In the last month I have started a new job, this has had its ups and downs. While I am grateful to have a job. I keep reading how the worst places to get a job are in my own back yard. I have to remind myself of that when I want to hit people over the head, when they are being annoying.
The other thing that has been helping is having the paycheck. I have bought myself some fun boots and some work shoes. I don't have to ask my man for money to get my nails done, since I have my own.
One of the other benefits, having money and days off in the middle of the week to have lunch with my girlfriends. I connected with one earlier this week, it felt really great and I didn't know how much I had missed her. Now that I have a job and I have some money, we can make this a more regular event. She even inspired me to a new project.
The other day at work I was told to go to a second sales seminar, we all were told this. It helped a lot, I had been focusing on personalities of my co-workers and things I don't like about them. In truth some of the girls are very ghetto, and I don't mean anything about their ethnicity, but the urban equivalent of being 'born in a barn'. No manners, no class.
I would be lying if I said I didn't mess around and play at work when I was 19. It was only the week my manager was on vacation. We did get loud, and I felt bad right away. The difference is that even a much older women joined in the antics, didn't stop it and there was tons of customers around. When I was 19 we just ran done the escalator and laughed loud. It wasn't a good thing, but as soon as we saw some of the other managers we straighten up.
I really don't want to be the older lady saying that the younger generation is rubbish and all, they make it too easy. Talking about how much they drank the night before and when they were constipated. Things I really don't want to know.
Instead I try to look at the things I have control of, my own customer service. I have mentioned to my friends that I do things my own way and not the company way. Still I get lots of sales. They want customers to buy everything, um I live in the real world, people are still broke. Filling up my tank yesterday and I am spending twice as much as a few years ago. Good thing my job is close to home.
In all I am trying to adjust to the new job, it is better to have a place to go to. A reason to get up and get dressed. Last year I had to deal with feeling useless and bored at home. Sure none of it is really easy, at least I can help my family.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
This time
I have been working at a new job, the thing is its the same job I had when I was first working. We like to think as we get older, we get wiser. What has changed and what has stayed the same? Will I get it right this time?
This time around I am doing things much differently. When I was younger I spent a lot of money eating at restaurants. This time I bring my own lunch. Not only does it save money, I'm not running around spending my lunch hour chasing down fast food. Instead I eat, put my feet up and relax.
When I was younger the company people tried to intimated me into only using their products. While I have tried the new line I am working for, I don't care for it. I will use the brands I love and use the commission I earn to get what I want. The company people want me to dress a certain way for work. Fine, I can do that, but I will wear my Dr. Martin's shoes, for comfort and style.
The things that are the same, women really don't want to change. Especially older women. When they come into the store they want the girls to confirm that they are right. Some will say they want a new lipstick color but really that is just
an excuse to have some one pay attention to them. They end up buying pretty much the same color. Younger women will change colors, after 55 they buy the same color for the next 10 years.
Some older women feel that the prices are too high at department stores and instead of going to the drug store they feel the can beg for free samples or steal testers, as a way to compensate for all the money they just spent. They always pretend they don't understand or are confused as to the difference between testers and free gifts, as if they are one and the same. Its still stealing lady.
Some older ladies that use the most expensive face creams, they use it sparingly all year. They then come in and don't remember the name of the product. They expect me to remember them and their one purchase for the year. Sorry crazy lady if you don't know the name on the jar you have been looking at all year, how do you expect me to?
The younger girls that work for the company are bought and sold by them and believe everything the company says about the product as if it were the gospel truth. They have not tried too many other brands themselves, so they believe they have the best products in the world. Its really amusing to me, to be trained by them and keep a straight face. I manage to do that and I keep my views to myself.
Also this time around I am not trying to tell the customer what they want. I listen to them more and get them what they want. This has resulted in more sales. This time I do not listen to what my counter manager says and I do not push more products on people. I live in the real world and times are hard. People can only buy the product they came in for, nothing extra. They simply don't have the money for it. When people return items, its not that they got the wrong thing or the formula changed or any of the other excuses they give. They need the money back, since they are broke.
When I was younger it seemed nice to have the stores opened late. Now its such a bother. Do people really need to be shopping at 11 pm on the weekend? Really the company could save so much money per year if they closed the stores at 8pm, that is still three hours after people get off work from regular 9 to 5 jobs. If they need to shop later than that, there is always the website.
The things that have changed, I know my own mind. I have my own values and I know how to keep those and work for a company. There is no reason to give those up just to work for someone. When I was younger I didn't know how to balance the two.
Yesterday I was so tired and was at work since they thought they would need the extra help. Earlier in the week a lot of the girls called in sick. Yesterday everyone showed up. It was clear I wasn't needed. After two hours and selling nearly 300.00 worth of products, I could leave or drag my tired body around for another 6 hours. After clearing it with the manager I clocked out, went home ate lunch and took a much needed nap. I feel so much better today. Earning more money was not as important as taking a break. That it why it is better to be older and know what you really need.
This time around I am doing things much differently. When I was younger I spent a lot of money eating at restaurants. This time I bring my own lunch. Not only does it save money, I'm not running around spending my lunch hour chasing down fast food. Instead I eat, put my feet up and relax.
When I was younger the company people tried to intimated me into only using their products. While I have tried the new line I am working for, I don't care for it. I will use the brands I love and use the commission I earn to get what I want. The company people want me to dress a certain way for work. Fine, I can do that, but I will wear my Dr. Martin's shoes, for comfort and style.
The things that are the same, women really don't want to change. Especially older women. When they come into the store they want the girls to confirm that they are right. Some will say they want a new lipstick color but really that is just
an excuse to have some one pay attention to them. They end up buying pretty much the same color. Younger women will change colors, after 55 they buy the same color for the next 10 years.
Some older women feel that the prices are too high at department stores and instead of going to the drug store they feel the can beg for free samples or steal testers, as a way to compensate for all the money they just spent. They always pretend they don't understand or are confused as to the difference between testers and free gifts, as if they are one and the same. Its still stealing lady.
Some older ladies that use the most expensive face creams, they use it sparingly all year. They then come in and don't remember the name of the product. They expect me to remember them and their one purchase for the year. Sorry crazy lady if you don't know the name on the jar you have been looking at all year, how do you expect me to?
The younger girls that work for the company are bought and sold by them and believe everything the company says about the product as if it were the gospel truth. They have not tried too many other brands themselves, so they believe they have the best products in the world. Its really amusing to me, to be trained by them and keep a straight face. I manage to do that and I keep my views to myself.
Also this time around I am not trying to tell the customer what they want. I listen to them more and get them what they want. This has resulted in more sales. This time I do not listen to what my counter manager says and I do not push more products on people. I live in the real world and times are hard. People can only buy the product they came in for, nothing extra. They simply don't have the money for it. When people return items, its not that they got the wrong thing or the formula changed or any of the other excuses they give. They need the money back, since they are broke.
When I was younger it seemed nice to have the stores opened late. Now its such a bother. Do people really need to be shopping at 11 pm on the weekend? Really the company could save so much money per year if they closed the stores at 8pm, that is still three hours after people get off work from regular 9 to 5 jobs. If they need to shop later than that, there is always the website.
The things that have changed, I know my own mind. I have my own values and I know how to keep those and work for a company. There is no reason to give those up just to work for someone. When I was younger I didn't know how to balance the two.
Yesterday I was so tired and was at work since they thought they would need the extra help. Earlier in the week a lot of the girls called in sick. Yesterday everyone showed up. It was clear I wasn't needed. After two hours and selling nearly 300.00 worth of products, I could leave or drag my tired body around for another 6 hours. After clearing it with the manager I clocked out, went home ate lunch and took a much needed nap. I feel so much better today. Earning more money was not as important as taking a break. That it why it is better to be older and know what you really need.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Past
In the past in this blog I have said some things about my mother and that we do not talk and I like it that way.
While that is still true and I am not calling her anytime soon. I have been watching a new TV show and the family is a mess and the father a raging alcoholic. The children are all on their own, they are paying the bills and buying the food. I don't feel pity for them, but proud of them, they have been forced to be resourceful. I can see that people like that, when they grow up will not want for anything. They will know how to take care of themselves.
Isn't that what parents are supposed to teach? Isn't the purpose of having kids, to train them to responsible adults? Not to have them hanging around the house at 30 without a job and no motivation to get one.
I'm not suggesting that parents give kids a hard time just to see if they come out on top, but that self-esteem is not the most important thing. In recent surveys American kids are doing horrid in their studies, but all have great self-esteem. They don't know they stink at math. The Asian kids think they need to improve in their math, but have great scores. The insecurity is driving them to keep working, while the American kids are in denial.
What is interesting to me is that every once in a while these theory's come around. Be kind to your kids, don't keep score at games. It sounds a lot like the things Dr Spock said. Funny thing about that, he recanted on all of that later in life. He admitted he was wrong and he raised a generation of brats. No one listened to him when he said it wasn't a crime to discipline your children, all anyone remembers is if you spank your child it will stop them being the genus they should be.
My mother was hard on me and it did help me be a better disciplined person. The reason I am no longer close to her is that it did not stop, there was never a time when she said I did well. Trying to gain her approval was like chasing windmills. I had to leave that in the past.
In the present I can be happy that I am organized and that I am the person I want to be. Sure there are things I still need to work on, but for the most part I feel better about myself, compared to how my mother made me feel. I don't hate my past, I do try to draw on the good qualities it made in me.
While that is still true and I am not calling her anytime soon. I have been watching a new TV show and the family is a mess and the father a raging alcoholic. The children are all on their own, they are paying the bills and buying the food. I don't feel pity for them, but proud of them, they have been forced to be resourceful. I can see that people like that, when they grow up will not want for anything. They will know how to take care of themselves.
Isn't that what parents are supposed to teach? Isn't the purpose of having kids, to train them to responsible adults? Not to have them hanging around the house at 30 without a job and no motivation to get one.
I'm not suggesting that parents give kids a hard time just to see if they come out on top, but that self-esteem is not the most important thing. In recent surveys American kids are doing horrid in their studies, but all have great self-esteem. They don't know they stink at math. The Asian kids think they need to improve in their math, but have great scores. The insecurity is driving them to keep working, while the American kids are in denial.
What is interesting to me is that every once in a while these theory's come around. Be kind to your kids, don't keep score at games. It sounds a lot like the things Dr Spock said. Funny thing about that, he recanted on all of that later in life. He admitted he was wrong and he raised a generation of brats. No one listened to him when he said it wasn't a crime to discipline your children, all anyone remembers is if you spank your child it will stop them being the genus they should be.
My mother was hard on me and it did help me be a better disciplined person. The reason I am no longer close to her is that it did not stop, there was never a time when she said I did well. Trying to gain her approval was like chasing windmills. I had to leave that in the past.
In the present I can be happy that I am organized and that I am the person I want to be. Sure there are things I still need to work on, but for the most part I feel better about myself, compared to how my mother made me feel. I don't hate my past, I do try to draw on the good qualities it made in me.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Week
In the last week I have gone to three events at South Coast Plaza. It may seem silly, but they do some nice things.
The first was for a lingerie shop that had my favourite champagne and chocolates out along with personal shoppers. It was a great time and we bought some nice things. There was also a gift cert, for a photo shoot and I have yet to look into that.
Since that was a great event, we were very disappointed in Fridays event. The Fashion show was nice and they had dragons in honour of Chinese New Year, they must have spent the bulk of their budget on those dragons. There was not the spread of former years and it was not as fun. I'm not sure if we will give that another try, there was some good discounts so that was nice.
The third event was yesterday and it was not explained to me well enough. At the make-up counter at a great store there was an artist there. After you spent a certain amount and had your make up done, not only did you get the gift but the artist, who does illustrations for major design houses and magazines, did a portrait of you. I would have done that had I known, I did get my make-up done and bought a few things, not enough to get my portrait done. He may not be back, I didn't totally miss out. I asked him to sign a Barbie that is part of the fashion house he does art work for.
Why keep going to this mall for events? Simple, free eats and drinks. These days only a few have the money to keep going out for fabulous evenings. With a little planning I have been able to have a great time and spend just a bit. The lingerie event was fun, even seeing a man buy two gifts one for his wife and one for his 'friend'. Really he is the sucker keeping up two women in expensive gifts.
The other way to help keep up a nice life style on a budget, the Bevmo 5 cent sale. Last weekend I was able to stock up on wines and champagne with out breaking the bank. That sale is going on for a few more weeks, Cheers!
The first was for a lingerie shop that had my favourite champagne and chocolates out along with personal shoppers. It was a great time and we bought some nice things. There was also a gift cert, for a photo shoot and I have yet to look into that.
Since that was a great event, we were very disappointed in Fridays event. The Fashion show was nice and they had dragons in honour of Chinese New Year, they must have spent the bulk of their budget on those dragons. There was not the spread of former years and it was not as fun. I'm not sure if we will give that another try, there was some good discounts so that was nice.
The third event was yesterday and it was not explained to me well enough. At the make-up counter at a great store there was an artist there. After you spent a certain amount and had your make up done, not only did you get the gift but the artist, who does illustrations for major design houses and magazines, did a portrait of you. I would have done that had I known, I did get my make-up done and bought a few things, not enough to get my portrait done. He may not be back, I didn't totally miss out. I asked him to sign a Barbie that is part of the fashion house he does art work for.
Why keep going to this mall for events? Simple, free eats and drinks. These days only a few have the money to keep going out for fabulous evenings. With a little planning I have been able to have a great time and spend just a bit. The lingerie event was fun, even seeing a man buy two gifts one for his wife and one for his 'friend'. Really he is the sucker keeping up two women in expensive gifts.
The other way to help keep up a nice life style on a budget, the Bevmo 5 cent sale. Last weekend I was able to stock up on wines and champagne with out breaking the bank. That sale is going on for a few more weeks, Cheers!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
New List
This week I have been doing some boring work on the computer. To help me get through it I have been playing DJ or VJ on You Tube.
Its been a trip down memory lane for sure, but not a pining for youth. It just reminded me of the 80s and how all the bands really were trying for something new and differ ant and not something just marketable. I remember at the time a boy in my class yelling at me that none of the punk bands or alternative bands ever won a Grammy, to which I said "No and they wouldn't want one either."
I am glad to be an adult and I don't want to go back to being a teenager, when I couldn't buy beer and go out at night. I have done a lot as an adult and I don't want to go back, I just loved that time in my life and listening to the radio with all these wonderful bands.
It is also fun to see how much I remember the lyrics and the intonations of the singers voices. Some I haven't listened to in years. It makes me happy. I get that feeling I had when I was young and anything seemed possible. Its better now since I don't have my mother telling me I can't go out or have those albums.
Its has been great and while I live in this century and am not stuck in the 80s, its fun to visit and I have a huge new list of songs that need to go onto my Ipod. There is nothing like some great music to cheer me up every once in a while.
Its been a trip down memory lane for sure, but not a pining for youth. It just reminded me of the 80s and how all the bands really were trying for something new and differ ant and not something just marketable. I remember at the time a boy in my class yelling at me that none of the punk bands or alternative bands ever won a Grammy, to which I said "No and they wouldn't want one either."
I am glad to be an adult and I don't want to go back to being a teenager, when I couldn't buy beer and go out at night. I have done a lot as an adult and I don't want to go back, I just loved that time in my life and listening to the radio with all these wonderful bands.
It is also fun to see how much I remember the lyrics and the intonations of the singers voices. Some I haven't listened to in years. It makes me happy. I get that feeling I had when I was young and anything seemed possible. Its better now since I don't have my mother telling me I can't go out or have those albums.
Its has been great and while I live in this century and am not stuck in the 80s, its fun to visit and I have a huge new list of songs that need to go onto my Ipod. There is nothing like some great music to cheer me up every once in a while.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Dreaming
There are certain things I dream about, some are my goals for my writing and others are travel dreams.
This week I was once again a guest at a great hotel in Down Town LA. It felt like I was still dreaming as I woke up and was able to enjoy my surroundings. The staff was quite nice and so attentive as I had my breakfast. It was a great buffet and I was sure to have some fresh fruit and yogurt along with my juice and coffee.
The other delight I had was being so close to the LA Library. I had never been there and as a book lover, what better place to be? I could spend years there. They also had a small gift store and I wanted to buy up all the cute things and other books. I could have spent a lot of money there. I had to hold back.
It was not easy to tear myself away from book heaven, but I did. That was only so I could go to another great spot. I hiked up Grand to MOCA. It was getting late, I did not have time to tour the installation. I went to their gift shop and had fun, again holding back from buying huge art books. Not just for the cost but for the weight and not wanting to drag it down the hill to my hotel.
Later I again swam in the pool, the last time the morning before we left. That night I was treated to so sushi at a local hot spot. Again, was I dreaming? All this because my man was working long hours down town and his boss treated us. Still I have to say it was really great for a girl with out a job.
I woke up this morning not in the lap of luxury, but in my own bed. With a list of chores ahead of me, no more dreaming. Still happy from my vacation of sorts, and the few goodies I picked up along the way. Some of my dreams have come true, and I have still grander dreams to keep me going.
This week I was once again a guest at a great hotel in Down Town LA. It felt like I was still dreaming as I woke up and was able to enjoy my surroundings. The staff was quite nice and so attentive as I had my breakfast. It was a great buffet and I was sure to have some fresh fruit and yogurt along with my juice and coffee.
The other delight I had was being so close to the LA Library. I had never been there and as a book lover, what better place to be? I could spend years there. They also had a small gift store and I wanted to buy up all the cute things and other books. I could have spent a lot of money there. I had to hold back.
It was not easy to tear myself away from book heaven, but I did. That was only so I could go to another great spot. I hiked up Grand to MOCA. It was getting late, I did not have time to tour the installation. I went to their gift shop and had fun, again holding back from buying huge art books. Not just for the cost but for the weight and not wanting to drag it down the hill to my hotel.
Later I again swam in the pool, the last time the morning before we left. That night I was treated to so sushi at a local hot spot. Again, was I dreaming? All this because my man was working long hours down town and his boss treated us. Still I have to say it was really great for a girl with out a job.
I woke up this morning not in the lap of luxury, but in my own bed. With a list of chores ahead of me, no more dreaming. Still happy from my vacation of sorts, and the few goodies I picked up along the way. Some of my dreams have come true, and I have still grander dreams to keep me going.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Priceless
In the last two weeks, I have been able to attend a fabulous event and stay in down-town L A.
It has been such a fun time, I didn't know all of this was going to happen a week ago. I have not written on of these blogs in a few weeks, I have been too busy living.
The first event was for a re-naming of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Now it will be known as the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. There will be a new ballet commissioned and a museum permanently installed. It was a great time with free snacks and mulled wine. I was able to see in person Arnold, the ex-Governor and see how short he really is. That was Priceless.
There was also Cartier champagne being served at the after party. I never pass up some free champagne. Later I learned that, that champagne is not sold only given out as gifts to spacial customers and for certain events. It made it so much more memorable! Also, I had a chance to say hello to Mr. Segerstrom and see the official Governor's ring Arnold gave him. It was bigger than the supper bowl ring.
This week, much to our surprise and delight, my man was invited to take part in a event in down town L. A.,. It was last minute and while he will be working hard I was able to enjoy the hotel a bit last night. It was a landmark hotel that I have seen in films and driven past a number of times. This time I was able to stay there. In the evening under the shadows of the finical buildings that loom above the city, I alone swam in the pool. It was as warm as bath water and I swam laps for about a half hour. The lights that dot the skyline and look like stars were closer, and also office buildings. It seemed silly to be having so much fun, while people were working late all around me.
A group of us went to dine at the top floor restaurant. It was a great diner and everything you would expect from this establishment. The rest of the time I will be home and my man will be working hard in down town. A mini-vacation of sorts, at least for me, not for him.
In all I was able to check off three more items of my list, stay at a hotel in down town LA, and I did want it to be this one. I have always wanted to eat at their top floor restaurant. To swim in the pool of one of these hotels was on the list as well. The cost is mostly being paied by my mans work, the rest, three items in one day....Priceless.
It has been such a fun time, I didn't know all of this was going to happen a week ago. I have not written on of these blogs in a few weeks, I have been too busy living.
The first event was for a re-naming of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Now it will be known as the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. There will be a new ballet commissioned and a museum permanently installed. It was a great time with free snacks and mulled wine. I was able to see in person Arnold, the ex-Governor and see how short he really is. That was Priceless.
There was also Cartier champagne being served at the after party. I never pass up some free champagne. Later I learned that, that champagne is not sold only given out as gifts to spacial customers and for certain events. It made it so much more memorable! Also, I had a chance to say hello to Mr. Segerstrom and see the official Governor's ring Arnold gave him. It was bigger than the supper bowl ring.
This week, much to our surprise and delight, my man was invited to take part in a event in down town L. A.,. It was last minute and while he will be working hard I was able to enjoy the hotel a bit last night. It was a landmark hotel that I have seen in films and driven past a number of times. This time I was able to stay there. In the evening under the shadows of the finical buildings that loom above the city, I alone swam in the pool. It was as warm as bath water and I swam laps for about a half hour. The lights that dot the skyline and look like stars were closer, and also office buildings. It seemed silly to be having so much fun, while people were working late all around me.
A group of us went to dine at the top floor restaurant. It was a great diner and everything you would expect from this establishment. The rest of the time I will be home and my man will be working hard in down town. A mini-vacation of sorts, at least for me, not for him.
In all I was able to check off three more items of my list, stay at a hotel in down town LA, and I did want it to be this one. I have always wanted to eat at their top floor restaurant. To swim in the pool of one of these hotels was on the list as well. The cost is mostly being paied by my mans work, the rest, three items in one day....Priceless.
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