More for the New Year: Resolutions

Source: etsy.com via Jaclyn on Pinterest

My husband and I have been talking about our New Year Resolutions. I always have a long list that never gets accomplished and mostly forgotten. My husband only had a couple things he wanted to work on/do this year, and is super realistic haha. Me, I've got a million things on my mind let's see if I can narrow it down.... 

1. Declutter the house. I have always been a pack rat (just ask my mom) and I want to keep everything. My husband is more minimalist and I would like to be too. So together we plan to work on de-hoarding our house (because I swear my sister has been trying to sign me up for an episode of Hoarders). My husband wants to clean out the garage and make it his man cave. I just want to get organized and get rid of stuff I don't need and use (especially clothes).

2. Save Money. I'm sure everyone has this goal, but I am the worst. Money burns a hole in my pocket, and I have a shopping problem. Even as I type this I'm thinking of those Stylemint tees I ordered and when they'll be arriving on my doorstep....This year, my husband and I would like to take a real vacation/honeymoon (yeah it's been almost 2 years and still no honeymoon). I also have some big expenses coming up with my teaching certification program, and I have a year to be financially stable to not work while I student teach.

3. Find a new job. I have been working in retail for long time, but I am unhappy and stressed. This year I missed out on a lot of important family stuff because of my job. So I am working on finishing my post bach teaching certification program and in the mean time looking for a job outside of the mall. My quality of life has suffered because of this promotion, and truthfully the money isn't worth it. 

4. Work on creative endeavors. I finally opened my Etsy store, but I haven't had much time to make more products (due to insane job). I have sketchbooks of ideas I would like to work on, and I have gotten so much positive feedback for more. I have made many goals I would like to accomplish in this area of my life, and it's important to me. I keep thinking if it's so important why do I keep putting it on the back burner? Not this year!

5. Do Yoga. Every year I want to be healthier blah blah blah. I narrowed it down to just trying to do yoga 3 times a week, and then we'll go from there. I'm not a gym kinda gal, but I like my Yoga For Indie Rockers dvd. I keep hoping that yoga will help with my stress and posture >_<

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

Taco Tuesday: Learning

Source

Today I slept in, made coffee, ate a waffle, and tried to catch up on reading blogs. I clicked over to A Beautiful Mess to read about Red Velvet's 1 year Anniversary, and learned something important. I've been struggling with my job and promotion, and mostly just killing/making myself miserable. But this little snippet kinda put things into perspective for me. So it goes to show that no matter if you work for yourself or a corporation, everyone in the business world is dealing with the same things. I can only hope that things will get better from here.

This Is Where I Work

Emo-ing Out

February has come and gone.

I'm pretty sure I was a zombie during that month.

Sometimes things don't go the way you planned.

Reminding you that having expectations sometimes set you up for major disappointment.

Sometimes life is suffocating.

Sometimes you just miss the little things, like getting to wear your favorite ripped jeans.

I realized that worrying and stressing over things I can't control won't change anything.

I got tired of not being able to express myself. Being so stifled was wearing me out.

I realized I have more respect for myself and others than most of the people I recently encountered.

I realized that corporate america is a bitch, and they don't care as long as they make money.

So I got frustrated and angry, then decided to move on.

Even through the uncertainty of what comes next, I know I will be happier knowing I did what was best for me.

I drowned my sorrows in Oreos. Tomorrow is a new day, and I plan to enjoy it!

So I plan to do the usual life is in chaos routine: get a coffee, grab a cupcake, dye my hair, buy something cute, watch some anime, get a pedicure, hang with friends, listen to my angry music, clean out my closet, and get on with a life that is fulfilling for me and not the rest of the world.

Blah, Blah, Blah...Girl Power!

Tomorrow, at dawn, I have jury duty...that is if I can find the place. What do you wear to these sort of things. The form says no shorts. I've been putting together a bag filled with goodies to stave off boredom. I figure if it has anything to do with the government, I will be doing lots of waiting around.

I want Crafting Mama so bad! I love all of those games! Speaking of crafting...I started a little project tonight that is awesome! I can't share yet, because it's for a friend's (who reads my blog) birthday. But after her birthday I'll post some pictures...

I heart Fruits Basket! I used to own most of the manga for this series, but I sold it back in for some cash a while back. I've started collecting it in the larger volumes (which takes up less space). Anywho, there is a cute day planner that I always look at, but never buy, and I'm thinking of buying it. I love day planners and use several at once because I 'm a hot mess. I've tried electronic ones, but I just forget about them.

Hopefully tomorrow I will hear back from my new job about my background check, and I can remember to ask what the dress code is lol....a girl has to start planning her wardrobe.

Lingering Still

My husband just left for the Dallas/Austin area for some shows. It always makes me sad that I can't go, and I always worry about him. But I guess that's part of being married.

I have my 2nd interview today, a couple hours before I go to work this evening. I'm going to rock it, and get this job! I got the job!

Ps. The Sailor Moon theme is my new ringtone.

I downloaded some Katy Perry off itunes yesterday. I thought I hadn't really heard much of her stuff before, but I was wrong. It's nice and upbeat...helps me clean.

Enough said....

Taco Tuesday: Grocery Shopping Extravaganza!

Today I had ANOTHER interview! I feel like I interview once a week, and perhaps my un-naturally brownish hair is throwing everyone off/making me un-cute. Today I interviewed for a management position at a new kids clothing store that is going to be opening soon. I should be hearing back tomorrow for a 2nd interview. (Cross your heart and kiss your elbow!) I am using the powers of positive thinking and karma, that I get this job!

So today, I got fancy! I put on some fancy pants and did up my hair extra fancy! I should've taken a picture, but I'm already back in yoga pants and one of Clint's sweaters that I accidentally shrunk...oops

This is me missing my blonde hair (not me in the picture, me as in wishing my hair was blonde again). Also, it snowed today. I was awake, you know around 2am, and it was snowing nice big snowflakes...by morning they were gone. Poor Duo, he loves the snow...

I think I'm doing pretty well on my veggie diet. I went to Sun Harvest and picked up some meals today, so I'm making some spinach ravioli tonight with salad and garlic bread. I think my husband will be impressed. I am trying out some new vegan food stuffs this week, so perhaps I will do a review on them soon. I feel like I got tons of healthy food and snacks at a way cheaper price than when I usually grocery shop (hopefully my husband thinks so too since I didn't buy him any ramen). I also like that I didn't have to fight any crowds/almost die in the parking lot...

How do you save on your grocery bill? Do you buy organics?

Happy Taco Tuesday!

So I've Been Thinking...

I spend a huge chunk of my days looking for jobs, applying for jobs, and feeling like a loser b/c I still don't have a job. As a person with a degree, I feel like an epic fail...but at least I'm trying!

It seems kinda late in life for me to be thinking about school again, even after the online classes I took to get my teaching certification. (I actually applied for an art teaching position today). I have been walking down this bumpy road of not know what I want to do with my life (besides watch anime... being an anime voice actor sounds like fun) I know I don't want to be in retail forever, and opening up my own kitschy shop sounds amazing but unrealistic. Then it came to me! Art Therapy! I was a psych major before I was an art major, but that means going back to school and getting a masters... which is lots of time and money. I have some more thinking to do, but at least I have an idea for the future....

That's How The Cookie Crumbles...

Well today I got a call from my old boss @ Pacsun. I'll be heading back over there just part time and not as a manager, which is awesome since that's what I need to supplement my subbing. So yay for part time jobs! I'm not super excited about working black friday, but that's how the cookie crumbles or whatever.

I've been watching lots of Jem and the Holograms on youtube. My husband sings along with the theme song when he's in the room, it's funny.

I'm wearing my 'you are what you eat' shirt from Dressing on the Side today. I am about to head over to have coffee and hang with T. Then I've got to come home and finish cleaning the guest bathroom. My mom, sis, and baby avery will be here tomorrow! I'm really excited!!

Miles to go, but its an exciting ride

Today I got a call for an interview for a middle school art teacher position. This is my very first teaching interview and I'm equal parts excited and nervous. I figure you have to start somewhere, right? I've read a ton about how to have an awesome interview, but I'm sure I'll forget all the things I read. I figure if I go in and be myself that's the best I can do. I understand I still have a long way to go, but this interview has made my day.

I am super excited about teaching art! I am crossing my fingers and kissing my elbow that I rock it tomorrow and I get this job. If so, I am going to make this poster to go in my room...

I came home and worked hard on getting together my portfolio. Here are a few of my older pieces that I no longer own :( I have a bad habit of just giving my art away.

This is a watercolor study on Vango.

This is a pointilism study mixing Lisa Loeb with Velma from Scooby Doo.

PS The last 2 images belong to me, so please do not use without permission! Thanks!

Wish ME Luck!!

Today I...did something life changing

Today I quit my job, and decided to actually do what I want with my life, career wise. I've been working at jobs just for the paycheck, not because I enjoy it. I thought this new job would be awesome...awesome pay, better hours, the list goes on...but it was all a lie. All the money in the world isn't worth the stress and negative environment I was in.

So I am looking into finishing up my school stuff, getting a teaching job, possibly subbing, and working somewhere part time. Getting back to me and away from the feeling that I need to be making more money.

Another thing I plan to get back in to is my art and crafty stuff. I haven't done an art show in a couple years now b/c of my job. I gave it up b/c there was never enough time. I used to have an etsy store and shut that down. So perhaps soon, I will re-open or do an art show. Now I have all the time I need to focus on the things in life that make me happy.

I know it will be difficult, and some lifestyle changes will need to be made (can we say bye bye Starbucks?!) but things have a way of working out in the end and I believe that. I have to trust that I set myself on the right path. So I am letting go of all the stress and anger, and I'm ready to start living for myself and enjoy the journey.

What are you doing with your life?

My Life Is Starting Over Again...

I only have one more day of work at my old job! I am excited about leaving, and nervous about starting something new. I am looking at this new start as a positive diving board for getting other things in my life accomplished. (Like cleaning out my closets, getting organized, budgeting, etc.) Here are some pictures that visualize my thoughts and feelings on what's going on in my life.

(source)