Perhaps, 3rd Time is the Charm

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but I've had a lot going on that I finally needed to vent some of my frustration out.

Back in January, the assistant to my boss offered me a position in which I'd be working directly for her. The job offer came at a good time because, as a student employee, the pay sucks. I gladly accepted the new position, for which I was to have started in February. Well, here's why I'm frustrated.

The person who offered me the position didn't realize that there was one more step to follow before submitting the paperwork to Human Resources. And because of the problems California is currently facing with its budget, this paperwork also has to go through one more channel: a meeting in which my boss has to attend. Well, yesterday I found out that this meeting has been rescheduled again, which makes this the 3rd time now!

As much as I appreciate the bosses assistant for thinking of me for this "promotion," I'm going to have to keep looking for something better and/or stable. I do realize that it may take a while to find a new job, but I intend to stay positive and I know I will eventually find something I'm well suited for.

Edit: I just got selected for an interview, which will take place next week. I pray that I do well because I've been asked to do a presentation during the interview and I'll admit that I've always shied away from doing public speaking!

Because my focus is currently on school and work, I'm going to need a day where I can just relax and have fun, so that's why a few friends and I are getting together in five weeks and driving down to Fresno to meet NKOTB, again! Yes, hopefully the 3rd time will be the charm and I will put away my shyness for one night so that I can actually have a real conversation with my crush, Jonathan Knight!

For those who have NEVER been to a New Kids show, what in the h*** are you thinking?! Kidding aside, you are totally missing out on two great hours of entertainment! And for those, like myself, who have already been to a few of their shows, well, we/I just can't get enough!

Below is a sneak peek--aka spoiler--of their first 2009 U.S. show from last Saturday! If you don't want to watch it, then turn away now! For the record, let me just say that I absolutely LOVE this song and can't wait to see it performed live soon--sans the thrusting performed in the original video (Video 1)! Enjoy! :)

There's something in the air...

And it stinks! Kidding aside, there must've been a full moon recently because I've been feeling all this negative energy around me. You see, I was the target of some good and bad rage. :(

A week ago, I was trying to catch the freeway on my way home. Mind you, I've always been a very careful driver. In fact, I've never received a ticket in my life! Anyway, I was in the correct lane to make the turn when this person tries to cut in front of me. First of all, she wasn't in the correct lane. Second, I had every right to proceed where I was since I was in the correct turning lane. As we eventually made it onto the freeway, somehow she wound up in front of me in the fast lane. I was pressed for time because I had to get home and eat dinner since I had to be in class in an hour. At one point, the other driver quickly brakes and proceeds. Did she do this on purpose? I don't know. So then I see her looking at her outside mirror and nodding her head. Then I notice that she's looking at her rear view mirror and giving me the peace sign. The two things that I can't tolerate in other drivers is carelessness or ones that don't pay attention. Well, at least she didn't give me "the finger"!

The second incident happened while I was at school. I had just gotten out of my second class and walked to my car to eat lunch since I had to be at work in an hour (I work on-campus). I'm minding my own business when I hear someone honking. I look in my rearview mirror and just ignore it. Finally, after like the third or fourth honk, I roll down my window and some woman is looking at me and says, "I was looking right at you waiting for you to pull out." I thought to myself, "Isn't it obvious that the reason I didn't pull out of the parking space was because I'm NOT going anywhere!" I told her, "I didn't see you and I'm NOT leaving!" She then quickly speeds away to find another parking space. The nerve of her to talk to me the way she did! It's like she wanted something handed to her and got mad because I wasn't going to give in! Unfortunately, the construction that's occurring at my school/work will continue on for the rest of the semester, so it doesn't look like the parking situation will get any better. In fact, it has gotten worse.

I hope the bad rage that so many people have had these days is over and done with because I can't tolerate conflict, especially at work, which is what I'm currently dealing with (another story for another time). 

Ok, so I'm done venting. I will update you with the happenings in my life soon! Have a great weekend!

Happy Singles Awareness Day

Well, I personally wouldn't call it "happy," but others might.

February 14th is a day that I'm sure most single people would soon like to forget. I usually treat this day as just a regular day, but it's hard sometimes because you're constantly reminded that you don't have anyone special in your life. I will say this though: I am very appreciative of my family and friends!

So to all of you women out there, who are married, have a boyfriend or have a significant other: Happy Valentine's Day! And to those single women--like myself--who don't have a husband, boyfriend or significant other: Happy Singles Awareness Day!

Birthday Greetings

Happy Birthday Vira

Today would have been my cousin, Vira's 47th birthday. Unfortunately, she passed away on October 12, 2006 from breast cancer.

Vira, I love you and miss you dearly!

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Last week, a co-worker of mine--who happens to be the bosses assistant--asked for my personal e-mail address, so I gave it to her. My first thought was, "Ok, what did I do wrong?" A couple of minutes later, I opened the "confidential" e-mail, which stated that the boss told her that she could hire a part-time employee to take over some of the specific duties she shouldn't be doing. She told me that she was happy with my work and asked if I'd be interested in this position. The pay is actually a LOT better than what I'm currently making, which is music to my ears! In addition, I can still have the flexibility of taking classes, plus I could work a few extra hours. I told her that I was going to think about it and I'm actually supposed to meet with her this week to further discuss the job.

I'd say that within the last few months, I've been fortunate to have had some things happen to me, which I had hoped would lead me into fulfilling more of my goals this year. I have tried putting all my positive energy into finding a new job and, well, with the help of my vision board, I think things are starting to fall into place! Staying positive is something I will continue doing because I still have a few other goals I'd like to accomplish this year. :)

My winter break is over and I started classes again this week. I'm slowly getting into my two Anthropology classes because I've never been one to like anything associated with science (or math)! I haven't taken a science class in YEARS, so that's why I'm a little scared! What's funny is that one of my instructors is five years younger than me, so at least I can relate to her in that sense.

And what would my blog be without some NKOTB news! Recently, fans were e-mailed a message stating to "save the dates" for a very special event. Well, as many Blockheads had speculated, the event turned out to be a cruise!! The Block's ship will set sail from Florida to the Bahamas from May 15 - 18. When word got out that this event could be a cruise, I said, "There's definitely NO way I'm going!" Twenty years ago, the Kids did a "Magic Summer" cruise, which I didn't take part in because I couldn't afford it. Well, fast forward to the present and I still can't afford a cruise! I've never been on one before and yes, a trip to Florida (where I've always wanted to go) and the Bahamas (really, any island will do for me) would've been great, but I don't have the means nor the time to go. Actually, I have finals around those dates, so it was poor planning on their part! ;) No worries because I'm still holding out and saving my money for the upcoming tours in the spring and summer! 

Friends

When the word friends comes to mind, I think of Lucy and Ethel from "I Love Lucy" or "Laverne & Shirley." I once had a friend, who I used to share my favorite moments with up until about five years ago.


For a while now, I wasn't sure if I wanted to write about this subject, but it's been on my mind lately. Recently, a close relative of mine had become friends with this "former" friend of mine on a highly popular social networking website. What I found ironic was the fact that this friend, who was like a sister to me, never bothered to contact me. Honestly, I've known her forever and we used to do everything together, such as go out to dinner or go on vacation. My mother considers this friend's mother as one of her best friends. For my last birthday, her mother brought me flowers and my favorite dessert! I tried re-connecting with this friend two months prior to that--for her birthday--but never heard from her.

Rewind back to late April 2008, which was the last time I saw or had any contact with her. Since she had moved in with her boyfriend four years earlier, she had pretty much lost all contact with her closest friends. My feelings got slightly hurt this last time. We went out to dinner at our favorite restaurant because we hadn't been in contact for several months. We started talking about different things and just as we were getting served, I told her that my first article was getting published. She didn't really say anything after that. I mean, I wasn't expecting her to say "congratulations," but I thought she'd be just a little happy for me. I mean, we were like sisters!

From what I've heard, she spends her time mostly traveling with her b/f (for pleasure and for his work--they both work for the same company) and following his hobbies or spending time with his parents (incidentally, her b/f is an only child). Occasionally, we'd see each other when her parents would invite my family over for parties (our families have known each other for over 30 years); however, at these functions, I often found myself having conversations with her brother because she was spending most of the time entertaining her b/f and his parents.

I truly feel that communication works both ways and I stopped communicating with her altogether when she no longer made the effort to stay in contact.

So the last couple of weeks I've been saying to myself, "I just can't believe she's communicated with...(my relative)." However, this morning the same thought came to mind when I opened my e-mail and noticed one from her! This is what she wrote:

Happy New Year! Long time no talk, I hope you had a great birthday and x-mas. I wanted to reconnect and do lunch or dinner. I've had so much going on at work and personally and now realize I have isolated myself from everyone.

Right now I'm thinking of what to write back to her. I don't want to come off as angry or hurt, but I'm uncertain if our friendship is salvageable. As the saying goes, "it's easy to forgive, but not to forget."

Welcome 2009!

Wow, I can't believe 2009 is just a matter of hours away. I can honestly say that 2008 was a great year for me despite having had a stroke of bad luck with employment. The highlight of '08--besides the New Kids Reunion and having been fortunate to attend four NKOTB concerts--was the fact that I got my first article published, which was then followed by two more! Fortunately, I thank God for my health and the fact that I have a family that loves me, and new friends, who care to know how I'm doing. :)

I will be spending New Years Eve with my best friend, LM, and her family, who live about 10 minutes away.  Every year, I tend to make a few resolutions, but then sometimes end up breaking them. However, this year I hope to accomplish the following goals: 

1) To get a new job, which will enable me to have some flexibility with school

2) To be more persistent in the matter of getting the interviews I want and getting more of my work published

3) Sticking with an exercise routine, especially during the winter

4) To have strength to deal with any and all obstacles that may come along my way  

5) And to continue to have faith that I will be able to see these goals through  

I hope that 2009 brings good health, happiness and prosperity to all. HAPPY NEW YEAR!