They are just Fairy Tales after all...

Movie after movie, I feel like they all end is some kind of fairy tale love. Regardless of what trouble or hurt the characters of the movie have gone through in the end they find the one that sweeps them off their feet. Growing up I used to plan my wedding with my bestfriend- Sierra. We would go through magazines and pick out dresses and engagement rings, we even picked out the perfect bridesmaid dresses. I thought my life would be like these movies we watched growing up, my life would end in a fairy tale and I'd be swept off my feet. But at the age of 22, I no longer believe in fairy tales, they are things of the past solely for movies. Maybe it's my skeptic attitude for life but I believe the art of sweeping has died.

No longer do men hold open doors for women, pay for meals or ask them out on real dates. Now it seems to be all about hooking up and jumping right into these labeled relationships. What happened to the courtship and spending time getting to know someone. When I hear stories of fantastic courtships I wonder if it has all died and it's truly only in movies. So for all you romantic people out there do some sweeping or something prove to me it's not just a fairy tale. Because until someone revives that fairy tale I once believed in I think I will keep my skeptic attitude and beliefs.

Soho for answers

As far as I can remember shopping has always been the thing I've turned to when I've had a rough week, or need something new in my life. Yes it is the thing that takes me out of my slump. There is something about those shiny new shoes or great fitting dress that seems to make my slump disappear. Many of my male friends hate shopping they don't understand the need to try one eight million dresses for one that fits "perfect." According to them they all look nice, but there is something about that perfect dress that can give a women confidence and turn her day upside down. So women take comfort there are many others out there that feel that way. There is something about changing my wardrobe that makes me feel like I'm opening a new chapter of my life. Saying farewell to the old and hello to new opportunities. So I say shop on, maybe I'll see you in Soho.

Is the art of Sweeping Dying?

I am the first to say I dislike relationship. I do not like to compromise or take into account another feelings. I like to be independent and not have to consider the others feelings. Therefore I have given up on relationships and feel they are kind of pointless. Well that was till recently when I realized maybe its not the relationships I dislike, its the loss of being swept off my feet. I hear stories from many of my friends who tell me how they have been swept off their feet by there amazing boyfriends, husbands, fiances. Well that's the first problem, I am getting no sweeping action. Of course I dislike relationships, the best part about them was the sweeping and it seems to be a dying art. So men out there get some pointers from those amazing sweepers because I wanna be swept off my feet please.

A little patience and a lot of Love

From the first sight I fell in love, I don't say that often but it was definitely love at first sight. She took my breath away and I knew I had to have her. Her name is Penny and she's the cutest puppy I've ever seen. She is now part of my family and has relocated from Syracuse, NY to the big city, New York City to be exact. From the moment I saw her I knew I wanted to take her home with me however, I forgot how much it takes to train a puppy.

As I embark on this journey of training a young puppy and sharing and loving many moments with her, stay tuned as I'm sure I'll have many stories to share.

Some R & R in a little place called Brooklyn

When living in the fast paced city of New York, it seems that there is never a moment to breath. From work weeks that many times go past 9-5 Monday through Friday, it seems as though everyone is always on the run. I completely understand that feeling of constantly being on the go. I feel as though I'm constantly moving, not that I mind however, sometimes it's nice to take a break. When searching for a place to take a break and breath there are a plethora of options.

From just a stroll down streets,or even heading towards Central Park. These are all great places to take sometime and relax. One small place I found was the Green Spa in Bay Ridge Brooklyn, its like entering a resort without even leaving the five boroughs. It's one of the greatest Spas I have ever been and with its great deals it's one of the best escapes.

So if you're in New York and looking for an escape for a few hours try the Green Spa. http://www.greenspany.com/

Finally Back Home

So after three full days of moving out some old stuff out and moving my new stuff in I'm officially moved back in with my family. As difficult as it is sometimes, I can say it hasn't been too bad yet. Still on the search for a job or career which every comes first. I would love to say my final farewell to Starbucks and hello to something new and exciting. So as I patiently wait and seek out job opportunities I can finally say I am where I belong.

So hello NYC I am here for good.

Moving back to the GREAT NYC

As the semester was beginning to wind down I panicked freaked as my plan to find a job was unsuccessful. I still had my job at Starbucks but no job within in my job field. So I signed a lease in Syracuse and decided I would stick it out another year. However, when I went home I realized how much I missed the city and my life back in New York. Committing another year after four years seemed like a good idea at the time until, graduation came and went and I was left all alone. My friends were gone (with the exception of those who live in Syracuse), and the life I was accustomed to quickly disappeared. That is when I realized I needed to go home, so I made my decision and found someone to take my apartment and begin the search for a job in New York City. Its been a month since I made this decision and my time in Syracuse is quickly coming to an end. I realized that no matter where I go there is no reassurance that I will find the job of my dreams. However, doing it from the comfort of my home where I have the support (both semi financially and emotionally) of my family makes it a heck of a lot easier.

So as I begin to pack up my belongs once again and move, I realized without these decisions I would not have realized how much New York and the people there meant to me.

xoxo

Lori

So the chase is on

As I am still on the search for a new career or at least a path that will some day lead to me to where I want to be; I am going through interview after interview. Some days the interviews are great and I feel good after, others well lets just say they are great practice. However, I cannot say I am not getting slightly exhausted from having to sell myself to these people. To them it's the first time show, but to me it's the billionth time I've told this story. It's becoming a bit difficult to seem new and exciting when I don't think I am new and exciting. Yes, I think I am unique and bring something different to the table, I am ME and there is no one out there like me or who can do things the way I do. The difficulty is expressing it in words that explain me, in a way someone hasn't already heard.

I am competing against may of other qualified candidates that all feel the same way about themselves and I have to stand out in the crowd. So as I work on doing this, I will continue to chase opportunities till one comes along and gives me a chance. Typing away cover letter after cover letter and email after email. Praying I stand out amongst the crowd. I wanna stand out like a wild flower amongst the Lilly's.

xoxo

Lori

Hobbies that can turn into great jobs

Many times hobbies are stress relievers, places and things people do to turn from their everyday stress and can just relax. For me reading and shopping are huge stress relievers. For some of my friends however, their habits are also their talents. For one of my mentors/ friend photography was once a hobby and now it has become something I believe is she very talented in. So while you are browsing around trying to decide whether to pursue your hobby and take it seriously look at her website and see how a little practice and great talent go along way. http://www.sanabriaphoto.com/

xoxo

Lori

A friendly reminder it's NOT your qualifications its the Economy

As I sat on my bed reading a book, pondering how much longer I will hear thank you for your interest in this position but at the time we are not hiring..blah blah blah. I think I have received the same email generated by about 2o different companies. They all seem the same thank you, your are more then qualified but___ fill in the blank signed____ what ever company I applied at. As I continue to receive these emails I'm beginning to be exhausted by the constant attempt to stand out amongst a crowd of equally qualified college graduates. As I was begging to lose hope I received a phone call from a friend.

Uyen Nguyen, yep around 10pm she called me to do what a good friend does best cheer me up. She began by quoting some statistics and putting her own spin on things. For example, last year only 40 percent of graduates found jobs and it took about 6 months after graduation before they found jobs. "So it's not our qualifications, it's the stupid economy" She said. It made me laugh so hard, I realized there must be soo many people in the same boat.

So next time you are feeling down about not finding a job after being a college graduate remember there are many in the same boat. For example me and my group of college girl friends are still on the search for a great job.

Don't lose hope keep applying away, hopefully (in the near future) you will be employed.

xoxo

Lori

Is it Time to Settle

After reading a post by on my friends Uyen and Katies blog called Ibeirate, I realized they were right. We as in most college students come into college thinking that after college we will find our dream jobs. The ones we work our butts off to get good grades for, so that at the end of four years we will receive the great news that we are hired. However, reality kicked in when a month after graduation I am still a Barista at Starbucks, the same job I have had since senior year of High School. I am very grateful for a job that pays my bills and helps with the cost of living however, it would be wonderful to find a career or job that uses the degree I worked the last 16 years to obtain.

So as I continue my search the question is, is it time to settle or should I press on, go on interview after interview till I find the job of my dreams.

xoxo

Lori

On the Search

Still on a search for the right job I have been typing away, emailing away, and going on numerous interviews. Walking the mean streets of New York I have had zero success thus far beyond learning what jobs I DO NOT like. After all my training at Syracuse University specifically S.I Newhouse School of Communication I have realized I love Public Relations. No other job will satisfy my desire to maintain occupied and active.

The one thing I have enjoyed about these numerous interview has been the ability to dress up. I love my job at Starbucks however, I would love a change in scenery and an opportunity to wear something that wasn't black and drenched in the smell of coffee. After five years of a job, I'd like to start working towards my career; getting sucked up into the mundane acceptance of having a job just will not satisfy me, not at all. So as I continue to search for a place of employment besides Starbucks feel free to email me if you hear of any opportunities at lstorres01@gmail.com.

While you are at it you should check out my fellow communications graduate and friend Katie at http://katiegarton.wordpress.com.

xoxo

Lori

Now What?

As four years flew by faster than I would've thought I cannot believe that all that hard work, the sweat and tear and it's already over. Yes I am officially a S.I Newhouse, Syracuse University Alumni!!! As part of the class of 2010, I could not be more proud of all the people I walked across the stage with this past weekend May 15-16, 2010 was the ending of the BEST four years of my life and the beginning of the unknown.
As exciting and accomplished as I felt right after graduation, it dawned upon me as I drove away from my what I began to call my "home," it was over. What I had feared my freshmen year, had now become a place of comfort I had made it my home. My family was now there, yes we may not be the same skin color, like the same food or even have the same opinion about things; but we became a family against all odds.

Unlike the family we are born into we choose this family, they are the ones we seek in rough times, when we need to cry and they are the ones we jump on their couch at 2am because life just came crumbling down on us. Yes they are my family my girlies and they will no longer be 5 minitues away. I will miss my girlies and even some guys. The ones who I called at the most random hours just to be comforted. The ones who let me sleep on their couch because I didn't want to be alone those are the things I will miss the most. Although great friendships NEVER end, the idea of no longer being able to walk five minutes down the road has finally hit me. It only took two days to realize that this would never be the same, and i must now learn to live without this comfort. Thank God for technology because I will be attached to my Blackberry as though it's my only life line and connection to my friends.

Many warn that college is the best times of your life, but never do they warn how hard saying goodbye will be. They don't warn that the saying farewell and locking your door will feel like locking away the BEST years of your life. Now that I've said my goodbyes it is time to figure out the rest of my life. As i figure out life I'll keep you posted as now there not much taking up my time. After 16 years of school, after school activities, friends and work, my life activities have shrunken considerably and now I seem to have all the time in the world. For now I shall be residing in Syracuse once again until I figure it out.

xoxo
Lori

When Will YOU Stand Up and Fight?

With a multitude of events going on in one weekend which would you choose? The good cause to help find a cure for cancer, the step show to support fellow classmates, friends and Greeks or the ever welcoming bars. For many it maybe a much more difficult decision then one may think. The fact that walking around the a large dome and giving up your Saturday night seems like giving up a kidney for many college students. For many of my friends the bars that never leave seemed to be their decision, for many it's because they have never been directly touched.However, for those who have been touched by cancer in one way or another it is an easy decision. The fight to find a cure is the one they choose.
With no hesitation numerous of student from Syracuse University, Upstate Medical, Leymone and various other schools, churches and families in the Syracuse area troop out to the dome. United together to fight back at the ugly disease that has taken away soo many lives. Scattered across the dome floor are blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses, tents, make shift tents all to stay the night to fight the great fight. Across the world various schools are holding this same event uniting with someone they don't know to fight on behalf of a loved one. To help keep fighting for a loved one, to fight for themselves, and their future.
To me this decision was easy, regardless of all that I have to get done, regardless of how exhausting my was or how many festiatives were going on. Regardless that this is my senior year and I should be "enjoying" it, there was no other placed I would've rather been then at the dome on Saturday April 12th, 2010; to join the fight and find a cure for cancer. Many may feel that at least they donated, and that is great but being there is far better. There is no better way to show support then to be a body walking to fight standing up united with many others.
I walked for my Uncle Rafael Torres, a man who was a great father, a grandfather, an uncle, a great uncle, a teacher for many, and an inspiration for all. I walked to end cancer so that there will be a day where no one will hear you have cancer. Where no one has to gloom and fear those results ever again. So another child will not go motherless, fatherless, or know the loss of a loved one. I walk to fight for MY future and the future of soo many others.
When will you stand up and fight?

xoxo
Lori

Life like a Nomad...No Connection No harm?!?!?

From childhood to adulthood most people stay in the same place for years. Growing up I have lived in the same area for the past 22 years. It was not until college that I realized how wonderful change can be. Over the past few years I have learned to love the thrill of not being in static. I love being a nomad, packing and unpacking, and change of scenery have become some of my favorite past times. Some people believe its a way of running, I think it's a way of just enjoying all that there is to offer without being bogged down by those around me.
Being static and allowing connections to keep you bogged down, is allowing other to dictate your life. Be nomadic, learn to liv life on the edge. Accept change and don't worry about the connections, they will occur on the way if they are meant to be.


xoxo
Lori

It's not overrated its Breathtaking...

Living in one place for 22 years of my life has

made me forget to smell the roses or take the scenery in. It was not till this past weekend when I made my decision to embark on a year journey in Syracuse, NY to figure out what I will do with my life. Spending time with my youngest sister my god brother and his mother made me realize all that I had forgotten New York had to offer. I know it seems to be the place everyone loves going, it's a big adventure for most people. But for me it became a backdrop to my life, I forgot about all the great things it had to offer. Like the Empire State building, Rockefeller Center, Battery Park and my two ultimate favorite spots Central Park and Washington Sq. park area. These two places scream NYC, from its beauty to the amazing buildings surrounding them. I have taken for granted the great beauty of Central Park and Washington Sq park. This weekend I realized once again why everyone flocks to the place I called home for the past 22 years. Because the beauty it holds is beyond words and although it may be busy and bustling, just take a moment look around you and breath it all in. Maybe just maybe you will get the same feeling I had when I took a second to take it all in and realized NYC was just breathtaking.

xoxo

Lori

Time for Change...

As the snow melts from the city streets and the trees begin to blossom the glooming reality of graduation haunts seniors. Regardless if graduation from high school or college. The life as we know it is soon to change. The routine that has seeped into our system for the past four years is about to be shaken upside down and altered greatly. The fear of the unknown is something many do not like to deal with. The gloom of finding a job or learning a new routine frightens even the toughest of us. As you look around realize your overwhelming fear of the unknown is a common feeling. Your fear of being jobless after busting your butt for the last four years is the same feeling the girl right next to you may feel. So like spring time it is time for change. Time to blossom once again!

xoxo

Lori