Giving Thanks

Ok, so I've been a total slacker in the blogging department.  I knew from the beginning that it would be questionable how often I shared my thoughts, but I thought I'd hang on a little longer.  Well now back to it....

It's Thanksgiving today.  I'm sitting at my parents house in Pennsylvania, listening to the sounds of our feast being prepared.  Since I woke up this morning I've been thinking about how much I have to be thankful for: 

For starters, I was lucky enough to be born in a time and place where food, shelter, education, and so many more things are available to me, practically without question.  Many (most, in fact) others in this world cannot say that.


Secondly, the overall condition of women in this world is horrendous and I have have been extraordinarily lucky to have been kept safe from abuse and mistreatment, that so many other women in this world must endure.  I am marrying a man who loves and respects me and I couldn't be more thankful.  Over the past few months, articles such as this Nicholas Kristof article from the New York Times have opened my eyes to the struggles of women everywhere.  It is today, on Thanksgiving, that I am making a promise to myself to not take for granted the luck I have had, and do what I can to make a difference.  I intend to start small... perhaps donating time and/or money to one of many organizations globally that seeks to advance the condition of women... and go from there.  I am serious about this mission, and welcome you to join me.

As a third and final giving of thanks, I am incredibly grateful for my family and friends who continue to support me each day.  Whether a simple phone call to say hello or a lavish engagement party hosted by my parents, I am so lucky to have people in my life that love and care for me.  I hope that I am able to return the love even half as much as I receive it.

So on that note, wishing you and your loved ones a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!


xo,
T

The start of a new season

My day started out with a pleasant stroll to Central Park, some time with a book, and a little bit of a schlaf. But upon returning home I got to work... laundry, cleaning, clearing out my e-mail inbox... all the sorts of things once does in preparation for a new season and a new outlook.

Labor Day is soon over and with it the end of Summer. I'm not sad though, I love the fall. More importantly, I love fall fashion! And next week does start New York Fashion Week... yay! Sweaters! Boots! Jackets! Oh, how I've missed thee! And so I digress... back to what I was getting at...

So summer is over. Fall is here. You get the picture. Rolling into the fall, I have two major priorities: #1 Job, #2 Wedding, #3 Project Honeymoon Bikini

#1 - Job
As mentioned in an earlier post, I've started a part-time consulting gig with a high-end fashion/beauty brand. A name I'm sure you'd all recognize... see past tweets for clues! It's going very well and it's nice to be back in an office at work. Even nicer is that I'm currently working 3 days a week, making the preparations for #2 much easier. I also still have a number of active interviews with several top fashion brands... I'm eager to turn one of these options into a full-time opportunity, although I will miss the part-time sched.

#2 - Wedding
So the plans have changed a bit and we are now planning a March 2010 wedding in Israel! I've managed to check off a few things from my list:

1 - Created a website: www.tamarandjonathan.com
2 - Got the dress!
3 - Registered

But I still would feel a lot better having the exact date/venue figured out. Which should happen soon... J's mom will be in Israel next week and is scoping out venues.

#3 - Project Honeymoon Bikini
Also on my wedding prep list which I plan on starting tomorrow, is Project Honeymoon Bikini. We don't yet have honeymoon plans, but it's going to be somewhere with a beach... and gosh-darn-it I want to look HOT! Not to mention that I wouldn't mind being a bit svelter for the wedding itself. Starting tomorrow I will be keeping a food journal. My goal is to cut down on white carbs, dairy, and dessert, and eat more fresh fruit + veggies. On the fitness side, I am planning to work out more. I'll be happy if I consistently workout 3-4 times a week for at least an hour each time.


So there you have it. Off to go put my white clothing in storage...

On the job...

Last week I was on the hunt... this week I'm on the job!

Yes, you heard me right. Now don't get too excited there, it's just a temporary consulting project... but it's one that I am very excited about. I am working 3 days a week for a major luxury brand, assisting with their digital marketing programs.

Now to all the recruiters and HR managers out there reading this (because some of you are reading this, right?) I am still very much interested in a full-time position, so please keep the opportunities coming!

More to report later...

On the hunt...

I'm officially on the hunt... still for my next job opportunity, but also for a wedding venue. First, a few updates on the job side of things:

I've actually been pleasantly surprised by the opportunities available in my field. I'm especially excited for a few interviews I have going on right now. And while not interviewing I have been doing some consulting work for small businesses needing digital marketing expertise. It's been a great experience and I wonder whether I could make consulting into something more official. We shall see.

On the wedding side of things... we are officially having two weddings. Yes, you heard me. Two countries, two ceremonies, two parties... two weddings! Doesn't sound so bad, right? It's not... but it does mean double the wedding planning, which is stressful enough just planning one.

Between job applications and wedding planning I really feel like I have a full time job. This morning alone, I received 3 phone calls from recruiters, 1 call from a wedding venue, and even more emails on both accounts. The week is starting off right! Now if only I can nail the interview I have later today... :)

ZOMG! Engaged!

I'm engaged! Day 4 and it still feels surreal. I'm trying to balance the job hunt with the excitement of an upcoming wedding, but it's tough! So many calls, emails, and messages wishing us the best... it's really magical. I'm so excited to be marrying the greatest guy ever!!

Since I know you'll be asking for "the story" of how it went down, here you go:

Jonathan had been away for the weekend at a nerd-fest (aka Otakon) in Baltimore. He had left on Thursday so Tamar spent the weekend doing girly things with her sister who was visiting from PA. By Sunday evening Tamar was really missing “her Jon-Jon,” but he wasn’t scheduled to be home until Monday morning.

On Monday Tamar had a meeting that started early, so Jonathan and Tamar missed the chance to see each other before Jonathan headed to work. They agreed instead to meet for lunch at the appropriately named Grand Central Terminal at 12:30. Tamar was a few minutes early, so she waited patiently in the center of the main hall, under the starry ceiling, for Jonathan to show up.

A few minutes later he did… baring a bouquet of red roses. She was thrilled to see him (and the thoughtful flowers) and gave him a big hug. She noticed right away that his heart was beating unusually fast, and she pondered momentarily as to what could make this usually calm, cool, and collected dude so nervous. She didn’t have to think about it too long though…

Jonathan said, “I have something else for you too...” as he reached into his pocket and took out a black velvet ring box. Tamar was pretty sure she understood what this was all about but was in a bit of a shock. Brave Jonathan stooped down to one knee and asked Tamar (in so many words) if she will marry him. Tamar was fairly speechless but most likely said something to the effect of “Hell Yea!” because within a few moments they are hugging and kissing right in the middle of Grand Central. Jonathan later recounted that there were two little old ladies watching the whole thing transpire and whispering happily amongst themselves. Tamar spent the rest of the day with a goofy grin plastered across her face.

:-)

Really looking forward to the next few days. That is all for now. More info later. :)

Friday, Friday, Friday, Friday

Ok, so considering I don't have a job....... I've been really busy this week!! Started off well with a few fun experiences (see previous post) and ended on a professional note with some interviews that went very well.

For the first time this week I feel like I have a few hours of downtime... now how should I use it? I'm thinking a little Sims 3 action... Peace out! Have a great weekend!

Bastille Day! And other interesting things.

Happy Bastille Day!

Now that that's out of the way. Just a quick post here. It's been a busy few days. I've started doing some consulting work for a friend who runs her own business. It's a fun project and looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. I also had two unique opportunities so far this week...

Yesterday, I acted as a hair model to the uber-famous hair stylist, Orlando Pita. Yes, that's the one... famous for his $800 haircuts. Check out the pic:


And today I spent the day in "jury duty". Why the quotes, you ask? Because I volunteered to sit on the jury of a law firm's summer associate program mock trial. It was an interesting case but it ended up eating my whole day. Now doing some cramming for an interview I have tomorrow. Any interview tips you want to share?? Wish me luck!

July July July!

In case you hadn't noticed we are 1 week into the month of July. Does anyone else find that to be extremely disturbing? Wasn't it just May? Weren't we just suffering thru rainy June? And now it's July?? July 7th, no less!

I had an incredibly fun and relaxing 4th of July weekend. I didn't travel but I got the chance to spend quality time with J, along with lots of good friends. Yesterday, Monday, was very productive. I spend 4 1/2 hours at the library responding to emails, sending out resumes, and job searching. Which reminds me... I have a new strategy for finding jobs... ready for this?...

I look on Google Maps for the addresses of office buildings that are within a 3 block radius from my apartment. I then look up what business are based in those buildings, and if they look appealing, I see what jobs they have open. It hasn't exactly been successful quite yet, but I like entertaining the idea of working a block from home. :-)

Back to NYC... Back to the Hunt

I've only posted like what... ? Four other blog postings? And I'm already slacking on keeping this up to date? I mean, I knew I might have a challenge, but thought I'd at least get thru 10 before falling behind. Ah well...

Last Thursday, after a lovely weekend with J's parents in town, I decided to do a little check on any last minute flight deals. And I found one! I saw that there was a cheap ticket available to Montreal, where I have friends. So this past Saturday I hopped on a plane and hung out in a very cool city. The weather didn't exactly behave... it rained all day on Monday. But nonetheless, I had a fun time. I cruised around the rainy city with Anke (my new Dutch friend who works in Paris) and Kieran (our unofficial tour guide and chauffer) and indulged in the local maple syrup.

The journey back home, on the other hand, was NOT fun. I'll spare you the details (but check Twitter if you're really interested) but basically my 2:50pm flight on Continental was postponed and then eventually canceled. I couldn't get on another flight until the following day (today) at 12:20pm, which also ended up being delayed, but eventually (and FINALLY) made it back to NY late this afternoon. I took the rest of this evening to de-stress from the pain in the a$$ of dealing with Continental. I ordered in dinner, took a bath, drank chamomile tea, played computer games, and pretty much anything else I could think of that would be a good decompressor. Finally, I am now feeling calmer and thinking of the days ahead.

It will be a long weekend so I'm not expecting too much action before the end of the week, but tomorrow will be dedicated to reviewing + sending out my resume to those I've promised it to, following up on e-mails + opportunities that friends have passed along, and just generally getting my head back in the game before it gets pulled out once more for the long 4th of July weekend...

Monday = Must be productive

So after a late start, I'm now at the New York Public Library. I'm really liking it and can see myself coming back here often. There's fast internet, comfy chairs, and I'm mostly able to focus on the task at hand. Much better than my first attempt to get work done at Think Coffee. The iced coffee was great, but I couldn't get on the internet, nor stop staring at all the hipster-y NYU students. Was that me once?

Keeping this brief, because as I mentioned... Monday must be productive.

Day 3 - Rainy but productive

I'm on Day 3 of laidoffdom and the weather is NOT cooperating with my new found freedom. I had this image of me sitting in the park with my laptop... simultaneously job-hunting and getting a tan. But no... the rain has been unwavering. Luckily though it is not a reflection of my mood.

I've already been to the gym (Goal #1 complete) and am now multi-tasking with a mix of laundry, cleaning, and email follow-ups (Goals #2, 3, and 4 for the day). My goal for tomorrow will be to revise my resume. I joined TheLadders yesterday and as part of the subscription I received a free resume critique. Holy cr@p... they tore it apart!... so focus for tomorrow will be to make improvements.

Otherwise in good spirits, and looking forward to a movie date tonight with my fella. :)

Day 1 of (F)unemployment

So it's Day 1 of not being in the office, and I must say that I've been busier today than I thought I'd be. Today was spent responding to emails, making calls, networking, etc. I'm so lucky to have friends and contacts that are offering their help... it's reassuring to know that I have such a supportive network. Thank you, friends... you know who you are!

I've also spent a bit of time, though not enough, researching flights. I'm dying to take advantage of my new found freedom and get away somewhere... but it is tough making plans with so many unknowns. I'm thinking London. Just wish J was able to take some time off to come with. Ah well.

So I got laid off yesterday....

So I got laid off yesterday.  I was working for a large beauty company, managing digital marketing + media.  The company had announced that there would be a round of layoffs, but I really hadn't expected the digital marketing group to be affected.  I mean all we hear about is how money is moving into digital, not out of it.  But a recession is a recession.  Cuts need to be made.  And in my case, I was the cut.

So here I am... 24 hours later.  Thinking.  

Truth be told, I wasn't thrilled with the way things were being run at the company.  I had been considering whether a change might be in my future.  So in some ways this is a good thing.  I can now focus wholeheartedly on what that change will be.

Still though... it hurts to be dumped.