The Job Interview-Part 2

Current mood: tired

Well the interview was a... well, the interview went... well, I think I... I don't know if I want the job.

I arrived to the familiar smells of fine roasted espresso beans, and although the environment wasn't warm or cozy, the food and coffee smelled very reassuring. I was told to sit and wait, which I did, and after a short wait, the owner sat down with me.

I was asked a total of two questions in my hour-long interview with one and then the other owner. "What is your favorite espresso drink?" and "what is your favorite part of being a barista?" I answered very cleverly that making perfect foam to top off an incredibly dry cappucino, was my favorite part of being a barista because it was the most rewarding. Then I followed with a soft little joke "or, maybe the smell of the espresso beans (insert sweet chuckle here)."

For the remainder of my interview I sat and smiled sweetly, nodded at appropriate moments, and was adequately impressed as they told me the job requirements, difficulties and told me all about their training in Italy. Apparently they really like my smile-and-nod approach--said I had a nice demeanor--So, if I want the job, I just need to call them or, even better, email them. BUT, it's $6.25 an hour (sure, plus tips, but an extra buck an hour...), no benefits, part-time, and I wouldn't be able to even make espresso drinks for about a month.

I think maybe I'm not ready to drop my standards this far. Then again, some employment is better than none, and there are worse places to work... I just need to make up my mind!

Hmmm. I think maybe this blog is less interesting than others. I'm gonna stop now. Stay tuned for other installments, I'm sure they'll carry much more intrigue.

Cheers.

The Job Interview-Part 1

Current mood: optimistic

Today I have a job interview, and it has only taken me one month to catch the attention of some potential employer. Of course, I've had to lower my standards a bit, to even apply for the job. Naturally three weeks ago, I wasn't applying for anything that would give me less than 30,000 yearly plus benefits.

A month of unemployment however has worn me down, and find myself not only seeking some kind of approval, but running to the comfort of coffee. Although I no longer drink the stuff (gives me a terribly sour tummy), it is without a doubt the kind of work experience I am most familiar with.

That's right, my interview is in a coffee shop, in approximately a half-hour. I've dressed nicely, printed out my resume, and mapped out the shop location. Although the pay is minimal, I'd be thrilled to be hired. There is something inherently satisfying about making coffee anyway. I've always felt that it was an art, and sinfully prided myself in how skillfully my hands crafted perfect mochas and lattes. We'll see how this interview goes. Perhaps, I am over qualified.

Wish me luck.

Climbing, shopping and...

Current mood: nostalgic

Today we joined the rock climbing gym. We're both very out of shape having taken about 6 months to get around to going somewhere to climb. It was frustrating and difficult, but we've already paid for the next three months, so we're going back tomorrow. Matt thinks it's the gym that has set frustrating and difficult routs, but I'm pretty sure that it's us not them. It felt good to squeeze my feet back into my climbing shoes. My fingertips feel kind of funny though. Since it had been so long, my fingernails had grown lengthy and feminine looking. Now fingernails clipped the part that would usually be shielded (and for that reason had gotten kinda squishy) was subjected to all kinds of gritty and grindy surfices.

Following our climb we stopped at the Korean grocery store we had spotted on the way to the gym. It was amazing Everything we ever saw for sale in Korea, was for sale at this store, plus some yummy chinese sauces too. I think we're going to become regular shoppers there. I will finally be able to satisfy this craving for kimchee I haven't been able to shake. Matt made fun of me for asking for something in Korean and then receiving the answer in English. I think if you don't use it you lose it, but I guess not everyone agrees... It's not like my Korean is that good anyway. Truth be told, I was glad she answered in English, because there's a significant chance I would have had no idea what she was saying if she answered in Korean. Now that I think about it, what if she didn't even speak Korean?? Matt's probalby right... Oh well, I enjoyed the rush of blood to my cheeks as I embarassingly asked "kimbap issawyo?"

Looks like we might be going out tonight. I'm in the mood for staying home, so we'll see...

Learning how to find a job

Current mood: satisfied

I spent my day at the Texas work source center taking a class on how to write a resume. It's absolutely fascinating to me that finding a job and putting together an effective resume can be so complicated, so cryptic that others can build their whole carreer around teaching these skills. My resume it turns out is good, however I haven't been called for any interviews yet. There are a few keys to success, perhaps the little tweekings I'm about to embark upon will be the answer and employers will come knocking down my door, eager to talk to me. I have brought my typing speed up to an average of 63wpm and sometimes even 72wpm with no errors. Surely someone will hire me soon. I keep counting my blessings that I'm not broke so that I can leisurely learn how to find the job I want, instead of settling for a survival job at McDonalds. Still, I can't help but miss the ease with which one can find a good paying job in South Korea. Ah well, this is how it is right now. By the end of the week I will be fully prepared to really start job searching. I'll just call the last two weeks a warm up.

I had a rough night

Arguments are draining, and somehow leave me feeling clumsy. I find myself in the state of mind where I'd rather bite my lip then speak my piece...until I try to eat and I am gnawing on the inside of my lip as if I am biting off candy. Unfortunately my lip is tasteless but painful and due to the stifling of emotion the sharp sensation of attempting to devour my own mouth unleashes a trickle, then a flood of tears and accusations.

As the conversation travels through it's course of mapped and unmapped argument territory, my breathing travels a radical course of it's own leaving me light headed. I stub, pull, injure my toe on my own clothing and fall down in a messy heap. I feel low, but not low enough. With my cheek pressing on the rough carpet as I feel sorry for myself I want to get lower, but find the floor to be an unrelenting barrier.

I am over come by the urge to sink my fingers into something. No, it's not enough. I want to sink into dirt, maybe drift slowly to the bottom of deep water. I'm so low inside, I find my depression inspiring and finally sink into my pillow. Argument is like a forced purge. I follow my argument with a "thank god that's out of my system" and brace myself for the reality that tomorrow I will likely by cheerful with a freshly emotionally cleased mind.

Is it being a girl that makes me moody, or is it being me...?

my first blog

Current mood:unemployed........

After living in South Korea for almost two years I find myself now in Texas. Austin is lovely but change is stressful. I dream of Kim Chee.