Time to Just Be Me

Fig. 1 happy Mimi

The past year has been and interesting one, to say the least. Many good thing have happened: my band got steady gig, met some... interesting... people, found out I am to be an aunt, and I had an amazing first fund-raiser for Pin-ups in Paradise.

All this aside, I also got into an accident, got arrested (long story there), had a mini break down, had three deaths in two months time, and quit my job. Well, the last thing is actually very positive, but we'll get to that later.

Here I am, though, and I am happy. Happier than I have been in a loooooong while.

Fig. 2 amazing series of faces I did in
conjunction with Gemini Photography 

How is this possible? Because I am still free to be me.

I still get to create, I still get to make music, I still get to choose how I live, I still have the chance to do exactly what I want. The main difference is now I have the time to do it. No excuses. Shit or get off the pot.

The biggest surprise is... it's working. I have never felt more confident, more secure, or more successful.

The Plight of an Underpaid Worker

Yes, I am aware that many people feel underpaid. To some, they will never be happy with their pay. Others will complain but never actually attempt to change their situation and have a sense of complacency or fear of "at least some work is better than nothing." Others still are smart, educated, multilingual, and are making horrible entry level money for companies that supposedly offer room for advancement, but actually keep their employees at nearly poverty wages with goals that are ridiculous yet linked to your advancement opportunities.

I have not been paid this little since I was 18 years old. I'm bilingual and have lots of technical training for my job. Since I'm the only one in my store that speaks Spanish, I have actually lost sales that should have been mine because I swapped with someone to translate and give technical support.  Not making my numbers costs me money. I refuse to deny someone basic customer service, There is no room for advancement in my place of work. The manager has a difficulty managing his life outside of work making our chances at career success dismal at best.

Why do I stay? I don't have anywhere else to go right now. Nepotism runs rampant on the island and a good chunk of career opportunity is directly tied to whomever you may be related to, drink and party with, or brown-nosed the week before. Instead, I get stuck at a dead end job that was supposed to be a good career opportunity simply because it's better than nothing. I struggle daily with the decision to just call it quits and, like the unfortunate many of my generation, and move home. Multiple incomes are what it takes now. Gone are the days when a single income could carry a middle class family. Maybe more roommates and give up my illusion of privacy. It's sad. And worse, I am not alone. Statistically, more and more people in my generation have degrees and no jobs. The ratio of cost of living to payrate is far worse  than it has been for previous generations. The cost of college is higher. The jobs don't pay.

There is a bottleneck in the sciences for people scrambling for the same decent positions.

There's a lack of funding that makes it so teaching isn't a viable source of income.

Trade positions pay horrid wages but expect experience. No one will give the experience.

What's a woman to do? At this point, I'm scared of my option. Going back to school to incur more debt for something that isn't a guarantee is ridiculous. The odds aren't even worth that wager. It's sad when more education doesn't mean more opportunities. At my age, it means less opportunity. I will continue the search. I will not loose hope. I will not let everything go to waste. I refuse to believe that as the workforce gets older, they will keep the younger from moving up and attaining great positions.  There is a way and I will overcome. I may not end up the scientist I dreamed of working for National Geographic. I may not play around the world.  But I will try to find the balance. I will not be deterred.

Zen moment....

Happy Independence Day!

Having a fantastic fourth getting ready for a party at my friends house. I made a great drink, which I may add whisky to later, an awesome pasta salad, crazy makeup job. My best bud is making who knows what... last I heard there was carrot cake?

Well, I'm happy we all decided to take easy this fourth. Between Pin-ups in Paradise, my band, and just trying to get situated, I am thrilled to relax with friends.

One of my favorite summertime drinks is iced tea. I cold brew my tea. First, I fill a gallon pitcher with water, drop in eight tea bags, and wait a few hours. You can use more or less bags depending on what strength and the type of tea. I find six good for regular tea, eight for green, personally.

I don't sweeten my tea, normally, but this isn't normal tea. I sliced a whole lime and dropped them in. I kept a slice to squeeze  into the tea and added a good squirt of honey. Maybe about one tablespoon. Can you say refreshing?! It would have been over the top with mint or basil, I think.

Tell me what you think!

I hope you have a happy day!

Pin-ups in Paradise Card Ordering Link!

Hello everyone,

Te'Lisha by Jeff Lange

 I created this link to make it easy for you to order the cards you want. It's nice and secure and you have a copy of the receipt forever in PayPal. You can even leave me a note if you want to change it up a bit. Of course, if you want LARGE quantities, let me know on Facebook and we can work out a special price.

I am so thrilled that all of you are so supportive of this amazing cause and the fun way we have come up with to raise money! You have no idea how much it all means to me. If you are still in the dark as to what we are doing, check out Pin-ups in Paradise and read all about us! Here are a few shots of the lovely ladies!

Cici by Frank Allard

Danielle by Jessica Howard

Charnie by Frank Allard

Chelsa by Frank Allard

Silver by Frank Allard

We are expecting more shots from more models and photographers in the future so keep checking Pin-ups in Paradise for updates!

None of the photos are the finished postcards. Postcards have the watermarks and St. Thomas logos. The backs mention what the charity is about. They are all standard post-card size. Please do not use photos without contacting me or the photographer for permission. All photos are copyright. 

Don't forget: the event is Memorial Day at Hull bay Hideaway so mark your calendars! More info on that to come. Postcards will be available then as well as opportunities to meet some of our Pin-ups, play games, win awesome raffle prizes, and so much more!


POSTCARDS

Danielle $1.00 USD    Charnie $1.00 USD    Chelsa $1.00 USD    Cici $1.00 USD    Silver $1.00 USD    Te'Lisha $1.00 USD    Set of all six! $5.00 USD