After much waiting & anticipating these past few weeks, I am finally welcomed by San Francisco. I can't wait to get started on my itinerary!
I have arrived after much sitting with two seats to myself as the plane wasn't full and the asian lady who was suppose to sit beside me, moved infront of me thinking that she get two seats to herself by the emergency doors, but her plan backfired, because another lady came late and sat beside her. As I was waiting for my auntie to pick me up, I enjoyed my very first American purchase, a matcha green tea freddo with whip cream from Peet's Coffee & Tea.
Yum.
Catch ya later.
P.S. Going through US customs is quite different, you have to take off your shoes when getting a security check and the customs officer asked me detailed questions regarding why I'm going to San Fran, as if I was going to be a terroist. He even asked me about the tea I got for my auntie as declared on my declaration card... Oh well, at least I'm here. =)
To Adoria: HELLO Twenty!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Vice Versa
My title can pretty much sum up what I have learned to realize about our God, well at least in my case. I've come to grasp that God loves to do the opposite of my personal desires.
Take my employment history for example, the very first job I got was working in an industry I didn't want to work in, in fear that I would always be eating due to the perks of being employed, yes, the food industry. Ironically, out of all the places I applied, only a cafe` called back and being fifteen, I was overjoyed to be considered and have the chance for an interview (and even got hired during my interview), let alone struggle with the idea of handling food and cleaning and frequently eating etc. A year after, I quit because I felt God telling me to move on, so after a while I started job hunting, and guess what, my next job was ALSO in the food industry, but this time, I had only applied for cafes' and such as my resume was lacking in experience, so any job is better than no job. As much as I had wanted to work at Three Bananas Cafe when I started, three months after, I dreaded it because I had to work Sunday afternoons, and due to church and school commitments (I was in grade twelve) I resigned.
This brings me to my most recent employments. Last year, I applied absolutely everywhere. I really wanted to find a job in the retail industry as it would be applicable to what I'm studying in school. I never ever wanted to be a cashier because it be so tiring and boring to stand for hours, scanning items after items. I didn't even want to apply at Shoppers, but my friend did, so I followed. Yet, God did just the opposite of what I wanted, I got a call from Shoppers Drug Mart, and got hired during my interview again. I really disliked this job from day one, but I stucked with it, and ended up staying there over a year. It so happens that the day I got hired, I had got phone calls from actual RETAIL stores that night. I was in a huge debate, I still remember wrestling with all these opportunities in my head and I ended up turning down interviews that might not be a success? Why take the chance when I'm already hired and am getting paid a satisfactory salary? I didn't know what God had in mind, and I couldn't make up a decision, but looking back, I see shoppers as a stepping stone, so I guess it wasn't that bad of a job now that I reflect on it.
After quitting shoppers and finishing my three week spring course, I was extremely motivated and deteremined to find a job before I leave for my trip. I wanted a job that was definitely in the fashion industry because I yearned for retail experience, I wanted to work with an older age group, not teenagers or tweens, more like moms or working ladies who had disposable income, I wanted to be able to dress up and not wear a crappy uniform that got holes in it after the first wash and most of all, I wanted it to be location friendly: convenient and close because I didn't want to waste time bussing for an hour when I could've been working during the duration of my transportation.
Okay, so despite having a confident interview at H&M after being called the day after I had applied online, God didn't give me that job. I was very disappointed.I ended up landing a job pretty much during my next interview. This job met all the requirements that I had in mind, and more, the department manager is so nice and so flexible with my schedule and would allow me to get off earlier on weeknights, acknowledging that I live in the North side. So the only problem was obviously the location, nothing is ever perfect. So I took the job, but once I took the job, I got calls, calls from CLOSER and MORE convenient retailers, I got calls more and more frequently, opportunities that would possibly cut my travel time by more than half. I was flusterred these past few days because I'm already indecisive enough, so why did God give me a job that met my criteria, and yet, kept opening these doors, potentially better? I wouldn't have known the result of these jobs, but after inquiring friends and family, I stucked with the job I got during my second interview. Most of all, I reflected back on my experience regarding the day I got hired by Shoppers and how what I was going through, seemed to be repeating history.
Though I complain the distance is far, in reality, its not that bad, just a tad farther than my trip to school everyday. I don't know what card God is playing or what he is going to teach me through this current employment opportunity, but I'm already seeing signs. I met a young lady whose a Christian, and another today whose Catholic and its just a bonus to be working with others of the same faith. There's also another girl whose the same age as me and in my program (and I thought my program was small enough to know everyone-guess not). He's also providing, and despite getting off work late, I managed to make the train in the nick of time and only in God's timing would I bump into a friend who happened to get off school early and be able to hitch a ride (thankYOU!).
I can't read God, but he can read me, so I am sticking to blind faith. God has never let me down, and dissecting previous incidents, I recognize His work in my life and how a piece from a few months ago and a piece from now can fall together so wonderfully-only through Him can such be done, so I know this time won't be any different. I should stop 'what ifs' in my head. Jeremiah 29:11
Life must be lived forwards, but it can only be understood backwards
P.S. I work at The Bay Southgate: Ladies Footwear
P.S.S. This post wasn't all that interesting (actually, it may have even been LONG & boring), but if you made it to here, thanks for listening to my semi resume!
Take my employment history for example, the very first job I got was working in an industry I didn't want to work in, in fear that I would always be eating due to the perks of being employed, yes, the food industry. Ironically, out of all the places I applied, only a cafe` called back and being fifteen, I was overjoyed to be considered and have the chance for an interview (and even got hired during my interview), let alone struggle with the idea of handling food and cleaning and frequently eating etc. A year after, I quit because I felt God telling me to move on, so after a while I started job hunting, and guess what, my next job was ALSO in the food industry, but this time, I had only applied for cafes' and such as my resume was lacking in experience, so any job is better than no job. As much as I had wanted to work at Three Bananas Cafe when I started, three months after, I dreaded it because I had to work Sunday afternoons, and due to church and school commitments (I was in grade twelve) I resigned.
This brings me to my most recent employments. Last year, I applied absolutely everywhere. I really wanted to find a job in the retail industry as it would be applicable to what I'm studying in school. I never ever wanted to be a cashier because it be so tiring and boring to stand for hours, scanning items after items. I didn't even want to apply at Shoppers, but my friend did, so I followed. Yet, God did just the opposite of what I wanted, I got a call from Shoppers Drug Mart, and got hired during my interview again. I really disliked this job from day one, but I stucked with it, and ended up staying there over a year. It so happens that the day I got hired, I had got phone calls from actual RETAIL stores that night. I was in a huge debate, I still remember wrestling with all these opportunities in my head and I ended up turning down interviews that might not be a success? Why take the chance when I'm already hired and am getting paid a satisfactory salary? I didn't know what God had in mind, and I couldn't make up a decision, but looking back, I see shoppers as a stepping stone, so I guess it wasn't that bad of a job now that I reflect on it.
After quitting shoppers and finishing my three week spring course, I was extremely motivated and deteremined to find a job before I leave for my trip. I wanted a job that was definitely in the fashion industry because I yearned for retail experience, I wanted to work with an older age group, not teenagers or tweens, more like moms or working ladies who had disposable income, I wanted to be able to dress up and not wear a crappy uniform that got holes in it after the first wash and most of all, I wanted it to be location friendly: convenient and close because I didn't want to waste time bussing for an hour when I could've been working during the duration of my transportation.
Okay, so despite having a confident interview at H&M after being called the day after I had applied online, God didn't give me that job. I was very disappointed.I ended up landing a job pretty much during my next interview. This job met all the requirements that I had in mind, and more, the department manager is so nice and so flexible with my schedule and would allow me to get off earlier on weeknights, acknowledging that I live in the North side. So the only problem was obviously the location, nothing is ever perfect. So I took the job, but once I took the job, I got calls, calls from CLOSER and MORE convenient retailers, I got calls more and more frequently, opportunities that would possibly cut my travel time by more than half. I was flusterred these past few days because I'm already indecisive enough, so why did God give me a job that met my criteria, and yet, kept opening these doors, potentially better? I wouldn't have known the result of these jobs, but after inquiring friends and family, I stucked with the job I got during my second interview. Most of all, I reflected back on my experience regarding the day I got hired by Shoppers and how what I was going through, seemed to be repeating history.
Though I complain the distance is far, in reality, its not that bad, just a tad farther than my trip to school everyday. I don't know what card God is playing or what he is going to teach me through this current employment opportunity, but I'm already seeing signs. I met a young lady whose a Christian, and another today whose Catholic and its just a bonus to be working with others of the same faith. There's also another girl whose the same age as me and in my program (and I thought my program was small enough to know everyone-guess not). He's also providing, and despite getting off work late, I managed to make the train in the nick of time and only in God's timing would I bump into a friend who happened to get off school early and be able to hitch a ride (thankYOU!).
I can't read God, but he can read me, so I am sticking to blind faith. God has never let me down, and dissecting previous incidents, I recognize His work in my life and how a piece from a few months ago and a piece from now can fall together so wonderfully-only through Him can such be done, so I know this time won't be any different. I should stop 'what ifs' in my head. Jeremiah 29:11
Life must be lived forwards, but it can only be understood backwards
P.S. I work at The Bay Southgate: Ladies Footwear
P.S.S. This post wasn't all that interesting (actually, it may have even been LONG & boring), but if you made it to here, thanks for listening to my semi resume!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Maturation
Earlier this week an interesting conversation arised in my textile design class. One of my friends was ranting about how this older student (25 ish in her other design class), during a critqiue that, there wasn't much good stuff to say about her design, basically she was indirectly telling her design sucked. So we just started talking about how some students who take a break from school and come back when they're older, often think they are more knowledgable or 'better' than students going into University straight from highschool.
As we were talking about this, this student at another table was overhearing our conversation and she spoke up. FYI, she was in one of my group projects during the winter term so I guess we were not technically friends, more like well known acquaintances/classmates sort of thing. Oh yea, she does look older so my friends and I always assumed her of being older even though she is in our year.
Her: "Wait, you can't mean you guys all came to uni straight from highschool right...?"
My friend: "Yea, we did"
Her: "Even you Sarah?"
Me: "Yea, I did come to uni straight from highschool"
Her: "So, your twenty-one? (she sounded confident that I was)"
My friend: "No... she's not even twenty"
Her: "Really? (in disbelief), I thought you were at least a few years older than that, wow"
The convo ceased after she gave us a brief journey of her on and off plans after highschool, making my friends and I correct in our assumption that she is at least 25 or older.
I was pretty curious in why she thought I be older age wise, I mean every time I did talked to her, it be based on school-related topics or our group project so I never really opened up about my personal life to her. I kept pondering and wondering so I thought, why not just ask her?, no harm in that. The next day I was in class early and she was too so I decided to ask.
Me: "Hey, I'm just wondering why you thought I was older yesterday, just out of curiosity"
Her: (probably thought I was offended) "Well, you don't look old or anything, but just the way you talk and everything made me justify that you were at least a few years older than you are"
Me: "Oh, really, I don't usually get that, I usually get younger if people see me and my brothers since my brothers are taller and look more older haha"
Her: "Well it's because sometimes when I talk to students coming straight from highschool they sound immature, not knowing what they are doing or else they are wasting time and money and you really sense it by just talking to them"
Me: "Oh yea, I know what you mean, sometimes people just jump into the university pool due to parental or peer pressure"
Her: "And when I talk to you, you don't sound like your shelter from a lot of things like those other students," going on to say how I present myself as mature and am independent etc...
So? I don't know, I just felt flattered afterwards. I feel like there's many sides to myself. Sometimes I can get wacky and laughy daffy, but hearing this from her made me feel assured of something, perhaps where I'm heading in my post secondary route or even my direction in life. I'm glad I can have this side to me that I never really acknowledged. I always knew I'm a pretty independent and DIY kind of person but having someone share that with me was pretty sweet.
Guess I'll just have to enjoy these last few months of being a mature 'teen'
Miss Independent
As we were talking about this, this student at another table was overhearing our conversation and she spoke up. FYI, she was in one of my group projects during the winter term so I guess we were not technically friends, more like well known acquaintances/classmates sort of thing. Oh yea, she does look older so my friends and I always assumed her of being older even though she is in our year.
Her: "Wait, you can't mean you guys all came to uni straight from highschool right...?"
My friend: "Yea, we did"
Her: "Even you Sarah?"
Me: "Yea, I did come to uni straight from highschool"
Her: "So, your twenty-one? (she sounded confident that I was)"
My friend: "No... she's not even twenty"
Her: "Really? (in disbelief), I thought you were at least a few years older than that, wow"
The convo ceased after she gave us a brief journey of her on and off plans after highschool, making my friends and I correct in our assumption that she is at least 25 or older.
I was pretty curious in why she thought I be older age wise, I mean every time I did talked to her, it be based on school-related topics or our group project so I never really opened up about my personal life to her. I kept pondering and wondering so I thought, why not just ask her?, no harm in that. The next day I was in class early and she was too so I decided to ask.
Me: "Hey, I'm just wondering why you thought I was older yesterday, just out of curiosity"
Her: (probably thought I was offended) "Well, you don't look old or anything, but just the way you talk and everything made me justify that you were at least a few years older than you are"
Me: "Oh, really, I don't usually get that, I usually get younger if people see me and my brothers since my brothers are taller and look more older haha"
Her: "Well it's because sometimes when I talk to students coming straight from highschool they sound immature, not knowing what they are doing or else they are wasting time and money and you really sense it by just talking to them"
Me: "Oh yea, I know what you mean, sometimes people just jump into the university pool due to parental or peer pressure"
Her: "And when I talk to you, you don't sound like your shelter from a lot of things like those other students," going on to say how I present myself as mature and am independent etc...
So? I don't know, I just felt flattered afterwards. I feel like there's many sides to myself. Sometimes I can get wacky and laughy daffy, but hearing this from her made me feel assured of something, perhaps where I'm heading in my post secondary route or even my direction in life. I'm glad I can have this side to me that I never really acknowledged. I always knew I'm a pretty independent and DIY kind of person but having someone share that with me was pretty sweet.
Guess I'll just have to enjoy these last few months of being a mature 'teen'
Miss Independent
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Follow the Leader
"To be Christ-like, you must do what Christ did"
This was mentioned in the sermon I was at today. The topic was "Who do You Follow?" and since a baptism followed, the pastor talked about the importance and significance of who we look to as a guide, a mentor, a leader. Though the message was pretty straigh forward, I got reminded of Who and What I was following, Why I was following, When and Where do I follow and How do I follow this person? The answer is simple Jesus. Jesus Christ. The Messiah. Prince of Peace. God. There are many names and titles for this person, but they all lead to the same reason and principles for me as a follower.
I went to seac for their service and baptism today. It was a nice change to be away from neac. Not saying that my usual church is bad or anything, but its just nice to take in a new atmosphere, see new faces, reunite old ones, experience a fresh church service- a breath of fresh air. It was enjoyable just being there and I want to "church hop" more often this summer and see how other churches operate, for lack of a better term. It was even fun not knowing what to expect as I sat there anticipating for the start of a meaningful service.
If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything
This was mentioned in the sermon I was at today. The topic was "Who do You Follow?" and since a baptism followed, the pastor talked about the importance and significance of who we look to as a guide, a mentor, a leader. Though the message was pretty straigh forward, I got reminded of Who and What I was following, Why I was following, When and Where do I follow and How do I follow this person? The answer is simple Jesus. Jesus Christ. The Messiah. Prince of Peace. God. There are many names and titles for this person, but they all lead to the same reason and principles for me as a follower.
I went to seac for their service and baptism today. It was a nice change to be away from neac. Not saying that my usual church is bad or anything, but its just nice to take in a new atmosphere, see new faces, reunite old ones, experience a fresh church service- a breath of fresh air. It was enjoyable just being there and I want to "church hop" more often this summer and see how other churches operate, for lack of a better term. It was even fun not knowing what to expect as I sat there anticipating for the start of a meaningful service.
If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything
Friday, June 3, 2011
Last Day
Today was my last day at work. Last Day. Now that I think of it, it sounds pretty empty.
There's something with quitting a job, though this is my third time doing so, there's still something to it that isn't very satisfying. Everytime I made up my mind to end a job, I want to cease it as quick as possible without even giving my two weeks notice. But, that's not professional and its more than likely that I made up my mind to quit, thus, I wanted to leave as quick as a could; why bother staying that extra two weeks? Every resignation seems to follow a similar pattern.
When I quit my last two jobs, both my employers were
1. surprized
2. didn't want me to go
3. most likely give me the job again if I wanted it back
This time around, pretty much all three of those things occurred. My assistant manager actually was like "oh, really? awwh..." (in a disappointed way)when I gave her my letter and asked if I had found a new job with which I replied with an unfortunate "no." The week after, it seemed like the word had gotten around to the others and my other assistant manager and coworker both asked me why I was leaving or if school was getting too busy. To the latter question, I found it ironic, school was actually not busy, in fact, it was even ending soon. Why was I quitting then?
Though I only shared a part of my personal reason with them for my resignation, that being that I wanted to gain experience working in a work environment more applicable to what I'm studying, Textile and Clothing, there was something more to it. I felt like my work was becoming meaningless. I was doing repetitive work week after week and I wasn't getting anywhere with it except for a slight change in my bank account. I know it wasn't very smart for me to quit before finding a new job, but since I'm going to San Fran a week after my last day, it seemed suitable for me to hand in my letter exactly two weeks ago. After much debate, I did what I had to do.
Yet, leaving seems to be emotionally tragic. Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't have quit, but I know it was only right, and I put my trust in God that He will have better jobs in store for me sooner or later. Just something about the relationships you make with people, even if its just casual conversations shared at work or the act of working together without any conversation at all. Its a defining moment of my work experience. I've come to realized that departing with anyone in whatever situation is a sad one. Well, what is done is done, I'm looking forward to future opportunities out there.
Waiting also sucks, but I really hope to get a call back from them.
There's something with quitting a job, though this is my third time doing so, there's still something to it that isn't very satisfying. Everytime I made up my mind to end a job, I want to cease it as quick as possible without even giving my two weeks notice. But, that's not professional and its more than likely that I made up my mind to quit, thus, I wanted to leave as quick as a could; why bother staying that extra two weeks? Every resignation seems to follow a similar pattern.
When I quit my last two jobs, both my employers were
1. surprized
2. didn't want me to go
3. most likely give me the job again if I wanted it back
This time around, pretty much all three of those things occurred. My assistant manager actually was like "oh, really? awwh..." (in a disappointed way)when I gave her my letter and asked if I had found a new job with which I replied with an unfortunate "no." The week after, it seemed like the word had gotten around to the others and my other assistant manager and coworker both asked me why I was leaving or if school was getting too busy. To the latter question, I found it ironic, school was actually not busy, in fact, it was even ending soon. Why was I quitting then?
Though I only shared a part of my personal reason with them for my resignation, that being that I wanted to gain experience working in a work environment more applicable to what I'm studying, Textile and Clothing, there was something more to it. I felt like my work was becoming meaningless. I was doing repetitive work week after week and I wasn't getting anywhere with it except for a slight change in my bank account. I know it wasn't very smart for me to quit before finding a new job, but since I'm going to San Fran a week after my last day, it seemed suitable for me to hand in my letter exactly two weeks ago. After much debate, I did what I had to do.
Yet, leaving seems to be emotionally tragic. Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't have quit, but I know it was only right, and I put my trust in God that He will have better jobs in store for me sooner or later. Just something about the relationships you make with people, even if its just casual conversations shared at work or the act of working together without any conversation at all. Its a defining moment of my work experience. I've come to realized that departing with anyone in whatever situation is a sad one. Well, what is done is done, I'm looking forward to future opportunities out there.
Waiting also sucks, but I really hope to get a call back from them.
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