A teeny tiny update.

Received an e-mail from the HR Recruiter, it's still another couple weeks til the final candidates are selected. Yes, the final candidates (plural) - meaning there is still one more step to be completed, whether that be an in-person interview, or just them discussing everyone again. Not really sure. I'll wait a couple (ish) weeks to find out.

In the mean time, my ASM at work e-mailed our district manager and reiterated the fact that I applied for a Corporate job, have a degree, and I'd be a great candidate and am basically interested in any position. My ASM said she responded quickly and was excited that I was interested (I've only met her once, and don't think she remembers me...) and we shall see where that goes.

I also got over-time last week. Meaning I got time and a half for some hours, which I like. My GSM may not like that I got over-time but when I got called every single day (yes, every day) to either come in early or stay late, they can't argue with my hours. So, hopefully they see how dedicated I am to the company and that I do enjoy my job. Because I don't think I want to leave CC, if I did, it'd only be temporary, it's too much fun working with them. Seriously, who can say they love there job? I can.
01 02 18

Hm.

Today at work a friend visited me from school. I love when I have visitors, especially random, it's such a nice surprise! And she had a friend with her who also just graduated. I got asked the dreaded question of what is your plan? Is it really necessary to have a plan. I mean, things just kind of happen as they come, right? I am a planner. Yes, but I don't have a life plan. I have a planner for like next week and next month's events, not 10 years from now, let alone 3 months from now these days. So, anyway, I said I applied for a Corporate job with CC and that would be down in TX (which I have not heard back from them yet, however, the HR Recruiter is gone through this Thursday I found out, so maybe Friday?), and she replied with "I love Texas." Great. So that got me thinking again. And a co-worker said they really like Texas, and the economy is doing great right now - which I can't confirm or deny, but she was more excited for Texas than Minnesota. And the third sign (as things come in threes typically) a Texas shirt in the Forever21 window at Rosedale. I know, nothing solid, but these little things are what I notice. Because it really is the little things that matter.

That's about it. My application for the Ranch is in the envelope ready to go, stamp and everything. But for some reason I haven't mailed it yet. Hm.

Yep, hm. That's all. 01 02 18

No, I'm not a manager.

I got asked tonight by a fellow Charmer, whom I have been working with since she started maybe three weeks ago or so if I was a manager. No? I am not. She did recall the conversation we had about me applying for Corporate, so maybe she assumed I had to be an ASM to do so. Well, whatever her conclusive reasons were for thinking I was, I wish I could have been able to say yes. I'm def the fav at work, which has its benefits, but when I'm paired up with the ASM and GSM for markdowns, and we are THE team? A bit too obvious. And when I can shop around at the clearance jewelry that night but others get told to get back to work? Hmm. At least the hierarchy is in my favor? I'm definitely glad I fit in with this 'family' of charming people, but now the question will be asked soon, can I be promoted to ASM, please?

I have until December (in my mind right now) - Because at that point I would like to go to Montana for the winter months and see what's there. The whole 5 month commitment is SO appealing, I'd be gone only from December through April. Still get to go to Cancun in a couple months AND the UK in Spring. It'd be perf.

But what to do until the end of November? 4 months away. Be a manager? And then come back and see if I'd be able to re-accept my spot. Hm. Sure, let's try this. 01 02 18

Each day is different in my mind.

One day I think this, the next I think that. I swear my brain has no off setting. Meh. Would I change that? Nope. Not a bit.

Alright, so tonight (yes there has been a lot of posts, but totally needed) I accomplished the following list:

1. E-mailed Olympic National Park telling them of my interest in a position.
2. E-mailed Lone Mountain Ranch (IN MONTANA) for winter seasonal employment. I'm actually oddly excited about this. Don't ask, just let me be and don't tell me that I don't know what I'm doing. Because I do know what I want. And no one knows how my mind work 'cept me. Alright, so yes, that did just happen.
3. E-mailed my cover letter and resume to Shedd Aquarium for the MarComm Assistant position.

So, that's all. Which is actually a lot. Let's see what the week brings, hearing from places perhaps - having something lined up soon. It's happening. What is 'it'? Who knows. 01 02 18

My obsession.

Beluga Whales. Why? Their constant grin, their creamy white skin, their gentleness, their ballet moves in the water. Everything. I'm baffled by these creatures. I don't understand them and that's such an attraction. And what did I just learn:

Connecticut has one of the top Beluga exhibits in the country and is a leader for the U.S. with the amount of beluga information they have. And what else do they offer? A Beluga Encounter.
http://www.mysticaquarium.org/animals-and-exhibits/encounter-programs/750-beluga-encounter

Yep. Add it to the list. I might have to go here soon. 01 02 18

New Idea, New Places.

I'm back in my state of mind that I've had all year long at school until April-ish. I don't want to 'settle' down somewhere, that's not me right now. I want to travel, and move around, and try new things, and see what the world looks like. So here's the deal. I've been applying to many things under the sun right now. Here's the start of my list.

1. The two AmeriCorps positions

2. Working at Olympic National Park in Washington

3. Marketing Communications Assistant at Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

Alright, so I guess it's not THAT many places so far. But here is what else I want to do in life, both now and later.

1. Work for a cruise line, preferably in Alaska. Checked out the Coolworks website, there are plenty of them out there!

2. Head back to Utah for the canyons, whether to work at Red Mountain Spa Resort or to just go on vacation there for the annual Jeep tour.

3. Visit Georgia. Not only pick peaches, but visit Phi Mu Headquarters, and see the WORLD'S LARGEST AQUARIUM in Atlanta.

4. Tour Michigan University and learn more about the Masters International Program

5. Look up and visit all six of the aquariums in the country that have beluga whales.

6. Look up all possible marine life programs for school. Yep, I said it. I just am in love too much with animals, specifically the gentle giants of the oceans.

Well that sorta turned into a bucket list. But hey, I've got to keep track of what I want to do in life. I don't plan on stopping anytime soon, I've got to up and move places, see things, and experience life, for now is the time to do that.

01 02 18

I think I've got things figured out.

After much thinking this weekend, and a great chat with one of the ASMs at markdowns last night. I think I've got the next chapter in my life figured out.

If I get offered the job in Texas, I am going to decline. That may be a shock to some, as this would be a fantastic opportunity, however, this decision totally makes sense. And I'm doing something for myself. Which sometimes I do overlook. One of the factors that contribute to this is money, as being a manager would earn me more than going down to Texas and starting from scratch. And I enjoy the store setting a lot. I'm not a cubicle girl, at all. I have learned this.

So here is the plan.

Step One. Wait to hear from Corporate. Tell them I will think about the position overnight if I am given an offer, but graciously decline. Then have a discussion with my GSM at work about possible management positions in the near future (and adding in that I have applied for AmeriCorps, for two reasons - 1) so she knows the truth that I might up and move without a ton of notice and 2) to put pressure on her that I might up and move.)

Step Two. Be persistent with the two AmeriCorps positions I'm interested in. The first position is working as an Independent Living Skills mentor with the foster home, Youthnet, north of Seattle. I would assist with the transition of young adults being on their own, since at age 18 they no longer receive assistance. So introducing budgets, finding work, being independent, applying to schools, all that jazz is encompassed with the position. The second position is as a Program Assistant for the Girls Rock YMCA camp, out of the YMCA Seattle with the camp taking place on the San Juan Islands in July 2012. I would help recruit girls around the greater area of Seattle for this 10 week camp, promoting why they should apply and help with the planning and preparation that goes into the camp and then I serve as a Camp Counselor at the camp. The camp is centered around rock climbing and building self-confidence for these girls, who are middle schoolers through high schoolers. Both positions sound like a great fit for me and I would love going to work to help others. The positions have a September 1st start date, which is only one month away. So who knows, things could happen quite quickly. And both end by August 2012. To which I would come back home to Minnesota and take the next step in my life, whether that be back with CC, applying for another AmeriCorps position, or finding one of the government jobs that you can gain access to with AmeriCorps experience.

Step Three. There really aren't any more steps. I have given both my options above. Another advantage to the management route if I don't get the AmeriCorps positions, is that there is talk of a new store opening in about 6-8 months at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. To which, more than likely I would be an ASM. Which is also exciting. They will have the 2012 store set-up which is completely different from the stores now. Oh boy, retail is drawing me in...

Step Four. (I know there was no step three, but now I'm making a list). If I am here in Minnesota, I will have a couple trips in my future:

1) Cancun, Mexico late this Fall
2) The UK in June 2012

So, I mean, I love traveling, and this is exciting. If I'm away, chances are I won't be able to get off work to take these trips. Not impossible, but a bit more limited.

So, this is where I am at. And I'm okay with that.

01 02 18