A GenY on Her Own

Go with the Flow

2011-12-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

Life has been going really smoothly lately. I have really learned the power of a budget and the power of a salary. If you are living off day to day pay like a server or a retail worker I would definitely suggest you always save about 50% of what you make every day or week for your bills that are always there. Then remember to build an emergency fund...this is hard. I will absolutely admit that emergency funds take will power. It will help down the road though.

As for salary pay if you are not making a lot for what you work a part-time gig or doing free-lance work (if you have a skill that lends itself to freelance work) can help a lot. Budgeting a salary is much easier to do too. Especially if you COOK FOR YOURSELF.

Cooking for yourself can be hard to do because you are tired and you feel lazy. Trust me I lived off of take out or order in food for like a month. Wanna know what happened? I gained 15 pounds. Luckily I found CalorieCount.com and with just counting my calories I have lost 5 of those 15 pounds. I have also found that it is hard to cook for myself all the time. So usually I bring things in for breakfast and lunch and put them in the fridge at work. For breakfast I have been eating yogurt and a banana. Sometimes I have a small snack before lunch. Then for lunch I have a low cal microwave meal, lean pocket, light can of soup or I make myself a sandwich. IF the meal is a little too low cal I will bring a piece of fruit or even a pudding snack.

Dinner lately has been the best. I decide what I am going to attempt making and go buy the ingredients. Lately I have found that arugula is a delicious low cal high vitamin ingredient and it is yummy too. Also goat cheese can be cooked into so many things. Stuffed mushrooms, cream sauce, or even baked and put on top of a pasta dish. So many endless possibilities to try.

Going with the flow of life feels good right now. I have been in a good place and am just trying to stay there and get healthier while doing it.

FALL has Arrived...Again!

2011-10-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened to me lately. Aaron moved into his own place and soon Odin will be moving in with him. My job is going well and I now am the Marketing Coordinator for 2 clients. I still handle all of the Receptionist/Assistant duties until I get a 3rd client. Which is fine my clients are nice and pretty easy to manage for now.

I am still designing on the side for PJ Skidoos which is awesome.

Also I have been dealing with my cat Cedo. He is a sprayer and I have decided to try and end it once and for all. The Xanax that was prescribed to him obviously wasn't working. So I brought him to this local vet and had him tested for a UTI, nothing wrong with him. And since this vet practices both eastern and western medicine he decided to try my cat on some herbal medications to promote calm and lessen his stress levels. I am also going to need to buy another litterbox and I am not happy about it. Also if this medication doesn't work the vet is probably going to try acupuncture. I think that would be interesting and even if the medication does start to work I would still be interested in having him go through acupuncture sessions.

Halloween is also next Monday and I am just going to wear my steam-punk costume. Maybe my heavy metal costume...not sure which yet.

I will say just starting out in a career the one thing I have noticed to be difficult is wardrobe. There are a lot of great options for easy wash suits and work clothes so I would stay away from dry-clean only. Also Macy's always has great sales you would be surprised how cheap you can get last seasons things on their clearance rack. Other saviors is thrift stores and getting the things from thrift stores tailored or learning to tailor them yourself. And stores like ROSS and TJ Maxx. You really can save a lot. But remember the big department stores have sales so just keep an eye out for the really good sales from places like that because the better clothes from the better stores often last much longer.

In Need of Topics

2011-09-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

Now that I have landed myself a job, though I get peeved with it sometimes, I find that I am without much to talk about. I am living on my own with roommates, my cats inhabit my space instead of my parents and I graduated college. What else is there to write about when it comes to living on my own? What would people like to read about? Does anyone have suggestions?

I am becoming very good with budgets, to-do lists, handling bills, handling roommates, and handling having pets (of the feline variety) in a small space. I am just unsure as to what would be the most interesting for readers.
...Help?

Updates Before the Fall of 2011 Starts

2011-09-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

BUwahahahahha! Today I am off to a Music Festival. This is my second one, my last one was in July and it was all the way in Up State New York called The Big Up. It was a very long trip but super fun with the camping in a random field on a random farm in the middle of no where. Luckily our camp neighbors were really nice since Aaron and I were the only ones who went it was nice to make some friends and meet people to hang out with.

This Festival we are going to, I don't know the title of, is in Pennsylvania so it is a much shorter drive. I hope to finish taking pictures on my disposable camera, that I bought for the last festival, at this festival so I can finally develop them. I am kind of scared to see what will be on that camera.

As for my new job

Here is a photo before my first official interview at that job.

I had a casual interview at the office before but that was when they were not hiring.

Well after the pictured interview took place I went to a second interview and was hired. Later I got to start my job and now have been diligently working there for a month.

The job is at a marketing firm which I will not name incase anyone ever reads this. I don't want to get fired for posting my jobs name on my blog or something.

The job itself is fine and I am learning a lot. My co-workers are fun and really funny but they are perfect. No Comment on my boss.

Being Done with School

So I am done with school. I do hope to go back and get my MAT (Masters in Art Teaching) one day and then maybe a PhD to teach art on a college level. But for now I really just want to pay off my debt and then begin to save for my Master's.

Apartment and Roommates

Roommates are cool I have 3 as I believe I have stated before. Of course as with any apartment with people my age the trash piles up and the dishes sit in the sink. At least we have a dishwasher unlike the last place I lived in. All I can really ask for is that there is no drama and the cops don't get called on our apartment more than once. Which so far neither has happened so I think we are doing pretty good. All my roommates are working on their Master's, one is on a break but has her's about half done. The two guys I live with are working hard on theirs to just finish them asap. But we all work hard to pay the rent and bills and we survive. The only roommates I do have complaints about are my cats they are 3 rambunctious boys and can get very annoying. They are lucky I love them.

Big Day

2011-06-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

One of the first steps to the rest of my life is today. An interview at a Marketing Company that is in the market of Beauty, Spa and Health. I am nervous simply because this interview is a much bigger deal than the one I had previously with this company. Hopefully what I know can help me get this job so I can continue to learn about the advertising and Marketing field.

The way I see it as long as I get a job that I can use what I have learned in college and what I have learned in high school and in life then life will be good. Especially if that job gives me the opportunity to learn even more. No matter what job I get I plan on being the best I can be and working to make myself better. Doesn't matter if I am serving, designing, or retailing I will always work hard to do my best.

I never want to end up back home living with my parents. If that happens I must have hit rock bottom because I am willing to work multiple jobs to ensure that never happens to me.

People of the GenY need to have the motivation to do whatever it takes to land a job to sustain so you can land the job that will lead you to your dream. And who knows that job you use to sustain yourself could need someone with your talents for their business. I know my current job at a restaurant has a lot of use for a graphic designer and it is nice because it keeps my portfolio growing. Not to mention I never stop networking to try and find more free-lance clientele.

So GenY lets get out into the world and show it what we're made of.

Moved In and Loving it!

2011-06-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogosphere,

I am now moved into my new apartment with my 3 roommates and cats. I am so happy about this apartment it is beautiful, the pool is nice, it has a gym, and was super easy to move into.

My full-time job is going well. Lifting all those trays and serving, running around and everything has really gotten me into better shape. The people I work with are nice too of course not all the customers are nice but that is to be expected. Can't please everyone.

I am also applying for this job at a marketing firm. I had contacted them a few months back and feel like I could be a very good fit. I prepared my portfolio, got a nice outfit for my first interview and now just need to paint my nails and make sure I look really nice. It is a marketing firm in the beauty and spa industry so looks are very important.

Otherwise everything has been going great, as long as I make rent ;-)

Graduated/Full-Time Job/New Apartment/Some Fun

2011-06-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Since March a lot has happened. The Senior Art show for Mason was great! Here is the site http://masonseniorshow.com/spring2011/info/ and here is a picture of my book.

I hand bound the book and also the cover was screen-printed. The show was a bit stressful to put together but when it was all done everything turned out great.

After my show I had finals which went fine. As an art major the finals are usually not too hard. Except for the Art history, that is hard, mostly because I have a hard time with history in general.

But after my finals were done and I passed all my classes I got to decorate my cap and strut around in my cap and gown. It was a lot of fun to graduate and walk across the stage. It is amazing how fast those 4 years went by.

It was actually the day before I graduated that I got hired at my new job that I am training for (training ends after today YAY!). I am now going to be a server for a really great restaurant. Sure it isn't a design job but it will pay the bills while I create a great portfolio.

I've also finalized everything for my new apartment and new roommates. I will have 3 roommates that I am friends with and my cats will be moving with me.

Last update is I went to Starscape again and it was AWESOME!!!! I got to see so many great artists and I also got to see Flux Pavillion live for his first US show. It was so much fun. I also got body painted. Check it out!

Of course you got to love my new shorts that I got at the beach too.

Officially a BFA/applying for a townhouse

2011-03-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hello one and all! It is official I am graduating college with a BFA in Art and Visual Technology concentrating in graphic design from George Mason University. I would like to thank my professors who gave great references even though I didn't even request them you may not know it but thanks to your kind words I got into the BFA program simply because you all said I was worth it. I can't thank you enough for believing in me.

Now for the housing situation. May is coming up faster than it seems and I need a home. My roommates and I are applying for a townhouse near campus and hopefully will get accepted.

I am also applying for my MAT which is a Master's in Art Teaching or Art Education. After I gain experience as a Graphic Designer I would love to become an art teacher and help young artists find their way and their visual voice.

Room Mates!!!!!!

2011-02-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

I actually have people who are 100% in on the moving into a place. So excited. My friend Rob is 100% and my friend August is about 90% I'd say. And we have many prospects on a 4th person. This is gonna be an awesome time. We can get a townhouse have my cats be their. Yay! Even though it will be different being the only girl in the household, I still think it will be fun. But who knows, the 4th person could be a chick.

Yay for 2011

2011-02-09T07:47:00.000-08:00

I have begun a couple new goals for myself to attempt to keep up for the next year.

Read daily
Learn Chess
Do creative exercises
Lessen my TV watching
just to name a few...

Anyhow. This May is coming up pretty soon and it is kind of scary since I am not sure if I'm gonna be able to find roommates and therefore maybe not a place to live this May. I sure hope it will happen and not have too many problems. :-( I would love it if people who knew some answers for these problems would comment on this blog!

Brand New Year :-)

2011-01-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

So these past couple of months have been very busy. This is my Senior Year in College after all. This past semester I had taken 17 credits which is a LOT and I past all my classes and only got a C in one of the classes. It was Art History and I always end up with a C in Art History (darn those dates!).

Also this past semester at my apartment my roommate and I had been getting all these bites. First we thought fleas...checked the cats...no fleas. Then we thought Gnats (yes they do bite) cleaned the apartment very thoroughly...alas still more bites. Exterminator came and said it was...bed bugs. So I had to move my cats to my parents place. Clear out and wash and dry ALL my clothes, curtains, bed stuff on HIGH heat. Anything that was too delicate for that I am leaving in the freezing cold air all winter long. We have been out of our apartment for about 4 weeks. So today I am going into the apartment to air it out because those chemicals they used smell like cigarettes. And I need to vacuum everything and scrub all the floors and surfaces. Also every thing we had that wasn't clothing is bagged and stored in the bathroom and kitchen.

Big time advice: Bed Bugs are becoming a large problem not just for me but globally if you want to prevent bed bugs use a bug killer called Good Night, it is for bed bugs, use it on your mattress and furniture. Also Diatomachious Earth is a great prevention on bugs. Lightly dust it around your baseboards, bed, house perimeter and carpets to keep bed bugs and other bugs from staying in your house or apartment.

On a lighter note I am applying for my BFA this semester (cutting it really close). I need to get my portfolio together before the semester starts which is in 22 days. I just have to tell myself I can do this.

Housing plans: My lease for my apartment is up at the end of May and my current roommate is leaving for MD. So far I have one roommate that is for the most part sure she is looking into a Masters. I also have about 3 other prospects for roommates. I am unsure their plans but I know this year is the year I get a townhouse with roommates. I can feel it.

Fall has begun and soon Winter...

2010-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

This Fall has already started to be difficult for me. My allergies are horrible and I am rarely finding time for myself.

Classes are going great and work is fine too. Just a heavy load. 17 credits...I just have to keep telling myself I can do this.

At least this weekend I get to go to a concert of Dubstep that should be a lot of fun. Wow even this blog sounds tired. Hopefully next time I write I will be a little more up beat and motivated.

Last Year Of College Semester 1

2010-09-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

This upcoming semester is my second to last semester at college. It is very scary.

Living at this apartment has been a very good experience so far. The neighbors are loud and the walls are thin so that isn't great but after this semester I am going to try to find a townhouse with the two roommates I have found for next year. (Yes the cycle of roommate and house hunt will start...again...soon) I am walking to places and as soon as I get a bike lock I can start to bike to class. My cats are still doing totally awesome except for one deciding to spray but this stuff call Natures Miracle No More Mark Spray has been working really well, it cleans, gets rid of the smell and prevents my cat from going back to the spot.

My job at the camp was great because of that job I was able to survive on my own all summer. It gave me huge hope that after graduation I do not have to move back home. I think it is total crap to move back to your parents just to save up money to be on your own. Find a job even if it isn't in your major and start building those survival skills. Sooner you start better you will get. I am still substituting at the preschool which is great for extra money and I am going to be modeling for the Art League again which is exciting. I really want to do some photo modeling again. I miss it.

And I'm Off!

2010-06-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am in my new place and my kitties have moved in with me. Soon I will be sure to post pictures of them being with me in the new apartment.

My camp job has started and I am working with 3 year olds. They are definitely learning with every step they take it is very interesting to watch.

So far with my photographer assistant job I have designed a few things which is awesome and I can add them all to my portfolio.

In my class I have also designed some logos and am working on designing a Business Package. This summer is turning out to be very lucrative for my design portfolio.

New Goals

2010-06-10T17:32:00.001-07:00

So this summer is pretty busy working two jobs, taking a summer course and paying bills for the first time in my life, but new goals have been put into place.

1. Finish my training for a 5K
2. Run a 5K
3. Start my garden on the porch.

WAY Too long since last post...Sorry

2010-06-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

So much has happened since I last posted. I moved into my new place. My cats are going to be moving in within the next two weeks. Hopefully they handle the transition well enough.

My job at Jerry's is also ending this Friday and I will be able to go back pretty much whenever I want which is nice to know. After that my job at the camp will start at the end of the month. I am taking one week off to get my cats settled in and also to get my car registration taken care of.

I also got to go to Starscape 2010 it was a lot of fun my favorite part was getting my back painted.

It is totally kickass.

Also my summer classes start tomorrow and hopefully I can utilize what I learn at my photography job. Get that guy some branding tips.

All in all everything has been going really great. I still can't wait for my cats to be up here with me.

3 Days to go

2010-05-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

This has been a very interesting summer break so far. I've been living at my boyfriend's place for a week now and let me tell you I need to do laundry. So I am in a townhouse with 4 guys and it really isn't as bad as most girls would think. Sure the toilet paper supply runs out and then gets replenished days later but that is what the overflowing stacks of Chipotle napkins are for. And you know what it is also true that cockroaches scatter when the lights go on but they are kinda like my many mini kitchen roommates (lol).

This Saturday A and I are moving into our apartment. My boss gave me a free TV (totally awesome of him). I got 2 large area rugs for 30 bucks (total deal). And my apartment people said I can bring both my cats for the price of one. Seriously can life get much better? I mean my cats are going to come up and live with me at school YAY!!!!!! Also I wont have to buy a parking pass because I can walk to school or take the Cue bus. Sure the walk will be about a half hour but that is a half hour of decent cardio. As long as the weather is good.

Other steps to adulthood I have taken:
-Got my own renters insurance
-Building up my emergency fund and planning on getting and building an IRA

Also there is an internship on campus with the printing place in the Art building and I am going to apply. It could be interesting. Sure that means my first semester will be like...20 credits but hey hard work pays off. If my work is better and I have more of it then I will be more likely to get accepted into the Fine Arts program.

End of School Year #3

2010-05-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hello,
This year has been a blast filled with new beginnings and new challenges to be met. So far I have got myself a new boyfriend who I absolutely adore, A and I finally found an apartment yesterday, and we will be moving in at the end of this month. Right now I am about to pack up my computer and leave my on campus apartment for the last time. This feels very sad but I am still excited. Hopefully this move will be a wonderful start to the summer as I clear out the old and prepare for the new.

I found a new Job 3 to be exact. Jerry's I will stop going to June 15th, The photographers assistant job starts this Friday and my camp counselor job starts at the end of June.

Also this June I am taking a class for two months.

Lastly A and I found our apartment I know I already said that but still it is very important. Yesterday we just went to this one apartment complex and applied for an apartment. The lady is even working with me so I can bring my cats with me. She is beyond nice she is like a ray of sunshine.

So look out world here I come. :-)

Fail take 2

2010-05-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

Ok So now we do not have an apartment. But we did gain two roommates. They are two of the guys that live above us currently. And we had a lovely viewing of a townhouse where the realtor didn't show up and didn't tell the resident that we were going to visit the house. It was uncomfortable and horrible so we left. The townhouse was way too nice for us. Anyway this Thursday we are going to be visiting a townhouse that would be perfect in every way possible and we really hope things can work out with it. Once again I ask to keep your fingers crossed. I only have a week before we need to move in.

SCORE

2010-04-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Finally. A and I have an apartment. I was so scared. Ok well we don't HAVE it but we have applied for it and it was taken off the available listings. So we are pretty sure that we have it. So we will be moving in around May. It is so exciting now all we need to worry about is furniture.

Also I have a job interview this Thursday to be a photographers assistant. And this week I will be hearing back about a job as a camp counselor at the Jewish Community Center. No I am not Jewish but a lot of my friends are and I have been around that culture for quite a few years now. Also you don't have to be Jewish to work there. Which is nice since I am one of the least religious people I know. :-p

This Wednesday I am going to a TV show premiere that will have a program that I designed. And I can mingle and network.

This Weekend I will be a hair model in a hair runway show. I am so excited I can't wait to see what they do to my hair. Hopefully one of my photographer friends can come.

Wish me luck on all accounts please.

FAIL

2010-04-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Alright so the beautiful townhouse that my roommates and I could have moved into is officially not where we will be living. Why? you ask. Well. The girl that would have moved in with us after T (the other roommate that bailed) left has also decided not to live with us. So A (the roommate that is with me) and I will be looking for a 2 bedroom apartment. So all in all there have been 4 failed roommates in this grand scheme of moving off campus. And now A and I will just be in a 2 bedroom and I have to hope and pray that I can bring my cats with me to an apartment.

Wish us luck we are going to see an apartment tomorrow. Hopefully it bares fruit.

Shit Happens

2010-04-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

I haven't been called back about a job at Sweetwater Tavern but they could still call me one day about a job. Jerry's Subs and Pizza called and I will start working this Wednesday. If I make enough money I may keep the job but if now I will just work there until I leave school which is May 15th. At the least I can make enough to pay my deposit for the townhouse.

Also one of my roommate's parents decided not to support her for school and housing so she isn't moving in with us. Unfortunately that means that once again my other roommate and I have to find a third person. We have a really good prospect and I hope she moves in with us. She is a friend of mine from school and it should turn out well. I also have to talk to the landlord today about it. I hope she doesn't mind all this. It wasn't anyones fault and I am sure she will understand.

More job hunting...

2010-04-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

So I may have failed to get those two internships but I have applied to:
Starbucks
Sweetwater Tavern
Temp Jobs

And Sweetwater Tavern has already scheduled an interview with me. If I got that job it would be beyond perfect because it is only 5 min. from my new place.

Oh yeah if you didnt read the last post I found a house BOOYA.

Also school will be ending soon and I am going to be taking a summer course.

Apple Interview today/found a house

2010-04-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Alright so I had my interview with Apple today and I think it went pretty well. They said they will schedule another face to face interview and see how it goes.

Also there is some really big news...are you ready...MY ROOMMATES AND I FOUND A TOWNHOUSE!!!!!!!!!! It is owned by an ex boyfriend of mine's parents and they figure it would be better to have someone they know rent the place. So we get it and no pet deposits! It is very exciting. Can't wait to see the inside.

Anyway back to the jobs pizza guy still no call me back. Ummm...found a really cool sounding personal assistant job and I have a month of modeling for the Arts League again. That is always fun. I still am waiting to hear back from one of the camp jobs and I really hope I get one that way I can work for the lady who needs an assistant and work at a camp and then NO PIZZA. Meaning less gas money.

Until next time you crazy kids...

April 1st update (not a joke)

2010-04-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

So this month is starting off with a little less than a bang. Ok a lot less than a bang but at least there are possibilities.
Job hunt updates:
-Apple called back to schedule an appointment for an interview and hopefully I can get a job there. It would be fabulous.
-Pizza job is still available if I get one of the Camp jobs.
-So the internship with Wolf Trap said NO to me. I can still look for a job.

School updates:
-Going to go for the BFA, which means a class during the summer and next summer but I will still walk in May.
-Job instead of internship would probably be better that way they will understand that I need to go to class.
-Good bye business minor...ewww

Housing updates:
-Still hunting and we are sticking with just the 3 of us and the pets. Screw trying to find a 4th person it is too much hassle.
-Hopefully the Realtor will find us something nice.

FUNNN!!!!!

Look at the awesome stuff that I am on. I got to be on a cataloge cover for a photographer. And it was handed out at a wedding convention Yay!

Photo of me on display.

me on the cover!!!

UnNews...when you have stuff to say that is really nothing

2010-03-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

So the house hunting is going alright. I actually got laughed at by one rental owner because I guess he didnt think 3 students and 2 cats and a small dog would make good tenants. Whatever he lives next to a university he should expect students to call. Other than that I have found some decent apartments as backup.

Oh I forgot to mention that we are down to 3 roommates now. Yeah we had another one flake out on us. Oh well at least the 3 of us are SOLID we are moving out of the parents places and into our own place.

As for school the Hamster project is going really well. I designed my drafts of my covers for it. They are really cute. In my other classes I am not doing so well. Luckily in college a 70% is a D so I haven't failed any of my tests or exams but I got too close for comfort. I don't know what to do. Studying for this business course is hard since I'm not good at memorizing abbreviations. And Art History is also kicking my butt. I need to be able to pay attention and take notes. I want my lap top to work again. Stupid viruses.

Also JOb update is that I have not been called about the job at Jerry's yet but I should be within the week. Then I can start earning some extra cash and save!!!!

Oh Lordy the year is nearly over!

2010-03-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

It is so scary to think that in about 8 weeks this semester will be over. I have to write 3 papers, redesign a magazine, and Study my butt off to understand Business Information Systems.

Not to mention I would really like a coffee...hmmm. Sorry off topic. I would really like to be able to do my homework and pass my classes. Not to mention get an internship.

Did I mention last night I got a job. At Jerry's Subs and Pizza. I am a delivery driver I used to be one so because I have experience I was hired. It is very EXCITING!!!!!

Still my fingers are crossed about getting an internship and I hope yours are too. :-)

Modeling Shoot

2010-03-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post that I had another shoot this month over Spring Break. It was fun. I was a bride for a day. My boyfriend came with me. He is not the one in the shot but he watched as I modeled.

WOW you've missed a log blog

2010-03-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

All is well with me medically at present. As for the job stuff I actually had another interview with Apple it was a large group of 30. It was called a career seminar. But I didn't get it. Oh well.

Now I have also applied to another internship with Enterprise-rent-a-car. If that goes well I should make decent money and have decent hours.

Also I am thinking of doing Pizza Delivery again. Stress-free job with tips. Can't beat that.

And the Realtor has started hunting for houses. :-)

Results...

2010-03-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

I got my results this past Tuesday about my breast lump. Turned out that it was benign which is good. I was very happy about the results and at least now I don't have to worry.

My exams for my classes that didn't have to do with art turned out not so good. I really need to work on my studying skills. I feel so bad about it. At least I didn't get anything less than a D. I had thought I did better but I was wrong. I feel so less motivated now that school is getting closer and closer to the end. But I need to step it up and really dig into my work especially the classes that I understand less like this business management systems course. Hopefully I can summon the drive to do it.

Also I really hope I get a job at Apple it would help me out so much. I have put the resume in and my friend should be able to get me a job there, it is very exciting.

A lot has happened...

2010-02-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

Earlier I had said I had a lump found. Well I had the biopsy on Friday and it was kind of scary. I was definitely nervous. But it all went well and the results will be in Monday(tomorrow).

The Interview I had at Target Portrait Studio also went very well and they will call me if I get the job. They had other people to interview that day besides me. Fingers crossed everybody.

Also I got a Graphic Design Gig. I applied for a gig I heard about through my school and the lady actually liked my designs the best. I am so excited about it :-)

For this semester since I have been pretty bored I signed up for the 4Paws volunteer Cat rescue. This should be a lot of fun helping poor kitties find new homes. It will also be good expeirience for when I sign up for the Veterinary Assistant Program. I am looking into Penn and Foster right now. I am planning on doing this after I graduate or during my summer.

Lastly, My mother and I mailed my grandma some wildflower seed packets to help her prepare for spring. She has been snowed in for about 3 weeks now and is going crazy. Before this snow she was snowed in for 2 weeks. I think she will be happy to never see snow fall again. Hopefully the seeds will give her something to look forward to when Spring comes. Also the townhouse search time is coming up. I can't wait for it to get here so I can move out on my own with my friends.

INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

For about two months I have been applying to jobs. I have probably applied to more than 20 jobs in the last month alone.

So while I was walking to class today, around 10:30 in the morning, I received a phone call. It was Target Portrait Studio! The manager then scheduled a better time to call me and we agreed upon 1:30pm. When 1:30 rolled around I didn't get a call. I waited and waited and finally just decided to call her, maybe she forgot. Turns out she did forget on account a client had walked in at that time. But she was happy I called. So we talked and she seemed pleased to find that I had experience working with children. And we scheduled a job interview for tomorrow at 4:20pm. WISH ME LUCK WORLD! I really need this job.

Weekend...

2010-02-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend started with some bad news but hopefully next weekend will help it become not so bad news. Last friday I had a breast ultrasound and the doctor found a lump that is almost an inch (long or wide I dont know I was too shocked to ask). So this upcoming Friday I will be having a biopsy done to see if the tumor/lump is cancerous or benign. If it is benign than it is most likely fibroadenoma. So that is what I am hoping for.

I know my brother will probably read this and say I am being ever so slightly melodramatic posting something like this but it is my blog diary thing and I like to think of it as my digital memory keeper. So there!

Hmmm...

2010-02-16T21:59:00.000-08:00

What to do what to do? So far the job hunt has still yielded no fruit. I finally got an email back from one of the places I applied to and they said they would keep my resume on file, which is good. At least that was a graphic design place. I would really like to be able to have a job to go to and earn money so I could save up for when I get a place this May/June.

I am actually so desperate for a way to earn money I was considering making crafts and things to sell on etsy.com. All I need is a plan and a product. I was thinking of prints of my art or even my art on t-shirts. I thought that would be cool. Problem is I would need money to actually go after those endeavors which requires a job...this sucks.

KATSUCON WEEKEND

2010-02-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

As I said I was going to do in a previous blog. I went to Katsucon. It is an anime convention near DC. It was a lot of fun. The best part was getting to wear my costumes.

My main costume designed and created by me.

Me and my friend with the guy who helped write POWER RANGERS!

Me before the rave part of the convention

10-20 Inches...

2010-02-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, the weatherman predicts, we will be getting between 10-20 inches of MORE SNOW. This needs to stop it is getting dangerous for everyones health. Cabin fever makes people do stupid things. School is also cancelled again. I want to go back to my classes. My poor late tuesday class has been cancelled twice now and it only meets once a week.

Today I was denied being a stock logo maker on iStockphoto.com. To the right you can see my 3 logo submissions. It is okay though in either 3 days or 3 weeks I don't remember I can re-submit and basically try again. I also applied for another job and another internship. Maybe one of these will bare fruit. I really hope so.

Found more awesome houses that are in our price range but unfortunately need to be rented out before may/june. I really hope we are lucky enough to find a great place like that when we are in full scale house search.

INCREDIBLE SNOW!

2010-02-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

Look at this! the amount of snow we got today was ridiculous. It was actually up to our thighs.

Here I am so bundled up I resemble Kenny from South Park.

This is a snow we had last Tuesday. We thought that was a fun snow? It was only 5 inches. Right now we have going on 28 inches.

Me Playing in the 5 inch snow earlier this week. The bench I am standing on was actually so slippery that when my friend came over to help me down I slipped and accidently head-bumped her. It hurt pretty bad.

Me getting a picture with the pretty snow.

Well I hope you all enjoyed my snow day pictures. And I hope this 28 inches of snow goes away fast.

Feel much better

2010-02-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

I feel so much better now. I think I was mostly downish because the dishes weren't done but I just went ahead and washed all the dishes and the kitchen. Hopefully my girls-night-in tonight will go well because that would be awesome and just make my snow-filled-boring day.

Snow and more Snow

2010-02-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

This is the second time this week that it has snowed. This is the third time this college year it has snowed and for this weekend we are expecting up to 28 inches in snow. I hate snow and I am going to be stuck in my apartment for pretty much all weekend. Maybe I should have gone home. Oh well too late now. I think we are already up to half a foot and my car is really far away.

As for the job hunt no one has called or emailed me back...because of the snow?...I don't know. House hunting has been put on a little hold since it is more like torture seeing perfect places go by because it isn't the right time for us to get them. I even signed up on this Free Lance graphic design site called iFreeLance. It is really cool but I feel like I am a mino swimming in a pool of sharks eating all the gigs. Hopefully someone hires me for a gig at some point. It would be really nice. I told myself I would not use this site to rant on and look at me that is exactly what I am doing right now. Ugh...no one wants to hear this shit...maybe I should just hibernate for the weekend.

A New Month...

2010-02-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Job Hunt: I have applied to even more jobs. I have asked a t-shirt design company to consider hiring me as an intern. I applied to Plaza Art Supplies, and to be a Newborn Photographer at the hospital.

School: Homework has been going ok. I haven't gotten an A on anything yet :-( Hopefully that will change. I finally finished my Magazine Mash-up and I just had my critic of it. Wasn't quite as good as I thought it was. It can still use some work. I am trying my best to fix as much of it as possible. Hopefully my second try will be a lot better.

Other than that I haven't been home in a while, two months, and I am starting to miss my family and my pets.

Update on school, stress relief activity of the semester, house hunt, and job hunt

2010-01-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well, this semester so far has been really good. Only 14 credits gives me more free time to job hunt and house hunt as well as get myself into shape and maybe a bit of my life together. Hopefully the extra time doesn't just make me more lazy.

Today I got some things to organize my very little living space on campus, which I hope works. Also have been finding a good number of people to help in the house hunt which will go into full throttle in May and June. The job hunt is already in full throttle but I have been less diligent about it. I know that is very bad. Job hunting is so nerve racking. I just need to suck it up and send out those resumes. So many people have given me hints at where to apply and I also need to follow up on the photography place that I applied to.

As for the stress relief activity for the semester I am going to Katsucon. I even made up my own character to go as. No dressing up as someone else's character for me! Mostly I picked to do this to save money. All in all it should be really fun.

Thats all for the update on all categories hope to type back soon!

Bad Start

2010-01-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

The day started with me walking into my Writing for Artists class LATE. I was very upset. I can't start this habit again. Not to mention I was late because I twisted my ankle walking down the last step of the stairs and fell. I looked like an idiot.

Yesterday was much better though. My boyfriend brought me to a pet store and there were so many cute puppies there. Especially the little bulldog puppy that was a girl. She was so cute I just wanted to save her from that cage. If only I could but that would not be possible at this time in my life. I really hope that puppy gets a good home.

Horrendous Homework

2010-01-23T20:16:00.001-08:00

To be frank I have all but ran out of money this month. This is caused by me thinking my wig buying was in budget. Turns out that one of the magazines I had to buy this month for my editorial design class was $25. That is CRAZY! I really hope my teacher does not make me buy magazines like this too often or I am not gonna be a happy camper in that class. The magazine itself is very nice I have to admit. It is one that was probably costly to print which explains the cost to buy. The Cover is a beautiful photograph. The inside pages are full of creative ideas and expensive, antique inspired clothes. I would say it is a magazine that is for women with money to spend and a creative mind to utilize. But that is my homework for tonight to look through the magazine and guess it's demographics. Then I have to go to the magazines website and see if I was right. Maybe ya'll should check out the magazine too it is www.selvedge.org.

APPLIED

2010-01-22T15:45:00.001-08:00

Today I went to the mall with the intention of applying to one photo studio and then found out that they were not hiring because they were actually laying off people. But one of the ladies there was nice enough to point me in the direction of another studio that was hiring. I went in and was able to not only apply but talk to the manager for a bit. I have really high hopes at getting hired but of course I know that I have to be realistic and hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I am still keeping my fingers crossed that I will get the job :-) Who knew my nanny experience would be seen as a benefit?

VOTE PLEASE

2010-01-20T15:05:00.001-08:00

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Started new semester today

2010-01-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

I started my last semester as a Junior. Oy, the idea of being a Senior next year is crazy. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the carefree life of high school but I know that it is better to move forward. Soon I will even be turning 21 which is just weird. It seems like yesterday I was 7 and looking through the mixed drink menu at Carlos O'Kellys and saying that when I turn 21 I would have a Blue Parrot drink. I still plan on doing that. Not that I actually think it will be awesome but to please my childhood memory. I just finished all my new classes and I don't know how I feel. My business minor seems like it is going to be really hard and my major requires a Writing for Artists class which will force me to look at myself as an artist. I am kind of glad for it. I will be forced to look into myself and find what kind of artist I am. I know I am happy to start classes and I am happy to try and move off campus next year. I just feel lost somewhat.

Viewed an Apartment

2010-01-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

Today I went and viewed an apartment. Well it was actually a townhouse run by an apartment complex. It was very nice. To me it seems more like a back up plan though than an actual place that it at the top of my list. Also the price ended up being a lot higher than I thought. The internet quotes deceived me a bit. But the search will go on and I will hopefully be able to find a great townhouse/house/apartment that is affordable for everyone and allows pets.

Back to School

2010-01-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

Well I am back at my school. Still on the search for a job. Will probably be calling about job applications tomorrow. Hopefully there will be something.

Other than that today has been a long day of packing, moving, and blah.

MAJOR HEADWAY

2010-01-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

I really made some headway today. A Realtor actually emailed me back! It was awesome. Apparently this guy has a place available that is a townhouse with 4 bedrooms in it and the lease for the people who currently live there is up in July. He is going to be emailing me in a couple of months on what the current tenants plans are after the lease. I personally hope they are seniors and they will want to move out. But lady luck has not always been on my side. I have also found a house that is for rent and right off my campus. It is a 4 bedroom with one bath. It is a very small place but I think it would do just fine. I inquired about it and am waiting for a response. I also looked at all the apartments around the area and made an appointment to see one. I read all the online reviews for it...not good. But I figured it would be good to look at a crappy one and see how they sell it. With that information I might be able to smell out the bad against the good.

Well wish me luck with the continued search for a place and a job.

Understanding my Generation

2010-01-12T18:02:00.001-08:00

After naming my blog A GenY on Her Own I figured I should read up on the subject. My search started at Wikipedia but it was too basic of information. So I narrowed my search down by typing in 'generation y characteristics'. This lead me to the article at this link. It is all about the work priorities among other characteristics of GenY. I found it very interesting how much of that article applied to me.

Above I have also posted a cartoon for Generation Y. I just thought it was funny. Also I am planning on creating a header for my blog and I was planning on using this cartoon for inspiration.

So far the market for affordable and rent-able townhouses in the Burke, VA/Fairfax, VA areas are not very good. But I will keep my eyes open and hopefully I will be able to find a place not to mention a job by June.

The First Step

2010-01-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

I am starting the second half to my junior year at college. Parents telling me I need to find a job in my field or an internship. I just applied to one internship that would be perfect for me and my fingers are crossed that I get it.

What I want from this blog is a place to write about my journey into adulthood. The goals that need to be accomplished before the adulthood status is met are as follows:

Job: A job that pays enough for me to be independent of my parents (unless crisis ensues)

Living Space: Either my own apartment or a place with roommates where I am free from being in my parents nest.

Cats: A place that will let me have my kitty babies live with me. So I am not depending on my parents to care for and house my cats.

All this will take time and I plan on writing about my search for a place to live, a job and my work to graduation.

I am in search of a place to live for me and 3 roommates in the Fairfax, VA area surrounding George Mason University. Anyone have helpful hints?