The New Year

It is insane to think today is the last official day of 2014. Every year, I always reflect on my year (as I'm sure many of you do, too) and seek improvements or accomplishments I need to achieve. By need, I mean the ones I have said countless times I will try, or do, and never have. My one indefinite goal is to complete a 5K run. Don't even get me started on going back to school again! I can't wait. I'm not sure where my relationships will take me; all I know is I am as open as I have ever been, and am looking forward to the outcome. I need to embrace the unexpected and learn to accept things may not work out as I had planned. Regardless, I hope you have a fantastic ending to 2014. Be safe, drink responsibly, and embrace what is to come in 2015. 

Happy New Year!

If you lost your voice and have a job interview ...

This morning I experienced something new. I woke up today with no voice. I tried to talk, no words or sound came out. I was panicking because I have a job, and a phone interview in 2 hours. I figured I lost my voice because of a cold I got from God only knows who, and now I have to take a day off because I cannot speak, but I need to do this interview. I talked to my mom about it and she encouraged me to go through the interview because I was still able to whisper and may be given bonus points for trying. The reason I am addressing this is because I Googled the question, and there were only a few actual concerned people who needed advice (maybe this isn't as common as I thought). Do I still do the interview? Do I reschedule? It is a phone interview so they cannot see me and I will be judged based off my answers and how I sound. Here is my advice:

1. If you cannot speak, reschedule; If you can speak, try. 

This may sound contradicting however, if you cannot muster a whisper then reschedule your interview. If you want to be genuine then I suggest calling and either have someone talk for you, or prove your voice is actually gone by *trying* to speak. I was able to whisper my answers and even though I was cringing to myself, and it may have been awkward, I still tried. Until then, I am completely cut off from talking or using my voice. 

2. Tell the interviewer you have laryngitis

You lost your voice however, it is much easier to tell the hiring manager you have laryngitis, instead of saying "I lost my voice" Having laryngitis is generally contracted through a cold or flu, and mentioning laryngitis involves less explaining because most people are familiar with laryngitis. If you say you "lost your voice," it could mean you were at a concert the night before, you hurt your vocal cord, or you were screaming ... for some reason. 

3. Have stand-by hot water to hydrate your throat

I never liked or appreciated drinking hot water until now. I always thought the idea of drinking hot water was gross because I had no use for it ... until today. The more hot water you drink, the better your throat will heal and improve. I add lemon so the water has taste. It also helps lemon is an anti-oxidant - +1 for you! 

Now if you decided to do your interview, for the rest of your day; do not speak or whisper. Hydrate yourself on fluids - soup, water, tea, hot water and always try and squeeze in some solid food, too. I wish I could give you a general span of how long my voice will be locked out (fingers crossed it's only today), but only time will tell. Also, if tip number one makes you feel uncomfortable in general, then reschedule completely. You will probably do better if you have your whole voice because you can explain your answers more thoroughly however, it is not impossible to pull through with little voice you have. Good luck!

What I've learned about working 9-5

I recently got my first taste of what it is like working 9-5. Through Monday to Friday I am away from home for 9 hours a day; thankfully having weekends off. This experience has lead me to reflect and realize how difficult it is to work such a long day, and how grateful I am for my circumstance. Now, because I am supposed to be in school, adjusting to work has been some-what difficult because inside I feel I shouldn't be working; I really should be studying. Here are my suggested tips on your first 9-5 working schedule. Things you should consider, shouldn't do, and what I have learned that will help my future. 

1) Pack a healthy lunch and stay hydrated

First, and foremost I have learned the importance of staying healthy. I went from having my meals planned out throughout my day (because I was not working) - to having a "lunch break" and little free time. If you want to remain healthy, pack a lunch and bring water. Nothing gets you through your day as staying hydrated!

2) Get fresh air

If you are lucky enough to have a 1 hour lunch break, go outside. Breathe in fresh and air take in the moment. It is bad enough you are stuck in a building, office, mall, or restaurant for such a long period of your day -- the least you can do to treat yourself is head outside!

3) Realize how lucky you are 

If you are like me, working a seasonal job will not be your actual career. Working so many hours will allow you to realize how lucky you are and thankfully, you are not in a position where you have to work in retail, or a fast-food joint because of education, and experience. 

4) Work on improvement

I am generally a fast learner but I have noticed areas where I need improvement. For example, I work in a mall and I am faced with dealing with hundreds of customers a day -- each with a different outlook, personality, and mood. I could have a relaxed, happy family one time, but my next customer can be livid, and impatient. Always seek improvement and reflect on the days that left you uninspired and frustrated. 

5) Go to bed early, and leave time to get ready
Whenever I have something planned to do, I wake up either an hour or an hour and a half before the said time; depending on distance, and transportation. I appreciate my mornings more when I wake up early enough where I can have coffee, eat breakfast, and get ready at my own pace. With that being said, it is imperative to stay rested and go to bed at a reasonable time. The last thing you want is to go into work exhausted, barely able to function until after lunch break.

"Me-time" tag!

I found this "Me-time tag" from Weylie on YouTube, and I thought it was unique and creative to try. I will have the entire list of questions posted after my answers so you can join in on the tag. Enjoy x

What do you watch or read during me-time? 

Currently I am reading a book by Nicholas Sparks titled The Longest Ride. During me-time I typically would watch either Friends (go figure) or, a chick flick.

What do you wear during me-time? 

During me-time I wear sweatpants and a comfortable t-shirt. I typically do not wear makeup because I usually plan my day around either not leaving my house, or dressing comfortable enough to leave my house. 

What are your me-time beauty products?

Beauty product wise, I love face masks. Face masks are peaceful and always leave your skin looking rejuvenated. Clay or exfoliant masks are my go-to.

Current favourite nail polish? 

As it is the holiday season, I am obsessing over red nail polish. I have a large collection and I alternate between colours of what I feel I want to wear and I definitely have to say red. Red polish by OPI or Essie. 

What do you eat/drink during me-time? 

I do not change my morning routine (cereal, and coffee) however, I eat lighter than I usually would during "me-time". I'm not sure if it is because I have a day planned surrounding myself or I am a minimalist in terms of food. Other than coffee on a normal day, I have water and tea. 

Current favourite candle? 

I will spare holiday scents because it is something obvious to consider however, my favourite scent at the moment is honey suckle by Bath and Body Works. 

Do you ever have outdoor me-time? 

Depending on the season, yes. During the summer I tan outside or go swimming during me-time and I find it is a treat!

Would you ever go see a movie alone?

If it is a movie I know I will have nobody go with me to see, then yes but I usually don't. 

Favourite online shop? 

I never shop online but when I do it is usually Urban Outfitters.

Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time? 

I guess this can go along with the nail polish question because I love to paint my nails during me-time. I am more concentrated and I feel I do a better job painting!

The questions: 

What do you watch or read during me-time?

What do you wear during me-time?

What are your me-time beauty products?

Current favourite nail polish? 

What do you eat/drink during me-time? 

Current favourite candle?

Do you ever have outdoor me-time? 

Would you ever go see a movie alone? 

Favourite online shop? 

Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time? 

Applying to University for the first time

So you applied to university for the first time. Congratulations! After all of the payments are received you can now officially play the waiting game: e-mails will start rolling in and you will begin to feel popular again. It is a different feeling than most, as you anticipate a response. This response will ultimately determine where you will be next year in September. The worst part? I would say it is submitting all of your documents in a timely manner but in all honesty, it is waiting for their decision. From the time you apply, to the time you submit everything - you are left busy and with always something to do. In that meantime, when everything is said and done, you have nothing to do anymore. All you have to do is, wait. It is a grueling process as you wait because you begin to question and doubt yourself ... it is an unruly cycle that will mandatorily come to an end. It can take up to two months for a university to give you their decision. Is it because they don't want to give you an early acceptance? Maybe. Is it because they are prioritizing amongst the "better" students and feel you deserve to wait? Possibly. Regardless of the reason, you will be given a yes or no answer and here is my advice: 

1) Do submit your documents at once. 

As I said before, this is a tedious process. Depending on your educational experience and what program you are applying to, you will need to submit your high school transcripts and if this isn't your first time, post-secondary transcripts, as well. My best advice is to have everything send at once. This ensures accuracy on your end, and as your documents get sent out to the different cities, it is rest assured the mailman did so in one shipment. 

2) Check your e-mail as often as you can.

You will be getting many, many e-mails. From welcomes to "Your Next Steps", e-mails are your friend. Sometimes too if you are lucky, the university may e-mail you to notify a change on your account and to check immediately because it could have to do with an admission decision, or letter. Make sure the e-mail you choose is an active account with a clean and updated inbox.

3) If you have questions, ask.

I am a big motivator when it comes to having questions and wanting answers. Questions from did you receive my application? to my account is not working properly and even to I am very eager and interested in this program, is there anyway to determine when I will receive a decision?. I find the best way to ask your question is again, through e-mail because it is personalized and if asked properly, there will be few miscommunications. Again, this can give you a +1 for the admissions advisor because they see your interest and desire -- I highly recommend!

4) Choose your university wisely.

The ultimate question is this: Why do you want to go there? Is it because of the campus? The social life? or Academics? Whatever your reason is, please be assured this will affect your experience if you do get accepted. And yes, distance matters. It sounds amazing going to a school that is a few hours away from home, but until life happens and your away to school, things can change. Choose a university that fits your lifestyle, and make sure you are comfortable with your decision because you are paying money just to get in. 

5) Read admission criteria carefully. 

So you like this program ... but little do you know this program requires a grade 12 math requirement you don't have. What do you do? Some universities have leeway when it comes to small requirements to their program. But please, do not oversee this fact because you will eventually need that grade 12 math requirement. Make sure the program you choose is in your interest, skill, and something in which you excel in and not because the program title makes you sound smart. 

I hope my tips are helpful and if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section. If you are one of the students awaiting a response, or you are just beginning to apply; good luck and relax. You will find the process easier than then anticipation itself and if a university happens to deny your application please do not take it to heart as there will be other opportunities to come within your lifetime. 

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

My gingerbread cookie making was a success. I refrigerated the dough for around 5 hours, and the consistency held up though for some reason, parts of the dough became crumbly. The taste of the cookie outweighs the process and I had to share with you lovelies! Hope you enjoy. 

Ingredients:

3 cups of all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

t tablespoon ground ginger

1 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

1 large egg

1/2 cup molasses

2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 deg. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.
3. In a large bowl (KitchenAid's great for this) beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
4. Add molasses, vanilla, and lemon zest and continue to mix until well blended.
5. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.
6. Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
7. (Dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but in this case it should be refrigerated. Return to room temp before using.) Preheat oven to 375°.
8. Grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
9. Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface.
10. Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin.
11. Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick.
12. Space cookies 1 1/2-inches apart.
13. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes

Finished product: 

Link to original recipe

How fast time flies (It's November!)

To think we are in the month of November, and the year is almost to an end. It is amazing how fast time flies and while I know everyone says this, I can't believe it. The essence of time is something to cherish and always keep sacred. Never take a moment for granted, live to the day, and accomplish your dreams. I am a lover of Christmas, and you will be seeing festive and Holiday posts that inspire me. 

Thanks for reading, and here's to November.