feel more satisfied when I choose grapes over salty chips and apples over ice cream. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a girl needs ice cream, but I now put two scoops in a coffee mug and call it a day. No more large bowls with fudge and sprinkles.
I’m proud of myself for what I have accomplished. I know I can always do better, and I still have my days where I get upset with myself for my choices – this is definitely something I need to work on. There is no point in hating yourself because you gave into temptation. Yesterday, I had lunch with my dad in the city and inhaled a plate of fries with my sandwich. I was angry that I ate them, and I felt gross walking around the city in the 90 degree heat with greasy food sitting in my stomach (and I was still wearing my tight dress), but I came home, went for a run, and had a salad with cucumbers and apples for dinner. I can’t go back and change what I did in the past, but I can change the future, and I’m going to really focus on me this fall by running a few races and purchasing blueberries and oatmeal after work for tomorrow’s breakfast.
I am no stranger to weight problems. Today I am a healthy size/weight, but that wasn’t always the case. As a child, I was overweight from limited activity and junk food overload. I would switch between a Big Mac and a number 2 (two cheeseburger meal) every time I went to McDonalds, and once I was old enough to stay home by myself in the summer at age twelve, I would start my morning by waking up at noon and eating a large bowl of ice cream. By seventh grade, I was wearing size 13 jeans in the junior’s section when most of my peers were wearing 1’s and 3’s. I’m proud to say that today I am the smallest I have ever been. Okay, maybe I was a tad smaller in the May/June timeframe, but three pounds of excess weight hardly counts as a tragedy. My weight problems have caused years of confidence and self-esteem issues, and I try every day to stay healthy and yet not focus on my body image constantly. It’s a battle.
Instead of telling myself that I must look like Jennifer Aniston before Christmas comes, I instead try to focus on goals I have yet to accomplish and making myself healthy. I was so pleased when I became a runner after so many years of claiming I could never be one. Nothing pleases me more than when I finish my 3-4 mile run and think of how I probably could have kept going. I love that I don’t wheeze or hurt when I work out anymore. I love that I actually want to work out. I have days when my body is literally aching for a run, and I throw on my shoes and go. My love/hate relationship with food is similar. I can tell how my body feels based on what I eat. I have more energy, my skin looks better, and I feel more satisfied when I choose grapes over salty chips and apples over ice cream. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a girl needs ice cream, but I now put two scoops in a coffee mug and call it a day. No more large bowls with fudge and sprinkles.
I’m proud of myself for what I have accomplished. I know I can always do better, and I still have my days where I get upset with myself for my choices – this is definitely something I need to work on. There is no point in hating yourself because you gave into temptation. Yesterday, I had lunch with my dad in the city and inhaled a plate of fries with my sandwich. I was angry that I ate them, and I felt gross walking around the city in the 90 degree heat with greasy food sitting in my stomach (and I was still wearing my tight dress), but I came home, went for a run, and had a salad with cucumbers and apples for dinner. I can’t go back and change what I did in the past, but I can change the future, and I’m going to really focus on me this fall by running a few races and purchasing blueberries and oatmeal after work for tomorrow’s breakfast.
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Job Search: Lessons Learned
Happy 8/9/10. If I hadn’t had to fill out tax form after tax form today, I would have never known it was such a cool day digit-wise. My summer employment is ending in less than two weeks, and new employment will hopefully be starting. The summer flew by! It feels like I barely experienced it, but such is the life of a now actual adult. Work has taken the place of childhood playtime. As I am journeying down this road of job applications, interviews, and e-mails, I am learning a lot of lessons. Some things I have done correctly, and a lot of things I have done wrong, but I am hoping to send wisdom to those who have not yet begun this challenging process.
The one thing I wish I had done more of while at school was networked/stayed in touch with former employers. I had no idea how important references were until I started this search. In my short twenty-one years, I have been employed at a number of different places. Some were big companies and others were small local businesses - and I did a fine job at all of them. When it recently became time to get a reference list together, I was sending out frantic e-mails that started with “I hope you remember me!” Thankfully they did, but that's not the way you want to approach references if you have the choice to do it differently. If you leave a job on good terms, no matter how big or small the job, always keep in touch.
At my first job, I worked as a Page in my local library. My supervisor was an awesome guy who I really connected with. He was young, fun, easy going and had the best middle name I had ever heard of – Igby. When I left my job, he stayed around for a little while and then traveled to another state (Wisconsin possibly?) to pursue a better job. I wish I would have kept his contact information on file and e-mailed him from time to time. I was unable to use him as a reference (because I had no idea where he was or how to contact him), and I feel he really could have said some positive things about me since we worked so well together.
I am beginning to network again through people I have met while working my summer job, work colleagues of my parents, and that friend who has a friend who has a friend at such and such a place. I am keeping a log of e-mail addresses, sending notes out often reminding professionals who I am and what I am looking for, and searching for jobs in companies where I know a current employee. I’ve been told time and time again that it is who I know that will get me that coveted job, so I plan on meeting a lot of people in the next few weeks.
Life is all about learning from past mistakes, and I never realized how much knowledge I would gain in such a short period of time. I’m learning how to write effective e-mails; I’m learning how to write cover letters (so many I can’t keep track anymore); I’m learning how to use my time wisely in an interview; I’m learning how to dress. So many great life lessons are coming out of this job search, and I’m actually enjoying the majority of it. All of the potential possibilities keep me excited for what my future holds: A corner office with a view someday would be nice.
The one thing I wish I had done more of while at school was networked/stayed in touch with former employers. I had no idea how important references were until I started this search. In my short twenty-one years, I have been employed at a number of different places. Some were big companies and others were small local businesses - and I did a fine job at all of them. When it recently became time to get a reference list together, I was sending out frantic e-mails that started with “I hope you remember me!” Thankfully they did, but that's not the way you want to approach references if you have the choice to do it differently. If you leave a job on good terms, no matter how big or small the job, always keep in touch.
At my first job, I worked as a Page in my local library. My supervisor was an awesome guy who I really connected with. He was young, fun, easy going and had the best middle name I had ever heard of – Igby. When I left my job, he stayed around for a little while and then traveled to another state (Wisconsin possibly?) to pursue a better job. I wish I would have kept his contact information on file and e-mailed him from time to time. I was unable to use him as a reference (because I had no idea where he was or how to contact him), and I feel he really could have said some positive things about me since we worked so well together.
I am beginning to network again through people I have met while working my summer job, work colleagues of my parents, and that friend who has a friend who has a friend at such and such a place. I am keeping a log of e-mail addresses, sending notes out often reminding professionals who I am and what I am looking for, and searching for jobs in companies where I know a current employee. I’ve been told time and time again that it is who I know that will get me that coveted job, so I plan on meeting a lot of people in the next few weeks.
Life is all about learning from past mistakes, and I never realized how much knowledge I would gain in such a short period of time. I’m learning how to write effective e-mails; I’m learning how to write cover letters (so many I can’t keep track anymore); I’m learning how to use my time wisely in an interview; I’m learning how to dress. So many great life lessons are coming out of this job search, and I’m actually enjoying the majority of it. All of the potential possibilities keep me excited for what my future holds: A corner office with a view someday would be nice.
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