...progressing

Quite a few things happened last week that really lowered my spirits.

I was feeling discouraged and under-appreciated. 2 jobs that I had applied for and that looked promising (one with a good lead, one that I have been working with for a while) did not work out. 

My friends were helpful and supportive while I had my pity party, and this week I have been setting out to make things better and brighter. 

The game plan: 

I have been spending entirely too much money AND before I can move in with Justin, we agreed that I should have about $1000 in savings, in case of any mishaps. So, I have downloaded a $ tracker app on my phone, got out cash for the week, and am considering starting the $5 bill savings plan. Basically the idea is that everytime you get a $5 bill, you are not allowed to spend it, you must put it in a jar and save it. I am considering it, but I don't have cash much, so we will see. BUT, my savings is already looking better. 

I put away my clothes like a grown up AND am cleaning my room. I have been in the process of packing for forever and I am finally picking it back up. When I do get a job and move, I want the process to be as smooth as possible. 

I submitted another job app with a good lead, and am actively seeking more! (so if you have a job lead in Atlanta, hit me up)

I have also decided to be sensible, not let my pride get the better of me, and keep working part time and living on campus until EF says I can't or I have something lined up. 

Finally, I am coming up with a way to reconnect to someone I really care about (more details later, I don't want to give it away!) 

So, I am trying. I am not one to let something get me down for long, so I am putting productivity to good use. 

In other news, I bought some books today. (They were $1.50 for all 3, so no worries, still saving money!) 

One is very sentimental, it is called The Education of Little Tree, and was one of the last books Mamaw read to me before I felt too old to be read to. With her health going down, her mind gone, and my infrequent visits, re-reading this and having a reminder will be very nice.

Also, some photos of my weekend:

Courtney came to visit! 

Rocky Horror

Happy Outlooks

...restless

Today I tried so hard to be  a grownup.
I bought 2 watches, that seems like an adult move to me.

I also made myself a pot of coffee, instead of buying something.

I even did dishes and started trying to make everything squeaky clean for Justin's return. :)
A not so-surprising surprise...and you know I thought it would be polite to at least pick up my stray bobby pins, my clothes, that sort of thing. So far, the kitchen is done....

(I tried to teach the kitties a trick while he has been away and while that is still a work in progress, I have successfully reduced the number of times they jump on the counter, which is good enough really.)

This week has helped me realize (or reconfirm really) how much I dislike being alone. I watched the Hunger Games 5 times for pete's sake.

I am restless, running out of things to do...I finished SVU, Scandal, and Medium. I am trying to watch Sherlock now, but it is not keeping my attention.

I AM BORED. (as if that were not apparent in my painfully vanilla post)

I am just restless, a little discouraged at the prospect of immediate change, and unbelievably bored.

You are welcome for the single most boring blog entry ever written into existence.

Now, for your enjoyment...adorable cats in a laundry basket. :)

...electric

Today I ran the Electric Run. By ran, I mean I ran about 25%. But hey, I ran in public, and I kept moving.

I am happy. Plus Justin said I have a goal for my next 5K, a time to beat, and that is good!

I also bought some of my first running gear today, a sports bra (at the suggestion of practically professional runner Tirzah) and a running shirt, because I wanted to feel legit.
I did. I was practically an athlete.

Really though, I am happy, and would like to do another run.

I did lose $30 though. I stuck it in my show in case we wanted to buy anything...and when the run was over, the money was gone. Next running gear I get is pants with zipper pockets! 

Anyway, after Justin and I went to Waffle house. 

Ahhh. I am so excited about this coming up week. Everyday is a perfect adventure. I still have 5 more pages to write to be done, but I am so close! 

Tomorrow I have tea or coffee or something with Tirzah and Tes, dinner with my beautiful and fabulous little sister Jesse. 

Monday - Justin and I have a potter painting groupon that expires on Tuesday. 

Tuesday - I officially become a Sigma alum, and I have my birthday dinner. 

Wednesday - Senior Boat trip, Carillon Ceremony, psych senior dinner

Thursday - MY BIRTHDAY!! Senior Class Celebration 

Friday - Presidents reception

Saturday - the big day!! 

Cross your fingers that one of those days is made better by a job offer that I am hoping will come! :) 

Anyway, happy run! 

...almost done

I am almost done.
I am officially done with classes, and practically done with all the work I have to do.
I have a 5 page paper and project for my internship keeping me from graduation.

I am still unemployed. Still waiting to hear back on my most likely prospect. I tried to be impressive today. I impressed myself at least.

Today I feel confident and happy.

I also feel anxious, because I know my students will be having a good bye party tonight, and I am not looking forward to breaking it up. But I will, because EF RA's don't suck, contrary to what the Stormy Petrel may have you believe. Must be that Oglethorpe training....

Anyway, back to why my day was wonderful. Today I got to go to my favorite latte place. Sweet Hut. I also got to get graduation sandals. Honestly I am happy to just have sandals.

Then we decided to go find this Tea and coffee shop in Little 5 that Marisa and I stumbled into one day on a service project. It is called Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party. It if full of tea, coffee, and they are partnered with a school in India, and proceeds on their merchandise goes to these girls education. It is really cool. Plus there are book everywhere, old books, on sale for $1. It was a very Tes place. It is also a very Tirzah place. I have shown Tes, now I just have to show Tirzah! What wonderful "T" named women!

Now I am in my room, on duty trying to finish the last assignment of my college career. It is a paper on the role research in psychology plays on PR. Nothing seems like a more perfect last assignment. Combining my studies and my (hopefully) future profession. Ah.

I wish that I was one of those people who look pretty and put together all the time. I wish I felt on top of things all the time.

right now I am painfully aware of how unprepared I am. People are good at making me feel a little better. People are good at telling me how wonderful I am, but I am not the right kind of wonderful right now.

the job hunt is discouraging. I need more leads. I have an informational interview on Wednesday. I am pretty excited and pretty nervous about it. Nervous at the commute. Excited at potential opportunities.

anyway. I have a lot in my head. And a cavity that desperately needs tending too. Oh job with dental insurance, where are you?

...employed.

The lady with the job I applied for called me. She has been interviewing other candidates with a few years work experience, and decided to not give me tasks and projects after all.

:(

I am disappointed, but more so nervous.

I feel like I am doing everything right.
I work my ass off. I worked nearly 35 hours a weak this semester and have tried to get more experience. I have networked, followed up on multiple recommendations and job leads, had my resume reviewed by a dozens of people.
Still 2 weeks before graduation, nothing. Granted, I still have 2 weeks, but I was really hoping for a bit more security at this point.
Well, more resumes, more cover letters. And looking for more job leads.

Boo for disappointing 9AM phone calls.

In better news, I am going shopping today for my graduation dress.
APO SWAT is tonight, and I can apply for more things tomorrow.

...unpacking

I had a phone interview today. I think it went really well. At least I secured an in-person interview and some projects to work on...that is always good.

I have already started imagining my life. It involves a lot of Caribou coffee. And I love coffee, so that is good. Speaking of coffee, I started moving my things to Justin's apartment today. We are going to be roommates in case you did not know blog world.

I started with my extra blankets, and mug collection.
...I have accumulated so many mugs and tea cups. I have 2 tea sets, 2 espresso sets, one set of adorable tea cups, and an assortment of mismatched mugs and cups. I also brought my coffee pot, and plan to get/bring my espresso machine (unless Chad gets to keep it, but if so I can get another one).

Justin is letting me have free range on decorating the kitchen, since he has everything else decorated. It will be super cute.

In other news, I finally got my APO leadership award today. I won it last year, but I did not get it until now. It is the crest, so it represents everything APO is.

I can't wait til graduation to show off all the swag I have, but I am especially proud of all the APO swag I will have! Stole, service pin, DSK, and Leadership award.
Be a leader. be a friend. be of service. All day, every day! :)

I am happy today.