O, Ye of Little Faith

Lately I've been feeling like 'throwing in the towel' with regards to a goal on my bucket list, which I thought was going to happen. I just think I may have 'sat' on the idea for too long and now it may be too late. :-(

It's been almost three weeks now that I emailed my query letter to four different online publications about a story I wanted to write and received the ok to do in the future. Well, I have not heard back from any of the publications I emailed. In addition, I emailed my story subject to try scheduling an interview with him since I was going to be in close proximity to where (I imagine) he lives, but I haven't heard back from him. I'm beginning to feel like this goal will never happen. At this point, I'm about ready to give up.

One thing that I feel that I tend to lack sometimes is confidence, especially when it comes to writing. Yes, I've had my work published before, but sometimes I feel like I don't have the right connections in order to make things happen. Or when I know things are too good to be true, I don't act upon them right away and then end up losing out on a great opportunity.

I just wish that the 'powers that be' (in this case, these four publications and the story subject) would sometimes just take a chance on someone who's trying to get 'their foot in the door.'

In other news, I'm frantically looking for employment that will work around my school schedule. Honestly, I browse through job postings every single day and lately there doesn't seem to be much out there. Someone recently told me that I should consider cold calling the companies I might want to work for. Unfortunately, the ones I'm interested in are not anywhere near where I live. I'd rather find a job within a reasonable driving distance of where I live rather than find something where I'd have to travel an hour away. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and trying to stay positive that I'll be able to find work within the next month or two.

Memories of 2011 & welcoming 2012...with sad news

Photo courtesy of 'todaynewz' website

Well, 2011 came and went just like that. I just wanted to mention a few highlights that took place in my life in 2011, which made this year quite awesome and sad at the same time.

Earlier this year, I had a few stories published via a popular California blog. It was a voluntary position, but needless to say that I got my name out there and can now add these works to my resume.

In July, a friend and I attended one of The Monkees 45th Anniversary concert and were excited that we finally got to meet one-third (Micky, Davy and Peter) of the band after the show. It was always a dream of mine to meet them and I finally fulfilled this childhood dream!

About three months ago, I connected or crossed paths with the son of a former teen idol and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recipient. In fact, this person's entire family is in show business, but he's taken a backseat to his career (he's the lead vocalist of his own band) to help manage the family business. Needless to say that I may get an opportunity to interview him soon, which will help me cross off another goal of mine off my bucket list!

My family (minus my brother, my oldest niece and my nephew) and I spent New Year's Eve celebrating with my cousin and her family. We had a great time eating, playing multiple games of bingo, playing with my cousin's 3-year-old granddaughter and making googly faces at my cousin's other granddaughter, who's 5-month-old. I seriously just wanted to pinch my baby niece's/cousin's chubby cheeks! :-)

Unfortunately, sad news came today via one of my maternal uncles. He called to tell my mother that their only surviving sister, who visited my family in late August/early Sept. 2011, suffered a stroke around Christmas. This comes only four months after my mother lost her other older sister. My mother and aunt almost always spoke on a weekly basis. My mother last spoke to her about two days before Christmas. Well, my mother received an update about her sister this afternoon and it doesn't look good. :-( My aunt is in a coma and her family believes that she only has a few more days to live.

Personally, before I had heard the news about my aunt's health, I was intending and wishing that 2012 would bring my entire family and friends happiness, peace, good health & prosperity. Sadly, 2011 has been awful with regards to health, especially for two of my cousins and now my aunt.

I really thought the new year was going to begin with some positive news. Unfortunately, it has been the opposite. Now I'm just dreading the inevitable call that my family will be receiving any day now.

*Jan. 2nd: We got the call. My aunt passed away last night. ;-(

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! 

It's a Beautiful Day

Today is such a gorgeous day. It's about 70 degrees! The last week or so, we've been having some great weather, which I'm grateful for. However, I think we're due for some rain tomorrow or Tuesday. :( I'm not a big fan of the rain. All I can say is that I'm really looking forward to summer!

I already ventured out and went for a walk/run. Now if I can only keep up my exercise routine is a different story. I need to make more time during the week to get more exercise. The problem is that I have a lot of homework and I can't seem to relax when I have school stuff going on. However, I know that if I continue working out daily, I'll stay healthy and ward off any future ailments.

The added bonus to exercising is shedding some pounds that I no longer want or need! Yesterday, I gave in to my Chinese food craving (I think the last time I ordered some was about 8+ months ago); I haven't eaten a candy bar (I love toffee) for a very long time; unfortunately, eating potato chips (Doritos "Cool Ranch"...yum! They go so well with my sandwich) isn't helping me any; and I need to give up eating breads/pastries. I really would like to learn to eat healthier, but it can be hard sometimes because food is GOOD!

The goals I'm setting right now are to exercise more and to control my food intake by eating portions. I know that in the end, it'll all be worth it! :)