Marco? Polo! I'm Still Here.

Hi everyone! I feel like I've been M.I.A. for a bit and I guess, to a certain extent I have, but with good reason!

Not too long ago I mentioned accepting a job in downtown Orlando and everything I had to do and everywhere I had to go before that started. Update time!

Last weekend I went to New Jersey to pick the majority of my work clothes (which pretty much means most of my pants, jeans and dresses) as well as a good number of my shoes and most of my winter clothes. I've been without a good portion of my wardrobe it almost feels new to me! I won't complain though. A "new" wardrobe at no cost at all...heyyy! Anyways, while I was in New Jersey, I was quickly reminded of how cold the north can get in the winter (and this winter is far worst than it was when I lived there)! I was there for three days and my hands are still dry and recovering, regardless of how much lotion I used to protect them. Clearly, I'm made for a warmer climate.

This past weekend, my parents and I drove to Orlando to apartment hunt. Let me just preface this right now with, "I'm not crazy about apartment hunting." I guess, it's due to the fact that nothing is perfect and I feel like wherever you rest your head and recharge your batteries should be real close to perfect. At the same time, figuring out the numbers with rent and how far you're willing to live in order to find cheaper rent is not that easy for me. All the numbers just start to blur together and I was never good at numbers.

Anyways, with all of that in mind, I've found the place that I'd like to recharge my batteries after a days work. Now, comes the part where I wait for the renter to get back with me. This is like interviewing for a job and waiting to hear back. I never had too much patience (I would discretely unwrap presents and put them back together again before Christmas), but I have no choice...the ball isn't in my court anymore. Hopefully, I'll hear back soon and I won't have to fear being homeless in Orlando. I'll make sure to update all of you as things progress!

Happy Monday!

Sincerely,

Cybill

The Road Ahead

There is a tide in the affairs of my life, ladies and gentlemen! And I'm taking it at the flood in hopes for good fortune. In short, this girl was offered a position with a PR agency in Orlando and I'm on the move.

In the next few weeks, I have a good bit of traveling, packing and moving to get done. To start things off, I have to fly to New Jersey to collect my clothes. (Quick back story on that one. When I flew home from NJ, I didn't check any bags and limited myself to a carry on. I left all of my winter clothes, jeans, a few blouses, shoes, etc.)

After a trip to New Jersey, I'll drive up to Orlando to apartment hunt. I have a few friends in Orlando that have been kind enough to let me bother them with a million and one questions. And can I just say, why is finding an apartment so difficult?! While I lived in an apartment in college, I didn't do much apartment hunting. My friends/roommates, Kallie & Carling hunted and landed our apartment while Colleen and I were in London. (Thank God for those two!) But now that I'm doing this on my own...it's not only not as much fun, it's a bit stressful. Finding, visiting and setting the budget is also overwhelming for this girl who is awful with numbers. (During a few occasions, I have been known to cry while trying to figure out my math homework.)

I'll take all of the nerves though. I mean, this is what I wanted, right? This is the Kefi Spirit I've been channeling since we rang in the new year. This is change and this is good. Scary, but good. But knowing me, I'll be scared (or maybe I should say nervous...yes, I'll be more nervous) about all of it until just before it happens. Then, for ten seconds that come out of no where, I'll be courageous. I'll think I'm bigger than I am and BAM! It'll all be second nature.

Sincerely,

Cybill

Que Sera Sera

There is something to be said about going away and coming back home. It's probably why millions of people do it every day and the novelty will never wear off. There's the renewed appreciation for the familiar. They way your bed fits, just right. The fine balance of your pillows, not too soft, not to sturdy. The comforting smell, that not matter how old you are or where life takes you, the smallest hint of it and you know, home. 

There's also the small and unexplainable way your spirit just comes back rejuvenated. Indescribable, but undeniable. A part of you longs for the foreign adventure, but it's hard to fulling ignore the ease of breathing at home. The way the familiar surroundings break down the stiffness built in your spine. The knowing, where things are and where they belong, including yourself.

In the realm of careers, I'm still trying to find where I belong. Today, I welcomed the week with another Skype interview. It was the same company I spoke with a few weeks ago, but this time around, I didn't wear pajama pants, I wore gym shorts. Am I confident about it? Yes...and no. I'm confident in my answers and in myself, but I'm not confident in their feelings about me. Does that make sense? Ultimately, they weren't easy to read, but hakuna matata, right? I made it to another round. If this were American Idol, I'd have better chances at some air time. Oh well, I'll hope for the best and in regard to the rest, que sera sera, whatever will be, will be... (You have to love that rejuvenated kefi spirit!)


Sincerely,

Cybill

I Wore Pajama Pants to a Job Interview

Pajama party with T. Swift

Ladies and gentlemen! Children of all ages! Anyone who reads this blog! A precedent has been broken. Actually, two precedents have been broken. This week, I not only wore pajama pants to a job interview (yes, you read that correctly, pajama pants), I'm also telling you (and have told) more than one person about said interview.

Now, before you start to reprimand me about my poor choice in attire, I should probably clarify that this job interview was done via Skype. (Do you feel better now?) I mean, I was dressed properly from my waist up, however, that didn't seem to matter all to much as well, considering I left my hair down and it covered my outfit. Regardless, it felt nice wearing pajama pants! (Holla to the Skype interview!)

In regard to the other precedent, well, let's just say I normally keep job interviews to myself. For the most part, I keep the whole job hunt under tight lips and it's all for selfish reasons. I don't like telling people about the job hunt, because I don't like telling them if things didn't work out. It almost feels like I'm telling them I've failed, and that is not fun, in any way, whatsoever.

This go around, however, was very different. A good number of my close friends knew about the Skype interview. It was nice having my close friends know about the interview. I got more "Good Luck" text messages and who doesn't like to know that people care about you? Anyways, it'll be a few weeks until I can update those friends and all of you with whether or not I'll be moving forward to the next stage of the interview process. Fingers crossed something positive will materialize from this.

Now, onto helping Vassi along with her "relationship" with E. Remind me to tell you all about that! Happy Friday!

Sincerely,

Cybill 

Bite Me

Disregarding the fact that it's the holiday season and joy should be the default emotion, I'm sulking and I don't care what you really think.

Chalk it up to whatever reason you can muster, but facts are facts and some things in life just suck. Finding out you have a flat tire when you need to get somewhere can be an example. Folding laundry is another. We all have them. Our "hate" list. Whether or not your list includes people is a different story, and my list isn't of that sort.

In efforts for full disclosure, I'm particularly peeved in regard to the job hunt. The job hunt is an unfortunate fact of life. You need money — if you boil things down to logistics, maybe you can get by without it — and you need a job to earn money. Landing a job usually requires applying to jobs. All facts understood. However, it doesn't make the process any less unpleasant.

Let me map out my thought process for you.

I am the type to research an agency, company or what have you, prior to sending an application. Research is a must, as you want to make sure you "click." As I was structured to be optimistic — a blessing and a curse — I find myself excited about joining a team. However, that isn't always the case.

After crafting an application consisting of a resume and doting cover letter, I wait. And wait. And wait. As cruel reality would have it, I don't here back. Yes, there is the standard, "Thank you for your application. We will review it carefully and contact you if you meet our qualifications," reply. There is also nothing. No confirmation. No salute to your efforts. No recognition of existence. To that, I say, BITE ME!

I've discussed this predicament with friends on multiple occasions. The feelings of frustration is present regardless of whether or not I hear anything, but which situation is worse? Receiving the "You're extremely talented, but we've selected another candidate that better suits our needs," email or nothing at all?

Whether or not you're asking me, I'm going to give you my opinion and I'll say, hearing nothing is a fate more cruel. On behalf of all applicants — specifically myself — we'd like some recognition of our efforts, despite how feeble you may consider our skills or attempts. Have some humanity...or some simple consideration for our time and efforts.

...okay, my disgruntled rant is over.

Sincerely,

Cybill

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