I’ve been a busy bee working on Artmas, Blogmas, & Vlogmas these past few days. I’m working at my retail job almost every day for the next two weeks so the time to get ahead is running out. I’m trying to think happy thoughts to keep my mind off of the impending insanity. First of all, I’m seeing Star Wars: The Last Jedi tonight with my family. FINALLY!! Second of all, I have a funny story to tell about my neighbor:
A few days ago, I was standing at the kitchen sink looking through the window at the backyard (let’s pretend I wasn’t simultaneously looking and wishing for snow that will never fall). Out of nowhere, a medieval-looking tool moved into view above the fence and slowly made its way to a frond on the nearest palm tree. Against such precise motions, the poor frond never stood a chance. The tool disappeared from view only to reappear and cut down another frond. This seems like a good time to mention that the palm tree is in my family’s backyard. It would’ve made more sense if any of the frond victims had been hanging over the other side of the fence, but they weren’t. I know there is a certain amount of give and take between neighbors, but that sort of action seems so childish. Oh well! It gave me a good laugh. 😂
I can’t apologize enough for my absence. To make up for lost time, I’m going to be blogging through Hanukkah. I will call it “Blogukkah.” Genius! I have a good excuse for not blogging this week. I worked myself into the ground and got the flu. I had the worst day of work possible Tuesday, and it went from bad to worse once I got home. I spent both my days off resting and reenergizing for my last two shifts before Christmas. I hope you follow my art blog and Youtube channel because I’ve been active on both those platforms all month long. I’m not sure why I haven’t been posting as often for Blogmas this year. I think it has a lot to do with my retail job. I’ve felt like such a grinch and haven’t done anything outside of working. No spirit and no fun means no good material for your reading pleasure. I do have something to share with you tonight so let’s jump right in. I watched Frozen for the first time. I’ll let that sink in for a moment.
Have you composed yourself? Alrighty then! I’ve heard a lot of different perspectives. People loved the movie. People liked the movie. People hated the movie, some only because of the ridiculous amount of attention and hype. I didn’t want my first viewing experience to be ruined by someone else’s opinion so I waited and waited and waited until the right time. I’m glad I did because I was pleasantly surprised. I knew the music would be good, but other than that I had no expectations. I ended up liking it much more than I thought I would. The animation is beautiful, and the characters are charming. Idina Menzel’s voice is beautiful as always, but Kristen Bell’s voice stunned me. WOW! I love the end (SPOILER) when Kristoff is available to save Anna with an act of true love, but she ends up being saved by sisterly love. That is a refreshing twist. It’s adorable how Kristoff’s gruff exterior is slowly melted by Anna’s quirks. I could watch an entire movie with him, Sven, & Olaf. Those three crack me up! I highly recommend this film if you love Disney, but wait until your mind is clear from the bombardment of other opinions.
Sorry guys! I am failing miserably at Blogmas this year. Because I work in retail, my schedule has been ridiculous these past few weeks. For example, I worked until 11pm last night and opened this morning at 7am. Needless to say I am exhausted and enjoying some much needed couch time. Anyone else watching the New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys game?? GO BIG BLUE!!! 💙 What else is new in my life?? Let’s see… One of my friends asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. I am honored to be asked and ecstatic to be involved. Obviously I can’t look like an oompa loompa so I’ve been working extra hard to get into tip top shape. I’ve started drinking green tea every day because it has so many health benefits. I’m not a huge fan of the smell and taste so I add lemon which also has numerous health benefits. Problem solved! My body is starting to feel much better, but it goes deeper than that. Working with holiday shoppers has taken a toll on the joy I usually feel this time of year. Sipping a hot cup of tea and being still for a few minutes each day has been a great way for me to recharge.
I had an opening shift at work this morning. I’m not even close to being a morning person so it was already bound to be a bundle of laughs. On top of that, my mind was in an absolute jumble. I misunderstood words I read and instructions I received, and I couldn’t form anything remotely related to the English language. I was incredibly frustrated and near tears by the time I clocked out. My mom explained that since I’m susceptible to low blood sugar, it was most likely due to the lack of nutrition in my system. In other words, I didn’t eat breakfast, and I should have. I know I should eat from now on, but I most likely wont. Why? Because I’m weird and don’t like eating before work.
In other news, I’ve felt really encouraged and motivated recently due to the rise in number of followers on my blogs and Youtube channel. Thank you so much for your support!! If you haven’t checked out any of my other links, everything is provided down below. Aside from this blog, I have an art blog and Youtube channel, and I’m all over social media. Follow me everywhere to receive the latest updates on what I’m working on. :)
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Hello readers! Can you believe it’s already February 2016?? I’m still mourning the loss of Christmas 2015. My year has been interesting thus far. Just as I was feeling comfortable at my new job, I was informed in advance of my last day. I knew up front that my job was seasonal, but I had reason to believe my chances of attaining a permanent position were good. On the positive side, I might be able to get my job back in the spring. Meanwhile, what am I to do? I could embrace this time off as a vacation, but that would get me nowhere in life. I am a creative, passionate person. I need to feel as though I’m doing something significant in order to sleep soundly at night. I decided, after my panic attack, to face the change head on and see the opportunities it presented. I have been keeping myself busy and giving tender, loving care to both of my blogs and my Youtube channel. I love what I do, and now I have the chance to do it all day, every day (at least for now). I hope each and every one of you has been enjoying the content. Feel free to leave comments below! Any and all feedback is welcome. :)
You’re familiar with what I post on this blog but here are links to the recent content on my art blog and Youtube channel:
It is now 1:36am, and I have had a lovely evening. When my brother got home from work, we ate chicken & salad while watching “Talladega Nights: The Balled of Ricky Bobby” followed by some episodes of “Parks and Recreation.” He went to bed at a decent hour while I stayed up to watch “The Biggest Loser.” Three hours later and I’m watching “Friends” on Netflix. I know it sounds like I’ve been unproductive, but I promise you I have been working this entire time. ;) I’m going to sign off now. Good night, sleep tight readers!
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I woke up to the sound of rain, the most beautiful sound in the world. Rain never fails to put a smile on my face and inspire me. I jumped out of bed, made a peppermint mocha latte, and sat down by a window to blog. I hope your 2016 has been as wonderful as mine so far. This didn’t happen in 2016, but my family took a mini vacation the week after Christmas (not our best idea) and visited the San Diego Zoo. Subscribe to my Youtube channel and keep an eye out for my vlog that will be posted VERY soon. :) My brother and I started watching the Star Wars and Hobbit movies. YES! :D I saw Riverdance for the fifth time, and it still made me emotional. More to come on that subject! On Sunday, my family and I sat and watched not one but two movies: “Get Smart” & “Nacho Libre.” It was a cozy movie night. <3 Yesterday, despite not wanting to go to work, I was blessed with a slow flow of customers and a bigger than usual paycheck from the last week of Christmas madness. Even though my bank account is a happy camper right now, I’m still waiting for one million dollars to fall from the sky. ;) I’m off to read “The Pawn” by Steven James (thrillers were made for rainy days) and watch some Netflix (after the reading of course). Enjoy the rest of your day readers!
“The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Good evening/morning readers! It is 12:28 am, and I got home from work forty minutes ago. I am currently wrapped up in blankets listening to the rain and watching “The Great Holiday Baking Show.” I’m so glad Mary Berry finally made it to the USA. :D My Sunday was eventful to say the least. I once again stayed home from church because I was sick. The week before was more of an exhaustion-related illness. This week, I am actually S-I-C-K. As I was preparing to chug ginger ale and get well, one of my managers called and asked me to work a double shift. Although my head was pounding, I said yes because I knew she really needed help. It was absolute hell dealing with holiday madness for 8 hours, but I survived. Two more days of work and I will finally have time to relax and watch Christmas movies with my family. TWO. MORE. DAYS. HALLELUJAH!!! All of you are most likely warm and snug in your beds right now so sleep tight and don’t let the bugs bite. ;)
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I spent the last month applying for jobs and finally landed an interview this week, which went really well. Even though I have only experienced two job interviews in my lifetime, I want to share advice from my experiences in hopes that it will be beneficial to you. Please keep in mind that these tips worked for me, but you have to decide what will work for you.
1. Apply apply apply!!! I started out slow, but my mom encouraged me to keep applying because not all jobs will contact you if you aren’t chosen. You could be waiting forever!! My strategy was filling out two or three applications, waiting one week for an answer, and repeating the process.
2. Carefully consider your skill set and comfort level. Apply for jobs only if you feel confident in your ability to meet the requirements. I would also recommend applying for jobs that make you feel comfortable. For example my focus was retail, and I applied at stores I shop at; I trust their policies and merchandise therefore I can work without hindrance.
3. This is advice my mom gave to me: Everyone has to start at the bottom before they can reach the top. You may not like where you start, but don’t let that discourage you.
4. Some people prefer applying online, and others prefer applying in person. I have only applied online, and it worked for me. There is a possibility that it won’t work so I would suggest that, after a month or longer of zero response, you start applying in person.
5. If you are unsure whether or not a website is legitimate, use ScamAdviser.com. I applied for jobs using Indeed.com and SnagAJob.com and did not have problems with either.
6. Have your resume put together and ready before applying. Sometimes you upload a resume, and other times you fill out the information. Either way, if your resume is already completed, the information is in one place and ready to be uploaded or copied and pasted.
7. Not all applications require a cover letter but have one prepared just in case. This cover letter is a great example: http://kohlsitup.weebly.com/cover-letters.html
8. If a business does not contact you within one week, don’t give up yet. The first job I applied for in October did not contact me after one week so I assumed I did’t get the job. I received a call two weeks later and was interviewed four days after that.
9. Don’t get discouraged by rejection because it happens to everybody. If you don’t get the job, it wasn’t the right fit. Get back out there and continue to look for the job meant for you.
10. When you get a call to set up an interview, don’t jump the gun and tell the world you got a job. You are building expectations in your head that will make potential rejection harder to handle.
11. Use a “Cheat Sheet.” I used this method in school for exams, and it was 100% effective. First, write out information about the business you are applying for: the name, when and where it was founded, the number of locations, what company it is owned by, and the names of other stores owned by the same company. Second, visit websites such as GlassDoor.com and write down questions previously given to interviewees by your potential employer. Next to each question, write your answer; use keywords instead of full sentences to make the answers easier to study and remember. Third, study the “Cheat Sheet” forward and backward; read it quietly, read it out loud, and recite it from memory. You should never go into an interview unprepared for the questions. Consider that the interviewer has work to do; you don’t want to take up too much time with a lengthy thought process. Also, preparedness is a good skill to showcase.
12. Going along with #11, it is good to be prepared, but keep in mind that your answers should sound natural and not rehearsed. Avoid a rapid speaking pace and throw in some short pauses. ;)
13. You don’t have to look like a supermodel, but your appearance should be pleasant to look at and put-together from head to toe. If you don’t put in effort getting ready, will you put in effort working? The outside should reflect the inside.
14. Sometimes you have to fill out another application at the interview. Make sure you have previous job experience (Company, Supervisor, Address, Email, Phone Number, List of Duties, Dates of Employment) and professional reference (Name, Title, Email, Phone Number) information with you.
15. Bring at least 2 copies of your cover letter and resume. The information is good to have, and the interviewer might ask you for a copy of one or both. Why two copies of each? Always have a backup plan for the unexpected!
16. Bring a pen and notebook in case you need to take notes. You could use your phone, but a notebook doesn’t have any distractions on it. :)
17. Job interviews are nerve-wracking, but don’t let those nerves get the best of you. Have confidence! If you don’t believe you can do the job, why should the company hire you?
18. Going along with #17, sit up straight, look the interviewer in the eye, and enunciate your words. Make the interview worth the interviewer’s time by being professional and showing respect. Basically, have good manners.
Today, May 6th, marks the beginning of National Nurses Week. In honor of this special week, I interviewed my mom Lisa Stewart.
Q: How long were you a nurse?
A: 15 years.
Q: Were any of your relatives nurses?
A: Yes. My mother was a nurse practitioner. That’s all I know. Just my mother.
Q: Why did you become a nurse?
A: I love working with people. And I love helping people.
Q: What specialties do you have experience in?
A: I worked on the Oncology unit, which is cancer. I’ve worked in the cardiology unit, which is with the heart. I’ve worked in [a] rehab hospital. And I was in intensive care, and I also had private patients.
Q: What is your favorite specialty?
A: Intensive care or emergency.
Q: Why?
A: It was just exciting.
Q: After leaving the medical field, has your experience been useful?
A: In a lot of occasions yes.
Q: If you could go back, would you change your major?
A: No. I think… No I wouldn’t change my major in nursing at all. I loved what I did. I think nursing has changed, however, since I’ve stopped nursing.
I speak from personal experience when I say nurses make a difference in people’s lives. My mom’s knowledge and experience not only improved my health growing up but also educated and prepared me for adulthood. I have watched my mom go in and out of nurse mode without hesitation in order to help both people that she knows and strangers. I may be a bit bias, but I think she is pretty special. I love you mom! <3
One more thing. I’d like to take some time to promote a TV show that me and my mom have been LOVING: “Call the Midwife.” The series focuses on midwifery and nursing in a poor section of London during the 1950s. If nursing is of particular interest to you, you should watch this show. It is fascinating and entertaining. Here is a link with more information: http://www.pbs.org/call-the-midwife/about/
“To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; that is to be a nurse.” – Rawsi Williams
If only losing weight was that easy!! If you think I am about to give you an AMAZING workout routine based on a Disney movie about a queen with ice and snow powers, fear not! Today we are discussing the struggles that accompany working out during winter. I, like the majority of the world population, made a New Year’s resolution to exercise. January was the easiest month, so far, to get through; I was motivated and determined. February was an entirely different story. My body suddenly decided to realize it is winter and go into hibernation mode. I was tired all the time from the beautifully dreary weather, and preparing for a workout took extra time in order to overcome freezing temperatures and aching joints. I hit a wall! I saw results in January, but February was comparable to running up a hill of ice and expecting to reach the top. My solution? I kept going. I know, I know, That is a typical and boring answer, but it is the truth. I got through February with the help of hot baths, layers of warm clothing, and stretching, and the accomplishment feels good. It is too early to tell if March will be difficult, but I am finally starting to see results again so I am optimistic. I know I am not the only one struggling with this issue so prepare for an extremely cheesy pep talk: We are in this together!! You can do it!! Next time you find yourself facing a workout whilst shivering uncontrollably, remember there are other people going through the same thing (in this case, me). Don’t let the icicles win!! Enough of this cheesy talk. I am starting to annoy myself. Enjoy the rest of your day readers!
“I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that winter’s tough, but spring’s coming. I believe that there’s a growing season. And I think that you realize that in life, you grow. You get better.” – Steve Southerland
Lauren Michele ❤️ 
