What happens when

What happens when your plans don't go as . . . well . . . planned?

I've been a bit disheartened recently. I graduated in May and started searching for teaching jobs. Where I'm from, there are quite a few teaching jobs, you just have to be willing to be paid less than a living wage and live in an area in which a single white woman won't feel safe. It's been difficult to say the least.

So where am I now?

Same place you last found me, but a few blocks south and west. I moved out of my sister and her husband's house and got an apartment with my best friend (affectionately known as the boyfriend). Moving was hard.
Moving means that I'm no longer sharing a wall with my niece and no longer see my big sis whenever I want.
Moving means packing, which I detest.
Moving means my mom hates me, rather my decisions.
Moving means going from a nice house to a small apartment.
Moving means missing daily interactions with my niece.

Moving also means that I get to see my best friend more often than not. And even with that, our work schedules overlap so when we both work, I only see him during my lunch break and he comes home after I'm already in dream land. But it's a lot better than being sixty miles away and maybe getting 4 days with him a month.

I've started a new job in customer service at a pretty cool internet-based company. It's a really positive work place and it's a good "for now" job. My employer knows what my employment goals are, so I'm still working towards getting a teaching job. I'm going to take a few online classes to keep my brain focused. I think I'm also going to start figuring what this unread blog is going to be all about. Writing is a good de-stresser and calming activity for me.

I've been working on decorating the apartment and DIY-ing a lot of it, so I"ll have some tutorials at some point in time. I don't know how the style side of this will go, but I'm leaving this as is.

So for now, that is all.

With love,

Kelsey Jean

The Push

It's that time of year. I'm feeling the push of the end of the semester.
I got to a small, private College in ND and we have all next week off for Thanksgiving Break, so I have lots of plans of things to do with this little Blog then, but for now I'm finishing up my rather large, Philosophy of Leadership Preliminary paper.

With Love,

Kelsey Jean

My First Chambray

When did a "denim button-up shirt" become called a "chambray"? My mom wore them all the time, back in the day. My dad always wore them for work. I wore them as a painting smock at school. Who knew my mom was so before-the-time?

Anyways, I dove in and bought a chambray shirt from J. Crew Factory. You can find it here. I searched for a while for a good deal on one, and this was originally $62.50 and I got it for $24.99. I'm pretty pleased.

I bought it purposefully large so it will [hopefully] style well.

First time I wore it I styled it with grey leggings, a bright purple tunic and grey boots. I also wore black boot socks with it. I was running late for class so I neglected to take pictures of it.

The second time I wore it I played it up with a glittery shirt and dark denim jeggings - the man came into town and we had the chance to go out on a lunch date so I wanted to look cute :)

I'm still working on this whole picture-taking thing.

I like the shirt well-enough but I have plans to make it better. Adding a little lace to the cuffs, maybe some sparkle on the shoulders. We'll see :) But I'll share with you what I decide to do.


We'll see how this little experiment goes.


With Love,

Kelsey Jean

#RockTheVote!

Only one thing today:

Today's the day. I'm voting after class. When are you/ did you vote?

With love (but only if you vote :))

Kelsey Jean

Things that make me happy.

It's official, the fan will be visiting this gorgeous place [Mazatlan, Mexico] in February, again!

For my pre-birthday weekend, the Man and I went to the Twin Cities and enjoyed Valley Fair!
Note bene, The ride was stopped because we had our camera. . . Oops didn't know that wasn't allowed!

We also celebrated our anniversary this fall.

My adorable niece and I play on the floor. A lot :) She makes me smile :)

With Love,

Kelsey Jean

The LIfe I'm [Currently] Loving

I work at a restaurant. I've worked there all through my college career. I love it most days, but it can be trying.

This summer I was promoted to the Management Team as we were remodeling our restaurant. So my position has changed and my "place" in the store has been slowly figured out.

Right after our remodel, one of our hosts visited
before her prom!

Last night, I had one of those nights that remind you why you love your job. It was Halloween night, so I thought it would be d.e.a.d. but that was not the case. The lounge was full all night! My staff was on top of everything and customers were pleased. The dishwasher, who I normally have to wait to finish at the end of the night, was gone before the last customers left! It was a fun night.

So this made me think: What makes a positive experience at the workplace?
1. A positive manager. She [or he] sets the tone for the night.
2. A fun staff. Allowing for some [appropriate] antics lets everyone enjoy their time.
3. Friendly competition. I created a contest for my cooks and they excelled and all guests were happy!

My 22nd Birthday, I got flowers, balloons and a gift card!

That's what I've found that makes my nights go swell at my workplace. What works at yours?

With Love,

Kelsey Jean

Introducing

6 Weeks.
Six weeks until I finishing the "classes" portion of my B.A.
Six weeks until I move on to the "real" part of my college career.
Six weeks until I'm "pushed' out of the nest.

In six weeks I finish up all of the credits that are required to do before beginning student teaching.
Crazy.
Wow.
Awesome!

This is so exciting.

I CANNOT WAIT!

But for now, I'm going to share with you the change I'm going through. The transformation I have to make to become a professional. A Professional. Wow, that's an incredible thought.

I move from being a "poor College student" to a Student Teacher at a local High School.

Not gonna lie, I'm pretty excited.

But first, I have to transition my wardrobe on a budget.

Yup, that's what this is all going to be about. Get excited :) I know I am

That's me. Excited to start again. Ignore the background, I was at work.

With Love,

Kelsey Jean