Real life real soon

Well the new job officially starts on Monday! Wow! Everything in life is coming together and happening so fast it's almost hard to take it all in!  I truly could not be any happier to have all of the opportunities that I have been faced with over the past few months (or throughout my entire life for that matter)! My first shift begins Monday at 6 am. Hellloooo wake up call! My position at the Westin is the Outlets (Food & Beverages) Supervisor which means I will be overseeing the restaurant/bar/minibar/room service. Since both the individuals who were most recently in this position have been given promotions within the hotel, they need their new supervisors to start ASAP. The only problem is, they have yet to find supervisor #2 so I am diving right in! I feel like many of the things I do start out like this, yet I sort of like it because I'd rather jump right in and learn everything hands on (to some the hard way) as opposed to getting my feet a little wet and slowly learning the ropes. Don't get me wrong, there will be a lot of rope learning to be had in the next few weeks, but taking things face first will be the best way of doing it. It's going to be hard and probably a little rough at first, but to me that will only make things easier in the long run. There are two shifts a day for the supervisors and manager, one being 6 am - 2 pm and the other being 3 pm - 11 pm. Therefore, I am either working morning or night. It's kind of nice because the schedule will fluctuate and no matter which shift, I still have a full day to do other things whether it be in the morning or in the afternoon. It's certainly not a 9-5 job, that's for sure, but with what I want to do (plan events!) I might as well start getting used to it now! I will be saying goodbye to full fledged weekends for quite some time as we are given two days off each week, but it's always two different days (not your typical Saturday/Sunday weekend). I am excited about all of it though because it will be such a new and different experience and opportunity, and I cannot wait to see what it's all about! Luckily, I did not have to start in the midst of all of this weekend's Cards/Cubs madness downtown because with the Westin being directly across from the stadium, many people head there before or after the games. That would have been a lot to take in for day one with such a crazy downtown atmosphere the Cardinals and Cubs would have to offer! Although, it would have been fun because I was hoping to be downtown amidst all the madness, but they will be back in September so I am hoping to either some how snag some tickets, or hopefully I will be working! Since we get two days off each week, one of my two days off this week is somehow luckily Tuesday, which is my birthday! When asked which days I would like off, my manager suggested Tuesday may be a good day, and I proceeded to tell her that she was right, and that was my birthday : ) Lucky me! Not that I have any big plans for the big 2-3, but it will be a nice little present not having to worry about working that day! 
I can't wait to start off this new venture in my life! As always, I will of course keep you posted with more details. I was wondering when the next chapter in my life would officially begin, and I would say that this is it! I am going to be busy having a full time job, while also still doing some part time work with Performance Plus and Metromix whenever possible, but I am willing to make it happen (the same way I have done everything throughout my entire life!), and I cannot wait to see what outcomes these great continuing opportunities will bring me! 
Hello real life!! : )

I guess I am growing up after all!

Wow! So talk about change. These past few years have been full of change, but these last three months, since college graduation, have been nothing other than a great deal of positive changes in my life, and I could not be more excited and willing to take on every single one of them! After the most intensive interview process I have faced thus far, I've nailed a job : ) Wow! I have a full time job! With the Westin St. Louis! (and why yes, that is where Tim and I will be celebrating our marriage as well...better yet! That's just an added bonus :) ) I have accepted the position as one of two Outlets (Food and Beverages) Supervisors at the Westin! All of my hospitality studies in college have paid off : ) And what's better yet!? The two individuals whose positions I will be replacing are leaving these current positions because they were given promotions within the hotel! One of which will be moving to catering and events!! My goal and hope for the near future! What a great opportunity and what a great company to develop and grow with. There are so many great learning experiences and opportunities to come, and as always I am ready to take them on and see what comes of them! It's so hard to find jobs right now, and here I am with 2 part time jobs, an internship and a full time job offer! All the hard work throughout has certainly paid off, and it's finally showing in more ways than one. I sure do feel like one lucky girl. I don't want to get too excited because so many things are just perfect right now, and I honestly could not ask for more. I am beyond thankful for my family, my friends, life's challenges and opportunities and where I am in my life today, and each of these things has helped to lead me here. I'm starting to feel like I really am growing up after all. I guess I will be 23 years old in just over a week! Wow! Life is good : )

The [what seems like] never-ending process of getting there

More and more opportunities are on the rise. More than I ever would have imagined I would have at this point in my life. I originally thought I would graduate from college and come home to a full time job and begin my big girl life. Think again. Ok, so then once I realized that wasn't the case, I thought I would have the Summer to "figure things out" so to speak and maybe by the end of Summer...or the year...or next year perhaps?! I would finally have a job up my sleeve. Think again. Ok ok, so everything about this Summer and my [POSTGRAD] life is far different than what I could have expected. I currently have two part time jobs and an internship, all of which kind of seemed to fall into place at about the same time. On top of that, I have had interview after interview (the most grueling part of the entire process) while continuously submitting resumes and cover letters because I can't live off of part time jobs the rest of my life...I still need to find the real deal. So basically, I've been busy. (Oh yea...I'm planning my wedding too in case I've forgotten to mention that!) I'm doing the Marketing/Public Relations for Performance Plus by day and working with Metromix by night (and on weekends). I also recently gained another new opportunity as an intern with Cosmopolitan Events through which I get to work full day and night events and weddings. All of this is such great experience for where I want to be! But, like I said, I'm still on the search for a career, in hopes that all of these great opportunities and experiences will get me there along the way. I've had several more interviews and am hoping that some positive news will come of them. We shall see! Regardless, one of my best bits of advice to you is that the interview process in and of itself, despite the fact of how long and grueling it may be, is truly the some of the best experience one can get, no matter the outcome. I couldn't be more thankful for all of the different types of interviews I have already faced, and those that I know I will still continue to face in the future...whether it be now or later on down the road. It's such a great opportunity to learn so much about such different types of people and different companies and organizations, and overall, you come to learn a lot about yourself. I find myself comparing the career search and interview process a lot to sorority recruitment. Might sound weird, I realize, but if you are or have been vastly involved with both, you realize it's all one in the same. Life is a recruitment process. I thank God for playing such a big part in the sorority recruitment process while at school, because it has taught me SO much to help me get to where I am today. I am beyond thankful for all of these opportunities I currently have today because I realize I may have more than many [POSTGRAD] students may have just a month or two coming out of college, and I am thankful for the process it has and is taking to get me there, and for the hopeful opportunities to come in the [hopefully near] future. So many different things to think about, but in the meantime, all I can do is wait. And I suppose I will just continue on with living life in the meantime. : ) Take every opportunity you can get, even if it ends up only being one that you stick with for a month or even a week because the reason you may only be with it for that amount of time is because it likely will lead you to the next best thing. It's a never ending process. One that I (as always) am anxious to see more of. : )

Life has happened...or is in the process of happening at least!

Wow, it sure has been a while!! I currently feel as though I am busier right now than I was in college (but that's not accurate because my college days started around 8 am and lasted until about 2 or 3 am...It's not quite that bad). But I am finally starting to realize that real life is really upon me! I'm not sure when this realization hit. I've been waiting for it to come, and I still don't think that it will feel really real until I am working at a job from 9-5 (approximately) five days a week (and when everyone else starts to head back down to school, and I will remain here in St. Charles (for the time being anyway)). But for now, I have been busy trying to become a grownup. Yet I still use the phrase "...when I grow up..." to my Mom concerning all things I plan to do/have when I "grow up." I guess the time is starting now, and I'm just not starting to realize this. Weird! Some people get upset or depressed when they think about the fact. Somehow, I've been the odd one out when it comes to growing up. I'm excited. Beyond excited, and I have been for quite some time now. Strange?! I suppose it is sort of, but I am just so excited to see what great things my life has in store for me, and I am so excited to start a this new and exciting part of my life with Tim [and Bentley too of course :)]! It's not that I am not trying in all attempts to live each and every day to the absolute fullest, like I feel like I consistently have been preached and have consistently preached to others as well [along with not taking things for granted], but my entire life I have looked forward, and looked to see what potential opportunities could come out of wherever I may be going or whatever it is I may be doing. Just last night, Tim and I had this very talk at dinner. Discussing our future, and how exciting it will be our first night living together and making dinner together in a place to call our own, and where we will be in our career paths. Despite the fact that we may not be right where we want to be at the start of everything, whether it is within our jobs and careers or where we are living, it's a start to something new together, and it's all the more motivation to get us to where we really truly want to be. It might take time, but I have a feeling that it will pay off. I'm not sure when, but soon enough. In the meantime, I'm anxious yet excited for the adventures to be had along the way. Life's an adventure. Why not treat it like one!? SO many things have happened in the past few weeks (hence why I have had zero time for any new posts!) from working two part time jobs, to continuing the job search, interviews, spending time with family and friends, and of course wedding planning (PS - I bought my dress!!!...and wedding blog is to be coming soon I promise...again it's the time thing killing me here. Just not enough hours in a day!!). Anyway, my point is, I have come to realize that it's each of these things that is helping me to grow each day, and learn more about myself, and what I want most in my life and in my future and just how to get myself there. I'm working on it day by day! As always, I truly can't wait to see what comes next. It could be anything, and I'll take it with a grain of salt. I'm living life, and truly taking each day for what it's worth. I'm so thankful for my amazing family (dogs included of course), fiance, and friends, and I am even more thankful knowing that I have each of these to support me in what I want to do, and someone amazing to start the next step in my life with...together. I. can. not. wait. Here's to the future, and making it happen...in celebration of the so called [POSTGRAD] life : ) Best of luck to those of you who are in the same boat and doing nothing but trying to make it happen. I'm a firm believer that if you at least put your heart into it (and maybe give a little) something will work out in the end. And for me, I have a feeling it may not be exactly as I had always imagined in this so-called planned out life of mine, but I do have a feeling I will come to love whatever it is I find myself doing (which of course I hope that will be planning events someday ;) ), but we shall see! Looking forward to whatever the future may hold while trying my best to still live in today : )

A new opportunity!

If you're anything like me, you love to go to events of all sorts (big or small)...especially those that are cost friendly in this day and age...and take lots and lots of pictures of every aspect while you are there. That is one of my greatest passions, and I now have the opportunity to get paid while doing just that! As you all know, I have been searching for jobs and careers even since before I graduated from college. I am still currently working for Performance Plus while doing so, but I have recently stumbled across a great opportunity. After several applications and interviews that I have been through for numerous places in the past few months, I found out just last week that I have landed a spot on the Metromix St. Louis Street Team, and I could not be more excited for this opportunity! If you don't know what Metromix is, check it out by going to the link I have added in this post. Metromix STL provides people like us with details regarding all things St. Louis whether it be new restaurants to try, bars and clubs to go to, must see TV shows or movies, and fun and exciting local events! And the best part...the target public is geared towards individuals 21-35 who may not have a whole lot of discretionary funding (as a lot of us most likely don't right now with this job market!) so Metromix provides us with awesome deals and fun free and inexpensive things to do in St. Louis! Pretty cool, huh!? As a member of the Street Team, I will be a brand image by promoting Metromix, and I will also be taking tons of pictures at all of these events to be posted on the website and other places for you to see! Where will you 'get flashed'!? I will be going through training and hopefully starting within the next couple of weeks so I am beyond excited for this awesome experience! I will of course be telling you all about it. : ) WITH MY OBSESSION OF TAKING PICTURES EVERYWHERE I GO, MY OLD FAITHFUL SONY IS ABOUT ON IT'S LAST LIMB, SO I'M LOOKING INTO GETTING A NEW CAMERA SOON...AND FIGURED THIS WAS EVEN A GOOD EXCUSE : ) BUT in the meantime, I will be celebrating the rest of this 4th of July weekend with my family and fiance...experiencing my first time in jury duty next week...and going to Memphis with all of my best friends next weekend!! SO much to look forward to! Things are finally starting to fall into place : ) Enjoy the rest of this holiday weekend!! HAPPY 4th of JULY!!! : )

Applying...Applying...and [nevertheless] moooore Applying!

Random interesting fact of the day: It takes the average human being 6 months to a year to get a job. How lovely! It's so interesting to think that while you're in college you think that the day after graduation day you leave with your degree and a job lined up and waiting for you back at home or in another new, big city. I pretty much thought the same...until those last six months of college when my focus was on nothing other than my internship, graduating in 6 months (and ensuring that it was indeed going to happen with no faults or anything that may have miraculously been missed along the way!), and of course searching for jobs. I'm not really sure how many jobs I have applied for at this point, or just how many interviews I have had either. The process sure is way different than what I ever would have expected, but it certainly is reality now...to say the least. The job market is so different today than it was years ago...even if it was just five years ago! Today, we are pretty much taught that we will work for free for the first part of our career in order to get anywhere near what our dream job may be. My parents don't understand it one bit, and if I were them, I don't think I would either, but unfortunately that's just the way things are today. We even have to have multiple jobs and internships at one time in order to get the experience we want and need, while also making enough money to live [and have a little fun too of course because, well, we are still young and do only live once!]. It gets frustrating too when even friends who are still in college and have not graduated yet consistently ask what this new life is like and if we have this big corporate job now...and so on and so on...Honestly, its becoming more and more common for college students to graduate and live back at home with their parents for a while, while spending that first year [at least] looking for a job while at the same time most likely working their same Summer job they have come home to every year during college.That's not exactly where I want to be right now, per say, or where I thought I would even be the Summer after I graduated from college. That's what I'm doing right now, though, and I honestly couldn't be more thankful (and I can't believe I'm finding myself actually saying this). Thank God for my job at Performance Plus with my family that allows me to help out, make money, and spend as much time as I need focusing on the job searching and leaving for interviews anytime I need to. I guess I am lucky in that most part time jobs don't really give you that much flexibility which is beyond helpful and even necessary right now. I have had some recent interviews that have really excited me about so many opportunities so in the meantime, I'm going to continue what I've been doing, and keep on applying while I wait, just to keep all options open. The application and interview process is quite an experience in itself, so like everything in my life, I'm accepting all of it as a learning experience, and learning from it every step of the way. I'm confident that something will come sooner or later, and no matter what it may be, I'm going to learn something from it. I was given some great advice by an interviewer today, and that is to stay focused and don't lost track. Remember what my ultimate goal is and don't let these small challenges along the way force me to give up and lose focus. So, here I am, back at square one, but I am remaining focused and remembering that everything about this entire process is nothing other than a learning experience, and every step of the way is helping me to get from point A to point B in my life. Ohhh the beauty of [POSTGRAD] life. I can't say that I hate it though, like many people do. It's just the next step, and I've accepted that, and I'm ready, and have been ready, to take it on. I'm excited really. It's frustrating at times of course, but life's short. Just take something from it and move on to whatever may be next. As always, still looking forward to whatever it may be that is to come next in my life. : )


Good night, and happy job searching to all those out there doing the same! I wish you the best of luck, and hope you will do the same to learn from every step and not get discouraged from any cracks in the road. 


XOXO
Kasey : )

Oh the decisions to be made!

There are so many decisions to be made. Not just when it comes to wedding planning, but just with life overall! I have been applying for all sorts of jobs [POSTGRAD life is kicking back in...had to set back into reality sometime!] which is honestly kind of exciting because I like being able to see all of the different opportunities that are out there, especially in the field that I'm interested in. But Tim and I have been thinking a lot about our future because we will need to start finding a place to live within the next year too (which is really exciting!!), and like you all already know, we both really are extremely interested in living in Chicago. We've both been applying for jobs both here and there (and honestly anywhere at this point!). If either of us get something here then we will love it, but if either of us get something there, we will love it! There are so many amazing places to live in both cities, and both are cities that I absolutely love! I just love the idea of leaving STL for a couple of years just to experience other things because it's not like we will have such an amazing opportunity like that forever. 
We've been looking at lofts downtown in STL on Washington Avenue (in the Washing Ave. Loft District) which are honestly amazing, and it's such a neat area, but the thought of everything Chicago just makes me that must more intrigued to be there. I don't think I've ever had such a strong passion to get up and do something as I have right now to get up and move to another place and start my life fresh in a new, big, wonderful, amazing city. Everyone knows that Chicago is on my list of obsession cities. Just imagine living it! And I mean living in the heart of Chicago. I've talked to an old friend recently and got some advice from someone else I know who grew up in Chicago, all suggesting that we go for it while giving all sorts of suggestions of job opportunities, [local] things to do, transportation, and places to live. My desktop background is actually my fiance and I in Chicago with the amazing skyline and Lake Michigan behind us! 
I don't really know why I'm questioning it(I'm not actually ... I just feel the need to talk about it for some reason) because I obviously know where both of us really want to be and what we really want to be doing, but it just may take longer than we had hoped or expected to reach that goal. But I do know that I want to experience city life whether it's here or there because i've grown up my entire life in the suburbs of St. Charles, and I have loved everything about it and plan to raise my family in the future in a similar way, but for now, while we're still so young and free, I want to branch out. This has been my dream and where I've seen myself for a long time so now I just need to make it happen. I will truly be happy wherever I am, and I am anxious to see what opportunities arise either here or elsewhere, and I cannot wait to take them on with great determination as I would with anything else. And who knows (I'm a big dreamer) maybe wherever either of us do end up, we will have the opportunity to move up within a great company which may even take us to other great places. I just want to have the opportunity to explore other places that I have yet to experience to the fullest. I can always come back home. And I will. But for now, I want to explore new places. I am open to any and all new opportunities : ) Oh the decisions to be made!