What an amazing past few weeks.
In the previous blog I said that I was waiting to hear back about a job that would be perfect... I heard back from them, and as most of you know I got the job! Today was my second day there and I'm seriously so excited for what my life going forward is looking like.
So first to explain the job. I am the manager of the upper school (high school) restaurant at the Latin School of Chicago. Call me Lunch Lady Leo, except please don't. If anyone has seen Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, which I was obsessed with when it was on TV, you'll understand exactly what the food system at this school is like. Everything is made in house with fresh, organic ingredients which are obtained through local sources whenever possible. They have an executive chef, a sous chef, a pastry chef, and a small army of other cooks at their disposal to feed the three different schools on site. This school does everything in house; they make their own yogurt, pickle their own kimchi and sauerkraut, and bake ever pastry they sell. This year they will be switching all of their sandwich bread (which they used to buy from a local organic provider) to sourdough bread made on site by the pastry team. My job is to maintain the front of house for the Upper School location, and help to educate the student body (and faculty) of the importance of eating the food being prepared in our kitchens rather than leaving to grab McDonalds for lunch. My boss and the executive chef share a food mentality so similar to my own I get far too excited while talking about them.
I've long felt that many of the problems we face as a nation could be fixed with proper nutrition and adequate education regarding the food system. Working in the public school system for the last 3 years I was frequently frustrated by the junk the "kitchen" there tried to pass off as food. I feel so privileged to be a part of this program, which is growing every year, because I feel like I'm finally helping to make the change needed.
The job is something I was passionate about before I even applied, and now that I'm in on the ground floor I couldn't be happier. It also helps that the salary I'm earning is enough to live off of. I won't be needing help from my parents, I won't be living paycheck to paycheck... I'm going to be comfortable financially for the first time since I was still living with my parents. I can't express how amazing that feels.
I've been in Chicago for almost 2 months now, and already I can tell you it was the best decision I could have made. I'm having the weird experience of everything just kind of working out. I'm happy. Really really happy.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
What a Difference a {Year} Makes.
Wow, this blog certainly got away from me... It's been far too long since I've gotten around to posting something, and clearly things have changed drastically.
I didn't finish my NM Bucket List, which I'm okay with. The last few months of my time there got hectic and it just didn't happen. But I got quite a bit done, and I look forward to finishing some of the other goals when I go home for visits!
The big change of course has been living in Chicago. The move was simultaneously a piece of cake, and insanely difficult. Saying good bye wasn't easy, especially to a few specific people, and there are still times when I can't help but feel I'm missing out on some amazing things by having left them. I still don't know too many people here, and certainly don't have a core group of friends yet that I am as close to as the closest of my NM friends. Makes for a few lonely moments here and there. That's part of it though. I'll make friends, and will still get to see my old ones occasionally too.
The actual physical relocation was pretty darn easy. I found a great apartment a few blocks away from where my sister lives. It's in a great neighborhood a little further from downtown than I'd like, but it's a quick bus ride to get to anywhere you'd like to go! I'll post pictures on Facebook eventually.
So far the only area I'm really struggling with is the job situation. Working for Starbucks has actually been a lot of fun, but the pay is far from adequate... Surprise! And job hunting feels like a constant lesson in how inadequate you are as a person. I've one more full week at Starbucks left before I switch over to temping in the hopes of landing a permanent job... UNLESS. I did have an interview this past Friday for a job I really hope I get. Logistically the pay would be enough for me to finally live comfortably, something I've been aching to have for a long time. But beyond that, the job is something I feel I'd be well suited for, and would have a strong passion for. I won't go into detail here, as I'm doing my best to not get my hopes up. The interview went well, and I think I have a decent shot at getting the job, but thinking about it gets me really excited and I'm trying to not set myself up for major disappointment. I find out this week if I get the job. If I do I'll post a blog about it.
The move has led to a lot of great moments, and a handful of really hard ones. It has led me to reflect quite a bit on how different my life looks from just a year ago. It was basically one year ago today that my life changed in almost every way imaginable. I can't help but feel amazing about what I've done in response to that. P90X, a new found focus on my voice, the move to Chicago... all of these things have led me to a place that I wouldn't have ever seen myself in a year ago. And I'm happy for that. Hopefully this upcoming week will yield amazing news on the job front. If it does my life in Chicago can finally take root.
I didn't finish my NM Bucket List, which I'm okay with. The last few months of my time there got hectic and it just didn't happen. But I got quite a bit done, and I look forward to finishing some of the other goals when I go home for visits!
The big change of course has been living in Chicago. The move was simultaneously a piece of cake, and insanely difficult. Saying good bye wasn't easy, especially to a few specific people, and there are still times when I can't help but feel I'm missing out on some amazing things by having left them. I still don't know too many people here, and certainly don't have a core group of friends yet that I am as close to as the closest of my NM friends. Makes for a few lonely moments here and there. That's part of it though. I'll make friends, and will still get to see my old ones occasionally too.
The actual physical relocation was pretty darn easy. I found a great apartment a few blocks away from where my sister lives. It's in a great neighborhood a little further from downtown than I'd like, but it's a quick bus ride to get to anywhere you'd like to go! I'll post pictures on Facebook eventually.
So far the only area I'm really struggling with is the job situation. Working for Starbucks has actually been a lot of fun, but the pay is far from adequate... Surprise! And job hunting feels like a constant lesson in how inadequate you are as a person. I've one more full week at Starbucks left before I switch over to temping in the hopes of landing a permanent job... UNLESS. I did have an interview this past Friday for a job I really hope I get. Logistically the pay would be enough for me to finally live comfortably, something I've been aching to have for a long time. But beyond that, the job is something I feel I'd be well suited for, and would have a strong passion for. I won't go into detail here, as I'm doing my best to not get my hopes up. The interview went well, and I think I have a decent shot at getting the job, but thinking about it gets me really excited and I'm trying to not set myself up for major disappointment. I find out this week if I get the job. If I do I'll post a blog about it.
The move has led to a lot of great moments, and a handful of really hard ones. It has led me to reflect quite a bit on how different my life looks from just a year ago. It was basically one year ago today that my life changed in almost every way imaginable. I can't help but feel amazing about what I've done in response to that. P90X, a new found focus on my voice, the move to Chicago... all of these things have led me to a place that I wouldn't have ever seen myself in a year ago. And I'm happy for that. Hopefully this upcoming week will yield amazing news on the job front. If it does my life in Chicago can finally take root.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The Wait...
... is killing me!
According to the countdown clock on my phone I have 22 days 10 hours 14 minutes left until I board the plane for Chicago. I had originally picked June 22nd as my moving day because I had planned on being in The Producers at ALT. When I decided to not be a part of that production I figured a month off from work before my move would be nice, a good time to say my farewells. I suppose that is turning out to be true, but mostly I'm just going stir-crazy.
Tuesday I decided I needed to pack some, within 2 hours I was done with everything but my clothing. I guess I didn't realize how easy it would be for me to pick up and leave, but now that's all I want to do. Don't get me wrong, on an emotional level saying goodbye to New Mexico is going to be rough. Really rough. I've only had to do a few significant goodbyes so far, most of them being on my last day of work, but they've been hard. The connections I've made here in New Mexico (the ones that haven't already dissipated over the last year that is) are important to me. They've shaped me into who I am. That's not going to be a simple thing to leave behind.
That being said though, I'm feeling more alone now than I have in a while, but it's not getting me down. Maybe it's just because I'm leaving soon so the ache isn't there, or maybe I've just finally become an independent person.
I'm in a strange place. I want to leave now. I want to walk out my door, board a plane, and start my new life already. I don't want to say goodbye to all my friends and family, but I feel all I'm doing is sitting around waiting... lets just get this thing going already!
Well... only 22 days 9 hours 51 minutes to go...
According to the countdown clock on my phone I have 22 days 10 hours 14 minutes left until I board the plane for Chicago. I had originally picked June 22nd as my moving day because I had planned on being in The Producers at ALT. When I decided to not be a part of that production I figured a month off from work before my move would be nice, a good time to say my farewells. I suppose that is turning out to be true, but mostly I'm just going stir-crazy.
Tuesday I decided I needed to pack some, within 2 hours I was done with everything but my clothing. I guess I didn't realize how easy it would be for me to pick up and leave, but now that's all I want to do. Don't get me wrong, on an emotional level saying goodbye to New Mexico is going to be rough. Really rough. I've only had to do a few significant goodbyes so far, most of them being on my last day of work, but they've been hard. The connections I've made here in New Mexico (the ones that haven't already dissipated over the last year that is) are important to me. They've shaped me into who I am. That's not going to be a simple thing to leave behind.
That being said though, I'm feeling more alone now than I have in a while, but it's not getting me down. Maybe it's just because I'm leaving soon so the ache isn't there, or maybe I've just finally become an independent person.
I'm in a strange place. I want to leave now. I want to walk out my door, board a plane, and start my new life already. I don't want to say goodbye to all my friends and family, but I feel all I'm doing is sitting around waiting... lets just get this thing going already!
Well... only 22 days 9 hours 51 minutes to go...
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Booze, Food, and Small Towns.
I have again updated the list. This past weekend I finished two of my NM Bucket List items. The first was to have lunch on the patio of Coyote Cafe and have a Lava Lamp. I'd never been to the Coyote Cafe, and had no clue what a Lava Lamp was, now I'd recommend both to anyone!! I rode the train up to Santa Fe and was picked up by my mom. After a quick dentist appointment we headed downtown for our lunch!
The Lava Lamp (Left) is a Lager with a frozen Margarita mixed in. Perfect for a hot day! The pic on the right is their Guacamole!
I had their Fish Tacos. Delicious.
The next item I finished was to visit Taos and eat at the Guadalajara Grill. Both of my parents joined me for this one, and we made it into a bigger trip than just Taos. We started with a scenic drive to Taos which included a stop in Chimayo. After Taos we stopped at 2 wineries for tastings, was a really fun day!
A shot taken on our drive to Taos.
Two shots from our stop in Chimayo.
Down town Taos is pretty similar to Santa Fe. We were that some sort of event was going on that day other wise there really wouldn't have been much to do there.
An classic car "parade" of sorts took place as we were leaving. The pic on the right was clearly taken for my dad.
The Guadalajara Grill was a pretty great place for lunch! If you have dietary restrictions though you need to be very precise on what you order.
Ended our trip with visits to Vivac and Black Mesa.
I have one more month. I'm starting to realize I may not complete the list, but I'm going to do what I can! Either way its going to be a great month!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Finishing the List.
Okay. I've gone through the rest of my NM Bucket list and broken it down into several different categories. Here's what they are:
Things to do with the family:
-Have Lunch and a "Lava-Lamp" on the patio at the Coyote Cafe
-Cook dinner with my dad at their home in Santa Fe
Weekend Activities:
-Take a cooking class at Annapurna
-Old Town Ghost Tour
Weekend Trips:
-Hike/Camp in Chaco Canyon
-Camp in the Jemez
-Warm Springs in Jemez at night
-Spend some time in Taos and eat at the Guadalajara Grill
-Bandelier National Monument
NM Road Trip
-See the NRAO Very Large Array
-Carlsbad Caverns, See the bats leave at night
-White Sands
-Roswell Alien Museum
So here's the break down, I need activity buddies! The trip around NM is gonna be a shorter trip than I had originally thought, but I'll need to find people to join me on the weekend trips too! A few can be bunched together, such as Taos and the Bandelier National Monument, but I need people to come along! If any of these weekend activities or weekend trips sound fun to you let me know! I'd love the company. If I do it right I should be able to get them all done in about 4 weekends. And of course anyone who is interested in the NM Road Trip is welcome to join too!
Things to do with the family:
-Have Lunch and a "Lava-Lamp" on the patio at the Coyote Cafe
-Cook dinner with my dad at their home in Santa Fe
Weekend Activities:
-Take a cooking class at Annapurna
-Old Town Ghost Tour
Weekend Trips:
-Hike/Camp in Chaco Canyon
-Camp in the Jemez
-Warm Springs in Jemez at night
-Spend some time in Taos and eat at the Guadalajara Grill
-Bandelier National Monument
NM Road Trip
-See the NRAO Very Large Array
-Carlsbad Caverns, See the bats leave at night
-White Sands
-Roswell Alien Museum
So here's the break down, I need activity buddies! The trip around NM is gonna be a shorter trip than I had originally thought, but I'll need to find people to join me on the weekend trips too! A few can be bunched together, such as Taos and the Bandelier National Monument, but I need people to come along! If any of these weekend activities or weekend trips sound fun to you let me know! I'd love the company. If I do it right I should be able to get them all done in about 4 weekends. And of course anyone who is interested in the NM Road Trip is welcome to join too!
Jaguar Pride! HAH!
As of now. Finished this goal while on spring break, but 2 shows led to little time for blogging.
On the Monday of my spring break I went up to Santa Fe to visit my High School theatre. Not too much to write about with this one, but it was pretty cool to visit the place I spent so much of my time over those four years. Unfortunately my picture had been taken down from the lobby when they painted it, but there were still some cool things to see.
One big changed I noticed was that the school felt like even more of a prison than it had before! Now there is a huge metal fence around the entire property, and there is a giant gate with a security guard standing by in the hallway that leads to the band room and cafeteria... Really is a ghetto school. LOL! But now on to the photos!
On the Monday of my spring break I went up to Santa Fe to visit my High School theatre. Not too much to write about with this one, but it was pretty cool to visit the place I spent so much of my time over those four years. Unfortunately my picture had been taken down from the lobby when they painted it, but there were still some cool things to see.
One big changed I noticed was that the school felt like even more of a prison than it had before! Now there is a huge metal fence around the entire property, and there is a giant gate with a security guard standing by in the hallway that leads to the band room and cafeteria... Really is a ghetto school. LOL! But now on to the photos!
The front of the school and the trophy we won at state my senior year!
The first stage I ever acted on, and the house I looked out at.
My senior mural that Amy helped me paint... which I never finished.
A couple of my friend's murals! Unfortunately I couldn't find Aaron, Antoinette, or Lydia's.
The converted updated band room.
A couple of mementos from our band days. Sad how small that group was.
Now for some business. According to the countdown clock I have on my phone I have 2 months, 15 days and 15 hours left before I step onto the flight that will take me to Chicago, and there's a lot still left on my list! Sweet Charity opens on Friday and after that I'll have a lot of time to finish some of this stuff. I'm planning a NM road trip to knock out several of my goals. I've already invited Christy and Bobby along for the ride, but if anyone else is interested in joining me to see The Bandelier National Monument, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, the warm springs in Jemez, Chaco Canyon, the NRAO Very Large Array, and the Roswell Alien Museum let me know! The plan is to camp most of the nights so we don't have to pay for hotels. Time to make some headway on these goals!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Ya know what sucks?
Okay, I'm prefacing this by saying I'm in a great place right now. I haven't updated this in a while because I've been so busy with theatre, and having a blast with it. It's made me realize how much I've missed performing the past few years... but now to the point of this blog.
Ya know what sucks?
As anyone who knows me knows, I don't open up... to anyone... Friends that I have been close to for years know that there are always walls up, things I won't talk about. I'm just extremely rarely willing to let people in. I'm sure that has held me back from having some really strong friendships, but I try to make up for it by being willing to bend over backwards for the people I care about at a moment's notice.
While Gilbert and I were together I finally let my guard down for someone... It felt amazing. The end result of that, though, was a bigger fall when I learned of the degree to which he stabbed that trust in the back. I'm not mad at him. I'm not still clinging onto the relationship I lost. In fact I'm doing pretty darn well being single! I'm having fun doing things for myself for the first time in several years. Gilbert is nothing to me now but a piece of my history. But tonight I really got thinking about how frustrating it is that I can't bring myself to trust people entirely...
I don't know where this thought process is headed, but I want to apologize to all the INCREDIBLE people that I have been fortunate enough to get to know. You all mean so much to me, even if I won't tell you that to your face, or if I seem untrusting... I really do value the friendships we have! I just may not express it the way most people do.
I'll post an update soon! I only have a few months left in NM and have a lot to get done in that time!
Ya know what sucks?
As anyone who knows me knows, I don't open up... to anyone... Friends that I have been close to for years know that there are always walls up, things I won't talk about. I'm just extremely rarely willing to let people in. I'm sure that has held me back from having some really strong friendships, but I try to make up for it by being willing to bend over backwards for the people I care about at a moment's notice.
While Gilbert and I were together I finally let my guard down for someone... It felt amazing. The end result of that, though, was a bigger fall when I learned of the degree to which he stabbed that trust in the back. I'm not mad at him. I'm not still clinging onto the relationship I lost. In fact I'm doing pretty darn well being single! I'm having fun doing things for myself for the first time in several years. Gilbert is nothing to me now but a piece of my history. But tonight I really got thinking about how frustrating it is that I can't bring myself to trust people entirely...
I don't know where this thought process is headed, but I want to apologize to all the INCREDIBLE people that I have been fortunate enough to get to know. You all mean so much to me, even if I won't tell you that to your face, or if I seem untrusting... I really do value the friendships we have! I just may not express it the way most people do.
I'll post an update soon! I only have a few months left in NM and have a lot to get done in that time!
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