Why I Resigned...

School.

Shout out to Lebron!

It's August, and I officially start my teaching credential program this month. The hours of school and student teaching conflict with my office schedule. So I decided to take a break from work (until I run out of savings) and totally focus on school. I'm happy, excited, nervous, anxious, and scared to start this program...all at the same time. 

Happy and excited. For so many reasons. I've wanted to teach since I was in 7th grade. (2000) I spent 7 years in college, with a course schedule that looks similar to my high school course list. I owe that to my liberal studies major. With the exception of college softball, some electives, and my personal life...school wasn't that exciting. But I got it done and got one of my first pre-requisites checked off for my program. This time around, when I start school...I'll be taking classes that relate to what I want to do with my life and directly relate to my career. Andddd after 14 years, this program is the last step before becoming a teacher! I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Nervous. Because this program is totally different than anything I've done both with my undergrad and work. So even though I've asked tons of questions about this program and what I'll be doing, I still have no clue what's gonna happen. 

Anxious. One of my favorite sayings about anxiety is it's not fear of the future, but wanting to control it. Any one that knows me knows that I like to have every minute of my life planned out. So I was a little anxious when the coordinators of our program interrupted our question and answer session of orientation and said "trust us"which I totally should since this is their 23rd year doing it. So I'm still a little anxious because (as of now) I have not control of anything. Once I figure out the school schedule and get into a groove, I'll be fine...but that moment is not now.

Scared. That whole not having a job thing...scary. Because that means no income. But I've still got bills. I should have done a better job of saving money but I suck at that. Also...this whole money thing kind of means I'll be giving up some stuff. Like season tickets. And going out to lunch/dinner and drinks with friends. Concerts. And maybe a gym membership. And Netflix...after I catch up on some shows. Hahah. It'll all work out. Some how. But I don't know how.

Since I haven't consistently posted, I haven't given many updates. I spent all summer working on prerequisites for this program. Bachelors degree: check. CBEST: check. Multiple Subject CSET: check. CPR certification: check. Fingerprints & Certificate of Clearance: check. Letters of recommendation: check. English CSET: Half check. I found out on Monday that I passes that the 2 (of 4) subtests I took in July! The other 2 are scheduled for September...so I should probably start studying now!

Happy Wednesday peeps :]   

I Don't Have A Job

I started working in an insurance office the summer of 2006 as a fresh faced 17 year old high school graduate. 8.5 years later...I've resigned. Friday was my last day.

Super awesome quality photo of my farewell dinner.

That job was the most consistent thing in my life in that time. A time when friends came and went. And came back again. Family and home life wasn't always peachy keen. School was a roller coaster of passed, failed, and retaken courses. But I always had somewhere to be Monday morning. And for that, I was thankful.

There were pros and cons to having the job I did at my age. 

The cons were not making any friends my age at work because everyone in my office was in their 40's/50's/60's:: And the friends I did have all worked server or retail jobs...so when we were up late hanging out, they all had the luxury of sleeping in until 10 or 11 because their shift started in the afternoon instead of 9/9:30 am:: Also...insurance. Something that's not so fun to work with when you're a teenager/early twenties:: I made some good money. And saved none of it::

I was bummed out this last year because even though I wasn't in school, I wasn't given the opportunity to work full time. Which would have been extremely helpful in keeping some of my sanity since my workload nearly doubled but didn't have enough time to get stuff done. I started to resent work. What made it worse is getting a second job (that I never told my first job about) that I was obsessed and absolutely in love with and realizing I was so overrrrr my first job. 

The pros were working with people I got along with. And didn't have to deal with workplace drama. Or people talking crap about each other. Because everyone at my office was a grownup and didn't have time for that nonsense:: Everyone liked sports:: My work schedule was consistent. I worked M/W/F 9:30-5:30. Well not always M/W/F, sometimes it was T/TH/F...depending on my school schedule:: My schedule was super flexible. With work and life. Like baseball, or beach days, or dancing with the stars tapings. I didn't need to really ask for time off or release shifts and hope someone picked it up. As long as I gave my boss some notice and wasn't crazy behind on work, I was good:: I have something of substance to put on a resume:: Weekends off: I made more than the average college student:: Paid holidays:: I had job security (see: 8.5 years) because I rocked at what I did:: Freedom. Because I was so good at what I did, I was able to fart around the internet and still be able to complete all of my tasks for the day::

The first part of the blog makes it sound like I hated my life, but I honestly had more good times than bad. And I learned so much. About insurance...which I will inevitably have to get for myself when I become a grown up. As well as some professional experience. Which rocks. It was an awesome feeling knowing that I was being treated to a nice dinner and celebrated for my time at work rather than just getting the door slammed in my face. Now that part of my life is over..and it's onto the next step of my life...wish me luck!

*Title of this post is a total lie. I still have my Safari Park job and will be working that until Labor Day weekend. When I'm done there...I won't have a job.

Breathe In. Breathe Out. Life Lately

Hi Internet! I’m alive. Barely kicking, but alive.

Let’s update you on my life…

School: Credential program applications to SDSU and CSUSM have been submitted. There was lots of rescheduling and juggling around but I have my interviews for all 3 programs scheduled. I actually did one last week…kind of went meh, because they were short on time when it was my group’s turn to interview so we all had to cut our responses short. Whomp. Except for the fact that of the 3 programs, this is the one I really want to get into. Oh well. Hopefully the timing for the other program interviews is better managed.

Testing: I PASSED MY MULTIPLE SUBJECT CSET! Which I’m totally stoked about because even though I studied, like none of that material on my actual tests was mentioned in my study book or practice tests. But I passed, so that’s all that matters. The next exam on my list is an English CSET. If I get into the middle level program/teach middle school, I’m going to be teaching an individual subject. I decided I’m probably most qualified to teach English and would have the most fun with that over any other subject. Doing the CSET over getting a subject matter authorization makes the most sense to me because when I apply for jobs, a passed CSET is less objective than a list of college courses I’ve taken.

Work: OMG. Let’s talk about my office job real quick. Everyone kind of took vacation time throughout the last 2 weeks. So the office was already busy from the lack of people. But then I started to get e-mails about dates for interviews for my programs that fell among the same time everyone was gone. My boss was kind of overwhelmed with everything and me being gone was not an option. Which sucked because these interviews kind of needed to happen. So that’s where all the juggling, rescheduling, and being an inconvenience to these programs came into play. It all worked out but I was kind of stressing and upset over the situation for a while. I am totally loving my second job at the Safari Park. It’s easy. I don’t have to follow up with people, make phone calls, fill out paperwork., etc. Working with people my age is fun. I have become one of those people that gets easily excited about being around the animals. Hearing the lion roar in the mornings is amazing. Watching the lemurs do their thing is so cool. The fact that I see keepers take a camel for a walk and I’m less than 20 feet away from it is incredible. The only downer is being on my feet alllllll day. I’m not used to it, but I will be. I’m really happy with this place.

Weight Loss: Why is this not something easy? There’s so much fatty goooood food. I’m trying to make it to the gym as much as I can and watch what I eat, but with how crazy things are…it’s a little difficult. I haven’t totally abandoned my goals, but priorities are elsewhere right now. One way to make sure I’m still moving around is by pacing around at the Safari Park. This week I decided to kick it up a notch and try to reach my 12k steps goal by the time I clock out of work! Yesterday was the first day, and I got it done!

Umm…that’s about it. How's your life going? Lots of good things happening? Let me know!

Happy Wednesday all!       

I've Got Nothin'

Seriously. This is my 2^nd post of the month! Look at me killing it with content. Ha. Life hasn’t been blogworthy lately, and I’m not a fan of a bunch of lame filler content, so that explains my internet silence lately. Which kind of totally sucks because I gained a good amount of followers/subscribers/readers and have given you no material. Sorry for being lame.

Let’s throw some updates from my last “life lately” post...because that's all I've got. 

Credential Program Applications: The two teaching credential programs I’m applying to require two applications. An official graduate application that’s pretty much just a formality [which I officially submitted last night!], and a supplemental application where you submit letters of recommendation, test scores, personal narratives, and all the other qualifications you have to enter the program. I’ll submit those in about a week and a half, only because I’m still waiting on two things. 

CSET: Feb 17^th came and went, and I took the 1^st CSET subtest. Kind of feeling meh about it, but it is what it is. Waiting on some money to get deposited into my bank account soon so I can schedule the other two subtests. Scheduling these tests is one of the two things I’m waiting on to submit those supplemental applications…so that money needs to be deposited ASAP. 

Volunteering: My last "official" day in 8^th grade was last Thursday but I'm headed back today to pick up letters of recommendation...the second thing I'm waiting on for those supplemental applications. 

Work: I mentioned interviewing and drug testing for Home Depot, heard back about a week later everything was good to go and they needed me to do some new hire stuff the next day. I couldn't make it happen because it was the day I volunteer and it wasn't enough notice to not show up to the classroom. I didn't hear back for 5 days and 2 voicemails, so I figured out I screwed that chance up for myself and got cut. I did get a call back on the 6th day, but at that point, I had already applied to a different place and had an interview scheduled that I followed through with. I now have a second job as a Guest Ambassador at the SD Safari Park :] I'm super excited to start! I had orientation Tuesday, and one of the best things about it was getting to go on the Africa Tram Safari before our lunch break. Yay for giraffes!

Weight Loss: Still crawling, 22 lbs lost overall, 40/50/60 to go. Now that I’ve got a second job, and the credential program application process is almost done, I’ll have some time to kick this thing into overdrive. Which I’m totally due for. About 110 days until Vegas and Keri’s wedding!

It’s safe to say life has been a little crazy and has left no room for fun. No partying my face off. No weekend getaways of any sort. No Netflix binge watching. No Pinterest pinning sprees. Nada. Other than this weekend. It was Marcus’ birthday, so Friday night was spent playing a little beer pong, stack it, and just dance. Sunday was karaoke night. Good stuff. I was happy to get out of the house for a bit and spend time with some of my favorite people.     

Happy Thursday! 

Meh. Life Lately...

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything good on here…and it might be a while longer before I do. Life is a little nutty, definitely busy…and I haven’t really done anything exciting. How can you tell? My instagram hasn't been updated with sweet pictures to make people jealous in for.ev.errrr. Whomp. Life lately…

Credential Program Applications: I’ve decided I’m applying to both CSUSM and SDSU’s teaching credential programs. I figured I’d increase my chances  to get into at least one of them. I’ve collected about 95% of the stuff for my CSUSM application, just waiting on a letter of recommendation and I need to take (and pass!) the first subtest of the CSET. I still need to figure out everything on SDSU's app so I'll be visiting their campus tomorrow!   

CSET: Totally sucks. I’m letting it intimidate me and I keep on postponing it...but now I’m running out of time. I was originally scheduled to take the test as a whole on Jan 11^th. Then I postponed it to Jan 18^th. Then I postponed it again to Jan 28^th. Then I cancelled it and decided to take the individual subtests so I scheduled subtest 1 for Feb 8^th. Then I postponed that to Feb 13^th. And finally postponed it to Feb 17^th. And with each postponement comes with procrastination in the form of flappy birds since I have more time to study. Now it's 7 days away! Which is super soon. But I’ve gotta take it, so it’s crazy study mode for the next week! 

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Volunteering: I’m still volunteering in an 8^th grade classroom. I’m learning so much, it’s crazy! The kids have so many outside influences between family, friends, social media, etc. that the classroom these days seems totally different to me than what it was when I was in 8^th grade. The two teachers I work with share students and make it a point to have official meetings once a week to discuss their classrooms, and I get to sit in on them…it’s amazing how invested they are in their students and the concern they have for their success. Both in life and the classroom. I know teachers care about their students…but I’m just starting to see it in action and its impact from an adult perspective. And it’s amazing! I’m so happy to be working with these teachers, they're incredible. I’m gonna be so bummed when I have to stop!

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Work: I’m still looking for a second job. Not as aggressively as I was in that first week…but here and there. The sucky thing is when you call/drop in on places and ask if they’re hiring and they say they’re not sure/no but you’re welcome to fill out (a super long) application. I interviewed and drug tested for the Home Depot last week and should be hearing from them in a few days about a job! Fingers crossed. The worst realization about a second job is that I won’t be able to go to as many concerts and baseball games as I have in the past.

Weight Loss: Happening at a crawl, but it’s still happening. I haven’t been to the gym in a while, but once this application stuff and testing is over, I will make a return! 120-ish days until Vegas and Keri’s wedding so it’s time to kick it into overdrive until then!  

That’s about it! I should have applications and that first subtest completed in a month, and hopefully I have a second job by then. Then I’ll be able to breathe having all this stuff done.

What I’m looking forward to: MLB opening day…because I love baseball, duh. Lady Antebellum in March. If I have the days off. Whomp. Hahaha.

Happy Monday all! 

My [So Far Failed] Job Hunt

Yes. I'm looking for a job. A second job. It's not as easy as I thought it would be.

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Mine current job is cool, I've been there for almost 8 years. I love the people I work with, everyone is friendly, productive, and for the most part...into sports. BUT, I'm not working as many hours as I'd like/need to in order to follow through with my resolution/goal of saving money to cover my expenses if/when I enter that teaching credential program. I also need money to pay for my bridesmaid expenses in a wedding I'm in. Lastly, I also need money for baseball season.

So, I need a second job. The thing is...I've never had to look for a job. 

Hear me out.

As I mentioned before...I've worked my regular job for almost 8 years. It was my first real job. I knew the owner/my boss through little league because he has a son my brother's age and I'd always be at the ball fields. Also, my best friend's dad works in the same office. I was offered the job. Kind of had to interview, but it wasn't anything big. It was just sort of handed to me. I don't even know if they interviewed any one other than me for the position. I'm super thankful for my job because I get paid well, they've been super flexible with school, and understanding when I have to leave early take a day off for a baseball game...or trip to LA to see Dancing With The Stars when I did that type of thing. 

The other job I've ever worked was at H&R Block as a front desk person. I've worked there 4 different tax seasons since 2006. It's the job I like to go back to when I need to line my pockets with extra moolah. It's seasonal and open late so I can work nights after my regular job/school. I also had an in there. My best friend's mom worked there...and they needed someone that first year. I've been able to go off and on as the years passed, without really having to interview/submit a formal application. The one year I did intend to actually apply, I stopped by the main office on my way to school wearing Uggs, sweats, and a tee and they were interviewing that day and was asked to come back to interview...in my Uggs, sweats, and tee. I got the job that year but there's a pretty good chance it was because I had worked there before. Either way, I never really had to search for this job either. 

I went into 2014 fully knowing how much I need saved so I applied to H&R back in November, interviewed and thought it was a done deal, I'd be offered my old job immediately. I was offered a position...like 25 minutes away from my house. It's not bad, but the money I'd be making would pretty much only cover gas, and my availability would be cut down because I offered to work nights after my regular job...I'm losing availability time driving from Job A to Job B because of how far of a drive it is.

Two weeks ago I kind of started exploring my options...but I really didn't have any clue where to start. I wrote my first real resume EVER at the age of 25 and figured I'd go from there. 

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Then I saw a Care.com commercial. I signed up, but I'm not sure that site is as great as it's made out to be. This is going to sound dumb...but people don't come to you on that site, you as a sitter have to look for jobs. I kind of don't have time for that. 

I thought about the hotel industry! They are usually open all night and need a over night front desk person to take care of clients if they need help, but none of the ones in my local area are hiring. I submitted applications (and took a long morality/personality test) to some a little further away but still haven't heard back.  

I applied to about 4 beauty/hair salons as a front desk person to schedule appointments, etc. I heard back from 1 telling me I wasn't qualified because I don't have experience in the beauty industry. Makes sense...because I don't. I'm assuming I haven't heard back from the others because they didn't really advertise available positions, I just randomly sent them my resume.

I have moved on to restaurant/retail/grocery stores. Those application suck. They're mostly fill in stuff, not just an easy resume submission. Whomp. One was a sporting goods store, which would rock to work at because I love me some sporting goods/clothes. 

I used to think that people who can't find jobs aren't trying hard enough...but I'm learning that this is a pain in the ass. I'm taking a break from applications for the next couple of weeks because I reallllly need to study for my CSET, which I had to postpone until the 23rd because I didn't think I'd be ready on the 16th. Once I take [and pass!] the test, I'll start the job hunt again [probably in fast food since they're open 24 hours right?] because this "not having money for my future" thing kind of sucks. Wish me luck :] And if you have any ideas that I haven't thought of...make my life a little easier and LET ME KNOW! Please and thanks!

Happy Thursday All!