Penny Pincher

What I didn't (couldn't have, but sort of really did) know yesterday was that part of "the hard part" was going to involve a pay cut. Yes, my already very low salary was reduced by 10% this morning. These are hard times. But I have a job. And I really can't get too upset when my Grandparents just lost their dental and vision insurance--my Grandparents for God's sake. This is what happens when a big, stupid automobile company loses its ass. So, yeah, I'll just continue bringing my lunch everyday. And continue watching every penny I spend--but just a little closer. Life goes on.

Today Was a Good Day

I did it. I got a job at a magazine. In the midst of what may be the biggest economic downturn most of us will ever see in our lifetime and definitely what surely is the biggest economic downturn for print publishing, I was hired at San Francisco magazine. It feels good. Not only does it feel good to just be out of the house and be a contributing member of society, but also to be working in an industry that I've been fighting to get into for the past 4-5 years. But getting the job was the easy part. The really hard work starts now. Stay tuned...


ps. "Today" was actually April 27th--hey I've been pretty busy.

Mother Jones - Editorial Internship aka: "The Displaced Autoworker"

This is an idea I've had swirling in my head for quite some time now. Coming from Michigan and growing up in a line-worker's household, this is a topic near and dear to my heart. If I don't get into the program, I will try my best to get it published because these stories need to be told.

I figured using it as an into to my cover letter was one way of getting started...

Many are just waiting for the next buyout. Autoworkers at the General Motors Powertrain Willow Run Transmission Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan know, one way or another, their days are numbered. According to GM’s Global Operations website, there are 1,454 hourly and 219 salaried employees left at this location. How many of those 1,673 people will need to find a new job when the plant closes?

Well, each of The Big Three automakers does offer resources to help guide displaced workers through their options: get a college degree, open a franchise, or start driving a truck… but is it enough? And for those who have tried taking a shot at something new—is it working out?

WIRED Internship

Yup, that's right-internship. (But it's paid)

Despite my concerns, it survived the road trip. From Manhattan to the Smokey Mountains, through moist Louisiana air and skin-cracking Death Valley heat and countless Motel 6’s, it made it to San Francisco. And then it all came crashing down—literally.

Last week, my boyfriend dropped a ceramic candleholder on our brand-new 15-inch MacBook Pro, totally destroying the hard drive. #$@%!

True story.

Office Manager for Creative Firm

The oral hygiene aisle is a mess. But one brand does stand out for me—Listerine. Their mouthwash looks great and the Pocketpacks-whew, the shelf presence! It’s clean, simple, design. How refreshing…

In between walks with Earle...

...I'm writing cover letter after cover letter. And actually, having quite some fun with it. That's a good sign - right? So I think some of these little introductory sentences are kind of silly and I've decided to start sharing them.

Can't let the "economic downturn" get me down.

Japanese/English Dog Web-Magazine Manager

His bad breath doesn’t even bother me one bit.

Yes, at one time I was completely disgusted with the Baby Bjorn carrying, poop-scooping ways of the urban dog-owner. But once I brought my Miniature Schnauzer home, all of that seemingly outlandish behavior suddenly made sense to me.