Helpful Rejection and the Job Hunting Clock

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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Clocks. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

The clock is running out, and a job becomes harder to find. My savings is depleted and the summer approaches. Job hunting is always on my mind.

My own money finally ran out a month ago, but my sister has decided to support me. I did the same for her before she found a job, during the beginning of community college, so the trade works out. Still, mooching does not suffice.

I’ve sent out applications and even received an official rejection from one place. That let down actually gave me hope. It meant someone actually took time to review my resume, which was sent out for a book keeping job at a library.

I felt like I was worth something. They wished me good luck, and they hoped my education, an associate’s degree in journalism, would open up other opportunities for me. I felt inspired again. The clock may be running out, as April quickly slips into May, but I’m not out for the count yet.

Snagajob.com will be logged into, and resumes will be sent out. “Help Wanted” sections will be scrolled through. I even did so yesterday. It wasn’t much but the words of encouragement from that rejection email did help.

Sometimes unemployment can leave you feeling so low you’re practically on the floor. All you want to do is hide from a world that always seems to be employed and independent. However, some nice words can make you feel like your worth it again. If you know someone like me feel free to send a positive message their way. If you are on the job hunt please remember you are worth a company’s time, so keep trying.

-Katelyn Avery

280 words

 

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Play On, Play On

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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 “Repaired” hockey stick. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Things break, it’s a part of life. No matter how careful you are, especially when using sports equipment, disaster will strike. Any sport can be affected by a literal break-up. A skater may smash their skateboard because they just couldn’t land that trick, or a baseball player may chuck the baseball as far as he can out of frustration. Similar to an epic home run that ball will be lost forever, well until another kid finds it. There are also accidents and dumb ideas, the kind that crippled my hockey stick.

I was shopping one day when I noticed hockey sticks on sale. I had always wanted one but I didn’t have the $15 for the adult sized stick so I bought child sized one. I was just going to pass with it so its all I needed. Eventually I got a dry land flooring tile to shoot off of, and that’s when it all went south. The dry land flooring tile was great, but my thoughts were clouded.

My cousin Alex and I were taking light shots with the stick, but that didn’t hold our interest for long. We graduated to slap shots, but the stick wasn’t ready for that jump. The stick was just about to break when my cousin took his turn. Alex took a shot and then casually asked “How much was this?” I knew what happened.

I wasn’t mad, because I had caused some damage as well. The stick was also only cracked, and not split in two. Being the resourceful type I didn’t feel my money journey out of my pocket. I didn’t have to buy, I just needed tape.

At first I used my Aunt’s electrical tape. It was the only tape she had on her so it would have to do. When I got home that night I noticed my “healing” shaft was a bit wobbly. I grabbed the masking tape and went to work. My hockey stick was now the owner of a white cast. It was completely “fixed” and ready to play. The following shots didn’t cause much damage because of how much tape surrounded the shaft, but I decided to do some cosmetic work as well. After saving up I was finally able to buy black hockey tape (I only had white tape before that) I applied a new tape job to my blade and I covered up the masking tape. A “cast” is still visible on the hockey stick, but now it’s easier on the eyes. 

An injury doesn’t mean a permanent seat on the sidelines. If you work hard, take certain precautions and allow some down time, the game will go on. You will be able to play again.

 – Katelyn Avery

452 words

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Seals: Gliding With Greatness

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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A seal at Mystic Aquarium. 2009. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

(Part 2 of the “Animal Posts” series)

The color doesn’t exactly catch the eye, but if you look closer at the seals skin beauty is everywhere. It’s so sleek with a nice to shine to it. The perfect coat to wear during a swim.

As I looked down from the outdoor viewing wall I couldn’t help but admire the three animals before me. Seals don’t just slither through the water, they glide. The water reflected the sky well during the extremely clear summer day, and the seals looked happy.

As I squeezed my way into the crowd around me I finally heard the call. The seals began to bark. It sounded like one of humanities celebration songs. The seals were enjoying their play time, and so was I.

I was 16 during the last trip my family and I took to Mystic. My two younger cousins, sister, Mom, maternal grandparents and I ventured through Mystic Aquarium as if it was our first time. In actuality we had been enough times to say we knew the aquarium like the back of our hand. 5 years later I still remember how awesome that summer trip was. I had seen all the animals before, but visiting the exhibits could never grow tedious.

– Katelyn Avery

202 words

 

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An Occasional Splurge

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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 Half devoured cake. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

My money doesn’t always get blown away, but when it does I enjoy my splurge to the fullest. I’m 21 and cruising through the “Young and broke” ocean. My boat is more than rocked by bills and upcoming college loans. That still doesn’t stop me from enjoying life sometimes.

I was grocery shopping during the Palm Sunday weekend when I decided my family deserved a treat. My money was already spread pretty thin, but then I passed by the bakery. There was no way to avoid it, because the bakery comes before the frozen food section. The cakes were displayed in the front and one caught my eye. The craftsmanship to the applied frosting was commendable, and I was suckered in.

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Cake slice. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

As I slid the cake through self-check out I felt a tad guilty. I knew I was spending six dollars for a sweet treat, instead of using my money for real food, or just saving it for later. However that guilty feeling was overpowered by my desire for dessert. 

The cake was well accepted into the family. Literally into each member of the family. My twin sister, Mom, Dad and I dove right into the sugar filled beauty. The plates and forks came out, and I missed my chance to photograph the complete cake. I think it looks better half eaten though. A full cake may be untouched because no one wants it, but the one I bought definitely had some fans.

As we ate the cake the guilty feeling from the grocery store went away. Sometimes you need to treat yourself. I often skip things that I want because of money restraints, but the few “prizes” I award myself are great. Six dollars isn’t going to dig a hole of debt around me. I don’t splurge often enough to create that kind of bottomless pit. You just need the occasional splurge sometimes. Being responsible is important, but you have to live a little as well.

-Katelyn Avery

327 words

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4/16/14: Winter’s Return

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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  Winter’s Return. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

As I open the back door I’m greeted with a pleasant surprise. The night before my mother had commented that she thought it was snowing, but neither one of us thought it would stick. My old buddy winter decided to fight though, leaving southern Connecticut gradually, instead of in a rush.

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 Winter’s Return. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Snow sits on the back steps without being too bothersome. There isn’t enough to get out the shovels, it’s just a dusting. This is eye candy to me. Spring has some good qualities, but when my Dad and I found two spiders in the house yesterday, I longed for the cold months. Bugs are kept at bay then. I was never good at killing them, or catching them with a cup and setting them free.

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 Winter’s Return. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Wooden objects are not the only places where winter has dropped their suitcase. The woods have made way for winters surprise visit. Making room was a little tough, but we all know winter’s visit will be brief. As April changes to May spring starts to demand a vacant room.

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 Winter’s Return. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

The pond must be better friends with spring than winter, because they have refused to freeze up again. The ice has melted and it’s not welcome back until November at the earliest. The pond and I have agreed to disagree. I love having my buddy winter back, even if it’s only for a day. The cold actually perks me up, and snow puts a smile on my face. Its graceful placement on the ground warms my heart more than spring can warm my body. Thank you winter for paying the east coast a visit. To me this is a gift.

-Katelyn Avery

275 words

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Forgotten Skills: Ironing

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image Ironing board. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

If I had to iron something I would figure it out. I have used an iron once, but that was in middle school, during the sewing half of home ec. As for the ironing boards present state, my family and I have found a unique shelf.

Jeans and t-shirts rule my wardrobe so ironing never comes into play. During elementary school I had to iron my white concert shirt, well my Mom ironed it for me, but that was about it. In middle school I had to iron straps onto a drawstring bag to help me sew better. It took me a bit to figure it out, but eventually I felt heat coming out of the machine. Once that home ec class ended my ironing days were kaput.

Obviously I have some “fancy” attire, but those two outfits look presentable enough without being ironed. I’m not one for fashion so wrinkles don’t even bother me. It’s ok if others disagree with me though. I’m pretty grounded in my beliefs.

Ironing would be a nice skill to relearn. I imagine I will have to someday for my kids musical concerts, or maybe they will be fashion conscious. For now it’s a skill that sounds cool, but it’s also forgotten. Ironing isn’t a lost cause with me, but it’s not a top priority.

-Katelyn Avery

221 words

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Much Love To The Penguins

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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 Penguins at Mystic Aquarium. 2009. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

 (Part 1 of the “Animal Posts” series)

I’m not ashamed of my “Favorite Animals” list. People have all kinds of preferences, so why shouldn’t animals also be separated by levels of awesomeness? None of these animals would be my pet, but I still respect their status.

In middle school penguins were the thing. Almost like a trend. It was holdover respect from fifth grade I think. There really isn’t much else to explain my grades fascination with them. Maybe it was from penguins constant use in jokes, or it could have been their posh exterior. Penguins put on a great poker face you see. Once you get to know these creatures you will see that the suit is just a facade. Penguins prove to be much more relaxed than first perceived. Female penguins are part of the admired in crowd as well. Many human women copy their style. Those humans become strong women who prefer pant suits over skirts.

Aquarium trips didn’t stop in middle school of course. High school ventures were just as rewarding. Despite going to Mystic Aquarium since childhood the exhibits never got old.

Obviously penguins do not hold my devout attention as an animal fan. However, when it comes to something like eagles, my American pride in them isn’t enough to bring them to my Connecticut neighborhood. Nevertheless I still imagine somewhere in the country an eagle is spreading its wings, and plotting route over my street. Maybe just my hometown at least. I’m an optimist, and anything’s possible.

I was able to see an eagle in third grade during an assembly, but that was in 2001 or 2002. A camera phone was not on hand. My “Favorite Animals” list goes beyond two bullet points though. Some of the selected animals are actually part of my everyday life, but that’s for another post. At least penguins have been caught by my eye, and digital camera.

-Katelyn Avery

312 words

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Paused in Time

Posted on April 7, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

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 Stuck in a hazy place. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Don’t get trapped in any room or hallway. Avoid any place that is hazy and hard to walk through. Please don’t pause your whole life. Move forward my friend as the world’s timeline continues to add on events. Make sure your desires don’t remain thoughts.

I know you should believe in yourself enough to go through anything, but that haze is poisonous. It’s blocking the window you need to climb through. Even that’s a trick, you can actually go through the door. Still many people listen to that old saying*, and think the door is a trap.

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Door to desire. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

Put your leg behind the other and make a military style turn. Your legs may feel stiff but you can take a minute to stretch. After that please turn through the hallway and find the door. 

There aren’t any special directions here. Just go through it. Don’t listen to any doubt or worry in your mind. Please don’t do that. You may tremble but you have to do this. I did it. I had to do it.

That list in your head, the one that says “Things to do”, needs to be dented. Start accomplishing things. The regret from never getting out there will hurt more than the hardships that come when you actually work. Standing still can beat you and then cut you up, but you can fight that gangster.

Oh good your through the door and going up the stairs. Fresh air is seeping through the hatch before you. As your hands push against it I’m proud of you. I can hear the lock break. Go for it kid.

Feels nice on the outside huh? I’m glad you made it to the outside buddy. Now it’s time to attack those goals.

*”When you can’t find a door open a window”

-Katelyn Avery

290 words

 

 

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Smiling Worker

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                 Rakes. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

I was a normal kid by all means, but one thing that may sound strange is that I enjoyed most of my chores. I didn’t have to do anything gross like clean the bathroom, so I was up for any assigned task.

As a small child I received the pleasure of helping my Dad plant bulbs for my Grandma. I was three and enjoying the outdoors. Obviously I played a minuscule part, but I felt empowered. During the snow months I grabbed my child sized shovel and pitched in. My twin sister had a matching one. They had an orange plastic scoop with a wooden handle. The hefty duty metal shovel was off limits to small hands.

Image                                                                          Snow covered patio. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

My sister and I felt like we were playing as we tossed snow from the patio to the yard. It wasn’t ice covered or anything, so it didn’t feel like real work. My Mom covered more area than us of course, and my Dad would be out snow plowing driveways.                                                                                           

The snow would eventually melt and southern Connecticut received a generous spring, summer and then fall. As the leaves turned real yard work fell into my lap. Raking the leaves was the best job a kid could have. Piles would build and finally I would take off into the air and plop into a bundle of leaves. The only bad part was when the end of the day came, and the leaves had to be bagged and placed at the curb for pickup.

My fourth grade class allowed me to partake in a new level of outdoor chores. Kids from different grades got to make a small garden together. Thankfully my science class was able to pitch in. It was the first time I needed gloves, which meant my thin blue winter gloves. We were provided with rakes and small yard work tools. The work was done promptly but with care. It was hard, but I remember thinking “This is so much fun”. I didn’t want to finish in a way. The final product was something I wanted to see of course, but I didn’t want to be stuck in the classroom again. One of my other prominent memories of the garden is how my spirit could be lifted just because school took place outside for a beautiful 30 minutes. The term work didn’t apply, because being outside is everything to a kid.

-Katelyn Avery

400 words

 

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Wall Ball Memories

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Katelyn The Journalist

Image                 Outdoor brick wall. Photo by Katelyn Avery.

My elementary school years didn’t entirely revolve around recess, but those 15 to 20 minutes were amazing. At my school kids played a variety of games. Kick ball and basketball were really popular, but one game left the others in the dust. Wall ball was the kingpin of recess activities for those in fifth grade and below.

1 to 3 games would be going on at once. The walls were close together, so we had to stop the ball and then throw it, instead of slamming our hands against the ball like they were tennis rackets. Not many girls played. Sometimes it would just be me and the boys. I usually brought the tennis ball for that day’s game, but that wasn’t the only reason I was allowed to play. It wasn’t like TV, we didn’t believe in cuties or something like that. Boys and girls got along, and only a few recess activities, like football and jump rope, were gender separated.

Wall ball didn’t have any strength requirements. As long as you could reach the wall, and run when someone caught the ball before it hit the cement, you were fine. Even when you did get out it was all good. I would wait on the curb with all the other out kids. We loved to watch the game as well. The stakes were raised when it came down to the final two kids. They would both be really good, and we couldn’t figure out which one would win. Whoever won became the hero to all the out kids. Because of them we were released onto the court for a new game. At least two games would take place during one recess session.

There were days when we didn’t play for a win of course. Playing the game was enough sometimes. The end of fifth grade made outs and winners less desired. We were having fun and enjoying each other’s company. We knew sixth grade would rip recess out of our young hands, but we didn’t know about the other changes. The elementary schools were mixed together and split into two middle schools. Hormones went three steps higher and mingling became harder. Crushes had existed before, but now they were backed up with feelings. One of my classes was even split into a girls side and a boys side. It took a while to break that choice. That made me grateful for the time both genders spent together.

Wall balls physical form died at fifth grade graduation. However the memories still fill my heart with joy. It may have been just a game constricted to recess for some, but it feels like something greater to me.

-Katelyn Avery

447 words

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