This is what I wear to work! I was inspired by Tracy's High Straightenence post to document what I wear so that I could avoid the "I have nothing to wear!" whine. Now taking a picture of my outfit in the morning is part of my routine. And it really has helped me remember outfits that I put together and would have forgotten about. It also means I have to make the bed everyday - bonus! And usually it's actually Chris who makes the bed - double bonus (he's the sweetest). There's one picture above in which Chris is actually... Read more →

It seems that everyone can agree - phone interviews are no fun. Interviews are nerve-wracking already but it’s even harder when you can’t see the person interviewing you. But if you're applying for a job phone interviews are nearly unavoidable. I've had several over the years, starting when I applied to internships and graduate programs in college and as I've applied for jobs since graduate school. Despite having gone through the process several times I still don't look forward to phone interviews. BUT I do know how to prepare for them. I'd love to share my process and tips in... Read more →

I went to Austin! I started a new job! There's lots to share, and I will soon!, but I hope a few pictures will tide you over. For now I've got lots of sleep to catch up on and our bedroom looks like our suitcases exploded. Why is unpacking such a difficult task? Here's a peak at what the past 10 days looked like for me: Waiting for my flight to Austin. I always sit on the right side of the plane so I can see the skyline as we descend. It makes my heart swell every time. Margaritas with... Read more →

So, I got a new job! I'm so excited. I posted about not being completely happy in my job awhile back and also shared that my department went through some lay offs. But for the most part, I haven't talked a lot about my job here. That's because it hasn't been a bright spot in my life. This blog, and connecting with lovely readers like you! is a bright spot in my life, so I've kept them mostly separate. Even though I have so many happy things in my life it's been tough to spend 40+ hours a week doing... Read more →

I'm bursting with happiness to tell you: I got an amazing job offer today and accepted!! I've been going through the interview process for the past few weeks and have been on pins and needles waiting to hear if I got the job. It's been an emotional roller coaster that has ended in the best way. I'm so excited to share all the details with you next week. But for now I'm basking in the happiness that is this new opportunity and a new chapter. *image from just little things tumblr Read more →

Whew! I'm glad it's Friday. Work has been a bit slow and it feels like there's a gray cloud hanging over our department. Which is why I was so appreciative of two things that brightened my work week: First, when I walked into work on Monday morning and went to put away my lunch I saw this on the kitchen fridge: It's Lionel Richie and the lyrics from this song! So randomly awesome. Seeing this instantly put a smile on my face! My favorite part is that throughout the week, people have actually been tearing off the little tabs: Then,... Read more →

Negotiating can come in handy when your shoes come untied, too. Thanks Chris! In graduate school I earned a master's degree in environmental science but I think that one of the most useful classes I took was called, simply, Negotiations. It was offered through the Yale School of Management (I attended the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies). In the class we learned about using negotiation appropriately and successfully in lots of different scenarios but the skills I learned have been especially helpful for salary negotiation. Something that we learned during class that I found very interesting is that... Read more →

Today was a difficult day. I now know what it feels like to 'survive a round of layoffs,' a phrase that I've heard so many people say before but now know the gut-wrenching reality of it. The inclination is to think, "I should feel thankful that it wasn't me." But it doesn't feel right to have emotions like thankfulness and relief when people who you know, people who you saw for 40+ hours every week, who you walked with every day to get coffee, just won't be there any more. With no warning that today they would have a job... Read more →

I remember a family vacation that we took when I was about 13 when I got to hang out with my older cousins who were in their 20s. I remember thinking, "I can't wait until I'm in my 20s. That's when I'll have my life figured out." Hahaaaaa! Well, here I am at 27 and I'm definitely still figuring things out. Lately I've been thinking a lot about my job (as an environmental planner with a consulting firm) and feeling that it's not the *right* fit for me. But I'm not sure exactly what is. What I do know is... Read more →

Lately I’ve been feeling a bit “blah” about work – do you ever feel that way too? I’m trying to be proactive to change my attitude and one of the ideas that I had was a desk makeover! At my desk currently there's not much no personality and it’s not very organized. I’ve got binders of papers I don’t need any more, I don’t have a reliable filing system, and I definitely don’t have any personal touches or bit of inspiration to brighten my day. Overall the desk makes me feel unorganized and unmotivated, what a wonder I feel "blah"... Read more →