I always knew that I'd be a really good grown-up. I'm an old soul, or so I'm told. While everyone was being rebellious in high school and out partying in college, I was dreaming of a cozy little home to come back to after a long day of saving the world via social work. My friends were busy working their way up the popularity totem pole while I lamented the world's seeming lack of kindred spirits.
Okay, I suppose I'm making myself sound like a complete nerd. I wasn't a nerd, per se, I just refused to follow the crowd when it came to ridiculous adolescent behavior. It caused me a lot of grief. I always had conflicting emotions between what popular culture said I should be like and who I really was or wanted to be. Still, I never compromised. Sometimes I feel the urge to make up for it a bit...but I'm all too sensible for that.
Instead, I waited out my time. It's steadily gotten better, and now I'm at a place I love. High school....blah. College....definitely not a bad time. Adultland....I'm hitting my stride. I hear that once you become a thirty something, most of that nagging self-consciousness goes away. One can only dream. For now, TwentySomething is just peachy.
One Week Down
I have endured my first ever 40-hour week. The verdict is still out as to how I feel about the whole situation. I decided to create a pro-con list to help me decided.
Pros:
1. I'm the youngest, cutest employee
2. I have an awesome automated signature that I get to attach to the end of all of my emails.
3. I get business cards
4. I'm now above poverty level
5. I can afford insurance
6. Since this is my first job and I have to adjust to a new schedule, I have an excuse to use all of my downtime to read and play Mario instead of cleaning (we'll see how much longer that holds up).
Cons:
1. I have to work eight hours a day
2. I have no energy to invest in relationships...or a pet. I really want a pet.
3. I don't have office space yet, so I spend my time trying to look busy. Sorting paper clips, assist with saran wrapping the Christmas tree, reading irrelevant state laws....
4. I used to cook. Now I make meals with titles like "Rush Hour Chili"
5. Coffee cake, chocolates, and pop are always lurking, waiting to attack upon my approach.
Honestly, I had a harder time coming up with cons than pros...obviously I've found my calling. It really is a good job and one that will pick up a bit after we find office space in the locations I'll be at. In fact, I have made an important decision that I must update you on. I have decided to put off graduate school for a year. After much contemplation, I decided that an extra year of money and experience would greatly benefit me. It's a new position that I'm launching and I wanted to give myself enough time to really make some headway. That said, I'm enjoying the idea of neglecting studying for a year and a half.
I finally have peace with my decision and I'm loving where I'm at.
Pros:
1. I'm the youngest, cutest employee
2. I have an awesome automated signature that I get to attach to the end of all of my emails.
3. I get business cards
4. I'm now above poverty level
5. I can afford insurance
6. Since this is my first job and I have to adjust to a new schedule, I have an excuse to use all of my downtime to read and play Mario instead of cleaning (we'll see how much longer that holds up).
Cons:
1. I have to work eight hours a day
2. I have no energy to invest in relationships...or a pet. I really want a pet.
3. I don't have office space yet, so I spend my time trying to look busy. Sorting paper clips, assist with saran wrapping the Christmas tree, reading irrelevant state laws....
4. I used to cook. Now I make meals with titles like "Rush Hour Chili"
5. Coffee cake, chocolates, and pop are always lurking, waiting to attack upon my approach.
Honestly, I had a harder time coming up with cons than pros...obviously I've found my calling. It really is a good job and one that will pick up a bit after we find office space in the locations I'll be at. In fact, I have made an important decision that I must update you on. I have decided to put off graduate school for a year. After much contemplation, I decided that an extra year of money and experience would greatly benefit me. It's a new position that I'm launching and I wanted to give myself enough time to really make some headway. That said, I'm enjoying the idea of neglecting studying for a year and a half.
I finally have peace with my decision and I'm loving where I'm at.
Best Year of My Life
As the year draws to a close, I realize I have neglected to do the usual nostalgic reflecting. So I'll spare a few minutes :) The past several years I have chosen not to make New Year's resolutions, because I realize that they are often not kept and lead to a gnawing sense of irritation. If I do, it's usually something pretty vague like, "be more positive." More likely than not, I use the time to think back on how far I've come and think about where I'm going in the future. It has definitely been a crazy year! Wedding planning, seven months of marriage, graduation, and a new job (which starts on Monday, by the way!). It has been ridiculously stressful at times, but the memories were worth the effort.
Tonight we will ring in the new year with friends. How do you celebrate the new year? Do you make resolutions?
Tonight we will ring in the new year with friends. How do you celebrate the new year? Do you make resolutions?
Fashion Bug
Okay, I'm over feeling guilty. Fashion is like a drug. After a few days of mulling it over, and stalking various style blogs, I'm feeling pangs of withdrawal. The thought that maybe I should forgo grad school in lieu of a 9-5 in order to afford fun ensembles just crossed my mind. Maybe I'm being a little rash......???
The Final Result
I had a shopping marathon today. Six hours to be exact. Although, one of those hours was spent trying to back out of the driveway. We had a white Christmas...a blizzard no less! Now, I must inform you that I am not, nor have I ever been a Black Friday/day after Christmas shopper. However, this December 26th I decided to venture out into the arctic tundra to brave the elements and crazy drivers (People in the southwest are incapable of driving in winter weather) to find the perfect first job wardrobe.
Two aching arms, one empty belly, and six hours later, Here is the result (including yesterday's Christmas gifts):
-one navy dress
-one brown bag
-7 camis
-3 skirts
-2 scarves
-two pairs of tights: brown herring bone and opaque black
-7 tops
-4 cardigans
-1 pair heels
-1 pair slouchy boots
-2 pairs of pants
...and a partridge in a pair tree.
Really, I found some amazing deals and really cute items. Here's the problem...I have never spent more than probably $200 at one time. Even though I was given a budget, I'm feeling a little guilty/greedy and overwhelmed. I have been perusing style blogs (see "What I Wore" So cute!) and feel almost certain that, while I have all the staples, I am utterly hopeless when it comes to combining all the pieces. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fairly fashionable person, but very simple. Think, skinny jeans, slouchy boots, crew top, and a necklace. Anymore than that, and I'm lost. That's where I'm at today. Tomorrow, I'll probably be returning my 12 days of Christmas...
Two aching arms, one empty belly, and six hours later, Here is the result (including yesterday's Christmas gifts):
-one navy dress
-one brown bag
-7 camis
-3 skirts
-2 scarves
-two pairs of tights: brown herring bone and opaque black
-7 tops
-4 cardigans
-1 pair heels
-1 pair slouchy boots
-2 pairs of pants
...and a partridge in a pair tree.
Really, I found some amazing deals and really cute items. Here's the problem...I have never spent more than probably $200 at one time. Even though I was given a budget, I'm feeling a little guilty/greedy and overwhelmed. I have been perusing style blogs (see "What I Wore" So cute!) and feel almost certain that, while I have all the staples, I am utterly hopeless when it comes to combining all the pieces. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fairly fashionable person, but very simple. Think, skinny jeans, slouchy boots, crew top, and a necklace. Anymore than that, and I'm lost. That's where I'm at today. Tomorrow, I'll probably be returning my 12 days of Christmas...
The Big-Girl Wardrobe Hunt
So, in celebration of my new big-girl job (cleverly disguised as a necessity for success in said position), I have convinced Mr. Twentysomething to allot some shopping money for a new big-girl wardrobe!
The attire is kind of business-casual, and so far my clothing selection consists of mostly college-slob.
Here's what I'm thinking to start off with:
-several new camis. I'm always on the hunt for long, fitted ones to layer. I may have hit the jackpot. 3/$15 from wetseal.com. Teeny-bopper store? Yes. Cheap, cute undershirts? Yes!
-cardigan. I have been looking for a good cardigan for probably two years. So, I'm considering spending a bit more on this. Here's a cute one from American Eagle.
-opaque black tights. Another item that you can go cheap on. Hello Target, my love!
-classic button down. I think this is a really boring item to spend a lot of money on, but I suppose its important to have a good quality classic in your closet. All the good ones I found start around $50! Who knew!
-slouchy boots. Definitely need a pair of boots that are work appropriate...can't rock the Uggs.
I still need a good black pencil skirt to go with a blazer I have. Finally, I'll throw in a few fun tops and accessories. Any suggestions?? I'm all for tips from the veterans!
The attire is kind of business-casual, and so far my clothing selection consists of mostly college-slob.
Here's what I'm thinking to start off with:
-several new camis. I'm always on the hunt for long, fitted ones to layer. I may have hit the jackpot. 3/$15 from wetseal.com. Teeny-bopper store? Yes. Cheap, cute undershirts? Yes!
-cardigan. I have been looking for a good cardigan for probably two years. So, I'm considering spending a bit more on this. Here's a cute one from American Eagle.
-opaque black tights. Another item that you can go cheap on. Hello Target, my love!
-classic button down. I think this is a really boring item to spend a lot of money on, but I suppose its important to have a good quality classic in your closet. All the good ones I found start around $50! Who knew!
-slouchy boots. Definitely need a pair of boots that are work appropriate...can't rock the Uggs.
I still need a good black pencil skirt to go with a blazer I have. Finally, I'll throw in a few fun tops and accessories. Any suggestions?? I'm all for tips from the veterans!
The Job Offer
For the last few months, I have been utterly convinced that my life is going to pot and, without a Magic-8 Ball, there is little there can be little stability regarding my future. In spite of all my fretting, I got a job offer!
I have been working part-time with a non-profit agency that provides various kinds of assistance to victim's of domestic violence. I have accepted the full-time position as Victim's Advocate and will be working in surrounding communities to bring resources and advocacy to smaller towns that do not have adequate connections. I am thrilled about this opportunity and love that I get to have a job that helps people in such a direct way. And, considering it's my first job, the pay is not too shabby. Can I get an "amen" for just crossing the poverty line?!
As much as I am looking forward to the position, I have a lot of adjusting to do. What's a college girl to do with this 40+ hours a week nonsense? Then there's grownup dinners to be made, quality spouse time to be had, and exercise to be done; and, all without neglecting much needed girl time. Just call me SuperGirl.
It's my first big girl job, and it's a little intimdating. Fortunately, I've had a to go through a lot of intimidating things as of late, so I've gotten pretty good at faking it. You know, the old, "fake it til you make it" motto. It's another piece of wisdom from Mom-twentysomething. The basic idea is: regardless of fear or intimidation, just do it. ACT like you're confident, even if you're not on the inside. Everyone has to go through first of some sort, but it gets easier. Eventually, you'll start to feel on the inside what you're trying to project on the outside.
I'm still applying to graduate school, but that's still up in the air. For now, I'm just focusing on my new job and learning to have a bedtime again. That should be enough to occupy my anxious little brain for the time being. In the meantime, I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness. Psalm 106 talks about Israel's continual unbelief and complaining. Despite what the Lord had done for them in Egypt, they "were not impressed by the Lord's miraculous deeds...they soon forgot his many acts of kindsness to them." "Even so, he saved them." From my human perspective, it is hard to remember that God holds my future. Thank God that He is faithful even when I am not.
I have been working part-time with a non-profit agency that provides various kinds of assistance to victim's of domestic violence. I have accepted the full-time position as Victim's Advocate and will be working in surrounding communities to bring resources and advocacy to smaller towns that do not have adequate connections. I am thrilled about this opportunity and love that I get to have a job that helps people in such a direct way. And, considering it's my first job, the pay is not too shabby. Can I get an "amen" for just crossing the poverty line?!
As much as I am looking forward to the position, I have a lot of adjusting to do. What's a college girl to do with this 40+ hours a week nonsense? Then there's grownup dinners to be made, quality spouse time to be had, and exercise to be done; and, all without neglecting much needed girl time. Just call me SuperGirl.
It's my first big girl job, and it's a little intimdating. Fortunately, I've had a to go through a lot of intimidating things as of late, so I've gotten pretty good at faking it. You know, the old, "fake it til you make it" motto. It's another piece of wisdom from Mom-twentysomething. The basic idea is: regardless of fear or intimidation, just do it. ACT like you're confident, even if you're not on the inside. Everyone has to go through first of some sort, but it gets easier. Eventually, you'll start to feel on the inside what you're trying to project on the outside.
I'm still applying to graduate school, but that's still up in the air. For now, I'm just focusing on my new job and learning to have a bedtime again. That should be enough to occupy my anxious little brain for the time being. In the meantime, I am reminded of the Lord's faithfulness. Psalm 106 talks about Israel's continual unbelief and complaining. Despite what the Lord had done for them in Egypt, they "were not impressed by the Lord's miraculous deeds...they soon forgot his many acts of kindsness to them." "Even so, he saved them." From my human perspective, it is hard to remember that God holds my future. Thank God that He is faithful even when I am not.
