Dream Alive, Chin Up, Claws Out.

Remember when you were little and the teacher would ask you; “Jonny, what do you want to be when you grow up”? Can you remember the very first answer that came out of your mouth? An answer that didn’t require heavy adult thoughts such as; how will I pay for college?, will there be a job market in 20 years?, will my career choice provide medical benefits? or will this job fulfill my life’s purpose? Awww, such a time of childhood innocence---- a fairy tale land, where no one and nothing would pop your fantasy bubble. Bounce into 20 years later--- you livin’ that dream? For most of us, we are not. Not because the passion had vanished, but because the road of opportunity has been worn down to a pebble pathway, simply not allowing much traffic.

It’s becoming more challenging to make a living, doing what truly makes you happy. Every industry has been hit with the current economic state of our nation. Those dream jobs are harder to achieve and the competition is severely fierce. I’m not saying the hope it gone--- it’s just now solely up to YOU, to make it happen. No more easy in’s and certainly the job will NOT find you.

A couple of thoughts, if you’ve found yourself miserable in your job, or currently on the job market.

You are replaceable. Even though we’d like to think, “They can’t do this without me”…guess what, they can and they will. Business is business and at the end of the day it’s not about your feelings, it’s about the bottom line. Be the best you—offer them something that sets you apart. Like a nice butt… kidding.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. This goes for landing that job. It takes A LOT of effort, rejection and continuously hanging tough. Be aggressive. Follow up with the resume you sent, if you haven’t heard back. You have every right to know the status of your application. Send hand-written thank you notes to recruiters and interviewers… they WILL remember you for that. And be creative about it. Tell them why they need to hire you, don’t be generic.

You will not get your dream job thought the internet. Network. Find out who knows someone—even if it’s the janitor. Your resume will be one out of hundreds, so don’t let yours be at the bottom of the pile. If you resume get’s passed/hand delivered, you have now increased your chance for an interview by 80%.... seriously.

Secure your online reputation. Be sure future employers cannot access your personal photos, wall posts etc. Do you really want them to know you’re a wino and have been known to dance on tables? No. It’s not their business and so, you need to be sure you don’t make it theres. Also make sure your online professional info is current and relates to the positions you are applying for.

Stand out. If there is opportunity to mail your resume packet in- do it. Also send in a digital copy. Create a package that is unique, relevant to the position, creative, memorable and will impress. At the end of the day, they will base their decisions on your experience and if they like you. If they think it would be fun to work with you. Even if you’re not fun, make them think you are. Here is an example of a resume packet I created:

May I wish you the very best of luck. Creating a life that you adore and one that is fulfilling. Don’t give up. The more you put out in the universe, the more you get back. Being tenacious will get you what you want.

Don’t stop believin’

How to Effectively Reheat Leftovers

Don't use a microwave.

Personally I've been cooking excellent meals for the last 2 years, entirely without a microwave. No, I did not become some radical hippie--- I simply choose to live this way. I have found the food tastes better, you eat healthier, and teaches patience & planning. If you ever want to use your ovens more, here are some tips for the rookie:


#1 Don't give up. When you look at the back of the pizza box and it takes 4 times longer to cook in the oven then the micro, don't give up on the oven. In the long run, I promise it will taste so much better--- the cheese will be perfectly bubbly.

#2 Don't be lazy. You will have to get out pots & pans and will eventually have to wash them. You will also have to be a participate in preparing your own food, rather than some automatic machine doing it for you.

#3 Have a good timer. You will rely on this to remind you something is in the over-- some times you forget you are even hungry because enough time has gone by.

#4 Plan. Know what your going to cook daily. Think about what will need to go in the oven and what items you will cook on the stove.

#5 Don't Cheat. Need to reheat? Depending on what your reheating, heat a saute pan with a bit of olive oil, throw in the reheat food--- toss. Cover for 2 minutes. Toss. Repeat until food it cooked to your liking. Slice of pizza- heat oven to 350. Put pizza on pan. Cook 5-8 minutes.

Try this method next time you have leftovers. See the difference in the taste. You are also getting more nutrients from your food if you don't microwave it--- especially if your reheating something thats already been cooked. Best of luck!

Can you relate to any tips on oven cooking?