Looking the Part

Currently, I am not in the position to be looking for a career. I am still looking for just jobs. After I graduate though, I'm going to go into the delightful process of looking for careers. All I have to say about that is I feel sorry for my sister who is about to graduate, but that's not what I'm going to talk about. The whole point of this is that because of this, I don't need many outfits that you would call "professional". My closet consists of sundresses, sundresses, and more sundresses. Sundresses are not what you would call work attire.
As I went to a thing that I needed "business attire" for today, I got to thinking about in the future. When I do (hopefully) get a career started, I'm going to need business clothes for more than just one day. I wondered, "Well how's that going to work?"

Seriously, how does it work? Am I just going to go shopping one day and buy all of my outfits for a week? Then, repeat said outfits everyday for the rest of my life? I don't know. I haven't gotten to the real world yet.

Sure, I know that there are jobs that don't require you to dress in business attire, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to dress that way. What's proper business attire anyways these days? What's proper to wear to work?

I was also thinking about what I'll wear the rest of the time when I have a career. Will I wear the type of clothes I wear now? They might look a bit young. Or will I go into the comfy clothes phase? I really don't like wearing "comfy" clothes out in public. I feel sloppy, and that makes me feel gross. I dunno.

Speaking of my "business" attire, here's my business-y dress. Yup.

How did your clothes change once you got a career/job? What do you wear the rest of the time?

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

My motto for the day seems to be "Good things come to those who wait."

Well, I'm not sure if it fits for everything today, but it's a start.

One of the good things that came from waiting? Well, I applied for a paid internship recently and... I got it! I just found out last night, hooray! I suppose you could say that waiting to tell the world was good on my part, just because what if I didn't get it? Right? That's how I think anyways.

My main "Good things come to those who wait" point for the day is from my run today. For my runs, I tend to cut it into sections. On average, songs usually about 3-4 minutes. When three songs have passed, I assume I've gone a little bit around a mile in distance. (9-10 minute miles) I told myself that I would run for at least 60 minutes, and I would check my time at the end of the 9th song (about a half hour in). As my run went on, that was pushed back to the 12th song. Then to the 15th song. By the time I looked at it, I had only three minutes left! The more you check something, the longer it seems to take to get to the ending point. If I had checked it at the 9th song mark, I would still have about a half hour to go. I would have wanted to check constantly after the initial check, and that would have been annoying. "I still have so much left!" I would exclaim. Instead, when I didn't check my time I didn't think about it as much.

The last "Good things come to those who wait" idea for the day comes from just cooking, really. Sure, sometimes it's easy to throw some food together and call it good. On the other hand, when you actually take time to make something, it usually tastes a lot better. True story.

I'm a bit concerned with the coherency of this post. I've written more coherent posts while affected by other sources, but there is currently nothing affecting me. That is a bit concerning. Still, I wanted to get my thoughts out.

In other life news, my cold is disappearing quickly! Nice. I'm kind of surprised by it really. I pulled a college kid move and slept in until 11. Well, after waking up at 7 for an hour. Then falling back asleep at 8 because I thought it would make me feel better. And it did. What a concept.

What examples do you have of "Good things come to those who wait?"

Following Your Dreams

Wednesday. OH man. They are a busy one. Three meetings in a row? Yup yup. (That's not the only reason, but still.)

Earlier today I was reading another one of those "inspirational follow your dreams" stories. You may have heard of them. It's where after years of being miserable in a job, the person quits and does what they've always dreamed of. I've read about it in at least three blogs. The whole point of the story is that you shouldn't have to suffer through a job you hate for the rest of your life, because you could be gone the next day. Follow your dreams. Open that shop you always dreamed of. Become a full time blogger.

People see stories like this all of the time, and sometimes they go for it. I respect it. I also know that you have to be smart about it though.
Maybe it's realistic, maybe it's pessimistic. Still, a lot of the times when I think about things like this I think of Kirsten Wiig's bakery in Bridesmaids. You know, her dream that went out of business. I've heard of the same thing happening in real life. However, at the same time I don't think that people plan enough ahead for their dreams sometimes. You have to save. You have to have a good chunk of money just in case things don't pan out.

I fully intend to follow my dreams. There's only one problem: I'm not really sure what that is. Sure, there are jobs that I dream of, but I don't have a lot of skills in the field. I'd love to be on SNL, or be a writer for comedy but... I can't write, and I'm an okay actor. The whole Duck TV thing was taken down a peg when at the meeting we were told that they didn't have enough actors... so yeah.
I'd also just like to work with producing a show. I like planning out my days too.
However, my dreams are always changing. Heck, two years ago I wanted to be a cartoonist. Hence the iffiness on dreams.

Is it weird to say I'm still deciding on my dreams? Because I still am. Well, I guess that's why I'm trying things.

'Scuse me, I have to go pass out now.

What's your dream job?

On the Hunt

Ah man, I just want to have it be Christmas already! Then again, I'm surprised that it's already Wednesday.

Despite what people say sometimes, jobs are a good thing. When people have them, they complain about everything that's wrong about them. Take away that job? They'll be wishing they still had it.

Currently, I'm still job hunting. Can you tell? What I can say about jobs is that having a job isn't a bad thing, it's trying to get one that's the worst. Then again, maybe that's just how it is for the socially awkward. Think about it: it takes elements from every one of a socially awkward person's nightmares.

• Making them speak in public, almost like a presentation.
• Trying to impress someone you don't know, like trying to make new friends.

All I know is that the more I've been applying it seems, the worse I get at it. I totally play head games with myself.Too bad I can't ask for a job for Christmas.

Good lord I'm depressing. Ah well. I think I'm just a tad too cynical. This is what happens when I have nothing else interesting to write about! I blame winter break.

Now it's time for your interview question! What's your best skill in regard to a job?

A Start on Winter Break

Winter Break is here! Huzzah!

Okay, I'll stop talking about finals now. I'm just glad that I don't have to study anymore. Funny thing is, when I was actually able to waste my time on the computer, I really didn't want to.

Last winter break? I wasted lots of time. This winter break, I have only two goals: Accomplish as many things as possible. Always keep busy.

Currently, still trying to figure out what all of that is that I'm going to apparently accomplish. However, I've totally gotten a good start on it.

After dozing off, I started to get to work. (Chlo, when you called me I was barely awake. Driving did not sound like a fun idea at that time.)

Selling text books has always been something that I've never really wanted to deal with. Figuring out selling things online? Obnoxious. Selling them to the bookstore though? Talk about getting nothing for your books. The thing is, they're not getting me any money by just sitting on the shelf of my closet. That's why tonight I put up quite a few books for sale on Amazon. Exciting! It also includes a few of my old manga. Now, let's just hope that people buy them.

Other than selling books, I'm hoping to do a lot more this winter break. Think earning money with odd jobs and finding ways to see friends. Trying to job search. Perhaps some reading? Running is in there too, but that's a given.
What are your plans for the holiday season?

Thinking About Traveling

Ah... as soon as I slow down, it's the end of the weekend! What is this?

I may have briefly said that I've made a big decision, and that's true. I have, but I have to make sure that it all works out. You see, I've found a study abroad program and I'm applying for it. As in, already started the application, trying to get references, typing up essays way of applying for it. I have less than two weeks to get all of that information together. What on earth was I thinking?

Well, all of last week was freaking out about if my schedule would allow me to even study abroad like I planned. Once I calmed the eff down, I was able to figure out that yeah, this could work.

The other thing I realized is that I need to actually do something, not just talk about it. I mean, I've been talking about it forever, and I've been looking at programs since I started college. I've gone to every type of event that talks about study abroad, and I've researched the programs. I've learned pretty much all that I can about it, so it's time to actually take the next step. The sooner I get an application done, the sooner I can apply for scholarships. And yes, I'm going to need scholarships. Hoo boy.

Now all I need is to finish the application, and wait. The other part that comes with this is looking for a job. Adding up all of the money that I have plus financial aid, I still need to earn about $6,000. That's a lot. That's why I need to earn some money.

Other than that, I've been rushing from place to place since Thursday, so it was nice to actually calm down and stay at my house for a bit. I'm not the type that likes to be go go go all of the time, it wears me out! Besides, I'm going to have another go go go day tomorrow. Thank goodness it's almost Thanksgiving break!

What was the last big decision you made? Did you think about it for a long time, or did you instantly jump on board?

Running Buddies, Dressing for the Weather and Rejection

Wasn't it just Monday night? I feel like that was just a couple of hours ago... geez.

Today I went on a run with my sister. This is the second time that I've gone running with my sister, and it's turning out to be quite a nice experience.

We've tried running together before this. It never turned out well. Sure, the runs would start out alright. Then, a critique would come out on running form. Soon, it would get to the point where we'd be bickering about pace, and how the other person was doing something wrong, and all of that good stuff. Yes, it's was a fun deal.

Lately, it's been pretty relaxed. It's been a nice change, because I'm so used to running by myself. Sometimes it gets lonely, you know?

In other things that are on my mind for the evening, the weather here has been ridiculous. Or obnoxious. You see, the morning start out cold, frozen-y and unpleasant. This means bundling up. However, it doesn't stay that way. You end up melting in the afternoon, wondering why on earth you thought it was a good idea to wear long sleeves. Oh right, because it was freezing that morning. Now, I'm definitely one for warm weather, but not when I'm ready for the big freeze clothing wise.

Lastly, applied for a position as an advertisement sales rep for the school paper earlier this week. Didn't get it. Ah, rejection. Truthfully, they probably thought I was too young, not wise enough, or some crap like that. Everyone else was a junior/senior, and they were all waaaaaaaaaaay business-y types. For instance, one guy gloated that he was the sole proprietor of a small business. ...Whatever.

Do you like to exercise by yourself, or with a friend?

Strugglebus and Being The President

Having a day off really messes with your mind. I keep thinking that it's Tuesday, and clearly it's not.

Speaking of that, I've been a strugglebus for this whole week. I realize you may not know what strugglebus means. It's a phrase created by my sister and one of my aunts to express that you are... well, struggling. Such as things that shouldn't take much effort are extremely difficult. The phrase is based on buses and cars that you see that look like they're barely able to putt along the road. This week has definitely been a strugglebus week. I stayed up late on Monday night to finish an assignment, and I haven't really gotten that sleep back. Also, I may be getting sick. Not a good thing.

Today I've been thinking about politics and such, mainly because we talked about it in one of my classes. There was another reason why, but I don't quite remember. Now, I'm not here to talk about political views, arguments, and all of that. I'm not really in the mood for argument or debate. What I do want to talk about is the President. I'm not just talking about the current president, I'm talking about the job of being a president.

When I was younger, I thought that being president would be an extremely amazing job. I remember reading So You Want To Be a President?, thinking, "Yes! Yes I do want to be president!" However, as I've gotten older, I've realized that being president would be a terrible job. I have two main reasons why.

Reason one? No matter how hard you try, no matter how many things you do, there will always be a group of people who hate you. I don't think I can ever think of a president who is an exception to this rule, and I don't expect to. You see, any party you are a part of is against another party. Well, duh but this leads to the point that there's always a group from the opposing side that doesn't like your face. Actually, they might like your face, but not what you stand for.

Reason two? First of all, you know that new POTC movie that's out? (which I saw last weekend). Anyway, the story is about the Fountain of Youth. Presidency is the complete opposite of that.
Perhaps you've heard the stories of terrible stress that many of the presidents have gone through. I want to say it's Eisenhower that was photographed in the war room with his head hanging low (I could be wrong, I'm not very good at remembering presidents), due to the stress caused by the war. Along with at least one group of people hating you, the president has a lot of stress to deal with. War, money, laws, all of that jazz. Much of the population might believe that the president has a lot more power than he actually has. Really, there are a lot of people all around him that make decisions about what's going down.
Anywho, about the aging thing? If you look at Obama at the beginning of his term, and where he is now... it's really depressing. I'd show pictures, but I can't find any good examples.

Therefore, as I've grown up I've had my political dreams crushed. In all actuality, the president can do some pretty great things. The president can bring hope, can affect the people emotionally... There's more that presidents can do obviously, but as I have very little knowledge in politics, I can't think of any good specifics.

That's what I've been thinking about today! Also, another fort was made in the hall. This time it was for a contest. We were the honorable mention. Meh. Hope everyone has a lovely evening!

Would you ever want to be President? Why or why not?

Dealing With Money, Financial Aid, and School Situations

What an influence money has on our lives. Goodness.

The last few days I've been worrying about money. I know I think about it too much, but it's been on my mind even more lately. There are a few reasons for this.
First of all, running is starting to suck up my money. When I've looked at my past big purchases, they've been two things: School supplies and running things. Even with a discount from the running store, I still had a good chunk of money yanked away when I got my shoes. I've been wishing I could sign up for more little races during the summer, but then I think, "Oh wait. That costs money." Looking at Northwest running magazines filled with races has been like looking through a clothes magazine for me. (Seriously, it's the environment of runs! They're so fun and upbeat!)

My other piece of concern comes from my decision to take summer classes. It'll be good to take classes during the summer to get them done, but money is not fun to deal with. It turns out that I can't get financial aid, so I'm going to have to pay out of pocket. I know that my mom might want to help me, but I feel like I need to pay for it myself. The only other thing that causes concern with this is a smaller amount of hours of working to earn money back for the next year... hooray being a (sorta) adult!

Another thing that stands on the subject of school finances is how I'm figuring out my financial aid for next year. I don't think it's to the right school right now, and I've fixed what I can of it... but I think my parents need to do some things on the form. Gosh, I hate how dependent it makes me sound. Ha, it's funny because I am their dependent! Am I right? Yeah, maybe not.

Other big thing on my mind? Trying to figure out where I'm going to live next year. I'm not looking towards living in the dorms just because it's really pricey, and I don't want to. I'm hoping I can find someone to live with, but I also have ideas for worst case scenarios. I simply hope it just doesn't get to that.

In other news, I continue to have the appetite of a starved piranha. When I was training for my other run, I don't think I was this hungry all of the time! I haven't even run as far yet! Pish. I'm gonna gain twenty pounds.

Apparently I can't resist cookies either. Hence the comment above.

I'm quite tired... Time for rest.

What do you do to keep your finances in check? What do you do when you need to make big purchases?

Trying to Figure Out Live and Living in the Moment

It's Friday... Now what?

Lately I've just been thinking about stuff that need to get done. Not necessarily for the week, but in the future. I need to:

• Figure out my rooming situation for next year
• Figure out how I'm going to move everything out of my dorm in three hours on the last day of school
• Calculate all of my spending for the year
• Try to see if there are other job options for the summer
• Talk to professors about missing a day of class for orientation of another school

I know that there are other things that I need to do, but I'm having trouble thinking of what I need to do next. It's kind of weird that I don't know what's up for the future, and I feel like I should care more. I'm living in the moment I suppose? For the day I suppose.

I hope everyone has a lovely evening!

Lighter Nights, Summer Plans and Applications

It's almost eight o' clock and the sun is setting just now. Gosh, I love it but it really screws with your sense of time!

Well, it was when I wrote that. Whatever.

Because summer vacation is coming up sooner than later, I've been thinking about options to have during the summer. My first plans were to take Spanish intensive classes at the local community college, but it seems that they do not have the program I'm looking for. There are other schools that I could try to find information about, but I don't know exactly how it would all work. For now, I'm doing the next best thing. I'm looking for summer jobs.

Applying for jobs is a lot more obnoxious than any other part of the job it seems. Filling out applications is repetitive, and sometimes they want to know some odd information. And sometimes... I realize things that I didn't know before (and probably should have known).

The main example? I have no idea what one of my old supervisor's last name was. She was a mysterious boss, who only went by her first name. She was like Seal, or Madonna. No one called her by her full name.

This has only gotten to be a problem for the applications that require the last names... I suppose I must find an old pay stub.

Been a busy, studying day. Tomorrow looks like it's going to be another one. Whooho.

What has been the strangest thing you've ever been asked on a resume? Or what's the strangest thing you didn't know for a resume?

Taking the Next Step, Then Taking the Extra Step

If you've learned any life lessons through your years, you've probably heard this idea: Take the leap! Go for it! 90% of Indie movies tend to have this concept as the moral of the story. Then the awkward skinny dude ends up getting the way too hot for him chick, and... well, I digress. (Except for 500 Days of Summer, because Joseph Gordon-Levitt is adorable.)

Anywho. Why I'm stating this today is because I reevaluated my "Go for it"-ness. I realized that I'm not as go for it as I thought.
You see, I may seem like I am a go for it person. (If you were in my head, you would agree.) I'll find out about something. I'll start studying it up, looking up all sorts of dates, information, everything I would need to be able to do that things. I'll be at the point where I'm just about to do it! ...Until suddenly at the last second, I pull away. I'd like to think of it like those cartoons where the character is about to cannonball into a pool. They'll make a running start, jump right over the pool... Then they pause in mid air, look down, scramble about where they're paused, and run away.

One of the reasons I seem to have this problem is because I think of too many hypothetical situations. It's not bad that I'm thinking of different options, it's simply the problem of thinking, "Well, if I end up doing this, then I can't do this, but if I do this..." This leads up to the inevitable point of ending up with none of the ideas.

I know I'm not the only one out there with this problem. This goes along with people who say they'll start their diets tomorrow, or they'll clean up their messes when they have more time. It's time to start now, dangit! Even if it's little by little, I'll take that step! You should too, if there's something you've been thinking about doing.

With that, I am going to apply for that job. And talk to those professors about taking their classes next term. And see if there's a chance I could get into that program.

Woo! Feel the passion! ... Okay, perhaps it's time I go to bed.

What things are you nervous about taking the next step in?