Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy New Year!




Well, 2007 is almost history and another new year is upon us. Time sure flies! I have but only a few wishes for 2008:


1) I pray that my parents have the best of health. They're the greatest people I know (ok, so I'm a little biased!) and I don't know how I would survive without them. :)


2) For my sister to have faith during this tough time that she 's going through. Things will eventually get better for her.


3) For my brother to have continued success in what he enjoys doing and I hope that he finds that someone special.


4) For my two nieces and nephew to be happy despite what they and their mother have gone through this year. I pray that my oldest niece will enjoy her new surroundings and job, and that her b/f stays true to her and takes care of her. For my nephew, I also hope he enjoys his new surroundings and that he will stay focused while away at school. As for middle niece, I hope that she enjoys her time off away from school and that she knows that she can always go back to it when she is good and ready.


5) For the rest of my growing and extended family, I hope that everyone is in good health and that their lives are filled with love and happiness.


6) For my old & new friends, I hope that they're happy. I may have lost contact with a few "old" friends [though not by choice], but all I really wish for them is the best.


7) As for me, I still have the same wishes as I did before: that I have great health and continued success in school. And if God is listening, I pray that 2008 will be a great year for me in that I will finally meet that special someone!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Christmas is just around the corner!

I just couldn't wait to say this, but school is over! I took my last two finals today and boy, what a relief it is off my back! :) I am FREE from the worrying and the STRESS that I was under for the last 3-4 months. Now I can relax and enjoy the next three weeks of vacation. I intend to do the following:

1) Catch up on some house work (including getting rid of all those papers I accumulated from doing research) since I've alienated it for a while.

2) Exercise/go running because I haven't had much time for it.

3) Meet up with some friends.

4) Go bargain shopping right after the Xmas holiday.

5) Finish reading this book I bought--from two years ago.

6) To go back to "Mr. Cutie's" p.o.b. and introduce myself to him--that's if he's ever there! ;)

So I started my Xmas shopping today. I didn't get a chance to do it earlier because I was inundated with school stuff. I bought something for my father, sister and 2 nieces, but now I need to find something for my mother, brother, and nephew. I swore to my mother that there wasn't going to be a Christmas this year because 1) I didn't have the $$ and 2) I wasn't in the holiday spirit. So much for breaking promises! :(

Finally, this week I'm supposed to be submitting the draft of the profile I wrote to the publication that didn't hire me. I'm hoping the subject of my profile gives his ok on the quotes I sent him tonight. And I'm praying that the publication will want to publish my first story! :) Ah...the life of a freelance writer. :)

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Every cloud has a silver lining

I received an e-mail last week from the Editor of the publication where I had recently applied to. It turns out that she gave the job to another candidate. :( I wasn't really disappointed that I didn't get the job. I know I need to improve my writing skills and I plan to do so. You know, there's always a silver lining to be found somewhere! Here is what the Editor's wrote me:


"It's not because we don't adore you! And I am still interested in having you write the WFC piece. Thanks so much for your time and patience. Perhaps we can do an internship at some point in the future? I have one lined up for the spring already, but maybe during summer or fall."

Well, I didn't hesitate to respond and told her that I'd be interested in interning in the summer. She responded by saying she was glad. I'm looking at this as another opportunity or stepping stone to what could possibly lead to a future career, either with this publication or with another one in my area.

Ok, so I finally went to "Mr. Cutie's" place of business (p.o.b.) about two weeks ago w/ my friend Angelica. As we walked into the place, I looked at the waitress behind the counter and asked, "Is your mother's name Joy?" She responded, "Yes. Do you see a resemblance?" Kathleen, our waitress, is the spitting image of her mother. It turns out that her parents and my parents were neighbors back in the mid/late 70s. At that time, their son was just a few months old. I remember when my mother took me to visit the neighbors and all I saw was this little baby in his crib. Unfortunately, Kathleen's parents moved shortly thereafter into another neighborhood, just around the corner. She and her older sister weren't born yet when her parents lived next door. However, I do remember seeing her in town with her parents many years ago.

During the course of our conversation, I explained to Angelica how I knew Kathleen. Before we finished lunch, Kathleen came out and talked to us. I found out that she graduated with my oldest niece & when I told her my niece's name, she replied that she did notice a resemblance between my niece and I. That was funny to hear her say that because no one has ever told me that. People have always said that my other niece/Godchild looks more like me!

Anyway, after talking to the waitress--who actually made a few mistakes w/ my friend's lunch & with our bill (we gave her a good tip anyway. She said that she promised next time the service would be better. Oh, there will definitely be a next time. I can guarantee that!), I eventually fessed up to my friend as to why I wanted to eat lunch where we did. My very good reasons were: 1) I had never been there before, and 2) I was hoping to run into the owner..."Mr. Cutie"! Unfortunately, he wasn't there that day. :( There may be another opportunity to hang out at his p.o.b. in the future! On occasion, they have live music there. Apparently another alum of our high school--who happens to be a classmate of Angelica's--plays there every now and then. Hmmm...the next time he's performing sounds like the perfect time to go in again and maybe this time I'll run into "Mr. Cutie"! :) Hey, and if Kathleen is still working there, maybe I can ask for the 411 on her boss!

Well, I need to get back to finishing up my homework. Thank God there's only two more weeks of school left! YEAH! Can't wait for winter break, even though it's going to be a short one. :(




Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Happy Birthday to Me!



Well, today I celebrate another birthday. I really don't feel any different than before. I haven't noticed any new wrinkles, though I'm sure there's a gray hair or two hiding somewhere. :( I do know that I have lost a few pounds within the last week or so. It must be from all the STRESS that I've been dealing with lately.

On this birthday milestone, I'm making a few wishes and they are: To be happy, to have good health, to have luck in finding a permanent job, and to hopefully meet "Mr. Right"! :)

Friday, November 16, 2007

Does fate exist?

As I was driving home about an hour ago, I had to come to a complete stop because this guy was jogging/crossing the street. As I sat in my car, I tried to get a better look at this guy, who was wearing a gold, long sleeve shirt, shorts, and a baseball cap. I then asked myself, "Is that Mr. Cutie?!" I tried following him in the direction he was jogging, but I ended up driving back the opposite way & through some other streets. When I came back to the route I was originally on, I lost him. :(


As much as I've been wanting to, I haven't had a chance to stop by "Mr. Cutie's" biz. It'll probably come down to me just going in there alone and ordering some lunch. Wait! I just had a brilliant idea! I haven't kept up with my exercise routine in a while, so I may go for a walk or run this weekend/week. What are the chances that I'll run into him then?! I've got to plan out my strategy!


So my interview with the publication went very well. It was a casual environment and the Editor and Managing Editor were chatting to me like we had all been friends for years. It turns out that the Editor is an acquaintance of my ex-co-worker (DD). I would really LOVE to work at this publication because it would give me the opportunity to learn so much and gain more experience. I hope that the two women that interviewed me saw that I was really interested in the job, despite not having a degree.

I've always enjoyed writing and editing. Though I don't have the formal training yet, it's been one of my strengths since I was a child & it's something that I'll always love doing! :)

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Think positive!

Well, I finally heard back from the Editor of the publication that I e-mailed my Profile/story query to. My job interview is scheduled for next Wed. and she requested that I bring a few writing samples. The only samples I have are essays that I wrote in my college English class, which I think are fairly good. I'm just so excited at the fact that I might have a chance of getting this job!


Ok, so I have about 6-9 pending school projects that I'm working on (no, I am not kidding)! Two or three are almost done, but not quite. And then I have another deadline or two looming in 2-3 weeks! :( I am making myself a promise: I am NO longer going to take on more than I should! What this means is that I'm not taking more than 2 classes each semester because it's just way too much! Besides, I need my sanity & I need to be making $$ too!


I still haven't had time to "accidentally" stop by Mr. Cutie's place of business yet. :( I may call up a friend of mine to see if she wants to chat and hang out at his business. I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've seen this friend. It's funny how you're friends with someone and you both live in the same town/city, yet you never ever actually get to see them! ;)

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

I'm the best candidate for the job!

About a week ago, I e-mailed a query to a local publication, which I've enjoyed reading over the years. In fact, a former employer of mine used to subscribe to this publication, so when I picked up the mail, I couldn't help but read it. So the Editor of this publication replied to my query e-mail & stated that the story I submitted could be a possibility for the May '08 issue. Boy, was I shocked! Finally, a possible "Yes"! She then proceeded to ask me for clips of stories I've written. I told her that I didn't have any clips because the only writing I've ever done is for my college English class. I went ahead and sent her a copy of two stories I had written, which I considered some of my best work. I went on to explain to her that I am a new writer [my instructor didn't want myself or my classmates to come off as 'students' in our queries] and that I didn't have any clips I could send her.

A day later, I received another response from the Editor. She told me to send her a rough draft of my story and that we'd go from there. She also added that the company is looking to hire an Assistant Editor & that I should take a look at the job description she had sent me and see if this would be something I'd be interested in. Is this a sign from God or what?! About two months ago, I had every intention of applying for an internship with this publication when I saw an ad in one of their issues, but I never had time to send off my résumé. Well, the opportunity finally arose last Friday when I e-mailed her my cover letter & résumé.

Well, it's been four days now and I still haven't heard from her. I hope she didn't think I was overqualified for the position. Also, I seem to read a lot into things and think that because I don't have certain qualifications--the job is requiring a degree in a related field--that maybe she's taking into account all of this. :( I've never been formally trained; however, at a very young age, I found that the English language and anything related to Journalism were my strong points. Even the career tests I took in college pointed me in the direction of Journalism! In fact, whenever I found myself in a work or school setting, my colleagues or classmates would often come to me for help because they knew I excelled in writing, proofreading, and editing. I know that everything can be learned while on-the-job, but does she [the Editor] want to hire someone who has a degree--which I'm working towards now--or has YEARS of experience?

I've relentlessly been working on the story I'm writing so I can have my instructor/adviser look at. Then the next step is to send it off as a rough draft to the Editor. In the meantime, I've got like 4 other school projects that I'm working on--with due dates looming--and an exam I'm not ready for--again--on Tuesday. :(

I'm going to let one more day pass and if I don't hear back from the Editor, I am going to e-mail her again because I am VERY interested in this job and I definitely think I'm the best candidate! :)

Friday, October 19, 2007

The Exciting Life of an Aspiring Writer

I'm finally closer to finishing my first Feature article for my Journalism/Magazine writing class. The article is coming right along. So while I was in class yesterday, I go to turn in what I think is my final draft to my instructor, only to find out that this is considered my "first draft" that I'm turning in! :( I've already typed up 7 other "first drafts" & now I'm working on my 8th, which is getting critiqued by my classmates next week. If I make it past 10, please sedate me! lol Oh, and I received my first rejection letter/e-mail for my Profile article. Oh well. Better luck next time!

I had a little excitement (Believe me because it's pretty rare when something exciting happens to me.) in my life yesterday, after work. As I was driving through town, who do I see going into his car to get something? Why it's "Mr. Cutie"! I rolled down my car window to get a better look, hoping he'd look my way--which he didn't. Anyway, all I can say is, "Wow!" :) My heart skipped a little bit when I saw him. Ok, so I've never actually spoken to "Mr. Cutie", but I really do want to! I just haven't found the perfect time to go into his place of biz to chat with him. I really don't want to go in alone, unless I'm in a hurry & only looking to get a quick bite to eat.

Ok, I must go now and wipe the rest of the drool off my mouth, as well as finish up some homework! Yes, another Friday night being well spent. :(

Friday, October 5, 2007

Being at the right place, at the right time

So I wandered in to my local Office Depot yesterday to buy a few things. As I am perusing the calendar section, I see this really cute guy out of the corner of my eye. Where did he come from?! As I proceed to the pencil aisle {where there are so...many to choose from}, I see the cutie walking towards me, so I make eye contact [he had the nicest blue eyes] & smile. I think he must've had a lot going on in his mind because all I got was a pleasant smirk out of him. Anyway, so I proceed to ask an employee if they have any '07/'08 calendars in stock & he regretfully tells me "no." So I walk to the check-out stand and within a few minutes later, I see Mr. Cutie coming towards me! He is standing right behind me! What do I do?! Do I say anything, like, "Hello"? Nothing came out of my mouth. :( Nonetheless, I managed to check his left hand/4th finger, to see if he was wearing a wedding band. Nope, no band! I know this really doesn't mean anything because some guys are married & don't wear their ring, but, hey, it was worth a shot! So both of us are standing there waiting our turns when finally it's my turn. The cashier rings up my purchase (ink, monthly planner & 3 mechanical pencils--which I swore I would never buy until I finished using all of my regular, old school, #2 pencils!) & when she tells me the amount, I hurry to find enough cash, which I end up giving her most of it. As she takes my moolah, she closes her drawer before she can give me my change. I start to get this feeling that she's new. So as soon as I get my change, I leave. I get in my car and because I'm really curious, I decide to kill a few minutes until Mr. Cutie walks out of the store with his purchases. Well, he makes his way out with his exec. chair & file folders. Hmm...must be for his home office. As I begin to pull out of the parking lot (we're parked on opposite sides of each other), he pulls out at the same time. Well, he sees that I'm pulling out, so he gives me the go-ahead. I wish I would've motioned "thanks", but I didn't. I hurry out of the parking lot only to notice that he went the other way. As our cars were about to meet @ the stoplight, I made a sharp right @ the light & headed north. Ok, I think I lost him for good. :( Yet again, I missed another opportunity to talk to some random, cute guy just because I'm so damn shy!

I'm finally on the freeway heading north--to go home. As I get off @ the central exit, I see that two cars behind me is Mr. Cutie. Is he following me?! As the truck right behind me makes a turn, Mr. Cutie is literally right in back of me! I think to myself, "Is that really him?" As we both proceed to drive, I notice that he's still right behind me, until he turns into what I think is a parking lot. Well, now I really lost him for good. :( I'm still curious {that's the journalist in me}, so I drive once around the entire block and look for his car. A-ha! I see that it's parked off the street. I then start putting 2+2 together and realize that I've seen Mr. Cutie before.

I start searching the Internet {yes, I am an aspiring journalist/writer} & type in a few keywords, only to find out that he is affiliated with an art gallery here in town. It turns out that he's one of the bosses, so he was buying stuff for work. This guy looked really young (I say young because he looks around my age or a little older!) to be a business owner, but, hey, all the power to him.

Hmm...I say that one of these days--when I'm not swamped with homework--I'll have to make my way over to where he works, and say hello. Hopefully, I haven't missed another opportunity at finding "Mr. You-Know-Who"! :)

Friday, September 28, 2007

Well, here I am on a Friday night--once again--doing homework. :( I really don't have much of a life right now (as if I really had one to begin with), so needless to say that I don't have much free time to do anything or go anywhere. Well, this past Monday my very good friend (since the 3rd grade), Heather, invited me to hang out with her. You see, her good friend Liz was shooting a film that she wrote, produced, and directed herself. The film is called "The Commune." It's a thriller about a teen who visits her estranged father's commune & learns about New Age mysticism. Anyway, Liz is originally from our area (her high school rivaled ours). It really makes me happy to know that someone "local" has done well for herself and has followed her dreams. :) Heather also thought it'd be a great idea for me to watch the filming since I'm majoring in Communications/Media Studies. Still not sure what I want to be when I "grow up", but I do know that I want to write. I very much enjoyed the 2 hours I spent away from my homework so I could watch the filming. Thanks to Liz for giving me this opportunity! I wish I could've helped more and under other circumstances, I really would have! :)

I'm so STRESSED at the moment because I have several tests I have to study for, which I'm not even prepared for. Plus, I'm working on several other school projects. Well, I must continue slaving away on my tarea. Until next time.