Still sweating…but success, none-the-less

I’ve decided not to sit and wait to blog about this but rather do it while it’s fresh…something that can’t always happen but today, it will.

So, I’ve been working on a presentation for the editors at my new job. I wanted to give them a snapshot of the library and how we meet librarians’ needs. As if that isn’t pressure enough, our editorial team is comprised of legal experts, most (if not all) lawyers and J.D.s. And, I had a PowerPoint and handout to give them foder for their exceptional minds. The typos had to be non-existent and I needed to speak in English (which when nervous does not always happen – at least not proper English).

My stomach has been in knots about it since last night. I just finished, am definitely still a little bit sweaty and pink from the heat, but I have to say, I think it went well. One of the editors I find most intimidating, announced to the whole meeting at the end that she was very impressed, especially considering that I’d only worked here for a couple of months. My supervisors were super positive and they said they couldn’t tell I was nervous(!?). It feels very good!

Yay! for success.

Another summer past….

So, summer is officially over, but I am going to try to get back into posting more frequently. I have a litany of excuses why I haven’t done better this summer, even though the amount of “free” time that I had was pretty large. But, the honest answer is that I wasted most of it. And that part that wasn’t wasted was spent getting to know my new city, job searching, and otherwise evaluating what I needed to do with my life to be happy.

Now that I have most of my ducks in a row – job I love, a mostly furnished apartment (the duck that’s a little out of step), general satisfaction with my life – I’m ready to get settled, and hopefully post more. Maybe, I’ll even start posting on the same day every week <gasp> I know shocking, if it happens.

Anyway, a quick update and then I’m off to a very uncharacteristic week night outing. Things are good, REALLY good. As I mentioned above, I love my job. And, everyday that I work, I love it more. Take today for instance, I got excited about 2 new books after listening to the authors speak about them and CIP submissions are going to be done by me since they are most important for library customers. Yep, I have responsibilities

Last weekend was amazing. We went on what I hope becomes a yearly trip to Lake Powell. It’s beautiful there and I learned something new about myself: I like camping… dirty camping. We’re talking no shower for 5 days except for the lake, no bathroom in the camp (although we did do lunch at restaurants everyday – no help to me and my travel bathroom problems). I can’t wait for next year when I can try to wakeboard. Couldn’t risk hurting myself this go with no health insurance (although I do now have catastrophic coverage).

Ok, I’m going to update my reading list b/c I have a lot of time to read and I’ve finished quite a few books now that I commute daily… I also have an idea for a new page after seeing a friend’s blog – things I covet. Like a pair of Frye books. I can’t justify treating myself quite yet, especially since they are over $400.

Until next time (I’m going to try to promise it won’t be nearly as long, but you’ve seen how well that goes). Fingers crossed. <3

BIG NEWS!

So, as most of you know, I have been job searching since I graduated in May. Now, many would consider my job search pretty lackadaisical, but I was pretty selective about the positions that I applied for. Why bother applying for a job that I didn’t find all that interesting?

I applied for the Library Sales and Marketing Assistant position at Nolo at the end of June. I knew that they were going to be at ALA. I stopped by the Nolo booth on Sunday afternoon and had the opportunity to speak with the person who was actually doing the hiring.

I was invited to Nolo in Berkeley to continue our conversation and to meet the other woman who I would primarily work with, if hired. I felt very good when I left the interview and was super excited about the work the position would entail…it was pretty much my dream job (minus the children’s books). I knew I would be waiting a while to hear back – summer vacations and such.

I was invited back a 2nd time two weeks later to meet with some of the other people who I would work with in the position. Again, as I spoke with these people I got more excited about the possibilities that this job provided and the ways I could improve how Nolo works with libraries.

Finally, last week, I was called on Tuesday and offered the job. I accepted it on Thursday and will start working on Monday, August 17!!! I am so excited and kind of wish I had started this week instead (even though I need to pack and get ready to move this weekend). So, Monday begins my career in publishing

Thank you to everyone for the support you’ve offered in this short time and I can’t wait to share stories of the work that I am doing. <3

Delayed again!

So, I did not do a good job in getting back about all the fun I had in July. I’m going to a Best of July list and then I have BIG news!!!

Look how busy I was in July:

• The 4th of July weekend was nice and quiet. We could watch the fireworks from Dolores Park so we didn’t even have to venture far from home. Had tea at Savomar after going to a movie – would totally suggest Savomar for anyone who likes tea.
• Trip to STL – spent a busy few days in St. Louis/Collinsville visiting as much family as I could squeeze in as well as spending time with my mom and sister. Oh yeah, and cuddling Toughy as much as possible – I miss that little cat a lot!
• ALA in Chicago – Of course, it was awesome! Mom and sis traveled along plus got to see Lisa!!! Also, had a mini-interview for a job I had already applied for b/c they had a booth in the exhibit hall. Plus, we ate a ton!
• Back to C-ville for last night – Imo’s Pizza!
• Dinner with SI friends down in Mt. View
• Interview with a big, unnamed company for a position that sounded interesting but that I was not qualified for (also completed homework for this interview but ultimately was not offered a job – not surprising given how I felt after doing the “work” but the rejection was still a little shot to the heart)
• Next day, another interview – actually a continuation of my mini-interview started in Chicago
• Went and saw Food Inc – quite interesting, very torn about a lot of food issues, but mostly feel that knowing where your food comes from and the ingredients they contain is most important of all
• Weekend with dinner at Tropisueno (delicious!) and hiking on Mt. Tam with friends
• A very quiet week!
• Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – this was the 1st HP movie I saw in the theater although I have now officially watched them all
• A lovely weekend in SF with Chris – Ferry Market, Crepes, photography and the zoo and Cheesecake Factory
• Another fairly quiet week with a 2nd interview towards the end
• Dinner with SI friends at Burma Superstar – very delicious

August (beginnings which snuck up on us!)

• A weekend of apartment hunting which resulted in no apartments but was surprisingly enjoyable – also a small trip to Los Gatos with dinner at Opa! and a lunch at Phat Philly, and a Sunday night dinner at Olive Garden
• More apartment hunting…still no luck
• BIG NEWS!
• Gestault
• Boogaloo’s for breakfast – yummy biscuit and gravy! and more apartment hunting… success!!
• My dad and step-mom visited… lots of walking, a ferry trip to Sausalito, and many delectable meals (La Mar, Cliff House, Delfina)

Ok, that is the quick and dirty version of July and the beginning of August. Phew, makes me tired reviewing it all. It was wonderful and flew by! Ok, new post full of the BIG NEWS! which I think most of you already know.
<3

Oh no!

So, July has been a busy month and I haven’t posted since the 1st! AHHHH…. so much for posting 2 times a week. I have many posts to make (at least 3). Here’s a little sneak preview of what’s been going on this month and the posts I’m going to write soon:

1. My trip home
2. ALA in Chicago (and a little bragging of all the great galleys I got!)
3. SND Future of the News Discussion
4. Job Search update

Well, that’s just a small preview. I’m not sure whether I’ll do a couple of long posts or several short ones. I have some work I have to do and then I’ll get back to let you know what’s been going on… Until then <3

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