I met with a counselor yday who I liked and made me more hopeful after I left. Best of all, she's free (for 6 sessions) with the Employee Assistance program at work. She thinks I should be on by own again; that's what I want, but not practical until I find a better job in a different area. My goal is to have a day job and live around D.C. (or elsewhere with prospects) by December. Let's hope I pull it off.
At the staffing agency Tuesday, the agent answered the phone and asked the guy if he had committed a felony, at which she referred another agency! My dad doesn't think it will come to anything (lower wage jobs), but could be worthwhile to do temporary work to get more of a feel of what I like.
8/27/09
8/25/09
Interview for which I haven't prepared
..with a staffing agency that I visited twice while taking classes this summer.
Oh, I went to check my grade yday, 3 weeks after the course ended, and it's no longer online. I should request a transcript for future reference.
Woke up early with imaginary work request again.. I really hate that. My cousin's dog didn't want to come in last night (why does he not like it inside?), so he barked a few times after 7am.
On a positive note, I got an email from a Chinese friend in Suzhou, which was a nice way to start my morning. Correspondance over time definitely makes life more meaningful.
Oh, I went to check my grade yday, 3 weeks after the course ended, and it's no longer online. I should request a transcript for future reference.
Woke up early with imaginary work request again.. I really hate that. My cousin's dog didn't want to come in last night (why does he not like it inside?), so he barked a few times after 7am.
On a positive note, I got an email from a Chinese friend in Suzhou, which was a nice way to start my morning. Correspondance over time definitely makes life more meaningful.
8/23/09
NYC Day 2
I'm house-sitting at my cousin's now, and didn't think I'd need a mini-mouse; therefore, my keyboard is on top of the laptop keyboard (which doesn't work well), which I move aside when I want to use the touch-pad mouse.
Ok, from memory, day 2..
Last Sunday we had plans to visit Mme Tussaud's wax museum, which we made it to after 11:00am. I slept rather well at the hostel. Their breakfast of toast and watery coffee (which I didn't consume) left more to be desired, so we bought yogurt at a shop in Times Square. There were SO many wax figures there, 5 levels, I believe. By the 2nd to last level, Viviane was tired of posing. I wasn't in the mood to do interesting poses, so just smiled next to each one. I will upload the photos on Fbook (along with NYC pics from 3 months ago before I started classes!). I insisted to Viviane she had to pose with certain important American figures she didn't know, like FDR, Babe Ruth, and Bruce Springsteen. After 1.5 hours or so there, we were headed to Coney Island but needed lunch before the long subway ride. We stopped in Little Italy and had a nice outdoor lunch under a red umbrella with courteous staff at Palazzo. I like sitting at cafés and people-watching, something that can be done in cities. I heard a lot of Italian tourists this trip and wondered how many come to see "Little Italy," which is basically one street of restaurants. I hag gnocchi, which was good, but of course too generous a portion; no room for gelato! When I left, I forgot my plastic bag with flip flops for the beach, and the waiter ran after me, which was nice.
Then off to Coney Island, which takes 45 minutes or so. Unlike last August there (we were there closer to noon), the beach was packed! There was a Coney Island flea market going on, whose ad I cut out of a newspaper back in May. There weren't many vendors, but V and I were glad to get smoothies on such a hot day. I could have mixed mango with watermelon, but simply got watermelon. V got strawberry (her favorite) and kiwi. We put our feet in the water, and felt we had seen enough. Less than an hour at Coney Island, but it was so hot, and we had to get back to hostel to change before going out for dinner and drinks.
We made it to Astor Place subway stop just 10 minutes after planned; sucks my phone doesn't have service in the subway. There we met Donna and inquired whether 5 people could be accomodated at Angel's Share bar; alas, no.. strict 4 pax maximum at that small place. (I had invited a childhood friend, Nick, who I wrote it was fine if he brought his friend). We looked for a restaurant and decided on a Vietnamese pho place (cheaper than the Japanese restaurants surrounding it). I got seafood pho, like usual, but the broth was blander than what I've had in Richmond. Mmm, I want some more now. After that, we decided to go to Angel's Share to have one drink before Nick and his friend arrived. It was a nice, intimate "speakeasy" as the Yelp reviews said. Donna made a fine suggestion, and I'm glad we went together. My drink was "Royal Flush," which was a cucumber-infused cocktail with vodka and sake, I believe. The other drink I considered had champagne. When the waiter served it, there was about a minute delay before he poured the drink, so I thought for a moment I had ordered $13 vodka-infused cucumber! ha. Nick was still on his way, so we decided to check out another place that allowed more people.
We chose a Mexican restaurant, where from outside, we saw pitchers of sangria. We ordered white wine sangria. Then Nick and his friend came. They were amused by Viviane, which is often the case of a pretty, foreign girl w/o perfect English. Guess it was the combination of alcohol and her native German tongue that made her pronounce "willage," which Nick repeated a few times in jest! Poor guy, he's balding.. isn't that one of the worst things to happen to a young aspiring actor? Of course, there are many actors with sparser hair, but you lose a sex appeal factor, somewhat.
We decided to move on, and it was time for Miss Zhen to take the subway home before her work day later that morning! The four of us went to a place that was actually a 24 hr diner. Nick wanted to order breakfast food, but that didn't start until 2am. I got a mango martini, which I tasted garlic in a few sips. I should have complained, but was too far gone. V got electric lemonade. Nick's friend said twice he liked her, because she can be blunt. She told me afterward that alcohol makes her talk more, uninhibited, and hopes she wasn't too impolite! "Nonsense," I said. "They liked it." I, on the other hand, like Donna, can be less inhibited at first, but then I just get drowsy and quiet and don't have much to contribute to the conversation. V told Nick the name of her "willage," which he said he would look up. I was about to say you can do it now, or save it on your phone, but it was tipsy times, and more like a test, that he could remember the name. Before taking the subway back, Nick was hilariously proved wrong when he said the black cube statue on its side at Astor Place couldn't be moved. The tipsy, young women trying to make it budge were having difficulty, but then they got it. Funny moment.
So, rather cool to see a childhood friend (there's a photo of us as babies in CT on a blanket) who I hadn't seen in 5 years, and as always, Donna, one of my favorite people from college.
Whew, long blog! This one definitely less of a summary. Day 3 (tribulation involved) to follow.
Ok, from memory, day 2..
Last Sunday we had plans to visit Mme Tussaud's wax museum, which we made it to after 11:00am. I slept rather well at the hostel. Their breakfast of toast and watery coffee (which I didn't consume) left more to be desired, so we bought yogurt at a shop in Times Square. There were SO many wax figures there, 5 levels, I believe. By the 2nd to last level, Viviane was tired of posing. I wasn't in the mood to do interesting poses, so just smiled next to each one. I will upload the photos on Fbook (along with NYC pics from 3 months ago before I started classes!). I insisted to Viviane she had to pose with certain important American figures she didn't know, like FDR, Babe Ruth, and Bruce Springsteen. After 1.5 hours or so there, we were headed to Coney Island but needed lunch before the long subway ride. We stopped in Little Italy and had a nice outdoor lunch under a red umbrella with courteous staff at Palazzo. I like sitting at cafés and people-watching, something that can be done in cities. I heard a lot of Italian tourists this trip and wondered how many come to see "Little Italy," which is basically one street of restaurants. I hag gnocchi, which was good, but of course too generous a portion; no room for gelato! When I left, I forgot my plastic bag with flip flops for the beach, and the waiter ran after me, which was nice.
Then off to Coney Island, which takes 45 minutes or so. Unlike last August there (we were there closer to noon), the beach was packed! There was a Coney Island flea market going on, whose ad I cut out of a newspaper back in May. There weren't many vendors, but V and I were glad to get smoothies on such a hot day. I could have mixed mango with watermelon, but simply got watermelon. V got strawberry (her favorite) and kiwi. We put our feet in the water, and felt we had seen enough. Less than an hour at Coney Island, but it was so hot, and we had to get back to hostel to change before going out for dinner and drinks.
We made it to Astor Place subway stop just 10 minutes after planned; sucks my phone doesn't have service in the subway. There we met Donna and inquired whether 5 people could be accomodated at Angel's Share bar; alas, no.. strict 4 pax maximum at that small place. (I had invited a childhood friend, Nick, who I wrote it was fine if he brought his friend). We looked for a restaurant and decided on a Vietnamese pho place (cheaper than the Japanese restaurants surrounding it). I got seafood pho, like usual, but the broth was blander than what I've had in Richmond. Mmm, I want some more now. After that, we decided to go to Angel's Share to have one drink before Nick and his friend arrived. It was a nice, intimate "speakeasy" as the Yelp reviews said. Donna made a fine suggestion, and I'm glad we went together. My drink was "Royal Flush," which was a cucumber-infused cocktail with vodka and sake, I believe. The other drink I considered had champagne. When the waiter served it, there was about a minute delay before he poured the drink, so I thought for a moment I had ordered $13 vodka-infused cucumber! ha. Nick was still on his way, so we decided to check out another place that allowed more people.
We chose a Mexican restaurant, where from outside, we saw pitchers of sangria. We ordered white wine sangria. Then Nick and his friend came. They were amused by Viviane, which is often the case of a pretty, foreign girl w/o perfect English. Guess it was the combination of alcohol and her native German tongue that made her pronounce "willage," which Nick repeated a few times in jest! Poor guy, he's balding.. isn't that one of the worst things to happen to a young aspiring actor? Of course, there are many actors with sparser hair, but you lose a sex appeal factor, somewhat.
We decided to move on, and it was time for Miss Zhen to take the subway home before her work day later that morning! The four of us went to a place that was actually a 24 hr diner. Nick wanted to order breakfast food, but that didn't start until 2am. I got a mango martini, which I tasted garlic in a few sips. I should have complained, but was too far gone. V got electric lemonade. Nick's friend said twice he liked her, because she can be blunt. She told me afterward that alcohol makes her talk more, uninhibited, and hopes she wasn't too impolite! "Nonsense," I said. "They liked it." I, on the other hand, like Donna, can be less inhibited at first, but then I just get drowsy and quiet and don't have much to contribute to the conversation. V told Nick the name of her "willage," which he said he would look up. I was about to say you can do it now, or save it on your phone, but it was tipsy times, and more like a test, that he could remember the name. Before taking the subway back, Nick was hilariously proved wrong when he said the black cube statue on its side at Astor Place couldn't be moved. The tipsy, young women trying to make it budge were having difficulty, but then they got it. Funny moment.
So, rather cool to see a childhood friend (there's a photo of us as babies in CT on a blanket) who I hadn't seen in 5 years, and as always, Donna, one of my favorite people from college.
Whew, long blog! This one definitely less of a summary. Day 3 (tribulation involved) to follow.
8/20/09
NYC résumé Day 1
What I did in NYC last weekend, en bref (or maybe not so bref):
-Upon arrival at hostel around 8:30am, because I couldn't check in until 3, I took a walk down Lexington, Park, and Madison Avenues. On Saturday mornings in the summer, they close off sections of Park Ave so people can ride their bikes, jog, or walk safely; that was neat to see. Stopped at the Asia Society Museum, but it was mainly film showings, and I felt I needed to get back for when Viviane arrived. Stopped at "La Maison du chocolat" and thought of getting a drink, but it is $9.50 for a frozen chocolate.
- Back at the hostel, was pleasantly surprised when hostel staffer not only said I could check-in early (after noon), but that instead of the 8-bed female dorm, he placed us in a 2 bedroom by ourselves for no additional cost! The blasting A/C was welcome after I went up the 3 flights of stairs (good for the glutes and calves).
- After a shower, I wanted to lay down and sleep a little since I had taken the overnight Chinatown bus, but Viviane was due to arrive and hadn't called yet; I wondered if I were dialing her intl number properly. I finally got through to her, and learned she was lost, possibly on the other side of Central Park. I quickly got dressed, forgetting my day Subway card, and thought I'd have to take a taxi to find her. Luckily, she arrived soon after.
- Lunch at the nice little establishment "The furry dog" (?) next to hostel. Got "brunch" salad of spinach, hardboiled eggs, and cheese.
-Chinatown: Viviane hadn't found a purse her last time in NYC in May. She found one and was still happy with it the following days.
-SoHo/NoHo- Clothes shopping. I got a elbow-length sleeve shirt for $3.99. Viviane got a nice denim strapless sundress.
- Back at hostel, then walk to Central Park at sunset. The female Romanian tourist who took our photo said "So romantic," at which V and I looked at each other. The woman then said "You don't have to be lesbian for it to be romantic." Funny a Romanian said that.
- Then we got confused in the subway, and waited for trains that didn't come. So we didn't arrive at Indian restaurant until 10:00, taking a $5 ride in a hybrid taxi. We were the only diners at that time. We ordered paneer saag and lamb madras for old times sake. V got a sweet lassi. We were very full, and I felt sorry to not take the leftovers back, but it's not convenient when visiting a city.
-Upon arrival at hostel around 8:30am, because I couldn't check in until 3, I took a walk down Lexington, Park, and Madison Avenues. On Saturday mornings in the summer, they close off sections of Park Ave so people can ride their bikes, jog, or walk safely; that was neat to see. Stopped at the Asia Society Museum, but it was mainly film showings, and I felt I needed to get back for when Viviane arrived. Stopped at "La Maison du chocolat" and thought of getting a drink, but it is $9.50 for a frozen chocolate.
- Back at the hostel, was pleasantly surprised when hostel staffer not only said I could check-in early (after noon), but that instead of the 8-bed female dorm, he placed us in a 2 bedroom by ourselves for no additional cost! The blasting A/C was welcome after I went up the 3 flights of stairs (good for the glutes and calves).
- After a shower, I wanted to lay down and sleep a little since I had taken the overnight Chinatown bus, but Viviane was due to arrive and hadn't called yet; I wondered if I were dialing her intl number properly. I finally got through to her, and learned she was lost, possibly on the other side of Central Park. I quickly got dressed, forgetting my day Subway card, and thought I'd have to take a taxi to find her. Luckily, she arrived soon after.
- Lunch at the nice little establishment "The furry dog" (?) next to hostel. Got "brunch" salad of spinach, hardboiled eggs, and cheese.
-Chinatown: Viviane hadn't found a purse her last time in NYC in May. She found one and was still happy with it the following days.
-SoHo/NoHo- Clothes shopping. I got a elbow-length sleeve shirt for $3.99. Viviane got a nice denim strapless sundress.
- Back at hostel, then walk to Central Park at sunset. The female Romanian tourist who took our photo said "So romantic," at which V and I looked at each other. The woman then said "You don't have to be lesbian for it to be romantic." Funny a Romanian said that.
- Then we got confused in the subway, and waited for trains that didn't come. So we didn't arrive at Indian restaurant until 10:00, taking a $5 ride in a hybrid taxi. We were the only diners at that time. We ordered paneer saag and lamb madras for old times sake. V got a sweet lassi. We were very full, and I felt sorry to not take the leftovers back, but it's not convenient when visiting a city.
8/13/09
Feeling I need a retreat into wilderness again, away from daily deadlines, client requests, and fruitless calls to China
I'm plain frustrated right now about work and my situation, and because I work this god-awful schedule, don't have good friends to talk to about it when I get off of work.
I'm happy I'm going to NYC, but I have to make sure I relax. Last year before going I kind-of freaked out; NYC somewhat intimidates me.
Tonight at work I had a hard time breathing during my break, so much so, I felt like going home. When I feel like this, trying to breathe deeper doesn't seem to help; feel only sleeping, a sedative can. I had ctced Hong Kong, a transportation company, for a 3rd time, and they tell me different stuff each time. So I had to email the client once more to get final approval before booking it like she wanted. I friggin' hate helping people with China.. it's just a pain in the ass dealing with it by phone, if you're not there.
I'm not really sure how to make it better. I've been there 10 mo, and my anxiety and inability to relax in certain situations has probably worsened. I'm trying to find a better job, but it's a tedious task, for which I feel I don't have enough energy. That's another thing: I had a huge energy drop (there's another word, can't think of) after dinner tonight. It sucks. I hope acupuncture helps in releasing endorphins.
I'm happy I'm going to NYC, but I have to make sure I relax. Last year before going I kind-of freaked out; NYC somewhat intimidates me.
Tonight at work I had a hard time breathing during my break, so much so, I felt like going home. When I feel like this, trying to breathe deeper doesn't seem to help; feel only sleeping, a sedative can. I had ctced Hong Kong, a transportation company, for a 3rd time, and they tell me different stuff each time. So I had to email the client once more to get final approval before booking it like she wanted. I friggin' hate helping people with China.. it's just a pain in the ass dealing with it by phone, if you're not there.
I'm not really sure how to make it better. I've been there 10 mo, and my anxiety and inability to relax in certain situations has probably worsened. I'm trying to find a better job, but it's a tedious task, for which I feel I don't have enough energy. That's another thing: I had a huge energy drop (there's another word, can't think of) after dinner tonight. It sucks. I hope acupuncture helps in releasing endorphins.
8/5/09
Gearing for interviews, if I can just start networking,..
I bought a suit today! Stylish, gray one for $80.00 at Macy's. The saleswoman, who I've seen working there before, said at the end "Here you go, little one." Also bought a peachy pink shirt with satin bow in the back for $10 at NY & Co.
Yesterday before work I went to the employment center that used to be a public library.. a little nostalgic. I remember the guinea pig they had in a cage in the kids' section. I didn't make an appointment since I figure that's more for people who have lost their job, but picked up a bunch of free booklets on different subjets, like "Making contacts" and "Informational interviews." I need to start doing some of the latter. I basically only did 1 with a R-MWC alumna last year before being offered my current job.
Thought of going to rotary club mtg yday but my friend invited me to lunch at Super King Buffet (pan-Asian food). I said goodbye to Albane, her french ex. student. They have those mtgs weekly, so I'll try to go next wk.
RSVP'd to a women's ntwking lunch. It's in between 2 counseling sessions (which are on same street, so I'll be back and forth). The 2nd counselor is free of charge with work, and hope she can provide work-related advice. I plan to take advantage of any "free" service the company gives before I leave or am given the boot.
Felt a little unmotivated after finishing my course. I have my free time back, but the task of starting networking is daunting. It can be fun, just have to be in the right mindset.
Yesterday before work I went to the employment center that used to be a public library.. a little nostalgic. I remember the guinea pig they had in a cage in the kids' section. I didn't make an appointment since I figure that's more for people who have lost their job, but picked up a bunch of free booklets on different subjets, like "Making contacts" and "Informational interviews." I need to start doing some of the latter. I basically only did 1 with a R-MWC alumna last year before being offered my current job.
Thought of going to rotary club mtg yday but my friend invited me to lunch at Super King Buffet (pan-Asian food). I said goodbye to Albane, her french ex. student. They have those mtgs weekly, so I'll try to go next wk.
RSVP'd to a women's ntwking lunch. It's in between 2 counseling sessions (which are on same street, so I'll be back and forth). The 2nd counselor is free of charge with work, and hope she can provide work-related advice. I plan to take advantage of any "free" service the company gives before I leave or am given the boot.
Felt a little unmotivated after finishing my course. I have my free time back, but the task of starting networking is daunting. It can be fun, just have to be in the right mindset.
8/2/09
Last day of class tomor and I'm procrastinating..
I actually went to a club in my hometown last night, which I think is a first. Most of my friends here aren't into that. And maybe I'm not so into it, either. Guess it depends who you're with.. unless I have a close group of female friends, goofy guy friends, or a bf, it probably won't be as fun. I said I wouldn't drink much since I was DD and needed to finish coursework (and would be nice to do pilates) today. But I woke up and was tired and needed to sleep it off. I only had a cranberry vodka and a Heineken. Was fine to drive home. My friend from high school got tired really fast b/c she didn't sleep well the night before.
Today I did "Body step" class. I haven't done a step class in a while because of my schedule, but I remember why now I don't like it: it's hard, and I'm not terribly coordinated jumping off and on the step. In the gym steam room, a woman who is a friend of my best friend's parents recognized me, since I was the maid of honor.
Met Cindy (from R-M) for dinner at my new favorite Thai restaurant. We both got curry noodle, mine with scallops. Once again, I think I talked too much! Guess that's what happens when you severely limit my social life like it's been this last year: either I have little to say because I don't see people on a regular basis, or I talk about everything.
My friend's intended flight to Cali went up $25. I wanted to buy our tix before now; can't believe I didn't realize sooner SFO is bigger and therefore, a cheaper airport to fly into than San Jose! That changes my (loose) itinerary, b/c I thought we'd start at our friend's; with this, we'll start in San Francisco, do the sights there, take a winery shuttle in Napa Valley Halloween day (weird?), and drive back to Santa Clara, Maria's place, and visit Monterey Bay area. Hopefully the tickets will be sealed this week.
Today I did "Body step" class. I haven't done a step class in a while because of my schedule, but I remember why now I don't like it: it's hard, and I'm not terribly coordinated jumping off and on the step. In the gym steam room, a woman who is a friend of my best friend's parents recognized me, since I was the maid of honor.
Met Cindy (from R-M) for dinner at my new favorite Thai restaurant. We both got curry noodle, mine with scallops. Once again, I think I talked too much! Guess that's what happens when you severely limit my social life like it's been this last year: either I have little to say because I don't see people on a regular basis, or I talk about everything.
My friend's intended flight to Cali went up $25. I wanted to buy our tix before now; can't believe I didn't realize sooner SFO is bigger and therefore, a cheaper airport to fly into than San Jose! That changes my (loose) itinerary, b/c I thought we'd start at our friend's; with this, we'll start in San Francisco, do the sights there, take a winery shuttle in Napa Valley Halloween day (weird?), and drive back to Santa Clara, Maria's place, and visit Monterey Bay area. Hopefully the tickets will be sealed this week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)