Sunday, May 25, 2008  

It's in the stars

I am a horoscope reader. Now, there's a difference between a horoscope reader and a horoscope believer. I check the daily zodiac forecast strictly for entertainment. By no means do I live by the stars. I do find it interesting, however, that often I feel the stars are speaking to me. It's the same feeling as going to church, listening to the sermon and feeling as if the pastor is speaking directly to me. And I'm not talking about the vague, covers all bases type of sermon. It's the right-on-target, how did he know what I was feeling, sermon.

This week, actually, this month, has been the busiest of the entire year. To recap, I interviewed with three different companies for a total of six interviews, set up and ran a week-long book fair at the elementary school, visited the doctor, volunteered at the Scholastic warehouse, started a new job, trained in San Francisco for two full days, and maintained (though not very well) my household. Maintaining a household, mine in particular, is an extremely overwhelming task. Anyway, I've ranted about it all before. No need to revisit it again.

So, going back to the horoscope thing. Check out this excerpt from today's reading.

LOVE: Choosing between love, work and family responsibilities isn't easy for anyone. Right now, however, it could be especially tough for you. Confide in a friend if you need help.

For me, it's not so much about the choosing. Really, there is no choice to make when it comes to the three. They're all necessary parts of life. It's about prioritizing. Right now, since I'm a newbie-on-the-job, work responsibilities take precedence. I want to make sure the faith my boss has put in me to do well isn't unfounded. My loved ones know, and hopefully understand, that they will temporarily be in the back seat.

Which leads me to the following excerpt from the same horoscope.

CAREER: Forget trying to stay out of the spotlight, because it's out of the question now. Wear sunscreen if you have to -- the glare will be intense.


Yes, there is intense pressure to do well on the job. As my boss put it, she's got a lot of confidence that I will be a terrific addition to the team. After all, she is bringing me on as an official employee, fully benefitted with paid time off, including holidays, 401K and stock options. I asked how many of her new hires have actually closed sales on their first appointments. "Quite a few," she said. Let's change the "terrific addition" to "terrified addition." I think it's more akin to being under the microscope, not staying out of the spotlight. I have no room to mess around.

Finally, a ray of sunshine from the stars.

A Grand, Dramatic Entrance
You'll most certainly be noticed, no matter where you are or who you're with. It's going to be just dandy for you -- but don't be surprised if your companions are less than enthusiastic. You can fix that. Be generous with them. Share your fifteen minutes.

I'll interpret that as meaning I have nothing to worry about. Which reminds me, once again, this is strictly for entertainment. I remember I am in control of my success. And for me, success is written in the stars.

Chronicled @ 9:21 AM

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008  

Observations

Monday marked my first day as being an official member of the work force. I woke up at 6 a.m. sharp, something I haven't done for years. I don't believe I've woken up earlier than 7 a.m. over the last six months. Looking back further, I'm sure I didn't wake up any earlier than that over the past six YEARS. Maybe even longer. Good thing is, I won't be forced to hit the snooze button 'cuz this job doesn't require me to work that early.

Anyway, I took the BART up to San Francisco for training. I love BART. I love San Francisco. Why? Pair the two and you've got the most amazing collection of people. I am a people watcher. The BART train to San Francisco is the perfect place for people watching. Students, retirees, engineers, nurses, businessmen & women, tourists. A motley group of commuters is what they are - all there in one convenient location.

You've got your young starry-eyed lovers, standing so close they seem as one, oblivious to the world moving around them. He whispers in her ear and she looks at him, shyly at first, then smiling naughtily as if they've made secret arrangements for their next rendezvous. The only thing they hear is the name of their stop as the BART conductor announces "Fruitvale." They exit, still lost in each other, arms locked, giddy with happiness.

There are the best friends, ready to go shopping, dressed stylishy in their designer 7 For All Mankind jeans and D&G sunglasses. Where in the world did they get the money for that? These girls don't look like they're much older than 18. Must be nice to have daddy's credit card tucked away in that Coach bag.

And the students, all hooked up to their I-Pods, too cool to say hi to anyone. They look frazzled, as if they're consumed with the upcoming finals. Books open, highlighters in hand, they frantically search the pages for what they believe to be the most important information in that chapter, hoping to memorize it all before their exit. Reminds me of those long nights partying before the big test, only to wake up hung over and stressed, realizing that I had forgotten to study for the big test. Ah, the carelessness of youth. Glad I'm over it.

What about all technology slaves, constantly connected to their laptops and cell phones. Do they ever look up? Not really. Only when someone is brave enough to take the seat or space next to them. Sometimes there's a smile. Once in a great while there's the good morning. A friendly welcome or a subtle warning to not invade their space. Who am I to judge? I do the same thing.

All these cultures. All these smells. All these guarded interactions. It's great entertainment. I'm sure they look at me with as much curiosity as I do them. It's fun. What else is there to do on a train full of strangers besides sit back and enjoy the ride.

Chronicled @ 7:59 PM

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Monday, May 19, 2008  

Goodbye PTA

What a better way to end my last week of unemployment than by spending it all week long at my kids' school coordinating and running the book fair. My third and final event for the year. The event that I spent weeks planning for, agonizing and stressing over. The event that makes me question my sanity over volunteering for the Fundraising VP position. Though I often lament about my decision to serve on the PTA board, I have to say that this last book fair was somewhat bittersweet.

I am thoroughly relieved that my duties are now over. I'm also a little sad. I love that the kids recognize me as "the book fair mom" or the "gift shop mom". I run into them at the grocery store and they smile and wave like I'm some kind of local celebrity. They see me at Target and whisper to their siblings, "Isn't that the lady from the book fair?" It's endearing. Their smiles are so genuine and infectious. Maybe that's why I was "suckered" into taking on this overwhelming role.

It is with great happiness/sadness that I bid a farewell to this love/hate relationship. Just when I was getting the hang of this book fair thing. Hope they didn't take me seriously when I said I would chair the event next year..... Somebody slap me - quick.

Chronicled @ 9:44 PM

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Sunday, May 18, 2008  

I got it!

It's time to celebrate. Time to cross off another item from my to do list and move it to my "I knew I could do it" list. Yesterday I met the district manager for the wedding photo company. I thought it was just another interview - another conversation to determine whether or not I would be a good personality fit with the team. Instead, to my surprise, I was offered a job. The job that I defined as my dream job a few months ago. The job that I thought would never come to me. A job that came to me easier than anything I had ever imagined.

Here's the thing. I know I've written about the law of attraction many times. At the beginning of my search the prospects seemed rosey. I had nothing but a positive forecast of my future. As time passed and nothing came to fruition, I started to doubt myself. Carrots were dangled in front of me only to be snagged away at the last minute. Opportunities were presented but were not exactly what I had hoped for. I was on the verge of settling for whatever came my way. I started to feel desperate. It's only human.

Then I had an epiphany. I crossed one simple thing off of my to do list. This "thing" was a roadblock to moving forward with the rest of my list. Once it was done the opportunities started to flow. And not only did they start to flow, I attracted the exact one I had desired.

Originally I was told the wedding photo consultant position would be 40 hours. Though the prospect of working full-time was something I was agreeable to, it was not exactly what I wanted. It would mean more time away from my family, less time to myself. To my surprise, the district manager offered me a 30-hour per week position. PERFECT. She felt that a full-time position for a mother of three would be overwhelming, especially with all the responsibilities. I would still receive a base pay, uncapped commission, benefits, paid time off, an expense account, stock options, etc. And, most important to me, flexibility in scheduling.

Looking back at my post from April 4, this was my number one desire, a schedule that works with my children. Then came pay comparable to what I previously earned. The commission will more than make up for the low base. Next on the list - benefits, minimal BS, something creative and challenging, no manual labor. I also wanted to make sure I received as much unemployment as possible. I have three weeks left. I start my new position tomorrow.

Could everything be this simple? I think it can. Write it down. Imagine it. Live it. It will happen.

Chronicled @ 2:45 PM

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Friday, May 16, 2008  

...time flies part 2

...as usual, I lost train of thought mid-blog. Kid interruptions. Chores. Puppy accidents. Brain freeze. You name it. It's happened. Distraction - my greatest foe.

Anyway, what was I writing about? Oh yes, this exciting opportunity with the wedding company that has landed in my lap. I had a "ride-along" on Wednesday. I met one of the more established and successful reps currently employed with the company and observed her presentation to a prospective customer. She made it look so simple. Am I capable of doing as good a job as she? So much information. So much going on during the conversation. Note taking. Probing. Overcoming objections. Package calculations. Contract negotiations. More objections. THEN, convincing the client to hand over the credit card and sign the dotted line. And all done in less than 1 1/2 hours. It all seemed overwhelming. The question at hand is, can I see myself doing this? The answer is, of course, YES!

I had a nice conversation with the sales consultant after she seamlessly closed the deal. The couple left looking as if they just had the hugest weight taken off their shoulders, all for the low price of $1600 (and that was only half!). Peace of mind must be worth at least that to a frazzled bride and groom to be. And to see them happily make the purchase made this job more attractive to me.

You sales people out there will truly appreciate this.

My list of reasons for wanting this position.
1) There is NO COLD CALLING involved.
2) I would have an inside sales team who would be responsible for qualifying and scheduling appointments with potential customers.
3) This product will always be in demand - what couple doesn't want their big day captured in photos?
4) Unless someone suddenly deems marriage illegal, the wedding photography business will be around for many years to come.
5) These clients happily want to talk to you.
6) This company is to the newspaper industry what Cinderella was to her ugly step-sisters. It's like going to the Prince's royal ball vs banishment to the dungeon.

I could go on and on about how much I want to work for them. The only drawback I can see is the low base pay. However, in lieu of pay, they offer extreme flexibility in scheduling. I can determine how my hours are structured. It will be evenings and weekends, but I can block out times that I am not able to take appointments. I could go on and on, but instead, I'll leave at this. I have an appointment on Saturday with the district manager. A third appointment with the company. This is truly a good sign. This is the law of attraction at work.

Chronicled @ 8:02 PM

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008  

Time flies

I can't believe how long it's been since I've exercised my write side of the brain. (Get it - ha ha?!) Anyway, I'm not sure exactly if it's the right side or left side of the brain that contributes to ones creativity. What I am sure of is the brain is my most powerful muscle, and the lack of exercise has caused it to atrophy.

........Uhhhh - like now. I've got unbreakable writer's block. An eight foot thick unpenatrable concrete wall, words trapped behind it like, ummm.... hmmm... You see what I mean?! I can't think of the right words to describe it. Or, as my cousin put it, I could be lacking in the area of new and interesting life experiences, resulting in an extremely ordinary, mundane, routine life. Who wants to write about that? More importantly, who wants to read about that?

Until recently, I have been caught up in the typical PTA/soccer mom mode. Wake up. Make breakfast. Pack lunch. Drive the kids to school. Go to Starbucks. Load up on caffeine and pastries. Come home and do whatever chores are calling out my name. Think about looking for a job. ---- Wait a minute. I have actually been looking for work, finally.

I sent out a couple of resumes a few weeks ago (two to be exact) and landed an interview. In the same week, I received an email from a company that I had applied to back in March requesting a phone interview. AND THEN, last week, I was contacted by the wedding photography company that I interviewed with a few months ago. It seems they have a full time opening in my area for which the recruiter thinks I would be a "great fit." In fact, I have an interview with them tomorrow. I am extremely pleased with this good turn that has landed in my lap....

Chronicled @ 8:34 PM

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