Acclimating

I’m on day two of my new PR gig, and it’s amazing how different working in the same industry can be. New processes, new clients, new faces, new atmosphere. How are we to keep it all straight when trying to adjust?

I have one tidbit of advice for those of you who have or are thinking about making a switch in your career: find a mentor.

This person can serve as your guide for many things from office policy to who likes to go out to lunch and where the best quiet places are to sit and think. Learning about your new work place culture is imperative. I had lunch with my mentor today and picked her brain on anything and everything revolving around my new work environment.

This can and will make the transition that much easier. Knowing the ins and outs before really diving in can bring down anxiety and allow you to focus on what you’re there to do: get work done!

A few other helpful hints?

Decorate your desk. The sooner you make your space feel like home, the sooner it will become home. No one likes to work in a stark white environment. Add some personal touches and pops of color. (Note: this also helps you NOT look like the new kid).

My first few personal touches

Walk around (but not TOO much). In between tasks, run to the bathroom or venture to the kitchen to get coffee or water. This gives you ample opportunity to bump into people and strike up a conversation. Not sure what to say? Ask how long they’ve been working at the company or where their favorite place is to grab a quick lunch close by. Really stuck? Just compliment their blouse or even smile and say hello.

Invite colleagues for coffee or lunch. As awkward as this may feel, it’s your responsibility to act interested in getting to know people. Meeting your best friend at work isn’t necessary, but enjoying the company of those you surround yourself with the majority of the day is vital to your sanity.

Hopefully you all find these helpful in your future career endeavors. Have a fun and safe weekend!

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Beach Birthdays

I’m in the middle of a much needed get-away to my family’s beach cottage in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the big city (not to mention the cold…) has become a must-do once a winter since moving to Chicago. While I normally embrace any opportunity to wear a killer coat and pair of boots, I’m a little sick of the snow and ready to tackle sundresses and wedges again!

This year, I decided to spend my birthday and Easter relaxing with family. While it’s not as exciting as packed dinner tables full of friends and wine bottles, it’s been nice to take it easy and embrace the slower lifestyle down here.

Bocce ball on the beach

Coffee on the front porch

Enjoying the view with my pups

Beachin’

I hope you all have a happy Easter!

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Leaning in… and conquering the world

Aside from the textbooks I’ve purchased from DePaul’s communications and public relations collections in the bookstore, I have hardly had time to read a book just for the sake of wanting to read it these last couple of years. Busy and crazed lifestyle aside, I decided to make room for one in particular in my life recently. I have long been anticipating the release of Lean In by Facebook chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, and I finally got my hands on a copy last week.

I’ve only read a few chapters, but I have to say it’s an amazing read for anyone who is looking for a little inspiration or a kick in the right direction. This book makes me want to rule the world. And better yet, it makes me feel capable of doing it. With other women out there who are seeking strong career paths and equal opportunities in both the workplace and at home, I know making a difference is possible. I’ll post a more in depth review when I’m finished reading, but I wanted to let you you all know it’s definitely worth picking up on your next trip to the bookstore.

Happy hump day!

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Lucky in the city

This weekend I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with good friends and green beer in a city that takes this holiday pretty seriously. My new home-place was full of open bar brunches with green eggs and bacon, block parties and parades this Saturday. Chicago is even home to the green river this time each year.

While it was pretty chilly this year (compared to the sunny, 80-degree day we had last year), we still had a great time (mostly indoors). All donning copious amounts of green, my friends all met up in the morning at a fun bar in Lincoln Park, Mad River, for brunch and beverages. For $25, we enjoyed unlimited amounts of eggs, bacon, bloody mary’s, mimosas and – my favorite – green beer! I highly recommend it.

We then ventured down to River North and walked along to river to more festivities.

Hope you all had a festive, fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day this weekend! What are some of the things your city, family and/or friends did to celebrate?

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Getting it together…

Through exploring the many blogs I read on a daily basis, I discovered one of my good college friend’s new lifestyle blog – yay! I love a new blog to peruse through – new fashion tips, food addictions and just plain life advice (which I need… desperately!). So before I begin my rambles, please check out my friend Brittany’s blog, I’m Twenty Something. I’m just incredibly jealous of her swanky LA life. I’m actually visiting her in about a month for a little music festival action. That’s right, I’m actually going to Coachella this year, not just daydreaming about it.

So what will you find on Brittany’s blog? Well, for one, after reading the “About” section, I was already hooked. Am I NOT the only 23 (24 in about two weeks!) year old who doesn’t have their life together?

My mind is constantly changing regarding things I want. For instance. Living in Chicago. This was my absolute DREAM. Yet, I went through a phase a few months ago where I wanted to move South. I longed for the sunshine and a beachside bungalow. Now, I’m back on the Chicago kick and can’t imagine my life outside this blustery city I’ve learned to call home. However my mind often wanders to exploring something new. Perhaps I’ll join Brittany out in California.

Budgeting. This is a word and concept I can’t wrap my head around. Paying my rent on time versus buying a pair of killer shoes. I more often than not choose the more irresponsible decision. Buying groceries versus a fun night out on the town with my girlfriends. Again, maybe this is why I’m getting so sick of canned soup, frozen vegetables and Ramen noodles. And here I thought I’d indulged in my last packet of these sodium-infused things during college.

I also think my apartment should look straight out of an issue of Veranda or like one of the dreamy, chic interiors featured on Matchbook. The problem? I have a random hodge-podge of furniture. I have a few splurges: my Pottery Barn sofa and tufted headboard and my Wisteria desk chair, but then I have some IKEA bits and pieces that just don’t function correctly (probably stemming from the fact that I put them together myself). I’ve somehow managed to make my small one-bedroom look a bit more put-together over the last several weeks, but I think it’ll take about five years for it to all come together into my ideal oasis.

The point of all this? It’s okay to not have it together quite yet. We’re all starting to forge our own paths and figure ourselves out. I for one want so many different things than I did even this time last year. Our dreams and desires change – and that’s perfectly fine. Our 20′s are a time to be selfish. Embrace it!

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Winter Tips?

As I looked at the weather forecast this morning to determine my level of embarrassing cold-repelling gear, I noticed something slightly annoying: snowflakes in the near future… for days. Oh brother. As a southern transplant from Virginia, I can deal with cold, but not frigid wind gusts pelting snow into my face. This, my friends, does not please me. More in depth weather research led me to this:

Time to break out the long down coat, Sorels and hand warmers.

It is March. My birthday month. And I am BEGGING for some warm weather. Thankfully, I’ll be spending my actual birthday down at my family’s house in Florida, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that I’m so OVER winter! So over bundling up and having to order hot beverages from Starbucks (I have an obsession with iced chai tea lattes).

I was hoping spring would follow in last year’s footsteps and come early, but I have a feeling that won’t be the case this year. For my fellow Chicagoans or friends in other chilly places, what are you doing to stay warm/sane until spring hits? I could certainly use some tips!

Google Maps Documents Sandy Damage

As I took a few minutes this afternoon to peruse through PR blogs and news sites, I came across an interesting article on Mashable about the recent documenting of Sandy damage by search engine giant, Google (more specifically, their street view car for Google Maps). Residents were a bit displeased with this act, claiming it violated their right to privacy. Some were even worried about the effect it may have on their property value in the near future. Google responded, stating their efforts would raise awareness of the devastation throughout the Northeastern U.S. in hopes to increase support for relief efforts.

While most of us are aware of the damage caused by Sandy, not many have actually seen it first-hand. Some residents are siding with Google, claiming the images may generate increased awareness.

“We hope this accurate, updated imagery that will soon be available in Google Maps will help people around the world better understand the extent of the damage and the importance of coming together as a community to aid in the recovery efforts,” said the Google spokesperson.

Staten Island Damage – Alex Fitzpatrick, Mashable

What are your thoughts? Stay tuned, as Mashable will be posting any more details received from Google.