Yes, yes, it finally happened. Funny how when you're unemployed it feels like the whole charade has been going on for an eternity but when you finally get the job it feels like hardly any time has gone by at all. Don't get me wrong, it was a very maddening process that I still wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. But I think when the right thing comes along, you feel as though the wait was totally worth it. I mean, thinking back to all those job interviews and rejection, I wouldn't change any of it. Because I honestly feel as though the job that I ended up getting was exactly what I wanted and needed at exactly the right time.
So...more about the job! I will be working for Kohl's at their Corporate Headquarters in Menomonee Falls and my title is E-Commerce Project Coordinator. Basically I will help coordinate the projects that the E-Commerce division handles i.e. maintaining, updating various parts of the website like product assortment and shop links. The e-commerce side of Kohl's is growing like crazy and it sounds like there's never a dull moment there which is precisely what I need after my last job. The two women I interviewed with (and who I'll be working for) are super nice and personality-wise I think it will be a great fit. I guess the vibe in their department is young and "hip" and I must have given off a similar vibe in the interview because they thought I would fit in great with everyone. And while it is a 'temp to hire' position and for now they're just bringing me on because they need some extra help, they said there is a very strong possibility that it will turn permanent which is awesome!
This whole thing came about in such a crazy, random way. I was out at the Ale House last Friday afternoon celebrating my step-dad's birthday. My cell phone rang and I thought it was my mom so I answered it. (Since I had had a few beers and was in a loud bar I didn't think it was wise to answer any job related calls.) Turns out it was NOT my mom but this woman named Kim who worked with a staffing agency. She found my resume online and told me about the Kohl's position. She saw that I had some elementary knowledge of web design and HTML, and also had a good amount of administrative and coordinating experience. So she asked me if she could present me as a candidate for this position at Kohl's. And unlike many other staffing people I've worked with, she seemed genuinely interested in helping out. She managed to get me an interview with them this past Tuesday which was crazy fast.
So the interview went SUPER well...probably the best interview I've ever had. I was able to be very articulate about my job experience and work style but also personable and funny and all that. I felt like the stars were aligned because every answer I had for them seemed to click. It was amazing. I walked out of it feeling very confident but considering the luck I've had I didn't want to get too excited. I talked to Kim about it as soon as it was over and she was all about following up with them. I knew they really needed to get someone in there fast but I was still expecting to wait for awhile for an answer.
The next day I tried REALLY hard not to wait next to the phone like a desperate school girl. I didn't hear anything until about 5:00. I was sitting in my sister's car (we were about to head out to try and buy her dream car) and I get a call. I'll never forget it. "Well I have what I hope is good news...they would like to extend an offer to you." SO CRAZY!!! I literally could not believe my ears. She told me how much they liked me and thought I would be really great for the job and the department. I think that was the part I appreciated the most. Yes, getting a job is glorious but more than anything I just wanted someone to be impressed and excited by me and just give me a chance to prove myself. I did my best to maintain my composure while talking to Kim because Katie was sitting right there and I didn't want to give anything away. So when I got off the phone and turned to her, I said "I got a job" and she proceeded to scream super loud. Haha, I'll never forget it. I think I was too stunned to react so boldly but Katie's reaction pretty much summed it all up. Months and months of pent of frustration finally released.
It couldn't have worked out better. I got the news right before Katie bought her new car, which she's deserved for quite some time as well. We drove it to my parents' house from the dealership and surprised them. They were both really excited for her and loved the car. So we were all, "let's go inside and have a cocktail to celebrate!" As soon as we got inside, K said " well that's not the only good news" and looked in my direction. I announced, "I got a job!" and my mom FLIPPED THE F OUT!! It was the greatest thing ever. I feel like I've never seen her so happy for me. Honestly, I think it was one of the best moments of my life. I just saw how much my happiness and success mattered to her and that was very touching.
So there you have it! I apologize for such a long-winded post here but I guess that was inevitable. I'm just amazed at how sudden and crazy this whole thing came about. But that's life in a nutshell. The best things always happen when you're least expecting them, which is why no one should ever give up hope. I was so close to throwing in the towel and was even considering moving to another city! I sincerely was at a loss as to what to do about getting a job. And then this opportunity falls into my lap out of nowhere! I'm just so happy that things finally seemed to be turning around. 2008 might just turn out to be my year after all.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Hot delicious yum yums
Okay so I've decided to take a permanent vacation from real men. Men I don't actually have to deal with on a daily basis, however, well those will always hold a special place in the heart and mind of old Zeetlebee. So here's a little tribute to the ones currently in heavy rotation...
Jesse Blaze Snider, son of Dee Snider, currently competing on MTV's Rock the Cradle. At first I wasn't so sure what I thought of him, but ever since he rocked the Mohawk, guy-liner, and Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" last Thursday, I've been hooked.
Ian Somerhalder, who I've always found dangerously good-looking, has re-emerged as one of my fave men as I recently finished reading The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis. Ian played Paul Denton in the film version of the book that came out some years ago and after reading the book I decided that his character is one my favorites ever to come out of literature and film. Most of the credit must go to Ellis who wrote such a fantastic and interesting character. But without Ian Somerhalder's charm, dark humor, and unparalleled hotness the character would simply be good on paper.
Jim Sturgess plays Jude in the Beatles musical film Across the Universe which I finally had the privilege of seeing last night. The film is amazing but Jim Sturgess is really the highlight. He's just a ridiculously attractive guy with a hot accent and gorgeous singing voice. And that's a trifecta of traits you just can't beat.
Jesse Blaze Snider, son of Dee Snider, currently competing on MTV's Rock the Cradle. At first I wasn't so sure what I thought of him, but ever since he rocked the Mohawk, guy-liner, and Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" last Thursday, I've been hooked.
Ian Somerhalder, who I've always found dangerously good-looking, has re-emerged as one of my fave men as I recently finished reading The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis. Ian played Paul Denton in the film version of the book that came out some years ago and after reading the book I decided that his character is one my favorites ever to come out of literature and film. Most of the credit must go to Ellis who wrote such a fantastic and interesting character. But without Ian Somerhalder's charm, dark humor, and unparalleled hotness the character would simply be good on paper.
Jim Sturgess plays Jude in the Beatles musical film Across the Universe which I finally had the privilege of seeing last night. The film is amazing but Jim Sturgess is really the highlight. He's just a ridiculously attractive guy with a hot accent and gorgeous singing voice. And that's a trifecta of traits you just can't beat.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
March hodgepodgery
March updates to my 25/25 list!
1. Finish notes on all Hitchcock films (3-4 per month)
I completed notes on four Hitch films this month.
To Catch a Thief
Rebecca
The Wrong Man
Jamaica Inn
7. Give up alcohol for Lent
Done and done! As much as I love being able to drink again, those nearly two months of Lent were truly a glorious time for me. Never underestimate the power of patience and delayed gratification.
8. Read 12 books (for the year)
Finished No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy...
...and Sacred by Dennis Lehane...
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
This past Saturday, my sis and I went to Edgar's Calypso downtown. Holy shit is that place fantastic. Best food, service, and atmosphere I've encountered since Firefly. Not only that but K was generous enough to share the gift certificate she got for her birthday with me so it was all free!
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
So I said I was going to hold off on this until I got a job but I guess my generosity got the better of me ;) I donated $5 to Companion Animal Resource and Adoption Center. And to make up for February, I donated $25 to St. John's when I attended the Easter Triduum there.
20. Attend the Triduum at St. John’s
The Easter Triduum this year was amazing. Archbishop Dolan presided over all four services we attended which was great. I'm already looking forward to next year!
21. Watch at least one documentary every month
This month I watched an absolutely incredible documentary called Autism: The Musical. The film recounts six months in the lives of five autistic children and their parents as the children write and rehearse for an original stage production. If you know anything about autism, you know that the last thing that would seem possible for autistic children would be creating and performing a musical. That's precisely what is so moving about the film. The kids accomplish such amazing feats all because people took a chance on them. I've always been interested in autism and did several research papers and projects about it throughout my middle and high school years. As much as I know, however, this film reminded me that there is still SO much to learn...not only about the disorder but about how complicated and wonderful the children who have it truly are.
25. Buy 15 classic albums from the Rolling Stone 500
I bought three this month!
The Beatles — Revolver
U2 — Achtung Baby
Cyndi Lauper — She’s So Unusual
That's it! Onto April...
1. Finish notes on all Hitchcock films (3-4 per month)
I completed notes on four Hitch films this month.
To Catch a Thief
Rebecca
The Wrong Man
Jamaica Inn
7. Give up alcohol for Lent
Done and done! As much as I love being able to drink again, those nearly two months of Lent were truly a glorious time for me. Never underestimate the power of patience and delayed gratification.
8. Read 12 books (for the year)
Finished No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy...
...and Sacred by Dennis Lehane...
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
This past Saturday, my sis and I went to Edgar's Calypso downtown. Holy shit is that place fantastic. Best food, service, and atmosphere I've encountered since Firefly. Not only that but K was generous enough to share the gift certificate she got for her birthday with me so it was all free!
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
So I said I was going to hold off on this until I got a job but I guess my generosity got the better of me ;) I donated $5 to Companion Animal Resource and Adoption Center. And to make up for February, I donated $25 to St. John's when I attended the Easter Triduum there.
20. Attend the Triduum at St. John’s
The Easter Triduum this year was amazing. Archbishop Dolan presided over all four services we attended which was great. I'm already looking forward to next year!
21. Watch at least one documentary every month
This month I watched an absolutely incredible documentary called Autism: The Musical. The film recounts six months in the lives of five autistic children and their parents as the children write and rehearse for an original stage production. If you know anything about autism, you know that the last thing that would seem possible for autistic children would be creating and performing a musical. That's precisely what is so moving about the film. The kids accomplish such amazing feats all because people took a chance on them. I've always been interested in autism and did several research papers and projects about it throughout my middle and high school years. As much as I know, however, this film reminded me that there is still SO much to learn...not only about the disorder but about how complicated and wonderful the children who have it truly are.
25. Buy 15 classic albums from the Rolling Stone 500
I bought three this month!
The Beatles — Revolver
U2 — Achtung Baby
Cyndi Lauper — She’s So Unusual
That's it! Onto April...
Marched to the beat of my own drummer...
...and got a bunch of cool shit in the process.
-hanging out with K and J at Chipotle, Karma
-dinner at Maggiano’s with the Sezz fam
-spending a nice day with Momzy (talking, shopping at Target, looking at photo albums)
-Acting II
-David Cook
-Christian winning P-Run
-No Country for Old Men
-Sacred
-watching Vertigo and The Apartment on TCM
-Enchanted Orchid from B&BW
-the Ogden St. Starbucks
-spring weather
-Tucker on MSNBC
-Lost
-Vanilla Comoro tea
-peanut butter eggs
-No Country on DVD
-running again
-The Beatles
-new sunglasses
-The Darjeeling Limited
-Mark from Top Chef
-Achtung Baby
-peanut butter Fiber One bars
-hearing from Upshot after two months
-dinner at Buckley’s with Martha and the ‘rents
-finding a 20 disc Hitchcock DVD collection for $20
-the Easter Triduum
-a lovely photo text from Bradley
-baking corn muffins
-Easter brunch
-Godspell
-kicking ass on my scene with Mike
-drinking red wine again!
-an exciting romantic prospect...regardless of the actual outcome
-my 70s mix CD
-Autism: The Musical
-talking to Momzy at Barnes
-hanging out with K and Nicole in Bayview
-a lovely phone call from Jen
-Calypso and Buckley’s with K
-baseball season starting again! :)
-hanging out with K and J at Chipotle, Karma
-dinner at Maggiano’s with the Sezz fam
-spending a nice day with Momzy (talking, shopping at Target, looking at photo albums)
-Acting II
-David Cook
-Christian winning P-Run
-No Country for Old Men
-Sacred
-watching Vertigo and The Apartment on TCM
-Enchanted Orchid from B&BW
-the Ogden St. Starbucks
-spring weather
-Tucker on MSNBC
-Lost
-Vanilla Comoro tea
-peanut butter eggs
-No Country on DVD
-running again
-The Beatles
-new sunglasses
-The Darjeeling Limited
-Mark from Top Chef
-Achtung Baby
-peanut butter Fiber One bars
-hearing from Upshot after two months
-dinner at Buckley’s with Martha and the ‘rents
-finding a 20 disc Hitchcock DVD collection for $20
-the Easter Triduum
-a lovely photo text from Bradley
-baking corn muffins
-Easter brunch
-Godspell
-kicking ass on my scene with Mike
-drinking red wine again!
-an exciting romantic prospect...regardless of the actual outcome
-my 70s mix CD
-Autism: The Musical
-talking to Momzy at Barnes
-hanging out with K and Nicole in Bayview
-a lovely phone call from Jen
-Calypso and Buckley’s with K
-baseball season starting again! :)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
February hodgepodgery
So I realized the other day that I totally forgot to post an update on my 25/25 accomplishments for the month of February. Here they are in all their shining glory!
1. Finish notes on all Hitchcock films (3-4 per month)
I completed notes on six films this month:
The Lady Vanishes
Spellbound
Rope
Saboteur
Notorious
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
I had already seen three of the six. So out of the three I had not seen, I'd have to say that The Lady Vanishes was my favorite. Michael Redgrave was so attractive and hilarious. Plus nearly the entire film takes place on a train and I love the Hitch films that are confined to one space. What I found the most interesting was how eerily similar this film is to Flightplan with Jodie Foster. Apparently Flightplan was filmed from an original screenplay but to me it was a total ripoff of Hitch. Yes, there is such a thing as coincidence but the whole writing on the window thing is TOO much of a coincidence. Ohhhh silly people trying to pawn off Alfred Hitchcock's genius as their own. Will they ever learn?
7. Give up alcohol for Lent
I completed 24 days in the month of February, and while it certainly has posed its share of challenges, so far I am totally and utterly grateful for the experience and what it has taught me.
8. Read 12 books (for the year)
Finished Darkness, Take My Hand by Dennis Lehane...
...and Faith of my Fathers by John McCain
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
Katie and I had dinner at Buckley’s and the whole fam had dinner at Metro Bar & Cafe inside Hotel Metro. And even though I have eaten at both these places before, I must give shout outs to the dessert I had at The Knick with Katie and the killer brunch we had at Cafe Hollander.
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
Because I'm unemployed, I'm trying to save money every month. But I definitely don't want to skimp on what I promised. So once I get a job, I will donate an additional $15 for every month I did not donate during unemployment. Here are some new charities I would like to help in the future:
Teen Challenge - Southern California (a drug and alcohol treatment facility for teenagers)
Tourette Syndrome Association
Animal Welfare Institute
World Food Programme
21. Watch at least one documentary every month
This month I watched Sicko and Why We Fight. Both were very interesting although one was clearly more sensational than the other. More than simply arouse me emotionally, the films prompted me to care about their issues and more importantly search for my own answers. And this is precisely why I added this task to my 25/25 list. As depressing and scary as a lot of these realities are and as much as we want to ignore them, I think it's so important to be well-informed and to do whatever we can as individuals to seek the truth and act accordingly.
Well I feel like I got a lot done this month and I thoroughly enjoyed reflecting back on all of it. I can't wait to see what March brings!
1. Finish notes on all Hitchcock films (3-4 per month)
I completed notes on six films this month:
The Lady Vanishes
Spellbound
Rope
Saboteur
Notorious
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
I had already seen three of the six. So out of the three I had not seen, I'd have to say that The Lady Vanishes was my favorite. Michael Redgrave was so attractive and hilarious. Plus nearly the entire film takes place on a train and I love the Hitch films that are confined to one space. What I found the most interesting was how eerily similar this film is to Flightplan with Jodie Foster. Apparently Flightplan was filmed from an original screenplay but to me it was a total ripoff of Hitch. Yes, there is such a thing as coincidence but the whole writing on the window thing is TOO much of a coincidence. Ohhhh silly people trying to pawn off Alfred Hitchcock's genius as their own. Will they ever learn?
7. Give up alcohol for Lent
I completed 24 days in the month of February, and while it certainly has posed its share of challenges, so far I am totally and utterly grateful for the experience and what it has taught me.
8. Read 12 books (for the year)
Finished Darkness, Take My Hand by Dennis Lehane...
...and Faith of my Fathers by John McCain
13. Eat at one new restaurant every month
Katie and I had dinner at Buckley’s and the whole fam had dinner at Metro Bar & Cafe inside Hotel Metro. And even though I have eaten at both these places before, I must give shout outs to the dessert I had at The Knick with Katie and the killer brunch we had at Cafe Hollander.
15. Donate $5 to 1-3 charities of your choosing every month
Because I'm unemployed, I'm trying to save money every month. But I definitely don't want to skimp on what I promised. So once I get a job, I will donate an additional $15 for every month I did not donate during unemployment. Here are some new charities I would like to help in the future:
Teen Challenge - Southern California (a drug and alcohol treatment facility for teenagers)
Tourette Syndrome Association
Animal Welfare Institute
World Food Programme
21. Watch at least one documentary every month
This month I watched Sicko and Why We Fight. Both were very interesting although one was clearly more sensational than the other. More than simply arouse me emotionally, the films prompted me to care about their issues and more importantly search for my own answers. And this is precisely why I added this task to my 25/25 list. As depressing and scary as a lot of these realities are and as much as we want to ignore them, I think it's so important to be well-informed and to do whatever we can as individuals to seek the truth and act accordingly.
Well I feel like I got a lot done this month and I thoroughly enjoyed reflecting back on all of it. I can't wait to see what March brings!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
I have to say it was a good month
So I do this Favorite Things list every month and usually I'll just post it on MySpace. But since I rarely go there these days, I thought I'd relocate my monthly nostalgia fest to this blog. February, despite its obvious setbacks, was a truly wonderful time for me. I've spent most of my time reading, writing, watching documentaries and fantastic cable television shows, cooking, driving around town, and generally just enjoying myself. And the best part is, I was paid to do all of it! So here's a little rundown of the highlights...
-the Giants winning the Super Bowl
-Jeremy Davies
-reading about John McCain
-The Lady Vanishes, Saboteur
-dinners at the Metro Bar & Café and Buckley’s
-Johnny Depp on Inside the Actor’s Studio
-the Super Bowl ep of Seinfeld
-Lost
-white cheddar cheese puffs
-baking a bunch of brownies and cup cakes for peeps at work on my last day
-moving on from C-K
-The Hoax
-Breaking Bad on AMC
-Bryan Cranston
-the cute guy in the political science section at Half Price Books
-Dexter on CBS
-iced tea with mint and lemon
-Mika
-Jacob from Intervention
-watching MSNBC in the morning
-re-reading my U.S. history “magic” book
-keeping the apartment clean
-learning about Vietnam and the Nixon presidency
-spending my afternoons at Barnes and Borders
-Dennis Lehane books
-Christian winning Fan Favorite on Project Runway
-my late Feb mix CD
-Kevin Spacey in American Beauty
-Why We Fight
-dessert at the Knick and brunch at Café Hollander with K
-The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
-the Oscars
-David Archuleta, Michael Johns, David Cook, and David Hernandez from AI
Here's hoping I can make March just as lovely and I get a new job to boot.
-the Giants winning the Super Bowl
-Jeremy Davies
-reading about John McCain
-The Lady Vanishes, Saboteur
-dinners at the Metro Bar & Café and Buckley’s
-Johnny Depp on Inside the Actor’s Studio
-the Super Bowl ep of Seinfeld
-Lost
-white cheddar cheese puffs
-baking a bunch of brownies and cup cakes for peeps at work on my last day
-moving on from C-K
-The Hoax
-Breaking Bad on AMC
-Bryan Cranston
-the cute guy in the political science section at Half Price Books
-Dexter on CBS
-iced tea with mint and lemon
-Mika
-Jacob from Intervention
-watching MSNBC in the morning
-re-reading my U.S. history “magic” book
-keeping the apartment clean
-learning about Vietnam and the Nixon presidency
-spending my afternoons at Barnes and Borders
-Dennis Lehane books
-Christian winning Fan Favorite on Project Runway
-my late Feb mix CD
-Kevin Spacey in American Beauty
-Why We Fight
-dessert at the Knick and brunch at Café Hollander with K
-The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
-the Oscars
-David Archuleta, Michael Johns, David Cook, and David Hernandez from AI
Here's hoping I can make March just as lovely and I get a new job to boot.
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