Re-learning to Juggle while in high heels...and leaving my side kick behind

Wow it's been a long time since my last post!  The last 3 weeks have been a whirlwind.

I started my new job on July 18th as a Marketing Director for a real estate agency and I am loving it!  To me there's nothing better than a good challenge.  Its nice to "stretch" the brain muscles again.

Besides my marketing responsibilities, part of my designated duties are to fix computer, printer, and other various office equipment issues.  By "fix" I mean rebooting, re-installing, changing settings, monitoring LAN and wireless connections, etc.  To be honest, I was a bit intimidated at the thought at first,  but I've done quite an amount of "fixing" and surprised myself as to how much I have absorbed over the years.  I have more of a creative brain - or so I thought - but my synapses start to fire when I get a call about some one's computer issue.  Its like a puzzle, and I adore puzzles - especially crossword puzzles - and use that attitude to approach the issue and master it.

The office staff is a tight knit group and have been very welcoming, helpful and personable. The agents number around 60 or so and initially I am so not good with names.   I have to have a good conversation and eye contact before I can truly recall a name.  Not so easy with so many people with busy schedules flying in and out.  Of course I have a memory like a steel trap for trivial things such as knowing every single word to every single song on my favorite album...and can belt them out at a moment's notice.  Not useful except for self entertainment while driving.



Mom where the heck
have you been all day?

Surprisingly, getting used to getting up, working a full day in an office setting and commuting has not been difficult at all.  The most difficult aspect of re-entering the work force was leaving my favorite co-worker behind.  Once I get home and am met with joyous squeaks, happy yipping, a wagging tail and a little tongue trying to reach me wherever it can; I get "the look."  The look of reproach.  Dash has it mastered.  Look at his little face and tell me you don't feel guilty!

So the groceries, cleaning the house, cooking, lawn care, laundry, etc., etc., etc.  Cram that in during the evenings and weekends - I am so not used to that.  Freelancing gave me the luxury of getting those things done because I didn't have set hours.  As long as everything I committed to was completed,  no problem.  I am lucky to have such a wonderful husband who partners with me to do all these things and he's a huge help.



Nummy treats on a restful
Sunday afternoon.



With all the running around, working and responsibilities, Sundays have been deemed the "leave me alone I want to spend time with my husband and do whatever," and we look forward to our Sundays.  

Of course that Sunday involves "doggie" activities! 

Back to high heels?

After 2.5 years of collecting unemployment, working part time jobs and freelancing in the marketing field, I have a full-time job which begins on July 18.  To say I am excited is putting it lightly.

Wisely I've spent all of my "down time" from work as a learning opportunity, attending webinars on the latest in SEO, social media marketing, and taken a few courses in .html, business ethics, and web based copy writing - all to keep me up to date and ready to hit the ground running.  Marketing strategies are becoming more and more web based and if you miss something you're at a serious disadvantage.

One of the new pairs of  high heels
I bought - love them!

High heels...to me they represent fulfillment of a "dream" for lack of a better word.  I am going to be working - in my industry to boot - and able to add value to my new employer. 

I do feel a bit anxious, but also raring to go.  I can again represent a company I am proud of and earn a paycheck based on my hard work; and contribute more equally to the income flowing into my household.

Yes, I know unemployment is there and was there when I needed it, but I always felt like I was taking a hand out.  I vowed I'd sleep in my car before I would take any further hand outs after my unemployment benefits were exhausted.  Hence my working part time at a coffee cafe', a job similar to what I did as a teenager. I am not too proud nor ever was to do any job it takes to take care of my family.

My husband has been an endless source of support - giving me pep talks during the long job search, sitting quietly in the office with me while I did some of my freelance copy writing, helping around the house.

So I am again dipping the toe of my high heeled shoe back into the marketing waters...and I'm going to love every  minute of it.

Surviving the summer while working from home


 Whew, its hot. As I type this its a scorching 91 degrees outside.

My first thoughts during the summer always roam to a visit to the shoreline, some cold iced tea, a good book, and I never forget the sunscreen.  This all changes when you work from home.

As I said in a previous post, time management is key when you work for yourself.  Nothing is going to get done if you play hooky, put on your bathing suit and run through the sprinkler; there are no co-workers to cover for you. 

Currently I have 2 projects and 1 part-time job so dedication and a good work ethic are in order.  I've always been dedicated and fiercely loyal to my employers so why should that change now that my boss is me?  That's right, it doesn't. 

Dash, my favorite co-worker

However, distractions abound - a puppy that needs attention and taken out for potty breaks, a pile of laundry beckoning me to be washed, planning for dinner, grocery shopping, mowing the lawn, etc., etc, etc.  Maybe I can teach my puppy to type - now that would be a feat and an idea for a business.  And a puppy is a great co-worker.  They are always happy to see you and are awfully cute; and they will work for kibble and a pat on the head.

Work comes first, choosing which particular project needs immediate attention and spreading my time evenly amongst my deadlines.  Plus the added need to track mileage and expenses, send invoices and confirm receipt and follow up to ensure payment.

I've become somewhat of a "hermit" for lack of a better description.  I spend my days inside at my desk, writing, researching, and processing invoices and purchase orders.  My source of outdoors is a window in front of my desk and those puppy potty breaks I mentioned. 

My feedback and employee "review" is knowing the work I've done meets approval and even exceeds expectations.  And that is enough to keep me going and striving to do the best work I can.

So next time you are sitting at your desk - be it at home or in an office - remember that shoreline, some cold iced tea, and a good book aren't going anywhere and will be ready for you when your work day is over. 

And don't forget that sunscreen!

Waving goodbye to the cafe' and lessons learned

Now that I have entered the new world of being a consultant, I was able to leave the cafe'.

I was surprised by my mixed feelings.  I was actually a bit sad, I had met so many people and forged some new friendships, one in particular I have become very close to.  And I'm grateful that after searching for some sort of a part-time job for so many months that someone hired me.

Kidding aside, the cafe' taught me some valuable lessons:

1. Don't ever think you are above something.  I never thought I was, but this definitely solidified it.
2. Money is money, it doesn't matter where it comes from.  As long as you can pay your bills, be grateful.
3. Don't ever feel too badly for yourself - there's always someone who has it tougher than you think you do or ever will.
4. Always try to learn something from every situation you're in.  Those new cash registers are pretty cool. (I can remember the ones with the actual levers and having to count back change on your own - gasp I just dated myself!)
5. Take pride in your work.  Even if its making coffee, make it to the best of your ability.  Effort - no matter how small it may seem - is always noticed and appreciated.
6. No matter how many nice people you meet, there's always a bad one that comes along.  They can ruin your day if you let them.  Words can sting, but let them bounce off of you.  Kill those people with kindness, it not only makes you the better person but it ticks them off!

I will miss the cafe' and all of the headaches that like any job, came with it.  I did enjoy training the teenagers and the daily interaction with people from all walks of life.  Heck, I even had a few people who wanted to date me - certainly not going to happen, but good for the ego!

Having a job where you are appreciated and welcome back at any time is also a comfort.  So remember, never burn any bridge, even if you can jump across the water below.

"Traffic" as a freelancer working from home

My husband faces "traffic" every weekday morning when he goes to work.  Traffic?  Ah, I remember that.  Yuck.

Gone are the days of me in my car - thankfully an automatic at the time - where I would grip the wheel out of frustration and silently whisper under my breath what I thought of the driver who cut me off.  After a while frustration was replaced with me bopping and singing along to music, oblivious to the anger and sometimes aggressiveness of those around me.  My seemingly nonchalant reaction to traffic drove my husband and everyone else I knew crazy, but after 15 years of it, I decided to make the best of my car time and belt out all those guilty pleasure songs I would be embarrassed to admit to even liking.  And no I'm not going to tell you what those songs are. 

My co-worker anxiously awaiting
my return to the office

Working from home my "traffic" consists of trying not to trip over the cat or step on the dog as they frantically fight for my attention.  Avoiding the frequent stopping and going of traffic is now averted by stuffing a series of pillows under the chair the dog always gets his toys caught under.  If I forget to set up my creative road block he whimpers and circles around my chair until I get down on all fours and rescue the toy - inconvenient if I'm in the middle of a thought or sentence, or frankly anything else.

Actually my days in my home office make a comical parallel to days in an actual office with real people.  Not animals. 

The lazy co-worker

Coffee breaks now consist of sitting on the floor and playing fetch or taking the dog out for a walk around the yard; or rescuing the cat and carrying her to a room where a playful puppy isn't trying to nibble on her toes.

Meetings now consist of me talking to myself while working out a sentence in my head.  No co-workers except the dog and human co-workers don't play with distracting squeaky toys.

Lunch is often at my desk while working.  I also did that when I worked for a company so that's actually not a major change.  But wandering down to my kitchen and standing in front of the fridge trying to decide what to make is a change.  I don't have to eat out of a paper bag, I can make an actual lunch.  And not have to spend hard-earned money on "I'll just run out this one time and get a sandwich".  Money miraculously disappears faster than you can count in this lunchtime trap; also another peril I avoid while at home.

I hope that someday I will be working in an actual office again, and I will be able to approach it with some new-found tricks...oops hold on a second.  The dog got through the pillow barrier and needs his toy back.  Ah, that's better.  My ability to stay even more disciplined and focused in order to get a good day's work in.  Approaching work with a fresher attitude and more creativity.  Enhanced communication skills from representing myself to clients. 

Would I enjoy freelancing for a living?  Yes I would.  Would I be willing to go back to a corporate environment?  Yes I would.  I'm grateful for this nice reprieve and what it's teaching me; and in today's economy exceedingly happy to have a job.

Being the "mom" at the cafe' and teaching self respect

I am older, I admit it.  I am 43 years old.  The majority of the girls I work with are my daughter's age, from 17 upwards to about 22.  So naturally I have motherly feelings toward them and treat them like my children.  "Wait honey, don't lift that its too heavy - let me help you."  "Why don't you take the cart so you can make 1 trip instead of 3?"  "Hold on, you need to let the boss know that you can't work on Sunday like you told him last week.  Don't be taken advantage of you need the day off and you requested it."  and the ever popular "Take a break honey, you need to eat."

This chatter happens every day that I work, and the girls - I think - for the most part, enjoy being "coddled".  After all, who couldn't mother a rosy-cheeked, wide eyed young lady on the path to adulthood? 

I'd like to think that I have made a small contribution to these girls by instilling a sense of responsibility and most of all, self worth by teaching them to speak up appropriately and not get walked on.  Many older adults can be condescending, especially to teenagers.  That is exactly the wrong message to send, how can young adults learn to respect their elders if we don't show them respect in kind?

I've always thought that every person should waiter/waitress for at least 6 months during their life.  Nothing teaches humility and the ability to put up with people's idiosyncrasies better than having to serve them a meal; nor does it take a self-centered, immature person long to realize they are not the center of the universe.  I waitressed and was an assistant manager at a Friendly's restaurant during my senior year in high school and during college as well.  I have an instant reaction to people who are not kind to their waiter/waitress or other people who help them such as a cashier; disgust and annoyance.  I am disappointed in their lack of manners and common sense.  Remember no matter what you do someone will be waiting on you and you will be waiting on someone.  Always treat people with respect, the way you expect to be treated.

Regardless of what type of work these girls end up doing, I hope they stand up for themselves and portray themselves as responsible, intelligent adults who are capable of handling anything that comes their way.

Juggling a job search, a part-time job, household chores and staying sane

I have never learned how to juggle but it sure looks like fun.  What is not fun and I have learned to juggle is - and am still practicing - is juggling my job search, my part-time job, and cooking and cleaning and maintaining the household.  Am I sane?  Well that depends on when you ask.

When my house is clean, I cooked a nice meal for the family, sent out a few resumes to promising job openings and finished a day of work at the cafe I feel like I've got a good handle on things.  When one of these tasks is out of whack, well then, duck and cover.

My house isn't terribly large but having 2 floors and lugging cleaning supplies and the vacuum cleaner up the stairs, it seems so...daunting.  And having a furry grey cat prone to shedding and a rambunctious 9 month old puppy who occasionally still has accidents, its a recipe for disaster.  Grey fur tumbleweeds can build quickly, even after 2 days so it seems the house constantly needs vacuuming.  And finding a "gift" from the dog in a random place is always a surprise.

Ooh, I forgot all about the laundry!

Entering a new world - the world of working as an independent consultant

Finally things seem to be turning a bit my way - I see some dim light at the end of the tunnel and it doesn't look like a high speed train.  I accepted my first independent consulting job for a company, working approximately 20 hours per week on a potential 3 month contract.  Please pardon my excitement for a moment...WOOHOO!!

I've never worked on a contract basis, so naturally I am a bit nervous.  But a few hours at the computer researching the independent consultant worker and its description and needed paper work, I am much more confident.  I had my first meeting last Friday, and put on some dress work clothes and high heels - the first heels I've worn in quite a while!  My meeting went well and my contract has officially begun. 

For those of my readers who are also independent consultants, I found an excellent website resource. 

One of the key things to remember as an independent consultant is the safeguarding and security of your client's information.  When hired you become a trusted representative of the company and it is your duty to ensure all materials shared with you remain confidential with a capital "C".

As for my new project, I have felt and heard my "wheels turning" as I play potential scenarios and time lines out in my head.  I am eager to tackle this project and do a good job, and hope this contract may turn into something more.  It also provides me with the opportunity to dust off and sharpen my skills.  Copy writing and design direction - I love taking something a bit outdated and giving it a fresh and shiny new "face".

So new consulting job - blast off!

Now that's a mess! The tale of a cafe, a bottle of syrup and a loose pump

I worked this past Monday morning at the cafe.  In my cleaning frenzy I picked up a bottle of caramel syrup to wash the pump.  Surprise!  The pump was not screwed on.  The bottle fell and hit the floor with a large "clunk".  Amazingly the heavy glass bottle didn't break.

I closed my eyes automatically as caramel scented stickiness flew up in the air and splashed into my face.  I cleaned up the best I could but for the rest of the morning the eyelashes on my left eye stuck together each time I blinked.  My eyebrows were sticky and fine droplets of syrup coated the small amount of hair sticking out of my much-loved (not!) hair net.  About an hour later I glanced down and saw a large syrup cobweb all down the front of my left pantleg.

Once my shift was over I peeled off my hairnet which by now had glued itself to my head and shrugged off my caramel coated smock; and dashed out to my car. 

Having a day like that makes me turn my nose up at caramel!

Has it really been 2 years? Living with the fact you are still out of work.

I was laying on the couch last night and the fact that I've been out of work in my career field for 2 years hit me like a brick.  I felt nauseous.  After years of hard work, dedication and schooling why am I in my current situation?

I love marketing and all it entails.  The excitement of a new product launch or event, the gratification from writing a great piece of copy or a newly designed sales slick, the thrill of supervising a shoot and getting a perfect photograph.  Day to day interaction with colleagues and vendors.  I miss it all.

A lot of colleagues I met at the company I was laid off from are in the same boat at the moment.  Sadly today's job landscape offers more opportunity to those with less experience or fresh out of school.  Less experience = less salary for the company.  I can't count how many times I've been told "you're overqualified for this position" and even "we can't afford you" from a few interviewers.

I do understand the double-edged sword that companies face.  On one hand hiring less experienced employees at a lesser salary is good for the bottom line, but what is being sacrificed when it comes to marketing your brand?  Are you missing out on opportunities simply because your new employees haven't been around long enough or don't know the right people to know where to find these opportunities?  And on the other hand there is the fear that hiring a seasoned employee at a higher salary and spending the time training them may lead to the employee "jumping ship" for more salary or benefits or a better company when the market turns.  But the company can also miss out on some well-crafted marketing plans by taking the less expensive approach.  With today's economy, many in my position with "too much" experience would be willing to take a salary cut to get in with an excellent company and pay their dues to make their way up the rungs of the corporate ladder.

So frustration is my constant companion as of late.  And yet another round of resumes, contacting previous colleagues and vendors for potential leads, and burning the midnight oil on job websites ensues.

I have been told many times by many people that I need to be patient and the job for me is out there.  Short of sky-writing how am I going to find this job opening and court the company to win the job?  I'd even get those tight high heels back on again.

Taking charge while laid off...

For me, being laid off was like a death in the family.  My persona for over 12 years, my career "identity" was gone. 

I began my marketing communications manager job as a marketing assistant and with blood, sweat, tears and a bit of good luck moved up quickly.  I loved the job, the company, and the people. When the job ended I felt a bit lost.

Like with any major loss a support system is vital for going through the grieving process, and without family and friends a major loss seems insurmountable.  Learn to rely on those close to you not only for moral support but also for any potential leads or contacts which may be beneficial.



My daily "job" space

 I have found the best approach is to treat searching for a new job like a job itself.  Set the alarm for a morning time similar to when you were working and shower, dress and have breakfast to start your day.  My "work" days consist of sending out resumes and cover letters, networking via linkedin, and scanning job search sites and local newspapers.

I have also reached out and stayed in touch with previous work contacts and have done some work - writing copy for brochures and websites, creating a marketing plan for a small business - for friends to keep myself from getting rusty.


Hmmm...a new career for me? 
What a nice pilot he was!



Most important, STAY BUSY and make use of your new-found time.  Get a part-time job to supplement your unemployment whether its in your field or not.  Dealing with people on a day to day basis has helped me stay out-going and "on" as I was when attending PR events and giving training sessions while working.  Make a list of all the things around the house you had planned on getting done when you had time.  Make plans to have coffee or lunch with friends you haven't had time to see in a while.  Stay healthy and continue your work-out regimen and make sure to eat!  Sometimes when I get wrapped up on the computer time and meals pass by before you realize it.

Being laid-off isn't the end of the world.  In fact it may lead to an even more fulfilling opportunity, you just need to be patient which isn't easy for me.  So keep your head up and remember this like anything else will pass.

Lifestyle changes, take #1...tightening the belt

Now that we are on a more limited income, changes have definitely come around our home.  I clip coupons more than ever before and never veer from my grocery list of items I need.  We have instituted bill pay plans with all utility companies and insurance policies.  We keep the thermostat at 60 degrees at night and 68 degrees during the day when home and 64 degrees when no one's home.  We kept an already in place "no credit card policy".  We take better care of the cars, e.g. oil changes and tune-ups to prevent costly fixes.  Cell phone bills have been slashed to what we absolutely need - no extra minutes or text messaging.

"Date nights" now consist of a game of scrabble or playing video games or renting a DVD for $1 from Redbox and a homemade pizza.  Vacations are a distant memory.

My main source of entertainment this summer will be planting my garden and flower beds.  I've always enjoyed it but now its not only a source of satisfaction but also a source of food.  And of course playing with our puppy Dash is always fun - he's such a little guy that everything is a source of wonder and must be stomped on, rolled in, sniffed or tasted.  Even training classes were a "date night", the three of us loaded into the car and rode down to the pet store where Dash learned manners and gained quite a few admirers. 


Mark and me watching a friend's band

Our 10 year anniversary is next year and we hope to have enough money saved to take a nice trip somewhere.  The change jar is now used daily - every single spare coin is dropped in there and when the jar is full the contents are put into a vacation account.  Whether the money saved takes us away for a week or a weekend, or even just out for a nice meal, it will be much appreciated.

Previously our income allotted much more in the way of dinners out, vacations, special treats, etc.  I do miss them on occasion, but I actually spend much more time with my husband now and the stories I come home with from the cafe' are a source of entertainment itself! 

Our philosophy is this; no matter how bad you think things are someone is always worse off than you are.  We have a warm roof over our heads, food, and most of all, family and friends. 

So next time you complain about how expensive going out to eat is remember some people don't even get enough to eat let alone go out.  Try staying home and playing a game or just chatting with your family.  The best times are often the ones money can't buy.

Serving the public...

The public is an interesting group.  Let's face it, we have all had moments when we haven't been the most, err, courteous of patrons.

I consider myself a coffee "snob", but the extent some people go over a cup of coffee is absurd.  "It's too hot.  It's too strong.  It's weak.  It tastes funny.  It's got too much sugar."  We serve the coffee black and you add your own cream/sugar, so its my fault if you add too much sugar and you fully expect me to give you a new cup of coffee.  And yes I do, with a big smile on my face because I am the face of my company.

Serving is in itself a word that connotes being humble.  Have you ever had someone serve you who was so "not" what a server should be that you wanted to slap them?  Well I have, and I certainly don't want to be the one to serve you and get a slap for an attitude. 

We all serve someone to an extent.  I serve coffee and I used to serve marketing programs and presentations.  A sales person to a CEO of a large company to a garbage collector  - they all "serve".  Its the one who receives the service who needs to make the server feel appreciated.  After all, some of these "services" that are offered to us are only available through a server. 

So think of the person behind the counter or under your hood or checking your gas meter as someone who deserves the respect that you yourself expect to receive.  Smile at that person and look them in the eye when they ask if they can help you, don't just walk up and grunt "Give me coffee".  Rudeness is not necessary and should be reserved for situations when you have no other choice. 

Now, how may I help you?

A morning in the life of the cafe'

My typical work day at the cafe' starts at 6 am.  Granted I'm a morning person, but getting up at 4:40 am, getting dressed and putting on some makeup to hide the dark circles from getting up so early, feeding the cat and the dog then feeding myself, straightening up the kitchen and living room and then upstairs to kiss my still-sleeping husband goodbye AND make sure his alarm is set so he doesn't miss work - all of that and out the door by 5:30 am.

Work garb consists of black pants, sensible and comfortable (which means ugly) black shoes and a white chef's smock.  Um, white just doesn't stay clean very long - what with coffee - brown, chocolate sauce - brown, espresso - brown.  Notice a pattern here?  Hmm, what about a brown chef's coat?  Underneath the coat I wear a t-shirt because a toaster, coffee machines, ice cream machine and ice machine "exhaust", and espresso machine = H.O.T.  And don't forget that lovely white hair net - not exactly a high fashion accessory.  No matter how I bobby pin it on it sticks up on the top - I feel like a big marshmallow.

Opening chores consist of making coffee, filling cream machines, filling condiments, cleaning espresso machine, turning on the toaster (which I always seem to forget), turning on the ice cream maker, checking on the donuts/bagels/muffins, making orange juice, taking a trip to go "shopping".  Oh and it also consists of being tortured by the wonderful smell of whatever the bakery has in the oven that morning - cookies, bread, yum.

Yes apparently I am the "dairy fairy".  Meaning that the list of "we don't have any..." means I go to the shelves and grab milk, cream, half and half, etc.  Um hello, this is a grocery store with an entire dairy section - go get what you need!  Apparently its the dairy fairy to the rescue!

However I do enjoy the "regulars" who come in to visit in the morning.  The "usual" consists of a variety of different things and I think I have about 20 people's "usual" memorized.  It makes them feel special and brightens their day.  I have my favorites too, the ones who come in and say "wow, I can't believe you have a 19 year old daughter!  You don't look old enough!"  What woman doesn't want to hear that?

And the people I work with are all nice.  I am called "sunshine" at work due to the smile that is always on my face which is partly due to the coffee I have every morning once I get the cafe' settled.  There is a camaraderie amongst the employees - one which is stronger in each department but crosses over to all departments.  Many of these people who are full time work 50+ a week, and quite hard - it's a surprisingly physical job.  Just about every departments consists of lifting and bending - dairy, produce, grocery, cafe', kitchen.  Have you ever considered how much a case of 4 gallons of milk weighs?  Or a case of potatoes - which can weigh over 40 lbs.

So, what may I get for you this morning - cream and sugar is in the dining area - thank you and have a nice day!

Welcome and about me

Hello all!

Welcome to my first blog, "High heels to sensible shoes."  I will be chronicling my journey from corporate life to being laid off to re-entering the work force in an entirely new and unexpected capacity. 

Just a bit about me - my name is Deanna and my home is comprised of my husband Mark, daughter Danielle, our cat Zoe and our dog Dash.

My career path has taken me to the marketing field, which has been my passion for the past 15 years.  My role was to create and execute marketing campaigns, advertisements, public relations and trade shows for a small kitchen appliances mogul in the industry.  I loved my job and was very disappointed when the company picked up its skirts and relocated to New Jersey, leaving me jobless.

When was I laid off you ask?  July 15, 2008.  I shiver just seeing that on my computer screen.  I was out of work for the rest of the summer and in September found a job marketing bank card processing services.  The company was expanding and added 2 people to its previously 1 person department.  However the company expanded itself so much that the overhead for 3 people was too high and I got the slip on April 1, 2009 telling me my time was up after only 6 months.  2009 to current day is a void of cover letters, resumes, and networking which as of yet, has not led to a new position.

Funds coming in versus funds going out was getting tight on just one income plus my rapidly expiring unemployment, so I took a deep breath and took the icy plunge into finding a job to help pay our bills - something I've never had to worry about before. 

Yes I know that sounds like I'm spoiled.  No I'm not above anything and would do what needs to be done to pay our bills and keep our home and its occupants healthy and fed.  But I feel that I have paid my dues and clawed my way up through the ranks, along the way earning my Master's degree in Business Marketing and darn it I want a job that reflects my hard work. 

So where have I ended up?  A grocery store cafe', making coffee, espresso and espresso drinks, smoothies, and serving donuts, bagels and muffins.  Huh.  Corporate marketing for coffee and espresso machines to making coffee and espresso - ironic.  Of course I can tell anyone the exact ratio of espresso to milk in their drink order but do they care?  Of course not - they just care how it tastes.  So I give myself the satisfaction of knowing that not only do I know exactly what I've given someone but I've given them something they like.  Coffee.  Is.  Life.  Especially at 7 am in the morning.  So I tell myself that I've added value to someone's day and given them a caffeine-induced smile.

Life in a grocery store is a far cry from life behind a desk - actually quite a far cry.  So far that cry echoes.

Well, that's it in a nutshell - welcome to my journey with its ups and downs - its been a bumpy ride and I'm letting you on at one of the bumpiest points to date.  So grab that cup of coffee and tighten your seat belts!