For those in the service/retail industry (and loving it), this one's for you.

This is a topic that I've been wanting to get to for awhile now because it's something I think about nearly every day. For the past two and a half years of my life, I've been employed at a Bakery. While this may not seem like it hold an impact, or even necessary to talk about, it holds more weight because I'm 28 years old and have no real plan of switching up the game.

Here's how it went; I moved to the city (Chicago) 3 years ago. My transfer with a job that I loved fell through. I ended up having to hit the pavement and look for something I could do, yet enjoy in the meantime to make money. I didn't want a "suburb" job, meaning I didn't want to work at a major chain, or something that I could have done staying in my same location back home. I had worked at a slew of jobs where I had a nice supply of experience in management, customer service, and other elements of retail work. I had a real knack for it, and found that if I truly believed in the product at hand, I could sell it with ease.

So here I was, in the city and on the job hunt. I applied at a local bakery. I had experience in that department before, though limited to certain products such as cupcakes or cookies, however, this was much more extensive, an institution if you will. It's been one of the best bakeries in Chicago since 1922 and it's still owned by the same family. It's a tourist hot spot and a local favorite. Since I've been employed there, I've come across some of the most fantastic people and really have served people from all walks of life, from Tom Skilling to Tim Meadows, to the folks that have been going there since 1949 who have made it a part of their family tradition. The opportunities to grow here personally have been astounding. It's rounded out my customer service in a fantastic way; I've made the regular customers (or any customer) a part of my life, learning their name, and calling it out as they roll through the door. I have learned to take so much pride in my position there and try to make a difference in not only my co-workers lives, but my customer's lives as well. Getting to know the people who support the business is always rewarding. It's extremely valuable for everyone involved. Every job is going to have it's downsides now and then. While retail is retail, and at times you find yourself beating your head against the wall questioning why you're there, more often than not, it's extremely obvious why you're there, for me at least.

Last summer, for 6 months, I took a position as an assistant to a Real Estate Broker. I thought that this would be a great growing experience, a much needed change of pace, and a nice increase in my bank account. For the most part, it did entail those very things, but with some serious downfalls. I had scaled back to one day a week in the bakery, that was limited to decorating cookies for the store, a task that I love, but one that separates me from the rest of the staff. I missed my team, hell, I missed my customers. I was working in a home office, at times alone, or at other times in situations that were less than ideal, making me miss those vital connections that I had made each day at the bakery. While certain circumstances lead to others, I ended up leaving my position as an assistant, and kind of took some time to float. In that period of 6 months, I had enrolled in a Real Estate class and completed that course with ability to sit for the state and national exam. No, I still haven't done that yet. Yes, I've still been studying and have retained a great deal (and yes, I do want to get licensed). Anyway, I needed some time to figure it out, what I wanted and what made me happy, but in the mean time, I decided to ball up some pride, walk over to the bakery, and see if they were be able to give me a few days a week. I was pleasantly surprised when they when they gave me more than just a few. I headed back in for the full-time haul, and it fit like a glove.

Before I had taken the assistant position, I had always actively avoided that "office-y" environment, (or any environment than involved sitting), but couldn't deny that job route seemed to pay more and have some benefits in the mix. I hadn't really considered what I was doing at the bakery a "real job", in the sense that it wasn't a career. Of course, I cared about my work, my customers, and my co-workers a great deal, but there wasn't the same level of pride. I suppose that my time away taught me a surprising amount, as time always does. I had to enhance certain skills as an assistant that hadn't necessarily been required of me at my other job, therefore, when I came back, I made sure those strong points transitioned over and became part of my renewed position. Just because it didn't feel like an "important" job, doesn't mean that it wasn't. It only grew from there, my desire was to create an environment where people loved to come to work, a place where customers can come in and it feels like home. I talk to so many people each day; it is such a magnificent opportunity to get to chat to those who have vastly different careers from one another, a valuable insight and marvelous way to grow communication skills. Making connections has always been vital to me, I suppose it's because my dad always "knew a guy" and I've always found that to be extremely cool. The more you talk to people, especially ones that differ so much from one another, the more opportunities you'll have, the more you'll find.

But it wasn't just that; it was the ability to have a staff that is impressionable, the ones who are just starting their interactions with customers. You can make a huge impact on how they deal with people not only at their place of work, but how they treat people in their daily lives. Likely, if you give great customer service, you're a pleasant person outside of your work environment, because you know how to work with people. When I was 18, I was lucky enough to have a fantastic boss who saw my strength in customer service and really pushed it and made me grow even more. A woman who taught me how important it was to be enthusiastic about your job and truly care about your not only your work, but your staff. My brother was another huge way I modeled my teamwork; create an atmosphere where it feels like you're working whilst hanging out, where everyone gets along, a true "team". No one gets left out, everyone has a good time, and we all work our asses off. We can shoot the shit, talk about absolutely anything, get a little dancing in, but if we're not working hard, we can't play hard.

That's another aspect of importance is the physical labor. I love being on my feet; constantly moving, cleaning, organizing, working on production, or lifting something. I like to feel like things are getting done. It's not like I'm just slingin' doughnuts here, folks (I mean, well, I AM), I dabble in a lot of different tasks within that establishment. It's huge. It's an actual production. We crank out so much product it's crazy. There's never a dull moment, there's endless amounts to do, and there's always someone to share a laugh with, and frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm happy.

Money is definitely important, don't get me wrong. However, I'm not about to put myself in a position that I disdain at a company I don't believe in, to have a larger bank account. The ideal would be feeling absolutely secure enough to pay my bills and have a nice lump sum to sit on for safety, but what fun is that? I take the money I earn pretty seriously, because it's not like I have a ton to go around (like, if we could accept tips, I could put a down payment on a house), but because I work hard for it and because if I am going to have a job I love, I may have to pay for that in the long run, but that's okay. It's not my only source of income (hey, hey) and the benefit of not taking my work home with me is remarkable. There's a reason why people stay in their retail positions for the length of their lives. Some of us actually love it. I have other pursuits, I have things I want to accomplish, Hell, I'm working towards them now, and I'm lucky enough to have enough time outside of work to pursue them on the side. How awesome.

What actually sparked this post (and it's length), was this article I came across just a couple hours ago. I look at this list and think, really?! Those jobs seem pretty damn essential to me, and while they may be the "worst", they all hold a pretty important factor of how we get shit done in this country. So why are they such low paying wages? To me, those jobs aren't the "worst", they are some act of selflessness. all of those jobs directly help someone else in a different way; a DJ delivering music to a large base of people and sharing valuable insights to music (what's up, WXRT?!), a firefighter saving lives whilst risking their own, pest control making our environments livable and helping the city's food establishments stay clean, military protecting, fighting, and serving for our country and it's citizens, retail associate helping you place an order or purchase an item, and newspaper journalists reporting on local news that impacts the lives of those in the area. Jobs and careers where the pay not be high, yet the value is astounding. THAT'S why people work these jobs. A firefighter is a firefighter because that's what they've wanted to do their whole lives, Wages aren't going to deter dreams, you just find a way to work around it. If the passion is there, you may simply find a way to make the money you need, but if you're lucky, you'll find a way to make what you need and beyond.

All in all, I've given up the mindset that I don't have a "real job". I damn well do and it's a pretty great one too. Service jobs of any kind can be extremely rewarding. If you're good at something, find a way to become better. If you're great at something, teach someone else how to be great at it too. You can choose the level of pride you choose to take in a job and you can indeed change your mindset and how you approach your position, ANY position. It doesn't matter what the hell you do, as long as you're doing it the best you can, as long as you believe in what you're doing, because if you don't, than what's the point?

[lifestyle] The end of the year shakedown.

If you keep up with this blog well enough, or at all, you know how I fall into the trap of completely forgetting about it. That's not entirely true, I've been jonesin' to do some writing for awhile, but I figured I'd wait until I had some sort of content that would intrigue you. However, don't get too excited...

The last time I wrote anything was in August. How could I not? There were too many pivotal things occurring in my life, i.e; summertime, Lana Del Rey, hitting the road to see my man, and of course, Lollapalooza. August was also filled with apartment hunting in the city of Chicago. There's hardly time to write accurately when you're frazzled deciding on your next living space, or while trying to pack up your own. So edge up to September 1st, where we pulled our moving truck into the Lakeview neighborhood and set up camp in a groovy little apartment in the heart of it.

There had been so much personal and outward debate of whether or not this whole city-living thing was going to work for me. I was born a to be city girl, but raised in the burbs, so while I loved Chicago, I was anxious about calling it my home. Once we were moved in, I did however, settle in real nicely. Of course, I had no "real" plan for the city. My job transfer had fallen through, and it was all about me trying to make it happen. I ordered a surge of new business cards, built up some resumes, and hit the pavement, walking up and down around blocks I lived to score a new gig. At this point, I sort of felt like I knew the difference between a "suburb job" and a "city job". Working at certain places, like ones you could actually find in the burbs, were not going to work for me. I needed something with a bit of edge, a job where I could interact with the people of Chicago. In my exploring, I found that the local bar, Will's Northwoods Inn, was a huge Wisconsin/Packers/Badgers supporter, so I drummed up the little idea of whipping some hats up for them and try to sell them there for a little side profit while I figured it out. The owner loved the idea and decided to make it a part of his weekly raffle during the college games. He commissioned me to make him quite a few of hats in different styles.

 I was extremely grateful for the opportunity and felt like it was something that truly worked out for the both of us. In the end, when it came down to actually getting a job, I guess it works that I fell into the lap of one of the oldest and biggest bakeries around, who makes its way onto national lists for it's products...no, it really works.

Luckily, work is going well, but CrochetBeat has thrived. Okay, I guess "thrived" is overdoing the description, but I think that I have a rad little thing going there. My sales have increased due to the factor of people just finding more of my stuff, but Will's had a big hand in helping me out because my products now met a new group of people, they were great about promoting my stuff.

here's a few recent sales; Jayne Cobb hats, 'Grey Street' scarf, and 'Gold Lion'

visual recap:

from my favourite bar; HEADQUARTERS! This is one of our usual spots. Free play pinball + arcade.

this bar truly works for me. I cannot quite drum up how it became so popular to go to packed bars and just

stand around whilst trying to have conversation. This place eliminates that issue with giving you something to DO.

 They play fantastic music, shows American Gladiator, football, hockey, wrestling, and random music videos and is chocked full of pinball and old school arcade games. Free to get in, you just pay for the quality craft beers and delicious cocktails. If you're in Chicago, you gotta get over here! I have to make my way over at least three times a week.

....so should you!

I did have to say goodbye to some awesome people in the burbs...

But being in the city brings me closer to other ones!

Here's Dan and I with Lin Brehmer, he was hosting an event two blocks over.

Oh, and then I was asked to jump out of a cake whilst singing Happy Birthday. So I did that at an event...

seriously, how does one pass up such an opportunity?!

Dirk and I posing in Hollywood Mirror after I bought my pizza hat.

Then a few days later I saw these guys on the brown line. I mean, adorable, right?

and one time, I actually acquired a high score on pinball...

For Dan's 30th, we had made plans with Dirk and Sara to head to Cleveland to see NIN and hit up the Rock and Roll hall of fame. Both things were fantastic and it was a nice little roadtrip and weekend trip. We had all day to roam around the museum and anticipated the show later in the night. 

They had a piano outside the museum to play as you wanted. Apparently, they have an exhibit and have 18 place around in Cleveland for you to make some music around town.

Walking around and seeing music's history displayed before you was an awesome experience.

It gave you a better insight to artists and bands and made it personal. I am so grateful we had

the day to spend there. Seeing Stevie's outfits and things that David Bowie used to sport were

beautiful, and that was probably my favourite aspect of the whole place, was seeing the outfits

that were displayed. It was loaded with inspiration and history and I can only hope I can roam

the hall of fame once again.

Here's a few shots from the day. There was so much to see and so much to look forward to later in the night. It's always nice to see a band play where they got their initial start in music and made a mark.

 

 1). Copy of A 2). 1,000,000  3). Terrible Lie 4). March of The Pigs 5) Piggy 6). All Time Low

7). Disappointed 8). Came Back Haunted 9). Find My Way 10). The Frail/The Wretched

11). Into The Void 12). Survivalism 13). Running 14). A Warm Place 15). Somewhat Damaged

16) Wish 17). Burn 18). The Hand That Feeds 19). Head Like A Hole 

Encore: 20). Even Deeper 21). In This Twilight 22). While I'm Still Here 23). Hurt

 This was the second time we saw NIN this year.

I whipped up a monster hat this year, was out and about in festive wear, and hit the lakeside while the temperatures were still appropriate to do so.

HQ... ALL the time. It's so close to our apartment and such a wonderful environment.
As previously mentioned...

this was another high score round!

..and you KNOW that if I'm in charge of some decorating, that they're going to be some

Heisen-boo's around Halloween time!

Halloween at work came around twice, one over the weekend, one on the actual holiday. I was a figure skater for Saturday, and Princess Peach on Halloween. But seriously, how cute is the work crew?

But of course, by night I was a pinball princess.

THEN IT WAS TIME TO GO TO L.A.

...like out of nowhere.

 So I came home from work one night and Dan informed me that he had entered our emails in a NIN contest to see them taped on Jimmy Kimmel. Forgetting about it completely three days later, I opened my inbox and found out I had won! So, since it was so spontaneous and didn't include airfare or any extra goodies, we did the math and made it work. We would have less than a day in L.A., but it seemed too neat to pass up, so we did the four flights in two days. 

we had our friend Ashley come scoop us up for some beach time and lunch in Venice before our night

back in downtown Hollywood. It was really nice to take the drive on the highway, be beach-side

and play in the ocean a bit. By sunset, my body was running strong on Mimosa's and I was ready to hit the line for the outdoor stage.

so the funny thing is that there was really no special privilege. The raffle is essentially free to everyone, you just have to get them in time. First come, first serve. I mean, it was a little ridiculous to fly out after we had seen them twice this year, along with How To Destroy Angels in March, but there are some things that simply cannot be resisted. So we went and enjoyed California and some NIN. We met some cool people in line and I got to meet up with a twitter buddy in person!

Michael and I in the NIN crowd!

Although we hated leaving after such short time, it was spectacular to have a change of scenery, and L.A. was just what we needed!

...the unfortunate fly-home.

There is something so calming about flying, yet something so maddening about it.

I love taking off, and then as soon as we do, I pretty much snap into

"Okay, good talk, when does this thing land?" mode.

So then it was back to Chicagoland where life would continue as normal...

I whipped up the hat on the left, which I call "epic hat" and of course

always save some time for 10,000 Maniacs, because, how could you not?

Work had me in charge of cutting out the houses this year.

What a terrifying process. However, the decorators turned it into the real art.

I just pretended I knew what I was doing with some dough and a straight edge.

These were displayed in the window of the bakery.

YAY CHRISTKINDLMARKET!

I have only gone here one other time and it was when I was standing shoulder to shoulder

with half of the city trying to eat a damn bratwurst. This time, I was a smart kitten and went on a Tuesday.

Not just any Tuesday, this was one of those random 50º days you get smack dab at the beginning of December. So I went, I ate, and I bought some German goods.

Here we are by the tree, which basically just looks like a Christmas galaxy.

We're with our good friends Mike and Karen, they wanted to play German, too.

So then I got all inspired by the Sound of Music and did up my hair Bavarian style

and then a couple weeks later hopped in a bag for some photo worthy shots.

All in all, December has been busy.

yes. we pulled out the catholic wafers....

and then pretended to feed them to each other.

 

it was cute. or something.

Getting together with these girls = non-stop laughing. What a group.

This is how work went down on Christmas Eve...

I got this banner from an event I went to, where I actually met Marc Alghini

for the first time, not to mention that it was my only point of going to said event.

My uncles rockin' the hats I made for them for Christmas! 

And I'll close the visual recap chapter there...

That's been what's going on since the last time I posted, but it's time to take a little time to talk

about 2014...

All in all, as the new year is literally hours away, I can say I'm pretty excited to ease into 2014. I know there's a ton to look forward to. I know that I still have a lot to learn, but I also realize that I did learn a lot in 2013. I'm assured with the fact that I'm not running from this past year. I can comfortably glide into a new set of time. I am so glad that I was able to make this the year I made a big change in my life, a change that I'm really happy with. I'm well aware there's a lot of areas I need to improve in, but I'm really happy with who I am at this point in my life. I'm grateful for the people I've chosen to surround myself with. I can say that 2013 brought me a lot of opportunity. I worked at three different places, and have enjoyed them all and learned different things from each one. I met amazing people at those places and have continued to meet new people as my life in the city here rolls on. I moved to a new area, started my Etsy shop last January, and settled in with my counterpart. There has been so many different aspects of life and culture that have influenced me over this past year, and the music! 

Oh, the music!...

There have been so many amazing albums dropped this year. I'm so over the moon that I got to enjoy yet another Lollapalooza this year, and see so many remarkable artists throughout the past 12 months. I hardly doubt I could name them all, but I have my sights set on seeking out the new music that 2014 has to offer. I can only hope that things go as well for me as they can in the new year. I'd like to think I put out an unreasonable amount of good karma in 2013, so hopefully that will swing back around. I know that things will change, but I'm hoping that everything that happens, happens for the best. Here's to it! Here's to an incredible 2014, with love, laughter, charm, and A WHOOLLLLLE LOTTA WIT!

XO