Positioning Yourself for a Promotion

Who doesn't want a promotion?! Unless you've reached your career goal, and your comfortable where you are professionally - a promotion probably doesn't sound too bad.

I just started reading a book given to me by a fellow colleague. The book is called: "Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't and Why: 10 Things You'd Better Do If You Want To Get Ahead." Although I just started reading it, I can truly say this book has some gems. Some of the content is common sense, while other parts are thought provoking and challenges you to change current practices in order to position yourself  for "the next level."

Regardless of your current work situation, if you're a motivated and determined individual - you will find the contents in this book helpful. So as I make my way through the chapters I'll share bits and pieces with you...in hopes that you'll get something out of it to!

Chapter 1: Timing is as Important as Performance or Talent

"...Have a nose for change, place yourself in front of that change, [be] ready to capitalize on it & contribute to the organization's response to that change."  

"There are plenty of employees who make great soldiers implementing someone else's plans.

But the people who advance quickly bring ideas & can create plans."

"The biggest mistake employees make is to think that promotions are based on past

performance. It's not about what you've already done - but what you can do next!"

Think about it: Are you avoiding learning something that you need to know to make it to the next level?

xoxo 

Char

What's on Your Christmas List?

In the search to find the perfect gifts for family and friends, I usually stumble on a lot of few things I'd like for myself. Before I knew it, I had created my very own Christmas wishlist. Here are some of my favorite things...

Gucci Guilty: Women's Fragrance

House of Harlow Natalia Leopard Boots

Rockett St. George

Zara Metallic Blazer

Etsy

Deen + Gray - Bows & Baubles

xoxo
Char

Niner Nation!

Live in the moment!

Deck the Halls!

Heyyy! Your girl is back in action! I finally received my new laptop and I've been smiling ever since! What's even better is that the holiday season is in full swing. I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of food, family and friends. It's safe to say I ate my weight in food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and now I'm steady trying to run it off!

But now, it's time for Christmas, and that means it's time to decorate!!!! Decorating for the holidays can get costly, so here are a few affordable ways to bring some holiday cheer into the home without breaking the bank!

First up, is this neutral snowball wreath by the ladies over at Two Junk Chix.  I especially love this because it's different from the usual garland wreaths you see everyday, and it seems fairly easy to make. Click on the link above for more information and how to make your own.

Two Junk Chix

Want to hang ornaments but don't have a tree? Try hanging them from the ceiling (with ribbon or invisible string) at various levels. Home Goods has a great array of ornaments - or you can just make your own...Design Sponge has a great tutorial.

Southern Living via Apartment Therapy

I usually like to have some kind of decorations on my table. My table isn't that big, so I need something that's small but still screams "It's Christmas!!!"  Good Housekeeping's idea of spray painting pinecones is the perfect idea. These... will be on my table. 

Fine Cones from Good Housekeeping

Happy decorating!

- Char

Just...My...Luck...

Hey Everyone,

So recently, after two months of ownership, my laptop decided it didn't want to work anymore and consequently crashed (more like died) over the weekend.

I've lost EVERYTHING! I'm talking music, pictures, TONS of notes, research and school work. So yea, I'm devastated. I took it to the GeekSquad at Best Buy and they said there was nothing they could do.

My computer has been shipped back to the manufacturer and I should be getting a new one in 2-3 weeks...which is basically forever. Since I don't have a reliable computer around, I won't be blogging until my new laptop arrives. Sucks. Till then... xoxo - Char

In Search for the Perfect Pair

Levi's Curve ID

Why is it so hard to find the "perfect" pair of jeans? I mean, I'm seriously starting to think that "the perfect jean" is actually a myth. They either fit too tight, have a gap in the back, give you a pancake butt, show your crack when you sit or just all together look a mess!

I must admit, once upon a time I did find a nice pair of jeans. I found them years ago at Armani Exchange and bought 3 pairs. I still have two, but they're on their way out. You're probably thinking, "Well, Char just go back and buy them again." No can do. Why? because they've traded my tried and true "plain" jean style for ones that look like they were bedazzled by a 5th grader and splashed with a bucket of bleach. No bueno.

Jeans for days...

So, my boyfriend and I headed to San Francisco -  he had suggested I try Levi's jeans because they started something called "Your Curve ID". Basically, someone measures you and suggests an appropriate "Curve ID" (Slight Curve, Demi Curve, Bold Curve or Supreme Curve)

based on your measurements. 

I took the Curve ID quiz online and found my ID to be "Demi Curve," which matched my measurements done in-store by an associate. Only problem...the Demi jeans didn't fit…

Nothing Fit...

I proceeded to try on the Bold and Supreme Curve jeans. The Bold was too tight in the hip/thighs and the Supreme was too loose. I tried various sizes in each category with no luck. Apparently, Levi's doesn't carry the "Charlene Curve."

Although the customer services was amazing, trying on over 10 pairs of jeans will exhaust anyone. So, the search continues…

Trials Come to Make Us Stronger!

At my job we have a big red "easy" button sitting on the receptionist desk, like the ones from the Staples commercials. When you push the button it says "That was easy!" As you might have guessed, that button doesn't get pushed very often. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it's collecting dust... because most of the tests we face every day, don't warrant a press of the "Easy button."

"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." ~Mother Teresa

Last week's Daily Word talked about how trials are the common threads that unite us all, mainly because we all go through them. I believe these tests serve many purposes that usually amount to making us stronger and wiser individuals. Naturally, it's usually hard to understand this while were in midst of a situation; but, if we stick it out and take the time to reflect on the experience in an objective way, we'll usually realize that we are most likely better for it!

Excerpt from the Daily Word: "Trials"

1. Trials come in various categories: They're physical, emotional, financial, and relational; it's not a one-size fits-all deal. Some are shocking and some are dawn out; some play out in public and some take place in you own private hell. Some are do to you own, or other people's mistakes, while others have nothing whatsoever to do with human shortcomings.

2. Trials test our faith: They bring us back to basics and remind us where our priorities should lie and what we truly believe. Trials force us back to the bedrock of faith upon which our foundation rests.

3. Trials mature us: When we're suffering there's a tendency to try to look for the quick way out. Don't do that. Trials are designed to make us "complete" By letting them do their work, you end up stronger!

"Sometimes I think my life would make a great TV movie. It even has the part where they say, "Stand by. We are experiencing temporary difficulties." ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

(Picture source)

'Cause a Girl's Gotta Eat: Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Potatoes

Every day you learn something new, and yesterday I learned that just because the package says "Ready to Eat," does not necessarily mean it's "ready to eat" (and FYI, in my mind "ready to eat" means it's cooked). Anyways, I had picked up a ready to eat package of smoked salmon...annnd yea. Not my thing. Needless to say I was sick after, and thus decided I needed to cook  my own food when I got home...enough for lunch and dinner!

So, with that I bring to you the quick fix of the week: Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Potatoes! This has to be one of my favorites from McCormick's Recipe Inspirations. Why? Because it's super fast! You literally just plop the spices in the bowl, mix, coat the chicken & potatoes and bake. The End.

Besides what comes in the "box"... you need chicken thighs, red potatoes, olive oil  and salt....

Mix all the spices (including the olive oil and salt) in a bowl. After you've sliced & diced the

 potatoes (in fours), coat the potatoes and chicken with the mixture and pop it in the oven...

And Ta da! Dinner is served!

P.S. This is was the "Ready to Eat" salmon I had yesterday for lunch...umm yea.

Another Day, Another Dollar...

Happy Tuesday

The Power of Being Still

These past two weeks have been pretty hectic and heavy, so I apologize for the lack of posts. With homework, work deadlines and the passing of a family member, it was hard enough just trying to keep a smile on my face and push through the days. But we've all have those moments, right? When things around you are moving so fast, your stressed out and it seems as though your fighting your hardest not to get swallowed up by your current circumstances? So what is one to do when this happens? My first instinct was to get out of the house, hang with friends, and (for a minute) forget about what's going on. But that didn't happen, and consequently I found something that worked better: being still.

While getting out to let loose and "clear your mind" is great, sometimes the best remedy is as simples as turning off the phone, computer and TV and just being still. How often do we really get the chance to do that? There's always going to be emails to check, phone calls to answer, text messages to respond to and a new life challenge waiting for you; but how often do we put all that on PAUSE and really decompress? I admittedly don't, and it usually just adds to whatever insanity I'm dealing with at the moment. So this little trick worked wonders for me. Just for those few minutes everything stopped and I was able to breathe, collect my thoughts, and reflect on the circumstances I could change and ask God to give me the strength for the ones I could not.

Give it a try, and don't be like me and wait till all hell breaks loose either...that tends to be the hardest time to "be still".

 

God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer. ~Mother Teresa

Charlene, You’re Not in Undergrad Anymore…

First of all, as I write this post I’m pretty sure there are a million other things I’m supposed to be doing. Like what you ask? Oh I don’t know…like writing a case analysis on the 1998 homeless population in Seattle or studying for a test on Aristotle’s virtue ethics theory. But I’m not. Instead I’m “taking a break” to inform you that this graduate school thing, just got real & it’s nothing like undergrad.

I’m thoroughly convinced that the minute I walked across that stage to accept my diploma and graduate from San Jose State Univ. all my mental and physical stamina in regards to surviving the stress of school went OUT the window. I really don’t know how I survived undergrad juggling (many) late night parties    <--, long hours at work, waking up early to go to various internships and carrying a full class load?! I was INSANE…but I survived.  Fast forward to now and I’m struggling to keep my eyes open past 10:00PM… forget partying late nights and trying to go to work… it ain’t happenin’.

Just a few months ago, I envied my friends that were already in graduate school. I used to tell them “You’re so lucky; I can’t wait to be in school again like you!” Their response was something like “Oh girl, believe me…you won’t be saying that when you get in.” They were right. I’m in my first semester of school and it is testing my patience, concentration and ability to obtain knowledge. Graduate school is no joke. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy I’m in my program and I LOVE the curriculum (Thank God)! Cause if I didn't …honey, this would this be a serious uphill battle.

But like they always say “Nothing worth having comes easy.” So to all my fellow grad students:  all the many papers, insane amounts of reading & late night study groups ( accompanied by the coffee/energy drink runs)  will all be worth it when we get to walk across that stage, chalk-full with more knowledge than we started with and ready to once again embark on a new path into our respective fields of interest.

But right now…..for me......that day is two years away, and my current source of satisfaction lies in completing this case analysis and passing my ethics test tomorrow. So until next week …Enjoy the weekend!!

Steve Jobs: An Innovator & Leader

2/24/1955 - 10/5/2011

We lost an amazingly talented individual this week, Steve Jobs (co-founder, chairman & CEO of Apple, Inc.). What a gift to society he was. Steve Jobs was an innovator, a leader, a thinker, and an inspiration to all. His works and talents will never be forgotten! In his honor...my favorite quote of his:

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Steve Jobs

Enjoy the Weekend!

Not only is it payday (heyyy!)...it's FRIDAY!! If you don't already have plans for the weekend, check out these:

For my Sacramento peeps: It's that time of year again, and I hope your ready for the 20th Annual SAMMIES Block Party & Awards Show!! If you're in the mood for live music, a beer garden and tons of local performances...this might be the place for you!

WHAT: SN&R 20th Annual SAMMIES Block Party & Awards Show

WHEN: Saturday, October 1st   5-10PM

WHERE: 20th St. in Midtown (Between J&K Streets)

COST: Free
ADDITIONAL INFO: http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/2011_sammies/event

For my Bay Area peeps: If you're into beer, then head on over to Oktoberfest By The Bay. Celebrating in true Munich fashion - there will be nonstop music, singing, dancing and tons of the very best German food and drink!

WHAT: Oktoberfest by the Bay
WHEN: Friday, September 30 - Sunday, October 2
WHERE: Pier 48 (San Francisco)
COST: $25- $65
ADDITIONAL INFO: http://www.oktoberfestbythebay.com/

According to the weatherman, next week will bring cooler temps and possibly RAIN! So enjoy what could be our last weekend of the lingering summer-like weather.

What Matters...

"I once said, 'There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy.

 Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.'"

~Sent to me by my dad...who stole it from someone on Facebook <3

My Battle Against Ants...

I really didn't want to write about this, but these little monsters have shown their faces one too many times for me not to!


ANTS. These insects are by far the most annoying insects in history of life!! AND they have the impeccable knack of showing up at the worst of times! Such as, when you come home from a long day of work to see that they have completely taken over your dog’s food bowl (lovely), or when you wake up in the morning to take a shower and see that the “scouter ants” have beat you to it, and are now aimlessly crawling around your shower in circles (perfect)! Since I've experienced both of these situations (among others) in the past week, I’m currently beyond irritated.

Source

Although, I've managed to get the dog food situation under control, I’m still trying to figure out how to keep these things at bay when there’s NO reason for them to be around in the first place!
I thought my prayers were answered when I bought the Raid Max Bug Barrier you know, the product that claims to create a barrier that keeps bugs out for 12 MONTHS!? Well, according to the ratings and reviews on this product it has worked for some…but sadly not for me.

So, I bounced over to ApartmentTherapy and found that while other people have been fighting a losing battle with these things, some actually succeeded and graciously shared their weapons of choice. I think I’m going to try the Terro Borax, since its pet friendly, and let you know how it works.

As the weather changes…how do you plan on keeping these little critters in their own habitat (aka not your house)?

'Cause a Girl's Gotta Eat

Some people love to cook. They find cooking relaxing and therapeutic. I unfortunately, am not one of those people. I cook for two main reasons: 1. I'm always hungry and 2. If I don't eat, I'll starve. The only solution.... to cook.

Although I'm not married, and I don't have any kids It's still hard for me to find time to cook (Please don't roll your eyes...single people can be busy too!) And since I don't want to constantly spend money eating out, I had to find a solution.

Introducing *que drum roll* McCormick's Recipe Inspirations!! They're fairly healthy, tasty and fast (i.e. 1hr or less). McCormick's Recipe Inspirations include most of the ingredients (seasonings) and usually takes about 30min to cook (including prep time). So I took a stab at their Chicken Marsala recipe...

It was super simple and didn't take too long either!

Following the directions, I mixed all the dry ingredients in a small bowl...

Cooked the chicken in a little bit of butter & extra virgin olive oil...

Added mushrooms & cooked the sauce with a splash of Marsala Cooking Wine...

(Looks suspect...but tastes great)

And there you have it...the finished product!

BON APPÉTIT!

Do What You Love, Love What You Do

The saying "do what you love, love what you do" has been on my mind ever since I read it in my Daily Word. I posted bits of this excerpt on Twitter last week, but because I'm aware that I'm not doing what I love... I've decided to dedicate a post to it.

Now, before I go any further let me be clear that I am BEYOND thankful for my current job. My job has allowed me to meet amazing people, develop new skills and live a life of self-sufficiency. But it's not going to be my last job in life, I'm 26 and I have a lot of life to live.

Source

I've always believed that everyone has a God-given passion inside of them, but very few of us are brave enough to pursue it. Why? I don't know, maybe its fear of failure or lack of support from those around us, but I personally think none of that matters. Whatever vision or passion that's inside you, is for you only - some people just won't get it. So I challenge all of you to pursue your passions, at least give it a try. We only have one life to live... let's make it count.

Below is an excerpt from my Daily Word: "Do What You Love, Love What You Do"

Successful people allow their God-given passion and talent to guide them in life. They have a single focus and an undivided heart. God doesn't create you to be talented in an area, then ask you to give yourself to some unrelated area. There's always a potential alignment of talent and passion, if you have the courage to pursue you life's purpose and take risks. Po Bronson, author of What Should I Do With My Life? writes: "I'm convinced that business success in the future starts with the question, 'What should I do with my life?' Yes, that's right...people don't succeed by migrating to a 'hot' industry or by adopting a particular career-guiding mantra. they thrive by focusing on the question of who they really are-and connecting to work they truly love (and, in doing, unleashing a productive and creative power they never imagined)."

The Do-Over: Whatcha Wanna Do?!

THE DO-OVER - SF STYLE

The Do-Over finally made it's way to NorCal, San Francisco to be exact, and it did not disappoint! For those unfamiliar with the Sunday party just imagine a neighborhood block party packed with just about anyone and everybody. The Bay Area definitely showed out for the native Los Angeles party with over 4,000 people expected! Unfortunately, the Phoenix Hotel could only hold 500, which left many partygoers stuck in a line that wrapped around two blocks under the surprisingly hot Frisco sun.

Determined not to be one of those stuck in "the line with no end" I started my trek to the Do-Over early Sunday morning catching the BART from Fremont at 11:17am. Made it to SF, met up with a couple of friends, and suggested we walk to the Phoenix Hotel…seeing that it was only a couple blocks away.

What I didn't know, was that we would be walking a couple blocks in the Tenderloin District…I've clearly made better choices in life. BUT in my defense Google Maps did NOT show what we experienced on our little Sunday stroll. After seeing a quick drug deal go down and being offered the "special" (don't ask) we made it to the Phoenix Hotel safely and ready to party...

Once inside, we took shots under a sign that read "BE AMAZING", danced to the hip-hop and soul thumping through the speakers, made some new friends, caught up with some old and made memories to last a lifetime. Over all, the Do-Over was quite an experience…one that I'm ready to do allll over again…

Photos taken by yours truly <3

Oversized Bunnies and Floating Bodies

Source: Apartmenttherapy.com

Ok, let’s be honest – how amazing would it be to see oversized gigantic art at random? I don’t know about you, but I’d love it. I’m such a huge fan of unconventional or urban art, and these “guerrilla styled” works of art are right down my ally.

I found this post on Apartment Therapy (one of my all-time favorite websites for design and decor inspiration) where they highlighted “20 Creative Works of Art”. Obviously, I find some more appealing than others - but each piece is interesting and amusing in it's own way. As long as i don't run into a gigantic ant...I'm alllll good.

Source: Apartmenttherapy.com

Bounce over to Apartment Therapy to read the whole article and see the other works of art!

The Summer of 2011

The seasons are changing and Fall is right around the corner. Although we probably won't see the 85-90* weather fade 'till October, department stores already have their shelves chalk-full of Fall decor and Starbucks is offering their infamous Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

So regardless of the weather, I'm already in a Fall state of mind! This naturally prompted me to reflect on my summer and relive it's greatest moments. What were some of your favorite memories from summer?

Wine tasting in Santa Barbara

Soaking up the Miami sun

Enjoying the San Diego sunset

Roasting marshmallows on the beach

Making great memories with great people under the Vegas lights