YES!!

I PASSED THE BAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm beyond excited right now :)

Last night at 6pm the scores were posted.  Around 5:57pm my dad called me.  I hadn't told him I would be receiving the results because he comes to visit on Wednesday and I wanted to tell him in person-pass or fail.  So he talks my ear off for about 15 minutes and finally says he has to go.  I sit down, pull up the website and enter my magic numbers.  A few people had told me what the screen would look like if I passed and the second I saw it I screamed!  

The funny part is that while I was on the phone with my dad, my boyfriend was a nervous wreck.  He was pacing up and down the room practically shaking.  What I later came to find out is he sneakily wrote down my codes and a little after 6 entered them into his own computer!  Except....he entered them wrong because it said "This name does not appear on the pass list..."  So for about 5+ minutes he thought I had failed!!!!!!!!!!  He actually got tears in his eyes and walked into the bathroom so I wouldn't notice.  I, of course, was so wrapped up in my convo with my dad that I didn't even notice any of this.  When I got off the phone and sat down to look at the results, my boyfriend sat across from me and couldn't even look at me because he didn't want to see my initial reaction of failure (because he thought I had failed at that point).  When I screamed that I passed, he ran over, looked at the screen and burst into tears!  Now, I've known my boyfriend for more than 6 years and I've only seen him cry twice (at funerals for my mom and his grandfather).  He's not a crier.  He cried MUCH more than I did last night.  He literally cried on and off for HOURS.  I love him :) 

After jumping up and down, screaming and taking a screen shot of the screen saying I passed (and a pic on my phone so I could refer to it all night long when I doubted it was real) I just had to tell my dad.  I knew I couldn't keep the news to myself for the next 5 days.  My dad had also been a little upset (hence our conversation) about some stuff so I knew it would put him in a wonderful mood.

I called him up, asked if he was sitting down and said "I found out about the bar."  His response: "Oh god, what is it..."  When I said I passed he was ecstatic!  He talked to me for a few minutes and then said "I'll call you back in a little while."  I was kind of surprised he wanted to get off the phone so quickly but when he called me back 10 minutes later he told me that he had just sent an email out to all of his company, his personal friends and some of our family (umm embarrassing!!!!!!!)  He was reading me the responses from guys he works with, haha.  Of course we talked about my mom and how we both had wished she was alive to be here for all this- it was definitely a tear fest.  

Anyways, I know this post is a ramble, but my mind is still going 100mph.  But yeah, I passed!

No More....

No more spending the day in pajamas

No more making it to happy hour 3 days a week

No more watching tv alllll day long

No more mid-morning naps

No more refreshing the "Craigslist Job" section every 5 minutes

No more being broke

No more because........................I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, if you follow me on Twitter you may know that on Monday I got a job.  It's with a family law firm that I interviewed with about 2 months ago.  I loved the firm and I thought they loved me until I never heard back from them. Well, I guess they liked me because I'm officially employed.  

They asked me to start immediately so Tuesday was my 1st day.  It's been a hectic couple of days and I'm absolutely EXHAUSTED!  The office is about 40 minutes away from my house WITHOUT traffic, so it's been an adjustment to say the least.

Luckily the girl I'm taking over for was there these past 3 days to help me out.  Unfortunately, she was only in the office from 6am-10am.  That meant that on Wed-Thurs I had to get up at 4:45 so I could get ready and drive to the office in order to be there at 6.  She was a big help but now that she's gone I'm starting to freak out.  Everyone in the office is super friendly, but I hate bothering people with pesky questions.  

Anyways, I'm employed and I'm ecstatic about that!  

Tomorrow is the day bar results come out so please, please, PLEASE cross your fingers for me.  Tomorrow at 6pm I'll know whether or not I'm a lawyer.  I'm scared.

Recipe- Buffalo Chicken Dip

So this dip is my obsession.  I found the recipe a few years ago and it's become a staple in my house.  It's not healthy at all, but it's sooooo delicious.  Just a warning though, if you make this for a party everyone will want the recipe.  It's just that good.

Pic courtesy of franksredhot.com

32 oz. Shredded Chicken (I just buy a rotisserie chicken from the grocery and shred it up)

16 oz. Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 cup Frank's hot sauce (you can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like things.  I don't really like spicy food at all, but even I can tolerate 1/2 cup)

1/2 cup Three Cheese Ranch Dressing (Three Cheese Ranch can be hard to find, so you can use regular ranch, but if your grocery has the three cheese definitely get it-it's a lot more delicious)

1 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (you could really use any type of cheese, but we prefer cheddar)

• Mix all ingredients.  I put them in one of those disposable aluminum foil pans (pic below) because it's easy clean up and easy to transport if you are taking this to a party. 

• Place in 350 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.  

I've also heard you can place the aluminum pan on a grill until hot and bubbly if you are tailgating!

The Frank's Hot Sauce website has a recipe for this dip but it's a bit different.  I've tried both versions and I strongly prefer this recipe. 

Recently my boyfriend and I have made another version of this by cutting down on all the proportions.  We heat it up in the microwave for about one minute and then slap it on some bread or a tortilla wrap for a quick and easy sandwich.  

Seriously, try this recipe.  I promise you won't be sorry!

Holiday Cards!

I'm a little late on this, so you may have heard from practically every other blogger in the world, but Shutterfly is giving away 50 free Holiday Cards for bloggers this year!  How awesome is that?!  I've used Shutterfly in the past and I've always been wonderfully surprised by everything I've received. 

I've always wanted to send out Holiday cards, but since I'm not yet married and really only have a handful of people to send them to, I've never been able to afford them.  Well, thanks to Shutterfly this year I'll be sending out cards!  Now only if I could pick a favorite....

I have a feeling my boyfriend, dog and cats will be fighting it out for who gets their picture on my cards :)

Let me know which cards you love the most!  And, if you've ordered from Shutterfly in the past,  share your experience in the comments!

Go check out some of the other awesome options on Shutterfly:

Holiday Photo Cards

Wall Calendars

Christmas Cards

What a Waste!

I know, I know, I really need to stop with all these depressing posts.  But what can I say, I'm having a bad luck month!

I mentioned that I had another interview today.  The interview was for a paralegal position at a firm that has about 12 different southern California locations.  Ironically I had sent my resume to this firm a few months ago for an associate position, but never heard back.  

To be honest, I was quite surprised I got a call for an interview because most firms that are looking for a paralegal/legal assistant do not consider law school graduates who are waiting for bar results.  I know this firsthand since, well, I've applied for about 77 of them!  When I got the call about the interview, the assistant asked me a few basic questions, including whether or not I sat for the July bar.  When I informed her I did, her response was "great!" 

So anyways, I went to my interview this morning, which by the way, was about 40 minutes from my house.  The girl I interviewed with was probably a few years younger than me (I'm only 24, so she was young).  She was very nice and asked me a couple questions.  She said I seemed like a great candidate and she wanted to go talk to the attorney about me.  She explained that the attorney had been very busy that morning so she wasn't sure she'd have time to speak with me (um, why schedule me for an interview if I would need to talk to the attorney and she wouldn't be available?).  She returned a few minutes later and said the attorney would like to speak with me in her office so she led the way.  

Immediately upon introducing myself to the attorney she said "So, I have an obvious question, why are you interviewing for this position if you just took the bar?"  I gave my standard, prepared answer and anxiously awaited more questions about my background/skills/experience, etc., but instead all I got was, "Well, I'm a little worried that since you took the bar you won't be around very long."  I, again, gave my very well thought-out response.  Finally, she said "You obviously are qualified, but we've had lots of interviews and we have a few more scheduled for next week so you'll hear from us soon."  

She asked me NOTHING about my experience or my skills...NOTHING.  She simply wasn't interested because I took the July bar.  And that's all good and dandy (and again, I expected they probably wouldn't hire me because of that) but why in the world did you bring me in for an interview if you had no desire of at least finding out more about me and my qualifications.  You knew BEFORE I came in for the interview that I had taken the bar.  

Ugh, I was fuming!  Again, I totally understood that the chances of me getting this job were slim, but if you are going to have me drive 40 minutes for this interview, at least INTERVIEW me.  Don't ask me one question you already know the answer to and then say "thanks, see ya." Altogether I was in that office for no more than 7 minutes.  Really, my boyfriend was actually in the car waiting-he timed it.  7 minutes!!!!!!

This one really got to me.  I'm not sure why, but this one almost put me over the top.  Bar results come out in exactly one week and I've been on edge about that the past few days.  I'm sure this interview came at a really bad time, but I just feel very defeated.

I'm contemplating whether or not I should even write a thank you.  I always follow-up my interviews with thank you letters.  Even the interviews I've hated.  But, instead of a thank you I really want to send them a bill for my gas and time that they wasted by having me come interview for a position that I really was never a candidate for.  

Yuck.  Sorry for my pessimistic attitude, I'm just frustrated. 

Tutoring...or Not

During college I worked on campus as a tutor for our school's "homework club."  I tutored everyone from elementary school kids - high school kids.  I loved tutoring and seemed to be pretty good at it (at least in my opinion, haha).  My mom was a teacher and growing up I always loved to "play" teacher.  If I wasn't an attorney, I'd definitely be a teacher (and probably have just as hard of a time finding a job!)  

A few weeks ago I realized that one job I could do here, without having to go on an interview or be "hired," would be tutoring.  It was kind of a spur of the moment decision and I quickly posted an ad on a local tutoring board.  About a week later I received an email from a mom looking for a math and english tutor for her 6th grade daughter.  To be honest I had kind of forgotten I had posted the ad in the first place so was surprised when someone actually contacted me!  We exchanged emails for awhile and set up a weekly schedule for tutoring twice a week for an hour each time at a local library.  She warned me that her daughter was very shy so not to worry if she didn't immediately take to me.  Monday was our first day and it went really well.  I would never have guessed this girl was shy.  She was talking up a storm, super friendly and didn't seem to have too much difficulty with the stuff we went over.  

However, there were a few interesting things that happened on our first visit.  There was another tutor sitting at a table near us that the girl I was tutoring knew.  Apparently this girl had been her old tutor, but she told me that tutor "didn't last long."  Uh oh.  

When our session ended and I met the dad outside he thanked me, said they'd see me in 2 days and left.  It took me a few minutes to realize that I didn't get paid!  The mom and I never discussed when she would pay me (after each session, at the end of the week, etc.) so I had a hard time being mad, but I was a little frustrated (mainly at myself) that I didn't speak up and say something to the dad.

Later that night I received an email from the mom thanking me and telling me that the little girl really liked me and was looking forward to our next meeting on Wednesday (today).  She also asked if I would be able to tutor her high school son one day a week.  I agreed, and she explained that he is on the high school football team so his schedule can be sporadic.  We had planned on tutoring on Tuesday evenings for the son.  She also asked how I would prefer to be paid (daily, weekly, etc.)  Well yesterday (Tuesday) she sent me an email in the afternoon canceling his tutoring session because his team is in the play-offs and they were having a late practice.  She asked if we could change the session to Thursday-which I happily agreed to.

I just received another email from the mom canceling both the girl's session today and the son's session tomorrow.  She said the father was called in to work last minute and no one would be able to get her to the library today.  Since tomorrow is a holiday, her son's football practice will interfere with tutoring.  She apologized, said she's really not this flaky and scheduled three days for next week.

Here's my problem: I don't know what to think.  Do these people just flip flop around tutors so they don't have to pay them?  Or, has this just been a bad week?  I don't know what to think.  I feel bad even insinuating that they could be trying to get out of paying, but I mean we did run into an old tutor who the girl said didn't last long, they didn't pay me after the first session and they canceled the next three sessions.  I guess I'll find out next Monday.  

Thoughts?

Ummm...awkward?

                                                                          Switch the genders and this was me this morning!

Okay, I just had the most awkward interview in the history of interviews.  No joke.

A few days ago there was a posting on Craigslist for a legal position.  The ad was pretty short but said that a sole practitioner was looking for a legal secretary to help with typing motions, briefs, etc. and for some light research.  The ad specified that either a law student or someone with legal experience was preferred and said hours would be flexible with the opportunity for either full or part time hours.  

Sounds decent right?  

Well, it's not exactly my dream job, but it's a legal position with a flexible schedule.  Like most Craigslist ads, I sent off my resume expecting to never hear another word about the job.  Well, yesterday afternoon around 3ish I got a call from the attorney's office asking if we could set up an interview.  He initially wanted me to meet him right then and there, but I had plans so we scheduled the interview for this morning.  Ironically enough, a few hours later I received a message from a different law firm about setting up an interview based off of a Craigslist ad I responded to.

So this morning I got up, dressed up in my suit, typed in the address to my GPS and headed off.  I was a little surprised when my GPS took me to a house.  Yeah, the lawyer definitely didn't tell me he worked out of his house.  It's not really a big deal, but I've never met an attorney who worked from home.  He had given me strict instructions to take the stairs near the door down and around to the back (maybe that should have been a clue I was heading to a house?)  As I was trudging through gravel and rock in my nice heels I started feeling a little anxious.  I was literally in a backyard of a strange house with absolutely no idea where I was going.  There were no signs/path/door, etc.  I stood in the backyard and just looked around trying to figure out where the hell I was.  (I should have just left then!)  So I took out my phone and called the office.  Instead of a polite "hello" the person on the other line just said "I see you, I'll come get you" Click.  Hmm, okay? 

A young man came and got me.  He shook my hand and was very friendly.  He took me into the office and introduced me to the attorney.  I later learned this kid just took the bar exam, like me, and was quitting his job with this attorney-hence my interview.  I swear the kid gave me a look like "God help you."

The attorney barely made eye contact with me as he muttered hello.  The first thing I noticed about his little room that served as an office was the MESS.  Literally, files and papers EVERYWHERE.  They were scattered all over the two desks in the room, the bookshelves, the FLOOR.  I literally had to try and step over papers on the ground.  Of course the lawyer said "Don't worry, just step on them if you need to." 

The attorney then said to his assistant, "This is the 19th interview, you can't just sit in here and listen anymore, you need to accomplish something today so take this and find somewhere else to work until we're done."  Wow, way to be on your best behavior in front of a possible future employee.  (This would be the 1st of MANY times I contemplated just walking out.)

The attorney proceeded to just stare at me for about 45 seconds before he said a word.  Umm, awkward much?  He then talked for 25 minutes about god knows what.  Everything from how he used to teach at my law school but was fired to how much he hated the LA courts and judges.  He told me about a lawsuit he was personally involved in and how messed up the Judge was and how he almost lost his house because of it.  Anytime I would try to add commentary he would put me down and tell me I was wrong (umm, I think I know that I worked in an LA Court, thankyouverymuch-next time read my resume) Seriously, he made a comment about how things worked in an LA court and I replied with "yes" and he jumped down my throat! "How do you know, it's not like you've ever been in an LA court." He told me that when he worked at my school the 1st Dean he worked with was related to the previous Dean and when that Dean retired, his sister took over.  So I made a comment about it obviously being a family affair and he stopped dead in his tracks, glared at me and said "I'm just telling you how it was."  What?!  I was being friendly, trying to engage in the conversation! 

It just got worse.  At one point he asked if I was familiar with the area in which he lived and I said yes because my boyfriend attends the law school that is a few blocks away.  He then proceeded to tell me he doesn't think that law school is very good and no good attorneys can come from it.  Umm, okay? 

He then said he wanted to test out my typing skills so he dictated a letter to me and had me type it.  He then made me print it out so he could read over it.  Towards the bottom he read a sentence out loud and said "I don't think I said that, maybe I did, but I don't remember saying that sentence."  Okay, dude I totally just made up a random sentence to just stick in the middle of this dumb "test" you are giving me for the hell of it, right?!  Then he has the audacity to say, "Yeah, I know I didn't say this, it's your mistake- you are wrong, I never said to type this."  I was SOOO surprised.  Seriously?!  I'm sorry that you are old and obviously have memory issues and don't remember what you said less than 2 minutes ago, but please don't say that I'm wrong and I happened to make up a sentence.  Ugh, I was so frustrated and ready to just get up and leave.  

At the close of the interview he said he had a few more people to meet but he'd definitely contact me.  With that, he immediately turned his back to me and began reading a book.  No handshake, no showing me out, nothing.  As I was walking out I said "Have a nice afternoon" and he replied with "It's still morning."  (I walked out at 11:45-sorry 15 minutes before "noon").  I could not run out of there fast enough.  

I will say, in his defense, he was at least in his early 70's so I attribute his behavior to cranky old man syndrome.  He definitely lacked social skills.  Given the fact that I was interview # 19 or 20 I can safely say he's not happy with anyone or no one will take a job with him.  I also looked him up on the Cal Bar website and found that he had a couple disciplinary incidents.  The record is private for his particular offenses so I'd have to order a copy, but given what a character he was, I may just do that for the hell of it.

Worst.interview.ever.

Luckily I'm interviewing for the other Craigslist position on Friday.  It's a much better position than this was and it's at a pretty large well-known firm. 

I Turned Down A Job!

Don't hate me... It's another post about JOBS!  But don't worry, this one is a tad bit more interesting, maybe?  

I turned down a paying job.  

Yep, it happened.  I turned down a paying job.  What in the world was I thinking?!  

Remember a few weeks ago when I posted a really whiny post about how stressed I was with my current unemployment status?  Well that day I applied for a ridiculous amount of retail positions.  Previously, I had sworn up and down that I wouldn't apply for retail positions but I decided I really just.needed.a.job- no matter what the job title.  A couple days later I got a call back by one of these retail stores.  The call caught me by surprise because 1) I had somehow completely forgotten that I had applied to this place and 2) I never answer my phone when I don't recognize the number calling (call me crazy, but I kind of hate talking on the phone period, so I usually avoid picking up when I don't know who is on the other line-but really, this is a whole other post on its own.)  The lady was very nice, asked me a few questions and pretty much offered me a seasonal position on the spot.  

Now normally someone in my shoes would be jumping with joy about the opportunity, but I wasn't.  First of all, part of the reason I decided to apply for retail positions was because I figured if I was going to work retail I'd at least pick a place I loved to shop so I could take advantage of the discount (hey, I'm just being honest here).  Well, the store that offered me the position isn't a clothing store, but more of a furniture/home goods store (may not be too hard to figure out what store I'm talking about, but I want to avoid using the name for obvious reasons!)  Not somewhere I really need or want a discount-at least not now.  

The bigger reason I wasn't sold on working for this particular store was the dozens of rules the manager gave me over the phone.  The biggest rule being that I would be expected to work anywhere between 25-40+ hours per week from now until the 1st week of January and I was not allowed to request any days off.  If I missed one shift I would automatically be fired and there was no "shift trading" among employees allowed.  

Now normally this wouldn't be any biggie.  I've never missed a day of work before (unless I had a legitimate reason and it was approved by the boss man), but my dad is coming to visit me for 5 days during Thanksgiving.  I explained this to the lady and asked if there was any way to work around some of those days, I'd even be willing to not start working until after he leaves.  She was nice but told me that wasn't possible.  She also told me that chances are pretty good I'd be working almost every single day he was here. 

Now, obviously if I had a legal position I would have no problem having my dad cancel his visit or just missing out on seeing him a couple of the days he was here, but I don't think I'm going to miss out for some job where I'm already miserable just listening to all of the rules, I won't be able to buy awesome clothes at a great discount, all while getting paid minimum wage for the next 8 weeks.

I realize that I picked a really bad time to apply for retail jobs- hello seasonal positions only.  If I'm still unemployed AFTER the holiday season I'll apply for retail positions and gladly accept minimum wage (and a good discount, hopefully?)

 

Hair Woes

My hair frustrates me.  I mean it really, really frustrates me.  I’m constantly tempted to just cut it all off and start over (but really, I’d never be that brave). 

I have naturally medium brown hair.  Throughout high school I used to lighten it by getting tons of blonde highlights.  In college I made the decision I wanted darker hair-which somehow always came out reddish.  When I started law school I decided I had had enough spending so much money on dyeing my hair, so I let my natural color grow in.  I loved it!  My natural color was the color I had been trying to get for years!  Who knew?! 

However, my love for my easy maintenance, beautiful hair color was short lived when one day I discovered…….GRAY HAIRS!  Yes, I found gray hair at only 21 years old.  Not too many, but just enough for me to notice and be embarrassed!  Throughout the past few years, I’ve experimented with different colors but I’ve never been very happy.  It’s always too dark, too light, too red, fades too fast, shows too many grays, yadda yadda yadda. 

Well, given the fact that money is a little tight right now and I’m unemployed, I haven’t colored or cut my hair in about 4-5 months.  I keep telling myself that I’m going to just go to Target or Sally’s and buy a box hair dye and do it myself, but I don’t think I’ll ever be courageous enough to do that!

Nevertheless, I have a bigger problem than just hair color.  I’ve noticed that for the past few months my hair has become incredibly DRY.  My scalp has always been super oily (and it still is), but from about the mid-section to the ends my hair is dry as straw.  To combat the dryness I’ve tried:

I just bought these and have high hopes, based on numerous reviews I’ve read:

 Do any of you suffer from dry hair?  Any recommendations?

Good Old College Days

My boyfriend and I met our freshman year of college.  We instantly became best friends.  We had so much in common-same outlook on life, same values, same future goals, etc.  We just clicked.  We didn't officially start dating until 2.5 years later, but our friendship was immediate. 

We constantly talk about the good old college days and wish, more than anything, we could go back to that time.  People aren't kidding when they say college is the best time of your life! 

Last night around 8pm we were missing our college friends and our typical college night routine so we decided to be spontaneous and have some fun... In college, a typical Thurs.-Sat. night included dinner out with friends, going back to someone's dorm/apt and drinking/playing games/having fun.  This was always followed up by aimlessly roaming around our small college campus and then a call to our campus shuttle for a ride to Del Taco. 

So, what did we do?  We hit up the grocery store for some alcohol (beer for bf, wine for me) and on our way home stopped off at Del Taco for our usual college order! (We haven't had Del Taco since college!)  And in true college fashion, as we were finishing up the evening and getting ready for bed, bf shattered a glass all over the carpet! 

When bf's alarm went off early this morning we were quickly reminded why we can't really go back to college (hello tiredness and headache!)  Do you miss your college days?

Dreams

Last night I had the strangest, yet most comforting dream.  I don't remember too much of it, but I was sitting in a Doctor's office waiting to get a flu shot (random much?).  I kept waiting and waiting and waiting, but it was taking forever; yet, I was the only one sitting in the waiting room.  I started stressing because I was supposed to meet my mom at the airport for our flight to our vacation destination.  (My mom passed away 3.5 years ago)  I remember that while I was on the phone with my mom she kept emphasizing how important it was that I make it to the airport on time.  After waiting for the Dr. for over an hour, I realized that this flu shot was obviously just not that important and it was time to hit the road and head to the airport.  My dream ended when I jumped in the cab (umm, I never take cabs-why didn't I just drive to the airport?!) and headed off to meet my mom.  I'm still not sure whether or not I made it in time!

Why would this crazy dream be comforting you ask?  Well, since my mom passed away, I find myself having dreams about her every now and then (but certainly not often enough!).  I love it.  If you've ever lost someone close to you, you may know the feeling I'm talking about.  I get to see and talk to her in my dreams and there is something just so comforting about that.  The crazy thing is, these dreams always come at the most perfect time.  Yesterday, (remember? when I was all whiny and depressing) was a hard day for me, so having a dream about my mom made me feel so much better, and allowed me to put things back into perspective.  Crazy how the world works, huh?   

And while on the topic of yesterday I just wanted to thank the 2 people who took the time to leave me sweet comments.  While I wish this situation and these feelings upon no one, it is somewhat comforting knowing others are right there with me.  So THANK YOU!  I was worried the post might be off-putting (and to some of you, it may have been) but it made me feel better just to be able to get it all out. 

Just one of those days...

I'm having one of those days...
...one of those days where you wake up knowing the day is not going to be good.
...one of those days where nothing goes your way.
...one of those days where you just want to climb into bed, pull the covers over your head and ignore the world.
...yes, I'm having one of those days.

Pity party for 1? Yes, please. 

I'm going to preface this post by saying that I don't usually have too many of these days.  I'm generally a happy person.  I'm a very lucky person- I'm healthy, my dad is healthy, I have a wonderful boyfriend, roof over my head and a refrigerator full of food.  My situation is SO much better than many people out there.  I know that.  But, right now I'm going through a hard time, so I'm going to take a minute and just spill.  Just get it all out.  Hopefully it helps.

My day started with an email remainder that my student loans (that are currently in deferment) will enter repayment in just a few short weeks.  I knew this time was coming.  I've dreaded it from the minute I graduated.  The email lead me to open the government website that contains all of my loan information-mainly the total amount I owe.  It's not a pretty number.  It's one of the biggest numbers I've ever seen.  Many people could buy a HOME with this number.  Just looking at it is sooo incredibly daunting.  I know, I shouldn't complain too much, I mean I did get a JD from a good school in an expensive city.  But unfortunately that's no comfort when I'm currently unemployed and that degree is doing absolutely nothing for me at the moment.

After the depressing loan reminder I had a long and tearful conversation with my dad.  I want to start by saying that my dad has been incredibly supportive of my situation recently (well, my whole life really!).  I couldn't afford to live where I do if it wasn't for my dad.  I wouldn't drive the car I drive if it wasn't for my dad.  I wouldn't have the "freedom" to stay home everyday and look for a job if it wasn't for my dad.  If my dad wasn't helping me out, I'd probably be back at home living under his roof.  However, I don't like that my dad has to help me.  I've always worked, always made my own money and never had to rely on my dad (until recently).  I hate being dependent on him at this point in my life.  But, up until now, I really haven't had much of a choice (if I want to continue living in the city I do and looking for a legal position in the state I took the bar exam in).  The conversation with my dad was about next month's rent, which in turn lead to him expressing his frustration in my current situation, which lead to my breakdown.  He knows I'm trying and the second the words escaped his mouth he knew he was wrong and that he upset me.  He knows I'm trying, just like I know I'm trying.  Unfortunately, trying isn't always good enough.  Trying doesn't pay the bills!

Needless to say, for the past 4 hours straight I have looked into and applied for countless retail positions.  I filled out a ridiculous number of applications for clothing stores, home good stores, banks, etc.  For goodness sake, I took a 30 question math quiz for a bank teller position!  I'm absolutely desperate at this point.  I just need a job-any job.

I know this post may come off as incredibly whiny, and that's not my intention.  I'm just expressing how I feel.  Desperate, stressed, exhausted...

If anyone has any words of encouragement or ideas for where I should (or shouldn't!) apply please, PLEASE feel free to leave them in the comments.

Weekly Goals

Unlike most weeks, (see also: unemployment) I have a decently long to-do list for this week.  It's basically a bunch of junk I should have accomplished weeks ago, but for one reason or another keeps getting put on the back burner (because....well you know, sitting on the couch all day and watching mindless tv and farting around on the internet is just SO much more important).  So, in no particular order, here is what must be done this week:

1. Get a CA driver's license: I've been talking about doing this for months, and I can no longer put it off!  I've already started reading through the handbook (I'm wondering if this is really even necessary.  I mean I've been driving for 9 years, do I really need to study?)  I tried to make a DMV appointment online, but the 1st available appointment time wasn't until DECEMBER!  Guess I'll have to brave the long line.
2. Have blood taken: This is something else that I've been meaning to do for well over a month.  In fact, it's been ordered by my Doctor, and yet I still am finding excuses to avoid it!  I hate having blood taken.  I get so light-headed and woozy, it's horrible.  When I was younger, I used to shake so badly when they would try to take my blood that they would literally have 3 people holding me down.  I blame my fear on an incident that occurred when I was young: the person who was taking my blood kept losing my vein and I ended up being pricked countless times on both arms.  It was traumatizing to say the least.  I still, to this day, tell every nurse about my fear and insist that they use the smallest possible needle (butterfly needle, I think?).
3. Figure out my student loan situation: As any student (especially law student) can tell you- student loans are a confusing, stressful situation!  Luckily I haven't had to think about mine thanks to my grace period. But my loans come back into repayment starting in November, so I really need to sit down and figure this stinky stuff out.  Yes I participated in the mandatory "exit counseling" my school had, but that doesn't mean I learned anything or understand what to do next!  Just thinking about my loans gives me a headache.  Yuck! 
4. Take the dog and cats to the vet: My cats are due for their yearly shots and my dog needs some maintenance work so I need to gather up my zoo and head to the vet.  I'll need boyfriend's help for this!  Taking three animals to the vet is no small task.
5. Paperwork: I recently got a job (well, not really a job job, just a little side thing).  The company sent me SO MUCH PAPERWORK to fill out before my follow-up meeting on Thursday.  Every single time I sit down to start it, I get overwhelmed and walk away!
6. Job Applications: My goal for this week is to send out at least 15 resumes/cover letters.
7. Gym: I haven't been doing well with getting to the gym, so I'm determined to get my butt in gear at least 4 days this week.  
8. Cooking: I usually like to try at least 2 new recipes each week.  We only have our meals planned for Monday and Tuesday, so I should have plenty of chances to cook up something new this week.  Any recipe suggestions?
9. Housework: Another thing I've been pretty lax about lately is housework!  I was not born with the domestic gene so the house has to be in pretty terrible shape before I notice!  Laundry is starting to pile up so it's time to get on it!  

Okay, now this probably isn't even half of what I really need to do, but it's a start.   What are your goals for the week?  Please share!

Gym Motivation

The past few years I've had an on and off relationship with the gym and working out.  One week I'm on and the next I'm off!  Recently I decided it's time that I take this whole "healthy lifestyle" thing seriously.  This means cutting out most of the junk I eat and exercising regularly.

I started a few weeks ago and was doing great.  I was going to the gym at least 5 days per week doing cardio and weights.  I was even filtering in a few choice workout dvd's that I love.

All my hard work came to an abrupt end when I got sick about a week ago.  Today is the first day I feel well enough to begin working out again, and I can already tell I'm going to have a hard time dragging myself to the gym.  It never fails, I'll be doing really well, take an extra day or two off and then my progress just falls by the wayside.  I'm determined to not let this week off sabotage my good start!  I WILL workout today, and I WILL workout tomorrow! (Someone should even leave me a comment in a couple days to confirm that I kept my word!)

My question for you is: what do you do to stay motivated?  What is your motivation for going to the gym, eating healthy or whatever else you do!  Help a girl out!

Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

This morning I discovered a recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins here. I knew I had to make them immediately.  My boyfriend and I absolutely LOVE pumpkin and I've had the baking itch for the past few days.  I ran out to the store, bought the 3 (yes, only 3 ingredients need to be purchased for this recipe!!!) and whipped a few of these puppies up.  I couldn't wait to try one the second I pulled them out of the oven, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint at all!  (Since I pulled these suckers out of the oven, I've devoured 4...yes, I'm gross, I know ;) )  They are DELICIOUS!  I definitely recommend you try them warm as the chocolate chips are just to die for when they are all gooey! 

If you end up making these, let me know how you like them!  Enjoy!

List of 10 Tuesday

 I recently discovered the blog Story of My Life and Tuesdays is "List of 10 Tuesday."  From what I gather, you can write just about anything in the form of a numbered list.  So, I'm going to give it a shot and due a list of 10 "randoms."  Here we go:

10 Randoms in My Life at the Moment

1. I still haven't heard back from the job interview I went on 2 weeks ago.  The attorneys said they would get in touch with me in about 2 weeks and let me know either way.  I guess I'll have to give them a call tomorrow.  I'm assuming they hired someone else for the position, but I just need to know, either way.
2. I recently made an order from soap.com (awesome website by the way!).  The fantastic thing about soap.com is they ship right away and you receive your order within 2 days.  Well, upon checking the tracking information online today, I found out my package was "delivered."  Hmm...I've been home all day and there is certainly no package inside or outside my apartment.  After investigating, I found out the delivery company claims they left the package with the office, so I headed over to the leasing office and they swear up and down they don't have it.  I contacted both soap.com and the delivery company who have been very helpful.  At this point, soap.com shipped out another order that will arrive tomorrow and the delivery company is sending over the delivery man tonight to help find the package.  
3. I've been in the baking/cooking mood today!  I whipped up some delicious pumpkin spice with chocolate chips muffins and some pimento cheese to snack on.
4. Thanksgiving is at my house this year!  Ever since I moved to California for college I've traveled home (Arizona) for Thanksgiving.  Well this year things are going to be a bit different.  I'll be staying in CA and my dad will be coming here to stay for a few days and boyfriend's family will come over for Thanksgiving.  Luckily I won't have to worry about cooking, as boyfriend's mother will be cooking up a feast for everyone!  However, while my cooking can never and will never compare to bf's mom, but I'd like to try and wow her a bit with 1-2 special dishes.  Any suggestions?
5. I've technically been living in CA for the past 6.5 years but I've yet to get a CA drivers license.  I just could never bring myself to trade in my AZ one for a CA one.  It just feels so...permanent?  But, it's time to bite the bullet so I'll be making an appointment at the DMV for the near future.  Of course, I need to schedule a hair appt first...priorities, right?  
6. Going along with number 5, I'm scared to take another written driving test!  I've had friends fail it the first time so even though I've been driving for quite awhile, I'm nervous!  I think I may even read the 100+ DMV booklet before taking the test.  Am I being silly?
7. Yesterday Gap was having a 40% off EVERYTHING sale.  It was glorious!  Good thing I'm unemployed or my 1 small purchase would have easily multiplied exponentially! 
8. As you may or may not have noticed by the widget on the side of the blog, I have a bunch of items in a booth on bonanza (formally known as bonanzle) for sale.  A month or so ago I decided I needed to make some spare change and what better way to do that than by cleaning out my closet!  To date I've sold about 7+ items, which isn't too shabby. 
9. I miss my best friends.  My two best friends are both currently living abroad and I miss them terribly.
10. Making this list of 10 "randoms" took me entirely too long and I'm hungry now, so I think I need to get my 4th pumpkin spice muffin of the afternoon ;)  

Feel free to join in on the List of 10 Tuesday!  See you soon :)

Update!

 

Hey all!  Long time, no post!  

Ever since I started this blog I haven't had many comments on the posts, which in turn made me believe no one was reading it.  I don't mind if I'm the only one reading the blog, since I'm really doing this for myself.  But, it's hard to stay committed to posting regularly if I know no one is checking up on me!  Well, I finally installed one of those nifty trackers/counters and I've come to realize that even though there aren't comments, there are definitely people visiting!  Yay!  So, if you are reading this I'd really appreciate it if you could just toss me a comment every now and then.  

Now, for a job update.  I last posted about a job interview I had for an unpaid position.  I felt the interview went fine, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the attorney and the idea of working for free.  Although the attorney told me he would contact me when he started a case he needed help on, I kind of doubted that and figured I wouldn't hear from him again.  Well, I was wrong.  About 3-4 days after the interview I received a short email from the attorney sent around 7pm.  He basically requested my presence at his office the following morning to meet with a client about an upcoming case.  He ended the email with reaffirming the fact that this was going to be an UNPAID position.  I won't get into too much detail, but I was a little turned off about a lot of what the email contained.  I decided that I really just couldn't bring myself to work for this person so I politely declined.

One week ago, I had another interview for another firm in the area of law I want to practice.  I absolutely loved the attorneys and the way they manage their firm.  The interview went spectacularly well, but I don't know if it will be the right position for me.  The attorneys are really looking for a part-time paralegal, not an attorney.  They recently hired an attorney who is only doing paralegal work for the firm.  I'm worried that if I do get the job, I'll be stuck in a paralegal position (with paralegal pay) for who knows how long.  In the end, like most things, it will come down to the money.  The attorneys said they need to figure out if they will be able to "afford me."  They understand that if I pass the bar, I'm going to want more responsibilities and more money.  They said they want me to be a part of their team, but they just need to see if it's financially feasible.  I should be finding out in a week or so, so cross your fingers for me please!

I have a few more updates, but since this post is already packed full I'll save them for another day!

The Search for the Perfect Planner

I have a confession to make.  I'm obsessed with day planners.  In fact, to prove to you that I'm obsessed, I'll take a picture of my current "planner situation" to attach to the end of the this post.  It's a problem, a BIG problem.  I'm just never satisfied.  I buy a planner, use it religiously and then my love for it dwindles and I move on to the next.  I just can't be loyal.

My boyfriend doesn't agree with this obsession.  He doesn't agree AT ALL and he makes his feelings known anytime I take the dreaded step into the planner aisle of any Target or office supply store.  He thinks that because I have a blackberry I have no need to keep a planner handy.  Little does he know that I take great joy in filling the pages of, well, multiple planners!

As 2011 approaches I've begun my search for my next planner.  And this time I vow to find one planner and STICK WITH IT all year!  This, my friends, means I have my work cut out for me.   I have to find the perfect planner.  The planner that can truly satisfy me all year long.

I know I'm not alone in my love for planners.  So I need your help!  Tell me about your favorite planner.

And as promised....

                (the worst part: this isn't even all of them...just the one's within arms reach!)

Cleaning Out My Closet

I own way too much so I've decided that it's time to purge!

Check out my Bonanzle Widget on the blog and click the link below to visit my page if you are interested in purchasing anything. 

Also, if anyone is interested, I can post some of the items on the blog.  Let me know!

My Bonanzle Page

RECAP: Interview # 1

So, Friday was the big day.  It was my first interview since graduating law school.  The interview lasted about 30 minutes and I was definitely asked some strange questions and things I never expected to be asked in an interview.  I felt I did fine, but unfortunately I didn't get a good vibe by the attorneys who interviewed me. 

I got the feeling that they were just looking for someone to do free work for them (which, by the way, is illegal).  They asked if they could send me some material and have me do research for them.  Apparently this is how they "try-out" the new help.  I agreed, but we'll see what happens.  I've decided that I just can't take a job for no pay when I'm not really fond of the attorneys/firm and don't see a future opportunity for myself there.

So, the job hunt resumes...

Interview # 1...Coming Soon!

Tomorrow is the day! 

I have my 1st interview!!!  And, it's in the area of law I want to practice!!!

Not too sure on the specifics yet, but there is a slight possibility the position may be unpaid.  While that is obviously not the ideal situation, I'm just looking forward to finally having an interview.  Wish me luck and I'll report back tomorrow!

In the comments, leave me any interviewing tips you may have!  Thanks!

My Favorite Recipes

I'll admit it, cooking is not something I claim to be any expert in.  In fact, up until a few months ago my cooking "specialties" consisted of Kraft mac & cheese, tuna sandwiches and anything microwavable.  But, when it comes to baking it's a whole other story.  Well...not exactly, but I'm MUCH better at baking and I actually enjoy it.

My mom wasn't the biggest cook, but she loved to bake-so I definitely think I inherited her culinary skills (or lack thereof, sorry mom!)  Another thing I inherited...her beloved cook books.  Even though she didn't use them often, she certainly had a lot of them!  She also put together a personalized recipe book for me that consists of all my favorite recipes that she made.  Some of my favorites: pumpkin bread, my grandpa's vegetable soup, cherry cola salad, dutch pancakes and my all-time favorite dessert, fruit pizza.

Since I have a decent amount of time on my hands, I've decided that now is the perfect time to learn (or attempt to learn) how to cook.  Besides the cookbooks, I've spent a lot of time gathering recipes online from:

• The Pioneer Woman
• Eating Well
• Food Network

 What are some of your favorite places to find recipes?  Any wonderful recipes (easy enough for a cooking dummy like me) you want to share?

Proper Attire

One of the things I'm most looking forward to about getting a job (besides the paycheck, of course) is buying new clothes.  I admit- I have clothes.  I have a lot of clothes.  However, I do not have a lot of work appropriate clothes. 

One of the things I spend my days doing is searching my favorite stores online and planning out my future wardrobe.  The only thing stopping me from going out and buying these new work clothes (besides the $$$) is the fact that some law firms range from more business casual to conservative and very professional.  Therefore, until I have a job and know what the "culture" of my firm will be, I will refrain from breaking the bank and stuffing my closet full of new pretties. 

However, a girl can still dream.  So, here are a few of my current favorites:

I love this Wool flannel jacket (minus the pants) from J. Crew for a more casual alternative to the traditional suit jacket.

Love this Calvin Klein Sheath dress.  Very conservative (paired with a cardigan or suit jacket), classic, yet still feminine. 

Another sheath dress paired with a ruffled cardigan jacket from Banana Republic.  Love this look (minus the shoes)-but only for a more casual day. 

Love this classic, pinstripe 2-button J. Crew suit.  I'd pair it with a nicer blouse/shell.

This Banana Republic silk ruffle shell would be perfect under any suit.

Nordstrom also has a wonderful selection of suits, dresses and shells.

What are your favorite stores to shop for work clothes?

Making Friends

 I need advice, and I hope you can help!

I moved to my current city about 3 months ago.  There were various reasons for the move: I had always planned to leave LA (where I went to law school), my boyfriend lived here, I had always wanted to live here, there would be better job opportunities, etc.  However, one thing I did not think so much about was friendships.  Outside of my boyfriend and some of his friends, I only knew one other person in my current city.  Actually, she is one of my best friends, but, she is currently teaching abroad for the next year :(

Since I'm currently unemployed I pretty much stay home all day.  My boyfriend works and goes to school (even on Saturdays!) so I'm home alone a lot.  I've always liked to be alone and never had a problem entertaining myself (only child over here), but I'm kinda getting sick of it.  Besides the occasional trip to the gym I really don't have anywhere to go each day.  I have no friends to hang out with.  For example, today, I'm considering going to a movie by myself-just so I can get out of the house and do something!

I had a wonderful idea a few nights ago:  I would join the Junior League.  For those of you who may not be familiar with JL, it's an international organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism and improving the community.  It's a wonderful organization that I would be proud to be a part of AND it would help me meet people and potentially make wonderful friends.  However, my excitement soon turned to sadness when I saw that applications to join had just closed a few weeks prior.  Soooo, my bright idea is no longer a possibility (at least for another year when they accept new applications).

So, my question to you is: how can I meet people?!  Outside of work, school and Church-what are some ways you've made friends?  Any organizations similar to Junior League that you know of?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Twitter

I recently joined twitter and let me say I am utterly O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D!!  It's absolutely addicting, even though I'm not the most interesting or creative tweeter.  I'd love to follow more people so if you use twitter post your name in the comments so I can follow you!!

Oh, and...

GirlsInPearlsCA

I Need a Hobby...

As I've already mentioned oh one or two times on this blog- I'm unemployed and bored.  The first week of having nothing to do was relaxing, the second week was nice, the third week was manageable and somewhat productive (cleaning the house isn't so bad when you have absolutely nothing else to do!)  But now, almost 4 weeks in with having no commitments has left me feeling downright bored!  The situation is not made any easier due to the fact that my boyfriend just started school so between that and work he's gone most days. 

I really need to find something to do all day.  A hobby, a job, anything!  Since I'm having trouble on the job front I guess I need a hobby.  But that's the problem, I can't think of one!  So that's where I need help.  Help!

Tell me, what hobbies do you have?  If you had all the free time in the world, what would you be doing?

Collector

When I was younger I used to have a beautiful collection of decorative teapots.  Whenever my family would go on vacation we would find a teapot to add to the collection.  Every holiday and birthday I would receive a teapot from a family member.  I would even save my own babysitting money to buy teapots.  But, as I grew older, my love for collecting teapots dwindled and they now sit in the living room china cabinet of my childhood home.  

Throughout the years I’ve always wanted to find something else to collect.  If you were to ask my boyfriend he would tell you I collect many things: animals, shoes, clothes, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, etc.  But, I’ve always wanted to find something of substance to collect. 

Before my mom passed away she had an affinity for hourglasses.  My mom had cancer and the hourglass had symbolic meaning to her.  After she passed, I gathered the few, but gorgeous, hourglasses she had and moved them to my home.  They serve as a constant reminder of my mom and remind me to cherish every single day. 

I think I know what I want to start collecting…

Tell me, what do you collect?