Saturday, January 27, 2007
Access Permitted!
Hey all,
I've password protected my blog because ...I just need more privacy. Although my blog was never in the google index I had given out the link to many random people over the years. I need to tighten the reins a little.
But congratulations! You are invited to read as much and as often as you like. I hope this additional step doesn't deter you from coming back.
Cheers,
Sierra
I've password protected my blog because ...I just need more privacy. Although my blog was never in the google index I had given out the link to many random people over the years. I need to tighten the reins a little.
But congratulations! You are invited to read as much and as often as you like. I hope this additional step doesn't deter you from coming back.
Cheers,
Sierra
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The Wicked Negotiator
Today I met a cool group of people at Starbucks. I rarely frequent coffee shops because I don't drink coffee, and I try to avoid the temptations of sugary drinks and snacks, but I'm glad I went today. The baristas behind the counter were begging me to come work with them. The manager handed me an application and pen!! I can't work at Starbucks--it only pays $8/hour, but it was flattering to have all three of them saying how fun it would be to work with me! I'm not even sure what I did to deserve all the attention. I was just chatting and being polite. I guess my earlier observation (Boston people are cold) was pretty accurate, because I'm just being myself and people here think I'm so friendly!
Things at Berlitz are still great. I'm teaching both Japanese and English now because I was able to negotiate my pay to almost twice what they originally offered me. (Japanese and English are on different pay scales because English teachers are easier to find.)
I told them I had an interview with another company in Boston that was offering me twice what Berlitz was offering for English. I knew they needed me so I took advantage of the situation. Even though in my heart I knew I would stay with Berlitz, I told her I simply couldn't justify working at Berlitz for half the pay. So my boss said she could work something out, and she gave me a raise then and there! I had no idea it was this easy to get what I want!
And I really did have another interview today. It was with another language learning company in Boston. I went in to meet the director and see the studio. The studio is beautiful. It's quite large and appears to be very well-organized. (I love organization!) If I were a student that's the kind of place I'd want to study at. More importantly, if I were a teacher that's where I'd want to teach!!
So I was offered a job, but not to start immediately. January is a slow time of year, and they've started an early search for spring/summer teachers. Because this company is in downtown Boston, it has more long-term potential for me. I'm tentatively planning to start there in April, and move to full time over the summer. Depending on how things go, I'll continue working there through the fall and start my graduate school classes in the evening. That's when I quit this nanny-business!! Hmm! Sounds like I got it all planned out, huh?
I've made a provisional plan to move to Boston in early summer. I like where I live now, but I'm too young to be so far from the fun stuff. I hate the commute into Boston every time I want to see anyone or do anything. City living is the life for me!!
That's all the recent news from me! I'm feeling happy and optimistic about my future again. Thanks for all your loving support!
Things at Berlitz are still great. I'm teaching both Japanese and English now because I was able to negotiate my pay to almost twice what they originally offered me. (Japanese and English are on different pay scales because English teachers are easier to find.)
I told them I had an interview with another company in Boston that was offering me twice what Berlitz was offering for English. I knew they needed me so I took advantage of the situation. Even though in my heart I knew I would stay with Berlitz, I told her I simply couldn't justify working at Berlitz for half the pay. So my boss said she could work something out, and she gave me a raise then and there! I had no idea it was this easy to get what I want!
And I really did have another interview today. It was with another language learning company in Boston. I went in to meet the director and see the studio. The studio is beautiful. It's quite large and appears to be very well-organized. (I love organization!) If I were a student that's the kind of place I'd want to study at. More importantly, if I were a teacher that's where I'd want to teach!!
So I was offered a job, but not to start immediately. January is a slow time of year, and they've started an early search for spring/summer teachers. Because this company is in downtown Boston, it has more long-term potential for me. I'm tentatively planning to start there in April, and move to full time over the summer. Depending on how things go, I'll continue working there through the fall and start my graduate school classes in the evening. That's when I quit this nanny-business!! Hmm! Sounds like I got it all planned out, huh?
I've made a provisional plan to move to Boston in early summer. I like where I live now, but I'm too young to be so far from the fun stuff. I hate the commute into Boston every time I want to see anyone or do anything. City living is the life for me!!
That's all the recent news from me! I'm feeling happy and optimistic about my future again. Thanks for all your loving support!
Me, the Libra.
A new friend just got me reading about the zodiac signs. I have never put too much faith in them, but I do find them interesting. I have been reading about my own personality, and then some ex-boyfriends. I can't believe how dead-on they usually are. My two most serious relationships have been with Aries, and I think I'm done with them.
I liked this particular quote about Libras.
With all her femininity, sweet mannerisms and lovely grace, this girl wears a pair of trousers with surprising ease, and they'll fit her rather neatly. Her mental processes operate with male logic and they can match yours in any discussion you care to start. They can even top yours on occasion, although the female side of the Libra woman is usually too smart to let you catch on to that until you're safely past the honeymoon. Through it all, however, you'll probably be drowning in her charm. She'll turn on that unbearably delicious smile every third sentence or so, and you'll end up changing your mind as effortlessly as she changes her sex by taking over the man's prerogative, then switching back to a cuddly love bunny. She'll convince you with pure clear logic. You won't lose much--except your pride--and you'll hardly miss that, under the spell of that gentle Libran smile. She's usually right, because her final decisions are as carefully considered as those of the Supreme Court.
She hates to play solitaire. Partnerships, in both business and romance, constitute her deepest need. She doesn't like to work alone, and she's literally incapable of living alone. Her nature is built for teamwork. She'll want to participate in as many of your interests and activities as possible. She's willing to entertain on her husband's behalf, and she's female enough to follow his lead when he wants to change his career, move to another city, or cultivate new friends. That's all his department. She's only there to smooth the way and be sure he doesn't goof anything by impulsive actions and ill-considered judgment.
The second paragraph especially--while I'm not incapable of living alone, I know from my time in Japan that it's not the optimum situation for me. You know I gained 10 or 15 pounds in Japan, which thank goodness I've lost since being back in the U.S. I think it's simply because I was lonely and I ate because I was bored.
Anyway, teamwork. I'm missing that here in Boston. I'm missing that in my life. I didn't quite realize it consciously, but after reading about the Libra personality I went, "Huh. That sounds right." I think by becoming a nanny, living with a family I was hoping to fill that void that I subconsciously knew would be missing in a new city full of strangers. Unfortunately in the end I don't have much "family time" here. I spend a lot of time alone in my room. It's okay, though. I'm a Libra who can live alone, even if she doesn't like it!
I liked this particular quote about Libras.
With all her femininity, sweet mannerisms and lovely grace, this girl wears a pair of trousers with surprising ease, and they'll fit her rather neatly. Her mental processes operate with male logic and they can match yours in any discussion you care to start. They can even top yours on occasion, although the female side of the Libra woman is usually too smart to let you catch on to that until you're safely past the honeymoon. Through it all, however, you'll probably be drowning in her charm. She'll turn on that unbearably delicious smile every third sentence or so, and you'll end up changing your mind as effortlessly as she changes her sex by taking over the man's prerogative, then switching back to a cuddly love bunny. She'll convince you with pure clear logic. You won't lose much--except your pride--and you'll hardly miss that, under the spell of that gentle Libran smile. She's usually right, because her final decisions are as carefully considered as those of the Supreme Court.
She hates to play solitaire. Partnerships, in both business and romance, constitute her deepest need. She doesn't like to work alone, and she's literally incapable of living alone. Her nature is built for teamwork. She'll want to participate in as many of your interests and activities as possible. She's willing to entertain on her husband's behalf, and she's female enough to follow his lead when he wants to change his career, move to another city, or cultivate new friends. That's all his department. She's only there to smooth the way and be sure he doesn't goof anything by impulsive actions and ill-considered judgment.
The second paragraph especially--while I'm not incapable of living alone, I know from my time in Japan that it's not the optimum situation for me. You know I gained 10 or 15 pounds in Japan, which thank goodness I've lost since being back in the U.S. I think it's simply because I was lonely and I ate because I was bored.
Anyway, teamwork. I'm missing that here in Boston. I'm missing that in my life. I didn't quite realize it consciously, but after reading about the Libra personality I went, "Huh. That sounds right." I think by becoming a nanny, living with a family I was hoping to fill that void that I subconsciously knew would be missing in a new city full of strangers. Unfortunately in the end I don't have much "family time" here. I spend a lot of time alone in my room. It's okay, though. I'm a Libra who can live alone, even if she doesn't like it!
Monday, January 22, 2007
A Japanese Teacher になりました。
Last week was very busy. I wanted to post exciting news at the end of every day, but I was always too tired!
Most importantly, I passed the Japanese language test and was offered the job at Berlitz Language Center! Unfortunately this is only a part-time job and there aren't really any permanent hours. I have accepted the position and did two quick training sessions Thursday and Friday mornings.
I teach my first class (an intensive 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. one-on-one class) on Tuesday to a near-beginner. This guy will be studying abroad in Japan in a few months and wants a total immersion experience. I will do an evaluation (actually, I have to make the evaluation myself since they couldn't find the Japanese evaluation questionnaire) and then place him in an appropriate level and begin teaching.
Out of 10 levels total I told them I felt comfortable teaching 1-4. Anything higher than that and I would be fearful of teaching something incorrectly. I might be placed at around level seven or eight grammatically, but conversationally I am even higher. It's interesting having my Japanese evaluated because so many people have asked me, "So can you speak Japanese?" and I have no idea what to answer. I usually settle with, "Yes, but I am not fluent." I have a very high standard for fluency. I am upper-level conversational.
I am just elated to be teaching Japanese! Ha ha!!!
The office is great, too! There are three new teachers training together and it's my ideal workplace environment. I am the only American and surrounded by an Iranian, Russian, Peruvian, a French woman and a Japanese man. It's funny how "typical American" it feels (when chatting around the water cooler) despite the lack of Americans. We all have unique backgrounds and we are bringing those experiences together to learn from one another. It's awesome.
Most importantly, I passed the Japanese language test and was offered the job at Berlitz Language Center! Unfortunately this is only a part-time job and there aren't really any permanent hours. I have accepted the position and did two quick training sessions Thursday and Friday mornings.
I teach my first class (an intensive 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. one-on-one class) on Tuesday to a near-beginner. This guy will be studying abroad in Japan in a few months and wants a total immersion experience. I will do an evaluation (actually, I have to make the evaluation myself since they couldn't find the Japanese evaluation questionnaire) and then place him in an appropriate level and begin teaching.
Out of 10 levels total I told them I felt comfortable teaching 1-4. Anything higher than that and I would be fearful of teaching something incorrectly. I might be placed at around level seven or eight grammatically, but conversationally I am even higher. It's interesting having my Japanese evaluated because so many people have asked me, "So can you speak Japanese?" and I have no idea what to answer. I usually settle with, "Yes, but I am not fluent." I have a very high standard for fluency. I am upper-level conversational.
I am just elated to be teaching Japanese! Ha ha!!!
The office is great, too! There are three new teachers training together and it's my ideal workplace environment. I am the only American and surrounded by an Iranian, Russian, Peruvian, a French woman and a Japanese man. It's funny how "typical American" it feels (when chatting around the water cooler) despite the lack of Americans. We all have unique backgrounds and we are bringing those experiences together to learn from one another. It's awesome.
