How Long I Have Been On My Journey







Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Grad School and Applied for a Job Today!!!

I haven't applied for a job in over two months. I forgot what it felt like. I actually applied for a seasonal job in the mall last week. I haven't heard anything back from them. I do now know if I ever will, lol. But I am back on the grind looking for another job because I rather not be at this job in January. I am glad that I have a job, but I am only getting two hours a day. I rather just find something full time with a full time pay. This job that I applied to today is for a case manager position. I am not quite sure what it embarks, but it is offering 30,000 bucks a year, so I decided to at least apply for it. I found it in the paper. There was another job in the paper, but I decided not to apply for the job because it had too many grammatical errors in the job posting. It seemed a little suspect, so I decided not to try for that one.

Grad school started last night for me! Boy, was I excited, until I opened the syllabus and started looking at the assignments, lol. Now, I am like give me strength!!!!! Nevertheless, I am grateful to be in school. I do not have my books yet, but I cannot wait until I get them so that I can really start doing what I got to do to finish and finally become productive...and get a good job, lol.
Not too much to report on right now. Until next time...

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Job Opportunity!!!

Before you get your hopes up thinking that I am going to get hired in the next couple of months, WRONG! LOL! But I will elaborate what is going on. Well, I was approached by this young girl and she told me that her aunt wanted to talk to me. The young girl is one of my co-workers at my little job that I have. I told her that I would get in touch with her aunt soon, just wondering what she would want. When I finally get in touch with her, she tells me that she is retiring in a year, and she would like for me to take over her job.
SAY WHAT?! Let me bring you up to speed. Ok, this woman is a family and consumer science teacher, others may know it as Home Ec. LOL. Yes, a home ec teacher. Due to a series of deaths in her family, she is ready to retire. Another thing that stops her from retiring is that if she retires without a replacement on hand, the program will close indefinitely at the school. She doesn't want that to happen, so she is searching for her replacement right now.
WHY ME? Well, she remembers how much I loved to sew. Also, her niece has talked about how I have made lots and lots of earrings and brought them to the school where I work now and sell them. Her niece recommended me for a replacement, and her aunt jumped at the opportunity to talk to me and see where my head was at about coming aboard.

OK, Education is not where I want to retire from, but  I always find myself here, tutoring someone, assisting someone. My mom regrets that I did not get my degree in education, but that is not where my heart is. My heart is in the medical field, and my interest is in the counseling-slash-therapy-slash-rehab field. I believe that my heart is with more of mental, social and psychological rehabilitation, rather than the actual physical therapy. I believe that I can scratch physical therapy off of my list. BACK TO HOME EC, being that I do not have a job right now, I would love to work somewhere, and Home Ec isn't traditional education. I would actually have fun in this field. I could have the kiddies doing all kinds of wonderful things. HOWEVER, I do not see myself doing five years in this program. So I am ironing out a map in my head about what I am going to do. I have time. She isn't going to retire tomorrow, so I am going to really let it marinate, BUT I will keep you all posted.
Until next time.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Grad School Update!!!

Yes, this is a grad school update post. I am writing this post because I am so grateful for what has taken place in my life. Some of you may already know the story: how I applied to the nearest grad school near my house, only to be denied. Yes, it was heartbreaking. I even cried. I was beyond disappointed.

I applied to another grad school immediately after I was denied from my first school, and I was accepted. WHOO HOO! But that is old news. The sad part about this was that I was late about applying and that I could not start school until January 2013. I was grateful, BUT I knew I was going to be bored out of my mind. So, I started trying to find things that would make the time go by faster, lol.

Well, today, I was calling the school I was accepted to, just to make sure that I was going to start registering for the spring classes on time. The woman on the other end told me that the official spring schedule was not out yet, BUT if I wanted to I COULD REGISTER FOR CLASSES THIS SEMESTER. I am like, "Are you sure?" She told me to register and get an early start on things. So, GUESS WHAT? I am officially registered to start grad school THIS YEAR, THIS MONTH. I have twenty days until I begin grad school classes. I am so grateful. I am so thankful. I am so blessed. Words cannot express my happiness. I was once very sad and felt very lost because things did not go the way I had planned for it to happen. But the Lord had other plans and I am grateful for the plan He has for me.

THANKS FOR READING!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

A few updates, nothing special

If you do not know, I am working at my old job. It get about 12 hours a week. I get paid once a month. It isn't much, but this is where I am at right now. I still haven't heard anything from the people I interviewed for. Not one job. The jobs that promised to contact me regardless has failed to let me hear anything, regarldess of good or bad news. Ehh. I am at a standstill at the moment. However, I have received a pay check for the first time in two months. That was exciting. I almost forgot how that felt. Sadly, this little money has to last me until the next paycheck, October 31st. Heartbreaking, right? I work with an after school program. I work 2 and a half hours a day. I get only two hours on Friday. As of right now, this is my means of income right now. These few checks will be going towards Christmas presents (I have started Christmas shopping last week). So, other than seeing bright smiles on that glorious day in December, I will not see anything for myself until the first of the year.

I have agreed to work this job up to December. Because of my promise, I cannot pick up any other job in fear that it may conflict with this job. There are field trips planned from time to time, so I have to be available for those hours. I rather not mess a "good" thing. It is great that I have something, but I wish I was making waaaaay more money. However, this job grants me two great job references that I cannot allow myself to throw away. So I go to work, do my job, do my job well. I have a great attitude. I work with the children to the best of my ability. In the end, the money may not be what I want, but that is two job references that I have a clear mind about putting on my resume.

I am still not in school. I cannot wait until January. I will have work to do. I will be taking classes. Since the summer has been over, I have fallen into this mundane routine. I wake up, eat a small amount, watch a lot of tv, clean up, go to work for 2 hours, come home, watch more tv, eat a little more, go to sleep. That is my life. I am quite bored with it and I am ready for a change. That is why I cannot wait until school starts. Not only will I be taking grad school classes, but I am trying to take some science classes at a community college. I am too excited. There are days where I want to wish all of this free time away and get right into my classes and continuing with my life.

For some bad news, I am not opening my store like I have planned on. There have been a few personal issues that I have been trying to take care of at home. There is so much going on. I cannot elaborate on any of it right now, but all I can say that the events that have taken place lately have caused me to commit ALL of  my attention to it, none towards opening and expaning my "business". There will be a blog in the near future that will explain EVERYTHING that I am going through right now. But until then, I have to put a few things aside until a later date, one being the store. I am so sad. :(

To keep my mind off of the fact that I am not where I promised myself I will be at, I have been doing alot of mind-numbing web surfing. It is great to move your hand on an object that can practically take you anywhere. After doing lots and lots of random google searches, I stumbled upon fairsandfestivals.net. This website alerts you of all of the arts and crafts fair, festivals and bazaars in an area near you. Well, me being addicted to arts and crafts, I have decided to scribble down a few that were near me. In the end, I wrote down 8 events that are taking place near me. However, I  decided that I am going to at least 5. I want to see what these vendors look like and how they do things. I want to see how these shows work. Maybe one day, I can build the courage up to be a vendor myself one. I cannot wait, The first one will be in October. I have marked them all down in my calendar. I am going to take plenty of notes. Maybe this will help me to decide whether or not I should keep my hobby a simple hobby or share my love with the world.

My dreams have hit a rough patch right now; I have been knocked down.
When I am knocked down, its their fault.
If I stay down, its my fault.
So, I am slowly getting back up on my feet.
Until next post...

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Subtle Update

It has been a while since I have wrote on here. I haven't forgot about this blog, only that I have nothing to report on, lol. I went back working my old job. I only get 12 hours a week. It isn't much, but I do have something to work with. I will probably work this job until December, because I have committed to this term. But I am looking for other work. I may get 2 1/2 hours a day. The rest of the day, I am not doing squat. I was working on my Spanish. However, I was hit with a personal burden for some weeks, so I haven't been on my Spanish in about two weeks going on three. However, I am back on it, effectively tomorrow. I may not have anything to do, but I am not going to let this free time pass me by without having something to show for it. Wouldn't it be a shame if I had all of this time on my hands and did nothing with it? I would feel like an absolute loser. LOL. I have also considered going to the high school I graduated from an offering my volunteer services by tutoring for the graduation exam, or the exit exam. It would be good for the soul and a great resume booster, right?

As far as the job search, I have looked online and in the newspapers. I haven't found anything. I would think there would be somthing, but there is absolutely nothing I qualify for. I haven't heard back from my very last job interview. I have had people contacting me about selling insurance for several different companies, but they are commission-based income. I rather not.

My boyfriend has had a few more interviews than me. He has also got offered a job at a bank. He also got offered a job within the marketing field. So, I am excited for him.

I am in a slump. I decided to look online about how to get my start in the medical field. The internet offered me no help. I have been slightly considering EMT classes, Dental Assisting classes, ASN school. I am desperate to be in this field. However, I need to find the job that will be right for me. I need to find the one that I will make a lot of difference in and feel fulfilled in, right? The truth is, other than I know that I want to be in this field, I have no idea what I want to do. I am lost. I am praying for some enlightment.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Sneak Look at My Store

Hello, loves! I hope everyone has had a wonderful Labor Day. Mines was ok. Did not eat that much. I have been mostly working on my store. I am so excited!!!

I want to announce the new pair of earrings that I have created. These earrings will be available for sale. They are available NOW if you want to shoot me an email about the following pair or anything else that you are interested in.
I absolutely love these. The studs are 1&1/4 inch in diameter. They will be going for $8. I believe that these are a steal. Years ago, I saw something like this, about this size and with these colors with a different design and they were $40! No thanks!!!

My store is still not available to online shop; HOWEVER, it is online and you can VIEW it! Like I said, the checkout is unavailable right now. BUT if you are interested in anything you can email me.
Here is the website:

http://designersego.bigcartel.com/
It is still in the developing stages, but there it is. September 30th is still the official date where everything should be in working order. If you are interested in anything, please contact me:

alexismoore611@gmail.com

Accessory designing has always been this hobby of mines, and now I get to share the love.

Well, thanks for reading this post and I will see you next time!!!

OH!!! Don't forget to be apart of the GIVEAWAY I am hosting.
Follow this link to the GIVEAWAY and make sure you enter!!! http://lovingthisgirl.blogspot.com/2012/08/giveaway-announcement-click-here-to.html

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Quick update!

So, I have received my official letter stating that I have been accepted into grad school. #excited!!!!! So I cannot wait until I start that in January. I will begin my journey into counseling/psychology ASAP. I have learned that I do not have to do any interning with it, so I am much more excited about it, because internships prolong school. I am ready to become more and more educated. I have also received word that I need to send my graduate score off to this school, so I am going to get on the ball with that, lol. I am going to have to send my transcript to this community college in which I am taking additional classes from so that I can continue my education in the health profession. So, I am going to get all of this squared away soon. Hurricane Isaac has stopped me in my tracks, so I have found myself writing this blog to update everyone on what is going. I have not found a job in my field, but I have returned to my job back the school. I am a student worker, assisting children with tutoring and after school activities. Yay, children, not! But it is a job, so I have no complaints. I only get paid once a month, so I am going to start saving money because, ONE - I want to start christmas shopping early; TWO - I want to vist my boyfriend in a few months; THREE - I want to start making yearly payments towards my student loans. I have other things that I would like, a new hood dryer and hair products and clothes and shoes, but I am going to hold off so that I can pay for what I really need.  OH! Also, I am going to have to pay for community college classes out of the pocket plus gas. So, yea. I do not feel productive because I am not in school this semester. I do not feel like a student. I do not feel like me because I am always reading and studying and learning. Well, I have decided to use this free time to do three things hopefully: ONE - to work full time so that I can put on my resume that I have officially worked full time on my resume, TWO - to do some type of volunteer work somewhere, THREE - to learn Spanish. Ok, about learning spanish; I have decided to make my resume stand out by using this entire semester to learn Spanish. I feel like by putting this on my resume by December, I will stand out when applying to jobs because I will be bilingual. The thought came to me when I had to take my father to a doctor's appointment. There were two people in the waiting room who did not feel comfortable talking about their issues in English because they did not feel like they could elaborate well in English. So a Spanish speaking nurse was brought out to the waiting room and assisted the ailing men with well-detailing their issues and all. I thought to myself, "Wouldn't I stand out on an application and resume by saying that I can speak English?" So here I am, I am a week into my lessons and I feel like I am doing a great job. Think about your futures. Ask yourself, "How can I stand out?" Maybe you already have what you need. I don't, lol.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Job Fair and GREAT NEWS!!!

Well, I went to a job fair today. LOL! That is my summary of the entire day. It wasn't this off the wall event. It was actually very structured. You will see why I laughed in a minute. The story starts off with me waking up EXTRA EARLY, not one of my strong points. Well, I make it to the career center where the job fair is held. The job fair only consisted of one mental behavior company. I signed in and sat down. When it started, we had orientation. Ok, the orientation was awesome....UNTIL we got to the part about how much each position paid. So, the main position I applied for was the first one he describes....$8.55 an hour. I had to laugh. There was no way that I could drive all of that distance for eight dollars. Not to mention that they job I would have would be the most dangerous and risky position. Yea, I am not ready for that.  I am not trying to be picky at all. But what was extremely funny was that the national starting pay was double that. Yea, that was not going to work for me. But luck would have it that I have applied for countless other positions for this company. So, it was at that instant that I was now interested in my next possible highest paying position. Everyone who was there received an interview. I was like number eight. Once I sat down for my interview, I was nowhere near nervous like I thought I would be. I was first interviewed by a man who sort of broke the ice for the main interviewing process. Next, a woman interviewed me. Here is where it gets extremely funny to me. First, she told me that my resume told her that I did not know what I want to do with my life because I had jobs all the place. I have had 5 jobs in six years: tutoring, RA, cashier, internship and student working. I did not understand how she would get that crap from my resume that I did not have an idea what I wanted to do with my life. Next, she told me that I was underqualified for the position because I did not have any entry level experience. Ok, see this is what gets to me. How in the world am I suppose to obtain 3-5 years of entry level experience when I have spent five years in school trying to achieve a degree so that I can get a better paying job? It is like people were born with years of experience and that they forgot the struggle of achieving an entry level position. She also told me that I did not qualify for the position because my competition automatically blew me out of the water due to experience; however, not as much education as me. She ended the interview by saying exactly this, "So, this is what you are going to do: You are going to leave here today with no job. You need to get yourself together as far as some type of job experience and some specific volunteer work. Go back online, read the job descriptions carefully and call me when you feel like you got it together." I smiled, shook her hand and left. LOL! There was no reason to be mad. Some of the things she said were semi-correct. I do need to work on achieving the job that I really want to do, which that was not it. I took it as a lesson; if I really wanted that job, I would have been way more disappointed. I am just disappointed that my resume supposedly says negative things about me. But I cannot please everyone. I am grateful for the opportunity where I was dismissed like that. I know that sounds crazy, but rejections helps me to gain a thicker skin because I do not like being  rejected. So it is a personal challenge to myself. Also, it makes me look at what I am trying to accomplish in life a little harder; I want a job in the medical field, and I should try to aim for that than just anything.

On the way back from the job fair, I was on the phone with my boyfriend and telling him about my hilarious experince. As I was talking, I received an email alert on my phone. Upon reading it, I realized that the email was from the new university that I have recently applied to. They wrote me to tell me that I have been ACCEPTED into grad school!!! Yippee!!! Life is awesome. I am so grateful for the opportunity to say that I am a grad student. I do not start until January, but somewhere on record it says that Alexis will be attending graduate school. Words cannot express how happy I am. When I returned home, I received a letter from the first university that I attended which said that I have officially been turned down for grad school there. Doors were closing on me, but I am thankful that other doors have opened for me.

I have decided not to interview for the insurance company position on Thursday. I received an email stating that I can return back to my old job right here five minutes from home. My first goal is work this position so that I can official put on my resume that I have worked a full time job for anyone who has a problem with my resume in the future lol.

GRATEFUL!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Things are Looking WAY Up

At the moment, I am so happy to say that I have turned pretty much everything that I need to have my grad school application reviewed. I am so excited because I am ready to get my life on the appropiate path. It feels weird that I am not in school this semester. I feel like I am about to lose my mind. Also, my mom is on my back about how she has to have an input in everything I do. o_O Where does this crap come from? I am 24 years old and my mom is calling herself telling me what I should do. Ugh!!! I know I need to be finding me somewhere to go soon. I thought I would be happy at home, but I have did nothing but regretted the fact that I did not save any money to stay out of the house. So,  I am here trying to pick up the pieces so that I can lead the life that I want and that God has in stow for me.

But I am not going to write about frustration. I am writing about the ups that I have been encountering. One, I had an interview a few days ago. The interview was pretty good. I was very nervous. I could tell that I was wreck, but I answered the questions to the best of my professional ability. I am supposed to hear a call back whether or not I have made it to the second part of the interviewing phase or that I am have been dismissed as an applicant. Regardless of the ending result, I am so thankful to have my third interview since graduating college.Two, I am going to a job fair tomorrow. I have applied to several jobs at this one facility, with no calls back nor any emails. Well, the job fair flyer mentioned that anyone who has applied online will have the opportunity to have an onsite interview. I am very excited about this, but my mom was questioning the hours and telling me what she did not want me to do. Here we go again. :( I almost let her talked me out of going to this job fair, but I am going to go. Three, I have received anothr call today about a separate job opportunity. The person who called me viewed my resume online. I did not apply for this job. But I am thankful to be considered for this position. It is an insurance company.

So far, none of the above mentioned points are what I am truly interested in. I have found myself in a job searching slump. However, I have decided that I am not going to settle for a job. I am going to continue to search until I find that perfect job for me. My mom really does not want me to find a job. That is not going to work. No job and no school this semester, I will go absolutely crazy.

More about school: I am awaiting word about my acceptance or not at this new university that I have applied to. I will be receiving my degree entirely from offline. I really wished that I could be in the classroom for my masters; however, the school close to my house did not accept me and will not be taking applications again until summer 2013. I refuse to sit around that long and do nothing. I am also going to start catching up on my science classes from a local community college. I am so excited about this. My only issue is that I can dedicate time fo all of this. But I am believing God that a way is already made for me and that I have to find my way and I will be free.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Boy, August 7th!!! (NEW CAREER INFO ENCLOSED)

Boy, life is one interesting script. One day you find yourself following the strict set of goals and directions that you have aligned for yourself. The next thing you know, everything that you have foreseen yourself doing is completely non-existent now. How crazy is that? But if you find yourself in a relationship with God, you know better than to question anything that has been dealt to you. Thankfully, I have not questioned my God. But that doesn't mean that the road hasn't had me wondering, lol. But I keep the thoughts to myself and leave God out of them. I am keeping my faith through it all, because it is implanted in my spirit that blessings come with a drop of faith.

With that said, let me begin by telling you what has happened to me today. One, about ten o'clock this morning, I recieved a phone call to come in for an interview on Friday. Excited!!! I haven't been on an interview in a minute, I believe it was the beginning of July. So, this will be my first interview in August. I applied for this position last month around the 16th. I have hit a dry spell when it comes to finding a job. Lately, I may qualify and apply for one job a week. Sad, but I continue to look. So when this lady called, I was refreshed. It took me totally by surprised. I felt this swift kick in my rump to perk up. "There are people that are hiring out there," I told myself. The position is called Community Health Worker. Pretty much what this is one is an educator, adivisor and teacher of medical risks out there: AIDS, HPV, and not treating one's diseases and illnesse that they know that they have. A CHW would be in charge of making sure that they are educated on facts and resources available for them. It helps that I live in a neighborhood that I see where people rarely can afford to go to the doctors. I also live in this same neighborhood where young girls are not realizing the dangers to health consequences that subjecting themselves to. When I start reading about this job description, I was totally estatic. I would love this job. I will keep you updated on the interview and possible job status.

Two, my brother moved into his dorm to start his third year in college. While moving him in, I received two different emails. The first email was room was from here I applied to a Tech Assistant position at a hospital. I was denied that job opportunity. Then, I received the next email. Does Lab Assistant ring a bell? I interviewed for that job almost two months to the day (officially two months tomorrow) and I am just receiving word about that position TODAY! Wow.  I wasn't mad about that I did not get the job, but I am very upset that it took so long for me to hear anything about it. I am the type of person that when I interview for a job, I don't really put much into looking for a position because I do not want to turn anyone down if I already have a position. However, this grad school biz has taught me to have more back-up plans than a person waiting on there check to pay their bills on time, lol. I do not know if that was a good anaolgy or not. I tried. God closed that door, but he is constantly leaving me cracks of light through possible passages for myself.

Yesterday, I have been taking care of business to be in school in January. You know, sending paper work here and there and getting grades sent from here to there. I have a long way to go before I am completely through with admitting into schools, but it is keeping me busy. I am so thankful that I have the mind to continue despite the let-down.

My boyfriend had a job interview today at a bank. He said that his job interview went well, but the interviewer did something different. He said that he could tell through a sixth sense that he did not really see himself doing this for the rest of his life. True, my bf has a marketing degree, and he see himself in a whole different career. The interviewer told him not to settle for jobs but to continue to look for jobs that he see himself happy with. My bf said that the interview was a wonderful eye-opener. He may not get this job, but he was given the motivation to follow his dream. His motivation shot through the phone and struck me. I am ready; let me find my job, please.

So, I thank God for this date, August 7th, 2012. It has been exactly what I needed to keep this soldier fighting.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Post Rejection Post LOL

LOL. I love the title. Isn't it motivating? Maybe not, but I am still pushing on. What is going on with me now??? Well, I am going to apply to three schools soon. So I am going to find out all of their requirements and deadlines soon so that I can get to working on that asap. Another thing I am working on is finding a job. I have so many plans on what I am going to save for which leads me up to my next thing on the list. I am going to take some type of certification class so that I can get some experience in the medical field. So I am going to work on that.

I have been working on getting into a few schools. It is so costly. But my future education is an investment. So, I am pushing hard to keep myself motivated so that I can keep on trucking. During this time, I have found myself wanting to read devotions. It has really helped me through this short period of time, because I could feel myself want to sink into isolation. But I am overcoming and still my usual self, but I am more motivated. Today, I have made preparations to send off more information to one school. I am still doing more research about other schools. Plan Bs, Cs, Ds and even Es are necessary now.

Yesterday, I read in the paper where there will be a job fair in another week. I am making preparations to attend it. It is a company that deals with mental diseases and substance abuse. It also deals with other issues. I have applied there countlessly with no contact made about coming to interview for a job or that the position was filled. However, I further read that if you have applied online, you have the opportunity to interview for one of their countless positions ONSITE!!! I am excited. I am trying to put my game face on and mentally prepare myself now.

I am also considering another certification program just in case. This rejection experience has taught to have plan Bs and to keep my options open because regardless of what seems like it will fit your life right, it may not be what is in the master plan that is written by someone else. That is another thing that I have been working on: inspirationals and devotionals. I have been trying to increase my faith because I have been honestly lacking on my faith in God. I am woman enough to admit it. I have been at it for a couple of days. What I will do is light a candle and get in a quiet place, say a prayer before I do my reading, do my reading while taking a few notes and pray right afterwards. It is very peaceful, and I am learning so much. I cannot wait until I make it a beautiful, consistent habit.

In other words, this school has denied me access into their program, but I was not denied access in life. I have no reason to stop what I am doing just because I have faced one of my first real rejections. But boy did it sting, lol. Anywho, life goes on, and I am going with it.

Until we cross paths again...

Monday, July 30, 2012

Bad News :(

I definitely hate typing this particular blog post, but my blog journey would not be genuine without discussing the hardships and rejections that one may encounter during their career journey. With that said, I am forced to spell it out to my readers...that I did NOT get accepted into grad school.
This was one hard pill to swallow.

I received the news sometime late last week. Through email, I was alerted that my application was received WAY after the commitee decided on who they wanted in their program WAY before the deadline. Sadly, I was amongst the ones not picked to start graduate school in the Fall. This sucks. I felt like I did everything I was supposed to. I have invested so much money into applying for this school and taking tests, only to be let down. *sighs*

Another devastating blow is the fact that this was the only graduate school I applied to. So, I have no Plan Bs. Also, not being in school will cause me to lose my insurance. Most of the grad school fall due dates have passed; however, there is one small glimmer of hope that I could take up an online degree. At this point, I really don't care where or how. Just let me get in soon, please.

I am trying to remain hopeful because my cousin will be leaving for pharmacy school in two days. I want to remain hopeful that I, too, can pull it through and get into someone's school; a school of what I really want to do. She keeps me hopeful because she was an underdog for a while. No one believed that she would do it.

Now I feel like the underdog. I feel like I have let myself down. I have really learned a valuable lesson in procrastination. LOL. I have also learned a lesson in having plans. Even though my main plan sounds like an awesome plan, there are possibilities that the one you have your heart set is not the one for you. I have learned that now. But secretly, I don't even know if I ever wanted to go to grad school. This blow to my ego has really allowed me to reevaluate myself and what I want in a career. I have realize that I am so lazy as far as getting to the title. It seems like I just want the title: grad student, professional employee, career woman, etc. Do I even want to work for it anymore? With every approaching day, the answer is I do not feel like doing a thing. I want to lay in bed and pout about how I do not have a job and now how I am not in school and I have no plan Bs and that I will be in parents' house forever. UGH! That last one makes my stomach hurts just thinking about. However, regardless of how bad I do not want to work for it, if I want it...I will work for it.

So, I may have been knocked down this round, but I am still in this fight. Don't count me out yet. But do pray with me.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Entrepreneur in the Making!!!

Entrepreneur...it is a long word. With this long word comes so much work, ambitions, big dreams and wishes of bigger successes. I, Alexis, want to become an entrepreneur. What is my speciality. I have always been that person who loves doing things with my hands, love making things, love showcasing my things.Why not let that be my job?

When I was in college, I could hardly do my work from thinking of things to make: jewelry, clothes, bags, paintings, drawings, etc. Whatever came to my head, I was willing to try it. Sadly, my collections is extremely limited, due to the fact that I gave away entirely TOO much of my goodies. But I am going to bring it all back. I am not only going to make this available for my friends and family. I am going to make my things available for whomever. That is why I have decided to make my online accessory store. The store is actually in the making. I have a website. I have a couple of items listed. However, I want this site perfect for my customers. I want everyone to be able to move from one page to another with ease and without confusion. That is what I have been working on, smoothing out all the kinks. Also, I have yet to trademark my name. Until, then I am keeping the name of the store a secret until I get that straightened out. I have stated before that I want the official store opening to be September 30th. I have a long list of other things that I am trying to accomplish before that date. Nothing says get it done like a due date. I have to trademark the name, have the website functional, have a blog to go along with the store at least five to ten products on there buy JULY 31-AUGUST 1. WHOO! That is coming up on me fast.

Why am I doing all of this? I come from an area where I see people come up with ideas and/or are good with their hands, but they do not seem to have the fight in them to make it into something. Some of these same people are sitting in the same spot wondering "What if ?" I wish that person would have got her own hair salon, or that guy opened a barber shop. I wish he would opened a mechanic shop or this girl open her own housing cleaning business. I support small businesses. Don't get me wrong. There have been a few things opened in my area by young men and women. I am extremely proud of these people. I wish more can step up and stand out from the crowd.

The negativity is like a knife through butter, to me. I once told someone that I wanted to start this business with accessories. She told me that no one would buy my things because of this and that. I don't even remember the exact reasons. It just hurt for her to tell me that it was not going to work so I rather just go to school and do something that is realistic. It was like someone ripped my soul out. However, I got over it. Why? Because she told me to do something realistic. I am. I applied for school. I am about to start getting my masters, soon. I save money. That's realistic, also. I also dream. That is something that actually happen. So, I am dreaming about my business and I am in the process of making my business, which is also my dream, a reality. This is why my business has been MY BUSINESS. Catch my drift? I do not tell anyone a thing, because I do not want their input right now. I do not need pointers. I do not need naysayers. I do not need anything. I want to get it on my own. If I fail, then I fail. But my dream is not to become rich from it, but only to be able to say that I was able to get me an online store off the ground. Here, I am telling you exactly what I want to do and here, I am about to work on things going into my store right now. So, I am signing off. But you continue to dream. Because dreams are step one to a reality.
#myhustle #diylover #businessowner

Friday, July 6, 2012

Graduate School Packet Officially Delivered!!!

It was an awesome feeling to drop off my packet. It was delivered Monday on the 3rd. It felt a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. However, I was still worried about my score. I ended up talking to a friend of a friend. He is also in this same field. He told me that he believes that my score is more than high enough, higher than the school's minimum score. I was elated to hear that, but I still do not know what is the specific score the school is asking of me. All I do know is that my packet was turned in on the 3rd and the due date is the 15th. I am at home, definitely relaxing. Also, I went around the school, checking to see if all of my paper work is in and everything is ok. I got the green light for everything. So, I have little worries right now. However, I am still playing the waiting game on getting accepted or not. Fingers crossed.

Friday, June 29, 2012

The Miller's Analogies Test and My Mississippi Interview

It has been a while since I have been on. I have had a lot on my mind: grad school, current job, finding a new job, my relationship and the MAT. I have been worried that I would not meet the deadline for the things that I have to turn in for grad school: two recommendation letters, a resume, an awesome narrative, grades transferring, etc. Well, thankfully my grades have been confirmed as of this Monday as being at the school. That's one weight lifted. I have been worrying myself about these recommendation letters. I have finally received one Wednesday and I will get my other next Monday. The other things have yet to be completed. I am working on everything else this weekend. MY DEADLINE IS TO TURN EVERYTHING IN MY NEXT MONDAY, JULY 2nd!!! The official deadline is July 15th. So, it is getting down to the wire. I took the Miller's Analogies Test today. I registered too late for the GRE. However, I do have this option of the MAT...AND IT IS 50% CHEAPER!!! So, I took it. It was hella hard, lol. However, I did score 14 points from average. I was disappointed but I feel better about it. Right now, I am worried about getting accepted. I had my job interview this pass Tuesday. It was nothing that I expected. First, lol, let me say that I applied for this job May 29th. I got the call June 20th. Whoa!!! Lol. I forgot I applied for this job. But the job was for a case manager position. On June 26th, I drove to Gautier, Mississippi for this interview. Personally, I was intimidated by the responbilities of this job. I felt like I would be over my head with what I had to do: which is keeping good records of mentally ill clients and their medications and current mental faculties. Ehh... I have YET to hear back from the hospital on that Lab Assitant job. Also, they took the listing down. I would love to know if they want me or not so that I could keep it moving. I want to find a job in my field. HOWEVER, by August, if I have not found a job, I will almost take any job, lol. BABY NEEDS SOME MONEY. Well, until next time.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Job Interview for Potential Job #2 is Scheduled!!!

Yesterday, I received a call about an interview in Mississippi. The place is about an hour and 25 minutes from my house. The job is a case worker dealing with the mentally ill. I saw the job listing in the classifieds in the news paper. I applied for this job in MAY, lol. But they did call me and asked for an interview. I have yet to hear from the lab assistant job I applied for. I will not know what to do if I am offered both jobs. I am going to this interview in Mississippi. Which job will I take? The lab assistant job was something that I was very interested in. However, the hours is nothing that I would really want to work. But I do get benefits, but the job will only pay 21,000 dollars a year before taxes. Another pro is that the job is about 35 minutes from my house. At the moment, I do not know what the case worker job in Mississippi pays, but I researched the pay on the internet, and it stated betweem 36-46,000 a year before taxes. It will be an hour and 25 minutes away from my home. Is it worth the drive and the gas? Even though my bachelors is in psychology, I am not interested in pursuing a life long career in this field. I was hoping that this would be something I could do on the side. However, I could do this now to get on my feet, get my feet wet and to put this experience on my resume. My dream career is the medical field. But I am getting my masters in Mental Health Counseling. Decisions, decisions. I would really appreciate some feedback and some advice. Please leave a comment. What would you do in my position???

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Countdown!!!

So I added this countdown to my profile. What does this mean? I have officially set a date for when I open my online store. As of right now, September 30th will be the official date. I am so excited. I cannot wait until I seem my hobby turn a business. This will be my absolute baby. I am not looking to get rich off of it. However, I am hoping to at least get alot of people to come to my store and at least browse and give me some feedback onmy product. I have over three months to get everything perfect. I am still working on what I will have available. I am considering making a fashion blog to go along with it. I already have a few people interested in buying a few things in bulk from me. It is more motivation for me to continue my dream... So be with me when I open my store.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

High School: Who is doing something with their lives?

So, I graduated from a small little town in Alabama, #3 in my class. I thought it meant something, to be in the top 5% of a graduating class. However, when I went to college, NONE of this mattered. I started off at a community college. I did my two years and graduated Summa Cum Laude there. When I graduated community college in 2008, I was the first person in my class to graduate with a college degree. I felt like I was doing something. The val of my class graduated the same day from another community college. Then we both went to universities. She graduated 2010 with her degree. I graduated this year (2012). I am the second person in my class to have a bachelors. There may be two other people in my graduating class that is in college. When I went to my four year institute, there were alot of people that said that a majority of their class did not and will not go to college. But why is that? I understand that college is not for everyone, It almost wasnt for me. But I had to do what I had to do because my mindset was I wanted better for myself so I have to get this degree. I did have a lot of people tell me that I was only smart in my community and that I only got my two degrees from community college because it was probably easy. But they would say that I would not make it at "real" school. I have yet to realize what is a real school and a non-real school. However, I have three degrees in my room and these same people are in our hometown still doing nothing. I am a winner. So, everyone has had that story where you go off to school and come home and people are saying that you have changed and you think you are something because you are in college. That use to really hurt my feelings and made me want to cry sometimes. I have cried a few times. I have pride myself on the fact that I never change. For these people to tell me I have changed really made me feel fake. But it took alot of soul searching and life experiences to make me realize that these same people who said that I have changed really cannot keep up with me intellectually and are intimidated by me. I do not mean to sound like I am the absolute best thing since the wheel, but what I am saying is why they have to/had to knock me for me trying to do something with myself. Now, I just take it as a compliment. "Yes, I have changed. I want more for myself. I want to have a degree. I do not want to struggle in life. I am not in high school no more. High school will not be the highlight of my life. It is time for me to put my big girl panties on." I have and I have never looked back. So I have lost some friends. It gets really lonely. My phone do not ring like it used to. I do not get company over the house like I used to. I do not have people to text like I used to. But I am still getting my lessons and I am still trying to stack these degrees. I wish I could encourage many more of classmates to go to school and make something of themselvees, but they have to want it for themselves. I had to say to myself, "I do not want to be here struggling. I want to make money, enjoy my career and live good. I do not want to stay living in the past. I do not want to think what if I did things differently. It is time for me to put my big girl panties on." I have and I have never looked back :-)

Getting My Name Out There (But I Have No Name)

As you read in the title, I do not have an official name for my line of what I do, which is accessories. I do not believe I have blogged specifically about that yet. For your viewing pleasures, I present to you my line, that still has not official name. I have been working on a name for about four months. Right now, I have it under my Twitter name, but that will changed ASAP. I make earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, keychains, bowties, headbands, hair accessories, and I am considering baby onesies now. I have known how to sew since middle school. I have been experimenting in jewelry making for almost a year now. I have made a few nice things, but I like I am at the point where I want to put me a website up and sell. I have been looking into buying a domain name. The lowest price I see is 7 dollars a year, which is not too bad. I also wanted to find a place or person who could make me a website. Well, I stumbled upon bigcartel.com This is a website where artists can sell their creations. I am interested in this. They have monthly fees from free (with extreme website limitations) 9.99, 19.99 to 29.99 with the best settings offered. Its gives you the options to place between 3 to 5 photos of each item. I am excited. However, I have not worked on anything just yet to start making this website. I guess that I am not motivated enough. Well, one of my sorority sisters got in touch with me last night and told me that she was opening a consignment shop. She really like the jewerly I make and want to buy some different things to put in her place. I am too excited. I have told her to get with me so I can get her some things together. So with these two opportunities put my name out there. This has been one of my small goals, is to at least try to see if I can get my name out as an accessory designer. We will see how it goes. I believe that I am going to set me a date for when I am going to open this store though. So be on the look out. Until next post!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Interview Today!!!

Like I mentioned in my last blog, I got a call about a job interview. It was today at ten o clock. I was so nervous. The night before, my boyfriend called me and he was so excited. He was trying to do a mock interview over the phone. He had me stump on possible interview questions. I did not sleep well. However, I got up this morning with semi-confidence and made the 30-40 minute trip there. I arrived at my interview kind of early, due to the fact that I was sure that I would get lost, and I did. So I was twenty minutes early. However, she started the interview immediately. I was only asked one question: Do you want to tell me about yourself? I told the truth, that ever since I was in high school I have always wanted to be in the medical field. She took me on a tour of the lab and she explained the job duties and responsibilites. Then, I met with her boss. I learn that her boss was the one who wanted my application reviewed and to summon me for an interview. So, I was excited to see and meet her because it gave me more confidence about the job. She concluding the interview saying that resume made me stand out. All and all, this was my very first interview since graduating college. I am excited about it, but it also made me realize that I am quite unprepared for these type of meetings. Next time, I will know how to sell myself better. I do not believe that I was assertive enough. If I do not get this job, I will be ready for the next interview.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Guess Who Called Me Today!!!!

I cannot absolutely believe what happened to me. First, let me back up to Sunday. I woke up to see that I had an email on my phone. It was 6 a.m., so I was wondering what it could have been that early on a Sunday. But it was job engine alerting me that a LAB ASSISTANT job opening was recently placed on the internet. I got out of bed finally about ten o'clock and applied for the job. The job asked for lab experience from a job OR from extensive lab experience due to pursuing a science degree. I also have experience from an internship. So, i readily applied to this job. I do not know why I was so excited and confident about this job, but I was. I was even looking for possible shoes to wear. Monday, I did not get a call. However, today, I received a call about the position with a job interview TOMORROW!!! 10 o clock in the morning, I will be staring into the face of a woman who could possibly open the door to me getting my feet wet in the medical field. EXCITEMENT!!! It could not have been possible without my higher power. I am so grateful. So, wish me luck with this interview tomorrow. I will spend the rest of the night trying to think about the game plan as far as selling myself as the best potential lab assistant they will ever lay eyes on. ;-)

Sunday, June 10, 2012

What is all going on with ME?!!!

So, this blog is going to be about everything about me that has to do with me furthering my career and getting my name out there as a some-what inspiring designer. Hmm...ok. Well, let me break down my life a little more so that it is more understanding. I have three college degrees (two ASs and one BS). Right now, I do not feel like I can do anything these degrees, so I am going back to school to get into the medical field. I am open to the fact that I may have to start from a "bottom" and work my way up. That is absolutely fine with me. I would welcome it actually. Let me claw my way to where I want to be. So, I have this ehh kind of relationship with my mother where I really cannot be an adult in this house-hold because of something. I do not know what it is, but I feel like I cannot be who I am entirely because I have to live by her "standards" while living here at her house. UGH! One thing I will miss about undergrad school is the freedom I had with my apartment and being three hours away from her. So, I am trying to hurry up and start making some money so I can break free from her rules. Who knows when this will be though. I have this hobby where I design earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc. I want to try my hand at selling some of my things. I am afraid of rejection though. That is why I haven't just broke out and done any real advertising for myself. Also, my mom is not real supportive of it. But I am ready to hit the ground running and do what I got to do to at least try. I may or may not be this household name, but I have a dream and I want to at least try. I do not want to think years down the line that I should have at least tried. I am willing to accept whatever happens: success or failure. I have also been thinking about another possible masters that I may take up in the future. More about that in another blog. So, I will cut this short. But please take a peek at this one picture of one my creations. Until next time, and maybe I will have a title to go with my name.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Seriously Beginning My Journey

My story begins with me graduating from my university May 11th 2012. I graduated with a Psychology degree with a biology minor. When I was in college, I was initially a biology major; however, I was speechless at the fact on how hard school really was. I decided to switch my major and minor, thinking that I would not need all of that science for what I wanted to do...medicine. Boy, I was wrong. I am missing crucial classes that would help me get into some program or some medical school. I was crushed. However, I was not too disappointed. I began my psychology degree and absolutely loved the material I was learning. I grew passionate about abnormal psychology and substance abuse. I have never made a C in my psychology courses. I cannot say that about my biology courses. I have like eight Fs, a few Ds, and not too many Cs. I did make a few As and Bs in those courses, maybe five. I sit here to this day, worried about whether I can get into someone's school with these grades I have. However, that is not going to stop me from going back and doing better in the classes that I did bad in and taking them over. Today, almost a month since I graduated from college, I have decided to go back and try to do better in some classes so that I can achieve one of my greatest dreams. I am applying to graduate school in Mobile, Alabama. I believe that I am going to seek a masters in Mental Health Counseling. I believe that I can really make a difference in this field along with the medical field. If I could, I would love to combine this field and the medical field together and make this super career for myself. I am waiting for my transcripts to be sent to this school. I am also waiting on two people to complete my recommendation letters for school. I am also procrastinating on this narrative I have to write. Also, I have to take the graduate school entrance exam....ALL OF THIS BEFORE JULY 15th!!! So, you can guess that I am a tad bit stressed, but I am willing to keep it together so I can get this done by the date. As far as what kind of physician I want to be, I really do not know yet. I love the ER scene that I watch on the reality trauma shows. I am also interested in physical therapy and dermatology. I am also interested in dental. I am also interested in labs in hospitals. I have thought about working in hospital labs as a life career for me. Do I have any idea how to begin any of these or how to eliminate any of these? Of course not, hahaha. However, I have not given up hope yet. So, follow me on this journey to bettering myself and furthering my career and cementing my place in the medical field. Oh, what a ride this will be!!!