Friday, January 27, 2012

Fashionably Unusual

I mentioned yesterday that I finally landed an interview with a company that for a year, I had been trying to get an interview with.

You can imagine my excitement when they called to set up an interview.  (I'd only applied 4 times in the last year and for every position that they offered...)

Let me tell you more about the job and company so that you can really grasp my interest in this position.  The place is at clothing corporation, and yes, the corporate offices are in Wooster.  The company is world wide and has been pretty successful for a while. Working for this company includes mandatory world wide travel and fashion shows, which is my cup of tea.  Plus, there would be constant room for growth which is good for an over-achiever like myself.

The interview was set up right after I got done working at my current job...you know, a cook.  Hot, sweaty, no make up, hair pulled back job...not my best look.  The last thing I wanted to do was go to an interview for a fashion industry job looking unfashionable.  I requested a later time in the afternoon for an interview but they told me it was that time or next week.  Since I already had a job offer in my hands, I wanted to do the interview sooner rather than later.

I left from work and drove over to the interview location, arriving with plenty of time for me to do my make-up, fix my hair and change my clothes (while still in my car.)  With 20 minutes to spare before my interview would take place, I headed into the small corporate office building.

Quickly, I felt like I was over dressed.  In my heeled boots.  Dark jeans.  And swoop neck sweater.  Of course, I was carrying my D&G bag.

The receptionist had an outfit on that she'd probably been wearing for the last ten years.  Faded and wrinkled, she looked like she could careless about making a fashion statement.  Her hair was a big frizzy mess and she maintained her desk like she did her appearance.

"Hi, I'm here for a 3:00 interview."  I gave her a smile.

"Who are you?"

"Jennee Thompson."

She looks around her desk and then walks into another room.  "Do you have a resume, I can't find yours?"

I always take a resume with me on an interview, even if I already emailed it in.  I get it, a lot of resumes come in and it's hard to keep them all straight so I tried not to judge her for her lack of organization as I awaited my interview.

She took my resume and walked into the other room.  She came back with a stack of magazines and handed them to me so that I would have something to look at while I waited.

When I say a stack of magazines, I kid you not, she gave me probably 20.  It wasn't awkward at all since there was no table or empty chair to put the stack on.  So now, I was holding my purse, my coat and trying to flip through 20 magazines without dropping them.

I listened in to the other receptionists talk as I waited for my interview.  There was some traveling conflicts where their hotel lost a reservation and several times they wondered if so and so knew he had an interview and would be coming back into the office today.

Finally, an Indian man walked in followed by his teenage son.  He approached me with excitement and shook my hand.  I gathered my stuff to stand but he insisted that I stay seated, "It's only 2:55." He assures me, and apparently we can't start the interview until 3:00.

So I wait.  For five minutes.

Then, the Indian guy (named Raj) comes out and asks me to follow him to his office and have a seat.  (A seat beside his teenage son!)  He sits down behind his desk and starts reading over my resume.

"Very good.  Very good.  Ah, Miami, very nice place.  Very good."  He says without looking up at me.

"I have a lot of variety."  I add since I feel like I should say something in my interview.

"That's fine, all very good."  About a minute later, he says this.... "We have a show and we'll be gone until Feb. 18th.  I'll call you then with my decision."

My brow crinkles.  "Uh, ok."

He offers his hand, we shake again and I walk out of his office, out the door and back to my car, mumbling WTH?!?! Was that even an interview?

There was no discussion about the position that I applied for, no discussion about my work experience, no questions about my strengths and weaknesses.....I literally drove out there to watch him read my resume.

I've had some strange interviews in my days...but this was a new one.

Part of me hopes that he'll call me on the 18th.  I guess I'm hoping he'll tell me something about the job but if he offers me a job, I'm going to have to decline...because something tells me that this company doesn't have the greatest communication skills.

So much for traveling abroad and going to fashion shows.... but hey, I tried.


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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Things Are Looking Up

Just before New Years, everyone I knew said things like "2012 is going to be my year, I just feel it."

I was a little concerned because I didn't get that feeling.  I hoped that I would find that feeling just as I hoped that 2012 would be a great year for me.

January kicked off and I was incredibly sick.  Sicker than I had been in probably 5 years.  It took everything out of me, including my motivation, happiness and good thoughts.  By the time I recovered from my intense and unusual sickness, I was lost in depression.  It happens this time of year for me, no matter how many vitamins I take or how warm this winter has been.  I need sunshine on my skin and to be absorbed into my soul.  Yes, every Fall and Winter, I become victim of SDD.

On top of all of this, there was dieting drama (as it cravings...)moving drama, work drama, singledom/boy drama and life just sucked.

So, I tried to change things.

Nothing changed.

I turned to art to sooth my soul and take away my stress.  It calmed me yet frustrated me at the same time.

Still, I felt tortured about everything. Tortured, unhappy and restless.  The weight of everything was burying me and just waking up in the morning was work.

I thought everything over and pinned the problem areas that were keeping me up at night.

I apologized to the boy, I ate a piece of cake and I applied to a few jobs.  Nothing can change the fact that I'm moving.  (It's not the move, it's the fact that my parents bought a house and I have no choice but to move with them when they move...)

It helped more than I thought it would.

Even though the boy still won't talk to me, I gained my pound back and I didn't have any phone calls for interviews.

So, I put the past in the past where it belongs, did some more art work and focused on living the life I want to live and not the life that keeps getting thrown at me.  I focused on changing my attitude about boys, work, moving and dieting.

As I was in the middle of painting, my phone rang.  I did my best to hit the send button without getting paint on my phone.

"yell-ow"  It was a bit obnoxious but it was my mom on the other end and I hadn't talked to any human in 4 hours. (I say human because I'm pretty sure that I talked to my fish a time or two...)

"You need to call Tim about a job." She vaugly fills me in on what she just heard.  I quickly hang up with her, push my painting aside and call Tim.

"Tim's Employment Agency"  He answers, joking about how this could be the THIRD job he has found for me.  We talk over what he knows and I decided I'll stop by his shop tomorrow so he can introduce me to his neighbors, the one's looking for someone to hire.

The place is a jewelry store and as much as I fear that I might find it a little boring, it will be nice to have a different pace, plus the hours and pay are better than what I have right now.  And, best part yet....SUNDAY's OFF! A girl has to look out for herself and since I haven't gotten anywhere in the last 3 years, I don't see how staying at my current job will ever change that.

When I met them the next morning, I put on my friendly and sweet face and did what I do best, make people look better so they forget that I'm actually interviewing.  (I've been through enough interviews to know that the secret to people liking you in the interview is to get them to talk about how amazing they are and to sell them that you find it all to be fascinating.  Then, the interviewer feels so good about themselves by the time the interivew is done that they "think" they like you because of what you offered in the interview.)

They loved me and offered me a job on the spot.

They loved me even more when I asked if I could be trained on how to engrave jewelry. (I need another trade since I claim to be the Jackie of All Trades!)

And then they learned that I sew and well, I thought they might faint from excitement.  (Then they told me why they loved knowing that I was a seamstress and I immediatly loved them.... the owner guy does Civil War reenactments and sometimes they need tents and costumes sewn.  How cool is that!)

I accepted their offer and felt the weight of my troubles lift.  Finally, a change in my life!

As I was making a few phone calls about my good news, I got a phone call from a place that I have been trying to get a job at for about a year now.  A job that I am REALLY interested in.  And then I got an e-mail about another job that I would like to do as well.

I set up an interview at the place I'm REALLY interested in.  It's a fashion company and there offers a lot of growth in the company, such as international traveling and going to fashion shows....however the position that I finally got a call for an interview is bottom of the totem pole.  I don't know what the pay is but if it is better than the jewelry gig, I think I'll have to say goodbye to the possibility of this job and head towards the fashion industry.

Then the email is a sewing job but I don't know a lot of details about that one just yet.

Still...

I guess a lot can change in 24 hours.




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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Dr. Seuss Style Blog Hop Coming Soon!

In attempts to have a little fun, have a writing challenge, and get a little creative, I offer the Dr. Seuss Style Blog Hop!

March 2 was the wonderful Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel's day of birth, and to honor his day of birth (He'd be 108...) post your best version of a Dr. Seuss style story or poem.  It can be something that copies your favorite Dr. Seuss book, or it can be whatever you want.

You are the winninest of all the writers,
Winninest of them all whether your story be big or small
The story told is the best of all
Take your pen and cross it over your heart
Believe in your mind
Now, let's get ready and start

(I'm working on my style still, it's not as easy as one would think!)

Ok, I'll let Dr. Seuss offer you the inspiration you need....


Link up, spread the word and visit as many Dr. Seuss style posts as you can on Friday, March 2.




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Monday, January 23, 2012

Project 52; Week of January 23



I've been working really hard at goal #31 this week, so much so, that I'm getting a bit obsessive about it.  

Goal #31:  Write a cook book, take photos of the dishes and turn it into a Blurb book

I have 35 original recipes (inspired from some rather familiar recipes) that I am dying to perfect.  Actually, I'm dying to try them all but since I'm also working hardcore on goal #17 to lose at least 35 more pounds this year (and keep it off) it is making this process a little torturous.

Cheat the diet and taste delicious food so I can finish my cookbook or hope that I can hold on to this inspiration until I've met my weight loss goal?  It is a dilemma, I tell you, major dilemma!

I can't help it.  I love to eat and experiment with food.

Hence, the weight issue.

On top of that, people have been asking when this long awaited cookbook will be available to them.  I know, I can't believe it either but people actually want to know how I make some of the food that I make at work.  The problem is, I can tell them the ingredients but when I cook, I don't follow recipes, I just throw stuff together....and it turns out.

I have noticed while working on these recipes that I pretty much add black beans or spinach to everything.  I was kind of impressed at how many meatless meals I have in my collection...and a lot of them are fairly healthy.  That is, until I start thinking about dessert.  

I confess.  I am a chocaholic, sweet tooth crazed, dessert lover.  Really, it is my weakness.  I eat healthy all the time and work out on a regular basis...but give me some darn sugar so I can make it through the day!

So, all this to say that I am working towards my goal but there are a few limitations to being further along on this project that I am.

However, I'm in need of your help.  I can't decide on a title for my cookbook, and so I started a poll on my right side bar.  Please vote and help me decide which is best.  Think in terms of...if I were walking through the grocery store, which one would grab your eye and make you purchase it?

Eat Well, Eat Much, Eat Often (Inspired by my favorite quote)
I'm Not Your Personal Chef, Make It Yourself! (I say this at least 6 times a day at work)
Don't Worry, Eat Happy (Because we worry way too much about eating)
Forget the Calories, Eat and Enjoy (Pretty much self explanatory)
Feed Me, I'm Hungry (That's what recipe books are there for)
I Was Told There Was Cake (It gets my attention every time)
I Try to Eat Healthy But My Sweet Tooth Keeps Taking Me to the Dessert Recipes (My dilemma!)

If you have some suggestions, please let me know.  If I use your title, I'll give you a copy of the recipe book.

Oh, you want a recipe do you?  Ok, this is an oldie but a goodie.  I've even tweaked it a little since then...
but yes, this one will be in the cookbook....

How are you doing with your goals this week?  What stopped you from reaching them?  Did you write a blog about your weekly goals or attempts, it so be sure to link up over at Karen's!

Be sure to link up so everyone can visit you.  Remember, Project 52 is a support system.  If you truly want to make progress on your list this year....GET INVOLVED!  It really does make a huge difference.





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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Down With The DC Talk....

It was a mild day for December in Ohio.  No snow was on the ground and I was content in my unbuttoned winter coat.  My brother and I were driving down the hilly and swerving roads to Loudonville, attempting to be good grandchildren and show up for our Grandma Thompson's 85th birthday.

As we drove through the country, we chatted about important brother/sister topics, like XFactor and Dexter.  Suddenly, my ears perked up and I strained to hear the song that was softly playing thanks to Ipod Shuffle.

"Is that D.C. Talk?"  I said mid conversation with Brother B.  He turned up the stereo.  In fact, it was D.C. Talk.  "Wow, I completely forgot about them!"

And then I started laughing hysterically.  (My brother looked at me like I was crazy but shrugged it off because he already knows that I am crazy.)

"Michael Tait bit my shoulder.  I mean, how many people can say that?"

Michael Tait as in Michael Tait from D.C. Talk. (Or, as I just learned while googling him that he is now the lead singer of Newsboys?!?! I don't listen to Christian music much anymore.)

But in the early 90's...I lived for music from D.C. Talk.  It was edgy, it was different and it wouldn't send me to hell.  I had all of their cd's and listened to them regularly.  When their Jesus Freak album came out in 1995, I had the whole thing memorized.  Best Album of my teenage years (aside from my extreme addiction to the Broadway Musical RENT).

Life happened and I found other music that I liked more than the good old D.C.Talk boys.  When they split, I got all of their individual albums but I only liked Tait's album.

I moved to Nashville in 2005, the land of musicians and my year of misery.  I had a good friend that did her best to involve me in a social life but I had sever depression (that she didn't know about) and she often got frustrated with my lack of effort in involving myself in the social activities.  However, we had met this guy Robbie at Bar23 one Wednesday night.  (Wednesday night was 80's night and yes, we dressed up from time to time.)


Robbie invited us to go play darts one night and we agreed.  When that night came, we got to know each other verses dancing with each other in 80's attire.  He mentioned he worked on a sound crew (because every one in Nashville has a cool job in the music industry) and that a few of the guys might be joining him.

Not the photo of the night but from another time I played
darts while living in Nashville.
And then Michael Tait walked in and I was like holy crap, that's Michael Tait, I used to adore him as a teenager.  And so, we played darts.

I'm terrible at darts.  Sometimes I can't even hit the board.  I don't remember whose team I was on, all I know is that I wasn't on Michael Tait's team and that he went after me.  Somehow, I managed to get a bulls-eye at the moment that would cause my team to win the game.  Honestly, it was a miracle.

And as a result, Michael Tait bit my shoulder because he was angry and couldn't believe that I just did that.  And when I say that he bit my shoulder, I mean bit me like he was a vampire because I had his teeth marks in my skin for a good amount of time.

And that is my story of the time that I met Michael Tait from DC Talk.

See why I started laughing as the music brought back my memories?  Anyway, Brother B and I hadn't listened to DC Talk in at least ten years.  And so we thought that we would play the song Jesus Freak and see if we could still do the rap.

Yes, rap.

We still knew the words (isn't it amazing how we can remember the words of songs we haven't listened to in years?) and then we laughed at how we used to think that was a rap!


It was a nice little trip down memory lane as we headed to the birthday party (where I was the horrible granddaughter and told my Grandma that I was her favorite grandchild since she had no idea who I was. She has Alzheimer's and even by telling her that, she looked at me as if she knew I was lying.)




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