Multi-Passionate Careerist.

I have never heard this term before. But to me, with no surprise, the description is perfect. Multi-Passionate Careerist.

Dolphin Trainer. Event Planner. First Grade Teacher. Working at a Zoo. Whale Watcher. Hotels & Hospitality. Growing for a Farmer's Market. Raising Animals. Selling on Etsy. Marketing Manager. Baker. Florist. Water Aerobics Instructor. Owning a business. Fro-Yo. Pharmacist. Cabin rentals. Sorority Leader. Staying as a Flight Attendant. Delta Corporate. International Students. Hall Director. Peace Corps. Teach Abroad. AmeriCorps.

My list could go on, and on, and the more I think about my 'list' the more ideas which come to mind. Sometimes this causes stress. Too much stress on what to do with my life. I have always had plans, lists, a schedule, and now much of that has disappeared in a sense. The following year I'd have to choose courses and be ready for school. Now, another year has gone by and what do I think the following year will hold? I have no clue.

Although the unknown is exciting, perhaps there is a bit of fear at the same time. Here's to being a Multi-Passionate Careerist and having no idea what to do.

http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2012/09/20/how-to-succeed-as-a-multi-passionate-careerist/

01 02 18

Circa July 29th Thoughts.

My new thing to do on plane rides (when I am the passenger and not the worker) is to write notes on my phone. I can type much quicker than I write, which appeals to me greatly. This note I wrote on July 29th.

"Soaring above the clouds right now on my flight from JFK to MSP I wonder what I'll be doing in one year. Where I will be living, who will I be friends with, what relationships stay or go, and I wonder who I will be as a person.

I've often had the thought of my San Francisco-yoga loving-tea drinking-self recently. How I desire to have an independent lifestyle centered on health and wellness, balance, and happiness.

I can easily commute with this job once I have a line (definition: a line is when I have a schedule for the whole month of where and when I go, instead of being on call). And that thought is so appealing. Yet, selfish. Could I go without my Minnesota weather, could I go without seeing my friends and family? What would happen and how would life be? These are the things I wonder.

So much of me is ready for a grand adventure, this job provides this is in a heartbeat if I let it. I want my own life, free to do what I want, when I want. Maybe I wanting to grow up too fast, for sometimes I look back and think, "Monica, you should have lived a little more." But so much of me says, "Everything I've done to this point has led me to where I am," and that's why I wouldn't change anything.

I've gotten so close to my family, my brother and dad especially, with them being home more often this summer, and we have a good balance. I have my huge jungle-like garden to which I say next year needs to be twice the size, yet, how do I know I'll be here next year. In Saint Paul Park, in Minnesota?
I love the life I have right now, okay, so I am more confused often than not, but who is to say I can't be happy with confusion. Confusion keeps me on my toes, keeps my thoughts fresh, and mind quick.

All this mumble jumble has been sparked from a possible huge decision. That decision: Emirates. Should I stay or should I go?

I love flying. I love, love, LOVE flying. And I want to see the world. Delta mainline is one option, as is United or any other carrier based domestically. Yet, what about adventure. What about perhaps a little crazy. I'm 23, non-committed anywhere right now, still broke, and wanting adventure and travel. If the two can go hand in hand, why not? Why not take a crazy chance. Why not do a crazy dance. Hilary Duff knew all too well what someones situation could be apparently.

Leave the life in America for the unknown? For the unfamiliar? Heck, I did that for River Falls and that was one of the greatest decisions of my life, so just maybe, maybe, this will be too."

Emirates Airlines. Open House: October 27th. Stay tuned. 01 02 18

Glamorous Waitress.

I called myself this last night. A glamorous waitress in the air. Looking back, I think I meant glorified. However, I am going to stick with glamorous. My confidence is at an all time high with this job, hence my thinking of a great adjective. Whatever the reason for this word appearing in my vocabulary, I like it.

On another job sidenote: my dress and cardigan arrived last week! I almost dreaded trying the dress on because I figured I'd have to get it tailored before I could wear it (I have said that tailoring is my new thing, right?) But low and behold, I did not! I got to wear it the next day for work. Okay, not to say it does need a LITTLE tailoring. But nothing that is major enough for me not to wear the dress every single day. And the cardigan. SO WARM. Which being made out of wool I would expect nothing less. On the little plane I freeze. On the big plane I roast. Let me rephrase that, on the big plane when I have to work the main cabin (and not first class) I roast. If I'm up front (by the doors which, I swear leak cold air) I freeze. So this cardigan is by all means very much appreciated. I also adorn my uniform with my black pashmina scarf as a neccesary accesory. I love my scarves.

I do have to say I love the winter look with my uniform. Sweltering summer in a plane is not so appealing right now. Peanuts, pretzels, cookies, or your flight attendant dripping in sweat? Yeah, like I said, not appealing. However, I don't know how summer will go. I can't wait to find out. And at the rate time seems to be passing, it won't be long.


glamorous/ˈglæmərəs/[glam-er-uhs]. adjective. 1. full of glamour; charmingly or fascinatingly attractive, especially in a mysterious or magical way. 01 02 18

High Speeds.

In an hour I will leave home for the airport. My flight leaves at 9:50pm tonight to Des Moines. These late night flights are called High Speeds or CDO lines (I have no idea what CDO stands for) and quite frankly, I think I may like them.

I haven't done a HS yet in my four months of flying and I'm excited. I've had ALL day to myself. Slept in, got my laundry finished, worked out (yes, Jillian is still my trainer), paid some bills, filed my taxes (yes, I have filed my own taxes every year), read a magazine, and even baked a clementine-blueberry loaf I've been meaning to make for a couple weeks. And now I'm just about to get all packed out and head to the airport.

Now, if I held this CDO line I would be doing this four days in a row. However, I'd have ALL day to do stuff. And I would know that I could not be called! Now that's exciting for me. Plus, not having to pack food for a four day trip feels quite nice. And, since I'm living at home staying at a hotel each night doesn't bother me. In fact, a king size bed is quite appealing over my basement home at the moment. So, I might just bid for this line in the future. It's too late for this schedule to happen in March, but perhaps April.

And yes. I said April. Meaning, I plan on keeping this job through then, and much longer. FEELS GREAT. To finally have a job I'm getting into. And I learn more and more about the schedule, the pay, the hours, each day. OH, and I just ordered the dress and cardigan today for work. When that arrives, I'll jump with joy. 01 02 18

Life Processing.

Every day brings new thoughts and new ideas to my mind. I call it life processing. I have learned to do this way too frequently. Whether it be where I want to live, what I want to do, what animal friend I want to adopt first, or what car to get when my Dodge finally bites the dust. My mind seems to be on repeat for some situations (the job) and on hold for others (the living situation). I am always processing. From one day disliking flying due to the schedule to thinking a manager position at CC sounds quite appealing to enjoying flying the next day. Oh, and then there are random event planning positions in there too. It has been nothing but back and forth.

I am determined to travel as much as possible. My schedule is less than ideal at this point in time to do that. My futuristic and planner side has gotten the best of me. I want to know where I am going and when. Because on the others days I will make plans. Not knowing somewhat frustrates me. I am learning slowly that I have to accept this aspect of the job and I won't be on reserve forever. But for now, it's tough.

I think of a 9 to 5 job in which I would come home, cook dinner just in time for Wheel of Fortune and then cuddle up with a future dog and cat. And maybe putz around on a craft project and a puzzle while sipping tea. GUH. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Rhetorical question. Anyway, none of this is possible currently. And that frustrates me. But I also think of rush hour traffic, a confining cubicle, and horrible fluorescent lighting, and some of my frustration disappears. Okay, a lot of it disappears. I have yet to realize what the perfect job for myself would be, and I'm excited for the day I find it. For now, I'm still looking for 'it.' Each day I get a bit closer to what I'm looking for and what I'm not. All part of life processing. I tell ya, it never ends.

So. For now. I continue flying. I just got home from lovely Fort Dodge, Iowa. Where I took a cab from the airport to the hotel last night because there is no shuttle. Where I don't go through security because the airport is so small, and where I am in the air for 34 minutes. With less than 20 passengers each way. Coming to Minneapolis on one of the flights I had four passengers. Who said this life is rough? Oh that's right, I did. I need to take this job one day at a time and realize how nice I've got it. (Upcoming blog post about the
 'how nice I've got it' part in correlation to some books I'm reading. I'm excited!)

With that being said. I hope my mom and I can travel somewhere over the holiday weekend in a couple weeks. Where to? Good question. Stay tuned. Saturday might be a show up at the airport and see what's available type trip. Haven't I always wanted to do that? Yep. And now I just might. 01 02 18

Crazy thoughts.

There is a woman at work who commutes from Arizona in the winter to come to work out of MSP and lives here during the rest of the year. A pilot I flew with commutes from North Dakota. Those are only two. Out of who knows how many employees that can 'commute' to work. This is not your ordinary commute. No, this means hopping on a plane to come to work. Crazy? I would like to think yes, but with my new lifestyle, not so crazy anymore.

So I have been thinking. Could I commute? Now, it would be a bit tricky while on reserve. The unpredictability of my schedule would indeed be a downfall. But once I am a line holder (and who knows when that will be) this could be possible. Because nothing is impossible, right folks? The word itself says I'm Possible. Yes, I like that cheesy saying. Back to my crazy thoughts. Could I commute? Yes. Totally. Where would I commute from? I have no idea. Right now, my mind says San Francisco. I could either be based out of Salt Lake City (which would take more time to transfer) or stay out of MSP (because I can be here for eternity). I would have a cute little colorful condo on the ever climbing streets of San Francisco. An avocado tree on my patio, lemon trees in the kitchen, and bamboo fences. Not to mention, hibiscus flowers growing everywhere, sunshine most days, chilly sweatshirt weather on the other days, and not only a bay area to look at but an ocean only minutes away.

I have been to San Francisco (airport code SFO) just once. It was beautiful. Every area surrounding the San Francisco was beautiful. I had thought about going to school out West, but money played a factor there. In addition, I was not ready to make such a giant leap leaving home. But now, since I would be commuting, I have the possibility of coming home to see family and friends whenever I have days off. And that can play in the upper region of 18 days off a month. Ya see, isn't this lifestyle crazy? I sure think so.

Now that I have San Francisco on my mind. I have got to attach photos. All the photos I took were not digital. Yes, in 10th grade I did not have a digital camera. Mind you, a cell phone, people. So I can't attach ones I took, maybe some day soon I will scan them into my computer. But for now, photos of places I have been: The Bay area and surrounding Northern California. Beautiful if you ask me. Crazy thoughts? Meh.

Cable Cars. Public Transportation. Very appealing.



Hearst Castle. The drive here, gorgeous. Nothing like having the ocean by your side.



Monterey Bay. Walking the boardwalk I vividly remember a gentleman saying "Enjoy your stay, at Monterey Bay." To this day my mom and I still joke about it.

Muir Woods. I walked not only among the Red Woods but in them. Giants.

Napa Valley and Sonoma. You know that part in Parent Trap where they ride horses through a vine yard. Yep. Want to do.

I looked at jobs here. Shocking, I know. They have elephants!

Pier 39. Yep, this is a daily sight.

01 02 18

Time. Does indeed not stand still.

Over a month since my last blog. Over a month of flying under my belt. Another month of basement living. Another month. Has come and gone. For as much of a futuristic person I am, I wish time could stand still at moments, or slow down at others. Time. I tell ya.

The job: I love it. I am baffled by it. That's the word I use most to describe my feelings. One of the great perks: overnights. I stay at (mostly) really nice hotels, having a king size bed to myself, my own humble abode for a night. I've seen more airports in the past month than I have my entire life. I've flown 78 hours of actual in-flight time, and over 282 hours away from home. This life. I truly am baffled. I offer pretzels, peanuts, and cookies, and make drinks. And finish Sudoku puzzles, watch TV shows during layovers on my iPhone, read books like I've dreamt of having time for. Is it stressful? Not really. Is it repetitive? Yes. It is challenging? Not really. Do I love it at this very moment in time? Yes.

Basement living: Has not changed. My goal was to finish our basement upon graduation, especially with what I thought would be all the free time I would have on reserve the past month and a half. Did not happen. Goal for 2012 (New Years Resolutions coming): finish the basement. Then I will not only have a humble abode away from home, but a warm, comforting basement to come home to. Because as of now, when I'm gone four days a week, paying rent elsewhere to be for three doesn't make sense.

Time. Is such a precious commodity. 01 02 18

"On Reserve."

On Reserve. What the airline industry calls my current schedule. I like to say I'm "On Duty" because I feel I can relate to that more. Residence Life won't leave my side yet. So this reserve deal, I can work up to six days in row, but must have the seventh off under our contract. I can work no more than 14 hours a day, but there are certain exceptions to work more. I can work no more than nine "legs" per day (back and forth trips). I must work a minimum of 40 hours a month to get my contracted pay of a minimum of 75 hours. Did you catch all that?

On Reserve. Starting tonight at midnight. 24 hours. Until this upcoming Monday at midnight. I'm not sure what to make of this new schedule and new lifestyle. I have no trips declared on our online scheduling site, but they don't have to put the trips online in advance. Sometimes, the trips don't need to be filled until the last minute, hence where I come in, a phone call away. Waiting, prepared to leave at a moments notice. So, for now I wait.

I wait in my classy uniform that I love. The blazer fits perfectly; no boxy shoulders, phew. The shirts are all still crisp and bright white, just being opened out of their package. My new black shoes could walk me all around the world if needed. I love wearing the uniform. From the moment I leave my car in the parking lot to the moment I return, I feel so proud to wear the wings I earned over the past month. I walk with extra excitement in the click-clack of my heels, for I am a flight attendant. I never, in my wildest dreams, thought this would be my current life.

01 02 18

Navy with an accent of red.

Uniforms. I am pro-uniform, I really am. In high school, I would have LOVED to be in uniform and not worry about what to wear each day or have the stigma that attaches with what you wear. Now, I have a uniform. And some parts I like, some parts I don't. I was told today, multiple times, that the uniform is a 'classic' look. Uniform standards are set because we are an image-conscious company. Our customers perceive us based on our looks. Truth.

What I don't like: blazers. I will get my uniform pieces tomorrow hopefully so I can't say I hate it. But get this little known fact: the shoulders are suppose to extend to your outermost arm muscle. Basically, this means you are a box. Take my lovely paint picture below, my actual arms are outlined but the blue is what I'll look like. Real cool, real cool.



The red is suppose to be a scarf. No injuries to the neck peeps.



Granted. I may grow to like it, or I may grow to only wear it when neccesary: boarding, landing, walking through the airport...so basically always. Hm. The blazer challenge begins.

01 02 18

"Soaring Eagle"

Mesaba means "soaring eagle" in Ojibwe. Just one fun fact I now know about this regional airline. My story of the process goes something like this, alright it goes EXACTLY like this:

I love airports. I love to travel. But it never occurred to me that a Flight Attendant (FA) position was in reach. I love the part in Love Actually that takes place at the airport: happy faces, smiling people, tears of joy, and individuals from all over the world. I even applied for a job at a jewelry store that was at the airport in high school, but then realized I had no transportation there and couldn't commit to the hours, so I didn't get it obviously. But I have always been intrigued by the airport. Before 9/11 when you could simply walk into the airport without needing a boarding pass and barely even go through security, my dad and I would watch the planes leave from the windows at the terminals. I always thought, how in the world do these huge creatures (yes, creatures) fly.

Well. Now I'm a FA. What in the world. I am still in shock. My mom showed me the ad in the Sunday paper on October 2nd; the ad was promoting Information Sessions for Mesaba Airlines that upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday. I don't think she realized that single advertisement would lead to an actual career, but my family shouldn't be surprised with my ever-changing life. That Wednesday I took the afternoon off from work and attended the session at the Hilton Hotel in Bloomington. I thought this session would include steps to be able to apply, but to my surprise, it was a stepping stone to current open positions. I had filled out my application online the night before, brought my resume, wore my business casual best, and walked into the room not knowing what to expect.

Along with 22 others, I sat myself down and waited for information. A power point presentation lasted an hour and half full of flight attendant position details. Then, a written test, then an verbal test (yes I got to read a boarding announcement in front of everyone and share a customer service experience), and then the waiting game. The waiting game was in the hallway. Six individuals got called back in the room to be offered interviews. The list was put up on the door and then they shut the door. So this group of 22 individuals stormed to see if they made the cut (although we didn't know we were getting interviews, we were told Mesaba simply had questions to ask us) much like high schoolers seeing if they made varsity. I was on that list. A huge confidence boost went threw me, and as most applicants walked away, I stood tall in the hallway, waiting to be called in.

I was offered an interview the next day, which, I had to work, but I wasn't saying no to this opportunity. I took a sick day (because actually I was sick, and if they hired me with my nasal-y voice, apparently they must really want me) and went to the Eagan office. I got called on Friday but was working all day, and when I called back at 4:30 p.m that day, the office was already closed. So Monday, I got the phone call, offering me the position. And I accepted with a huge smile on my face.

I filled out paperwork on Tuesday morning with Mesaba, all while keeping it silent from the mall. I notified close friends to share my news. I was so shocked, so excited, yet nervous for the unknown. My last day at the mall was Saturday, October 22nd. I started classroom training on Monday, October 24th. And now, with only nine days left until I graduate with my wings, I can confidently say, I work for Mesaba Airlines as a Flight Attendant.

Classroom training has been intense. Exams just about every other day, equipment competency checks, a city codes quiz, and homework worksheets and readings each night. I know the insides and outsides of three different planes that Mesaba operates: the SFR340, CRJ200, and CRJ900. I am now CPR, First Aid, and AED certified, I have learned self-defense, security measures, customer service, safety, and much more to come in the next nine days. The feeling of being in the classroom setting is powerful. I am familiar with the classroom setting and very much enjoy it, however, having 52 other classmates gets on my nerves some days. Some of whom aren't very inclusive to each other, and to the diverse population that exists in the world. I have had to bite my tongue a time or two in conversations in class; my experiences gained throughout college has truly shaped who I am. Working as a RA and working with international students has opened my eyes to so much, and I only wish each and every person in the world could experience such a thing. I know this is a perfect fit job on paper, and the week of Thanksgiving, when I start flying, we will see if it's the perfect fit in action. Til then, it's early nights for me, studying flashcards and guides, and absorbing every word my instructors say.

Here's to being able to travel the world for my career, I can't wait to start. 01 02 18

Goodbye Mall of America, Hello Mesaba Airlines.

Two weeks ago marked my last day at Mall of America as the Events Intern. It was definitely bittersweet. I have never quit a job before. Yes, I have held quite a few (alright many) jobs in my lifetime. But none that I have quit. Either it's been the end of the season, end of summer, or end of the school year. So my preparation of how to go about this was limited. I constantly asked myself the dreaded what-ifs. What if I was making a mistake. Where would have this internship led? I will never know. I tried as hard as possible to push those thoughts from my mind. Yet, constantly they recirculated.

I put in my two weeks notice on Friday, October 7th. I had known all week long that I had the job, I even accepted it without any hesitation, leading me to believe I was definitely making the right choice. But I did not know how to tell the mall. I enjoyed each and every day there. Each day was something different. Who can say they've met Anne Burrell, worn a Babar costume head, and seen the nooks and crannies of MOA, just to name a few neat perks of the internship. Well, I could say those things. And I miss them to this day. From standing in the middle of a full Rotunda, watching screaming fans cheer for Hilary Duff, to breaking down boxes in the Christmas storage room on the complete West side of the mall isolated in a huge concrete room. These are things I miss.

But I got great experience within the short month and a half time I was there. Learned SO much about event planning, the hard work that goes into events, and the long hours that it takes to get the job done. I learned that the cubicle life isn't for me. Maybe an office with a window and door, but not a cube. Hearing the person next to you cough, hearing every phone conversation, and having my eyes glued to a screen is not for me. Granted, I would totally do Event Planning in a non-profit setting if that opportunity ever arises. For the passion would exist in that position for a common cause versus a corporate routine planning to get the job done and move on to the next one. But that's a story for perhaps the very far off future.

For now. I've moved on to the next chapter in my book: Mesaba Airlines. And that's what the next post is dedicated to. For anyone reading, don't be afraid of change. There is some stat out there that young people will change careers/jobs/etc a certain number of times, a relatively high number, in their lifetime. Well, I'm a prime example of this. Do what you want, whether it be successful or not, you won't know until you try. 01 02 18

Workaholic

The past month has been crazy. I have worked 38 days straight. Minus a sick day. And leaving early a couple times. Today is my first Saturday not working in a very long time. And I enjoyed the day, I really did. Would I have rather laid in bed all day watching movies and being super lazy, not bothering to get out of my pajamas. Perhaps. But did I need the time to hang out with friends and enjoy one of the best days of Fall? Yes. So with that, this Saturday didn't slow down, in fact, I'm tired already, and it's 10:00 p.m. Call me a workaholic, but I need to stay busy. I currently work at Mall of America for another seven days, and I still work at Charming Charlie for what seems like infinity, so with that. Here goes the past month, through photos, because writing about every single event that has gone on would be far too overwhelming.

Barbie Princess Charm School. A 20 minute presentation that little girls can sit through to learn how to curtsy, sip tea, and use manners. Oh, and everyone gets a barbie hair crown too.

Wristband counting. Yep. I'm the one who chooses the colors. Oh, the power.

Scrapfest 2011. A ridiculous-ly busy event, but one I wish I participated in!

The super SWEET set-up an un-used "ballroom" space at MOA had for a VIP party for the cast of Victorious and the teeny-bopper guests.

The Cast of Victorious. I just happen to catch five minutes of the show the night before and at least had some idea of who these kids were.

Chris Kluwe at Sky Deck's for a ticket giveaway. Probably one of the highlights honestly. Since this event was a "secret" until the day of.

The Christmas Room. Yep, those are glitter trumpets just laying around.

Kendra Wilkenson book signing. She is a super sweet person. Celebrities are ordinary people. Crazy.

Gumby display for Canstruction. Yep, those are food cans to then be donated to Second Harvest.

The crowd for Marlee Matlin. A very motivational woman for not only the deaf community, but everyone I feel.

Alright. This was definitely THE highlight of my internship probably. Yep, that's Babar. Well his head at least.

This internship has been so great. The people are amazing, very fun to work with, and there is somewhat of a laid back atmosphere, even considering the high number of events that go on. I'm going to miss it. I honestly think "What if" and try to stop myself. But what if I did complete this internship through December; where would my future lead? I will never know. It's been a very bittersweet feeling knowing I am leaving. I've never quit a job before, and to put in my official two weeks notice was a bit nerve-wracking. I can only be thankful for the time I have spent with Mall of America and the Events Department, for they have opened my eyes to another side of event planning that exists. Thank you, Mall of America, may the next seven days be great ones. 01 02 18

One month later.

Time flies. Yep. You heard me. Time really does fly. I always thought this was an expression adults told kids just to make kids enjoy the present time. But they were right. Time really does fly. It's been over a month since my last blog. That is ridiculous. I honestly though, have not had time to write. And if I do have time, I have chosen not to be on my computer. Where has the time gone? I never though it went this fast at school. Maybe that was because I wanted time to fly, now I would rather reverse the clock or at least slow it down. And here I am with a new job (yes, add it to my ever growing list of jobs) and a new life in front of me. Are you ready to hear about my last month? I don't even know if I am. Uffda. I will post shortly about my crazy life. That is, if I have time. Because I really should be sleeping right now. 01 02 18

Day Four.

I won't have time to do these day by day posts EVERY day. But I have the night off. And want to share (and remember!) my first days with the Company. So here goes, Day Four.

The meaning of "It's Friday" doesn't quite exist when you work weekends. When I woke up today, I thought I'm glad it's Friday so I can catch up on sleep and clean this weekend, but alas!, I work. Tomorrow at the Mall for the Pride of Vietnam event and Sunday night for a CC Social and spiffing up the store before the Regional Manager comes Monday morning. So much for catching up on sleep, errands, and cleaning. I'll be glad just to get my clothes washed, folded, and vacuum the basement (where I live. In case you forgot.)

So, onward to Friday. Today was a relaxing day. I was able to have TWO glasses of hot apple cider (yes, the non-real kind in the instant packets, but nonetheless) from the endless supply of hot water at work. Which, is why I will bring my own tea box & bottle of honey. Yep, I haven't changed :)

I went on the Mall Walk today, as I will do each Friday, to check for extra event signage around the Mall. And delivered the show times to each Guest Service desk.

Then, this was an exciting part. Seeing the MASSIVE, and I mean MASSIVE, amount of lost items the Mall has accumulated over the past 2-3 months. There is a whole room dedicated to lost items. Clear garbage bags full of brand new things (that people buy, set down, and forget about), leftover clothing left on benches, on rides, etc. And strollers by the handful - how do you forget a stroller? The real kicker. Someones luggage. Full. Not just their luggage, but their clothing and everything. How the heck do you lose that?

Well anyway. All of these very nice things were donated today to Cornerstone, who will be able to sort through everything and give out everything they can. I loved this part of the day. It was such a great feeling. I'm sure I'll do it in another 2-3 months. Amazing.

On to Scrapfest. This event will go down in one week. Today, I made the badges for the vendors whom will be there. Monday, I will laminate them, and they will be sorted and ready to go for Thursday.

A couple signs made for Toddler Tuesdays, a few slides prepared for the big screen, and Friday came and went.

Each day is something new, and that's what I love.

01 02 18

Day Three.

Thursday, Thursday.

Who would think I would have to hand deliver fliers to the retails stores to let them know about a meeting date change. Yep, that flier delivery girl was me. I did all of second floor. Took me an hour and half. I bet over 2/3rds of those retail stores I haven't been in ever. And now I have. What made me laugh? The manager at the Marble Store (geeky electronics, etc. I can't remember the exact title) was EXCITED to learn about the meeting. He can't wait to attend. Love it.

Nothing like exercise at the mall.

Then it was lunch time.

Then I learned about one of THE best positions the Mall has. Working with the community. Taking care of donation requests, doing philanthropic work, and planning the walks/runs that take place for a cause at the Mall. This woman does it all and gives back SO much. Which makes me proud to work for MOA. (There will be a blurb about this community position again for Day Four - fyi) I was asked to go to four stores in the mall to pick up items for gift baskets for prizes for The Purple Event, coming up next Sunday. I visited Microsoft, Cantina, BWW, and Cadillac Ranch. Yep, I collected $800 worth of items.

And I also got to create three gift bags that are being donated. I got to buy the items from the Mall store and then assemble them. LOVED IT. In the future, there will be huge gift baskets to do - can't wait! The bags I assembled were all valued around $100. Quite a bit to stuff in these little bags!

I learned more about the Toddler Tuesday program - I'm the one in charge of them from here on out. Which, sounds more important than it actually is. Everything is basically planned, they just have to be executed and paperwork filed. And then I get to attend the event and be the go to person. Which, I love kids, so why not go anyway?

Yep. Love my job. And this is only Day Three.

01 02 18

Day Two.

Day Two. Event Two.

The Hartford Paralympic Event was held on Wednesday. The Rotunda was transformed into a basketball court and sitting volleyball court for the Olympians. From 8am to 2pm the event continued. I wasn't present the whole time, but walked back and forth from downstairs to upstairs - I know my way around the maze of the back hallways pretty well already.

I met the Captain of the Paralympic Sitting Volleyball team, Brent Rasmussen. Who is a really nice guy and so down to Earth. Read more about him and you will soon realize he is such an inspiration to so many.

He will be competing in the Paralympics in 2012 in London. Super cool.

It was a nice start to the day, seeing the event, and meeting new people. Then I sat in on the PR/Events meeting, the Events meeting over lunch, followed by the Operations/Events meeting. I was introduced as the intern, although I can't tell you who anyone was.

All the meetings were followed up by going over important paperwork that go with all the events (which there is a TON of paperwork). And each event gets sent to about 30 individuals, so e-mails are plentiful at MOA.

Then, I learned what to do with the show times for the movies, since I get them on Thursday and I put them into a PhotoShop document and distribute them to Guest Services in the Mall Walk that happens on Friday - where we (yes, there is another intern with me) walk the mall (yes, every floor) looking for leftover or out of place events stuff/signage. Quite exciting, I know.

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Day One.

I've always liked the Mall of America. Especially after I worked there all last summer. And now, I get to call it home again. With an even better gig than I could imagine. I'm the Operations Assistant aka Intern. And I love it. Here's Day One.

Day One

Jumped right into Toddler Tuesday. From 9am to Noon. Got Ice Cream from the freezer and wheeled it to the Rotunda. Set up kid tables with table coverings, crayons, and coloring sheets. Was a judge for the theme of this week - "The World's Largest Show & Tell" - and got to select seven kids to win based on their show and tell item. WHICH was hard. Thank goodness everyone got a prize, some just got a bigger one. Because one kid did CRY. His brother won but not him. What was I to do? The parents asked if they could buy the 'big prize' (which was a little Diego backpack filled with toys) for their other son, and of course, they could. But really, why not just tell them to share it? Oh well. So yes, I made a kid cry. But life goes on. I also watched my first episode of Backyardigans. And know have the song stuck in my head.

Yep, the episode "International Super Spy" is now stuck in my head.

Had lunch. For an hour. That was paid. First time in my life. I enjoyed getting paid to eat. 

Got details from the other Coordinator's of what they do and what events are going on.

Got my own e-mail address and checked out my desk.

Had a tour of the Theatre and learned details about their position.

Took my badge picture, signed paperwork, and got all registered with HR.

Went to Orientation from 5 to 7:30pm. Learned all about MOA again, Phase II for the mall expansion, and the perks of the job.

THEN I went to Charming Charlie. Which was too much. Because it was markdown night. So from 8pm to 2am I was ticketing sale jewelry. Went to bed at 4am that night, then back to work at 8am. Ridiculous, I'm still tired. BUT I survived.

And that was Day One.

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Drumroll, please. I ACCEPTED A NEW JOB.

I am headed back to the fast-paced society called the Mall of America. I accepted the Event Planning Internship position just yesterday. I had my interview Thursday with one person from HR and one person from the Event Planning department, then was called back on Friday to come in on Monday for a group interview with the Event Planning team. The interview went FANTASTIC. Considering there were seven people asking questions and writing down my answers, the atmosphere was so relaxed, fun, and casual. We laughed within the board room and for only lasting 20 minutes, I felt like I am already part of their team.

My official title is the Event Planning Operations Assistant. They don't really refer to me as the intern, title wise. Which is nice. The position will entail A LOT of work, all of which I am super excited for. With the Mall putting on more than 400 events a year (yep, that's more than one per day) there is PLENTY work to do. The position runs until December 31st, with the possibility of extending that date. And of course, with a possibility of a permanent position *IF* there is an opening available.

I start on Tuesday, yes, only 6 days away. I could not be more excited. I will be keeping my CC job and thank goodness, they have been so cooperative and flexible with only a weeks notice. I will be able to let them know each Monday what days I am available the following week to work. Seeing as we only have 12 Charmers currently (this summer at peak we had FOURTY Charmers, yes four zero) I will still be able to get hours if I want them. But with a guarantee of 40 + hours at MOA, for more pay as well, I know where I will be spending (if not sleeping) most of my time.

Check out the MOA website if you have not. There's an events calender, my personal fav.

For the next four months I will have my hands full, all with a business casual flair.



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