Do You Believe in Sagittarius

I really don't believe in horoscopes. But I do read em for fun. Once in a while you get totally absurd predictions but then you also get those bang-on ones. Today's horoscope from the local newspaper though was something I kinda wish would come true. This is how I'd interpret the following.

New possibilities:

- A new job which I did apply for just 2 days ago

- My Mr. Right is right around the corner. Hahaha!! I wish

Idealistic commitment:

- I guess a job is a commitment

- Being with Mr. Right is a type of commitment too

New income source:

- Ohh look, its talking a bit more about that job I just applied for

- Maybe Mr. Right is a sugar daddy

What I seek:

- Ummmm... another job?

- Ummmm... Mr. Right?

Imagination fires your speech:

- B.S. my way through the interview for the job?

- I could B.S. my way into a relationship but I ain't a fool

Old barrier:

- Finally... something not related to work.

- Although it does apply to the dramas of the past regarding CD

Next level:

- Promotion? Ha! Not until I get my license and SPT done.

- With CD? Hhhmmm... if its meant to be then sure.

Now see how every word is related to job/money and love/relationships? No wonder its so easy to believe that these horoscopes are talking about each of us. I mean who doesn't go through troubles with work and relationships? What I really can't wrap my mind around is the fact that its like saying there's only 12 kinds of fate for the 7 billion people of the world each day. And that if you happen to be born on certain days, your fate is according to 1 of these 12.

That's just how I think though. But like I said, despite my logic, I still like to read these things for fun.

Its not like that anymore

Aside from officially starting my career, December has been an awesome month. I am also back with my overnight team. This time a little smarter and avoiding drama when I can. That being said, I am no longer infatuated with CD but I do get curious once in  a while. I often think what if so and so happened this way, how would things be. Its kinda weird because I feel like I won't be able to move on without figuring out the answer, whether I like the outcome or not. But its probably more because I really don't wanna feel confused like that again and not so much because of CD himself.

A lot of people are curious as to when I'll be introducing someone to them. I know they mean well but its not like its my choice for how things are the way they are. So instead of going nuts over this, I'll just deal with what I know I can... which at the moment is making myself financially independent. I figure by the time he comes along, there's one less problem for us to fight about.

So here's to a brand new year. 2015 was the year I always felt many changes are bound to happen (see 5 year plan of 2013). Though I guess career hunting came sooner than expected. Anyway, here's the new 5 year plan of 2015.

2015: move out; licensing exams
2016: hermit mode
2017: travel
2018: engagement?
2019: marriage? (yeah kinda aiming high here lol)

Fruition

I can finally see all those years of education taking fruition. And yes I had to google how to use the word "fruition", especially since I thought it was "fruitition". Well to be honest, I could've probably gotten the same fruition by skipping university and going to community college instead. Totally backwards right? I remember when I placed university higher than community college in every way imaginable. But this is how I see it now:

If you just wanna study for a short amount of time and gain a very specific set of skills then go for community college. Considering how high tuition cost these days, this is probably the best way to go. If you plan to study longer, perhaps getting a masters or PhD then university for sure. These days bachelors don't mean anything.

Here's kind of a breakdown of the 2 paths I had/might've taken for post-secondary.

To be an elementary teacher at a public school:
4 years for a bachelors at university (~$40,000) + 1 year for second bachelors (~$10,000) = salary of ~$43,000 annually for entry level

To be a pharmacy technician at a hospital:
7 months for a certificate at a community college (~$3,000) + 4 licensing/training exams (~$2,500) = salary of ~$44,000 annually

Whichever path you guys choose just remember to do a bit of research first. Had I known I would've/could've taken this program right after high school, I could've started my career as a pharmacy technician years ago and be earning way more than that. Of course it's not always about the money, I also had other reasons why I decided teaching wasn't for me.

Holy kajeebees

What a confusing week. I'm now on my 3rd week of practicum and its my worst week as of yet. I've made errors that even I'm frustrated about. At least the previous errors I did was because I wasn't taught about it in school. But somehow, my preceptor decided to talk to me about preparing for a screening test so that I can get a jump start on the interview process. Is that not the same as getting a job offer?

Mwahahahaha!!

So I'm going to study this weekend and hope that I pass that screening test. I really don't want to fail because I do like my practicum site and the people there. Plus, I do see myself working there until its time for me to retire. How often do people feel that way about any job prospects?

Anywho, don't wanna jinx this. So... till the next post then.

[UPDATE: October 29, 2014]

Got 98% on the screening test! Although one was a total misunderstanding and the other question was really one of those "well if such and such happened then yeah that statement is true".

[UPDATE: November 7, 2014]

Got interviewed. Did great on it apparently. They just need to check my references and its all set. Oh-em-gee. Here's the first step to my future career. Hurrah!

[UPDATE: November 12, 2014]

I got the job!! Though of course nothing is final till papers are signed. Also, I still need to pass my current practicum which isn't doing so well right now. But I'll rant about that when I'm actually done the practicum. Hehe. Thanks to CD for being my reference.. and belated happy birthday to him too.

M for motivation

I think its cool that my name starts with the same letter as motivation because dang... the stuff that you can do when you're motivated. So I'm not going to brag but I do know I am smart and capable but I also know I'm lazy and somewhat selfish. If I'm not getting anything out of something, I would never bother putting all of my effort in it. For the most part, that's how school has always been.

In elementary, I had one of the poorest grades (not necessarily failing but in a class of 30 students I usually got around the 27th "highest" marks). Why? Because I know all I needed is 75% to graduate and go to the next grade level. Plus its pretty pointless after seeing how stressed my classmates were at trying to impress their parents. In high school, I actually was more motivated to get higher grades. Still not the highest, again, I don't see the point if you're just trying to impress your mom or dad. But it was significantly higher; my GPA was 3.36 when I graduated Gr. 12. Interestingly enough, what motivated me was because it was that much easier to get higher grades coz I finally had classmates who were lazier than me. Haha! Then it got bad again in university. Still the same rational as before but also I think whatever your GPA is (granted that its above or at the passing mark), you still get the same piece of paper saying bachelors of something something. When you get a job interview, its nice to see that you got such and such degree but its really your personality that will shine through. So I figure, I didn't have to try too much... especially since my career ambition wasn't that high anyway. But let's get something straight, if I wanted to be a surgeon, you bet I'd study my ass off.

It's not until now that I've been really motivated to study hard. Why? Because I know there's a promising career at the end of this program. I'm also really enjoying what I'm learning. And the most important part, I'm doing this for myself... and not to impress anyone.

Yes, its a little scary since semester 2 has now begun. I'm that much closer to doing my practicum; to taking my license exams; to doing that job interview. But even then, I'm still motivate to move forward... and maintain that 4.02 GPA I now have. Hehe.

[Update: July 26, 2014]
First assignment for semester 2, I got the highest mark. Boo yeah!