SOCIAL MEDIA

7.28.2014

Life // Catching Up

^^ 3 brothers looking peacefully at the sunset on our evening walk ^^
^^ Living that young, fun aunt life ^^
^^ S'mores in our patio chiminea! Made with PB cups instead of milk chocolate! ^^
^^ Doing touristy things like riding a cable car. Also, having 3/4 sisters together is quite rare for us! ^^
^^ Special aunt-nephew time with the eldest... And Marly too! ^^
^^ This boy's 1st birthday! Also, he is loving the sushi set we got him in Japan ^^
^^ And you know, this guy. Always. ^^

So it seems that things have been a little quiet here lately.... I finally realized that I could just tell y'all what's up with my life and why this month has been a bit slow. Because, like, isn't that what a blog is for?

Alright, so, we all know by now that this summer has been a tough one. My job plans haven't worked out like I had hoped, our house has in the process of being put up for sale, I pretty much just hung out at home for the entire month of June, I've been running out of money, I have no idea what I'm doing etc.

Well, in the past couple weeks it has become apparent that it is time to figure all this crap out. We cleaned/organized the house, put it up for sale, showed it for a few weeks, and now it is sold and officially in escrow. WOW. We have to be out by August 22nd, which means that I need to find a new place to live in the expensive land that is the Bay Area. Where am I going to live you ask? NO IDEA. I've been scouring Craigslist (where else do you find rooms for rent?) and wracking my brain to think of someone I know that has a (pet-friendly) room that can be my new oasis or is looking to rent a place with an awesome 20-year-old gal (you know, me). Oh, and I've also been figuring out how my dad and I are going to work together as a team to make this all financially happen. Not to mention that this will be my first time living on my own.

Additionally, I've also been trying to figure things out in the way of a job. I love being a nanny, and let's face it, the pay is outstanding. There is nothing else that I can do at my age that will pay me as much as nannying does. And, hello, set schedule! I always hated not knowing if I could make weekend plans when I worked in retail. It was awful. So, I've been working with a nanny agency for a little guidance and they have actually been wonderful, enough so that I think I may have (hopefully) scored a great position. I need to see how that all plays out, but I am hopeful that things are turning around in that area.

Oh, I should also mention that last week I started working as a hostess at a Japanese barbecue restaurant. I know, very different than nannying! I needed something to do for the time being since I have things like bills to pay, and I figured why not try something new. I was feeling quite lost the first day, but I'm starting to get into the swing of things. My training is over this week and I will start working on my own, which I am actually a little scared for. Being a hostess is actually kind of stressful! A lot of pressure since people don't like being told they have to wait to eat and there's a lot to juggle in the planning of tables. There's more to it than I would have thought! It is likely that I will quit once I get my fall schedule nailed down (that is if I have enough nannying hours to support myself), but for now it is bearable.

Last week my super awesome sister was visiting from San Diego with her husband and three boys. I had a great time hanging out with them and have been pretty busy ever since they left! Working at the restaurant, doing an interview and trial work with a nanny family, and looking for a new place to live has sucked up most of my free time, hence the quietness around here. I've also been told by several people that I need to start packing. They all think I am avoiding it, which maybe I am. It is just difficult to pack up all my stuff into boxes when I don't know what my next step is. It is a bit unsettling, really. Plus, I guess I just don't think it will take me that long, but they have all assured me otherwise... I promise to stop avoiding it soon though!

Right now I am currently sitting at Starbucks having one of my first coffee dates with myself in a while. I need to be working on a project that I need to present this week for my communication class (did I mention that I took an incomplete in that class because I went to Japan? The professor wouldn't pass me because I missed too many days, so now I am just making up a few hours of class and presenting my final project! Really actually a blessing to not have had to deal with it along with catching up with my other classes after getting back from Japan. Also, kind of funny that he is the only professor that had a problem with me being gone for two weeks, but I digress....). BUT, of course, I got a little distracted with all the other things I need to do to sort out my life (see above paragraphs) and thought that this would be the perfect time to update y'all on what's happening over here.

SO ANYWAY, now that I have typed out enough with my little fingers, I must go. Have no fear, though, I shall be back soon with things that I typically like to talk about. Speaking of that, is there anything you would like to see around here? Something I'm somehow an expert about that you'd like me to post about? In need of a little inspiration! And maybe someone else to spruce up my design. I love doing it myself, but you know, a fresh set of eyes is always, well, refreshing.

Have a lovely week, my friends! <3


Jess said...

Don't worry, the perfect place will turn up at the perfect time!


xx
Liz

Jess said...

Life has a way of always working out

Jess said...

It sounds like you've had a lot of things to juggle so totally makes sense that there would be some absence from the internet. I hope everything works out with the nanny job. I used to nanny and I do think the pay is great! I have debated going back myself, since finding work in my field of degree seems to be difficult at this point. I also wish you the best with moving, cause that is a whole ordeal on its own!

Jess said...

I haven't had a coffee date with myself in awhile. Indefinitely could use one to organize so,eh thoughts of my own. Selling a house, job stuff, finances stuff can be very stressful but luckily you ARE blessed with a great family and boyfriend. You can get through this!

Jess said...

I had a coffee date with myself today too, it was lovely.
p.s. you have this prego droooooooling over the chiminea + Reeses s'mores.
For reals.

So serious question: and no pressure, given what you just announced - and your new found busy-ness, but I am for realz going to be in Sacramento on the 6th of august, through potentially the 15/16th. I'm unfortunately booked on the weekends though, I have a wedding Saturday, and a bridal shower Sunday. But other than those days, if I make the drive to SF would you have any free time to meet up and grab coffee, or froyo or something?

It could be cool to chat and re-inspire one another in person, say over coffee or iced chai?
eh? eh?
Let me know.

Jess said...

hear, hear. I need one every week to keep myself organized.

Jess said...

I've nominated you for a Liebster award! Check it out @ sincerelyalaska.blogspot.com


xo

Jess said...

Good luck with your job Jess! And I am sure you'll find a home.


Alex - Funky Jungle

Jess said...

I am SO jealous. Our house has been on the market for 6 months and still no bites. We just fired our realtor and are in the process of finding a new one. I'm so tired of house showings. Tell me your secrets!!

Jess said...

I'm sure everything will work out for you pretty soon, Jess! Sending you some good-luck thoughts! Don't forget to take care of yourself in the middle of being very busy, I always forget and then feel overwhelmed. Coffee dates with yourself count ;-) Good luck with the jobs and the new place search!

Jess said...

Looks like you had a ton of fun. totally jealous you guys at SMORES!! YUM!

Jess said...

What a fun time you had with family! I love smores with peanut butter cups. Get in my belly!

Jess said...

Love the pics 9it looks like you had so much fun. Coffee dates are the perfect 'exhale' moment!

Jess said...

I'm hoping so! Things are starting to look up, so that's good! Thanks for stopping by :)

Jess said...

Yes, this is true! I usually try not to worry about things since they usually do work out in their own time.

Jess said...

Awww that's so sweet! Thanks girl!

Jess said...

Thank you Alex! Yes, I hope so!

Jess said...

Coffee dates are just so wonderful. Yeah, Reeses are a total s'mores game changer!


Yes, yes, YES! Just tell me when I and I will make it work! Totally not passing up the opportunity to have a coffee date with you. So excited :)

Jess said...

Woah, I'm so sorry! I was annoyed having to keep it clean for the 3ish weeks we showed it, so I can't imagine dealing with that process for 6 months. Unfortunately I don't really have any secrets haha we just made sure to have the house as de-cluttered as we could and to keep it spotless! House stuff is tough. I hope things work out better for you guys with a new realtor!

Jess said...

Thanks Katie! I've got a few leads and it seems that things are starting to come together, so fingers crossed! Great advice--I usually forget that too! Any excuse for a coffee date with myself ;)

Jess said...

Yeah, coffee dates are the best way for me to focus and get things in order! True, true girl. Good to remember how blessed I am!

Jess said...

I love the idea of a weekly coffee date! I should definitely adopt that into my life...

Jess said...

Thanks Fatima! I totally agree! Definitely important to take that time for yourself :)

Jess said...

They were seriously so delicious! Definitely feel pretty lucky to have a fire place on our patio to make them whenever we want :)

Jess said...

It was definitely nice to spend some quality time with my family, and s'mores were a delicious perk! I hadn't tried them with PB cups, but I don't think I'm going back! Thanks for stopping by :)

Jess said...

Thanks for your understanding! Yeah, nannying is totally great! The only thing that isn't so great is always having it as a safety net, so I sometimes feel that I don't push myself to do other things since I can make better money as a nanny. You know what I mean? It will be good for me to experience other things too! Good luck to you with your own job hunt! Going back to nannying may be a good idea while you think about your options :) Thank you! Moving is definitely stressful, but I'm hoping things will miraculously be easy this time haha.

Jess said...

Girl, if you are serious - I am more than serious.
What days do you work around there?
I am free that thursday the 7th, or monday or tuesday of the next week. (14th and 15th) Do any of those days have a spare hour or two?

Jess said...

Yes! The 7th would be perfect!! Gosh, I am so excited!

Jess said...

I could die.