Monday, December 31, 2007

Last entry of 2007

And not much to say.. well, I have tons to say, I just don't feel like writing tonight. And I don't feel well...

So it's off to bed for me.. See you all next year!!!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

My new loves in retail and food...

My new favorite place to shop!!!! It's reasonable, with tons of nice clothes to choose from! You may recognize the name from a few other entries in this blog....


My new 'must-have' brand, definitely better then my old favorites (Metro 7 and Mudd)... I have loved everything I have tried on from this line. Granted, I don't own everything that I have tried on, but that's only because I don't have enough money!!!

It's designed by Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex In the City actress), and is a great line. Definitely going to get more!!!

Lastly, my newest food love is...............water! Go figure, huh? I was walking out of the back room a few days ago freshly deciding that I need to eat healthier and stop eating so much crap. Then I see the vendors setting up a brand new pallet of SmartWater. We now carry it at our store. I grabbed the first bottle to be sold off of it, and absolutely love it!

It's just water, you may say. But it tastes delicious!! It doesn't hurt that Jennifer Aniston is the spokeswoman for it! *giggles* My dear reader, you know I am a HUGE fan of her!

It tastes smoother somehow, then some other bottled water, and each bottle holds four servings of water. I was downing way too much Pepsi, so this is a MUCH better alternative!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

A wrap up of the rest of the last week....

I last blogged on Wednesday. The next day, Thursday (Yes, Yes, here's your sign lol), we got up leisurely and had some cereal. Then we went off to do a walk of the mall in Lincoln. The first wing of the mall that we were in, I saw a store with an awesome liquidation sale in progress. Steve and Barry's it was called, and everything was $8.98. When I say everything, I do mean EVERYTHING. I had some extra money left in my account yet, so I figured I could buy me some new clothes, and had a fun time exploring the store. Jeff helped me find some cute tops, and I bought a couple of hoodies for work. I get up to the counter, and pulling out my debit card when Jeff took over and paid for my purchase. He wanted to treat me to it as a Christmas present. He is so wonderful to me, and not because of the monetary things, but because of how loving, caring, sweet and wonderful he is to me.

After we left Steve and Barry's, we walked a bit further and came across Gamestop, so we went in. He pointed out a computer game that he had been wanting, so I bought it for him. Later, however we found out that the code didn't work, so he had to take it back and exchange it for another game. Bummer :( We took the bags out to the car, so that we wouldn't have to carry them all around the mall.

We were about halfway through the perimeter of the mall when we came upon the pretty dress store. We had gone in there together the week that I gone to Nebraska and we started dating. I hadn't taken 10 steps into the store when my eyes laid upon this GORGEOUS red dress. I immediately swept it off the rack and tried it on. I had to have it because it was just what I had been looking for and I liked it so much. Again, Jeff paid for it.. He didn't have to, but he did.

Yet another trip to the car, and then we hit the food court. I got a yummy smoothie from a combination Orange Julius/DQ and a hot dog that was in need of help of some kind. It definitely wasn't the best, but he shared some of his chicken taco thingy with me while we played chess. I actually won!!!!!! I won't gloat much, I just thought I should record that for posterity, *giggles*.

Then we hit the new arcade area, and had had plenty of mall exposure, so it was home again for us. We stopped at Wal-Mart for some barbecue sauce on the way, and he saw someone he knew in high school, but hadn't seen since. That brought on the whole "Oh, is that your wife?" called out by her from the speedy checkout ahead of us. Then came what felt like the violent shake of his head, as if to vehemently protest that idea. "My girlfriend". It bugged me the rest of the afternoon, though I didn't mention it. It seems to just be a small recurrence of the mistyping in the IM between marriage/massage that you may recall from a few weeks ago, my dear reader. If you look back to the entry from December 12th entitled, "I can tell by my stat counter that I don't have any visits...", you'll now know what I am talking about. I am sure it is nothing to worry about, I just am a worry wart. I know he loves me, and I am his and he is mine.. and I am so in love with that man!

Anywho, after we got home, I attemp
ted to take a nap, but it didn't work very well. We had supper with his mother, and then went back to his room to play some more Super Nintendo. Then it was HOT TUB time! Woohoo! I want one of those things someday. We sat in it and talked about meteors and comets, and then he ran down to the snow and rolled around. Man, did he make a mad dash back to the tub! Before we got out, I ran down to the snow with him, but then he threw snow at me as we were running back. Oh well, it was more minutes in the hot tub to warm up again!

We slept soon after, curled up tight next to each other, his arms tightly around me. That is the BEST way to sleep!

Friday morning was filled with packing my car up again, doing my laundry, and getting as many kisses and hugs in as possible. The drive home was pretty mundane and unexciting, except I thought I had somehow driven into the movie 'The Mist'. At any minute,I was expecting to have huge spider creatures stomp past or nasty bugs flying at my windshield. I got home safe anyway.

Quickest recap of the weekend ever: I was off on Saturday, and just sat around. Sunday, I worked 1-10 and cashiered a lot of that. Blech.

Yesterday was Christmas Eve, and I worked 9-6:30. Becky and I spent the last two or so hours in jewelry, checking people out. Fun Fun. Came home, and then Leon told me that he had to work today, on Christmas, after he told us over and over that he didn't have to, because they would be closed. Something fishy there. So we did gifts last night, and played a game of my new Monopoly: here and now game.

Today we had our Christmas dinner of t-bone (didn't impress me much), mashed potatoes (which I don't really like), five cup salad (yum!), corn (double yum!), and for desert apple pie!!!!) Cleaned up the kitchen and spent the rest of the day taking down the inside holiday decorations. Still have a few to go, but oh well. Also watched a lot of Comedy Central's stand up comics (3 out of 4 of the blue collar comedy tour-Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engval, Ron White; the guy who is a great ventriloquist) and then watched "I know who killed me" with Lindsey Lohan. That movie was pretty good in my opinion.

And there is the sum of the last week or so.. I wanted to get this caught up before I forget all of my thoughts and events... Dear reader, I hope it didn't put you to sleep! But sleep is where I do head next, for I need to hide away from the waking world for awhile.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

What a wonderful time it has been so far!

This has been the best week so far! I came to Nebraska on Monday.. and have had a blast with Jeff. It is so wonderful to be spending time with him again. I came here early, (as a surprise, I was going to come in on Tuesday, but wanted to surprise him). We had a wonderfully relaxing evening on Monday. I showed up just as they were leaving to go get his mom's new TV, so I went with them. After we got back, we watched Ocean's Thirteen. That movie was awesome. (which mysteriously appeared on his DVD shelf. I don't know how that happened? )

Yesterday we went into town to get his mother's and Tyler's Christmas gifts. We came back and I took a nap as he started dinner. Then we had dinner with his mom, and after that we watched the second new movie I got him for Christmas, The Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie, which truly would be confusing to anyone not used to the show's characters and series. Later on, I gave him his last two gifts. One was a nice pocketknife that he liked a lot. I choose wonderfully, I believe. :) Then I couldn't wait any longer to give him his last gift. It was a nice pocket watch. I was leery about it because it wasn't a windup one. But he seemed to really like it as well! Afterward, we watched American Psycho. I really really like that movie! Of course, the more gory a movie, the better it is, in my opinion. How strange am I? LOL, I love gory gory movies, as long as they don't hurt animals in the plot.

Today has been a full day already! He made me breakfast in bed :), which is just another example of how wonderful and sweet he is. Then I took a shower, and he did dishes. Afterwards, we went to town and he showed me where he goes to class. Following that, we went to a cute little coffee house and played a great game of chess. I don't know how I did it, but I actually won! We are going to have a rematch however.. Maybe tonight after dinner.

I fully recommend "The Mist" movie, based on Stephen King's novella. If you have read the book like I have, you will see a few major plot omissions in the first ten minutes of the film. However, if you stick with it, it turns out to be a very dark, eerie, and GREAT film. The end is far different from the book, in the case that there is an ACTUAL close to the film. The book didn't have a true ending, which bugged me when I read the book a few months ago.

We just arrived back home a few minutes ago, probably closer to a half hour ago now that I looked at the clock! I have been typing this, and he has been outside scraping more of the ice off of the sidewalk. It took me a few minutes to remember what email and password combination I used on my blogger account. I don't know why I always forget my sign on information for every single website account I have.. its rather annoying. It's a good thing I have my computer remember that sort of thing. I had to email Kimmy for my Fubar login information.

All sorts of crazy news going on right now. A chemical plant in Florida had an explosion, abuse case in a prison comes to light, a ten year arrested for taking a steak knife to school to cut her lunch meat. Yes, you read that right. A ten year old ARRESTED for taking a kitchen utensil to school with her. She's facing a weapons charge of some sort, and a ten day suspension from school. Oh yeah, and Jaime Lynn Spears is pregnant. Oh boy, don't we have better things to talk about??

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Two days until i get to leave to see Jeff! Woohoo!! *giggles* I had to record this right away for some reason. I just got out of the shower, and I'm still in my towel!! Off I go to get ready for work... blech... But yesterday wasn't too bad at work. I cashiered all day.. a broken bottle of wine on the floor behind me for like three hours (no maintenance ever came to clean it up). Other cashiers tried hard to pick up the mess, but they were new and didn't realize where the spill stations are. I finally finished cleaning up the broken glass and soaked paper towels when I came back from lunch. Ah well... such is the day in the life of retail..
off to bed i go.. i wasn't planning on posting that as a blog entry, but as I was viewing my blog I noticed that I had thirteen entries for the month. I couldn't let it stay at that number for a day and let bad luck in. So I am posting this as a global good night and sweet dreams :P

night all!

seana

Woohoo!! I got a few early Christmas presents from mom today! They are so pretty! You can't see them in the pictures very clearly, but the first one is silver with pink and purple stones. The second one is a pair of silver earrings with CZ stones, and sort of dangly, and the third one is a gorgeous created ruby set with dangling earrings, a necklace and a pretty ring. It's actually gold, I don't usually like gold, but this set is soooo pretty. I saw it in the jewelry case at work, and fell in love with it immediatley. Mom had already boughten this set before I saw the set at work. So that was a perfect choice for me. So, early presents for me!! Yeah!!
I went to my favorite consignment/antique shop on Thursday, and oh my god, I must say I found the coolest thing out. They actually have a small sewing section, filled with everything with baggies full of thimbles, to Antique looming thread, to bolts of fabric. It was sooo cool! I never paid that much attention to that part of the store before. I have pursued the fabrics and crafts section of Wal-Mart countless times in the last few weeks, but everything cost more money then I have it seems. So anyway, in the space of about ten minutes I collected an armful of sewing notions and took it up to the counter. And voila!!! Everything in the picture only cost me a mere $10.02! How cool is that! I have a huge panel of cream silky fabric and a panel of white silky fabric that will be ideal for purse linings. I also got that funky blue and white fabric (in the upper left corner), and mucho felt pieces. I thought I might be able to experiment with those and make Christmas ornaments out of them. I saw a how-to on another blog. A lot of what you see on the right half of the picture is various colors & amounts of trim. I got curious after I bought it all &when I was waiting for my mom to come out of Autozone I counted. I have 39 yards of trim total in packages that haven't even been opened yet! Of course, some of it is at least 20 years old, but still looks as good as it did the day it was first sold! Someone must have had LOADS of sewing stuff! Oh yeah, when I was going through the sewing section (in awe)I came across this awesome fabric: Is that not the prettiest?? It's red and is embroidered with red and green flowers. So pretty!! I'm going to save it for when I am very good at sewing and make a pretty dress or skirt out of it. I am only in the very beginning stages of learning how to do it properly and right. I came up with the idea today that sewing clothes and modifying them is like making a work of art that you can wear. I thought that was just a tad bit clever :P So anyway, when I was going through my closet last week, I came up with a rather large bag of clothing that I never wear, and probably never will. I was going to donate it to Goodwill, but decided to save it for the pieces that I can take the zippers or buttons from. Then the rest, I will modify into pieces that I will wear. I have a grey short sleeve top that is made out of sweater material that it's neckline drives me crazy! So I think, I might modify it into a large shoulder bag or a halter top. I haven't decided yet. I also came across my second pair of jean capri's that I didn't wear because the ends weren't hemmed, and they looked rather bland. So I looked at them, and I looked at the strips of lace I had hanging from my mannequin, and back at the capri's. The idea for my first sewing 'project' appeared in my head. I got to work with the lace, the capri's, and my machine. The end result? Rather pretty and I love them now!!!!

Friday, December 14, 2007




Three and a half days and I make the trip to Nebraska to see Jeff. Woohoo!!! I am excited, and I get to kiss him again and cuddle, and be so close to him again. I love him!

That is all for now, just had to express myself for a few words......

Seana

Thursday, December 13, 2007

woohoo! Nyquil did its job, a little to well honestly. Now I'm running behind. i wanted to be up at nine to go get my check, errands and be back by four for the insurance adjuster for the roof.... I best be going.. later!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Time to Nyquil myself to sleep. I don't know if I will make it to my bed and sleep soon if I don't use the extra measure. My head hurts.. and I have been sneezing off and on in fits for the last half an hour! grrrr.. sneezing is not fun...

good night dear reader...

I can tell by my stat counter that I don't have any visits...

from anyone I know to my blog.. how interesting. After a few different people said "Of course, I read it! It's interesting...." I thought that wasn't right, and that was one of the reasons for the stat counter, just to see who really reads it. It is all mine to write whatever I want, and to use my blog to work through various thoughts and problems that I have.

Well, I don't have to 'worry' about him getting down on one knee with a ring and a declaration of love forever anytime soon. That was proven to me via conversation just a bit ago. Nice to see that it needs clarification so quickly.. Freudian slip? Or perhaps just an innocent slip of typing? Or a bit of wishful thinking on my part? We do say forever and ever a lot.. and I don't plan on going anywhere, I believe he is around to stay as well.

Excerpt from the convo: (and the part that showed me where things possibly stand is in red, 10:12-10:13)
me (10:02:16 PM): that would be wonderful
him(10:02:38 PM): maybe someday soon we can kiss
him (10:03:00 PM): oh yeah, just 4 days and 3 half days
me (10:03:38 PM):
Seana P (10:03:49 PM): forever it seems
him(10:06:10 PM): but it is soon
him(10:06:28 PM): my my kisses will pour on you like a summer rain
me (10:07:09 PM): ooohhh
me (10:07:10 PM):
him (10:07:38 PM): and I can love you forever
me (10:09:33 PM): ooohhhhhh that is even better
him (10:12:46 PM): better still, a nice long marrage and snuggling and cuddling
me (10:13:04 PM): oohhh the 'm' word..
me (10:13:09 PM):
me (10:13:21 PM): snuggling and cuddling and loving forever?
me (10:13:23 PM): with you?
him (10:13:27 PM): I'm sorry baby, I meant massage
me (10:13:27 PM): where do I sign up?
me(10:13:41 PM): i can sign up for that as well
me (10:13:44 PM): massages forever?
him (10:13:53 PM): I wouldn't tease you
me (10:14:15 PM): massages from you, and cuddling
me (10:14:20 PM): that's an awesome offer
him(10:15:01 PM): yes, massages forever
him (10:15:23 PM): and hopefully, someday I can make you my own
him (10:15:55 PM): but I wouldn't mention it so breifly and nonchalauntly
me (0:16:20 PM): i know
me (10:16:45 PM): so what do you have planned for the rest of the night my love?

Monday, December 10, 2007

I'm pretty close to fed up... like really really close.. like craziness here. Not here in the physical world, but in my mind and how people act. RAWRR...............

Friday, December 7, 2007

I wanna do all!

I was listening to Terri Clark's 'I wanna do it all' and I got to thinking... If I could do ANYTHING in the world, no financial limits, no responsibility to worry about, I would definitely want to do/or experience the following:

1. Travel
2. write a novel
3. Learn how to horseback ride
4. record a song
5. See the pyramids (and go inside!)
6. Meet Reba McEntire and Michael Jackson (Lifelong fan of both, "Fancy" and "Thriller" were the first songs that I learned how to sing!
7. Live in New York City for a year
8. Live in San Fransisco
9. Work for a charity
10. Take in poor animals that otherwise would be euthanized because of no good homes
11. Have a family
12. Visit a Cherokee reservation (I'm half Cherokee)
13. Research my ancestors and build my family tree. Learn about my heritage.
14. Have my own clothing line. I've been drawing neat outfits since high school, just got my first sewing machine this week!
15. Have a successful marriage
16. Have sexy pictures taken of me professionally that I actually like
17. go on a road trip with no predetermined destination
18. Rock Climb
19. Learn another language
20. Go to Mardi Grai
21. Learn how to knit
22. Learn how to dance-proper ballroom dancing...salsa.. not the gyrating crazy dancing.. :P
23. work from home


I'm sure I will have more... this was just all that came to mind while I was listening to the song

Thursday, December 6, 2007

GooGoo Dolls
Slide


Could you whisper in my ear
The things you wanna feel
I'll give you anything
To feel it comin'

Do you wake up on your own
And wonder where you are
You live with all your faults

Chorus:
I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide

Yeah we're gonna let it, slide

Don't you love the life you killed
The priest is on the phone
Your father hit the wall
Your ma disowned you

Don't suppose I'll ever know
What it means to be a man
Something I can't change
I'll live around it

Chorus

And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away

And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away

Chorus

How I feel today...

Matchbox Twenty Lyrics

Unwell

All day staring at the ceiling
Making friends with shadows on my wall
All night hearing voices telling me
That I should get some sleep
Because tomorrow might be good for something

Hold on
Feeling like I'm headed for a breakdown
And I don't know why

[chorus]

But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you cant tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be...me

Im talking to myself in public
Dodging glances on the train
And I know, I know they've all been talking about me
I can hear them whisper
And it makes me think there must be something wrong with me
Out of all the hours thinking
Somehow Ive lost my mind

[chorus]

But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you cant tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be

Ive been talking in my sleep
Pretty soon they'll come to get me
Yeah, they're taking me away

[chorus]

But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you cant tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be

Yeah, how I used to be
How I used to be
Well, I'm just a little unwell
How I used to be
How I used to be
I'm just a little unwell
its freakin' snowing nonstop outside.. and probably very cold.. I haven't been outside yet today and don't plan on it...I'm still in my pjs!

i'm such a loser.. I'm un-motivated, can't get up the motivation to accomplish ANYTHING....... I'm a bust at school.. I'm not good for anything...

I'm A Loser-Beatles Lyrics

I'm a loser
I'm a loser
And I'm not what I appear to be

Of all the love I have won or have lost
there is one love I should never have crossed
She was a girl in a million, my friend
I should have known she would win in the end

I'm a loser
And I lost someone who's near to me
I'm a loser
And I'm not what I appear to be

Although I laugh and I act like a clown
Beneath this mask I am wearing a frown
My tears are falling like rain from the sky
Is it for her or myself that I cry

I'm a loser
And I lost someone who's near to me
I'm a loser
And I'm not what I appear to be

What have I done to deserve such a fate
I realize I have left it too late
And so it's true, pride comes before a fall
I'm telling you so that you won't lose all

I'm a loser
And I lost someone who's near to me
I'm a loser
And I'm not what I appear to be

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

hmm... no jeff online (my wonderful boyfriend)...tonight.. no one to share the (small sounding) victory with... I will tell his messenger then, and my blog... I threaded my first two bobbins on my brand new sewing machine, AND figured out how to thread the needle! WooHoo!!! I know, I know... but it's a girl thing.. and I figured it out :) I am not very good with stuff like that, and it makes me very happy and satisfied to know that I did it :)

And now it is time to lay down and sleep...

I miss Jeff. He wasn't sounding like his regular self today, and no sight of him on messenger or calls tonight.......... I do hope everything is alright....

Good night all...

Seana

Thursday, November 29, 2007

November 29th, 2007, 10:20 p.m.

I should be getting in the shower~Say an hour ago~but not tonight I guess. A few more minutes won't hurt, I need to write. It was payday and errands today, fun fun. I got some boxes of chocolate for my fellow shoe ladies for Christmas.So they are taken care of for the holidays I really had to talk myself into getting one for Pat though. We civilly hate each other's guts to the nth degree. I got Jeff a gift, I hope he likes it or at least pretends to like it in front of me. I'll include the gift receipt just in case.

I better hop in the shower before I run out of hot water. I started it and then HAD to grab my journal and reclaim a percent of my questionable sanity> I will write more before I fall asleep tonight, hopefully. If not, definitely on my first 15 tomorrow.

November 27, 2007, 11:06p.m.

showered, sleepy and ready for bed once more. I've got a headache behind and above my eyes-ouch!

Jeff is reading the rest of my blog as I write this entry. He asked for the link again when i mention that I've go over eighty posts in it now and that I've been writing almost everyday.

My tail bone hurts from sitting in the folding chair that serves as my desk chair currently. :(

Im just full of complaints tonight I see. Oh well. get them out of my system and forget about them before I fall asleep.

I was surfing my regular sites and I checked to see if Josh had managed to upload any new pictures of himself in the middle of serving for out country. What a pleasant surprise when I saw he did!

I love Jeff. I didn't get to talk to him much tonight, but that's okay. I'll catch up tomorrow. I did get to message with him for a bit and have a good night call, so I will be able to sleep better.


My eyes are drooping, so sleep is coming to steal me away very soon.

Good night.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

November 27, 2007, 9:47 a.m.

How freakin' creepy!

I was half asleep last night, well on my way to la-la land when I heard an extra voice upstairs. It was our next door neighbor (at 11:30 p.m.). Apparently his house was broken into around ten.

He siad he woke up to a light shining on his bed and the silioutte of a figure in his doorway. He leaped out of bed and chased them out of the house. The weird thing-he was supposed to work last night (like most nights). His work shift had just happened to be switched on him at the last minute. If he hadn't have been there, it wouldve been just his pretty young wife and their two small children home alone. Who knows what woul've happened!
The burgurlar apparently jjimmied open the back door on the lowest level and went straight up to their bedroom. One fingerprint was found by the police, but they don't know if anything will come of it.

Needless to say, it was a little while before I fell asleep.

A few more minutes and I have to go back to work. JoAnn has a couple of doctors appointments to day so she isn't here. Just Karen and myself to do all the freight, which shall be interesting, since I am front checking much of the time anymore. Karen works 10-7 and Becky comes in at 4:30-10.

Time to go back, joy, joy!!

NOT!!

November 26th, 2007, 11:25 p.m.

I am back for only a few words and then sleep beckons.

I sold ten more CMN balloons today, bring my total to 41.

I love Jeff SO much! His love sustains me and he completes me. We fit together so wonderfully in every way. My fear is that he will find another girl or decide that I do not satisfy him any number of ways. i want to be everything for him and make so very happy. I want to spend the rest of my life with him.

Sleep tight, good night.

November 26th, 2007, 9:43 p.m.

I didn't realize how behind i was in keeping my blog up to date with my journal! It took me roughly two hours to transfer my blog entries from the past couple of weeks to my mail nlog and from there to my other blogs (myspace, spicepad, and fubar)

Now is shower time. Jeff should be back home by the time I emerge; clean, wet and sleepy. I wonder how many people actually love showers as I do? Maybe I am just really odd, but I love really hot water, lots of steam and getting sleepy and clean... hmmmm....

Write more in a bit... maybe...

Monday, November 26, 2007

November 26, 2007, 8:46 a.m.

On my first fifteen for the day. Already covered a 15 break for a cashier this morning. (and sold two more CMN balloons, bringing my total to 33.)

I only started to sell those balloons yesterday on a whim. I worked 11-8 yesterday, only the first 20 minutes spent in my department. Then I was door greeter for an hour, an hour which held a reminder of how asinine a particular member of management can be-there was a chair at the door, so I sat. Apparently that chair is just there for looks, because when he went by, he got on the walkie (every door greeter has one as well as management) and told Assistant Josh that he needs to tell his door greeting people they cant be sitting down at the door, "hanging out". He could've just came over to me and told me to get up, but he broadcasted it to everyone in earshot of the walkies, and said my name as an example of who dared to sit while on door greeting duties. Argh!!!

But, after my door greeting stint, I took my first fifteen minute break, and then got on the register/ Around 1:30-2, I hear the cashier next to me show off to each CSM that went by how many she had already sold that day (which didn't really look like that much). So I decided to try it, and managed to sell 31 of them between then and when I got off at 8:00 (with an hour lunch in the middle). I think I averaged about five an hour. Theres a contest going in, but I don't think I will sell enough, because I am not an actual cashier.

That wraps up my day yesterday, at least the part worth telling

I didn't sleep well last night at all, I was missing Jeff;s warmth, his loving arms arms holding me close. I got a good morning call from him soon after I woke up this morning! He didn't sleep much last night either. If i could talk him into it, I would pay the $100.00 fee to bring him back here once more. His mom already said (and is) paying for his books and he is getting financial aide that he could get anywhere he went. A dream is a dream I guess.

I must go back to work now, a few minutes late but oh well.

November 25th, 2007, 10:35 p.m.

Jeff left today :( We had such a wonderful time together.

He arrived in town on Wednesday, while I was at work. He came over shortly after I got off. It was sooooo wonderful to kiss him again and be in his arms once more.

We went over to Kirk and Marsha's that evening, and did the usual dinner and game routing, thought I didn't participate in the game (Last Word). I was tired and just wanted to sit back and relax and watch.

Thanksgiving day was wonderful as well. We ate around two o'clock in the afternoon and then played two games of scrabble with mom and Leon. I almost own the first game, but lost both in the end. Leon, Jeff and I played monopoly after that, Jeff TOTALLY owned us on that one! I didn't realize he was a Monopoly tycoon! I definitely want to challenge him to a rematch!

Then it was about 8:30-9:00 p.m., so we came downstairs and called it an early night because I had to go to work from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday for Blitz (Black Friday).

After I got off of work, we went over to K & M's again and had dinner and watched a movie called "The Holiday". I absolutely LOVED it!! The guys kept making commentary comments throughout it. It was a definite "chick flick".

Saturday was a wonderful leisure day. We slept in and went to the mall and went disc golfing with K&M. Afterwards, Jeff helped Kirk hang lights outside and I watched Marsha finish sewing the tree skirt. Then we came home and he was such a wonderful boyfriend helping me hand the mirrors in the living room. (he helped me with the hanging the mirrors in my bedroom on Wednesday).

Then, we watched the movie "Accepted". Afterwards I took a shower while he played his new Zelda DS game.

I love that man with all of my heart. I loved falling asleep in his arms, being held there all night long, and waking up there each morning.

He went back to his mom's today after I went to work and Kirk and him played another game of disc golf. There he will reside at night once more. I am back here all alone, but loving him, missing him, always thinking of him and counting down the days until I can see him again.

Now I must say goodnight. Tomorrow I shall recap todays highlights.

Seana

November 20, 2007, 10:25 p.m.

In one hour and thirty five minutes I'll be able to say "Jeff arrives today!". How exciting!!!!

(and then I sat down my journal and write in my mind because I was tired to write but to excited to sleep! I wish I had a computer that could read my thoughts!)

November 18th, 2007, 12:13 p.m.

Just got two (very short) messages from Josh. At least I know he has made it longer being safe wherever he is overseas.

later
10:35 p.m.

Here is is again. Another bedtime, another entry. I just spent another day off cleaning my level. It looks pretty darn good if I should say so myself. I took down the folding table from my room and moved my massage chair in from the living room, did bunches of laundry and hung the shelf/sconces up in the bathroom-just to name a few things.

Less then three days and Jeff will be here! YEAH!!! I am almost counting down the hours now, I am so excited!

Ugg. I just noticed the interstate is having work done on it, apparently. It seems like it will be a night thing. Flashy flashy in my bedroom window~~ good thing I cant hear their work in here, what I can hears seems to blend in with the regular traffic noise.

I hope Jeff makes it here safe and sound. I always worry about things like that.

Okay it is louder outside now and very annoying. I think Nyquil is in order if if I hope to sleep at all in the next hour. I cant take very much or I will oversleep in the morning, but I'll take just enough to get me to sleep quickly. It is bedtime in any case, I think I might be able to fall asleep on my own after all.

Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite!
Seana

November 18, 2007 9:17 a.m.

I had a very restful sleep. That's usually what happens when I take Nyquil. I only do that when I am getting exhausted from the number of dreams I have/remember each night and the pets (mostly kitties) waking me up every hour to go in and out of the room or getting sick. At any rate, I don't see the harm in taking it when I need sleep, especially in the wintertime when I am sick all the time anyway, so it may even be considered preventative.

Anyway, time to eat a hostess snowball, drinks some Pepsi and get something done.

November 17th, 2007, 10:27 p.m.

Now typically my lights out time, it is now time to write a bit more. Between ten and ten thirty seems to be the common area of time that finds me getting snuggled into my bed with my kitties and puppy.

(Just had my good night call with Jeff :) )

I've had an unsettling feeling over me for the last one/one and a half hours. I cant explain it and I don't know why, but its there, I tried calling mom at work to warn her, but the phone wont let me call Wal-mart and she couldn't answer her cell because she was on the floor.

Batter in light about dead, time for Nyquil sleep.

I'm out
Seana

November 13th, 2007, 10:54 p.m.

One more morning I have to get up at the butt crack of dawn and then I will have a day off. And the day off is payday, yeah!

Almost one week and Jeff will be here and we shall kiss and cuddle and not be out of each other's reach, unless I have to work.

It's a good thing I don't drink Wal-mart's water, because two people I know are both three-four months along! Angie from infants and Stephanie from fabrics/crafts. Yikes, more children. I don't think I would be able to handle a child and be a good mother honestly.

Not much writing for me tonight but I am very tired and have a warm puppy laying across me me as I am writing this and a gray warm kitty on my feet. Midnight is in the other room.

Good night

November 11, 2007-10:28 pm

I seem to have began to create my own bedtime ritual without even trying.

Somewhere around nine o'clock at night I hop into the shower. Then come back out and finish my surfing, talk with Jeff. Then we typically have a good night call. I come to bed with my journal and flashlight to record any final thoughts before becoming to sleepy to write any more. The sleepy process is aided by the darkened room and comfy bedding, don't forget also the puppy curled up tight.

Today was pretty relaxing. I took my sweet ass time cleaning various areas of the basement and making my room livable again. I hung the pictures Marsha gave me up on the wall above the ledge. They look pretty awesome up there if I do say so myself!

I heard a rumor that hit me pretty satisfactorily today.
It seems, according to the rumor mill that the Nazi in a pant suit (Assistant Miranda) was called into the back management office on Friday and told that she needed to lay off on people or else. Apparently she, according to rumor, is on very thin ice and on her way out the door if she doesn't change her leadership ways.

Rock on. If thats true, then someone finally realized that she was treating all of the associates like crap. Now only if they would bring ex-assistant Jeff back... grrrrr....

I miss Jeff. Ten days and I shall be in his arms once more. i need to check my schedule of Thanksgiving week and my requested days off when I work tomorrow.

Okay, sleep time. Time to disappear into dreams and oblivion.

Good night all

Friday, November 16, 2007

Something Quirky..

One of those 'what does your birth month say about you' things..

August

Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless.Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride of oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends .

Sunday, November 11, 2007

November 11, 2007- 12:56 p.m.

I managed to sleep for twelve hours, roughly. Nyquil is lovely that way. I did still dream, but I couldn't tell you about what. That in itself is very helpful because I feel much more restful when I am not running around in my dreams.

I feel okay about writing whatever I want to in here, and transferring it to my blogs because no one but me reads either of them.

Well, its my day off and its already one o'clock in the afternoon. I want to accomplish something, so I think i am going to blog last night's entry and this one, and then go clean something.

Seana

November 10th, 2007 10:20pm

I guess Lydia was dead on with what she said in class last Thursday. Much to people's inability or unwillingness to accept it.

She asked the class "At the end of the day who can you really count on? Who is always going to be there for you?"
The class had the typical answers, "My mom", "My family," and "My boyfriend/girlfriend".
She then asked, "Who knows whats really going on with you and what you are truly feeling deep down at any given moment?".

Same answers, only a bit more reluctantly.

Then the profound, honest truth came forth from her lips. "the only person you can count on in this world is you. You may say you can count on someone when you need them, but sometimes you will call them because you feel you need to talk and they are busy. You hopefully find people in your life that are there for you 99 percent of the time, but they are rare. Capture them if you find them, because they are a rare breed. The only person who can make sure you are happy and taken care of yourself."

Just thought that was worth jotting down, worthing thinking about for a minute.

Nyquil is making me sleepy.

2nd night without a good night call. I wonder why.

I was in a pretty good mood today at work. I don't know why, I surprised myself with my happy mood.

Well, I got my good night call just now. Thought he didnt realize it was that late (10:40) already. But at least I got one :) He's been pretty distant the last few days... I hope everything is okay......

(Twenty or so minutes later)
I almost drifted off to Nyquil induced sleep, almost being the keyword that , as the saying goes, only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Mom came home and flipped my laundry after taking hers out. All fine and dandy, except my carmex had been left in a pocket and was clanging around in the dryer. An awful it makes when that happens! She was just going to let it keep banging around without checking to see what was in there, which meant if i didn't get up to check it, all of it would've evaporated in the heat of the dryer!

Common sense, people, common sense!

Okay maybe I can recapture my sleep once more. I can feel myself getting sleepier with every word that I write. I need to once more hide being my dreams from my reality.

This is Seana signging off for the night, back ot your regularly scheduled programming.

Peace

Saturday, November 10, 2007

November 9th, 2007-10:20 pm

This wont be very long for I want to escape into oblivion say five minutes ago.

I choose my topic for Culture and Technology's seven page paper. What else for me to do then the radio? I started the preliminary research earlier this evening. I haven't yet chosen the topic for my encounters in Humanities seven page paper yet. I was hoping that Jeff could help me narrow it down this evening as well, but to no avail. He had made a large time consuming meal at his moms.(but it sounded yummy!). It is also happy screaming fun time again. meaning his nieces and nephew were visiting again. They are adorable, but can be very loud.

His mom rented him "The Hills Have Eyes II" as well. So no messenger tonight and as of yet, no goodnight call.

Speaking of goodnights, I have the puppy curled up tight next to me and the the kitties close together at the foot of the bed. The light is off (I am writing by flashlight!) and sleep is beckoning me. I need to escape and for as many hours as possible.

Good night.

Seana

November 8th, 2007-11:16pm

Jeff got the okay to come for Thanksgiving! Yeah! He is planning on leaving there the day before Thanksgiving (a week from next Tuesday) and staying here until Sunday. Rock ON! Speak of things rockin', I also found out from JoAnn that she gave me that Saturday off!

Midnight's meowing to come back in, have to pause writing for just a minute...

Earlier I weighted her and somehow she has gone from weighing sixteen and a half pounds to only ten pounds. I hope all is well with her health . She's seemed more alert and happy since we've moved into the house though and no sickly heat is coming from her. I'll just have to keep an eye on her.

Okay now I am really tired and ready to escape into sleep and out of reality for a few hours. I might have to get baby and bring her back into bed if she started up the howling again. Done want her scared and the people in the hours.................
((uuuummmm... I believe I fell asleep in the mid writings above. I believe the end of the thought was "I don't want her scared and the other people in the house awakened by her meowing."))

Papa Roach-Last Resort

The song that Liz, a friend in high school, dubbed as 'My song'

Meet Virginia Lyrics
Artist(Band):Train
Review The Song (2)Print the Lyrics

Send polyphonic ringtone to your cell phone


She doesn't own a dress
Her hair is always a mess,
You catch her stealin' she won't confess
She's Beautiful.

Smokes a pack a day, oh wait,
That's me, but anyway
She doesn't care a thing
About that, hey,
She thinks I'm beautiful
Meet Virginia

She never compromises,
Loves babies and surprises,
wears high heels when
she exercises
Ain't it beautiful
Meet Virginia

Well she wants to be the Queen
Then she thinks about her scene
Pulls her hair back as she screams
"I don't really wanna be the Queen"

Daddy wrestles alligators
Mama works on carborators
Her brother is a fine mediator
For the president
And here she is again on the phone
just like me hates to be alone
we just like to sit home
and rip on the President
Meet Virginia, alright

Well she wants to live her life
Then she thinks about her life
Pulls her hair back, as she screams
"I don't really wanna live this life"

She only drinks coffee at midnight
When the moment is not right
Her timing is quite, unusual
You see her confidence is tragic, but her intuitions magic,
and the shape of her body Unusual

Meet Virgina I can't wait to
Meet Virginia, yeah e yeah hey hey hey

Well she wants to be the queen and
then she thinks about her scene
Well she wants to live her life
then she thinks about her life
Pulls her hair back as she screams
"I don't really wanna be the queen
I, I don't really wanna be the queen
I, I don't really wanna be the queen
I, I don't really wanna live this"

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Bedtime Once More..

I have started a new process of writing in my journal every thought that I want to record. From that I can choose what I want the rest of the world to see and post it into my full blog (here) and my Fubar and myspace blogs.

Now it is bedtime once more, and I can journal a bit more before I fall asleep. Good night all.

~Seana~

Morning Thoughts

Later
9:05 A.M.

Can't sleep any longer. I have to take a shower. I've been too exhausted to take one for the last couple of days. Mom wants to leave earlier to stop at a place or two before we go to Cedar Rapids. She's driving. Thank God. I swear its only a matter of time before the idiots on the road involve me in an accident. I haven't felt like driving any faster then 65 lately.

I managed to escape into a peaceful, quiet, no dreaming remembered sleep. At least until he alarm started going off at various intervals. With every 'BAH-BAH-BAH-BAH", the dreams started piling on. In my dream, Jeff and I were in a mall, that was completely decked out for Halloween, although it felt like it was always that way. All the stores were closed, so I don't know what we were doing there. in the dream we kissed and walked side by side cuddling. I remember thinking that I had to get up soon, I didn't want to oversleep because i was going to see him and we were gong to go on a trip. Then I started to wake up and realized that wasn't the case and was depressed. So I threw myself back into the dream before it was completely gone because I needed his touch, his presence, even if it was only the mental version of him. That version if the only one I have of him at the moment that I can be physically near. I've go to hop in the shower now so I am not running late.

~Seana~

Sleep, Here I Return!

7:45 A.m.

Alarm went off. I'm not ready to get up yet. Back to sleep I go.

Bedtime..

I can't take any more awake, alert time... I need to escape into blissful, quiet unconsciousness. Now, like five minutes ago.... perhaps hours ago.. Enough of everything. Stop the world and let me off for at least eight hours.

Thank you. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Seana

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

What I wouldn't give..

to be able to afford a day of pampering... A day to get a new haircut, new coloring, manicure, eyebrow shaping, shopping... the whole works. I want a new look (but still be me)! I want to be able to look my age, to look more like a woman and less like a girl. Just a couple hundred dollars. That's all. just pennies in the bucket compared to what celebrities drop on a single item.

Thats all..

Song that reflects my mood...

Artist: Hanson
Album: Middle Of Nowhere
Title: Weird

Isn't it weird. Isn't it strange.
Even though we're just two strangers on this runaway train
We're both trying to find a place in the sun
We've lived in the shadows, but doesn't everyone
Isn't it strange how we all feel a little bit weird sometimes
Isn't it hard. Standing in the rain.
You're on the verge of going crazy and your heart's in pain
No one can hear though you're screaming so loud
You feel all alone in a faceless crowd
Isn't it strange how we all get a little bit weird sometimes.
Sitting on the side. Waiting for a sign. Hoping that my luck will
change.
Reaching for a hand that can understand, someone who feels the same.
When you live in a cookie cutter world being different is a sin.
So you don't stand out. And you don't fit in. Weird.
Sitting on the side. Waiting for a sign. Hoping that my luck will
change.
Reaching for a hand that can understand, someone who feels the same.
When you live in a cookie cutter world if you're different you can't
win.
So you don't stand out and you don't fit in. Weird.
Isn't it strange how we all feel a little bit weird
Strange, how we all get a little bit.
Strange, 'cause we're all just a little bit weird sometime

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Drinking Housemates....

I've been thinking for about the last week or so about a promise I made to myself on my sixteenth(?)birthday sitting in my father's basement on my first visit ever to go see him. He had invited me to his house via the letters that we were writing back and forth at the time for my birthday, so we could begin bonding as father and daughter. Instead, he sat upstairs drinking all day after promising me in the last letter he wrote prior to the visit and the phone call from the day before that he wouldn't drink that day just for me. I ended up staying in the basement from the point that the second bottle hit his lips on. As I was sitting there, watching TV by myself, with the occasional visit from my younger brother, I told myself that I was never going to live with someone who drank whether or not they were my significant other or just a house mate. It just doesn't appeal to me probably largely due to this experience. It, in fact, is so unappealing that I don't want to think about it. I know, it sounds horribly unforgiving and selfish, but I have my reasons. These reasons run very very deep.

Thank God Jeff stopped drinking. I love that man with all of my heart and soul. He seems much happier and acting progressively to ready a good future for us and himself. I wish I could say the same about myself. I have no idea what I want to do with my life, and I have been feeling rather down much of the time lately.

Monday, October 15, 2007

"Laugh, even when the tears threaten"

Has been my status message message off and on for a few weeks now on messenger. Only one person has asked about it, which was Marsha. I distracted her off onto another topic easily enough. I dont want people asking about it..it's just a personal reminder. It's what I keep telling myself I need to do. The rare occasion that it doesn't work, only a few slip through before I dam it up again. I'm getting better at it again, like when I was in middle school and high school.

That's all. No one is going to read this. I am safe from questioning and wondering about my sanity.

Off I go to bed, to escape into sleep for awhile... i am feeling melancholy tonight.

I love Jeff, With all my heart, soul, body and mind. Forever and Ever.

Seana

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Every time I hear this song I am reminded of Jeff, Kirk and Marsha...

Tracy Lawrence
Find Out Who Your Friends Are

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn't know
This is where the truth don't lie

{Chorus}
You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who your friends are

Everybody wants to slap your back
wants to shake your hand
when you're up on top of that mountain
But let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up
and see who's around then

This ain't where the road comes to an end
This ain't where the bandwagon stops
This is just one of those times when
A lot of folks jump off

{Chorus}

When the water's high
When the weather's not so fair
When the well runs dry
Who's gonna be there?

{Chorus}

You find out who your friends are
(yeah, yeah)
You find out who your friends are

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
(Well man, I've been there)
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare
(Man, I've been there)

Man, I've been there
Oooh yeah.

Assumptions...

Why is it everyone seems to want me to make big changes in my life to accommodate events and results, but they wouldn't dream of making the big changes themselves?

I didn't realize that life for me is always a one way street, me always going the extra distance. I wish that people for once would consider doing themselves what they want me to do.. and perhaps bending for me instead. Or at least allowing me to bring it up and have an open mind when I do so...is that so hard?

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

I don't know exactly...

I don't know exactly what kind of mood I am in... It's not a good one. I am sad, worrisome, depressed, and contemplative. Imagining the worst come his 'appointment' in the middle of October. He doesn't mention anything about serving time, just 3-5 being under probation. But what if the worst thing happens? Maybe it is a very real possibility and he hasn't mentioned it to me, so that I might not worry?

Less then two weeks is Kirk and Marsha's wedding. :) The first wedding I have been to that hasn't been family, and it's been seven years already since Kylie and Jeffrey's wedding. I still don't understand what went horribly wrong there, and why she left her fairytale marriage? Some people meddle far to much, like her so-called best friend at the time who got it into Kylie's head that playful towel snapping was spousal abuse. He idolized the ground she walked on. I get to see Jeff in a tux :P

Speaking of which... I think Jeff disappeared off the face of the planet tonight. I haven't talked to him since earlier this evening, and have been waiting here in front of the computer/next to my phone to talk to him since about nine thirty. I am so very tired, but I must have my Jeff fix before I crash. :P

I have a full day tomorrow. We are FINALLY get the house phone set up. The Realtor guys are coming out to dig our air conditioner fully out of the dirt, and put a brick thing around it. I've got class at noon. I've also errands to run, the garage to finish organizing, and help mom set up her computer stuff and move her 'desk'. And homework.

I took another apitude test...

..and though it will be very long, here are the results, straight from the website:

Career Match #1 of 4
Amount Completed
Industry Description

The objective of any firm is to market and sell its products or services profitably. In small firms, the owner or chief executive officer might assume all advertising, promotions, marketing, sales, and public relations responsibilities. In large firms, which may offer numerous products and services nationally or even worldwide, an executive vice president directs overall advertising, promotions, marketing, sales, and public relations policies. Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers coordinate the market research, marketing strategy, sales, advertising, promotion, pricing, product development, and public relations activities.

Sales representatives are an important part of manufacturers’ and wholesalers’ success. Regardless of the type of product they sell, their primary duties are to interest wholesale and retail buyers and purchasing agents in their merchandise and to address clients’ questions and concerns. Sales representatives represent one or several manufacturers or wholesale distributors by selling one product or a complementary line of products. Sales representatives demonstrate their products and advise clients on how using these products can reduce costs and increase sales. They market their company’s products to manufacturers, wholesale and retail establishments, construction contractors, government agencies, and other institutions.

Sales representatives spend much of their time traveling to and visiting with prospective buyers and current clients. During a sales call, they discuss the client’s needs and suggest how their merchandise or services can meet those needs. They may show samples or catalogs that describe items their company stocks and inform customers about prices, availability, and ways in which their products can save money and boost productivity. Because a vast number of manufacturers and wholesalers sell similar products, sales representatives must emphasize any unique qualities of their products and services. Manufacturers’ agents or manufacturers’ representatives might sell several complementary products made by different manufacturers and, thus, take a broad approach to their customers’ business. Sales representatives may help install new equipment and train employees in its use. They also take orders and resolve any problems with or complaints about the merchandise.

Obtaining new accounts is an important part of the job. Sales representatives follow leads from other clients, track advertisements in trade journals, participate in trade shows and conferences, and may visit potential clients unannounced. In addition, they may spend time meeting with and entertaining prospective clients during evenings and weekends.

In a process that can take several months, sales representatives present their product to a customer and negotiate the sale. Aided by a laptop computer connected to the Internet, or other telecommunications device, they can make a persuasive audiovisual sales pitch and often can answer technical and non-technical questions immediately.

Sales representatives have several duties beyond selling products. They analyze sales statistics; prepare reports; and handle administrative duties, such as filing expense account reports, scheduling appointments, and making travel plans. They read about new and existing products and monitor the sales, prices, and products of their competitors.

Manufacturers’ agents who operate a sales agency also must manage their business. This requires organizational and general business skills, as well as knowledge of accounting, marketing, and administration.

Some sales representatives have large territories and travel considerably. Because a sales region may cover several States, representatives may be away from home for several days or weeks at a time. Others work near their home base and travel mostly by car. Because of the nature of the work and the amount of travel, sales representatives may work more than 40 hours per week.

Although the hours are long and often irregular, most sales representatives have the freedom to determine their own schedule. Sales representatives often are on their feet for long periods and may carry heavy sample products, necessitating some physical stamina.

Dealing with different types of people can be stimulating but demanding. Sales representatives often face competition from representatives of other companies. Companies usually set goals or quotas that representatives are expected to meet. Because their earnings depend on commissions, manufacturers’ agents are also under the added pressure to maintain and expand their clientele.

The background needed for sales jobs varies by product line and market. Many employers hire individuals with previous sales experience who lack a college degree, but they increasingly prefer or require a bachelor’s degree because job requirements have become more technical and analytical. Nevertheless, for some consumer products, factors such as sales ability, personality, and familiarity with brands are more important than educational background. On the other hand, firms selling complex, technical products may require a technical degree in addition to some sales experience. Many sales representatives attend seminars in sales techniques or take courses in marketing, economics, communication, or even a foreign language to provide the extra edge needed to make sales. In general, companies are looking for the best and brightest individuals who have the personality and desire to sell. Sales representatives need to be familiar with computer technology as computers are increasingly used in the workplace to place and track orders and to monitor inventory levels.

Many companies have formal training programs for beginning sales representatives lasting up to 2 years. However, most businesses are accelerating these programs to reduce costs and expedite the returns from training. In some programs, trainees rotate among jobs in plants and offices to learn all phases of production, installation, and distribution of the product. In others, trainees take formal classroom instruction at the plant, followed by on-the-job training under the supervision of a field sales manager.

Sales representatives stay abreast of new products and the changing needs of their customers in a variety of ways. They attend trade shows at which new products and technologies are showcased. They also attend conferences and conventions to meet other sales representatives and clients and discuss new product developments. In addition, the entire sales force may participate in company-sponsored meetings to review sales performance, product development, sales goals, and profitability.

There are many certifications designed to raise standards and develop the skills of sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing. A few examples are the Certified Professional Manufacturers’ Representative, the Certified Sales Professional, and the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative. Certification may involve completion of formal training and passing an examination.

Those who want to become sales representatives should be goal oriented, persuasive, and able to work well both independently and as part of a team. A pleasant personality and appearance, the ability to communicate well with people, and problem-solving skills are highly valued. Patience and perseverance also are key to completing a sale, which can take several months.

Frequently, promotion takes the form of an assignment to a larger account or territory where commissions are likely to be greater. Experienced sales representatives may move into jobs as sales trainers, who instruct new employees on selling techniques and on company policies and procedures. Those who have good sales records and leadership ability may advance to higher-level positions such as sales supervisor, district manager, or vice president of sales. In addition to advancement opportunities within a firm, some manufacturers’ agents go into business for themselves. Others find opportunities in purchasing, advertising, or marketing research.

Sample Job Titles
Sales Representative
Market Research Analyst
Media Buyer/Planner
Promotions Manager
Public Relations Representative
Sales Marketing Jobs
Interesting Facts
Keen competition for jobs is expected.
College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, strong communication skills, and computer skills should have the best job opportunities.
High earnings, substantial travel, and long hours, including evenings and weekends, are common.
Employment Outlook

Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales manager jobs are highly coveted and will be sought by other managers or highly experienced professionals, resulting in keen competition. In particular, employers will seek those who have the computer skills to conduct advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales activities on the Internet. Employment of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, spurred by intense domestic and global competition in products and services offered to consumers.

Prospective customers require sales workers to demonstrate or illustrate the particulars of a good or service. Computer technology makes sales representatives more effective and productive, for example, by allowing them to provide accurate and current information to customers during sales presentations.

Job prospects for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, will be best for persons with the appropriate knowledge or technical expertise as well as the personal traits necessary for successful selling. Opportunities will be better for wholesale sales representatives than for manufacturing sales representatives because manufacturers are expected to continue contracting out sales duties to independent agents rather than using in-house or direct selling personnel. Agents are paid only if they sell, a practice that reduces the overhead cost to their clients. Also, by using an agent who usually contracts his or her services to more than one company, companies can share costs with the other companies involved with that agent. As their customers and manufacturers continue to merge with other companies, independent agents and other wholesale trade firms will, in response, also merge with each other to better serve their clients.

Those interested in this occupation should keep in mind that direct selling opportunities in manufacturing are likely to be best for products for which there is strong demand. Furthermore, jobs will be most plentiful in small wholesale and manufacturing firms because a growing number of these companies will rely on agents to market their products as a way to control their costs and expand their customer base. Employment opportunities and earnings may fluctuate from year to year because sales are affected by changing economic conditions, legislative issues, and consumer preferences.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Career Match #2 of 4
Amount Completed
Industry Description
Careers in social services appeal to persons with a strong desire to make life better and easier for others. Workers in this industry usually are good communicators and enjoy interacting with people. Social services establishments provide a wide array of services that include helping the homeless, counseling troubled and emotionally disturbed individuals, training the unemployed or underemployed, and helping the needy to obtain financial assistance.

Social and human service assistant is a generic term for people with a wide array of job titles, including human service worker, case management aide, social work assistant, community support worker, mental health aide, community outreach worker, life skill counselor, or gerontology aide. They usually work under the direction of workers from a variety of fields, such as nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitative or physical therapy, or social work. The amount of responsibility and supervision they are given varies a great deal. Some have little direct supervision; others work under close direction.

Social and human service assistants provide direct and indirect client services to ensure that individuals in their care reach their maximum level of functioning. They assess clients’ needs, establish their eligibility for benefits and services such as food stamps, Medicaid, or welfare, and help to obtain them. They also arrange for transportation and escorts, if necessary, and provide emotional support. Social and human service assistants monitor and keep case records on clients and report progress to supervisors and case managers.

Social and human service assistants play a variety of roles in a community. They may organize and lead group activities, assist clients in need of counseling or crisis intervention, or administer a food bank or emergency fuel program. In halfway houses, group homes, and government-supported housing programs, they assist adults who need supervision with personal hygiene and daily living skills. They review clients’ records, ensure that they take correct doses of medication, talk with family members, and confer with medical personnel and other caregivers to gain better insight into clients’ backgrounds and needs. Social and human service assistants also provide emotional support and help clients become involved in their own well being, in community recreation programs, and in other activities.

In psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and outpatient clinics, social and human service assistants work with professional care providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to help clients master everyday living skills, communicate more effectively, and get along better with others. They support the client’s participation in a treatment plan, such as individual or group counseling or occupational therapy.

Working conditions of social and human service assistants vary. Some work in offices, clinics, and hospitals, while others work in group homes, shelters, sheltered workshops, and day programs. Many work under close supervision, while others work much of the time on their own, such as those who spend their time in the field visiting clients. Sometimes visiting clients can be dangerous even though most agencies do everything they can to ensure their workers’ safety. Most work a 40-hour week, although some work in the evening and on weekends.
Sample Job Titles
Social Worker
Human Service Assistant
Substance Abuse Counselor
Social Service Agency Director
Family & Children Therapist
Search & Apply to New Jobs in Social Service
Interesting Facts
About 1 out of 3 jobs are in professional and service occupations.
Job opportunities in social services should be numerous through the year 2014 because of job turnover and rapid employment growth.
Some of the fastest growing occupations in the Nation are concentrated in social services.
Employment Outlook
Job opportunities for social and human service assistants are expected to be excellent, particularly for applicants with appropriate postsecondary education. The number of social and human service assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2004 and 2014—ranking the occupation among the most rapidly growing. Many additional job opportunities will arise from the need to replace workers who advance into new positions, retire, or leave the workforce for other reasons. There will be more competition for jobs in urban areas than in rural areas, but qualified applicants should have little difficulty finding employment. Faced with rapid growth in the demand for social and human services many employers increasingly rely on social and human service assistants to undertake greater responsibility for delivering services to clients.

Opportunities are expected to be good in private social service agencies, which provide such services as adult day care and meal delivery programs. Employment in private agencies will grow as State and local governments continue to contract out services to the private sector in an effort to cut costs. Demand for social services will expand with the growing elderly population, who are more likely to need these services. In addition, more social and human service assistants will be needed to provide services to pregnant teenagers, the homeless, the mentally disabled and developmentally challenged, and substance abusers. Some private agencies have been employing more social and human service assistants in place of social workers, who are more educated and, thus, more highly paid.

Job training programs also are expected to require additional social and human service assistants. As social welfare policies shift focus from benefit-based programs to work-based initiatives there will be more demand for people to teach job skills to the people who are new to, or returning to, the workforce.

Residential care establishments should face increased pressures to respond to the needs of the mentally and physically disabled. Many of these patients have been deinstitutionalized and lack the knowledge or the ability to care for themselves. Also, more community-based programs and supportive independent-living sites are expected to be established to house and assist the homeless and the mentally and physically disabled. As substance abusers are increasingly being sent to treatment programs instead of prison, employment of social and human service assistants in substance abuse treatment programs also will grow.

The number of jobs for social and human service assistants in local governments will grow but not as fast as employment for social and human service assistants in other industries. Employment in the public sector may fluctuate with the level of funding provided by State and local governments. Also, some State and local governments are contracting out selected social services to private agencies in order to save money.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Career Match #3 of 4
Amount Completed
Industry Description

Creative and performing arts professionals express ideas and create images in theater, film, radio, television, and other performing arts media. They interpret a writer’s script to entertain, inform, or instruct an audience. Although the most famous actors, producers, and directors work in film, network television, or theater in New York or Los Angeles, far more work in local or regional television studios, theaters, or film production companies preparing advertising, public-relations, or independent, small-scale movie productions.

As leisure time and personal incomes have grown across the nation, so have the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry. This industry includes about 115,000 establishments, ranging from art museums to fitness centers. Practically any activity that occupies a person’s leisure time, excluding the viewing of motion pictures and video rentals, is part of the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry. The diverse range of activities offered by this industry can be categorized into three broad groups—live performances or events; historical, cultural, or educational exhibits; and recreation or leisure-time activities.

Live performances or events. This segment of the industry includes professional sports, as well as establishments providing sports facilities and services to amateurs. Commercial sports clubs operate professional and amateur athletic clubs and promote athletic events. All kinds of popular sports can be found in these establishments, including baseball, basketball, boxing, football, ice hockey, soccer, wrestling, and even auto racing. Professional and amateur companies involved in sports promotion also are part of this industry segment, as are sports establishments in which gambling is allowed, such as dog and horse racetracks and jai alai courts.

Performers of live musical entertainment include popular music artists, dance bands, disc jockeys, orchestras, jazz musicians, and rock-and-roll bands. Orchestras range from major professional orchestras with million dollar budgets to community orchestras, which often have part-time schedules. The performing arts segment also includes dance companies, which produce all types of live theatrical dances. The majority of these dance troupes perform ballet, folk dance, or modern dance.

Historical, cultural, or educational exhibits. Privately owned museums, zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, and historical sites make up this segment of the industry; publicly owned facilities are included in sections on Federal, State, or local government elsewhere in the Career Guide. Each institution in this segment preserves and exhibits objects, sites, and natural wonders with historical, cultural, or educational value.

Recreation or leisure activities . A variety of establishments provide amusement for a growing number of customers. Some of these businesses provide video game, pinball, and gaming machines for the public at amusement parks, arcades, and casinos. Casinos and other gaming establishments offering off-track betting are a rapidly growing part of this industry segment. This segment also includes amusement and theme parks, which range in size from local carnivals to multi-acre parks. These establishments may have mechanical rides, shows, and refreshment stands.

Many types of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments dramatically increase employment during the summer and either scale back employment during the winter or close down completely. Workers may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays because that is when most establishments are busiest. Some jobs require extensive travel. Music and dance troupes, for example, frequently tour or travel to major metropolitan the public.

Amusement and recreation attendants —the largest occupation in the arts, entertainment, and recreation industry—perform a variety of duties depending on where they are employed. Common duties include setting up games, handing out sports equipment, providing caddy services for golfers, collecting money, and operating amusement park rides.

Tour and travel guides escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries. They may also plan, organize, and conduct long-distance cruises, tours, and expeditions for individuals or groups.

Other service workers include waiters and waitresses, who serve food in entertainment establishments; fast food and counter workers and cooks and food preparation workers, who may serve or prepare food for patrons; and bartenders, who mix and serve drinks in arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments.

Building grounds, cleaning, and maintenance occupations include building cleaning workers, who clean up after shows or sporting events and are responsible for the daily cleaning and upkeep of facilities. Landscaping and grounds keeping workers care for athletic fields and golf courses. These workers maintain artificial and natural turf fields, mark boundaries, and paint team logos. They also mow, water, and fertilize natural athletic fields and vacuum and disinfect synthetic fields. Establishments in this industry also employ workers in protective service occupations. Security guards patrol the property and guard against theft, vandalism, and illegal entry. At sporting events, guards maintain order and direct patrons to various facilities. Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators observe casino operations to detect cheating, theft, or other irregular activities by patrons or employees.

Musicians and singers may play musical instruments, sing, compose, arrange music, or conduct groups in instrumental or vocal performances. The specific skills and responsibilities of musicians vary widely by type of instrument, size of ensemble, and style of music. For example, musicians can play jazz, classical, or popular music, either alone or in groups ranging from small rock bands to large symphony orchestras.

Actors entertain and communicate with people through their interpretation of dramatic and other roles. They can belong to a variety of performing groups, ranging from those appearing in community and local dinner theaters to those playing in full-scale Broadway productions. Dancers express ideas, stories, rhythm, and sound with their bodies through different types of dance, including ballet, modern dance, tap, folk, and jazz. Dancers usually perform in a troupe, although some perform solo. Many become teachers when their performing careers end. Choreographers create and teach dance, and they may be called upon to direct and stage presentations. Producers and directors select and interpret plays or scripts, and give directions to actors and dancers. They conduct rehearsals, audition cast members, and approve choreography. They also arrange financing, hire production staff members, and negotiate contracts with personnel.

Archivists, curators, and museum technicians play an important role in preparing museums for display. Archivists appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. They may also participate in research activities based on archival materials. Curators administer a museum’s affairs and conduct research programs. Museum technicians and conservators prepare specimens, such as fossils, skeletal parts, lace, and textiles, for museum collection and exhibits. They may also take part in restoring documents or installing and arranging materials for exhibit.

Management, business, and financial occupations make up 6 percent of employment in this industry. Managerial duties in the performing arts include marketing, business management, event booking, fundraising, and public outreach. Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes represent their clients to prospective employers and may handle contract negotiations and other business matters. Recreation supervisors and park superintendents oversee personnel, budgets, grounds and facility maintenance, and land and wildlife resources. Some common administrative jobs in sports are tournament director, health club manager, and sports program director.

Sample Job Titles
Actor
Producer
Choreographer
Dancer
Fashion Designer
Search & Apply to New Creative Jobs
Interesting Facts
The performing arts often feature intense competition for roles and frequent rejections in auditions.
Formal training through a university or acting conservatory is typical; however, many actors, producers, and directors find work on the basis of their experience and talent alone.
Because earnings for actors are erratic, many supplement their incomes by holding jobs in other fields.
Employment Outlook

Employment of actors, producers, and directors is expected to grow on par with all other occupations through 2014. Although a growing number of people will aspire to enter these professions, many will leave the field early because the work—when it is available—is hard, the hours are long, and the pay is inconsistent. Competition for jobs will be stiff, in part because the large number of highly trained and talented actors auditioning for roles generally exceeds the number of parts that become available. Only performers with the most stamina and talent will find regular employment.

Employment opportunities should be available in a wide range of settings, including golf courses, parks and outdoor recreational facilities, and amusement parks. Employment in fitness centers and similar establishments also will grow substantially, driven by several factors. Aging baby boomers are concerned with staying healthy, physically fit, and independent, and have become the largest demographic group of health club members. The reduction of physical education programs in schools, combined with parents’ growing concern about child obesity, has rapidly increased child health club membership. Membership among young adults has also grown steadily, driven by concern about physical fitness and funded by rising incomes. The proliferation of group exercise classes and the focus on overall wellness in health clubs should also increase the demand for workers in this industry.

Strong employment growth is expected in the gaming industry, spurred by the increase in casinos on American Indian reservations and the introduction of slot machines at racetracks. Many States are looking to relax gambling regulations so that they can increase State revenues from gaming establishment taxes.

In addition to these increases, employment in the performing arts will grow steadily, along with demand for entertainment from a growing population. However, the supply of workers in performing arts also will expand because of the appeal of these jobs, ensuring continued intense competition.

The arts, entertainment, and recreation industry has relied heavily on workers under the age of 25 to fill seasonal and unskilled positions. About one-fourth of all jobs in this industry are held by workers under age 25, compared to 14 percent in all industries combined. Opportunities should be available for young, seasonal, part-time, and unskilled workers. In addition, the industry is expected to hire a growing number of workers in other age groups.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Career Match #4 of 4
Amount Completed
Industry Description

The visual artist creates art to communicate ideas, thoughts, or feelings. They use a variety of methods—painting, sculpting, or illustration—and an assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, plaster, clay, and computers. Artists’ works may be realistic, stylized, or abstract and may depict objects, people, nature, or events.

Artists generally fall into one of four categories. Art directors formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media. Craft artists create or reproduce handmade objects for sale or exhibition. Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators create original artwork, using a variety of media and techniques. Multi-media artists and animators create special effects, animation, or other visual images on film, on video, or with computers or other electronic media.

Art directors develop design concepts and review material that is to appear in periodicals, newspapers, and other printed or digital media. They decide how best to present the information visually, so that it is eye catching, appealing, and organized. Art directors decide which photographs or artwork to use and oversee the layout design and production of the printed material. They may direct workers engaged in artwork, layout design, and copywriting.

Craft artists hand-make a wide variety of objects that are sold either in their own studios, in retail outlets, or at arts-and-crafts shows. Some craft artists may display their works in galleries and museums. Craft artists work with many different materials—ceramics, glass, textiles, wood, metal, and paper—to create unique pieces of art, such as pottery, stained glass, quilts, tapestries, lace, candles, and clothing. Many craft artists also use fine-art techniques—for example, painting, sketching, and printing—to add finishing touches to their art.

Fine artists typically display their work in museums, commercial art galleries, corporate collections, and private homes. Some of their artwork may be commissioned (done on request from clients), but most is sold by the artist or through private art galleries or dealers. The gallery and the artist predetermine how much each will earn from the sale. Only the most successful fine artists are able to support themselves solely through the sale of their works. Most fine artists have at least one other job to support their art careers. Some work in museums or art galleries as fine-arts directors or as curators, planning and setting up art exhibits. A few artists work as art critics for newspapers or magazines or as consultants to foundations or institutional collectors. Other artists teach art classes or conduct workshops in schools or in their own studios. Some artists also hold full-time or part-time jobs unrelated to the art field and pursue fine art as a hobby or second career.

Usually, fine artists specialize in one or two art forms, such as painting, illustrating, sketching, sculpting, printmaking, and restoring. Painters, illustrators, cartoonists, and sketch artists work with two-dimensional art forms, using shading, perspective, and color to produce realistic scenes or abstractions.

Illustrators typically create pictures for books, magazines, and other publications and for commercial products such as textiles, wrapping paper, stationery, greeting cards, and calendars. Increasingly, illustrators are working in digital format, preparing work directly on a computer.

Medical and scientific illustrators combine drawing skills with knowledge of biology or other sciences. Medical illustrators draw illustrations of human anatomy and surgical procedures. Scientific illustrators draw illustrations of animal and plant life, atomic and molecular structures, and geologic and planetary formations. The illustrations are used in medical and scientific publications and in audiovisual presentations for teaching purposes. Medical illustrators also work for lawyers, producing exhibits for court cases.

Cartoonists draw political, advertising, social, and sports cartoons. Some cartoonists work with others who create the idea or story and write the captions. Most cartoonists have comic, critical, or dramatic talents in addition to drawing skills.

Sketch artists create likenesses of subjects with pencil, charcoal, or pastels. Sketches are used by law enforcement agencies to assist in identifying suspects, by the news media to depict courtroom scenes, and by individual patrons for their own enjoyment.

Sculptors design three-dimensional artworks, either by molding and joining materials such as clay, glass, wire, plastic, fabric, or metal or by cutting and carving forms from a block of plaster, wood, or stone. Some sculptors combine various materials to create mixed-media installations. Some incorporate light, sound, and motion into their works.

Printmakers create printed images from designs cut or etched into wood, stone, or metal. After creating the design, the artist inks the surface of the woodblock, stone, or plate and uses a printing press to roll the image onto paper or fabric. Some make prints by pressing the inked surface onto paper by hand or by graphically encoding and processing data, using a computer. The digitized images are then printed on paper with the use of a computer printer.

Multi-media artists and animators work primarily in motion picture and video industries, advertising, and computer systems design services. They draw by hand and use computers to create the large series of pictures that form the animated images or special effects seen in movies, television programs, and computer games. Some draw storyboards for television commercials, movies, and animated features. Storyboards present television commercials in a series of scenes similar to a comic strip and allow an advertising agency to evaluate commercials proposed by the company doing the advertising. Storyboards also serve as guides to placing actors and cameras on the television or motion picture set and to other details that need to be taken care of during the production of commercials.

Many artists work in fine- or commercial-art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts. Others work in private studios in their homes. Some fine artists share studio space, where they also may exhibit their work. Studio surroundings usually are well lighted and ventilated; however, fine artists may be exposed to fumes from glue, paint, ink, and other materials and to dust or other residue from filings, splattered paint, or spilled fluids. Artists who sit at drafting tables or who use computers for extended periods may experience back pain, eyestrain, or fatigue.

Artists employed by publishing companies, advertising agencies, and design firms generally work a standard workweek. During busy periods, they may work overtime to meet deadlines. Self-employed artists can set their own hours, but may spend much time and effort selling their artwork to potential customers or clients and building a reputation.

Postsecondary training is recommended for all artist specialties. Although formal training is not strictly required, it is very difficult to become skilled enough to make a living without some training. Many colleges and universities offer programs leading to the bachelor’s or master’s degree in fine arts. Courses usually include core subjects such as English, social science, and natural science, in addition to art history and studio art.

Independent schools of art and design also offer postsecondary studio training in the craft, fine, and multi-media arts leading to a certificate in the specialty or to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Typically, these programs focus more intensively on studio work than do the academic programs in a university setting. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design; most award a degree in art.

Formal educational programs in art also provide training in computer techniques. Computers are used widely in the visual arts, and knowledge and training in computer graphics and other visual display software are critical elements of many jobs in these fields.

Medical illustrators must have both a demonstrated artistic ability and a detailed knowledge of living organisms, surgical and medical procedures, and human and animal anatomy. A bachelor’s degree combining art and premedical courses usually is required. However, most medical illustrators also choose to pursue a master’s degree in medical illustration. This degree is offered in five accredited schools in the United States.

Art directors usually begin as entry-level artists in advertising, publishing, design, and motion picture production firms. Artists are promoted to art director after demonstrating artistic and leadership abilities. Some art schools offer coursework in art direction as part of postsecondary training. Depending on the scope of their responsibilities, some art directors also may pursue a degree in art administration, which teaches non-artistic skills such as project management and communication.

Those who want to teach fine arts at public elementary or secondary schools must have a teaching certificate in addition to a bachelor’s degree. An advanced degree in fine arts or arts administration is necessary for management or administrative positions in government or in foundations or for teaching in colleges and universities.

Evidence of appropriate talent and skill, displayed in an artist’s portfolio, is an important factor used by art directors, clients, and others in deciding whether to hire an individual or to contract out work. The portfolio is a collection of handmade, computer-generated, photographic, or printed samples of the artist’s best work. Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills usually developed through postsecondary training in art or visual communications. Internships also provide excellent opportunities for artists to develop and enhance their portfolios.

Artists hired by firms often start with relatively routine work. While doing this work, however, they may observe and practice their skills on the side. Many artists freelance on a part-time basis while continuing to hold a full-time job until they are established. Others freelance part time while still in school, to develop experience and to build a portfolio of published work.


Freelance artists try to develop a set of clients who regularly contract for work. Some freelance artists are widely recognized for their skill in specialties such as cartooning or children’s book illustration. These artists may earn high incomes and can choose the type of work they do.

Craft and fine artists advance professionally as their work circulates and as they establish a reputation for a particular style. Many of the most successful artists continually develop new ideas, and their work often evolves over time.

Sample Job Titles
Artist
Sculptor
Graphic Designer
Art Director
Illustrator
Sketch artist
Search & Apply to New Jobs in the Visual Arts Fields
Interesting Facts
Keen competition is expected for both salaried jobs and freelance work; the number of qualified workers exceeds the number of available openings because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability.

Artists usually develop their skills through a bachelor’s degree program or other postsecondary training in art or design.

Earnings for self-employed artists vary widely; some well-established artists earn more than salaried artists, while others find it difficult to rely solely on income earned from selling art.

Employment Outlook

Employment of artists and related workers is expected to grow about as fast as average (14%) for all occupations through the year 2014. However, the competition for jobs is expected to be keen for both salaried and freelance jobs in all specialties, because the number of qualified workers exceeds the number of available openings. Also, because the arts attract many talented people with creative ability, the number of aspiring artists continues to grow. Employers in all industries should be able to choose from among the most qualified candidates.

Art director's work in a variety of industries, such as advertising, public relations, publishing, and design firms. Despite an expanding number of opportunities, they should experience keen competition for the available openings.

Craft and fine artists work mostly on a freelance or commission basis and may find it difficult to earn a living solely by selling their artwork. Only the most successful craft and fine artists receive major commissions for their work. Competition among artists for the privilege of being shown in galleries is expected to remain acute, and grants from sponsors such as private foundations, State and local arts councils, and the National Endowment for the Arts should remain competitive. Nonetheless, studios, galleries, and individual clients are always on the lookout for artists who display outstanding talent, creativity, and style. Among craft and fine artists, talented individuals who have developed a mastery of artistic techniques and skills will have the best job prospects.

The growth in computer graphics packages and stock art Web sites is making it easier for writers, publishers, and art directors to create their own illustrations. As the use of this technology grows, there will be fewer opportunities for illustrators. One exception is the small number of medical illustrators, who will be in greater demand to illustrate journal articles and books as medical research continues to grow.

Salaried cartoonists will have fewer job opportunities because many newspapers and magazines are increasingly relying on freelance work. In addition, many cartoonists are opting to post their work on political Web sites and online publications. As online posting of cartoons increases, many are creating animated or interactive images to satisfy readers’ demands for more sophisticated cartoons.

Multi-media artists and animators should have better job opportunities than other artists, but still will experience competition. Demand for these workers will increase as consumers continue to demand more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and 3D animated movies. Additional job openings will arise from an increasing demand for Web site development and for computer graphics adaptation from the growing number of mobile technologies. Job opportunities for animators of lower-technology, two-dimensional television cartoons could be hampered as these jobs continue to be outsourced overseas.


About Me

My photo
Coralville, Iowa, United States