Juggling jobs!

Quickly, I want to say that this girl (me) has been juggling 3...no 4 jobs and hasn't had a day off in....I don't even remember the last time I had a day off! I know this is rather uncharacteristic of me - I happen to believe in days off, relaxing, and recreational fun time - but it seems, finally, that my hard work is paying off.

My job as a server is no more (thank god almighty I hated that job!), and I actually turned down an offer with my current internship to transition into a permanent role, which was an extremely difficult decision to make as I really like the company and people I work for. So why the hell did I turn it down? Well, I landed a second internship with a company I am over-the-moon happy to be working for. The company is Viator.com! Viator is Latin for "travel" and so, obviously it's a perfect fit! I'm a marketing intern and learning so much already about social media strategy, online marketing, and am even getting to do a bit of writing. I'm so happy with this position it's ridiculous. It hasn't been an easy road to get here though, and I am thanking the Universe for delivering something that really excites me. Thank you!

So now I am working full-time between the two internships; nights and weekends belong to me again....so grateful for the opportunites that are coming my way. I finally feel like I believe in myself again - I mean, I must have been doing something right to get to this place!

SFMOMA

Interspersed conspicuously along the beautiful streets in downtown San Francisco is an abundance of cultural riches to be explored. I haven't always enjoyed museums, probably because my mom swore by the joys of slowly perusing old artifacts, grand pieces of art, and everything in between; literally she would inch along at a snails pace. When finally she crossed the threshold into another room she would find my sister and I sprawled out all over the random pieces of furniture you often find in museums - I can't imagine they serve any other purpose than to provide a place for whiny kids (and husbands) to plop - complaining our heads off, "my feet hurt! this is sooooo boring! i'm hungry! how can you possibly stare at one piece of art for SO LONG!??" You can tell I still feel this way on occasion....

Over time however, in my later years (oh god), I have a deeper appreciate for such museums and interesting exhibits particularly when it comes to photography and strangely enough, "modern art." I have quite the love-hate relationship with it actually; when mulling over which museum to take myself to on "free museum day," which includes a multitude of places around SF, I felt drawn to the SFMOMA where one will often discover some very interesting things. There's usually quite a lot of photography, and I like that sometimes there is a shocking and almost vulgar quality about the art, which I find compelling. However, another part of me just doesn't get about 80% of what I see....for example:

Which of course is creatively entitled....

I found it entertaining however to watch people go up to it; stare at it; consider it; and thoroughly inspect it. Someone had taken some chalk and smeared it on the wall....hmmmmm. This is a work of art!?!? I just don't get it, but if anyone can enlighten me I would welcome the perspective.

Once again however, the love-hate aspect emerges in a way that surprises me - I don't really get it, AT ALL, but I am entertained by it somehow, even if it's only because of people's interactions with it; I hate it, yet I really sort of like it. Modern art!

Overall it's a very cool museum, and I would recommend checking it out, especially when it's free! They have a beautiful gift shop as well actually, which normally I venture into, but decided it would be best for my wallet if I stayed away. 

If anyone is looking for fun and cheap things to do around the city, here is an awesome website I found:

SF Fun Cheap

I'm trying to get myself out into the city more and this is a great resource to have on hand. San Francisco is such an incredible place, I don't want to take for granted the fact that I live here now and become one of those people who starts humming the same tune..."oh, that sounds great...i'll check it out one of these days..." Summer in SF is full of festivals, music, food, culture, art, bottomless mimosa brunches and beers out on the deck....I plan to live it up!

mmmmKAY I'm back!

Cousin Ian frolicking in Portugal "yipee!"

First things first, I really hate posts without pictures, but my busy butt didn't have time to take any so today's totally irrelevant picture is there simply because it makes me happy. But while I'm on the subject, I'm going to make it a goal to start carrying around my camera and get "picture happy." I feel like I don't take photos anymore - SO not good - from here on out I'll be that annoying person who always wants to pause for group photos....



I just got the call asking if I would like the day off?.....yes please, yes paaleeeeeeeeeze! I could always use the extra money, but after working a few 12 hour days, the blisters on my feet and dark circles around my eyes won fair and square. What's with the 12 hour days you ask!??? Seems unlikely "Liza behavior" you say.....well, not this Summer - it's going to be bi-zay!

Things at the restaurant are good - I really like some of the people I work with, major plus! The managers are great, however, I am a bit frustrated about the way we do "service;" it could be so much more efficient - servers could be walking out with more money - guests would be happier and more satisfied with the overall experience, and I think everyone could potentially make more money, SERIOUSLY. I've worked in a lot of different restaurants and definitely have a feel for achieving ways to maximize the efficiency of "flow" and increase customer and employee satisfaction. I could say a lot more on this, but I know it's super boring to anyone but me, so there, I'm done.

This girl finally landed a marketing internship! It's at a really awesome IT company (Information Technology) that is all about helping organizations to increase and enhance their capacity to do good. We work primarily with non-profits, schools, and organizations striving for a "greener" approach. I really like the people I'm working with and think that it will give me some great experience to get involved and increase my knowledge / understanding of marketing. I've done a bit of freelance as well, hence the 12 hour days, but it's all good because I'm meeting great people and could use a bit of organized chaos in my life.

I've also been reconnecting with some old friends from Sonoma - I can't even express how happy this makes me. I met some seriously incredible people during those early college years. It does my heart so much good to reconnect.

Oh, I completely forgot to update you all on the CLEANSE. Well, I went for three days strong and it actually was easier than I thought it would be. On the third day however, I worked at the restaurant and felt totally sluggish and a little faint...to follow would be 6 more days of work, so I just couldn't do it without a little nutrition. But I really didn't get headaches surprisingly, and I think the fatigue would have gone away by day 6 or 7, and be replaced with an abundance of energy (apparently this is the effect....). I will definitely be trying this again when I don't have to be running around a restaurant, carrying heavy plates, and having cheery interactions with guests. I have also been sick on and off three times in the last month, so haven't been doing much running unfortunately...back at it tomorrow!

Last but not least, I saw The Hangover 2 last night and actually, I think I liked it better than the first one! The sequel focuses even more on Ed Helms (Andy from The Office), and he is super laugh-out-loud / make-everyone-stare FUNNY in this sequel. Loved it.

That's all for now, much more in the way of pictures and fun posts to come!