Music is One of the Best Blessings

I love music!

It really does make me feel better, stronger, calmer, and just plan ole awesome! I have a pretty wide range of musical tastes - from 50's Motown to 70's Southern Rock, from 80's pop and hairbands to 90's grunge, not to mention the different genres of music like rock-n-roll, mellow, alternative rock, country, heavy metal, rap, hip hop, punk, poppy-punk, and blues.

But you can keep the country music classified as such after 2000 and also the Emo craze that swept through college campuses in early 2000's as well. The point being, I love so much music, that I am never left with the thought of "oh, what do I listen to next, now??" Because there is ALWAYS something to listen to!

Most recently, I have been loving the ladies of "ROCKINROLL" which is my term for it. They are rockin' it out, and I'm feelin' it! I have found that I need to have loud, rockin' music blaring in my car on the drive to and from work each day and blaring in my headphones at the gym. In the morning, this helps me to wake up and on the way home, it helps to keep me calm in the midst of all the stupid traffic in Atlanta. At the gym, this music MAKES me run, and run farther and harder. I just love the way it feels! I do also wish I could sing at the top of my lungs, but I'm not sure the fellow gym members would appreciate that... :)

The ladies of RockinRoll who I love the most right now, are The Donnas and their most recent CD Bitchin'. Its awesome! I don't know why this CD didn't get more recognition??

The boyfriend pointed out that they are definitely channeling RATT from the 80's on this one. I think I first fell in love with them when I was 21. They are pretty much my age and have been making music and recording and putting out "CDs" since they were 13 and 14. I have all of them! And you can definitely tell when the major studios came into play and they learned their instruments better and enhanced their singing voices. Overall, they were still kicking ass in 1994 with their first albums though. However, now its a more polished sound, and I love it just as much as I loved what sounded like what was recorded in their garage on the first few albums.

I do need to point out that my love of the Ladies of RockinRoll blossomed during my days as co-host of the GirlsGirlsGirls radio show on the USC college station WUSC-FM 90.5 with my BFF Jessie back in 2004-2005. As you can tell it was female focused - we only played songs from female vocalist fronted groups. And there are actually a TON out there, most of them are pretty obscure, so you have to hunt to find them. I found a LOT of (new to me) music through doing this radio show, which I am eternally grateful for! (ps: Thanks Jessie for talking me into doing it!)

Music can enhance so many areas of our lives, its unbelievable until you start thinking about it more. Its basically finding something that makes you happy and that influences EVERY part of your mind, body, personal life, professional life. I love it and know I need to embrace it more in my life, I'm working on it... You should too...find your love within the sound waves and focus on it, explore it, and grow with it!

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.
Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.-Ludwig van Beethoven

Without music, life would be a mistake. -Friedrich Nietzsche

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination, and life to everything.-Plato

Expectation vs. Disappointment

I think I need this Inspirational Quote more than anything today! I have a really hard time with "getting ideas in my head" (aka expectations) and then not dealing well with the disappointment that comes from the fail of the expectation. My uncle used to say "what leads to disappointment? Expectations." Simple enough, and that was his mantra repeated to his daughter throughout her life. I think we can all agree that this seems like an easy enough way of thinking to take us through life.

But its SO DIFFICULT not to expect that loving hand on your shoulder when you're having a bad day, or that job that you are SO PERFECTLY qualified for, or that recognition for bringing (what could have been a huge) issue to light, or that the dishwasher would be emptied and new dirty dishes replaced and the kitchen cleaned up because you cooked dinner the night before.

But no, you don't get it and then you're disappointed, because you had created in your mind all of the great and wonderful things that WERE going to come from those expectations.... And that's the harsh reality of it.

I think it is also fair to say that when we keep our expectations low, the disappointment is few and far between, but then we're faced with the question of - SO DO I SET HIGH GOALS FOR MYSELF? And then also, with keeping the bar low, are we settling for what is less than what we deserve? Its a tricky and hard road to travel.
I am kind of at a loss when it comes to those posed questions above. What is the best way to deal with it? To get over it? To not do it at all and still keep aspirations alive? If I figure it out, I'll let ya know!

Everything Happens for a Reason

If you know me, then you know this is my most infamous regurgitation of words: "EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON." And most times, its followed by "we may not realize it today or tomorrow or even 5 years from now, but in the long run, this is what was meant to be."

There are a few things I have actually learned in life - as life lessons. The most important is - see above - the second is everything in life is a trade-off, and the third is to take ownership - of your work, your self, and your actions/reactions.

Example of trade-offs in the workplace: your resume keeps piling up experiences that can push you over the edge into multiple categories of positions now than just a year ago. BUT you are doing the work of three people, your days went from an easy 8 hours with an hour lunch break to a strenuous 10-12 hours without a lunch break, and you're not getting paid any higher for it. The trade-off is you are adding to your resume. You are proving to yourself what you can handle and what is not worth handling in the future. This is not a terrible balance.

Example of trade-offs in relationships: Your friend may date that guy who seems awesome, they cuddle in the corners at restaurants, he brings home flowers to her when she has a bad day, and he brings her breakfast in bed on the weekends. BUT he also yells at her for being uncultured, cheats on her when he's out of town, and frequently visits the strip club. Yeah, everything in life is a trade-off and nothing is perfect, as much as it may seem on the surface. (Disclosure: that was not one friend's experience with a significant other, but rather a mixture of friends' experiences.) The point being, you take the good with the bad - however much of the bad you can handle - and weigh it against the good. Often times its not as dramatic as what was described above, but sometimes it is. Its all about listening to yourself and what is important and what is not - what could you live with if it meant living without that person?

Example of taking ownership in the workplace. This is the hardest lesson for someone who is an overachiever, perfectionist, and stubborn to learn. Believe me. When I finally realized the importance of this lesson, it was mind blowing and eye opening. I would rank this as one of my strengths and my best professional qualities. I will admit a mistake, find a way to fix it, resolve the issues and move on. And laugh about it. Gotta laugh about it and keep that mistake as a point of reference for what not to do in the future!

Example of taking ownership in relationships: Sometimes I put my foot in my mouth. Gotta own up to it. Sometimes I say things that I dont want thrown back in my face at a later date and time during a disagreement. The significant other has gotta take ownership for that.

And of course this all ties into those fantastic four words: EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON! There are no mistakes, just experiences to teach you not to do it that way again. There are no perfect relationships, just the perfect person for you.

Tuesday is upon us, so let's make it a great day! And one that is remembered for all of the great things we have to offer!

Inspirational Quote Week!!!

This week is going to be Inspirational Quote Week! To start it off, is this HIMYM Barney-esque quote:

This should hold true to everyday, not just the Mundane Monday's (as I like to call them). Although, I'm trying to get away from the pre-conceived notion that any day of the week, or anything in my life, for that matter, is mundane.

Let's spice it up a bit, shall we!? I'm pledging to make everyday this week worth it! To put my all in everyday! I know, right, this should be everyone's motto, everyday for everything in life... but its difficult to keep that positive state of mind. Its especially difficult to keep a positive state of mind when you think everything is crashing down around you and that you can't do anything right... I know this is what I fall into sometimes. But you just have to snap out of it. And its as easy as that!

Seriously! I just have a little talk with myself - reiterating that I'm worthy, smart, kind, and compassionate and I DESERVE a good life - in which to give back (in some capacity or another). And that usually does the trick.

I'm also going to go back to my deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises. When I was doing it as regularly as I should have been, I was noticing the generalized effects that the exercises promote.

So, here is to a week of less mundane-ness, spicing it up a bit-ness, and positive attitudes! SO WAKE UP AND BE AWESOME!!!

I’m sorry I havent had the chance to post in the past few days – I’ve been focusing on the job hunt. I created and updated a bazillion job search profiles and applied to a bazillion more positions. And then extending to the social media realm, I “liked” all of the company pages on FB (surprised, most had a FB page). Its definitely been a productive week at my second job – applying to jobs!

And finally, its paid off! Had a phone interview today – or rather the pre-screening. BUT, she asked me to come in next week to meet with the VP!!!! So that’s extremely good! Out of 3 pre-screen calls, another actual next step phone interview, this is FIRST IN-PERSON INTERVIEW I have been asked to in the last year of looking for a new job! Granted, not until a few months ago, did the search for a new job become increasingly aggressive, but still, I’m kind of amazed that I didn’t get called for more interviews. I have a fabulous summer season interview outfit that I HAVE BEEN DYING TO WEAR! And thank goodness, I finally get to wear it!

Needless to say, I’m a happy happy girl right now! And so I treated myself to lunch today! First time I have had "real" potato chips in quite some time! I think I have earned it! And what am a-mah-zing sandwich Ingles makes! Love their deli!!!

Here is to keeping the faith and pushing forward with a positive state of mind!!!

Making Plans

Have you ever heard that saying, "you make plans and God laughs"? Its becoming more and more true everyday for me. If you know me, then you know I like to have a plan in place for what we're doing, where we're going, what time are we going, what time are we leaving, what are we going to do while we're there, whats it going to be like, who's going to be there, what should I wear, etc.... ya know, the typical semi-OCD behavior.

But really there is no point in trying to pinpoint exactly whats going on, how its going, where its going on and why its going on. But sometimes, I cant help it! I have to know so I can feel more confident about what I'm doing, what I can bring to the table (so to speak). I guess this can really only apply to those occasions (not moments) in life of invitations - either received or given. We definitely can not make plans for anything else in life ie, finding the love of your life and marrying (when there is no boyfriend or ring in sight) and conceiving a baby. These are things that happen when they are meant to happen. We can certainly try our hardest and damnest to get them to happen, but really its not up to us. Call if fate, destiny, divine intervention - either way we cant make all the decisions that affect our life. And that kind of bums me out. And yet it kind of makes me happy - that there is a surprise in store for us, and that we don't know when it will appear.

It seems like all of my friends are on the baby track or have been and thinking about the second go-round. Some are not having any trouble, while others are having too much trouble. It breaks my heart because 1.) I cant fix it, and have to watch them suffer and 2.) I have no point of reference to know how they feel to commensurate or give advice. I will just continue to keep them in my thoughts and hope for the best for them - whatever the outcome may be, it will BE for a reason.

I can very easily make a plan to get a new job, get married, and buy a house. But will those things happen because I made a PLAN to accomplish them? Absolutely not. I can do my best to reach these goals (not sure if I want to think of getting married as a "goal" though!?) and hope for the best. And that's exactly what I'll be doing...

Lessons or reiterations?

I didn’t get to post yesterday, I was feeling a bit under the weather. But with all the rest I got, I’m all revitalized and ready to tackle the tasks of the day. Tasks of the day are: apply to jobs, apply to jobs and apply to jobs!

However, in keeping with the theme of the week – LESSONS LEARNED – I also have a lesson learned to share:

While this shouldn’t really be a NEW lesson learned, it is one that has to be reiterated on a daily basis and repeated as a mantra. All you can do is your best, yet remember that, at best, you are only human.

I strive to do my best 100% of the time. I’m a perfectionist. I am an overachiever. I will never be a mediocre person, especially when it comes to my job performance. I want to be sought after and known for getting the job done, doing the job well, completing before deadlines with no errors or complaints. And most importantly, I want to be known for being dependable, reliable, and loyal. I possess all these qualities; I just want to make sure that my employer sees me that way too.

With only being able to do our best, we are only human too, and mistakes happen. If there is one thing I have learned in the last 5 yrs of my time in the workforce, is to take ownership - including successes and failures. 

I will admit, I have made mistakes. But I will also admit that, I fix my mistakes. I always have a solution, resolution to offer and that’s what is remembered. Maybe not so much that you messed up in the first place, but that you were able to fix it in the end! And there is absolutely no point in throwing someone else under the bus, even if the mistake was initially their fault (but you are ultimately responsible for the project, task and thus the mistake falls on you). And there is no point in skirting the issue that it was your fault. Own up to it, fix it, and move on.

Back to the main lesson, in trying to please everyone – boss, family, friends – someone or something falls through the cracks and then it all will eventually fall apart. Keeping a balance of all of these factors has to be the most important aspect of being an adult, and the most difficult. We cant let the stress of the job come home and we cant let the personal issues of our life go to work either. And then all the while, we also need our time alone to keep at least a tiny bit of our independence alive.

I know I have fallen prey to all of this – bringing my stress from work home and taking my personal issues to work and losing my independence in a relationship. But I have taken ownership of it and work daily to be aware of this and do my best to keep it all separate. It’s always going to be a work in progress for sure. I think its also about time management. Being organized at work so that your time there is spent actually working and thus getting home on time to be with family and friends and then also carving out some alone time (mine are gym, reading, DIY/crafts/painting). But inevitably someone will feel left out and therefore, its impossible to please everyone all the time. And that’s just something we have to deal with and get past.

Knowing that we are doing our best, is the best we can do in these situations.  And that’s all I can do too. 

Friday Casual Friday!

Oh Friday, I missed you! My wardrobe missed you most of all. While it is "Casual Summer" here at Aflac, I actually dont have enough "casual" yet still work appropriate clothes, so thats why I am still wearing "business casual" to the office. But on Fridays, when the "casual" can mean a tee and jeans, I got that!

But do realize, that if you wear a tee, it has to be an Aflac tee... but I have plenty, so thats not a problem at all!
This was a good work week, get personal items accomplished week and good eating and exercising week. I think next week will be a DRESS week... I have a ton that just get pushed back in my closet and some that I might get to fit into better and thus actually wear... I also thought about incorporating a new lesson or something new learned next week. Or a new inspiring message each day. I need some of that too to remind me to keep the little things little and handle the big things better - with better perspective.
Hope you have a great weekend! I'll be resting and relaxing and drinking my wine!

Awesome Thursday!

Oh happy day, oh accomplished feeling day, oh Thursday! I love you almost as much as Friday! Thursdays are casual, fun-loving, easy going, and non discriminatory. Anything goes on Thursday. (And let's face it, Fridays too, but Thursday just beat it to the punch!).
Today's outfit is quite casual (but not "Friday Casual") and easy.

I love this skirt! I got it from a thrift store back in the early spring and its Banana Republic. Albeit, its a little faded, but its OKAY for a Thursday outfit for sure. And the sweater is another TJ or Marshall's find from a few months - another piece that was a little snug when I bought it but now fits pretty good. And the shoes were a find in San Fran of all places. And I will have to rescind my previous comment yesterday about the Payless shoes, because these sandals are also from the Payless. And pretty comfy and cute!
Today has been a great day so far! Website up and running, resumes and cover letters updated with the link and social media accounts. Job posting websites updated with my new info and I even got to apply to some jobs today! I'm a powerhouse today!!!
And now its time to make dinner and settle in for the rest of the night. Maybe I'll get around to starting my new book.... maybe....
Until tomorrow!

Yellow Ruffles, Oh My!

Happy Wednesday! It's been a good day! I got a lot accomplished at work today and a lot of my own personal items checked off the list (website, reading, and now blog)!!
So, I did put my hair up today, in a bun and slightly different from yesterday. Maybe? Enough. :)

And can I just say how much I love these heels! And can I just say that I can't believe they are from Payless ShoeSource of all places! These are the only ones that survived the purging of '09 of shoes from Payless. (I worked there for a second job to pay off some massive debt really quickly, but I think I bought more in shoes than I actually got paid??!!) They are super cute, no? The skirt is from TJ Maxx (or Marshalls?), on clearance for $10!!! I was so excited when I found it! At the time, it was a smidge too tight, but I fit into it now! (insert happy Carly face here.) I believe the top is also from TJ or Marshalls, been a while since I bought it. And the cardigan is ole Daisy Fuentes from Kohl's. I'm liking it all together.

I'm putting the finishing touches to my website and will soon be blasting it all over the place (facebook, twitter, pinterest), so get ready to be over-saturated with CARLY ROBERTS MARKETING PROFESSIONAL! Yay! (You may even notice the shot above is featured on the website.... I had a mini photo sesh with myself today.)

I found a lot of sites, organizations, events for marketing networking that I'm going to register myself. Next step, business cards to hand out at these schmancy events. Suggestions for printers? I have the design, just need to send it out for printing. I have tried to print them myself with the card stock you can buy, but they just look amateurish and that's not what I want. 

So, what will I wear tomorrow??