So life lately has been pretty great, I must say.

I FINALLY quit Taco Mac. Long time comin.' Now, I wouldn't say it was one of the worst jobs I've ever had, but....

Okay! Who am I kidding. Yes, it was. But not because of the people, just because of the company in general. I don't hold a grudge or have any hard feelings towards them, but I do have to say it feels amazing to have a new job where:

1.) I don't have to deal with being treated like a servant
2.) My managers treat me as an equal
3.) Positive reinforcement is used instead of constant lecturing
4.) I make more money
5.) I get lots of breaks
6.) I have FUN
7.) I have a flexible schedule
8.) The company actually CATERS to actors, instead of treating us like our personal schedules are irrelevant
9.) I have incentives to do well with real rewards such as all expense vacations instead of measly little reward cards that let us get out of doing 1 1/2 hrs. worth of extra work that we SHOULDN'T even be doing in the first place
10.) I have a sense of authority instead of a sense of being degraded
11.) I get free stuff all the time and even get reimbursed for drycleaning my chefs coats which were PROVIDED for me instead of having to pay for every little measly thing including name tags

And basically- the list goes on.

So what am I doing exactly?

I'm working for a company called US Jesco which manufactures home and kitchen products such as the Mr. Sticky, Magicloth, Chefs Rival, and the Chefs Envy. What I actually do is perform live infomercials in stores such as Kroger, Sears, Belk, etc. So in a shift, I basically I show up (where the stage/light/tv screen/produce etc. is already provided and set up FOR me) and do about 7 pitches at around 20 minutes each. Each pitch is a fully scripted and blocked mini performance that is interactive, and is pretty fun to do. Basically I'm just showing how the product works- chopping and slicing veggies. We also give away free kitchen tools which is fun. :) Even if people don't buy- they are usually entertained and it's nice to think that I've made someone's grocery shopping experience a little brighter, haha!

Basically, there's no stress- but just enough of that sort of challenge that keeps me going. I'm just not the type of person that is going to be in any way happy sitting at a desk filing papers- even if it's just a day job. With each pitch there's a sort of anticipation- you have no idea how your audience is going to be and of course you want them to buy and you kind of can set personal challenges for yourself each time. There's some really great money to be made once you get real slick with your performances and get all the little psychological sales-related nuances just right. I'm really excited.

Also- I'm so excited because there are SO many travel opportunities since it is a global company. They just opened a market in Scotland- and I got an e-mail about them wanting to take some agents to Texas to work some stores out there during SXSW. They had people go to the X-games- and even Hawaii! Definitely I plan on taking up some of these opportunities in the future- but since I'm fresh out of training it's not the best of ideas quite yet.

And one of the greatest things about this job is that if I get cast in a film or show and need to take off a month or something like that- it's totally FINE. I can leave and come right back. Amazing.

So that's what's going on in my "work" life, but what about my acting/modeling career?

Well, here recently I've done some promotional modeling work, gone on several print modeling go-sees, done a pilot/teaser for a small indie film and industral work, and submitted myself and auditioned for commercials/films. I've gotten callbacks but haven't landed anything big yet. However, I'm not discouraged in the least, It's just how the biz works. I actually just submitted a video audition yesterday for a pretty big budget SAG film that if I landed could be a game-changer for me so keep those fingers crossed!

As soon as the funds start rollin' in again I'm going to enroll myself in some acting classes to keep them acting tools in shape because I really think it would be great for me so I'm excited about that.

I feel like I'm in this process of seriously upgrading my life. I mean, within a year I also plan to be in a new apt. (preferably my own place with a cat close to Midtown/Buckhead,) have a new car, and a macbook. Career-wise, I want to have done some musical theatre and at least some small roles in big budget films and a couple leads in some indies.

It's all gonna happen because I'll make it happen. I'm excited. :)

As for my "love" life lately, well let's not even get into that. I'll just say it leaves much to be desired. But it's okay. Because I think I'm a pretty great person to be honest and some day just the right person will realize that and all will be well. Although I do have to say I get little "pings" where I wish I had somebody as a sort of companion- when I see a restaurant I want to visit, or an event I really want to go to, etc. But it's cool, because right now I'm just focusing on me and upgrading my own life.

And I just don't think anyone can really keep up with me right now anyway ;)

Upgrading.

Fellow 20 somethings- do you ever have those moment where you're like..."Whoa. I'm ACTUALLY an adult!" Like, somehow you made it through your Ramen-eating, sleep deprived days and emerged on the other side wiser and even somehow having it together?!

Well, I've had many of those moments here, recently. Why, you ask? Here is a list of my "Adult Awareness Moments" I've encountered here recently:

• I became a victim of identity theft (GROSS!) in which my debit card, payroll card, and cash was stolen. I took care of the situation and will be getting my money back. Like a BOSS.
• I applied for a financing plan for a macbook and got denied, realizing I needed to get my credit in check. Finally saw my credit report, was not terribly pleased with the results, but realized that it's mainly because I actually don't HAVE credit. Applied for a secured credit card and it's on the way to me. Yay!
• Got a savings account finally. I've been meaning to do it, but it was just something I never did. Now I have one. Too legit, right?!

Apart from my adult moments, I've also decided to upgrade certain things in my life, and I realized that I had been settling for less in pretty much every aspect of my day-to-day life. Here is where I have made some upgrades:

• I realized I needed to stop going to Great Clips to get my hair-cut and go to a real salon like a normal person. Found a stylist I like. Will be going back to therefore said real salon next time I need any hair services. This place offers free shoulder and head massages and drinks for its customers. HAIR UPGRADE.
• Joined a legit gym instead of counting on the one treadmill to be free in my ghetto apartment complex's mini fitness center. FITNESS UPGRADE.
• Got Netflix instead of making myself find terrible quality free versions of TV shows and movies online when I feel the urge to. ENTERTAINMENT UPGRADE.
• Decided it's seriously time for me to not worry about guys and focus on myself and my career. RELATIONSHIP UPGRADE. 
• Bummed because I didn't get a callback or audition for these minor indie things I was submitting myself to, but landed a callback for a huge national brand commercial. (I'm freaking out about it to be honest, though!) CAREER UPGRADE.
• I've traded in alcohol for kombucha and green tea. HEALTH UPGRADE.

So basically, I'm feeling much better off and positive about my future, and I am super incredibly excited about life. Like, I feel good. Really. It's nice to be completely focused on myself again, and even working at Taco Mac is not the seventh circle of Hell it used to be. It's somewhat....TOLERABLE?! Crazy, right? Ha. I think I've just forced myself to accept the inevitable. But I don't think I'll be there that much longer. :) Here's hoping, anyway!

Tumblin' along.

So I've been playing with Tumblr for a while and have decided to start using it more frequently. Anyone remember my old health blog The Quirky Veggie? Well, this tumblr is going to kind of be a spin-off of that, except it will include all sorts of inspirations- not just for healthy eating, but for pursuing your dreams, living well, fashion, etc. Of course, the occasional funny gif will be included as well. ;)

So follow me at http://janinesinspiredlife.tumblr.com/.

Note: I will still be keeping up this blog, but am going to keep it mainly for my personal thoughts/journals and for posting photoshoots and such. My tumblr is more of an outreach, type thing. Sometimes the two may intertwine, but we'll see where this goes.

So follow me! :)

I've come to the realization that this is my year.
And I know EVERYONE is saying that. But seriously. After this hellacious year of transition, awkwardity, etc., it's time for a change.
I feel like I'm at a pivotal point in my career as well, fresh opportunities are on the horizon, I'm a clean slate relationship-wise, and I really think it's my time to finally REALLY shine.

One thing that I'm extremely excited about is my audition with Fabrefaction theatre company next week for their musical Titanic. I miss musical theatre SO much, and I really think I've got a good chance. I'm excited to introduce myself to the casting people there and I really want to make my mark on the theatre scene here, which is something I haven't really done yet. Of course ultimately, I want to make my mark on EVERY scene there is, because I realized I'm going to be one of those actor/model/makeup artist/businesswoman/clothes designer/etc. type of people. Basically I want to create an empire, but hey- one thing at a time, right? ;)

Of course, I have to find things to focus on one at a time, and I really just go where doors open. Like, a couple months ago I was doing all sorts of film stuff back to back and I got to delve into that. While of course I still want to do that more, lately I've been doing alot more modeling, really because people have been contacting and finding me about it. And I'm really never one to turn down any opportunity, even if I'm not necessarily getting paid because if I've learned ANYTHING since I've graduated, it's that every single person you meet is important and could very well be your ticket to something even bigger than you could of ever imagined. Everyone you meet is a stepping stone somehow, so it's important to literally always put your best self and product forward because it's a VERY small world.

One thing I'm also excited about is the prospect of seriously delving into my make-up artistry. I've got some great opportunities for some big, paid make-up jobs coming up which is prompting me to do what I've been meaning to do for a while, build up my make-up kit. From looking on amazon for different palettes and such I will be able to do so at a reasonable price, which is pretty exciting. That really was the only thing holding me back from really putting myself out there as a make-up artist more than I have been, because of course I want to be taken legitimately. I believe my skills and technique are more than adequate, but I just didn't have the proper materials to execute it. Soon, that will change and I believe that I really could have something there if I market myself correctly. It would at least be a wonderful alternative to waiting tables to pay the bills in the meantime between acting gigs!

Speaking of waiting tables- I'm really trying to be more positive about my job instead of treating it like some sort of abscess in my life. I mean, there is no shame in it. I'm young, I'm 23 years old and working hard towards my goals but I need to pay rent like anyone else, and I'm just doing this temporarily. Sure, sometimes it's hard and I feel like it is slightly degrading, but I just need to suck it up and do it, and make the best of it. It's temporary, anyways. And I feel that in my bones even MORE so lately.

Really, I'm just feeling more confident lately about everything. My life, my career, etc. Also, being free of the baggage of guy problems I was dealing with for months is a wonderful thing. I realized that I was turning into that girl that was looking for a boyfriend at every turn. Like, if any guy showed any interest I immediately turned it into this serious thing in my mind, which I know really is not the best way to go about it. I was so focused on making somebody my boyfriend that I kind of lost myself a little bit and settled for things I don't deserve.

I realized that I'm a pretty cool person. I mean, I've got it together, I take care of myself, I can cook, bake, clean, completely support myself financially and am even able to splurge every once in awhile, I'm emotionally stable, and have got alot of talents and stuff to give to this world. If somebody thinks I'm conceited for saying that then OH WELL. Because you know what? I'm SICK of feeling like I'm not good enough because that's what I've been feeling lately and it sucks. Because I am. I deserve to be treated with respect first of all, and secondly like I am important in someone's life. Like, if I am making an effort, I expect the other person to make an effort as well. If someone is not going to, then obviously they are not worth my time. I'm over petty little "not really sure where we stand" type of relationships. Either you want to be with me, or you don't. If you do, great- let me know. If you don't- don't think that you can just come into my life like some sort of cameo artist whenever you feel lonely or what have you because I'm not standing for none of that any more.

So in the meantime, single I will remain- and I'm really coming to peace with it. Essentially, I'm out to take on the world and I'm gonna need somebody to keep up with ME, and I deserve to be treated better than I have allowed myself to be treated in the past. I mean, SERIOUSLY.

So yeah. Look out, 2012. I'm coming for you. ;)

So this is Christmas..

You know, this has been quite the unique Christmas season I have to say.
For one, it's been weird not being in school and having the obligatory 2 week Christmas break period. I have to live in the real world and work and such and it's just...strange.
Oddly, I feel very alone this Christmas. Without being with family, or a significant other or what have you it has been a solitary holiday season. Add to that the fact that I'm working tomorrow from 10-possibly 8 PM, and it is borderline depressing.
It's just the icing on the cake to a less than stellar year. But you know what? The struggles I've had to face have all made me grow as a person and learn SO much than if I hadn't had to go through them.
So what have I learned this year?

• Things are not handed to you. When you graduate college, you automatically assume your degree entitles you to every single job offer in the world. Well my friends, that is NOT the case. I mean, I knew I'd have to struggle a little bit, but I didn't think I'd have to struggle THIS much. But yes, things are definitely NOT handed to you. I' ve always been a hard worker, but this year has shown me that it takes so much more to really gain success in any fashion.
• I've also learned when it comes to relationships, 1.) I am attracted to the guys that do NOT want a relationship whatsoever and 2.) that I have extreme difficulty communicating. I tend to overthink situations and then blame guys for their actions when we haven't even come to terms with any sort of boundaries or even spoke about how we feel about one another. Which in turn, makes me somewhat bitter. But you know what? It's not even their fault. I guess if you never have the "what are we" conversation, you really can't hold anything against anyone. And when things don't work out, it doesn't necessarily make them a horrible person- you just deal with it and move on. So I'm sorry if I've seemed to put all the blame on everyone else, because my fear of confrontation and rejection has definitely made me afraid of communicating my real thoughts and feelings. And that is something I really need to work on.
• I've also learned that friends are not as constant as one may think. It's like- you think your friends are there for you forever. But you move to a different city and keep on going with your life and you see that actually you will lose touch with people. And it sucks. But you just have to find a balance and work hard to maintain your relationships, because your relationships with your friends are important. People are important. Never take anyone for granted. 

I may have said that 2011 was a bad year. And honestly, I've had to go through alot of stuff I've never dealt with before, and it really was challenging. But when I really think about it, it wasn't all THAT bad. I think I just grew up. And sometimes, being faced with growing up is difficult.

But thank you to everyone that made this year great and who taught me valuable things that I will never forget.

Although 2021- you better be freakin' amazing. Because I'm ready for things to really turn around. Thanks.  :)

Photoshoot!

I realized that I don't post everytime I have a shoot or something of the sort- that begins now! Starting with my latest photo and video shoot I did with Trey of No Contenders Creative Agency, also known as Maxposure. His work is really great, and he is focusing on building a company marketing towards actors to produce excellent quality headshots and video promo marketing material as well as interactive web comp cards and more.

He contacted me on Model Mayhem and we set up a shoot. Immediately he made me feel at ease, and we had a blast shooting different outfits as well as a promo video. I was grateful for the opportunity as I wanted some more natural sort of photos showing a different hairstyle- straight, with bangs. Here are some of my favorites that I edited myself :

As you can see, my quirky/fun side definitely showed through in this shoot which was alot of fun. We also shot a promo video along with an outtakes video where I did not even now he was filming. It's quite amusing. Those will be edited soon and I will be sure to post them when they are ready!

To check out some more of his work, you can find him at his facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/nocontenders?ref=ts

German girl.

Hey guys!
So I realized I haven't blogged in awhile.
I'm going to skip the obligatory apologies and go straight to the content of this blog post, however.
You're welcome! :)

So what has been going on with me lately? Well first of all, I'm recently back in the states after my life pretty much took a hiatus for 2 weeks while I was in Germany. I was there to visit my family, as it was my grandma's 80th birthday. (All my mom's side of the family still lives there!) It was my first time visiting for 7 years. While at times it was a bit of a culture shock living in a small German village with no internet, phone access, transportation, etc. - it was good for me, I think to kind of relax for a bit and press the "Reset" button on my life, essentially.

While I was there I had alot of time to think about my life and where I'm headed and what I need to change, etc. and I think it really gave me a fresh perspective that I needed. This summer has been quite tumultuous to say the least and recently I've been realizing just how quickly life, friend and relationships change. It's therefore important to always hold family and your dreams close because those people that you thought would always be there are not always going to be. And that guy you think holds the world in his hand? He doesn't have that strong of a grip. And never take people for granted, because you never know that they just might turn into something special :)

But life lessons aside- here are some Germany pictures!

I definitely ate/drank my weight in bread, cheese, sweets, and beer but I had a wonderful time. :)