The Spanish Experiment

My husband and I have started a 7 day experiment today --we will speak nothing but Spanish to each other for an entire week. I can't tell if we'll have a relatively silent home for the next few days or a great experience. I know it has definitely felt a bit strange for me. It's hard when you want to say so many things, but are working with a limited vocabulary. This must be similar to how young children feel when they are forming their first words and trying to express themselves to their parents and siblings. I'll let you know how it goes folks!

Did we come here for the Food?

Going out to dinner with friends is more about the company than the food--it's an added bonus when the food is off the hook! Tonight was one of those nights when the food was just 'blah', but the 'shits and giggles' were fit for center stage at the Apollo. It was the perfect closing to my first week of work, and we were also celebrating another friend's new job -- celebrations all around!

Sometimes, there's nothing better than sitting in a restaurant, shooting the breeze with good friends ;-)

Lights out... until next!

1st Day was All Good!

Hello folks,

I'm happy to report that today was my first day of work at a bilingual education non-profit. I'm working as a contract marketing specialist 3 days a week, and I'm digging the flexibility. It's also pretty cool because my office mate Julio wants to help me learn Spanish in exchange that I help him improve his English. The position seems like it has lots of potential because I am tasked with updating their collateral materials and website, implementing their marketing plan, and performing media relations. It's always cool to execute projects from start to finish and I'll be working under the direction of a board member.

And, another added bonus is that cute 2-4 year-olds are on site learning and just being all around cute! It's really interesting to watch how small children process information and even more so when they are processing data in two languages. That's all for now.... nap time!

Blessing in Disguise

On Friday, I found out that I did not get the 24/7 PR job, and it's a blessing in disguise! Rejection is still painful, even if you know it's for the best. The key is to acknowledge your disappointment, then keep it moving!! My other prospective employer followed up with me and I'll meet with them in- person on Tuesday. I'm excited about this and believe that this opportunity has tremendous potential! Stay tuned!

On Call 24/7?

I had my third interview and I felt all right about it. Now, the interviews are really to see if the office culture, staff, and myself mix. One common theme that has arisen in all interviews is how hard everyone works. Today, I was told that they all have blackberries and are on call 24/7. If they get an email, they are expected to respond, regardless of the time.

Could this all really be true? The pr firm that I previously worked at was very fast-paced and there were nights when I worked all weekend or was up until midnight finishing up a project. This occurred sometimes, not 24/7. Additionally, I like to give each project 100+%, so I definitely consider myself a hard worker. I'll figure things out soon enough. Another company has offered me a position, so I'll speak with them tomorrow to get the details. Stay tuned.

Public Libraries Rock!!

I recently got a library card and I felt like a child in a candy store! The library down the street from our new place is nicer than the one in our old neighborhood, and boy does lighting make a difference! The staff at Wheaton Public Library is very helpful and truly loves what they do--this adds to the pleasurable experience ;-) I picked up some books about advertising, public relations, blogs, newlyweds' finances, Spanish, and Barack Obama. You can even check out 50 books/videos at once!

One the the PR books recently helped me refresh my writing skills and came in handy during an interview when I had to write a press release on the spot. I felt so confident with my press release and have my third interview with this firm tomorrow. All in all, this is definitely one of my favorite places to be.

Round and a Round I go!

My head always got extremely dizzy on the merry go 'round and the hanging tire, so I avoided them at all costs. Every once in a while, I'd try to give them a spin, and would end up with a horrendous headache!

This week kicks off the third round of interviews for me at two firms and a new firm has entered the mix. Interviews don't make me dizzy, per say, but I am ready for the rounds to cease! It's very thorough and respectable for a firm to have strict hiring practices, but at what point does it become work itself? I'm very interested in three of the opportunities and will keep plugging away. My brief sabbatical has re-awoken my passion for public relations and all I can say is that it's truly fascinating;-)

Which Voice is Right?

Today, I created an mp3 in hopes of doing some voice overs for a production company. Boy, is it a trip to hear your own voice! For the most part, I am aware of what I sound like, but hearing myself on a recording is another story. It was fun to try and convey a certain emotion in the reading. Stay tuned ya'll, I'll let you know if I'm selected.

I'm on the Apprentice, Y'all

Today I wrapped up my second interview of the week and have one more tomorrow. I honestly feel like I should be on the Apprentice or write a book. The preparation that goes into each interview is so intensive and companies don't only want to know about you --they also want to know what you know about them! These have all been second round interviews, and I won't be surprised if there is a third round! I'll provide a brief bulleted list of interview tips:

*Dress for Success:
If you feel confident in your snazzy suit, you'll exude confidence throughout your interview!

* The Early Bird Gets the Worm:
Allow enough time before your interview to familiarize yourself with the company's location. Plan to arrive at the interview 10 minutes early. This shows that you're time conscious and it's not so early that you appear anxious.

*Don't Deliberately Burn Yourself Out:
I made the mistake of having two interviews in one day and was completely drained when all was said and done. Avoid this at all costs for best results :-)

* Practice, Practice, Practice:
Rehearse in the mirror, with your friends and your mentors. You'll feel more comfortable in the real interview!

*Remember your Manners:
Always send a thank you card within 24 hours of your interview. This small gesture will make you stand out against other candidates. It is good to send an email thank you as well.

Marriage = Joint Accounts?

I recently got married at the end of October and changing your name on legal and financial documents can be quite the chore. When I changed my name with my local bank, I was asked on multiple occasions by different representatives why my husband and I don't have a joint account. To be honest, it's none of their business, but what caught my attention was that some people naturally expect couples to share one account. Times have changed since the 20th century and couples are deciding what works best for their household. There have been some great articles advising couples on their financial options, and I'd like to hear your thoughts on this matter.

My Personal Cheerleaders

I have been going through a career change for the past two months and I cannot stress enough the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people through times of change. When I have felt discouraged, my family and friends have rooted me on. They have edited my personal statements, role-played interviews, provided advice on asking for references, shared their insights regarding different fields and have always made time to listen to me rant or rave about interviews. This has been tremendously helpful for me. You are appreciated!! Folks, you know who you are!!

So, to bring things up to speed:

I have 3 interviews this week and I've been receiving pep-talks left and right. Articles have appeared on MSN Explorer stating that now is the time to find a job, and boy do I believe it! As I was driving back home this afternoon, I realized that I have a figurative entourage of folks surrounding me at all times and truly are my personal cheerleaders. For those of you who were never cheerleaders in junior high, try to root on a friend today --it's a win-win situation.

What is a Jacquelination?

Everyone has their own footprint, trademark, scent and manner--this is what makes us stand out as individuals. The funny thing is that no matter how hard one tries, one will never smell their own special scent. Therefore, it's always amusing when folks openly share their thoughts about you.

When I left my previous job at a PR firm, my colleagues somewhat 'roasted' me and let me know what they'd miss about me. They said things like , "I'll miss your cheerful nature and honesty," and "we'll miss seeing you dance around the office," and "we'll miss hearing you say 'o-ish' and other catch phrases..."

I told everyone that I would still be with them because my 'Jacquelinations' would live on. I still keep in touch with my colleagues and many of them were at my recent wedding. I always smile to myself when I hear them say "o-ish." As I speak out on issues such as love, life and work, I hope you'll find some of my take-aways helpful in your own lives.

Look Mom, I have a Blog!

Wow, I never thought this day would come, but more and more I've been feeling the tug to share my thoughts online! Plus... it's 2008, and for the next month at least, that can be anyone's response to any question. Go ahead, try it!