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Job Hunting

Hello, hello!

Why, it's been a while since I've last blogged. Nothing exciting has happened that would result in my lack of blogging. More like pure laziness. Which, I do admit is not a sufficient excuse to not blog.

I've been distracting myself with online job applications for the past couple of days. As a recent college graduate, I had my fair share of relaxation and vacation time for the past two months and I have finally achieved that feeling that I usually get when I go from busy to lazy ...

I'm restless.

Don't get me wrong, I like the feeling of not having the responsibility of school, internships and leading an organization. But I love the feeling of being busy; knowing I have to wake up, get dressed and head to an office where I can handle the tasks that will shape my career. I really enjoy it.

I'm not a workaholic, by all means. It just that it gets a little redundant doing the same routine and not feeling like I accomplished anything.

As for the jobs I've been applying? Mostly sports-related. If anyone knows someone and/or an sports-related organization who is looking for a Communications/Marketing/Public Relations Coordinator/Assistant/whatever - please send them my way!

Cheers!

Photo found here

grace under pressure

I've been meaning to talk about this, but I was busy yesterday (Dad's birthday). On Wednesday afternoon, while driving to Buffalo Exchange, I was listening to the Angels/Yankees game on AM 830 KLAA. On the radio, Brett Gardner was at-bat and ending up getting ejected after arguing a strike. Clearly, as a baseball fan you wonder, "Who the heck are they going to pick to pinch-hit for Gardner?"

Send in Colin Curtis, of course.

photo credit

Now, here is some background info on Curtis. Curtis is a 25-year-old rookie from Issaquah, Wash., who was drafted in the fourth round out of Arizona State University by the New York Yankees. He was called up last month, and until Wednesday, had about 26 at-bats before pinch-hitting for Gardner.

Now, I must admit, this is definitely amazing, yet nerve racking for a rookie to pinch-hit on a 0-2 count with two men on base. How do you expect to keep calm under that much pressure? And mind you, it was a close game. I couldn't believe what I was hearing after his at-bat (more on that later).

After the game, I thought about how much pressure society puts on each indivdual. We all have our different ways on how to deal with such pressure. Whether the pressure is preparing for an interview, trying to figure what college to go to, or even what to eat for breakfast (okay, so maybe that last one isn't that stressful). But, as you can see, among veterans we are all rookies hoping to make that great first, second or third impression. We each have this desire to prove ourselves to others because A) we want to fit in or B) we don't want to be put in a certain category i.e. the incompetant category.

So, how do we deal with pressure?

There isn't a definite answer to this question. As I have mentioned above, each person has their own way of dealing with this. One thing I can say is to take a moment and look at the big picture. Take a couple breaths. Count to ten. And remember that it isn't the end of the world because you tried your hardest and sometimes the outcome isn't what you hope for.

Oh, by the way ....

Curtis ended up hitting a three-run homerun after working the count full and sealing a win for the Yankees.

Talk about grace under pressure.

They're here!!

A couple months ago, I ordered a pair of custom made Vans shoes. I had the opportunity to create anything I want; from the style of the shoes to the colors. And I have to admit, I couldn't really think of anything. I guess you can say I was a little distracted by the default colors and designs they had on the page. But as you will see in the following photos, I decided that if I was going to custom make a pair of shoes, it was going to be really special. And ..... Voilà! I present to you, my custom made Oakland A's Vans shoes! Enjoy :)

*FYI: The colors are similar to the Oakland A's team colors and do not contain any logos on the shoes whatsoever.

This box has come a long way.

Tah-dah! My lovely shoes!

Aren't they beautiful?

I can't wait to start wearing them! :)

Accepted, then REJECTED

I know this is late, but have any of you read the updated story in regards to Ilya Kovalchuk's 17-year, $102 million contract? The news broke out yesterday and before the announcement, some journalists were comparing Kovalchuk's long-awaited announcement to a certain NBA basketall player's decision. *cough* LeBron *cough*

Kovalchuk officially made the announcement at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey earlier today. According to sources and an article on ESPN New York, while this may the longest contract in NHL history, the league "determined that it was illegal."

"The contract was rejected because years of low salary at the end of the contract were added for the sole purpose of lowering the cap hit. The person added that no side believes Kovalchuk will play the final years of the deal at those terms. The star forward was slated to earn only $550,000 in each of the last five seasons of the contract that was to run through the 2026-27 season, when Kovalchuk would be 44."

You can read the rest of the updated article here


Always seem to be a downside to big news like this. Hopefully, things will work out and Kovalchuk will be able to play for the New Jersey Devils this upcoming season.

Photo credit: CBCSports
Photo credit: NHL Snipers