Happy 2013

Hello Lovelies,

I hope everyone is having a great and safe new year.  I'm never one to make resolutions but I feel like now that I'm done with school I feel like I should start making some resolutions.  For me it is important to set realistic goals because I actually want to achieve what I'm setting out to accomplish. Ok, so I'm hoping 2013 is a year of discovery.  I want to discover who I really am! That may sound odd to you but I feel like I'm currently in a space of indecision.  I want to find a job that I'm passionate about and that supports me financially.  I also want to start making the beginning steps of venturing out on my own.

So what I hope to accomplish in 2013 is:

1. Find a full-time job. Whether this is in retail or in communications, I want to find a job that allows me the financial security I'm looking for.  I want benefits, vacation time and a lovely paycheck.  I know it's a tough market out there but there has to be a job for me somewhere.  My mission in 2013 is to find it!!!!!!!!!!
2. Start saving to purchase an apartment.  For me, it's important that I start establishing my independence and I honestly don't think I can fully do that until I move out.  I don't think 2013 will be the year I move out but it will be the year I start making financially sound decisions that will help support this goal.  As noted on this blog, I am a shopaholic.  I planning on only shopping for clothes 2-3 times a month.  I need to really analyze my purchases and not just buy because I feel like it's a good deal.  I have a million great deals in my closet that still have the tags on them, which makes them a bad deal because I haven't worn them.  Goal for 2012: Stop shopping and start saving!!!!!
3. TRY NEW FOODS. I make this a priority every year and every year I try a few new things a year. This year I re-introduced meat into my diet.  I've never been a huge fan of meats such as hamburgers, pork, steak, or ham but I've had 3 hamburgers this year and some turkey sausage that weren't terrible.  Honestly, I could live without meat but I realize if I'm in a pinch a hamburger won't kill me.  For 2013, I'm thinking of trying sushi (vegetable rolls, I don't do fish), and I want to introduce new proteins into my diet.
4. Improve/mend friendships and relationships.  I've realized over the years that sometimes I let the people I care most about slip away.  I want to make it a point to re-connect with lost friends and improve the friendships I have now! When I lost my grandma 2 years ago, I swore that I would tell the people that matter the most to me how much I really value them.  Although, I've done a decent job at that I want to keep doing that.


These are my new year resolutions that I hope to achieve in the coming year.  I also plan on working out more and eating healthy but I don't think those boring resolutions need there own bullet point. I'm also hoping to try new things in terms of my appearance.  I'm thinking of trying the 30 outfits challenge that Kendi Everyday did http://www.kendieveryday.com/p/30x30-remix.html). Click here to see the Pieces Kendi chose.  This is a way for me to stop shopping and to rediscover key pieces in my wardrobe.  It's also a way for me to update this blog more frequently!!!! Wish me luck!

Birthday Wishes and Christmas Dreams...

Hello all,

Long time no blogging but lately I haven't been very creative with my outfits so I haven't been posting.  Also, I was going to post about the horrific school shooting in Newton but I couldn't gather all my thoughts into coherent sentences.

So, today is Christmas Eve, which means tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY!!! Yes, I know, you think having a christmas birthday sucks and I would have to agree with you.  However, in all honestly I have never experienced what having a birthday on another day feels like.  The one thing I hate about having a Christmas birthday is I always get asked "Do you get less presents because your birthday is on Christmas?" Without fail within a few minutes of people knowing when my birthday is this is the first question I get asked.  To which I respond, "If anything I get way more presents then I deserve!"

When I first started this blog I talked about how I needed a new perspective and needed to make a change in my life.  I left my retail job for another retail job in hopes that it would be better.  When I graduated college I had zero desire to ever want to work in retail again but that was until I found my current job.  I work with people who are nice and I actually enjoy being around.  Also, the management team understands that I am interested in learning new aspects of the job and are willing to train me.  Today, after they bought me a delicious cake for my birthday, they gifted me with a lovely surprise.  They offered me an opportunity to expand my responsibilities within the store.  They understand what I want and are willing to invest in my future.  Although it's only been a few months there I've enjoyed every moment I've spent there and am thankful for the opportunity.  My only regret is that I didn't leave my previous job and come to this one sooner.


I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas or whatever holiday you may celebrate.  May Santa bring you everything you may want and need.

Image from: http://yummyplants.com/vegan-holidays/merry-christmas-welcome-santa-with-delicious-vegan-christmas-cookies/

 Clearly, I should look into becoming a mime.....

A Week in Review... Interviews and New Jobs

Hello lovelies,

Well another interesting week has come and gone.  This week was filled with tons of highs and some lows, naturally.  This was my first official week at J. Crew and I absolutely love it there.  Sure, you probably think I'm on a new job high but I love the people I work with.  They're all super friendly (something I was missing at my other job) and actually want to work (which is shocking!!).  I'm still in the training phase so it's interesting to learn all the different aspects of the job, something I didn't get to do at my other job.  I actually like where I'm working which is a feeling I haven't felt in awhile, so it's very refreshing.

Now onto the big interview!!!!  Today, I had an interview at the organization I use to intern at.  I was excited for the interview until I had to actually go because then naturally my nerves kicked in.  I feel really comfortable at the organization and love the people I worked with but I'm afraid that my lack of experience may hold me back compared to the other applicants.  I believe the interview went well but there were definitely times where looking back I wished I said something different.  It was extremely intimidating to interview with the Executive Director of the organization, someone who is so influential and has done so much.  He had some tough question but he seemed to like some of my answers.  I hope that my past work with the organization will speak for itself and help me stand out compared to the other applicants.  Well, unfortunately we shall have to wait and see what happens?

Now for some inspiring quotes that I stumbled upon on pinterest......

Is it sad to admit that I kinda want a big girl job so I can dress up everyday and post pictures of my outfits on here?  Plus, a new big girl job means a new big girl wardrobe, which of course I'll post on here! I think it's a win win for everyone!

Shopping like my life depends on it...

Ok, well maybe my life doesn't depend on it but I need to shop till I drop at the Gap, because yesterday I gave my 2 weeks notice.  I wish I could say I gave my 2 weeks because I got this amazing big girl full-time position, but sadly that is not the case.  However, I finally decided that I needed a major change in my life.  I needed this because I needed to make a change that would improve my attitude and outlook on life.  Lately, I have been miserable at my job.  I thought it as only because I've been closing a lot but that wasn't it.  I was miserable there all day, everyday.

I sat down with a few of managers and discussed my options with advancing within the company.  My main manager was not as supportive of my decision as I originally expected, which was upsetting.  However, I finally made the decision to go to another store where my friend is one of the managers.  When I went to talk to her I was shocked that even the other managers, who I've never met before, wanted me to work there. With that being said, all good things must come to an end!  I enjoyed my time at the Gap over the last 4 years.  I've had some good and even some bad times (more then I would have cared to have).  I'll miss some of the people I've worked with and I'll definitely miss my employee discount.  However, I know it's my time to leave.

With that being said, here's the mini shopping spree I went on today!!!!

 Since my photos didn't turn out to good I decided to include the pictures from the Gap's website for some of the items.

Polka Dot Seam

LS Camo Epaule

A super soft off the shoulder sweater... it's called the Drop Shoulder sweater

FT Slim Crop Pant

Slim Crop Cash

Blouse from Old Navy

Ok this isn't from the gap but I found this bag at Marshalls the other day and I absolutely love it.  I was going to splurge on a Rebecca Minkoff or a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag but I'm actually really happy with this no name bag.   I paid $40 for this genuine leather bag.  It's bigger then the typical cross body and is dual toned, which I love about it.  It has tons of compartments to store the countless crap I put in my bag.

 Closer look at the lovely color of the bag

Love the inside detail of the bag... is this not absolutely perfect for fall!!!!!


Well I'm sure I'll be back in a few day with more stuff that I bought with my discount.

Until next time!!!!!!!!

What a TERRIBLE Day

Well today has not been my day.  First off, I made the very big girl decision that I need to make a major life change.  Currently, I feel like my life is so boring that I need to try something new.  I think graduating has finally hit me and I feel like since I don't have a full time job I need to do something else.  I can't continue in the position I have now.  With that being said, I've decided to apply for jobs elsewhere, both retail and non-retail positions.

I was hesitant initially about my decision but after the day I had today I feel completely justified in the decision I made.  I never thought in a million years that the company/store I've worked for the last 4 years would be so bitter and rude to me when I told them I was looking to advance my career and move elsewhere.  I should preface by saying 2 of my 4 managers are very supportive of my decision and understand why I need to leave but my other 2 managers are just being hurtful.  It's not fair! I've worked my ass off for this store and they feel me leaving just doesn't make sense.  I'm sorry I've practically done your job and your "sad" to see me go.   One of the stores I'm considering working at is actually excited to have me as an employee.  It's going to be so weird to work for people who actually appreciate me and want to encourage me to move up through a company.

I explained to another employee that I'm exhausted and defeated with where I work.  I wake up every day and dread going to my job.  I use to like what I did and where I work but after seeing how I was treated today, I know I made the right decision to look elsewhere.

Oh well, you know what they say... It's their LOSS!!!!!

On a positive note, I felt like I needed to reward myself with a pick-me-up gift so I finally decided to get the New iPad.  To be honest, I had a $300 gift card to Best Buy so in order to make me feel a little better, I decided to finally buy it and I have no idea how I ever lived without it!!!

Well tomorrow's a new day and hopefully it brings good news and new opportunities.

A Week in Review... Fifty Shades of Grey and Horror Stories from Working in Retail

Hello all!!!

I had every intention of posting several posts this week but I've been busy working.  When I wan't working I've been reading Fifty Shades of Grey (I know I'm late on this bandwagon, but I never actually wanted to read it).  I've had every friend and coworker recommend this book to me and I hesitated but I can honestly say I'm glad that I finally did read it (better late than never).  Funny story about the book, yesterday I was reading the book and realized I was about 95% done with it so I quickly downloaded the second book on my Kindle just so I could start it while on my break (thank you wireless).  Can you say obsessed!!!!! I'm excited to see which actors they are going to get to play Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele for the movie, although I have no idea how they are going to be able to make it into a movie without having an NC-17 rating?

Enough about that book.  This week I've had a taste of full-time employment because I worked 40 hours at my "lovely" retail job.  I've always wanted a reality tv show crew to come to where I work because some of the people I work with are real characters and some of the customers we get are questionable at best.  Without saying where I work, I'll give you a two clues.  1. It's an American company that is made up of 5 stores (2 are online stores) and  2. It was found in 1969.  At times I L-O-V-E where I work while other times I hate it.  This past week has been pure torture.  I think as the summer goes on and the heat gets more intense customers just start to loose their minds.  Here are the top moments I've had while working in retail:

1. Shoplifters... like most stores we get people that want to come in for the "five finger discount" and leave with merchandise that they haven't paid for.  How someone can do this is beyond my grasp but that person has to live with that on their conscience.  Maybe about 2 years ago we had a customer who came into the store with a huge empty purse.  We watched her and realized she was there to shoplift.  My manager went to ask her if she needed help and she brushed her off.  Next I went over to my manager to ask her a question when the lady looks at me and shouts "I'm tired of you following me through the store... do you think I'm shoplifting?" I was completely caught off guard... I had no idea we were following this lady and I didn't even say anything to her, in fact that was the first time I saw her.  Next thing I know the lady throws the clothes she has in her hands (not the ones she put in her purse) at me.  My manager quickly calls security and the lady leaves with a final threat of "remember you have to leave the store sooner or later!" Umm, the clothes we sell aren't that expensive, just pay for them like everyone else does!

2. This past week has been a week of ups and downs for me.  I had an elderly lady threaten to kill me.  Yeah I kid you not, she said "I'm going to kill you" because I unfolded a reusable tote that she bought to use.  Now your probably thinking she said it jokingly, nope she was fuming when she said this.  I've also been called "un-American" by a customer.  Where I work we get a lot of tourists.  Now some of the tourist don't understand that you have to wait in line and you can't just walk up to the register and pay.  I had just returned from my break and another employee told the next customer to come down to my register.  I hadn't looked at the line to know who was next.  These three tourists came up to my register and I began to ring them up because I assumed they were next in line.  After they left, I made the mistake of looking to my left to call the next customer in line.  The lady at the register next to me looks at me and says "Why did you help them, they weren't next in line." I looked at her like she was crazy (and frankly she was) and told her I was sorry.  Clearly my answer wasn't good enough for her because she continued to berate me by saying that  I don't care about American customers and why should they get special treatment.  I was shocked, I pretty much did the only thing I could think of that would tick this lady off and I smirked and walked away.  I was not going to give her the satisfaction of apologizing or even responding.

3. By far the most interesting events I've ever had come with returns.  Our return policy is pretty liberal in the sense that you have 90 days (yes, 3 months to return something for a full refund).   This past week this lady came in and told me she bought a pair of pj's in Florida and brought them home and realized they smelled funny.  She washed them in the wash with the rest of her laundry and realized they still smelled.  Instead of drying them in her washer or even laying them out to dry she put them in a plastic bag and left them there to get moldy.  I didn't know what to do so I called my manager who in turn called customer service and asked them what we should do.  After a long phone call, customer service told the lady we weren't going to return them because she was negligent with washing them and leaving them wet for 3 days before bringing them to the store.  About an hour later the lady comes storming in and grabs another package of the same pj's a rips them open and shoves them in my managers face and says "smell them, they stink too!"  This lady was clearly pissed and frankly the pj's did not smell that bad.
Similar to this situation I've had people try to return things that they've worn or have had for years.  I hate returns because people just assume we have to take everything back and people always come up with the most ridiculous stories as to why they are returning things.  News flash, as long as the tags are still on it and it wasn't worn, I don't really care why you're returning it.


Well I've rambled on long enough.  Maybe in the future I'll write a post all about my crazy experiences in retail because I have plenty more crazy customer encounters.

Until next time....  

Life Sucks Sometimes. I Need a Change Stat!!!!

Hello all...

As you can probably already tell this post is not going to be all sunshine and rainbows.  After my last post about unfortunately not receiving a job offer, I've been in a funk.  I've realized that I can no longer work in retail (at least not in the position I'm currently in).  I need something more, I need a management position or a real job, I just need a change.  I need something that will provide me the financial security I am looking for.

So, where does that leave me.  Hopeless, frustrated, tired, optimistic? How about all of the above.  I keep telling myself that I'm giving myself the summer to kind of figure out what I want to do but in reality there aren't really jobs out there (at least the jobs that are there are not entry level positions).  I'm just confused. I've been reading the book Life After College and the information in the book is actually helping me figure out what my goals are, what motivates me, and is helping me develop a life plan.  While the book is helping me, it is making me semi depressed as well.  I know a lot of college students are struggling to find a job but I don't hear them complaining.  I cannot stress it enough, I'm begging someone to give me a chance.

I guess the rejection email I received from my last interview is taunting me.  I should probably just delete it but I keep looking at it hoping some how it will say what I want it to say.  It's not going to happen but I can dream!  What got me was that the email said "You are extremely qualified for the position and come highly recommended, but we've decided to go with someone with more experience."  There's that word again, experience, it's almost taunting me now.  How do employers expect recent grads to gain this experience if they are not willing to give someone a chance.  I wish I used my college experience a little more efficiently and done more internships to gain that experience but I don't have a time machine so that isn't really possible.  I guess I'll just hope some employer will remember the feeling and take a chance on me.

Sorry for my rant about jobs, I think the fact that I was so close to getting this position it made me re-evaluate my life and has frustrated me.  My one friend asked me if I actually wanted this position or was I just excited to have a job? What's interesting is I couldn't really answer the question.  I think I was more interested in making a decent amount of money and being able to say I'm employed rather then doing the actual job.  Oh well, no sense in wondering what could have been.

My week improved slightly over the next couple of days.  I was able to FINALLY get a haircut, which was long overdue!

Unfortunately, my hair only looked this good for a few hours because the Jersey humidity and rain caused my naturally wavy hair to frizz and poof up.  I am grateful that my hair is healthy and shiny and just so soft.  I'm thinking come September I may try something extreme with my hair.  I've done the short bob or the long shapeless hair.  The only thing I haven't done is dye my hair yet.  My hair stylist as well as the manager of the salon I go to told me to not even think about dying my hair but I want something different.  I want to add definition and color to my hair.  What I'm thinking is something like this in terms of the cut and maybe even the color....

from Pinterest

I don't think I'd go as blonde, but maybe go a light brown at my ends.  I wish I could have my hair look this good everyday but my waves are not as disciplined.  I tend to wake up with one side looking a mess while the other looks nice and pulled together.  

This is the color I'm thinking would soot my skin tone better...

Like the title states I need a change.  Whether it's a new job or a new hairstyle.  I need something that will boost my confidence and hopefully help me land a job.


I want to leave this blog with a quote that I find fitting for this blog.

"Keep on beginning and failing.  Each time you fail, start over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose- not the one you began with perhaps, but you you'll be glad to remember. " Anne Sullivan

Hopefully my next post will be filled with sunshine and butterflies!!!!

Things I Want to Accomplish This Summer

Every year I set out to accomplish a "Summer Bucket List."  It never happens, but I always make them with good intentions however this year is different because I seriously want to accomplish these things.

With out further ado, here's my "Summer 2012 Bucket List"

1. FIND A JOB- Ideally I would like a full time job that provides me with vacation days, full benefits, and a salary.
2. Try new foods- I'm an extremely (let me stress that EXTREMELY) picky eater.  I don't eat red meat or fish.  I will only eat chicken and turkey.  I realize that my diet is not the best it can be and I need to change that but I'm afraid to because I hate trying new foods.  Hopefully, by the end of summer I will have discovered new healthy foods that I can enjoy.
3. READ- I love to read so this summer I want to read as many books as possible.  I've held off from reading "Fifty Shades of Grey" but I think I may give into the hype and see what it's all about.
4. Go on an adventure- I love where I live but there are so many places in NEW JERSEY that I've never been too.  Hopefully, I can explore and learn more about the greatest state in the country!
5. Make a major change in my life- whether it's  a new job, a new hair cut, or a new outlook on life, I want to change something.  My life is so scripted that I would like to just once live on the edge.

Well here you have it... these are just a few of the rings I want to accomplish this summer.  If I don't post for a few days it's safe to assume I've become preoccupied with trying to accomplish my list.

I hope everyone has an amazing summer and accomplishes something that is on their summer bucket list as well!

Life.......

Life can be so challenging sometimes.  Today, I had my yearly review with one of my managers at the retail store I work at.  The company I work for decided upon completing our reviews we are required to answer a few short questions.  What kinds of questions you ask?  Completely pointless questions that do not relate to my job.  I was asked "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" REALLY... this question is haunting my life.  My response was, "uhh not here."  The next question asked me to rate my satisfaction with my job from a scale of 1-10.  I asked if I could give negative numbers and my manager seemed less than thrilled (I found it hilarious).  I don't understand why people expect me to have a plan for my life 5 years from now... I don't even know what I'm going to be doing next week?

These question have got me thinking?  What are my career goals and aspirations?  Do I want to stay in retail or do I want to move on and explore the world?  Now is the perfect time in my life to just pick up and move for a career opportunity.  Sure, it will be completely scary not living by my family but is it worth it to have a successful career?

Hopefully, I'll have exciting news soon!!!!!!

Tori

The Importance of Networking

Hello All!!

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days but I'm trying to work out a schedule for when I'm going to post (and what I should post about).  I'm thinking 3 times a week (it could be more but 3 is the number I'm going to promise weekly).

As you can see by this blogs title I'm going to be talking about how important it is to network.
When you're searching for a job, sometimes the only way you can secure an interview is by asking your personal connections for a recommendation or simply the opportunity to get your foot in the door.  A piece of advice I've gotten over and over again is "to reach out to your family, friends, and acquaintances and ask them if they know anyone in your field?"  This might not lead to a job but if you ask someone you're close to for that persons email address or phone number that's a major step.  After reaching out you can setup a meeting where you can talk about the field with your new connection.  Don't be afraid to ask if it's ok if you keep in contact with them and occasionally ask for advice.  Obviously, when you meet with this person you'll have to do your best to impress them.  Once you impress them (which I'm sure you will) they could recommend you to other companies who may have a job or may call you down the line with a possible position.

Case in point, the other day my supervisor from my internship called me with a possible lead for a position I may be interested in.  She had taken the liberty to talk with that person and give them an informal review of my work.  She then contacted me and mentioned how she thought I would be perfect for this position.  Fingers crossed this could be the end to my job search!!!!!  But it's such a sweet gesture when someone thinks of you first for a position and wants to see you get a job.

It's extremely important that with every person you meet you make a good impression and hope that they will remember you!


Tori

PLEASE.... give me a chance

Ok recent grads, how many of you are frustrated that you simply can't find a job?  I think the problem isn't that there aren't jobs out there, there are tons, just not enough for recent grads.  I really would like to use my degree (Communications) for a job and not just work in retail, like I'm doing now.  Every job that I've seen somewhat interested in applying to requires some amount of prior experience.  Umm... how am I going to get any experience when no one will give me a chance.  It's actually really discouraging that no one wants to give people a chance?  Don't they remember that someone gave them a chance too.

I'm hoping that I'm not the only one who is completely lost in this job hunting process.  I've become so desperate (really I could use all the advice I could get) I bought a self-help book.  I actually recently bought a book from Target that is a guide for college students about all the things you don't learn about in college.  I haven't actually read it yet, but I plan to write a review of it once I'm done with it.

It's a scary world out there and let's hope this book helps me become more comfortable with growing up, because as of right now I'm terrified.

All the best!

Tori

Interviews

My Grandmother gave me a little booklet with the 101 Toughest Interview Questions.  I took it and never looked at it but now as I realize that in 65 days I will be graduating, I figured I would take a look at them and post which ones I think are the hardest.  Oh and by no means am I some career expert, I’m just some college student who has learned some of these lessons through trial and error.

1. The worst question in my opinion is “So, tell me a little about yourself?”

Such an easy questions right? WRONG, this is such a loaded question.  This is one of the questions I have always had a hard time with because I find that I go on and on about myself because I don’t know what I  should say and what I shouldn’t.  During my phone interview the other day I struggled with selling myself in 20 minutes (an impossible task, in my opinion).  I think my problem with this question stems from the the fact that I think it may be the most important question anyone could ask.  This is where your interviewers gets to know you, the real you!

2. What are some of your biggest weaknesses as an employee and what do you plan to do to correct them?

I think this question is difficult because you need to walk the line of being extremely honest but still have your best salesperson hat on.  You really can’t say “Oh, I’m never on time” because no one is going to want to hire you.  You need to decide if you’re going to list a “positive flaw” such as I’m a control freak or I’m obsessive.  You need to feel out the situation and see what would be the best answer for your interviewer and your situation.

3. “Would you consider yourself more team-orientated or an individual worker?”

This wasn’t one of the questions from the booklet but it was one I found extremely difficult to answer.  I was asked this very recently and struggled with my answer.  I find myself in the middle of this situation.  I knew my interviewer wanted a direct answer so I chose one, but I did the cowardly or possibly smart thing of mentioning that it didn’t mean that I wasn’t able to work in either situation.  I wanted to be as honest as possible but I knew there was a certain answer the interviewers was looking for.

When interviewing we must all remember to be ourselves.  The more comfortable we are the better we’ll do.  You need to be comfortable with where you work and the people you work with.  If you don’t get a good vibe during the interview, chances are it’s not the place for you.  Hopefully, I will get more practice while interviewing and I can share my knowledge with you all!

A Little Bit About Myself

1. I was born on Christmas… some may say I’m JC reincarnated but you can decide that!

2. I have a cat named Tinks.  Well her real name is Princess but we’ve called her: Princess Black Uggs, Beautiful Gorgeous, Evil Shadow, Boo Boo Kitty, Bopits, Stoopid Kitty, LaLa, Tinks da Stinks.  I’m sure there are more but right now that’s all I can think of.

3. I am obsessed with all things Missoni and Chevron print

4.  I love DISNEY WORLD! Honestly, I could go there every year and love it.

5. I love roller coasters… Even though at times I’m scarred I have to go on them.

6. I hate elevators.  I have a fear of dying in one.  Last year, i thought it would be smart to go on Tower of Terror to get over my fear of elevators, needless to say I still am afraid of them, but I did enjoy the ride! Just went on it again and loved loved loved it.

7. I love all things Tinkerbell.  I think it may have to do with the fact that I named my cat Tinks but not after Tinkerbell.  She got sprayed by a skunk once so we all just started calling her Tinks da stinks.

8. I love owls and turtles.  I love turtles because my Grandmother who passed away last year loved them.  As a way to honor her I try to buy anything I can find with a turtle on it.  I love owls because last May there was an owl in my neighbors tree.  I named him Earle, but I couldn’t tell you if he was a girl or a guy.  So i decided he was a cross dressing female owl.

9. I never been out west.  The farthest west I’ve traveled is probably Pennsylvania but I’ve done most of the East coast aside from the North East.

10.  I love living in Jersey, specifically the Jersey Shore.  It’s not as trashy as MTV’s Jersey Shore makes it seems but in the summer the “Benny’s” make it unbearable.

11.  My all time favorite movies include: Robinhood Men in Tights, Pretty Woman, and Dirty Dancing.

12.  I’ve recently discovered All Time Low, and have been obsessed with them ever since.  My favorite songs of theirs are: Therapy, Remembering Sunday, and Stay Awake (Acoustic). 

13. I’m obsessed with Reality TV.  Dance Moms and Toddlers and Tiaras make me laugh.  I can’t believe there are crazy parents out there.  Mackenzie is my favorite from T&T. Duck Dynasty is a new favorite

14.  I’m obsessed with OPI nail polish.  My favorite colors include: Mad as a Hatter, Lincoln Park After Dark, Teenage Dream, and Designer…de better!  But it all depends on my mood what color I want.

15. I’m not very organized except for when it comes to my schoolwork and work.  I take my grades very seriously and strive to make sure that I always produce my best effort.

16.  I’ve recently become obsessed with the game Fruit Ninja (I know I'm late on this bang wagon)… I could play it for hours.

17.  I work in retail and although I appreciate the experience I’ve realized that I never want to work in retail again.  It’s not for me but it does make realize how very few people stop to acknowledge the person who’s ringing them up.  A simple “thanks” and “how are you doing” really does go a long way.

18. I want to adopt a greyhound when I’m older and multiple cats.  I absolutely love animals and think because my parents won’t let me have multiple animals that I want to have so many animals.

19. I don’t really like to play sports but I LOVE THE NEW YORK YANKEES and watching sports on TV!!!! I am a religious follower of the Yankees.  I grew up watching and rooting for the Core Four (Jeter, Rivera, Posada, and Pettitte) and I’m sad that their careers are coming to an end. If I had to rank my top 5 current players they would be: 1. Jeter 2. Sabathia 3. Cano 4. Swisher 5. Teixeria

20. I hate flying but I have a strange desire to travel the world.  I just want to experience different cultures and help out where  I can.

21. I’m afraid to grow up.  With growing up comes new responsibilities that I’m not sure I’m ready for. 

22.  I’m starting to look for jobs for after I graduate and that scares the crap out of me but if I don’t want to work in retail I need to get on top of sending out my resumes!

Tori

When I Grow Up...

I want to be…. I don’t know.  I think I want to work in either public relations or event planning.  Currently, I’m interning at a non-profit organization that I love.  I have a personal interest in the organization because they’ve helped my family out in the past.  There’s nothing better than working at a place that helps people everyday.  I want to work somewhere where what I do means something to someone.  Non-profits do just that.  I use to think I wanted to work for a non-profit that worked with animals, and although that isn’t completely out of the picture, I think where I am is exactly where I want to be.  It’s strange because I could see myself working with this company after I graduate. 

As you may have realized with my other posts, there’s always something that triggers these posts about my life journey.  I go to a college that’s pretty competitive and most students know what they’re doing with their lives by the time they start their junior year.  Clearly, I wasn’t one of those students.  I wanted to dabble here and there and hopefully fall into my dream position.  Today I went to the movies to see Breaking Dawn Part 1 with a friend from high school.  (Just in case your wondering, the movie wasn’t that bad, but by no means are any of the actors going to win an Oscar anytime soon).  I was asking her what her plans are for the future, half expecting her to already have a job lined up.  Well, she was just as dumbfounded as I have been and did not have even the slightest clue as to what she wants to do after college.  I was a little excited to hear that I’m not the only person who has no idea what the future holds.  Hopefully by the time my graduation roles around I’ll have a better idea (and dare I say it, a J-O-B! (fingers crossed)!!!!)

“I’ve heard that it’s possible to grow up - I’ve just never met anyone who’s actually done it. Without parents to defy, we break the rules we make for ourselves. We throw tantrums when things don’t go our way, we whisper secrets with our best friends in the dark, we look for comfort where we can find it, and we hope - against all logic, against all experience. Like children, we never give up hope…” Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy)

All the best!
Tori

*** after re-reading this I can't help but laugh because I was so optimistic

Welcome to The World According to Tori

Hello Blogger!!!

My name is Tori, and I've decided to move my blog from another website over here.  I am a recent graduate who is looking (unsuccessfully) for a job!  My blog was originally created to chronicle my journey from a senior in college to a hopefully employed graduate.  Unfortunately, life doesn't seem to follow the plan that we set in our minds and dreams because my blog is continuing.  With this blog I hope that my journey can help someone out there in the bloggersphere.

I plan on using this blog to update you on my journey to finding a full-time job, all things fashion, sports (and by that I mean my love for the New York Yankees), and anything else that I feel like sharing.  I'm looking forward to sharing my life with you and hope you enjoy reading this blog.

*FYI, my first couple of blogs are going to be be past posts from my other blog, just to catch everyone up with my life!

All the best!
Tori