Fitting It In: Finding Time For Fitness in the real world 3:07 PM

Most college students have a pretty easy schedule. You go to class, you eat, you hang out and most go to the gym. It's open at all hours of the night and you can pop in whenever you want.

But things change in the real world and fitting in fitness, is really hard. Generally speaking you have to either get up really early or go after work. Both can be difficult, especially the latter because if you get stuck in the office, you might not make it to the gym in time.

These are also both peak gym times so your cardio room is probably hot and crowded--another deterrent.

What does an empty pocket grad do?

Here are my three simple tips:

1. Pack it up. In addition to packing my lunch every evening, I also pack my gym bag. That way when I'm in a rush to get out the door because I've hit the snooze button to many times, it's still a grab and go. I drop my bag in the trunk and on the way home, I stop in to break a sweat.
2. Make it Social. Personally, I like to work out alone without people talking to me. But making it social is a great motivator. Join a sports league. Take a class. Just remember what you are there for.
3. Fit It In. Are you an assistant who's stuck at your desk until 11pm each night? You're packing on the pounds lunching with friends during your HR enforced lunch break? If you follow #1 and #2, this step should be easy. Exercise during your lunch break. Hit the company gym. Don't want to sweat it up too much? Take a nice walk with a work buddy a few times a week and it will get you some sun and keep away the flab.

Going out for MY 45 minute lunch walk around the golf course.

SUNDAY REVIEW: LA PARKS AND REC SOFTBALL 6:16 PM

When I was 12 all I wanted to do was play Olympic softball. Though my collegiate and olympic dreams will never be realized, I still have a great love for the sport. Which it why I play rec league softball once a week. I'm cheating on this post. In the summer, I play in a company league so it's free but the reasons I play are still the same.

REVIEW: LA PARKS AND RECREATION SOFTBALL
Parks and Rec softball is a great way to meet new people, get a some light exercise and kick butt. There are 4 leagues:
-Open (mostly guys, some women)
-Co-Ed
-Women Only
-Over 40.

I play in a co-ed league where things tend to be a little bit more lax and fun. The guys are much more into it than most of the girls. This can be discouraging especially if you are new to a team but don't worry, generally you will be fine.

All you need is a glove and $370 to register a team. Don't have a whole team? No worries, you can call the Parks & Rec office and register as a free agent. If you are new in town, this might be the best way to go.

Play Ball!

Sunday Review: French Market Café 8:51 PM

The regular Sunday column for this blog will now be my "Sunday Review." One thing about being a recent grad in a new scary place is that, you have no idea where to go or what to do for anything social. Ever. I'm going to be reviewing venues, activities and restaurants every Sunday. Hopefully this won't be too much fun or I might break my budget.

This week's lucky venue...

French Market Café (yelp)
2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291

A group of my friends and I came here for a lovely late dinner on Friday. It was my first time venturing into Venice outside the beach and I'm glad we did. This little restaurant is tucked away off Abbot Kinney but is surprisingly quiet and quaint. Most of the seating is on a wonderful front open porch (or deck...if that's what you want to call it). It gives the place a refreshing atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere.

The food is delicious but relatively simple. My one friend had the boeuf bourguignon and the other ordered ratatouille. They both looked delicious.

On the other hand, I went for the Croque Monsieur. I had a long week people, don't judge my comfort food.

I was pleasantly surprised by my dish. I've been to many French restaurants and I always feel this sandwich equals greasy grilled goodness. But my sandwich was still tasty like good comfort food should be but it was not dripping in grease. It was marvelous!

Overall, we had a great time. Our server was very funny and we were able to share a delicious bottle of red wine on the cheap. If you're in the Venice area and want a nice outdoor cafe where you can chat, check out French Market Café

Poached: 21 Things Hiring Managers Wish You Knew 6:34 PM

Being a new hire, this Yahoo! Finance article posted on my twitter feed somewhere really struck a cord.

Personally, I think the most important ones (though they are all VERY important) are #3 and #6. So many people, including myself at one point, think "I'm a perfectionist" or "Sometimes I try to hard" are good "weaknesses." But the most important thing I think you can do is treat your hiring manager and your recruiter with respect. And if you do, you won't give them these non-answers. They're not stupid.

Other questions to avoid non-answers to include:

"What is your greatest fear?" and "What is the biggest mistake you've ever made on the job?"

Yes, I've been asked both those questions. Start practicing your answers now because the greatest fear one really stumped me.

Same goes for #3. Ask intelligent questions. If you don't have any questions about the position itself, ask about the company as a whole or even the recruiter's own career path. Not only does it show you are invested in company's future and your own, but you'll connect on a better level with your recruiter.

The Next Step: Employment, Mission and Vision 8:27 PM

My friends I've made it to the next step. I've graduated from college, moved across the country and now, I'm employed. Despite the fact that 100s of my friends are currently working unpaid internships or volunteering until they get their next big break. Believe me all the unpaid work will be worth it, it's all about putting in the time until the timing and luck factor work in your favor. And it will.

But that doesn't mean I'm not still an empty pocket grad. In fact, I am very much a broke recent graduate. Remember this post about budgeting and expenses? Gosh I felt so prepared but I grossly underestimated some expenses. The good news is that I overestimated others. But the point is that I've learned a lot about moving into the real world and I'm still going to write about it.

Mission & Vision Statement for Empty Pocket Grad

The mission and vision of this blog is to provide information and insight regarding all the steps about transitioning. Whether that be from job to job, place to place or from tuition checks to rent checks. My misadventures will touch upon subjects including but not limited to finding apartments, cars, and burning things while cooking.

Adios Amigos and Amigas!