Happy July!

Well, it’s the beginning of a new month…and supposedly the foggy season in SF. We’ll see about that. Hopefully it’s mostly wrong because I am really loving the sunshine and warm temperatures. This has been a pretty uneventful week. This past weekend was Pride Weekend. Lots of action in Dolores Park and we traveled downtown for the parade. It was one of those weekends where not a lot happened but it was really enjoyable, spending time with Chris and some of our closest friends here. Overall, the kind of weekend I like to have

Now, I’m trying to finish up the work that I have and apply for more jobs. I am feeling more confident in my job search, hopefully I’ll be able to tell some good news soon. I need to clean up my resume so it is ready to print for ALA. Next week I’m going home for several days and then driving to Chicago for the Annual Conference. I’m excited about going home and seeing family and Toughy! Chicago will be great because not only am I going to work my networking skills again, but I get to see Lisa!! And Gaurav! I know that Chris is jealous that he can’t go (not really – I think he’s excited to have a week at home alone )

Well, I hope everyone has a safe and excellent Fourth of July! Use caution with fireworks. Until next time…. <3

Thoughts about books… (and movies too)

So, last night I stayed up late (well at least late for me) to read The Story Sisters (Alice Hoffman). Alice Hoffman has been one of my favorite authors since reading Practical Magic in a Magic Realism class at SLU. I’ve read all of her books, and one thing stricks me wholely… they always manage to resonate with what is happening in my life. There’s a passage from The Third Angel that I wrote down that put into words, the feelings I had about NYC (the passage was about London).The Story Sisters was no different. It was a brilliant tale. I was struck by the loneliness in this book.

When I finally got to a good stopping point, and decided that I wanted to leave a bit of the book to finish this morning while laying in the sunshine that pours into the bedroom windon, I, of course couldn’t sleep. Just as I mentioned with Hate List, I had tears falling down my face because of the book. And I realized that one of the things I love about books, and movies to a small extent, but not nearly as satisfying as books, is that they give the reader an excuse to cry…so, even if it’s not totally about the story, it’s o.k. Part of the reason this popped in my head was that I started thinking about how I’d like to go see My Sister’s Keeper. I read the Jodi Picoult book a while ago, and don’t remember my reaction (I’m sure it involved tears), but the trailer for the movie had tears rolling down my face. I may wait until I go home and go to see it with my mom and sister – there’s nothing quite like a good family cry about a movie

I hope that doesn’t sound too weird. I find crying to be sort of refreshing, once it’s over. And, especially as I am beginning to feel frustrated with my job search (I know it’s still early, but I just want to hear back from someone) and as the reality of student loans begins to close in, sometimes, a good cry is all you need. It’s like a fresh start.

Well, hopefully, I’ve gotten most of my tears out for now. I’m going to continue working on that job search and preparing myself for eventual success. Until next time… <3

PS – My tears have nothing to do with Chris – he makes me laugh through my tears (and when there are no tears as well!)

Book Review: Hate List (Jennifer Brown)

So, I’m not sure why I haven’t done book reviews in the past, but since I’m currently unemployed, I have some time to read again. I’m going to give it a try – hopefully they’ll get better and easier as I do more of them.

Hate List – Jennifer Brown – Little, Brown – Sept 2009 – 978-0-316-04144-7

So, I have this tendency to like books that I have a hard time saying are good, not because they are not good (usually they’re excellent), but because of the subject matter they cover: Holocaust (The Book Thief), disorders (Winter Girls), sexual abuse (Boy Toy), criminals (No Choirboy). This list could continue on, but I’m starting to worry about myself.

When I got Hate List, I was a little worried that I was going down another grim road. Although the basis of this book is very disturbing, the message is much more hopeful. Valerie survives a school shooting perpetrated by her boyfriend. She instantly becomes a suspect after a notebook containing their  hate list is found. Val’s name is cleared, but she has to deal with a school and community who still question her involvement and often blame her for the devastation suffered that day. The growth and self-realization that Val experience are inspiring. Even if they are not survivors of a catastrophic event, many teens will be able to understand the growing pains that Val goes through. It is also realistic that even in the aftermath of a school shooting considered a result of bullying, things don’t easily change in high school. Or at least not on the surface. In addition to this huge weight on her shoulders, Val has to deal with a family full of conflict. Her relationship with her father might have been one of the most devastating parts of the story. I stayed up late to finish this book, and of course shed at least a few tears. It has really stuck with me (one of the reasons I wanted to write about it).

mary_colgan@chroniclebooks.com

Settling down

So this week was much more uneventful than the past month. Chris started working, which left me at home to my own devices. I, of course, have much to do… find a job, find a job, finish up some work that should have been completed a while ago, find a job. I haven’t done such a hot job of applying for jobs this week, but I have made great progress on my work that should have been completed earlier.

So, the job search. Yeah, it’s frustrating. I have several problems…actually they’re not problems, just hurdles that I have to overcome.

1. I kind of don’t know exactly what I want to do… this makes it really fun to search for new job postings. I have more than enough tabs to keep me busy applying for jobs for at least a week, if not more. However, I also have people with their eyes and ears open for me. I know Chris’ co-workers are looking for ways to help me find a job, but he can barely describe the job I want because it’s different everytime he comes home. I do have my ideal job: marketing at a children’s book publisher. But, those jobs are pretty limited, so I have to keep an open mind.
2. I am not a self-seller. This is hard for  most people, but I pore over my cover letters for days, often taking things out rather than adding details. I know that I have great qualities. It’s just hard to quantify what I’m good at, especially when they are skills many people claim, but don’t often have: organizer, quick-learner, effective communicator.
3. I haven’t ever really had to work hard to get a job. I’m not really sure how this has happened. Each time I’ve needed a job, somehow it worked out. Great for the past, but makes it really difficult to be in the situation to not have that quick solution.

Ok, I have now applied to a total of 8 jobs. One is my dream job (which I don’t quite have the experience, but feel like I’d do an awesome job – Chronicle Books Children’s Marketing Manager). I have to finish a 9th cover letter today to go to a friend at an amazing company to see if I would be a good fit. I have to say, having people who care and want to help me find a job is the best encouragement ever. I want to find a job to make them feel good too… and myself, because I don’t think I can handle a long unemployment period – I want to work! I’m going to make another unrelated post and then back to work! <3

What a Week! – Part 2

So, now we’re at Monday and Morning Due Cafe. Chris and I decided to take one last trip to LA. It was a partial birthday celebration and there was a metadata symposium that I wanted to attend.

Tuesday, June 9: We drove to Monterey and then cut over to take Highway 1 along the coast. I am continually impressed by the beauty of the the drive! We stopped at many little pull-outs and tooks pictures. We had lunch at Jack in the Box (because we couldn’t find the In-N-Out Burger!), but it was still satisfying. Although we didn’t do a lot, it was a great day. We arrived in Santa Monica at about 7:30 and checked into the hostel. The hostel was in a perfect location – one block from the beach.  It was really cute and I would easily stay here again. Once we were settled in our room, we walked to the Third St. Promenade. We found an Italian restaurant to eat at. The food was good enough, but the bread and olive tapenade was delicious!

Wednesday, June 10: We got up earlyish (around to catch breakfast at the hostel but decided to go get breakfast since it was a little sparse. We got breakfast at Jack & Jill’s in Beverly Hills. Our waitress was adorable and the food was good, although way too much. We then drove around and around and around. We saw some mansions in Beverly Hills and Bel Air, drove Mulholland Dr., and to Studio City. I ate a late lunch at In-N-Out and then we decided to go to the Griffith Observatory. It was really interesting and had some great exhibits. We decided to go get drinks and guacamole at the Border Grill, which I would highly recommend.

Thursday, June 11: The AMPAS Metadata Symposium was today. Wow! I learned so much and it reinvigorated my excitement about metadata. I know, so dorky, but whatever! I never realized the amount of information gathered during the filming process, from screenplay to marketing to archiving. It gave me much to consider. I  might write more about this but will have to think about what. I had lunch at a place called Bowery, which was delicious. I had a burger with gruyere, grilled onions, and sweet potato fries. After the symposium, we went out with a friend of a friend. It was a great time.

Friday, June 12: We had breakfast at a restaurant called Jinky’s, which was right across from the hostel. It was another filling and flavorful meal. Then we headed to the Getty Villa – if you’d like to go, make sure to get (FREE!) tickets online prior to your visit or you won’t even get close! It was striking – filled with Roman art. There were so many details to take in, from the architecture to the plants and of course the art. I would recommend going in the afternoon if at all possible to avoid school groups during the week. There was also an amazing herb garden as you leave the villa. When we were done with the villa, we also left LA (slowly). We drove Highway 5 home. Although still beautiful, not nearly as scenic as 1. Two expansive ranches are along 5, and they STINK!!! But otherwise, a very uneventful (and enjoyable) drive.

Saturday, June 13: It was Chris’ birthday! We got up and went to brunch at Tangerine, a pan Asian fusion restaurant. Brunch was not too fused, but extremely enjoyable. The we went to the library … We took all our just-checked out goodies to the park and read for a few hours. We also took a little picnic of cheese and bread and grapes. It was really happy! We met friends out for dinner at Suppenkuche. It was delicious and they even brought birthday cake out for both of us! It was a great time, made even greater by having friends to share it. After dinner we went to a local bar for a drink and good conversation. I think it was a perfect end to our birthday celebrations!!!

Sunday, June 14: We went hiking in San Bruno. It was beautiful with the San Francisco skyline so nearby, kind of an interesting juxtaposition of urbanity (did I make this word up? sometimes, I like to do that) and natural. The hiking was relaxing and it was a perfect day for it – super sunny and not too windy. We came back to try to spend an hour in the park but it was too chilly.

What an amazing week! So much happiness. Now it’s time to buckle down, finish some much necessary work, and get to some serious job searching. I suppose there’s no better time to begin than now. Until next time… <3

What a week! – Part 1

Hm… I kind of don’t even know where to start. The last time I wrote, I found the place where I will hopefully work when I can’t stay at home any longer, Morning Due Cafe. That was last Monday, so I must go back in time to talk about the weekend before and then I will go to this past week.

Monterey Bay – June 5, 2009

Chris and I wanted to see as much of the area as possible before he started working. We decided to drive down to Monterey and see the aquarium. WOW!!! It was amazing. Although it is a pretty pricey attraction (almost $30 each), it was worth it. I will be adding photos because I feel like I don’t have words to really describe how amazing the exhibits were. We also drove the 17 Mile Drive along the Pacific Coast. I have to say that I could easily see myself giving up city living for a secluded house along Highway 1… (more on that dream later). The 17 Mile Drive goes through Pebble Beach. The whole place is unbelievable. The homes along the coast are immense. The wildlife is awe-inspiring! Finally we visited Carmel and sat along the coast to watch the sunset. We didn’t end up staying until it was gone, but it was a great way to end the day.

The weekend continued the greatness. On Saturday, we went to the Union Street Festival. It was a typical street fest, but there were some good samples and an environment section. We stopped for a cupcake on the way home, and although it didn’t get anywhere near Cake Nouveau, it was still delicious. Sunday was Sunday Streets where city streets are closed to encourage biking, walking, skating, and pretty much any other way people get around minus vehicles. It was exciting to walk along the middle of the road and seeing all the families out and about. It was also eye-opening to see how much quieter the streets were without car noise. We walked all along the closed streets and then wandered past the library. Then we went across the street from our apartment to sit in Dolores Park and read our just checked out magazines and books. It was wonderful…

Ok… stay tuned for Part 2

Will update VERY soon!!!

I know, I know… what happened to posting at least 2 times a week. Life! I promise to post soon because I have many things to write about, especially some recent trips. I will be back sometime between now and Monday at the latest.

Cross my <3… until then

Off to a slow start

I know, I’ve been here over 2 weeks and I have only posted my re-”introduction.” Lots of change associated with this move so I’m still settling. Plus, there’s a whole city to get to know.

But, today, I think I’ve found my cafe, a la Sunburst last summer. Chris and I decided to work today from a local coffee shop and we chose Morning Due. It’s totally adorable and the workers so far are super friendly. They also have breakfast and lunch/dinner food as well as yummy looking desserts. So, when I am working (not as in a real-life, paying job, but more cover letter writing/resuming), I think I’ll be here.

As for the rest of the city…it’s huge and hilly and there’s a lot to see. It’s also beautiful and surprising and a little bit mysterious. I love that I can walk just a few blocks and the weather changes… sunny, cloudy, foggy, still, windy, breezy.

I can’t wait to start exploring the bookstores… but that will wait until Chris starts work. I also can’t wait to try all of the restaurants, but that will have to happen slowly. We’re saving money by cooking at home – yep, I’m cooking… and even more, I’m not half-bad at it! I’m even cooking meat (and I touched it, although I’m not sure if I liked it).

Even though I’m enjoying San Francisco and looking forward to all the adventures to be had here, I have to admit… I’m a little bit homesick. I miss my Ann Arbor friends – they are some of the closest friends I’ve made in a really long time. And I miss my family too, but I’m just used to them not being close even though this is by far the farthest we’ve been apart. I think that the time zone differences really highlights the difference. I also miss the heat and humidity of summer… it’s kind of cold here. I have to layer like crazy and don’t get hot and sticky and sweaty.  Hmm… not sure if I’ll ever adjust to the weather.

Well, as I continue to adjust, I will try to post more regularly…how about 2 times a week to start and then hopefully more as I am doing more interesting stuff. Deal? Until next time (just a few days, I semi-promise!)… <3

Summer in the City…West Coast version

Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted but life was quite chaotic for a while…finishing grad school, hanging out with some of the best friends I’ve ever made, EW, weeding out the junk and packing up the good stuff, graduating, and moving.

So most you who are reading this already know that I changed my coast kind of unexpectedlly (but not at the last minute).  Well, the great adventure that follows graduation has begun and I am getting settled in San Francisco. Over the past two weeks, we drove from Ann Arbor to San Francisco. The actual drive across the country was completed in the first week with the Family Torres. We stopped at all the key attractions of South Dakota – the Corn Palace, the Badlands, Wall Drug, and Mount Rushmore. We spent about 24 hours in West Yellowstone (I think I’ll write a best of post with more details about the actual trip). Then we stopped in Boise, ID for a couple of days.

It has been a wild ride, but now I’m (mostly) settled and I’m back for Summer in the City… West Coast.

Until next time <3

It’s a start…

So, a little update on my last angsty post! First, sorry to be so angsty… I’m not a teenager so there is really no reason for me to be that way. I will blame the weather and move on.

I had my resume reviewed with very positive comments. YAY!!! That’s a relief. I am working on a second blog – really a professional portfolio. Once I get my resume on it, I will add a link to this post… I’d love more feedback. I also finally finished my first cover letter yesterday. I’ve been working on it for over two weeks (completely unacceptable!). It’s for a job that actually seems perfect for me, except that it’s only part time. I also have quite a handfull of jobs that I want to apply for – bring on that cover letter writing.

Things are sunny and bright here and I am feeling a little less overwhelmed. I think good friends help that immensely. We had a great dinner at the Melting Pot last night. I laughed so much and as is to be expected, many ridiculous things were said. Today I’m off on a day of shopping (can I please find some new shoes already?) and the roller derby! No clue what to expect.

All right… must get prepared for the day and finish another cover letter before shopping. Until next time… <3