Living Life Like a Video

A Year Later

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:45:18 -0400

Can’t believe how much time has flown. I must admit, the fact that I graduated a year ago finally completely hit me when I saw the graduation pictures from this year’s grad. Damn, this shit’s real.

It’s crazy to think how much has changed in this span of one year. During my train ride to work today, a montage of my year played in my head as I was listening to Macklemore. Yes I am that cheesy and visual, but that’s really what goes on in my head.

It’s been an emotional ride for sure. I went from incredible optimism to feeling down in the dumps for a while to new hope and finally accomplishment. It was a year of being lost, broken spirited, and frustrated. But from that, I pushed on, knowing full and well that something was bound to happen if I keep fighting.

2013 came around, and I started getting more calls. Though I went through a few failed interviews, I used each one as a lesson for the next.

Now, I’m happy to wake up early morning. Instead of desperately looking for work, I’m pretty overwhelmed. And the cool thing is, people keep coming and asking for my services. I’m still not earning as much as I would want and still not as financially stable, but hey I’m finally on that upward swing!

So I guess my advice for you new grads is to keep looking up. It’s cliche, but really, don’t give up. Life can really test you sometimes, but if you never give up on your dream and work through the bad times, things will get better. I guess the best one word advice would be: PATIENCE. Be patient, but don’t stop hustling. Always be on your toes, and don’t be afraid of failure. It may happen, but trust me, those failures are a great lesson that will help the next time you go at it. If you’re in dumps, just remember the people around you, friends and family, because even then you still have people to have a good time, money or no money.

Breathe…it will be ok.

Life Update

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:27:43 -0400

Haven’t written in this thing for a while. I guess not going to school and only working a part time job gave me alot of time to think about everything really. Although there were many nights I wished I could write my thoughts down, I often instead found myself obsessively checking job boards and writing cover letters.

5 cover letters and apps later (that’s just today), and I’m pretty burnt out. So tonight I rest, and let myself jot down what I’ve been thinking for the past year.

Well, still no full time and still working Old Navy. Pretty disappointed and frustrated really. I find myself everyday anxiously waiting from 9am-5pm to see if I get a response from anyone. 10 applications to 1 response seems to be the norm.

Sometimes it sucks to see my friends moving on to greater things. I can’t help but have a tiny bit of resentment and jealousy in the back of my mind. But what can I do? It would be really shitty of me to put people down for actually doing something good. Honestly I do feel happy for everyone, but until I get the same fate, I’ll still have that lingering in my mind.

BUT you know what….overall, I’m doing just fine. Really.

Though this probably is the shitty part of my twenties, I must say in the last year, I’ve learned alot about myself and gained a ton of knowledge about life. I like walking into interviews with much more confidence than ever, without the fear that I had had before. I realized my self worth, and that I can’t settle for jobs that don’t do anything for me. I learned to not be desperate about the job search, knowing that not only do I have to fit for the company, but in turn, the company must fit for me.

I’ve also run into a realization about my own life, and what I want for myself both socially and professionally. Even though I still don’t have a job, I have a goal. I love the fact that I’m no longer lost in my post grad year, that all I really need is that financially stable yet satisfying job. I know what I want and what it will take to get there.

Though these are the rough months of my life, I can confidently say I’ll be ok. I realized there are thousands of twenty somethings in the same struggle boat I’m in. I’m not alone.

I’ve come to the realization that yes, there will be days and nights where my heart will absolutely sink with disappointment and I’ll feel like crap. But I’ve learned to just let it happen and carry on, because sulking and crying about it does nothing.

So friends, don’t feel bad. I guess this was just a way for me to tell myself and reassure myself that despite everything, I’m still surviving and I’ll dig my way out of this mess. Because in the end, when I’ve finally found something, it’ll feel SO DAMN GOOD. Ambition, drive, and patience. The three keys to my life right now.

Bottom line: I’m still young, I’m still in one of the greatest cities in America, and I’m still dreaming.

Definitely for my dream…not a person lol

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 03:05:30 -0500

Definitely for my dream…not a person lol

Nightly Tea

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 22:51:48 -0400

Post Grad, Post Crazy. It’s been a while since I updated this thing. I guess nothing since graduation has been life changing other than realizing that I’m definitely no longer in college. It’s been a pretty good summer, filled with some summertime sun, beach time, bars, festivals, eating, and…children..? Yep. Alot of my summer was dealing with little spoiled brats for 3 months, but hey, I got some great pay outta it.

Also, I finally moved out of G-Ville, a move I had been highly anticipating for a while now. I love my new place, but I must admit, I do miss good ol Edgewater. The move was necessary though, as it’s probably a great step towards sitting at the big kids table.

So now I sit here, drinking some fine milk tea courtesy of my roommate. It made me think how much in just 3 moths I have changed. 4 or 5 months ago, my daily beverage consisted of some sort of alcohol beverage and a good dose of bar time. Now granted I still go out pretty frequently, it just ain’t the same. And you know what, I’m alright with that.

5 years ago, I would end my nights the same way I do now. Watch some television with some internet time while waiting for my Mom to get home from work. Once she got home around midnight, I would go downstairs and have a nice hot cup of tea and discuss my day with her while watching the late night show. Yes, tea contains an amount of caffeine, but it was probably one of my most relaxing moments of the day/night.

I guess when all the crazy is over and the madness of college is done, I sit back on the couch sipping on my tea. Things have changed, and that’s fine with me.

Well shit, ain’t that the truth.

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 03:03:36 -0400

Well shit, ain’t that the truth.

Getting My Helmet Ready

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:00:38 -0400

If you are a fan of Boy Meets World, then you should know the quote: “Life’s tough, get a helmet.”

Well over the recent weeks, I’ve found this to be true.

#1: Life’s tough. Yep, definitely is. While many seniors are finding a number of job opportunities via craigslist or google, I for one am struggling to find at least 5. Unfortunately, as many have reminded me time and time again, I’ve picked a bad industry, and although at first I was all, “Yeah, whatever, I can totally rock this shit”, I am now realizing that no, no I cannot just rock this shit. I realize that yes, this industry is indeed very hard to crack, and there are little to no entry level jobs available. I am also well aware that my industry is not the only one hard to get into, there are also those English Majors, Philosophy Majors, and Art Majors. We’re all in this shitty post-grad world together. I’ve been tempted time and time again to give up and just find and alternative job, but truth is, I love what I do too much to just give up on it. There is nothing more in the world that I want to do besides television and video.

Which leads me to…

#2: Get a Helmet. Although I’ve had anxiety and panic this entire week, the worst coming last night when the result of two hours of googling brought up a total of 4 jobs, I’ve finally come to the conclusion that I can’t get a job if I give up now. I can’t follow my dreams if I simply settle. I can’t win if I don’t try (that was a little cliche, apologies). So today, I decided to keep going, to keep searching, and even force myself into places by emailing companies that don’t even have job offers. I decided that I’m gonna market myself constantly to different groups and non-profits, hoping to create videos for them. I realize that yeah, it’s gonna be tough as hell, but this is what I’ve signed up for and I am way too deep into it to just give up.

Looking back, I find great satisfaction with how much I’ve learned. Yeah, I complain a lot about the school, but truth is, I learned alot. Coming into college, I was just a shy freshman, barely talked to anyone, and totally not confident with my work.

However, after four years, it’s safe to say that I’ve greatly improved, and I’m so glad I did. I can’t even imagine being how I was 4 years ago, and that’s a good thing. I’m more social, and I can confidently make speeches and introduce myself to people. I love my work, and what I do, and can definitely market myself now because of that.

And looking at my portfolio, I realize how much work I’ve done. Yeah, it’s not the best of people my age, but I greatly improved from freshman year. I like looking at my website and thinking that I didn’t just half-ass the things I truly cared about.

So here goes the future, I have my helmet ready to go. Definitely scared shitless of graduating, but I’m ready for the challenge. And with that, I leave you with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPO3SaXHHBA

The hardest part of ending is starting again…

Work Day Slump, Volume 1: Pulling an "Arielle"

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:46:05 -0400

It’s been a while tumblr, hows about a new post eh!

What exactly is pulling an “Arielle”?

Pulling an “Arielle” involves going ape shit crazy the night before an early morning workday and killing it. NOW I realize thousands upon thousands of young adults do this, and hey I only learned from the best mentor for handling a hangover with class and ease the next day, my own sister.

BUT for some reason, time and time again over the last 3 years, I have decided to go “ape shit crazy” only before early mornings, really. The worst hangovers I’ve ever had, I had to endure during early morning shoots or early days at work. I’ve done this so many times, that I’ve given name to such practice of appearing incredibly hungover at a 7am film shoot: oh look, you pulled an “Arielle”. It’s honestly just timing, and although I admit I party a good amount, I am not an alchoholic. The biggest events and parties just HAPPEN to be before these early morning functions. And thanks to my mentor, once again that is mi hermana, I’ve learned how to function the next day like a boss. Just a bottle of sprite or 7up and a greasy meal, and I am good to go.

Why do I continually do this to myself? I admit, tis a pretty stupid decision on my part, but hey. I’m only 21 once, and believe me when I say I won’t be pulling these shenanigans next year…ok maybe once or twice. I realize the imminent “grown-up time” is fast approaching (2 months to be exact) so might as well live up the last few months I have of being young and careless. Yeah, my body feels like absolute shit the next day, but the memories last forever.

On that note, ya know these 8 hour days at work aren’t too bad. Yeah I could do without the early mornings, but it makes me feel good about myself.

And on THAT note, I shall get back to work, because I actually have some (yay!). And I just realized it’s only 1:30 -_- I take back that 8 hour statement.

And I leave you with one of my favorite scenes from The Office, it’s only fitting.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/vEVqz_WbuCY

did-you-kno: Source this explains ALOT

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:56:10 -0500

did-you-kno:

Source

this explains ALOT

Still thinking

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:16:05 -0500

Have you ever had such a strong memory that it just wouldn’t go away? A good memory, not a shitty one.

I don’t know why, but I just keep thinking about Rome lately. I can honestly say it’s probably one of my strongest memories, and it’s still gonna be strong when I’m like 50.

So why did I all of a sudden think of this again? Because I stumbled upon these songs today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzv5bMHo_3U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlFCfkyuQM0

thus prompting me to listen to my Roma playlist.

PARPAPAPAPAPAPAPAPAPAPA

With everything going on…this is so true. LOVE this song....

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:35:38 -0500

With everything going on…this is so true. LOVE this song. <3

myworldisnarly: I’m on the pursuit of happiness. NEW...

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:02:00 -0500

myworldisnarly:

I’m on the pursuit of happiness.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. ready to say Arrivaderci to 2011, and hello to 2012. It’s been a life changing year, no doubt. But ALL of these are my resolutions. This year is hard to top, but let’s make 2012 even better.

Friends, lets recreate this photo please.

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:18:34 -0500

Friends, lets recreate this photo please.

I wished for a majority of these....nostalgia.

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:25:56 -0500

I wished for a majority of these....nostalgia.

THURSDAYS

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:12:25 -0500

Ok, let me tell you about my Thursday.

Usually I would wake up at 7am to go to work and shoot/edit/discuss a video I’m working on, luckily didn’t have to do that today.

Today, I woke up at 11pm, rushed last minute editing, then started working on another project due Monday, containing over 2 hours of footage for a 7-10 min film. Went downtown, presented our last PSA video/commercial.Success. But still, more editing. :p

Went to Corboy and spent an hour finishing screenwriting synopsis and logline. Headed down to room 004 in SOC to still continue editing the final film for Monday (let’s be honest, my goal is to not be up all night Sunday morning to finish this damn edit, but it’s taking so long. Also have a 7 page film paper I really don’t want to be writing Sunday and have to stress about the final film, so trying to get as much done).

Headed to Chill Bar for some beers and nice conversation before with Hannah, Sabeen, and Kayla before class.

AND NOW, we’re simply talking about Titanic, Inception, and how to count in Europe in screenwriting class.

Story of my week, story of my semester. Points of high stress, then points of I don’t give a fck. Then points of relaxation followed by rush edits and carrying tons of equipment back and forth, followed by sleeping in, followed by morning shoots, then times with now homework for one week followed by a week with 4 videos due.

Sporadic schedule, many times to relax, and many times to stress. I relax one moment, then stress the hell out the next then have a beer the next.

Life of my major, very unpredictable schedule. No matter how many times I try to prepare my schedule, nothing prepares me for last minute shooting or editing. Thursdays just represent my whole semester.

Here’s to Thursdays!

Still at the kid's table

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:49:52 -0500

Another Thanksgiving at home, and every year I think the break is too short.

It just felt so good to be at home after not being here for a while. 6 months to be exact. And once again, it was everything I hoped it to be.

Tuesday night, arrive in San Jose, and as soon as I meet up with my parents, they drive me to In n Out for some grub. Get home to find Alexa, Joe, and Erik drunk and drinking old fashioneds while watching Modern Family. They give me a few sips before I dove in to my #2 with animal style fries and burger. Then my Mom mentions that she left some Stella for me in the fridge, so before passing out, I drink a bottle.

Wednesday was some quality time with the fam. Ate at a good bbq place, then finally got to drive (scary as hell). Then had a nice home-cooked meal.

Thanksgiving, just ate all day…ALL DAY. Interesting thing though, I finally get to drink wine with my meal in front of the fam, yet I reach immediately for the Apple Cider…FOREVER YOUNG. Still sat at the “children’s table” despite several glasses of red wine. Twas a nice and relaxing day (despite the niners loss).

Friday, although I hate black friday, my mom forced me to go, and I’m glad I did. bought new boots along with saving over 30 bucks at Forever 21 (despite the 45 min line!). Went to lunch at sushi factory then knocked out, only to wake up to make dinner for my parents.

And now I just bum around while watching Friends marathon. Every time I come home, I feel like a kid again, despite drinking copious amounts of booze with my fam. Although i can’t wait to get back to Chicago and see everyone again.

In the end, home is always home :)

ddelara: For Arielle! anothercaffeinatedpanda: Yay for...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:53:58 -0500

ddelara:

For Arielle!

anothercaffeinatedpanda:

Yay for PostSecret <3!!!

BAHAHAH fav post from you Debbie :D

Photo

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:42:01 -0500

Music Zone Out...

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:57:08 -0400

You know that feeling when you get a new album and all you do is just sit and listen to it, letting all the notes sink in…

Totally in that mode right now.

therulesofagentleman: Submitted by marikofreako

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:39:49 -0400

therulesofagentleman:

Submitted by marikofreako

Randomly, I had the strong urge to go to New York...

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:46:01 -0400

Randomly, I had the strong urge to go to New York again….

I still want to conquer it and live there for a period of time, at least before I turn 30