Summer goes on.

It's odd to say it's summer. Because I have always designated summer as the time in between spring and fall semester of class. But now, it's summertime, and when fall comes, it will be just fall. Not back to school fall. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm glad for the non-homework aspect of this, but the social life will and already has affected me.

BUT, I couldn't have gone to Las Vegas during the school year, well I could, but it wouldn't have been a wise decision, unless it was break of course. The trip got my travel bug going. I wish I could have stayed longer and gone to the Grand Canyon for my second time and hiked, I wish I could have traveled the two hours to Los Angeles, and I wish I could have spent more time outside. All in all, seeing the glitz and glam was fun, and I even found dolphins. But when the day is done, I'd much rather be hiking, biking, kayaking, or anything adventurous and active. And now I know. I had a blast with my friend there and am glad we got to experience it together, but we both decided that it's an every five or ten year visit....and once we are part of the imaginary '25 long dress club.' Because we both concluded that to wear a long sundress best, is when you're 25, and they are all the rage in Vegas. That's only two years away for me, but four for her. Almost perfect timing for the every five year trip.

In other news, two weeks have passed since my store manager e-mailed Corporate. Today at work she asked if I had heard a reply, and once I said no, she was quite surprised. She's sending another e-mail shortly. She also will be traveling down to Houston soon, so maybe she'll say a little something in person for me. Who knows, before I know it, I could be on a plane moving, things can happen quick, but for now I'm here. And summer goes on. 01 02 18

Vegas Bound.

I've been waiting everyday for an e-mail from the anonymous corporate person. Each day checking my e-mail in hopes of seeing something from @charmingcharlie. Not yet. But I'll be patient, I mean I can't not be patient since it's my future career and all.

First weekend down in Houston. This is what I'm doing: http://www.baywatchdolphintours.com/index.html
Until any moving takes place, I've got some traveling to do. To Vegas, with one of my best friends. It's her 21st tomorrow. And I'm so excited and appreciative that I'll be with her. She might not know it yet, but when I travel, I try and do everything possible in the amount of time we're there. I may have to tone this down. But we'll see. I've got my swimsuits (yes, plural), shorts, t-shirts, going out outfits, and tons of cute accessories all packed. Now it's just the waiting game until I leave for the airport.

I haven't been on a plane since I came back from Europe in Spring of 2009. But the thrill of take of, the real life rollarcoaster is so exhilarating. I'm still baffled every time I'm on a plane that such a massive object can fly, the physics I never understood.

Perhaps once I get back I'll have a job update and who knows, maybe I'll hit it big in Vegas. 01 02 18

Burst of Sun.

Today brought cheerfulness, despite the rainy day. My manager sent an e-mail to one of her contacts at Corporate (in Houston, Texas - for a reminder) today at around 3pm, right when my first shift ended and before my second half of the day started up at 4pm. She asked for my specific major again. I had to explain the concept of Marketing and Communications being one degree, not two. And had to explain what Professional Writing and Art meant as double minors. But hey, it's all in the e-mail to the anonymous person who may hire me in the near future. And she made sure to get my e-mail correct. Yep, I'm feeling pretty good. Thank goodness this happened so quickly because I was about this close (yep, that close) to applying for two positions within the AmeriCorps that had a September 1st start date. Instead, I'm still on track for Texas.

A special thanks to my friend, Gina, who is always with me every step of the way and made my day with the words of "GO TO TEXAS." Thank you. And of course everyone else who is just as excited as I am. Thanks guys, you all will receive huge CC gift baskets someday, I promise. :) 01 02 18

So I Graduated.

Today at work I met someone I hadn't worked with before. Why I haven't met her before? Because she took last week off for her high school graduation. Hmm. That was me four years ago, and now we have the same job? I don't like that. It's really getting to me, I don't like working with 18 year olds. No offense to them, but I have a college degree and way more potential right now, I shouldn't be working with high school graduates. This has to change.

I've  been looking into AmeriCorps again. And of course, the PeaceCorps Masters International (MI) program. I feel like escaping, not in a bad way, but just as a change to myself. I'm too comfortable. I'm living at home, working in Woodbury, it's all familiar. I need something new.

I hope it's Texas. But I've got a pretty short attention span these days. I get bored easily. Who knows, I might just start sending in applications everywhere. And maybe one will work out. I could have been in Washington now. Hmm. I could use seeing a whale right now to bring some excitement back into me. I haven't been wearing my necklace like I used to. Hmm. There's just a lot of 'Hmms' going on. Something will be done about this. So I graduated, now what. 01 02 18

Work continued.

Cashiering is in full swing. My number still doesn't work, but I have had another employee along side me to use theirs. Hopefully, this Thursday at work my number will magically work and I do not need to wonder when I will finally have one all to myself. For now, being a Charmer continues on. I enjoy working with all the Assistant Store Managers and have thought about inquiring if the ASM position at the SLP location is still available, for now, or for future. I have rearranged displays at work and really enjoyed it. I've realized I enjoy designing the displays and having a higher-up roll than the one who sweeps the floor and picks up after everyone. I already knew this about myself, however, this position proves it. It is not challenging, the most challenging part is how to persuade customers to sign up for our e-mail list. Meh. Not me. I'm ready for a move already. I love working with the customers - most, let me repeat, MOST, are happy to be surrounded by tons of accessories in the store, and that makes the job worthwhile. But Store Manager, let me move up while I'm fresh out of college full of motivation, dedication, curiosity, and creativity.

Because who knows, I just might take a different job in the mean time if Texas isn't in my near future, because being a Charmer is not my permanent post-graduation plan. I'm not being pessimistic, just optimistic. Optimistic for the future and challenging myself. And starting a new chapter in my book called Life. 01 02 18

Day 2.

Without my ID# working, it's impossible to cashier. Cashiering postponed for one more day. Instead, I hung up new silver hoops in the silver section. Organized every hoop according to style. And then I hung up new hair accessories in Charlie Girl. Some of which, I'll probably purchase one day soon. I got to decide the layout of these new items. This may seem minimal, but I did so with pristine care and consideration for design. Organizing by color makes so much sense. I hope my managers see that I'm a hard worker and care about the store appearance and the overall company. I'm getting to know one of the assistant store managers very well, the one I had the first interview with. She's really helpful and enjoys humor. Which I am glad, because every work place needs a little. We also share a passion for zebra print, so that helps too. And I ask a lot of questions. Plus, everyone remembers names extremely well, I suppose having one new person coming in isn't as hard as me trying to learn everyone elses' name. I'll work on it. Day 3 tomorrow. Oh what to wear. 01 02 18

Y'all, I'm in the kitchen.

Check it out.
http://yalliminthekitchen.blogspot.com/ 01 02 18

Accessory Overload.

Since my first day of work on Sunday I've been talking non-stop to friends about my job. Through texting, phone conversations, Facebook, and Twitter. And now Blogger. Crazy how only four hours can start a conversation with so many people. My first day was great. It's not rocket science, but it's very enjoyable. I interact with literally everyone who comes in the doors. The learned greeting of, "Hi. Welcome to Charming Charlie. Have you shopped with us before?" is already ingrained in my brain. The color layout of the store is already memorized, and after just one day I can say I've almost concurred a look at every single item CC sells.

The most rewarding part of my day was when a woman asked me what jewelry looked teal versus turquoise. Yes, this might sound like nonsense to some. But think about it, when was the last time someone asked your honest opinion of something? Add in the factor, that I'm a complete stranger to this customer. Yet, she asked me what I think. And took my opinion into consideration.

Another rewarding part of my day was when an older woman asked me what would her 13 year old granddaughter like. Her favorite color is purple. Off I went. Oh to think back to what 7th grade was like.

And lastly, a woman searching for a scarf to go around a new garden hat she was buying. She's tired of wearing baseball caps she said. And now was the time for a wide-brimmed hat that could be embellished with any scarf she chose. 'Does this one go with this? How about this one? I should bring in my swimsuits and find one to match that too, then I can wear this hat more.'

Man, I love my job. And it's only week one. 01 02 18

And my working world begins.

Today is my last day without work. This isn't to say I won't have days off. Or take vacations. But today marks the end of the almighty summer vacation. The summer vacation that I have had since pre-school. 17 years of schooling has come to an end. No more do I hold a summer job for three months and head back to school like I have done throughout college. No more do I bum around home and only have the worries of what to do with friends like I had done prior to age 16. And no more do I get to pick anything that interests me and work there for 3 months, such as I have done since my first job at age 16. From Como Town, Lancer Catering, Camp Como Volunteer Assistant, Nickelodean Universe, and ReBath, I have enjoyed all my summer jobs.

Now I embark on a new journey. One that has lead me to the company, Charming Charlie. Who knows how long I'll work for them. It just may be the rest of my life.

My working world begins in 20 hours. 3pm tomorrow until close.

Will I deny that I have looked at places to live in the Bellaire suburb of Houston, Texas? No.
Will I deny that I have looked at HomeGoods and found everything for my beach house? No.

I've never had more support than now for going to Texas. My friends say it'll be a great fit. My family already wants to visit. Now, I need to get there. Let's do this, Charming Charlie. 01 02 18