I have 3 blogs now. Isn't that insane? I use my Tumblr for mostly reblogs and inspiration photos, my choufleurdowntown blog to post "interesting" photos of my life and work, and this one to complain. I figure it would be easier to just close this one and privatize my personal posts on my other blog but I've already accumulated so many entries on this one. Only like, 4 people know of this and I don't think ANYONE reads this so I'm good.
So...life so far...
After one wonderful year in Downtown Los Angeles, Max and I are moving to Pasadena. Max has been suffering a 1hr Metro commute to Pasadena to attend school, on top of suffering the stinky homeless population in downtown, the traffic, and the additional $70 he has to pay for off-site parking, and the additional monthly fee for the Metro. Me, well, I've been daydreaming, taking in the architecture, strolling, enjoying the neighborhood's growth, the abundance of bars and restaurants, and my 4 block walk to work. It's only fair that we make this move so Max's life can be a little easier.
Max is currently in Tblisi, Georgia to train the army over there. Perfect timing. I've pretty much packed up the entirety of the loft BY MYSELF on top of dealing with moving out procedures and acquiring a new place in Pasadena. Things (knock on wood) are starting to fall into place. We signed a contract with our landlord that allowed them to show our unit to prospective renters while we're still living here, and if someone decided they wanted to rent our unit during that time, we would get a $200 bonus. The leasing agent showed my unit to 3 different parties in one day (and apologized each time for intruding) and someone has already decided to rent! It seemed like none of the parties lingered in my apartment for more than 2 minutes. On top of that, the landlord of the apartments in Pasadena we like just emailed me to say that there should be a unit available on August 6th. Our last day here in Downtown is August 12th. That gives us enough overlap time to move apartments without having to pay so much pro-rated rent for the new place.
Geez, since the last time I blogged, I hadn't even moved to Downtown yet...I don't think. From October 2010 to April 2011 I worked for this children's formal wear website and it was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. A ghetto/tiny start-up and I was making $10/hr without taxes taken out from my paychecks. It was hardly sustainable and I dipped into my savings from my summer job in order to make rent. My boss was crazy and I don't know how I put up with her. She made me cry more than once! It was frustrating because she was so mean and I could care less about the work. Like Francis once told me, "Minimum wage, minimum effort." It was a difficult job and it definitely opened my eyes to the truly awful side of the fashion industry. It also made me comfortable dealing with unhappy customers.
I peaced out in April to work for Macy's Special Productions for 6 weeks in San Francisco. This was a completely bittersweet experience. I got to go back home, which meant I left Max in LA. I was making bank and having so much fun styling for a fashion show, but then it was only a 6 week job. I seriously felt overpaid. We would wander around Macy's, picking clothes for the show and hanging out/taking long lunches. It was essentially a final product based job. If that job could last forever, I could actually afford to LIVE in San Francisco.
In May I came back down to LA and was unemployed for a month. I took the time to relax from the nightmare that was my children's formal wear job. I did pretty well with my fitness during that time. For weeks I actually enjoyed lazying around, working out, and lazying some more in the apartment.
June to the present...I'm working as a hostess for a fast-paced restaurant. I'm making really good money but my hours are crazy. Split shifts mean I don't stay at work for extended periods of time, but I mostly have to stay home and revolve my entire day around the shorter shifts and returning back to work. It's impossible to get my shifts covered because there is only 1 other host and I don't have a real weekend anymore. Tuesday is my only full day off. Thursday I only work 2 hours. It sucks, but the money is good.
A music video I styled for is releasing tomorrow! Check Corridor Digital on Youtube.
I'm sort of in talks with the line producer for this low budget indie film as a costume/wardrobe assistant. I know I'm completely capable, but I don't really have anything to show for it. I need to build a portfolio or website ASAP.
I've also got another gig with Macy's for their Glamorama fashion show in September. That'll be a nice break.
Listing all this stuff looks like I've accomplished a lot but I feel like crap. I really want to get back to school. At first I wanted to pursue a bio degree and go to med school but now I'm thinking nursing. I can't ask my parents for anymore money since I did fashion school. My lofty dreams of med school will put me in further debt. Nursing sounds more financially attainable. I was on a roll with signing up for city college and getting the governor's grant to cover my classes and then...all the classes are full. I probably won't be able to sign up for anything until winter semester.
My dad also invited me to go to Thailand with him in November to volunteer for Operation Smile, you know, the kids with cleft palates and stuff. It sounds like fun. I figure that since I have no solid commitments to school or work for the time being, I might as well experience something great.
Til next time...
7/22/11
7/31/10
Two More Weeks!
I just had half a glass of cheap Riesling; after finishing, I realized that I nonchalantly grabbed the bottle from the fridge, poured myself a glass, enjoyed it...all while being 2.5 weeks away from the age of 21...OOPS. I also have 1.5 hrs left of battery life on my laptop so here goes.
So, as...2 of you may have heard, I was laid off from work. It was a strange experience because my feelings were all sorts of jumbled up. In order I was mostly mad, relieved, didn'tgiveafuck and sad. Our new project manager came into the office 2 Wednesdays ago, introduced himself, and talked to us 1-on-1. Notes of the things he said to me and my nonverbal, italicized rebuttals:
-It's not about you and your work; your work is great.
-How would you know, you don't even know how the studio works and you don't know anything about fashion. You're Indian and wearing jeans with studded cowboy boots.
-We just have to cut back on our budget just as the company we're doing this project with is cutting back.
-What about the _ _ million dollars that was invested in our company? What about the contract that company signed with ours to do that project?
-We also took seniority into account when it came to who to let go.
-You stupid bitch, I've been here the longest (out of the people that have the same job position). I've probably been here longer than you, AND I know I do the BEST work out of everyone.
***
I didn't cry, which is good. I have turned into an emotional wreck on many occasions and I also cry when I'm extremely angry with authority but there was definitely no crying this time. I really hated getting laid off by a complete stranger, but at the same time, I knew I wanted to leave...just 2 paychecks later. I know for a fact I was laid off because I MENTIONED I was planning to move to LA in August. On the other hand, I really wanted to quit first instead of getting laid off because I NEVER get to settle things, I usually become lazy, passive, or I just let others walk all over me.
Anyways, I left the ex-workplace right after the bomb was dropped, didn't really say goodbye to anyone...my supervisor looked at me with a sadface and mouthed "sorry..." then turned back to her computer.
LISTEN TO THIS: Work people are not your friends. They're just work people.
I drove back to my mom's work, ordered a Turkey Bacon Avocado on sourdough with a root beer and fries, bought a suitcase from TJMaxx, then got picked up by my boyfriend and his stepdad and headed to Roseville. I had a lovely post-layoff weekend in Roseville. Got 2 Droid X's, watched the midnight showing of Inception, went to the state fair...really lovely.
Saturday night we drove back to Union City and I told my mom I was planning to go down to LA with Max to look at apartments. And at this very moment, the night 8 months after I tell her I'm planning on moving into an apartment with my boyfriend, she says no. So we talk. And I cry, because she says lots of stupid, irrational things and I want to scream stupid, irrational, MEAN things but I can't. Max did quite a bit of speaking for me which was much appreciated and endearing, but I was sorta proud for the things I said on my part. It basically came down to a few things; Mom's points and me and Max's responses in italic:
1.) Thai/Asian society: A girl shouldn't live with a boy unless they're married.
Thai/Asian society doesn't need to know. If they find out it's only because you (Mom) tell them. Also, it's best for couples to live together before they decide to get married because then you know you're domestically compatible.
2.) If you move out, you won't be covered in our health insurance.
I didn't have the facts up from, but through CalHealth.net I could be covered for $80-$150 a month plus there are free clinics.
Mostly, my mom was fine with me not having health insurance...as long as I was living with a girl. Me and Max will be taking care of each other. He is my driving force. It's not like I'm going to move to LA for fun; I will find work. In the end, my mom was/is not okay with it...it came down to my dad getting home from work, being a part of the conversation for 30 minutes plus awkward silence, then, "Mom, you just gotta let her go." PS, My dad had recently purchased a motorcycle, an action which my mom has expressed infinite angry disapproval of, so he is on my side even though I didn't know about the bike in the first place!
So, off to LA we go!
I can't believe I spent an entire week in Irvine/Los Angeles. A mix of watching the Avatar series, watching his friends play video games, me playing PC games and getting frustrated, swimming at the pool, looking at apartments, helping Max apply for classes at Pasadena.
We finally got an apartment! We must've looked at 8-10 places and although the place we got isn't perfect, I love it so much and we'll make it perfect.
Also, apparently I have good credit because I got my credit checked for our Droids and the apartment.
Anyways, I caught a flight back to SF and my parents cancelled my car insurance because they thought that me spending this week in LA looking for apartments was me actually moving to LA for good. On the flip side, I got back my job as a subclerk for 2 weeks; they actually want me for an additional month which I can't do. But here's the thing, I'm so thankful to be working for the next 2 weeks because Max is doing training in Utah and this job provides me good income and something to occupy me for 2 weeks. The real thing was that the office had been wanting people for a while and that led me to realize that I had a FAST, bomb ass time in Socal for an entire week!
I wish I could work at the office longer but I want to move to LA so bad. I've been applying for jobs as the come up and only got one follow up so far. I've been selling some of my belongings...my mannequin, for $40, my beach cruiser for $100, my sofa chair for $60. All things I COULD'VE made more money off of...I got soooo many replies. I have a mirror and a reprint of an Emile Bellet work which will be hard to sell, but in Irvine I have an unworn Betsey Johnson dress and the tag said $350. I also have $194 in coins I need to turn in to cash.
Things are moving so fast. Next Friday (8/6) I get my braces off, the following Monday (8/9) I get 2 of my wisdom teeth out and Max officially gets done with training in Utah, and I'm supposed to be heading to LA the Wednesday (8/11) after. On top of that, my last check from my ex-company wasn't even signed so I sent it back, ugh. Then on top of that, working with the school district also means I won't get paid til the end of the month. Events are coming by so fast and my money is moving fast.
I already put down the first month's rent on the apartment, my wisdom teeth extraction will be financed with no interest for 6 months, I have to pay for our first month's bill on the Droids which is due the same day as the next check for the apartment. Then, on Monday, August 16th, AKA MY 21ST BIRTHDAY!!! We're flying to New Orleans. I already paid for the hotel a month ago so it's happening. For real. Even if it means skipping breakfast, eating a cheap lunch and a non-extravagant dinner and no shopping involved, IT IS HAPPENING. Yes, I'm financially fucked after August...not really, but I want to have fun.
Since April when Max left for his first training, life has been pretty sucky. Both of us have been working up to this point, getting the phones and the apartment and finally being together. I really want this last hoorah in New Orleans before I officially start my career. I also hope my face isn't too swollen when I go to New Orleans. Lots of meds and icing for the pain and massaging my cheeks to move the blood.
Oh God! And then! I'm going to Europe with my friend for 10 days!!! The trip is paid for but I have to pay for her plane ticket which hopefully doesn't go over $500. That means I'll be sitting in economy with her. Haha.
I hope my money lasts!
I will have to be super stiff with my money, but I imagine that a lot of college/high school grads that have gone world traveling did so on far less money than what I have. Let's hope so! Wish me luck please!
So, as...2 of you may have heard, I was laid off from work. It was a strange experience because my feelings were all sorts of jumbled up. In order I was mostly mad, relieved, didn'tgiveafuck and sad. Our new project manager came into the office 2 Wednesdays ago, introduced himself, and talked to us 1-on-1. Notes of the things he said to me and my nonverbal, italicized rebuttals:
-It's not about you and your work; your work is great.
-How would you know, you don't even know how the studio works and you don't know anything about fashion. You're Indian and wearing jeans with studded cowboy boots.
-We just have to cut back on our budget just as the company we're doing this project with is cutting back.
-What about the _ _ million dollars that was invested in our company? What about the contract that company signed with ours to do that project?
-We also took seniority into account when it came to who to let go.
-You stupid bitch, I've been here the longest (out of the people that have the same job position). I've probably been here longer than you, AND I know I do the BEST work out of everyone.
***
I didn't cry, which is good. I have turned into an emotional wreck on many occasions and I also cry when I'm extremely angry with authority but there was definitely no crying this time. I really hated getting laid off by a complete stranger, but at the same time, I knew I wanted to leave...just 2 paychecks later. I know for a fact I was laid off because I MENTIONED I was planning to move to LA in August. On the other hand, I really wanted to quit first instead of getting laid off because I NEVER get to settle things, I usually become lazy, passive, or I just let others walk all over me.
Anyways, I left the ex-workplace right after the bomb was dropped, didn't really say goodbye to anyone...my supervisor looked at me with a sadface and mouthed "sorry..." then turned back to her computer.
LISTEN TO THIS: Work people are not your friends. They're just work people.
I drove back to my mom's work, ordered a Turkey Bacon Avocado on sourdough with a root beer and fries, bought a suitcase from TJMaxx, then got picked up by my boyfriend and his stepdad and headed to Roseville. I had a lovely post-layoff weekend in Roseville. Got 2 Droid X's, watched the midnight showing of Inception, went to the state fair...really lovely.
Saturday night we drove back to Union City and I told my mom I was planning to go down to LA with Max to look at apartments. And at this very moment, the night 8 months after I tell her I'm planning on moving into an apartment with my boyfriend, she says no. So we talk. And I cry, because she says lots of stupid, irrational things and I want to scream stupid, irrational, MEAN things but I can't. Max did quite a bit of speaking for me which was much appreciated and endearing, but I was sorta proud for the things I said on my part. It basically came down to a few things; Mom's points and me and Max's responses in italic:
1.) Thai/Asian society: A girl shouldn't live with a boy unless they're married.
Thai/Asian society doesn't need to know. If they find out it's only because you (Mom) tell them. Also, it's best for couples to live together before they decide to get married because then you know you're domestically compatible.
2.) If you move out, you won't be covered in our health insurance.
I didn't have the facts up from, but through CalHealth.net I could be covered for $80-$150 a month plus there are free clinics.
Mostly, my mom was fine with me not having health insurance...as long as I was living with a girl. Me and Max will be taking care of each other. He is my driving force. It's not like I'm going to move to LA for fun; I will find work. In the end, my mom was/is not okay with it...it came down to my dad getting home from work, being a part of the conversation for 30 minutes plus awkward silence, then, "Mom, you just gotta let her go." PS, My dad had recently purchased a motorcycle, an action which my mom has expressed infinite angry disapproval of, so he is on my side even though I didn't know about the bike in the first place!
So, off to LA we go!
I can't believe I spent an entire week in Irvine/Los Angeles. A mix of watching the Avatar series, watching his friends play video games, me playing PC games and getting frustrated, swimming at the pool, looking at apartments, helping Max apply for classes at Pasadena.
We finally got an apartment! We must've looked at 8-10 places and although the place we got isn't perfect, I love it so much and we'll make it perfect.
Also, apparently I have good credit because I got my credit checked for our Droids and the apartment.
Anyways, I caught a flight back to SF and my parents cancelled my car insurance because they thought that me spending this week in LA looking for apartments was me actually moving to LA for good. On the flip side, I got back my job as a subclerk for 2 weeks; they actually want me for an additional month which I can't do. But here's the thing, I'm so thankful to be working for the next 2 weeks because Max is doing training in Utah and this job provides me good income and something to occupy me for 2 weeks. The real thing was that the office had been wanting people for a while and that led me to realize that I had a FAST, bomb ass time in Socal for an entire week!
I wish I could work at the office longer but I want to move to LA so bad. I've been applying for jobs as the come up and only got one follow up so far. I've been selling some of my belongings...my mannequin, for $40, my beach cruiser for $100, my sofa chair for $60. All things I COULD'VE made more money off of...I got soooo many replies. I have a mirror and a reprint of an Emile Bellet work which will be hard to sell, but in Irvine I have an unworn Betsey Johnson dress and the tag said $350. I also have $194 in coins I need to turn in to cash.
Things are moving so fast. Next Friday (8/6) I get my braces off, the following Monday (8/9) I get 2 of my wisdom teeth out and Max officially gets done with training in Utah, and I'm supposed to be heading to LA the Wednesday (8/11) after. On top of that, my last check from my ex-company wasn't even signed so I sent it back, ugh. Then on top of that, working with the school district also means I won't get paid til the end of the month. Events are coming by so fast and my money is moving fast.
I already put down the first month's rent on the apartment, my wisdom teeth extraction will be financed with no interest for 6 months, I have to pay for our first month's bill on the Droids which is due the same day as the next check for the apartment. Then, on Monday, August 16th, AKA MY 21ST BIRTHDAY!!! We're flying to New Orleans. I already paid for the hotel a month ago so it's happening. For real. Even if it means skipping breakfast, eating a cheap lunch and a non-extravagant dinner and no shopping involved, IT IS HAPPENING. Yes, I'm financially fucked after August...not really, but I want to have fun.
Since April when Max left for his first training, life has been pretty sucky. Both of us have been working up to this point, getting the phones and the apartment and finally being together. I really want this last hoorah in New Orleans before I officially start my career. I also hope my face isn't too swollen when I go to New Orleans. Lots of meds and icing for the pain and massaging my cheeks to move the blood.
Oh God! And then! I'm going to Europe with my friend for 10 days!!! The trip is paid for but I have to pay for her plane ticket which hopefully doesn't go over $500. That means I'll be sitting in economy with her. Haha.
I hope my money lasts!
I will have to be super stiff with my money, but I imagine that a lot of college/high school grads that have gone world traveling did so on far less money than what I have. Let's hope so! Wish me luck please!
7/26/10
6/30/10
"The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death! What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch, you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating...and you finish off as an orgasm."
-George Carlin, one of JLHS's finest music teachers.
-George Carlin, one of JLHS's finest music teachers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)