Makes Nora very cranky. I'm very annoyed for two reasons: 1.) Because I have a part-time job and I agreed to work on Thanksgiving; and 2.) They just reduced my hours on said holiday, making it hardly worth the time and frustration of giving up a turkey dinner with my neighbors downstairs. (And 3.) WHO THE HELL IS OUT SHOPPING ON THANKSGIVING? Aren't the 5am door-busters on Black Friday and 24-hour Wal-Marts enough for promoting commercialism? Then again, I don't own my own business. But I digress.)
I was reminded last night that I need to be careful what I ask for, if it's not REALLY what I want, and also to make an attitude adjustment. It's the only way I'll make it through the next 6 weeks. I wanted a part-time job! I should be grateful I have one! What it really comes down to is that I'm not happy I need a part-time job. I need one job that's more fulfilling and lucrative than the one (two) I've got. But it was a good reminder to say "Thanks" every day for something.
I have a whole new respect for working moms, and anyone really, who works more than one job.
And I just told them I am NOT working on Christmas day.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
My new look
This look has lasted two days, but alas, the straight hair will be gone tomorrow. The color will remain. I think I look like my mother. Not a bad thing at all. If only I had the patience to blow my hair out, I could look sophisticated and glamorous every day!Workin 9-5 (and then some)
This is definitely a first for me to be legitimately working two jobs. I hate to admit it, but I'm actually kind of enjoying it. I don't enjoy the whole giving-up of my lazy and/or productive weekend time, but working the holiday market is giving me a little sense of accomplishment. It's reminding me that sales, service, and retail can be fulfilling, and that someday I would love to own my own business.
For now, I'll let someone else worry about the bottom line. I'll just show up for my shifts on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work, and whenever they put me on the schedule for Saturdays and Sundays. In fact, this Sunday I wasn't even available, but they put me on the schedule anyway. It will be a long day since I'm volunteering for lunch at St. John the Divine on the UWS, but I'm loving the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.
As for the carrot at the end of this gig? I'm thinking if a trip to Italy isn't in my near future (or even if it is), a nice intranational trip to Charleston, SC, could do the trick.
For now, I'll let someone else worry about the bottom line. I'll just show up for my shifts on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work, and whenever they put me on the schedule for Saturdays and Sundays. In fact, this Sunday I wasn't even available, but they put me on the schedule anyway. It will be a long day since I'm volunteering for lunch at St. John the Divine on the UWS, but I'm loving the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.
As for the carrot at the end of this gig? I'm thinking if a trip to Italy isn't in my near future (or even if it is), a nice intranational trip to Charleston, SC, could do the trick.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Holiday Jobby-job
My desire for part-time holiday work may actual come to fruition this year. Last year's attempts at making cupcakes for Crumbs or gift-wrapping for a major department store never panned out (I simply couldn't compete with all the un- and under-employed folks who could spend all day lined up outside the various locations), so this year I aimed my sights in a different direction - the Holiday Markets of Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle.
The only response I got from my Craigslist ad campaign was from a company called Wonder Warmers. Not quite the glamorous market vendor I was hoping for, nor those amazing chocolate truffle guys, but the Wonder Warmers are pretty cool. And they're magic. They come in various sizes for all sorts of uses, and unlike other similar products, they don't smell funny, require another device to heat them, and they're reusable for a very long time (like 600 uses and counting for a sample). So, hopefully I'll be hocking these wares for the next 2 months. At least the product will keep my butt warm while I freeze outside pandering to tourists.
Check them out at http://www.wonderwarmers.com/
As for those truffles, you should just buy a whole freakin case when you find 'em at a holiday market. They only sell them this time of year and they are the most amazing, decadent, melty, chocolatey things I have ever tasted: http://www.nochewingallowed.com/index.html
It's definitely a good thing I didn't find a way to work for them. There's no way I'd make it to New Year's without needing new pants.
The only response I got from my Craigslist ad campaign was from a company called Wonder Warmers. Not quite the glamorous market vendor I was hoping for, nor those amazing chocolate truffle guys, but the Wonder Warmers are pretty cool. And they're magic. They come in various sizes for all sorts of uses, and unlike other similar products, they don't smell funny, require another device to heat them, and they're reusable for a very long time (like 600 uses and counting for a sample). So, hopefully I'll be hocking these wares for the next 2 months. At least the product will keep my butt warm while I freeze outside pandering to tourists.
Check them out at http://www.wonderwarmers.com/
As for those truffles, you should just buy a whole freakin case when you find 'em at a holiday market. They only sell them this time of year and they are the most amazing, decadent, melty, chocolatey things I have ever tasted: http://www.nochewingallowed.com/index.html
It's definitely a good thing I didn't find a way to work for them. There's no way I'd make it to New Year's without needing new pants.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Teaching English in Japan
My brother taught English in Japan and met his wife there. I may not be looking for something to change my life quite that drastically, but I am thinking about living abroad. The only way I can see making that happen is by teaching English. So, I just applied through GEOS online, and I will apply through JET later today. (JET has announced on their website that the next application will be up today!) My theory is it doesn't hurt to apply. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up teaching English in Japan for a year. I can think of much worse things to do for a year. Like sit here with nothing to show for it.
The bigger thing for me is that I am actually doing something about it. It may not be a huge step to apply online as it doesn't take much, but it's a start. I also sent out resumes for a part-time job this weekend. I even got a response, from NYPIRG, and set up an interview for this week. Unfortunately I have to cancel this interview as it conflicts with preparations for an upcoming trip I've got.
And I'm going to be honest and admit that as much as I want more money, I'm not sure a part-time job is the way to go. I have no idea WHAT the way to go is, but I know I've got to do something. I've been saying this for two and a half years now! But a part-time job will significantly reduce my socializing time, and that's so important. But part of the reason I'm broke is all that socializing, so I can't win either way. . .
I want a Life Coach. Any free Life Coaches out there?
I think I had a bit of an anxiety attack last night, trying to fall asleep. I don't know what I want out of life and that scares me a lot. I wonder if I was grinding my teeth. I shouldn't be having anxiety attacks before bed because I'm worried about my future. Or maybe it's normal. Maybe more people should. But now today, I am having trouble focusing. I am still feeling anxious. Although it is possible that this has absolutlely nothing to do with my job/career situation and everything to do with the fact that I was upset with the boyfriend this weekend, and now I'm going to meet his mother. That's not for this blog, though.
Well, the conclusion for today is no more anxiety attacks. That's step one. Step two is to look into more opportunities abroad and this ESL stuff. I need to chat with some people, see what's out there, get some advice. But in the meantime, I do need more money so maybe looking for that part-time job isn't such a horrible idea. If I have a goal insight, say paying off my debt, then there's a light at the end of the part-time job tunnel. If there's no clearly stated goal, there's no reason to do it. Hmmm . . . clearly stated goals . . . maybe it's time I make a very specific list about what I want out of a job . . .
The bigger thing for me is that I am actually doing something about it. It may not be a huge step to apply online as it doesn't take much, but it's a start. I also sent out resumes for a part-time job this weekend. I even got a response, from NYPIRG, and set up an interview for this week. Unfortunately I have to cancel this interview as it conflicts with preparations for an upcoming trip I've got.
And I'm going to be honest and admit that as much as I want more money, I'm not sure a part-time job is the way to go. I have no idea WHAT the way to go is, but I know I've got to do something. I've been saying this for two and a half years now! But a part-time job will significantly reduce my socializing time, and that's so important. But part of the reason I'm broke is all that socializing, so I can't win either way. . .
I want a Life Coach. Any free Life Coaches out there?
I think I had a bit of an anxiety attack last night, trying to fall asleep. I don't know what I want out of life and that scares me a lot. I wonder if I was grinding my teeth. I shouldn't be having anxiety attacks before bed because I'm worried about my future. Or maybe it's normal. Maybe more people should. But now today, I am having trouble focusing. I am still feeling anxious. Although it is possible that this has absolutlely nothing to do with my job/career situation and everything to do with the fact that I was upset with the boyfriend this weekend, and now I'm going to meet his mother. That's not for this blog, though.
Well, the conclusion for today is no more anxiety attacks. That's step one. Step two is to look into more opportunities abroad and this ESL stuff. I need to chat with some people, see what's out there, get some advice. But in the meantime, I do need more money so maybe looking for that part-time job isn't such a horrible idea. If I have a goal insight, say paying off my debt, then there's a light at the end of the part-time job tunnel. If there's no clearly stated goal, there's no reason to do it. Hmmm . . . clearly stated goals . . . maybe it's time I make a very specific list about what I want out of a job . . .
Friday, September 25, 2009
I just started a blog. . . I think
Well, here goes.
I never really thought I would do this, but lately I've been thinking it might be nice to have an outlet for some of my thoughts about being in my (almost) mid-thirties and still not having any concrete ideas about what to do with my life. I need something other than the red notebook on my bedside table that's filled with various complaints about various men. Maybe this blog will allow me to feel like I'm actually taking a stand to do something, to make the next change that awaits me.
Technically, I'm a "grown up" now, right? For many reasons, I do feel liked I have "growed up" a lot, especially in the last few years. I've been living in the same apartment for 5 1/2 years. I have a steady job. I have a dog and a cat that I've managed to keep alive for many years. I am responsible and take care care of myself. I have health issues that I manage. And I'm about to turn 34. So, yeah, I think all that qualifies me as a "grown up," at least in the sense I had of that term before I grew up, whenever that actually was. I like to think the turning point was 30, though I was still doing some stupid shit then, and let's face it, I still like to do some stupid shit now on occasion. Or maybe it all started when I moved to New York at the ripe old age of 28.
I had everything I thought I wanted by the age of 27. I had left the Northeast to explore for myself in the great Southwest. Life was good: I had a great sales job making kick-ass money, had a sweet man who wanted to marry me, and I even managed to buy a house all on my own. And then I visited New York City. One thing led to another, and six months later, I'm selling books and living in Manhattan. I told myself I needed a new challenge. I needed to make a career move, and what better place than New York City? I wasn't ready to settle down just yet. And Albuquerque sure as hell wasn't the place for me to settle down. At least I figured that out.
I did enjoy being a big fish in a little pond out there. I hadn't a care in the world. But I was bored to tears. NYC is hardly boring. But here I am, 5 1/2 years later, and bored again. So, I'm hoping this blog will help me share this journey and figure out what my next step is. . .
I can't imagine leaving NYC. I love living here. Would more money help? Or would a new city altogether alleviate the boredom? Lord knows I'm not in a career trajectory at the moment. I've stagnated, and this is the exact opposite situation I intended for when I moved here. After the move, I left that great sales job. It wasn't so great, really, but I do still miss it at times. And now, don't get me wrong, I have a great little 9-5 gig with amazing benefits (unheard of benefits, really) and work with some amazing people doing amazing work. But after being on what could have been a fulfilling and fruitful career track to sitting at a computer all day pushing papers and email, I wonder where I went wrong. There's more to me than this, dammit! I was the #2 sales rep in the country in 2002! People liked me! Okay, 2002 was seven years ago, Nora. Get over it and do something NOW.
So here I am. What the hell do I do now? What the hell does one do when she got everything she thought she wanted and then realizes it's time for a new challenge, yet again? What do I do now that I have the great guy I've been searching for since ending it with that last one? What do I do when I don't just want a new job, but a career, something to do that's interesting and worthwhile, and can bring in some cash? How does one go about it in this economy? Where should I start? It's all so overwhelming and since it's Friday, I think I'm just gonna go have a drink!
I'll leave with this: I don't want to wake up 5 1/2 years from now in my same apartment in my same job. So, here's this blog thing. I'm hoping it will motivate me to do some stuff to reach a goal or two, once I determine exactly what those goals are, of course. I'll share stories about what I've done already, and what I plan to do. And maybe some more stuff will get done in the meantime.
I never really thought I would do this, but lately I've been thinking it might be nice to have an outlet for some of my thoughts about being in my (almost) mid-thirties and still not having any concrete ideas about what to do with my life. I need something other than the red notebook on my bedside table that's filled with various complaints about various men. Maybe this blog will allow me to feel like I'm actually taking a stand to do something, to make the next change that awaits me.
Technically, I'm a "grown up" now, right? For many reasons, I do feel liked I have "growed up" a lot, especially in the last few years. I've been living in the same apartment for 5 1/2 years. I have a steady job. I have a dog and a cat that I've managed to keep alive for many years. I am responsible and take care care of myself. I have health issues that I manage. And I'm about to turn 34. So, yeah, I think all that qualifies me as a "grown up," at least in the sense I had of that term before I grew up, whenever that actually was. I like to think the turning point was 30, though I was still doing some stupid shit then, and let's face it, I still like to do some stupid shit now on occasion. Or maybe it all started when I moved to New York at the ripe old age of 28.
I had everything I thought I wanted by the age of 27. I had left the Northeast to explore for myself in the great Southwest. Life was good: I had a great sales job making kick-ass money, had a sweet man who wanted to marry me, and I even managed to buy a house all on my own. And then I visited New York City. One thing led to another, and six months later, I'm selling books and living in Manhattan. I told myself I needed a new challenge. I needed to make a career move, and what better place than New York City? I wasn't ready to settle down just yet. And Albuquerque sure as hell wasn't the place for me to settle down. At least I figured that out.
I did enjoy being a big fish in a little pond out there. I hadn't a care in the world. But I was bored to tears. NYC is hardly boring. But here I am, 5 1/2 years later, and bored again. So, I'm hoping this blog will help me share this journey and figure out what my next step is. . .
I can't imagine leaving NYC. I love living here. Would more money help? Or would a new city altogether alleviate the boredom? Lord knows I'm not in a career trajectory at the moment. I've stagnated, and this is the exact opposite situation I intended for when I moved here. After the move, I left that great sales job. It wasn't so great, really, but I do still miss it at times. And now, don't get me wrong, I have a great little 9-5 gig with amazing benefits (unheard of benefits, really) and work with some amazing people doing amazing work. But after being on what could have been a fulfilling and fruitful career track to sitting at a computer all day pushing papers and email, I wonder where I went wrong. There's more to me than this, dammit! I was the #2 sales rep in the country in 2002! People liked me! Okay, 2002 was seven years ago, Nora. Get over it and do something NOW.
So here I am. What the hell do I do now? What the hell does one do when she got everything she thought she wanted and then realizes it's time for a new challenge, yet again? What do I do now that I have the great guy I've been searching for since ending it with that last one? What do I do when I don't just want a new job, but a career, something to do that's interesting and worthwhile, and can bring in some cash? How does one go about it in this economy? Where should I start? It's all so overwhelming and since it's Friday, I think I'm just gonna go have a drink!
I'll leave with this: I don't want to wake up 5 1/2 years from now in my same apartment in my same job. So, here's this blog thing. I'm hoping it will motivate me to do some stuff to reach a goal or two, once I determine exactly what those goals are, of course. I'll share stories about what I've done already, and what I plan to do. And maybe some more stuff will get done in the meantime.
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