Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time

To be sad that Maeve Binchy died. I became a fan of her books and writing after being introduced to her books by my grade 11 English teacher.

To be happy that Shane won HOH on Big Brother! And to be a little bit upset that I'm going to have to miss this weeks episodes.

To be surprised and shocked that today is the last day of July! Where did summer go? I can't believe we only have a month left!

To not be excited about moving. I get my new apartment tomorrow. I'm happy to be living in a city again...but I'll miss living by the lake. I'm also not sure about living in an apartment...I've only lived in houses.

To wonder about apartment etiquette. Is there such a thing? What are the 'rules' of living in an apartment? And how do I find out what they are? I really don't want to make anyone mad.

To be happy that the New York Rangers got Rick Nash, even though we had to trade Brandon Dubinsky to get him.

i & i

i(nspiration)

&

i(dea)

As everyone knows, the Summer Olympics in London are going on right now. Personally, I find the Winter Olympics to be much more interesting, but I do plan to watch (some of) the Summer Olympics. Of course, I plan to cheer on Team Canada as the try to 'Own the Podium' again. 

Take advantage of the sportsmanship and talent of the Olympic athletes and watch some of the Summer Games.

LOL & Sunday Social

1. What is your dream job?
I am luck to have my dream job! Since high school, I've wanted to work in non-profit fundraising. Not only am I in non-profit, but I work for an organization (Alzheimer's) which is very near and dear to my family. It was a loooong and sometimes complicated, what-are-you-doing road, but I did it.

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time?
I think I would still work, but on a part time basis. I really do enjoy my job. I would maybe volunteer with other organizations on a fundraising/event basis. I currently have my own scholarship, but if I won the lottery, I think I'd establish my own foundation. And, of course, I'd travel!

3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
It changed all the time...Princess, ballerina, teacher, mom, lawyer/judge, politician, corporate something and marketing.

4. What piece career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?You have to REALLY love what you do. You will not make a lot of money, you will be unappreciated, you won't be supported by your boss, co-workers or the board, you will have to work nights and weekends, even though the office isn't open. You'll have to make a lot of sacrifices in your personal life, work under pressure and constantly be proving yourself. But if you REALLY LOVE what you do and are REALLY passionate about the organization, none of the above will matter.
Also, take a post grad related program (PR, Events, non-profit management) as it will give you hands on practical experience. And always full your gut...if you think something's a good idea, no matter how out of the box it is, push to make it happen. You have to take risks in this industry.
5. Biggest Pet Peeves either in life or in blogging or at work
Negative people...where all they do is rant, rave and complain. People who jump to conclusions and cut you off without giving you a chance to explain. People who don't signal when they drive and people who cut you off when you're driving- especially when no one's behind you- and drive under the speed limit. At work, co-workers who don't support what I do- yes, it's my job to do the fundraising but when I ask you to bring a poster to the place you are going, please do it. I know you say no because you think that fundraising has nothing to do with you, but remember it's the money I bring in that funds your job...so please, help a girl out every once and awhile. 
6. Biggest Fears
Fear itself- being so fearful that I miss out on opportunities. I never want to miss out.
And mice.
And ghosts.
And the pitch black, you can't see anything dark.

Favourite Thing- Lilly Pulitzer Planner

Many years ago (5+ years), I became "high tech" and put all of my appointments, important dates, deadlines, etc in my cell phone. It was great- I got a daily reminder of everything I had to do that day when my alarm went off in the morning. 

One day, the screen of my phone decided to die. My phone still worked, but I couldn't see anything. I may or may not have had a minor (or major) panic attack. Luckily, my friend Lauren had an extra day planner that her dad gave to her, which she gave to me. And thus I went back to my pre high tech days and wrote everything down. 

A month or so ago, when other bloggers started blogging about their 2012-13 planner choices, I thought it was something I should think about too (my previous work would purchase planner for us, but when my contract ended in May, I left my there...it wasn't mine to take...and have been planner less since).

Usually, I would just head over to Chapters and pick up a Peter Pauper Press planner. I decided to shake things up a bit...I had started blogging (albeit, months before), I was starting a new job, moving to a new city, and would have a new living situation so I decided to go with a new planner. I picked:

Lilly Pulitzer- UGotta Regatta (large agenda)

I had never purchased a Lilly agenda before...so this was a new experience for me. While I had read about the product on the website I purchased it from and read about it in many blogs, I still wasn't sure if this was the best agenda for me. 

I love how colourful it is, I love the print, I love the size, I love the layout. I love that it's a 17 months planner. I didn't love, that because it was shipping from the US and Canada that the shipping was more than the actual planner. 

Stickers that came with the planner...not sure if I'll use them in my planner, but I am known for giving out stickers to co-workers.

Individual days

Month at a glance

Cover pages for the month...love how each month has it's own quote and specifically designed print.

Dates to celebrate...great to have birthdays/anniversaries, etc all in one place and at a galnce!

I can't wait to start using my Lilly planner in August- which is, thankfully, only days away!