I don't feel like doing exercises in career books I checked out. I'm at my desk in my room now. Maybe because my sis is home from school this week, too, I wanted privacy. The keyboard I had (to avoid carpal tunnel) won't connect to my laptop.
Called in sick to work because I felt nauseous earlier. I'm fine now, but since I believe I had 2 days left, why not take advantage and use the time to job search? I need to create a list of 10 target companies. Right now I'm somewhat randomly trying to link with people who are in mutual groups on Linked In. Hope I'm not being way too cas in my greetings.
** An hour later-
That sick day was probably a mistake because I (nor my mom, who encouraged me to use it) did not know that in order to receive holiday (double) pay, one must work the day before and after; so that ruined my big money :(. I also don't really like 3 days off in a row, esp. with my sister around, because I get bored. When I called in, less than 3 hrs before my shift, I felt fine; it was kind of a precaution but more "take advantage" mindset. Another thing to think about is performance reviews and therefore, raises, are issued next month. Hopefully this doesn't affect. I called my coworker who I got a job in my dept to tell her what I learned; she was in IKEA in Northern VA shopping with her friend and roomie for stuff for their apart.
So now I know 'tis better to go in feeling so-so before a scheduled holiday and leave sick then risk losing double pay.
12/30/09
12/25/09
Christmas
I always feel at Christmas, "Wow, it's already come and gone." It usually seems anti-climatic for all the hype.
It was so hot in my grandparents' living room between the electric fireplace and a space heater. My dad started to doze off in the massage chair (without the massage going). I later took a short nap in it after using the massage; it was nice.
I wasn't expecting much in way of presents and didn't want unnecessary stuff, but like usual, I'm disappointed when I get few things. My mom didn't buy me anything. She's said to me and my sis for years now, "I need to take you shopping because I don't know what you like." But I am 24 now and earning money. I don't pay much at all for rent, so I should be grateful for that. She gave me money a few weeks ago before I went out shopping, and I came back with a nice, new brown weather-proof winter coat.
I gave my dad men's vitamins (which he doesn't usually take), "Holmes" brand sardines in mustard sauce and a nice dark choc bar. Gave my mom Sesame-covered cashews and also a nice dark choc bar. Couldn't think of anything else to give her (how sad is it that she's harder to buy for than my dad?), so my sis and I together gave them a gift certif to a nice restaurant for a date. Giving foodstuffs to each other is not uncommon for us; we give practical, cheap things! I gave my sis a Burt's Bees peppermint body products set (which I bought cheaper than at Target; score) and pineapple-scented lotion I figured she'd like. She felt bad she hadn't bought anything for us, esp. me, and said she wants to get me something later. I don't mind, and it's not her fault because she can't drive herself, our mom rarely takes her shopping, and when we went shopping this week, she couldn't well hide something from me.
It's raining a lot.. the snow will melt away. My sis drove the first 45 min home from grandparents,' and was good my dad took over when he did because it started to rain harder, with puddles on the side of the route that my mom feared would make us hydroplane. Then bad fog.
Tomorrow, per my suggestion, we will see 'up in the air," the new, highly-acclaimed film with George Clooney. 1/2 price tickets with Visa Signature, whose offer with Fandango ends this month, I think. We have a coupon to the diner near my work, so can have lunch there after. Then I work.. in turns of going out, though, I haven't been in touch with the peeps who I usually go out with; we don't have much in common.
Need to get off this damn schedule and live closer to downtown, then I can meet more similar people. My grandma said jokingly, in a way, that she needed to find me a boy because I'm wasting away! I used to be offended by comments like that, that I'm still unattached, but I definitely have an excuse with my schedule (and it sucks). Guten nacht!
It was so hot in my grandparents' living room between the electric fireplace and a space heater. My dad started to doze off in the massage chair (without the massage going). I later took a short nap in it after using the massage; it was nice.
I wasn't expecting much in way of presents and didn't want unnecessary stuff, but like usual, I'm disappointed when I get few things. My mom didn't buy me anything. She's said to me and my sis for years now, "I need to take you shopping because I don't know what you like." But I am 24 now and earning money. I don't pay much at all for rent, so I should be grateful for that. She gave me money a few weeks ago before I went out shopping, and I came back with a nice, new brown weather-proof winter coat.
I gave my dad men's vitamins (which he doesn't usually take), "Holmes" brand sardines in mustard sauce and a nice dark choc bar. Gave my mom Sesame-covered cashews and also a nice dark choc bar. Couldn't think of anything else to give her (how sad is it that she's harder to buy for than my dad?), so my sis and I together gave them a gift certif to a nice restaurant for a date. Giving foodstuffs to each other is not uncommon for us; we give practical, cheap things! I gave my sis a Burt's Bees peppermint body products set (which I bought cheaper than at Target; score) and pineapple-scented lotion I figured she'd like. She felt bad she hadn't bought anything for us, esp. me, and said she wants to get me something later. I don't mind, and it's not her fault because she can't drive herself, our mom rarely takes her shopping, and when we went shopping this week, she couldn't well hide something from me.
It's raining a lot.. the snow will melt away. My sis drove the first 45 min home from grandparents,' and was good my dad took over when he did because it started to rain harder, with puddles on the side of the route that my mom feared would make us hydroplane. Then bad fog.
Tomorrow, per my suggestion, we will see 'up in the air," the new, highly-acclaimed film with George Clooney. 1/2 price tickets with Visa Signature, whose offer with Fandango ends this month, I think. We have a coupon to the diner near my work, so can have lunch there after. Then I work.. in turns of going out, though, I haven't been in touch with the peeps who I usually go out with; we don't have much in common.
Need to get off this damn schedule and live closer to downtown, then I can meet more similar people. My grandma said jokingly, in a way, that she needed to find me a boy because I'm wasting away! I used to be offended by comments like that, that I'm still unattached, but I definitely have an excuse with my schedule (and it sucks). Guten nacht!
12/24/09
Christmas Eve
can't believe it's already Christmas again. In a pessimistic view, I could say this year was a waste of my 24 yr-old youth but then again, things could be worse. The main line is, I started looking for jobs 5+ months ago, but not actively enough. I guess what I dislike is the need to connect with people in order to get a job. Sure, I might make some good long-term connections but ugh, seems tedious.
Yday I rushed out the door to my apt and forgot my work badge and cell. Got to work and realized I couldn't even text my coworker to ask her to let me in. I sat a\outside then was told by someone that the official thing to do when having forgotten one's badge is to get a temporary one at the front desk, which I did. That worked out, except when I went to pee after finishing at 1am (I had had to call Japan, and we had been busy, short-handed): I forgot the badge and was locked out of the main area (my keys inside). Someone who works in another area said she didn't know me, therefore couldn't let me in, but would get a supervisor. Then the security guards saw me and asked "You work here?" Ugh, we aren't that many at night shift; so annoying. Not that I think the security guards are intelligent but I want to work at a place that is either small enough for people to recognize me or big enough where anonymity is the norm.
I said at work that I wish we could have candles on Christmas eve because that's what I associate with this day: in the past going to the midnight service where the lights are turned out at the end, and everyone sings "Silent night."
Yday I rushed out the door to my apt and forgot my work badge and cell. Got to work and realized I couldn't even text my coworker to ask her to let me in. I sat a\outside then was told by someone that the official thing to do when having forgotten one's badge is to get a temporary one at the front desk, which I did. That worked out, except when I went to pee after finishing at 1am (I had had to call Japan, and we had been busy, short-handed): I forgot the badge and was locked out of the main area (my keys inside). Someone who works in another area said she didn't know me, therefore couldn't let me in, but would get a supervisor. Then the security guards saw me and asked "You work here?" Ugh, we aren't that many at night shift; so annoying. Not that I think the security guards are intelligent but I want to work at a place that is either small enough for people to recognize me or big enough where anonymity is the norm.
I said at work that I wish we could have candles on Christmas eve because that's what I associate with this day: in the past going to the midnight service where the lights are turned out at the end, and everyone sings "Silent night."
12/19/09
Snowed in
A bit annoyed the snow fell on my 3-day weekend off. It was nice the first half of the day then boredom and an exchange between me and my sis dampened my mood. I'm in my room on my laptop; don't feel I can look for jobs on my bed or at my desk. I need to clear stuff out of my room but overall, I'm sick of the layout of my room, doesn't inspire me.
I know I've written this before, yet I keep forgetting because I have a hard time helping myself: things must change. I don't want to work Friday nights. Who goes out on Sunday nights? Sick, sick, sick of it. A change of scenery is what I really need.
I know I've written this before, yet I keep forgetting because I have a hard time helping myself: things must change. I don't want to work Friday nights. Who goes out on Sunday nights? Sick, sick, sick of it. A change of scenery is what I really need.
12/17/09
I'm going to a spa
I was kind-of annoyed more people didn't post more comments about the rest of my photos in California. Today I uploaded the lot of me posing with wax figures at Mme Tussaud's NY.
Today I made what is, I think, my first ever hair apt. They have 3 or 4 levels of stylists.. I'm going with the cheapest, $35, which is expensive to me. The place is called "Mango," an Aveda salon. On their website it says they give a massage and aromatic towel wrap and have comfortable, imported shampoo chairs. So basically what I had in China at a much higher cost. I thought of going shorter but when I washed my hair today, I remembered it is rather pretty at this length. Also, I saw my best friend and, even though we rarely see each nowadays, I don't want to have similar length hair as her, because I sometimes "copied" her in high school & because we were often together, people asked if we were twins! (My mom thinks that's crazy, we look nothing alike, and besides, I'm prettier). So I briefly regretted scheduling (and confirming! The automated machine called me to confirm it) the apt, but I've been stressed, it's the end of the year, I want a better start next year, and I deserve to be pampered.
This entry is full of run-ons.
I heard via text from a coworker that another coworker was fired. Apparently she didn't call in Sunday morning to say she wasn't coming in, and added to some other strikes against her, was the last straw. That's too bad. The coworker who told me this has an interview Friday. A month ago or more she expressed how dissatisfied she was with the job, and I thought, "It took her a lot shorter time to realize that than me!" She had an internship (though no longer a student) with an environmental org this semester. So I feel she will go soon (willingly), and I don't want to be much longer thereafter.
Today I made what is, I think, my first ever hair apt. They have 3 or 4 levels of stylists.. I'm going with the cheapest, $35, which is expensive to me. The place is called "Mango," an Aveda salon. On their website it says they give a massage and aromatic towel wrap and have comfortable, imported shampoo chairs. So basically what I had in China at a much higher cost. I thought of going shorter but when I washed my hair today, I remembered it is rather pretty at this length. Also, I saw my best friend and, even though we rarely see each nowadays, I don't want to have similar length hair as her, because I sometimes "copied" her in high school & because we were often together, people asked if we were twins! (My mom thinks that's crazy, we look nothing alike, and besides, I'm prettier). So I briefly regretted scheduling (and confirming! The automated machine called me to confirm it) the apt, but I've been stressed, it's the end of the year, I want a better start next year, and I deserve to be pampered.
This entry is full of run-ons.
I heard via text from a coworker that another coworker was fired. Apparently she didn't call in Sunday morning to say she wasn't coming in, and added to some other strikes against her, was the last straw. That's too bad. The coworker who told me this has an interview Friday. A month ago or more she expressed how dissatisfied she was with the job, and I thought, "It took her a lot shorter time to realize that than me!" She had an internship (though no longer a student) with an environmental org this semester. So I feel she will go soon (willingly), and I don't want to be much longer thereafter.
12/11/09
I'm off work on New Year's Eve
And work 2-10 that day for double pay :).
I had to do my annual performance review yday.. didn't quite know what to write. I remember asking my coworker last year, and she advised to BS. You want to write truthful things, but put yourself in a good light because this will weigh in on how much raise we receive.
I hadn't heard the Jungian philosophy that the people in your dreams are actually yourself. I was asked about my last dream, and in terms of symbolizing something (usually they seem so nonsensical), it was profound (I think). I dreampt last weekend that a friend and I went to DC. We had split ways for some reason, and I was waiting on the homebound bus for her. She was on steps (like the Capitol!) about to go down to the bus, but received a phone call, which made her miss the bus!
The next morning I was going to tell my friend she was in my dream and that it was a funny one. From the Jungian perspective, I am missing the bus, which could symbolize a good job and lifestyle, which I am lacking now. As to the phone, well, it's a means of communication, and I work on the phone (but a headset not a cell).
I had to do my annual performance review yday.. didn't quite know what to write. I remember asking my coworker last year, and she advised to BS. You want to write truthful things, but put yourself in a good light because this will weigh in on how much raise we receive.
I hadn't heard the Jungian philosophy that the people in your dreams are actually yourself. I was asked about my last dream, and in terms of symbolizing something (usually they seem so nonsensical), it was profound (I think). I dreampt last weekend that a friend and I went to DC. We had split ways for some reason, and I was waiting on the homebound bus for her. She was on steps (like the Capitol!) about to go down to the bus, but received a phone call, which made her miss the bus!
The next morning I was going to tell my friend she was in my dream and that it was a funny one. From the Jungian perspective, I am missing the bus, which could symbolize a good job and lifestyle, which I am lacking now. As to the phone, well, it's a means of communication, and I work on the phone (but a headset not a cell).
12/9/09
can I fly to Bhutan?
I don't know how to network..
I don't want to work 7 nights straight. I'm not excited about Christmas, not that I need be 2 weeks in advance, but when people who I won't see wish me happy holidays, it doesn't really have meaning to me. Someone said that's good I'm around family and friends this time of year, but I feel rather friendless right now on my work schedule, and am rather irritated by my family because I've lived with them for over a year.
I wish I had a fan in my room that ran for 30 min when going to sleep, then had a clock to start up again at 7:30am to block out noise when my sis is getting ready and stop before 9:00am. Today I woke up at 9:30 but because the fan is lulling, and I'm warm in my bed, I didn't want to get up til an hour later. I don't like that because I don't feel as productive; like to be up before 10am on weekdays unless I couldn't get to sleep til 4am.
I don't want to work 7 nights straight. I'm not excited about Christmas, not that I need be 2 weeks in advance, but when people who I won't see wish me happy holidays, it doesn't really have meaning to me. Someone said that's good I'm around family and friends this time of year, but I feel rather friendless right now on my work schedule, and am rather irritated by my family because I've lived with them for over a year.
I wish I had a fan in my room that ran for 30 min when going to sleep, then had a clock to start up again at 7:30am to block out noise when my sis is getting ready and stop before 9:00am. Today I woke up at 9:30 but because the fan is lulling, and I'm warm in my bed, I didn't want to get up til an hour later. I don't like that because I don't feel as productive; like to be up before 10am on weekdays unless I couldn't get to sleep til 4am.
12/8/09
Rethinking
Last week I decided, "I'm gonna move out" and replied to 2 Craigslist room ads. I couldn't have picked more opposite living situations: one (that I visited) is a 2bedroom house where the housemate would be gone most of the time (hence quiet) while the other is a 6 bedroom apt seeking a 6th female!
It's funny how people think they know you more than you know yourself: my friend in Cville, when I told her about the 6bedroom place, said that sounds perfect for me. .. I don't think I want 5 roommates; sounds silly after being at a women's college, but a little too much estrogen, dorm-like. She asked me when was I happiest, and I thought, "where I had multiple roommates, which was Paris."
But last night, which I've experienced before and decide to forget, was not good at work. I was fine 2 hrs after the situation, but just hated my job and how I can't handle it, self-preserve. Basically, I had to call a woman about tours to China that I researched. I wasn't going to volunteer that I lived there, but she asked me outright, and I couldn't lie. She's Russian, and her cute, stereotypical accent reminded me of my friend Sasha. I don't mean to generalize, but I feel Russians (like many cultures) will maximize the opportunity whenever possible. So she was so happy to hear I had first-hand experience in China, and therefore, made all sorts of other requests. When I looked over my notes after calming down, I realized she didn't request that much, and I gave myself plenty of time to complete it. I'm just sick of researching travel in Asia, specifically China. See, I want to talk to people about my travels, but not to clients, because then they will expect more of us (specifically me, since I'll have to do it).
I will know next time. I have to lie and could have said, "I've heard they are very interesting cities." It's not just that I didn't want to lie, it's probably also I don't like to disappoint and feel the service would sound better. But we're not paid enough to "break our necks" researching crap for clients, and customer service agents have to disappoint all the time, including for self-preservation.
It's funny how people think they know you more than you know yourself: my friend in Cville, when I told her about the 6bedroom place, said that sounds perfect for me. .. I don't think I want 5 roommates; sounds silly after being at a women's college, but a little too much estrogen, dorm-like. She asked me when was I happiest, and I thought, "where I had multiple roommates, which was Paris."
But last night, which I've experienced before and decide to forget, was not good at work. I was fine 2 hrs after the situation, but just hated my job and how I can't handle it, self-preserve. Basically, I had to call a woman about tours to China that I researched. I wasn't going to volunteer that I lived there, but she asked me outright, and I couldn't lie. She's Russian, and her cute, stereotypical accent reminded me of my friend Sasha. I don't mean to generalize, but I feel Russians (like many cultures) will maximize the opportunity whenever possible. So she was so happy to hear I had first-hand experience in China, and therefore, made all sorts of other requests. When I looked over my notes after calming down, I realized she didn't request that much, and I gave myself plenty of time to complete it. I'm just sick of researching travel in Asia, specifically China. See, I want to talk to people about my travels, but not to clients, because then they will expect more of us (specifically me, since I'll have to do it).
I will know next time. I have to lie and could have said, "I've heard they are very interesting cities." It's not just that I didn't want to lie, it's probably also I don't like to disappoint and feel the service would sound better. But we're not paid enough to "break our necks" researching crap for clients, and customer service agents have to disappoint all the time, including for self-preservation.
12/4/09
Sleeping pill
I was prescribed a sleeping pill to help me not stay up until 4am from my 4-midnight job. I took 1/2 like the doc said around 1am; I felt it hadn't worked, was still up at 3am, so took the other 1/2. I quickly felt the effect of that; slight headache. I woke up almost 9hrs later, groggy and still a headache. I thought I was gonna accomplish a lot today! Have to go to the post office to send my French and Norwegian friends presents. Guess no hair cut today or library.
12/3/09
Balmy December day in VA
I really like the Radio on iTunes. Right now I'm listening to a Celtic French radio station. It was listed in the "Ambient" category.
Walked to the dentist today since it's so nice and the office is less than a mile away. Then I went into the Tae Kwon do place that has a grand opening. If my sister wanted to take classes for 3 mo, it's half-price right now, and I could do a cardio class (whatever that consists of) mornings for free as a family member.
My best friend called during her lunch break. Was good to talk and let things out..
Looked at Clist room ads. I feel it's such a leap, I've never lived on my own in the States before, but it needs to be done. I received the fortune cookie fortune "A new environment makes all the difference" a while ago, and now have it taped to my wallet to remind me I need to change my environment to thrive.
Waiting until after my dentist apt to eat my sister's pasta dish with onions: smart. Eating it before the alumnae holiday dinner: not so smart. Oh well!
Walked to the dentist today since it's so nice and the office is less than a mile away. Then I went into the Tae Kwon do place that has a grand opening. If my sister wanted to take classes for 3 mo, it's half-price right now, and I could do a cardio class (whatever that consists of) mornings for free as a family member.
My best friend called during her lunch break. Was good to talk and let things out..
Looked at Clist room ads. I feel it's such a leap, I've never lived on my own in the States before, but it needs to be done. I received the fortune cookie fortune "A new environment makes all the difference" a while ago, and now have it taped to my wallet to remind me I need to change my environment to thrive.
Waiting until after my dentist apt to eat my sister's pasta dish with onions: smart. Eating it before the alumnae holiday dinner: not so smart. Oh well!
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