Inspired by the recent blog post of a friend, I have decided I will take the time to sit and update about some stuff that has been happening over the course of the past week.
Let's start out by saying, it's been a lot. A lot of decisions and a lot of stress. This week, as I continued with my training at a certain coffee establishment as a barista (hooray for staying true to my degree), I made the decision to quit my job at Apartment Savvy. Now, this is something I had been pondering for a while, though I was trying to keep the job, knowing how much Andy and I need the money. Since I started the job, I have absolutely hated it. At times, I have tried to convince myself that it was something that would do nicely for a while or that I could deal with because it was easy and relatively mind numbing. The more I worked, however, in an office that is poorly managed, with two bosses who don't know how to communicate effectively with employees other than to send out passive aggressive e-mails to everyone when there is an issue, the more I realized that this job was not what I thought it was going to be at the time I was hired. When I was hired for a job as an "administrative assistant," I did not think my title would be interchangeable with 8 other girls, all working part time so that the owners did not have to pay anyone the benefits of a full-time employee.
Anyway. I have a lot of complaints about the place; the work, the bosses, the other employees...but I guess there is something to be said for a job that shows you what you DO NOT want to do. I know that I want to be doing something where I am making even the smallest difference in someone's day (even if that is just serving them coffee).
So I handed in a letter of resignation (can it even be called such a thing at a job like that?) and now must wait to hear back during this work week on whether they want me to work for the next two weeks or if yesterday was my last day. Although it wouldn't hurt to have the extra bit of money from working there a little more, it would be SO nice to never go to work there again.
On the flipside, I am (and I say this hesitantly, for I would hate to have to eat my words) enjoying my cafe work--to the degree that cafe work can be enjoyed. Although it is very close to my previous job and involves, at times, interacting with individuals from that office (awkward...for them!), the people there seem, well, just that: PEOPLE. They are humans and they like to talk and interact with others, which is just GREAT. I am still training training training (I should finish up this Thursday), but that does involve FINALLY learning to make (and taste!) all of the drinks we make in the store. I really like working in fast-paced environments where there is always something for me to make or clean or do in some fashion, so I think this will serve that purpose nicely for at least a little bit.
Also, things MIGHT be looking up in terms of hours there, as another employee, who works almost full time, recently gave his two weeks' notice, and so more hours shall be opening up for me to gobble away!!!!!
In the realm of trying to make something of my life...I am going to be flying home for the last weekend of August so that I can take my written EMT exam. Since today is the first day of the month when I will take the exam (AHHHH!), I am going to TRY very hard to force myself to start studying just a little bit every day. Hopefully I have not forgotten everything. Hopefully.
In improv news, things have been going well with my class. I really like it a lot and we are now coming to three classes left in this level. This means soon (this week), I will be signing up for Level 2. I am excited for that, although I am still hoping to be able to eventually take more than one class at a time. I am interested in taking the writing classes they offer at iO, but one session is $300 and I just can't afford that right now in addition to the improv class. There is an Improvised Shakespeare workshop that I really want to take, though I will not be able to take it during the next session, as it begins when I will be in Massachusetts. Luckily (?), the class is only 4 weeks long and so I should be able (if it is offered again in 4 weeks' time) to take the class when I am halfway through Level 2. This will also give me a chance to try to save up the $125 it will cost me to take that class.
UGH. This is endlessly frustrating, as I want to be taking several classes (since I have the time), but simply cannot afford to do so.
In the world of Andy, things seem to be going well. Last night he told me he has been promoted to "dough boy," whatever that means. I think it means he just makes all the dough for the pizza. How exciting. But really, he loves it. He is starting to make friends with his co-workers and he likes going to work. Things are still hard with our schedules being so opposite, but we are working on trying to coordinate our days so that we see each other as much as possible.
It's weird to think that sometimes we don't speak to each other really for days and I will realize that so much has happened that I haven't gotten to tell him about yet.
This week has been stressful, but we will be able to manage and soon we will have things better figured out, I hope.
Overall, I am glad I quit that terrible job. To me, it is not worth it to be so unhappy for so many hours of the day when you are barely making minimum wage.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Settling In
Well friends, it has been a couple of weeks since I have posted, but things have certainly been hectic.
I am now working at Apartment Savvy and Borders (which I will now refer to as Job 1 and Job 2, as APPARENTLY there is a clause in the employee handbook saying I am not allowed to BLOG about Borders...HOW ODD!).
Andy is now in the swing of things with his job at The Boiler Room; he is working about 5 nights a week, while I am working about 6 days per week--which means we rarely get to see each other.
It's very hard and we are trying to get out schedules to match up a little bit so we can actually ever spend more than an hour together (aside from all that unconscious time we spend together).
They are going to have Andy start learning stuff to be a "line cook" (whatever that means!) and he is really excited about it. I, on the other hand, am slightly less enthused by the requirements of my job. Actually, strike that. So far, Job 2 is decent--pretty easy (aside from all the reading I have to do about the origins of coffee and how to mix sanitizer)--and I am excited to actually get to do stuff for that job, once my training is done. Job 1 on the other hand...well, let's just say...I'm pretty positive that I am going to quit.
It is driving me slightly insane and I'm not sure if I can handle working there for another day. The job is not at all what it was made out to be when I was hired and I am incredibly unhappy doing it. I figure if I quit #1, I will still have #2 and Andy has his job. This means we will still be making the same amount we were making before and I can devote more energy into finding a better job to replace #1. Thoughts? I think this sounds like a good plan. I just have to figure out how to quit. I have never quit a job before because it makes me feel so awkward...HOW DO YOU EVEN DO IT?!
In other news, I have received my postcard in the mail saying that I passed my EMT practical and can now take the written exam! This means I will be flying home for a weekend at the end of August to take the exam and hopefully see some friends!!! Hooray for friends!
Our housewarming party was last weekend and it was a good time. Our roommate invited a bunch of his friends and I invited some people from my class. It was nice to have people come over and see our place. If only it wasn't so hot in here with all those people!
Other things? My class at iO is going really well. It's a lot of fun and the teacher is absolutely great. There are some great people in my class and I am slowly making some friends here.
I noticed the other night that I am really starting to get used to and to get to like our neighborhood. It is starting to feel like the place where we belong, which is nice. :)
I feel like I haven't said a lot, but that's pretty much the news for now.
Hopefully next time I write it will be to talk about all of the wonderful jobs I have been offered.
I am now working at Apartment Savvy and Borders (which I will now refer to as Job 1 and Job 2, as APPARENTLY there is a clause in the employee handbook saying I am not allowed to BLOG about Borders...HOW ODD!).
Andy is now in the swing of things with his job at The Boiler Room; he is working about 5 nights a week, while I am working about 6 days per week--which means we rarely get to see each other.
It's very hard and we are trying to get out schedules to match up a little bit so we can actually ever spend more than an hour together (aside from all that unconscious time we spend together).
They are going to have Andy start learning stuff to be a "line cook" (whatever that means!) and he is really excited about it. I, on the other hand, am slightly less enthused by the requirements of my job. Actually, strike that. So far, Job 2 is decent--pretty easy (aside from all the reading I have to do about the origins of coffee and how to mix sanitizer)--and I am excited to actually get to do stuff for that job, once my training is done. Job 1 on the other hand...well, let's just say...I'm pretty positive that I am going to quit.
It is driving me slightly insane and I'm not sure if I can handle working there for another day. The job is not at all what it was made out to be when I was hired and I am incredibly unhappy doing it. I figure if I quit #1, I will still have #2 and Andy has his job. This means we will still be making the same amount we were making before and I can devote more energy into finding a better job to replace #1. Thoughts? I think this sounds like a good plan. I just have to figure out how to quit. I have never quit a job before because it makes me feel so awkward...HOW DO YOU EVEN DO IT?!
In other news, I have received my postcard in the mail saying that I passed my EMT practical and can now take the written exam! This means I will be flying home for a weekend at the end of August to take the exam and hopefully see some friends!!! Hooray for friends!
Our housewarming party was last weekend and it was a good time. Our roommate invited a bunch of his friends and I invited some people from my class. It was nice to have people come over and see our place. If only it wasn't so hot in here with all those people!
Other things? My class at iO is going really well. It's a lot of fun and the teacher is absolutely great. There are some great people in my class and I am slowly making some friends here.
I noticed the other night that I am really starting to get used to and to get to like our neighborhood. It is starting to feel like the place where we belong, which is nice. :)
I feel like I haven't said a lot, but that's pretty much the news for now.
Hopefully next time I write it will be to talk about all of the wonderful jobs I have been offered.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Apparently there is a limit to the number of photos you can insert per post.
More to follow. When this blog no longer hates me.
I've almost forgotten!
I took a bunch of photos today to document the progress my apartment is making in the way of becoming a home.
One day, we want to paint the walls funky colors, but for now, white prevails.
OH also!
Note the numerous couches we now have. Andy and I went on a bit of a Craigslist spree this week. We got two white couches (well, a couch and a loveseat) for free from a couple who is moving to New York.
In other furniture news, I've acquired a desk (hooray for a place to shelve things!) and a dresser! The desk was free, the dresser was only $40.
All of these things, in addition to the couch Alex already had (AND he told us he might be getting the loveseat counterpart to that selfsame couch!) are starting to make our apartment look (and feel) like a home.
Please note the inspiration of "living-room style kitchen" we got from our last week at 934.
Don't think twice, it's alright.
Alone at last. Surprisingly (or maybe not), I don't get very much time to myself here with two roommates.
Things are moving along here in old Chikiggy (as I like to call it) and I am definitely starting to feel more at home. The neighborhood feels more familiar and I am getting used to the routine of going to work.
Work is getting a little better, though I am still searching for something with a bit more...substance to it. I've begun talking to people at work, so that's a good thing I suppose. It makes the time go by somewhat faster, despite the fact that all I am doing is updating listings on Craigslist all day long. I'm glad my talents are being put to such good use.
Speaking of work of substance--I still have yet to hear back on my EMT practical. Ugh. I am told there are ways to bypass the system and figure out if you have passed before the state tells you, but first I would have to figure out the name of the company that does the testing. Hm indeed.
Incidentally, I read yesterday that Massachusetts has changed its laws regarding serving alcohol on Sundays; you can now get a bloody Mary starting at 10am. Glad you have your priorities in order, Massachusetts.
In line with my thoughts about jobs that matter: I am thinking seriously about some possibilities for jobs with AmeriCorps. I had applied for a program called America SCORES Chicago, in which I would basically be working for non-profit that works to give at-risk youths activities to do after school instead of getting into trouble. They have soccer programs and poetry, stuff like that. The job would start in September and I would only get a stipend, even though I would be working 40-hour weeks. On the flipside, I would be getting healthcare, which is also a big plus. And I would be doing something worthwhile. Anyway, I got an e-mail with the second portion of that application process sent to me and I am just waiting to hear back on that for now.
I was also sent a letter in the mail about an AmeriCorps job that would be more of a commitment--something I would have to travel to do, which I am not sure I could actually commit to at this point (having just moved and all).
In other news, I got an e-mail yesterday from the woman at Borders saying she was checking my references and would be in touch within a few days. WHO KNOWS WHAT THAT MEANS.
I hate applying for jobs. It is the absolute worst.
This week I had an interview at a casting agency, as it was suggested to me that this might be a good way to make connections and get comfortable in "the biz." I'm not actually sure I want to be a part of "the biz." But anyway, the interview was ridiculous. They made me wait for about 45 minutes past my appointment time and then had me fill out a questionnaire with such queries as "What is your biggest fear?" and "What won't I like about you?" I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was signing up for a reality show. I just wanted an internship. Then they had me tell them all of those same things aloud, after I had taken the time to write them down. The nerve!
In the end, the woman basically told me the internship is a big commitment (either 2 days per week for 3 months or 3 days per week for 2 months...9 hour days...WEEK days...for FREE) and I should wait until I have a more set schedule or full-time job to call them and let them know I am ready to work with them (which I don't get because how could I possibly have an internship there if I am working a full-time job?!). Then there were some veiled threats about starting the internship and not finishing. Something along the lines of "When people quit here, they regret it later." It was rather awkward.
Last night Andy and I went to The Annoyance to check out Messing with Friends. It's a show where Susan Messing has a different friend play with her every week. This week's guest was Brad Morris, so who is the nephew of the Clark Alum I met at Clark in April. WHEW! Networking! He's a cool dude and his improv is pretty great, I must admit. He was really big at Second City and iO (he has a show with Tim Meadows), and he recently moved to LA to do some improv stuff out there (he knows Molly Hale!). He is certainly a good contact for me to have out here.
It was cool to see The Annoyance, as so far I have mostly been frequenting iO (hell YES my student ID gets me into free shows). It is a much different theater physically and I know the teachings there are much different as well.
Tonight there is a tasting at Andy's restaurant, The Boiler Room. It is having its grand opening next week, so each of the employees were allowed to bring two guests. Alex and I are going and we are very excited about free pizza! Perhaps after I will go to see Shakespeare if I am back in time. I do love improvised Shakespeare.
I guess that's it for now. I think the lesson of this week is really something along the lines of: "I should have been an astronaut, after all."
Perhaps there is still time.
Things are moving along here in old Chikiggy (as I like to call it) and I am definitely starting to feel more at home. The neighborhood feels more familiar and I am getting used to the routine of going to work.
Work is getting a little better, though I am still searching for something with a bit more...substance to it. I've begun talking to people at work, so that's a good thing I suppose. It makes the time go by somewhat faster, despite the fact that all I am doing is updating listings on Craigslist all day long. I'm glad my talents are being put to such good use.
Speaking of work of substance--I still have yet to hear back on my EMT practical. Ugh. I am told there are ways to bypass the system and figure out if you have passed before the state tells you, but first I would have to figure out the name of the company that does the testing. Hm indeed.
Incidentally, I read yesterday that Massachusetts has changed its laws regarding serving alcohol on Sundays; you can now get a bloody Mary starting at 10am. Glad you have your priorities in order, Massachusetts.
In line with my thoughts about jobs that matter: I am thinking seriously about some possibilities for jobs with AmeriCorps. I had applied for a program called America SCORES Chicago, in which I would basically be working for non-profit that works to give at-risk youths activities to do after school instead of getting into trouble. They have soccer programs and poetry, stuff like that. The job would start in September and I would only get a stipend, even though I would be working 40-hour weeks. On the flipside, I would be getting healthcare, which is also a big plus. And I would be doing something worthwhile. Anyway, I got an e-mail with the second portion of that application process sent to me and I am just waiting to hear back on that for now.
I was also sent a letter in the mail about an AmeriCorps job that would be more of a commitment--something I would have to travel to do, which I am not sure I could actually commit to at this point (having just moved and all).
In other news, I got an e-mail yesterday from the woman at Borders saying she was checking my references and would be in touch within a few days. WHO KNOWS WHAT THAT MEANS.
I hate applying for jobs. It is the absolute worst.
This week I had an interview at a casting agency, as it was suggested to me that this might be a good way to make connections and get comfortable in "the biz." I'm not actually sure I want to be a part of "the biz." But anyway, the interview was ridiculous. They made me wait for about 45 minutes past my appointment time and then had me fill out a questionnaire with such queries as "What is your biggest fear?" and "What won't I like about you?" I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was signing up for a reality show. I just wanted an internship. Then they had me tell them all of those same things aloud, after I had taken the time to write them down. The nerve!
In the end, the woman basically told me the internship is a big commitment (either 2 days per week for 3 months or 3 days per week for 2 months...9 hour days...WEEK days...for FREE) and I should wait until I have a more set schedule or full-time job to call them and let them know I am ready to work with them (which I don't get because how could I possibly have an internship there if I am working a full-time job?!). Then there were some veiled threats about starting the internship and not finishing. Something along the lines of "When people quit here, they regret it later." It was rather awkward.
Last night Andy and I went to The Annoyance to check out Messing with Friends. It's a show where Susan Messing has a different friend play with her every week. This week's guest was Brad Morris, so who is the nephew of the Clark Alum I met at Clark in April. WHEW! Networking! He's a cool dude and his improv is pretty great, I must admit. He was really big at Second City and iO (he has a show with Tim Meadows), and he recently moved to LA to do some improv stuff out there (he knows Molly Hale!). He is certainly a good contact for me to have out here.
It was cool to see The Annoyance, as so far I have mostly been frequenting iO (hell YES my student ID gets me into free shows). It is a much different theater physically and I know the teachings there are much different as well.
Tonight there is a tasting at Andy's restaurant, The Boiler Room. It is having its grand opening next week, so each of the employees were allowed to bring two guests. Alex and I are going and we are very excited about free pizza! Perhaps after I will go to see Shakespeare if I am back in time. I do love improvised Shakespeare.
I guess that's it for now. I think the lesson of this week is really something along the lines of: "I should have been an astronaut, after all."
Perhaps there is still time.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
A long-awaited update!
Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I have updated the blog, but things have certainly been busy!
Of course, you'll have to excuse my failure to update last week, as I made my way back to Boston (but really Worcester) for the weekend so that I could take my EMT Practical!
It was certainly a hectic and nerve wracking time...but luckily I had friends such as Toby and Alex who were there to help me prepare for the entire day before my test. Unfortunately, I don't find out for anywhere from 2-6 weeks after taking the exam whether I passed or not. All I know is that I didn't fail only one station (there are several stations; if you fail only one, you can re-test on that station the same day...if you fail two or more stations, they don't tell you...if you don't fail any stations, they don't tell you). So I anxiously await the results of the exam, as they should arrive in the mail some unsuspected day...
While I was home, I also got to see Teresa, who came out to Worcester to have lunch with me. That was pretty awesome because I was going to miss her graduation party, which was scheduled for the next weekend (and all of our other roommates would be there!). The first night in Worcester, I stayed with Dan, which was great--we saw Milo at the pizza place where he works and we ate some delicious pizza pie. The second night, I stayed with Toby and he was a perfectly wonderful host--he even came with me to my EMT exam to be my patient! My friend from my EMT class, Tasa, drove us to the exam in Bolton, MA at Nashoba Valley Regional High School and that was cool because she was my partner for most of the stations. It was great to get to work with someone with whom I had been working throughout my entire EMT class.
Also while at home, I got to hang out with Grace for a huge chunk of time, since she and I went to Courtney's moving away party together. It was slightly awkward at times (there were a lot of people we didn't know), but it was overall really fun, since we got to hang out and talk, which is something we haven't had time to do in a while.
I only ended up spending about 8 hours at home...most of which were spent sleeping.
Overall, it was a successful trip. Well, I guess I can really gauge that when I get the results of my exam back...
Back home in Chicago, things went right back to crazy hectic-ness. The day after I got back, I had an interview at the Lincoln Park Zoo. I thought that would be an awesome place to work, as it would utilize both portions of my degree (Theater and Biology), but apparently the people hiring for the job did not feel the same. That sucked, because I really thought the interview went well.
A few days later, I got an e-mail about an interview at Borders for a part-time position in the cafe. I thought this would be kind of a great (and ironic) job for me to get, seeing as Molly starting doing this very thing when she went to Olympia. I called Molly and we had a talk about things I should say and do in the interview. Well, I had the interview and I thought it went really well--but I have yet to hear back. The interview was last week and the woman told me that if they were going to hire me, they would either a.) call for a second interview by friday or b.) if they found someone who was right, they would call them next week or by the beginning of the next week to offer them the job.
So, that's vague.
I would really love to have that as a second job, as it is literally about 3 doors down from the other place I am working AND it seems like the schedule would be really flexible...which is something that would be perfect for me.
The search for the perfect (and/or rent-paying) job rolls on.
Today in the city of Chicago is Pride, which my roommate tells me is one of the 3 largest gay pride parades in the country. We went out to the parade (literally just around the corner from our apartment--did I mention we live in the very gay part of Chicago? it's fabulous!) for a couple of hours. It was good fun, but I am certainly glad I didn't have to deal with taking the train or a bus back home...traffic central!
Friday night I had my first improv class at iO and it was a lot of fun! I am really excited to have another class (although there are no classes next week, due to 4th of July), as the teacher seems like a lot of fun and most of the people in the class seem either really talented or like they are going to be great once they have a bit of training.
After my class, I stayed at the theater with a few people from my class and watched The Improvised Shakespeare Company, which is (duh) and improvised Shakespeare show. It was AMAZING and definitely a show I will go to see again and again (thank you, free admission to shows with my ID card!). I am really excited to work with these people and make some new friends!!! :)
OH! OH! And there is a guy in the class from Perth! Totally awesome!!!!!
Hm. That's a lot of what's going on. It's been crazy. Andy got a job (did I mention that?) at a pizza place that will be opening up next week, starting out as a dishwasher (and you spent $200,000 on a Computer Science degree, you say?). That will certainly be a good addition to our income. We just need to make enough money to pay the rent so we can afford to get KITTENS!!!!! That's all I want...kittens.
Tomorrow, I have an interview at a casting agency for an internship. Hopefully, if I can get an internship and work for a few hours per week with this casting agent, it could be helpful to meet people and network and all that schnazzy stuff.
Well, I'm pretty exhausted. Standing out at a parade for a couple of hours can take a lot out of someone who rarely ventures outdoors!
I'm thinking about going to see some improv tonight, so I must decide on that.
Time go to find something to eat! Ta ta!
Of course, you'll have to excuse my failure to update last week, as I made my way back to Boston (but really Worcester) for the weekend so that I could take my EMT Practical!
It was certainly a hectic and nerve wracking time...but luckily I had friends such as Toby and Alex who were there to help me prepare for the entire day before my test. Unfortunately, I don't find out for anywhere from 2-6 weeks after taking the exam whether I passed or not. All I know is that I didn't fail only one station (there are several stations; if you fail only one, you can re-test on that station the same day...if you fail two or more stations, they don't tell you...if you don't fail any stations, they don't tell you). So I anxiously await the results of the exam, as they should arrive in the mail some unsuspected day...
While I was home, I also got to see Teresa, who came out to Worcester to have lunch with me. That was pretty awesome because I was going to miss her graduation party, which was scheduled for the next weekend (and all of our other roommates would be there!). The first night in Worcester, I stayed with Dan, which was great--we saw Milo at the pizza place where he works and we ate some delicious pizza pie. The second night, I stayed with Toby and he was a perfectly wonderful host--he even came with me to my EMT exam to be my patient! My friend from my EMT class, Tasa, drove us to the exam in Bolton, MA at Nashoba Valley Regional High School and that was cool because she was my partner for most of the stations. It was great to get to work with someone with whom I had been working throughout my entire EMT class.
Also while at home, I got to hang out with Grace for a huge chunk of time, since she and I went to Courtney's moving away party together. It was slightly awkward at times (there were a lot of people we didn't know), but it was overall really fun, since we got to hang out and talk, which is something we haven't had time to do in a while.
I only ended up spending about 8 hours at home...most of which were spent sleeping.
Overall, it was a successful trip. Well, I guess I can really gauge that when I get the results of my exam back...
Back home in Chicago, things went right back to crazy hectic-ness. The day after I got back, I had an interview at the Lincoln Park Zoo. I thought that would be an awesome place to work, as it would utilize both portions of my degree (Theater and Biology), but apparently the people hiring for the job did not feel the same. That sucked, because I really thought the interview went well.
A few days later, I got an e-mail about an interview at Borders for a part-time position in the cafe. I thought this would be kind of a great (and ironic) job for me to get, seeing as Molly starting doing this very thing when she went to Olympia. I called Molly and we had a talk about things I should say and do in the interview. Well, I had the interview and I thought it went really well--but I have yet to hear back. The interview was last week and the woman told me that if they were going to hire me, they would either a.) call for a second interview by friday or b.) if they found someone who was right, they would call them next week or by the beginning of the next week to offer them the job.
So, that's vague.
I would really love to have that as a second job, as it is literally about 3 doors down from the other place I am working AND it seems like the schedule would be really flexible...which is something that would be perfect for me.
The search for the perfect (and/or rent-paying) job rolls on.
Today in the city of Chicago is Pride, which my roommate tells me is one of the 3 largest gay pride parades in the country. We went out to the parade (literally just around the corner from our apartment--did I mention we live in the very gay part of Chicago? it's fabulous!) for a couple of hours. It was good fun, but I am certainly glad I didn't have to deal with taking the train or a bus back home...traffic central!
Friday night I had my first improv class at iO and it was a lot of fun! I am really excited to have another class (although there are no classes next week, due to 4th of July), as the teacher seems like a lot of fun and most of the people in the class seem either really talented or like they are going to be great once they have a bit of training.
After my class, I stayed at the theater with a few people from my class and watched The Improvised Shakespeare Company, which is (duh) and improvised Shakespeare show. It was AMAZING and definitely a show I will go to see again and again (thank you, free admission to shows with my ID card!). I am really excited to work with these people and make some new friends!!! :)
OH! OH! And there is a guy in the class from Perth! Totally awesome!!!!!
Hm. That's a lot of what's going on. It's been crazy. Andy got a job (did I mention that?) at a pizza place that will be opening up next week, starting out as a dishwasher (and you spent $200,000 on a Computer Science degree, you say?). That will certainly be a good addition to our income. We just need to make enough money to pay the rent so we can afford to get KITTENS!!!!! That's all I want...kittens.
Tomorrow, I have an interview at a casting agency for an internship. Hopefully, if I can get an internship and work for a few hours per week with this casting agent, it could be helpful to meet people and network and all that schnazzy stuff.
Well, I'm pretty exhausted. Standing out at a parade for a couple of hours can take a lot out of someone who rarely ventures outdoors!
I'm thinking about going to see some improv tonight, so I must decide on that.
Time go to find something to eat! Ta ta!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Growing Up
It's been a little over a week since I've posted and things have certainly been busy. Well, busy and not so busy, all at once.
Of course, Andy and I have been looking for jobs on a constant basis, which means a lot of time job-searching, plus a lot of time doing not so much. I have become increasingly frustrated with our situation, as it is just so hard to be in a new city and not even have enough money to explore. I think we would be having a really good time here if we weren't so concerned with how we are going to manage to pay rent. Oh well, one day we will get to enjoy it, I suppose.
Last week I had a few job interviews, including one at a place called Apartment Savvy Chicago. As it turns out, I got the job there! Now, this may sound great (and it certainly is--it takes the pressure off a little bit in terms of finding a job), but the job is only part time and therefore not enough to pay rent (hence the point of the job). Also, the job was listed as Administrative Assistant--and basically all I am doing is updating Craigslist ads. So...yeah. I'm glad my skills are being put to good use. Also, the other day at work I heard some people talking about the difficulty they have understanding how to download ringtones on their cell phones. Later, a guy asked if Woodstock, Illinois is THE Woodstock. To both of these things, I threw up a little bit. These are not older people--they are around my age. They should have some knowledge of both technology and music. Ugh. And I'm the one who isn't smart enough to get a better job?
I also had an interview at a place called Entrust, which was another Administrative Assistant job. Basically they did something for old people with retirement funds...yadda yadda yadda...and the guy needed an Administrative Assistant for the office. Well, I did not get a call for a second interview, so I guess I wasn't good enough for that job.
Then I had an interview at a Temp Agency called AddisonSearch. Basically, they wanted me to come in and prove I was a human so they could find some jobs for me to do. That seemed cool to me, so I went in. Then they had me do a typing test (yes, after 4 years of college...make that 17 years of schooling...I am able to type on a computer). The real trouble started when they sent me this test that I had to complete at home, which was basically a computer proficiency test. I had to do 30 tasks in each Microsoft Office program--Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint. Each task had to be done in one click, just the way the program wanted you to do it. Needless to say, I grew frustrated and my patience (already short) grew shorter still. To my credit, I completed most of the foolish exams (which all pretty much said I don't know how to send an e-mail) before calling the company and complaining about how ridiculously flawed the test is. The guy at the office proceeded to inform me that there are tutorials available online about how to succeed in these tests. I proceeded to tell him that I really did not want to waste my time on tutorials for something I had proved I knew how to do by earning a degree from a University (okay, I was nicer than that, I promise).
Anyway. A frustrating ordeal indeed.
Life continues on...
I applied today for a job at the zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo--which is free!) and I got a call about it, so I have to call the woman tomorrow to talk and find out if they want me to/if I want to go in for an interview. Incidentally, Andy and I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo today to check it out, since it is free and within walking distance (admittedly a long walk, since once you get to the zoo, you are just going to be doing more walking).
Andy got an interview the other day at a pizza place that is opening up, though it's kind of far away. He also has an interview tomorrow with a computer company (::fingers are crossed::--though that job is also far away), and got a call today from a technology recruitment company that will try to find him a computer job as well.
Monday I had Orientation at iO, where I met Charna Halpern (who is one of the founders of the theater and basically a very good person to know) and then got to watch Armando Diaz for free. Incidentally, I now get into most iO shows for free, as I am student there. Hooray. My class starts next Friday and I am really excited to get started and to meet some improv people. :)
Tomorrow, I fly back to Boston for a weekend of EMT and Worcester goodness (AKA my MA State Practical Exam!!!!!). I am very nervous to fly (I hate it!), but at least that is kind of overrun by my fear for the exam. Wish me luck! :/
OH YES. One other thing--we finally got a KITCHEN TABLE! We have a kitchen table! A picture to follow, but I assure you, it was worth all of the hard Craigslist work we had to go through in order to get it!!!
It's getting late and I am likely going to meet with a Clark alum to have coffee that I can't afford tomorrow morning, so I should get to bed.
Ta!
Of course, Andy and I have been looking for jobs on a constant basis, which means a lot of time job-searching, plus a lot of time doing not so much. I have become increasingly frustrated with our situation, as it is just so hard to be in a new city and not even have enough money to explore. I think we would be having a really good time here if we weren't so concerned with how we are going to manage to pay rent. Oh well, one day we will get to enjoy it, I suppose.
Last week I had a few job interviews, including one at a place called Apartment Savvy Chicago. As it turns out, I got the job there! Now, this may sound great (and it certainly is--it takes the pressure off a little bit in terms of finding a job), but the job is only part time and therefore not enough to pay rent (hence the point of the job). Also, the job was listed as Administrative Assistant--and basically all I am doing is updating Craigslist ads. So...yeah. I'm glad my skills are being put to good use. Also, the other day at work I heard some people talking about the difficulty they have understanding how to download ringtones on their cell phones. Later, a guy asked if Woodstock, Illinois is THE Woodstock. To both of these things, I threw up a little bit. These are not older people--they are around my age. They should have some knowledge of both technology and music. Ugh. And I'm the one who isn't smart enough to get a better job?
I also had an interview at a place called Entrust, which was another Administrative Assistant job. Basically they did something for old people with retirement funds...yadda yadda yadda...and the guy needed an Administrative Assistant for the office. Well, I did not get a call for a second interview, so I guess I wasn't good enough for that job.
Then I had an interview at a Temp Agency called AddisonSearch. Basically, they wanted me to come in and prove I was a human so they could find some jobs for me to do. That seemed cool to me, so I went in. Then they had me do a typing test (yes, after 4 years of college...make that 17 years of schooling...I am able to type on a computer). The real trouble started when they sent me this test that I had to complete at home, which was basically a computer proficiency test. I had to do 30 tasks in each Microsoft Office program--Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint. Each task had to be done in one click, just the way the program wanted you to do it. Needless to say, I grew frustrated and my patience (already short) grew shorter still. To my credit, I completed most of the foolish exams (which all pretty much said I don't know how to send an e-mail) before calling the company and complaining about how ridiculously flawed the test is. The guy at the office proceeded to inform me that there are tutorials available online about how to succeed in these tests. I proceeded to tell him that I really did not want to waste my time on tutorials for something I had proved I knew how to do by earning a degree from a University (okay, I was nicer than that, I promise).
Anyway. A frustrating ordeal indeed.
Life continues on...
I applied today for a job at the zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo--which is free!) and I got a call about it, so I have to call the woman tomorrow to talk and find out if they want me to/if I want to go in for an interview. Incidentally, Andy and I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo today to check it out, since it is free and within walking distance (admittedly a long walk, since once you get to the zoo, you are just going to be doing more walking).
Andy got an interview the other day at a pizza place that is opening up, though it's kind of far away. He also has an interview tomorrow with a computer company (::fingers are crossed::--though that job is also far away), and got a call today from a technology recruitment company that will try to find him a computer job as well.
Monday I had Orientation at iO, where I met Charna Halpern (who is one of the founders of the theater and basically a very good person to know) and then got to watch Armando Diaz for free. Incidentally, I now get into most iO shows for free, as I am student there. Hooray. My class starts next Friday and I am really excited to get started and to meet some improv people. :)
Tomorrow, I fly back to Boston for a weekend of EMT and Worcester goodness (AKA my MA State Practical Exam!!!!!). I am very nervous to fly (I hate it!), but at least that is kind of overrun by my fear for the exam. Wish me luck! :/
OH YES. One other thing--we finally got a KITCHEN TABLE! We have a kitchen table! A picture to follow, but I assure you, it was worth all of the hard Craigslist work we had to go through in order to get it!!!
It's getting late and I am likely going to meet with a Clark alum to have coffee that I can't afford tomorrow morning, so I should get to bed.
Ta!
Monday, June 7, 2010
One whirlwind week (pun...intended?)
Here we are. One week into living in Chicago and still unemployed. I guess it could be worse; at least I have a place to live...for now.
This past week has been really crazy with all of its goings-on. Andy and I spent our first few days at Ilana's house, which was great. Ilana lives not too far away from where we are now, so we stalked our new house a few times before we actually got to see the inside of it. We started scoping out the job situation there, but not in too much ernest. We spent our first few nights here walking around, checking out what was here (which includes, but is NOT limited to such delicious eating establishments as The Pita Pit (which we found in New Zealand and which claimed to be prevalent in the US) and Jamba Juice. Oh yes, the Jamba Juice.
Once we'd had enough fun with that sort of thing (and realized we probably shouldn't be spending money until we actually have an income), it was about time to move in to our apartment with our roommate, Alex, and his BUNNY!!!!!!, Mooshi (phonetic spelling). So do that we did. And here we are. We realized that buying an inflatable mattress (which was our original plan) was going to be almost as expensive as buying a regular mattress, so we decided to do away with that notion and sleep on our mattress pads (read: 4 years old, from all 4 years at Clark) instead. This, of course, essentially equals out to us sleeping on the floor.
Yes, it's been an uncomfortable past week, but a couple of nights ago we finally sucked it up and decided to order a mattress from IKEA (hooray for the Swedish). By Friday, we should be sleeping on an actual bed...one that is actually made for more than one small child to sleep in.
Our apartment is lovely. It's a lot bigger than I expected from the photos Alex took for us and we even have a built in bookshelf in the wall! It's been great that Alex is an actual adult human being, because he has supplied us with a lot of home goods that we would not have had without him. Once we get some other stuff, like a bed...and a kitchen table...life will be grand! We'll be living like kings!
This weekend, we went to a German festival called Maifest (May Fest), where there was a May pole and lots of polka music. It was in Lincoln Square, which is the German neighborhood of Chicago (Agnes, I will take you there). It was a lot of fun. Even though I don't like beer, Alex proved his worth to us by going to nearby liquor store, sneaking in cider, and then pouring it into our plastic steins (yes, they had plastic steins) in the porta-potty. If that's not someone I want to live with, I don't know what is!
I'm excited for the other festivals that will happen this summer, as people in Chicago pretty much go crazy and there are multiple free festivals every weekend of the summer (how's that for savoring the warm weather while we have it?).
Other than that, the job search continues. I had one interview on Friday and I am waiting to hear back on whether they thought good or ill of me. It was for some swanky-time apartment finding company, so who knows. It would be pretty sweet to actually have a job and not have to fear for my ability to eat food...but...so it goes, I guess.
The date is getting closer for my EMT practical exam (June 19th!)--I got an e-mail from my school today reminding me of it and telling me when the practice times are next week (of course I cannot make them). Hopefully I will get to practice a bit in the EMS room on Friday or something before my exam on Saturday. Eek! Nervous! I will be flying home on Thursday the 17th, (hopefully) heading to Worcester on Friday, if I can figure out a way to get there and to practice), and flying back here on Sunday the 20th. Woah! I guess if worse-comes-to-worse, I will just make Andy be my practice patient, as he has been for the past 6 months...
I should go now, try to look for some more jobs on Craigslist (I feel like I've applied for them all!)
Will try to upload some photos of the apartment!
This past week has been really crazy with all of its goings-on. Andy and I spent our first few days at Ilana's house, which was great. Ilana lives not too far away from where we are now, so we stalked our new house a few times before we actually got to see the inside of it. We started scoping out the job situation there, but not in too much ernest. We spent our first few nights here walking around, checking out what was here (which includes, but is NOT limited to such delicious eating establishments as The Pita Pit (which we found in New Zealand and which claimed to be prevalent in the US) and Jamba Juice. Oh yes, the Jamba Juice.
Once we'd had enough fun with that sort of thing (and realized we probably shouldn't be spending money until we actually have an income), it was about time to move in to our apartment with our roommate, Alex, and his BUNNY!!!!!!, Mooshi (phonetic spelling). So do that we did. And here we are. We realized that buying an inflatable mattress (which was our original plan) was going to be almost as expensive as buying a regular mattress, so we decided to do away with that notion and sleep on our mattress pads (read: 4 years old, from all 4 years at Clark) instead. This, of course, essentially equals out to us sleeping on the floor.
Yes, it's been an uncomfortable past week, but a couple of nights ago we finally sucked it up and decided to order a mattress from IKEA (hooray for the Swedish). By Friday, we should be sleeping on an actual bed...one that is actually made for more than one small child to sleep in.
Our apartment is lovely. It's a lot bigger than I expected from the photos Alex took for us and we even have a built in bookshelf in the wall! It's been great that Alex is an actual adult human being, because he has supplied us with a lot of home goods that we would not have had without him. Once we get some other stuff, like a bed...and a kitchen table...life will be grand! We'll be living like kings!
This weekend, we went to a German festival called Maifest (May Fest), where there was a May pole and lots of polka music. It was in Lincoln Square, which is the German neighborhood of Chicago (Agnes, I will take you there). It was a lot of fun. Even though I don't like beer, Alex proved his worth to us by going to nearby liquor store, sneaking in cider, and then pouring it into our plastic steins (yes, they had plastic steins) in the porta-potty. If that's not someone I want to live with, I don't know what is!
I'm excited for the other festivals that will happen this summer, as people in Chicago pretty much go crazy and there are multiple free festivals every weekend of the summer (how's that for savoring the warm weather while we have it?).
Other than that, the job search continues. I had one interview on Friday and I am waiting to hear back on whether they thought good or ill of me. It was for some swanky-time apartment finding company, so who knows. It would be pretty sweet to actually have a job and not have to fear for my ability to eat food...but...so it goes, I guess.
The date is getting closer for my EMT practical exam (June 19th!)--I got an e-mail from my school today reminding me of it and telling me when the practice times are next week (of course I cannot make them). Hopefully I will get to practice a bit in the EMS room on Friday or something before my exam on Saturday. Eek! Nervous! I will be flying home on Thursday the 17th, (hopefully) heading to Worcester on Friday, if I can figure out a way to get there and to practice), and flying back here on Sunday the 20th. Woah! I guess if worse-comes-to-worse, I will just make Andy be my practice patient, as he has been for the past 6 months...
I should go now, try to look for some more jobs on Craigslist (I feel like I've applied for them all!)
Will try to upload some photos of the apartment!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Windy City--at long last.
The day has arrived. Andy and I have made our fateful journey all the way from Massachusetts to Illinois--in one piece (two pieces?). It was a long haul, but we survived, and we're still friends.
The past week or so has been a bit of a whirlwind. Senior week, graduation, moving to Norwood, moving out of Norwood...now we find ourselves in Chicago, ready to start a great adventure.
A bit of a recap:
Graduation was pretty much the most anticlimactic experience of my life. You wait for years and then it's done. It doesn't help that there's little-to-no time to say goodbye, let alone see any of the people you have been interacting with for the past four years (for the last time ever).
Senior week was good. Weird, but good. The time was drawn out, but it gave Andy and myself a chance to finally spend time with and enjoy the company of our roommates. I am really glad about that, because as it turns out, they were totally awesome people. I'm just sad we didn't get to spend time together earlier.
Senior week also afforded me a chance to spend time with other friends I hadn't seen enough of during the year. Toby and Alex are probably pretty sick of my face by now, so it's good that we got to spend so much time together so they won't have to miss me.
The first leg of our trip (Norwood to Lanesboro) was approximately 2 1/2 hours. We got to say goodbye to Andy's family, so that was really nice. Moving on, we headed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to stay the night with Cassie (about 9 hours of driving). We had a short visit (about enough time to stretch our legs) and a trip to a schnazzy diner, then headed out the next day for Chicago (about 8 hours).
We arrived here at about 5.30pm (we gained an hour that we forgot about, which was a lot like finding money you had put in your pocket and forgotten) and unloaded some stuff into the current apartment of our future roommate, Alex (oh, we also met him in person for the first time!).
Then we headed to Ilana's place to drop off some stuff, were harassed by a nasty man who we had to pay for parking, and returned the rental car.
WHEW! What a long couple of days! But it was fun...and certainly an adventure. I guess if the car wasn't packed up with so much stuff, maybe we could have stretched our legs and enjoyed it a little more. I, for example, probably would have just gone to sleep in the backseat and left Andy to the driving.
Andy put it nicely as we were driving when he said, "We are leaving New England...and really entering America." It's true. The only word I really have to describe this section of the country is simply: "Farmlands."
As a sidenote, we saw a McCain/Palin sign on some farm at some point on the way here (Psst...They lost).
Anyway. Life begins now. We move into our apartment either Monday or Tuesday, depending on how generous the landlord is feeling. Soon, hopefully, we'll have jobs and be (almost) real people. It's scary, but exciting...and I can't wait for it all to get going.
As some strange man said to me on graduation as I was looking around to figure out where they wanted us to go next, "You're on your own now. You can do whatever you want."
I think that's good life advice. Thanks, Someone's Dad.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Heart of the Commonwealth, Soul of New England
Dear Livejournal--Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I'm thinking of another publication.
Truth be told, I had a livejournal. And it was the best. I was an angsty teenager with things to blog about and blog about them I did. I got to put my mood in, what music I was listening to, everything. But enough about that; this is serious business.
I guess I'm starting this as a means to somewhat document this huge change I am about to go through--becoming an adult (?). Well, I'll qualify that. I may be an adult in the eyes of the government or "society," but who knows when and if I will actually become an adult human. I mean, I am moving to Chicago to do improv. I feel like, there's not much that's overly adult about wanting to go and play and laugh a bunch. So that's good, I guess. Prolonging the inevitable or something.
Things are definitely starting to change and wrap up. Most of my younger friends have left school for the summer and I'm still straggling behind. This week-before-graduation thing is just maddening. I'm stuck in this limbo-place where I have to stay until I get to move to Chicago.
June 1st June 1st June 1st June 1st. I am excited for this change in my life, but I feel like it is overshadowing the things I will miss here. Over the course of this year, I have become increasingly frustrated with life at Clark and the way things are sometimes operated. I hate the Theatre Department and the lack of opportunities I found there. I kick myself for not pursuing different majors that would have given me more (both as a credible degree and intellectually).
But I think I am using my frustration to hide from myself the things I will truly miss when I am away from the oddity that is Worcester, Massachusetts.
This year, I have become so close with so many of my friends from EMS. It has become something I truly enjoy doing and will really miss when I am gone. I already miss the insane amount of shifts I was taking...as Toby said, the weight of the radio is somewhat of a comfort; it just feels right to have that with you.
Of course, life is going to be so different without the Peapod Squad. For four years of my life, I have had a family here that I could go to in order to vent any problem or sorrow, to celebrate any success or joy. Throughout my time here I have depended on these people--these friends, this family--to get me through this experience with a positive attitude.
All in all I am thankful I came to Clark. What I ended up hating in terms of my major, I found through other outlets. I would never have done EMS anywhere else. I don't know if I would have found my love of improv without the Peapod Squad. I really wouldn't be the person I am today without having gone through the experience of being a weirdo Clarkie.
I think one day soon I'll be sad about missing all of these great things, but for now, that has yet to really hit me.
Graduation is coming up soon and I know this next week will go incredibly fast once it gets going (It's just so strange not having every hour of the day blocked out with things to do!).
Grace graduates this weekend and I will be going home to celebrate that with her, Molly (who will be coming home for over a week!!!!!), and the Mother. I am so grateful to be a part of the best family I could have possibly found for myself. The encouragement and love I have received over the past years has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so happy to know such generous, caring people. I don't think there is any way I could ever fully show my gratitude.
Enough of the mushy stuff--I have to start packing up my life so I can prepare to go home and see some family!
Catch you on the flippity flop,
Kaylie
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