Adios, 2009.

Ok, look, so everyone else is bringing back their blogs for 2010 (I know; I’m such a sheep sometimes) and I think four months away from this blog was enough to adjust to my new life, so I’m back. I keep reading my Google reader and come across so many things I want to tell you guys about anyways.

It’s time to quit dilly-dallying and get down to business. I’m even getting started on my New Year’s resolution the day before Jan. 1st. That’s how dedicated I am. (And it also means I more than likely won’t be posting on tomorrow, haha.)

First, updates:

Although 2009 was a rough year for lots of people, overall I think it was a good year for me. Although it was probably one of the hardest years of my life, I think I learned a lot and I definitely came out on top. Here's proof:

1) I live in New York City.

2) I got a job as an editorial assistant at a national women’s magazine. (Check for 2009 New Year’s Resolution #1)

3) I lost at least five pounds. (Check for 2009 New Year’s Resolution #2)

4) I still have a thing for long distance boys, but I’m trying out the local scene, too. The boy mentioned in the date below didn’t work out due to moving to New York though.

Second, 2010 Resolutions:

1) Lose another five pounds. (Small goals, but hey, at least I keep them.)

2) Write, write, write. As an EA, I don’t get to write a whole lot yet, so I need/want to keep writing. I’m keeping this resolution pretty open, though. Writing will include this blog and any other possible blogs I may start as well as freelance stuff (which I really do plan on jumping on at some point in 2010).

3) I want to save money. By December 31, 2010, I want to have at least three months rent saved up. This will be no easy feat, but I started this when I started getting real paychecks. I have a lot of big expenses coming up (two weddings!), so I need to get serious about it.

4) Volunteer. Not just anywhere though. I want to find something I’m passionate about, so I imagine that will take me in the direction of something to do with media, women or the military.

I think four resolutions is enough, right? I only made two in 2009, but I kept both of them, which makes me happy.

What about you? Did you make any resolutions?

Wow, it already feels good to be back.

I swear I'm not ignoring you.

Dearest blog,

I'm really sorry for the neglect lately. I've somehow been staying busy between my new writing ventures, the job search (which is getting better), going to the gym (yes! I'm still going strong!) and (gasp!) a social life.

Let's recap my life:

- You can check out my new articles on ChickSpeak about Tammy Tibbetts and the MacDella Cooper Foundation here, Project Girl here, "The Zookeeper's Wife" here and getting your car ready for a roadtrip here. If you're on Twitter, FOLLOW US at @ChickSpeak. We aren't a robot, and I know because I'm the official tweeter! If you're on Tumblr, FOLLOW US here. We'll follow back, too!

- I'm also writing at BizMe.biz. My first article is about the corporate dresscode. I have more coming though, so stay tuned.

- I have a part-time retail job now. (Hey, at least it's something. Although I've had to dress up and wear more makeup for this job than pretty much every other job/internship I've ever had.)

- I have friends and a social life. Sweeeet. I even went on an actual date recently with a guy who actually lives near me. (No more of those out-of-town boys. Although they were fun, haha.)

- I have serious job prospects on the line. I'm not big on talking about it because I do feel it might jinx me, so just keep your fingers crossed.

- My war with the treadmill is definitely going in my favor. In fact, I actually managed to KEEP my weight-related New Year's Resolution this year! I'm thinking of possibly running a 5k sometime this fall. Although my only worry is that I haven't really run outside (and by haven't really I mean haven't at all). Oh well, I suppose I'll try soon!

Ok, that's my recap. I have also been reading a lot about interesting topics in my blogs. Tomorrow I have a 5-hr bus ride back home, so I'm sure I'll end up not doing anything I'm supposed to be doing and blog. For some reason, that's what tends to happen.

Toodles for today,

Cassandra

To the Rescue!

Is it common for kangaroos to go swimming? Because according to this story about a man saving a kangaroo from drowning/sharks, this crazy kangaroo seemed to go out in the ocean with the purpose of not coming back. Thank goodness the man was walking on the beach with his son and saw this crazy kangaroo. Apparently, he ran home (I guess he lived close), got his surf board and swam out to save the kangaroo. Here’s the video:


This guy pretty much risked his own life by swimming out into shark infested water. Pretty heroic, right? Or crazy? What do you think?

Save Your Printing Ink!

As summer approaches, many of you will probably be out on the job or internship search. But before you print out that resume, check this out!

Staples has launched their "Career Stimulus Program," which entails of printing out 20 free copies of your resume and 40 free business cards! You have until June 13th, 2009 to print them, too!

So update your resume and head over to a Staples near you.

I am a Blogaholic.

Some of you may have caught my earlier post about possibly being a blogaholic. Well there is no possbility. I -am- a blogaholic. And thanks to Google Reader, my addiction gets worse and worse and worse. I'm currently at 83 subscriptions.

Ok, to make sure you don't think that I'm sitting at a computer all day, I don't necessarily read every post. I skim through a lot of it and read what interests me the most. It's so easy to do on Google Reader, too. I don't have to visit 83 different Web sites when I want to see what's happening.

Last time I got some great suggestions for new blogs. So once again, I figured I'd share a few favorites of mine and ask you about yours. What are you reading? Because here's a spotlight of what I'm reading:

Funemployed in NYC - They have a great "Job of the Day" feature where they find ridiculous job postings. It's pretty funny. They make unemployment funny, which is nice.

Save Like Me - This is SELF's money saving blog. MP Dunleavey gives you great suggestions on how to go about saving money. I like how she uses real life examples, too.

Salon.com's Broadsheet - This is my go-to blog for women's issues and current affairs. I like how they talk about serious and not-so-serious issues with a conversational, witty and amusing tone.

Almost Savvy - This blog isn't updated too frequently, but when it is, you can find some great information.

Beyond the Beauty Pages - This is SELF's beauty blog. I've learned a lot from all the women there. I love reading what they're up to and what they suggest. (I also love that my friend Ale is a regular blogger. She's awesome!)

Meeeeoww.

So if you haven't noticed by now, I'm a cat person. I can't wait until I have my own place and my own cat. Don't get me wrong though; I have two beautiful cats at my parent's home. One technically belongs to my brother and one is mine, but whatever. I could never just take mine (Malificent) away from her sister (Mercedes). I could never take both of them away for the dogs or my parents. So I must get my own cat. If it's a boy, I think I'll name it Maximus. I haven't figured out a girl's name yet.

Anyways, I'm reading this blog Lifehacker and they must be cat lovers over there because they have the cutest ideas. One of my favorites is the Cat Haven made from Ikea shelves. You need a little space, but the cat in the picture looks so happy. Another one of my favorites is the cat perch made from a wine crate. It's a great place for your cat, and it's rather stylish. I will definitely keep these ideas in mind for my future cats. Cute, huh?

Well this is even cuter. Check it out:



...love cats. Can't wait to adopt one.

Do Your Part

Oh, Ben & Jerry's. First, you leave the pint alone. Now this? How can anyone not love you by now?

TODAY ONLY: Ben & Jerry's reveals its eCONEomic Relief Plan

Ben & Jerry's is aware times are tough. But instead of giving up, they continue to find a way to help. This time they've chosen to help both you and the community. But how?

When you bring in a non-perishable food item to your participating Ben & Jerry's, you receive a delish scoop of any flavor for $1. All items will be donated to your community's foodbank. Pretty sweet deal, right?

"It's what makes Ben & Jerry's different," said spokesperson Sean Greenwood from the Vermont headquarters. "You do a good deed, the local food bank prospers in a tough economic time, and we all get a little more joy for the belly and soul." [Source: www.marketwatch.com]