Get'er done.

So, a few weeks ago I mentioned several odd jobs that I intended to accomplish. Here's a status report:

1. My passport is about to expire. I haven't actually sent the forms off yet. Mainly because it costs $75 to renew and I have a hard time parting with with cash for non-fun and cute related things right now. However, I got the photos taken and have everything ready to go. I will probably send it next week in case someone offers me a free trip abroad. I would hate to miss it.

2. I will defer my student loans. I did this because they started to harass me. I don't like waking up to an "Unavailable" phone call at 8am on Saturdays. Also, it was easy!

3. I am cleaning my rugs. I moved in January and have yet to unroll several rugs because they are gross. Ok, this hasn't happened yet. I tried, though. The living room rug is dead meat, I fear. Or at least it smells like it. It's beige, really fuzzy and I got it for literally nothing at a sample sale (thanks, old job.) It's also disgusting and acquired a really hideous smell when I took it outside to "air out" and accidentally left it there for 3 days. Oops.

4. I am going to make curtains. I did this! To completion! I really recommend getting plaid fabric because it makes measuring and sewing in straight lines really easy. Look how cute: 

5. I am going to organize my books into cute and like-sized stacks. Yep, did this too. I love it. Boyfriend sometimes needs to ask me what color certain books are, but I have a good memory.

Project positivity!

It is spring time and I don't have a job. I have decided that it's time to partake in every project I can think of all at once. My projects might not line up exactly with yours but perhaps they will provide some ideas on ways in which your free time can become productive and filled with glorious busy work.

1. My passport is about to expire. One morning this week I will take a shower before 3pm and put makeup on. I will go have my passport photos taken and I will renew it. I have noticed that the new means of producing passports has created a washed out effect on the face so I will wear stage makeup like a Rockette.

2. I will defer my student loan. I cannot be paying that crap without a job. Easy.

3. I am cleaning my rugs. I moved in January and have yet to unroll several rugs because they are so gross. Instead of paying someone to professionally clean them, I will beat the living crap out of them with several sticks. Then they'll get vacuumed and arranged.

4. I am going to make curtains. We have french doors that separate the bedroom from the living room and we have out of town guests coming to visit. In order for them to not accidentally see butts, I will borrow a sewing machine from a friend and make something cute. 

5. I am going to organize my books in cute and like-sized stacks. I am going back and forth on whether or not to do this by color. I will probably get sick of it shortly.

Photos of all photo-worthy projects to come. Cross your fingers I don't get bored.

Wine at your house.

No, I am not recommending that you take up a career in singing or crack heading. What I am getting at here is that I think it's a good idea to get kind of drunk at home every few weeks. Grab some cheap wine and hang out at home, potentially alone. I think this is a good way to get the thoughts flowing. Don't drunk dial your ex-boss or anything with an ex- in it for that matter. Just sit around and think about what you would do if you could. Maybe write in your imaginary journal. I use the book that was previously my work notebook, as it's funny after a couple of glasses of rose to look back at the lame crap that used to occupy your every moment. Be thankful that the ridiculous work-cleaning (like house cleaning) that was plaguing you for a year is no longer your concern. Then flip to a blank back page and start writing things down. Make a page for each "bucket" I provided in one of my first posts and fill them up with notes! These wine-fueled brain dumps are excellent for getting to the heart of matters. Then, the next day have a look at your ramblings and turn them into something useful...

Warning: I don't recommend doing this everyday or before 7pm. 

Job Huntress.

Ok, so maybe this isn't what my job hunt looks like, but I can use my imagination. Imagine that skull is the amazing job you are going to get. It never stood a chance, right? But how did you go about beheading it and making it your own? Here are some thoughts:

• Who is the connector in your group? Who knows everyone? Buy them a (happy hour) drink and pick their brain. Ask them to introduce you to people who work in fields that interest you. I think it's called networking, but that is for losers. You're a winner.
• Make a HUGE list of every company you like. Which brands are you loyal to? Who are their competitors? Where do your friends work? Can you have them bring you to work for a day to see if you like their job? Make this list LONG and detailed. 
• What are your hobbies? I like to cook so I have been trying to figure out whether or not culinary school is a good option for me. I also like eye shadow, so maybe that could be a job for me? Get my point? You don't have to stick to what you were doing. Maybe you'll take a pay cut. Maybe you'll also be happier.
• Update all of your profiles. Make your LinkedIn profile robust and detailed. Make your facebook and myspace profiles private. When you had a job it didn't matter as much if your boss saw something embarrassing. You don't likely want to be considered for a job based on your ability to write a witty status update. Know what I'm sayin?

I will get into some more detail about these things later, these are just some ideas to start kicking around. I think the most important thing here is, don't look for a job for 8 hours a day the first week you're unemployed. That will make you sad and may lead to feelings of hopelessness which is the opposite of chic.  

Where to start?

I think there is something significant to be said about a good list. Last night when I decided I was going to create this blog, after too much Oscar party champagne, I made a massive list of my own. The original list I created which is the inspiration for this brain dump could essentially be categorized into a handful of buckets. They will be the basis for all things Free Time Chic and they are:

1. Budget: I decided to figure out what I had in savings in attempt to outline how long I could keep up a "lifestyle." It's not 2006 anymore, it's time to cut back on some things. I also had to think about how many weddings, birthdays and previously committed events I had on the horizon...and so on. 

2. Job Hunt: I believe this should only be done in moderation. Resume organization, recommendations, craigslist, Linkedin etc. I still need to figure out by which date I NEED to get a new job. In due time. 

3. Get Buff: I now have no other excuse than to go to the gym every day. Period.

4. Make Something Yummy: Restaurants are delicious, but so is food you can make at home. There are so many excellent farmers markets and online resources for recipes that you can easily save money while saving restaurant nights for special occasions. 

5. Cozify Your Home: There are lots of things at your house that can satisfy your instincts and occupy gobs of that new free time. More on this later.

6. Donate Your Time: Art gallery? Children's charity? Neighborhood organization? They would probably love your help!

7. Entertain Yourself: I almost forgot this important necessity. Having fun is probably the most important thing in the world, at least in mine.

So that about sums it up. I hope this doesn't start sounding like school. That will be my goal for the next post. Until tomorrow...