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!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
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!
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