Hi Operation Relaunch Career Followers!
This is Marilyn Chelini, a very grateful winner of Operation Relaunch Career.
I know I haven't updated in a while. It seems like I do so much writing in my work, I don't really want to do too much on my own time.
But this is a long time in coming. Before I start writing about my progress, I want to recognize each Dream Team volunteer individually, as they are giving their time and product/services without charge. All to make a difference in MY life. This is just a awesome opportunity which I have been given. I hope these words express how I feel about entering and winning this contest. In one word, WINNING!
Thanks to Russel Thompson and Angela Berk of the Carmichael Salon. Angela has changed my hair forever, along with my buddy Mick Aguilera (you'll always be Mickey to me!) Sandy Hinojosa, Rebekah Nummer, Tania Aragon, Nikko Villanueva and Yvonne Franklin. I love you guys!
Andrew Duffy, CPT...what can I say about Andrew. Patience of the Saints and motivates me to be the best I can thru diet and exercise. What a nasty word "diet" is! Before coming to Andrew, I had a broken leg at the end of 2009. After nine weeks in a cast and put into a walking boot, I fell down my stairs and shattered my heel, ankle, and tore Achilles Tendon and broke my arm. After surgery to put Humpty Dumpty back together again, 6 months of PT, I had to wear ortho shoes when walking. Now I workout with my EasyTones! I feel great! Andrew, you're the best!!! Big Hug!!
When I met up with Cindy Fassler, she understood what I am going to achieve. After 30 years doing Operations/Business Development, I want to get a law degree. Cindy took my resume and picked out the things that would help me in my career change. Cindy is marketing me as a "law assistant" while I start school again. Team TSS is a very special employment placement company. Just the best.
Dr Julie Karnazes, cosmetic Dentist, whitened my teeth. I had trays from several years ago so Dr. Julie provided me with product and x-rays. They have whitened. I need to drink coffee from a straw now. Thank you very much Team Julie Karnazes (Never mind that I got towed by the Municipal Transit Authority after my last 20 minute appointment with Julie-$575.00 to get my car back!).
And Micki Turner, you really did give me a lot to think about. I thought you were going to suggest a blue business suit. Yuck!!!! Not me at all. You were able to recognize my "style or lack thereof" but what makes me feel comfortable. I will definitely contact you when I "dress for success.! Thank You!
To Dr. Jeannie Tsai, you're a sweetheart. I had some trepidation about fillers and botox, but I trusted you so I just went for you. You told me I had good genes with minimal wrinkles and good bone structure. I am so pleased as t the way my face looks. So subtle that no one notices, except me. You team is just awesome!
The last member of the Dream Team is Dr Dino Elyassnia, who I will be working with soon.
All of the people I mentioned are selfless and believe in this program. I cannot begin to thank all for making me feel good about myself. Of course, I am a work in progress.
On a final note, my progress is so much more my internal image has improved so much, the external image follows. Even when my bro tells me I have a "puffy face" (and I don't) I take it in stride. I don't expect to look like what I did in high school, but to accept my age and do the things that make me feel better. (and I love it when people assume I'm in my 30'S) Now that's WINNING, DUH!!
Signing off for now,
Marilyn
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
APPOINTMENTS WITH THE DREAM TEAM!
Hi All! It's Pam with an update on my progress with Operation Relaunch Career.
Since my last post, I have had a great outdoor session with Andrew Duffy, where he not only helped me to get started on more aerobic training, but also made some valuable recommendations for rehabilitating a hamstring injury that I have been struggling with. I always learn something from Andrew!
Cynthia Fassler from TSS has been very supportive and coached me through my first interview, making recommendations on how to present myself, including what to wear, questions to ask, what personal information to reveal (or not). I felt okay about the interview. I got some feedback that I presented myself with good energy and even came across extroverted (which I am not), however I felt I was too personal and familiar. It occurred to me that in my previous life as a "stay-at-home-mom", I am used to a certain chit-chatty way of communicating which is friendly yet undirected, like striking up a random conversation in the supermarket. What I need to learn is to speak in a more business-like manner, controlling my agenda and redirecting back to my purpose, which is finding suitable employment. Practicing interviewing with Cynthia is definitely helpful. I like her clarity and her business sense!
Additionally, I have been appointments with dentist, Dr. Julie Karnazes, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Dino Ellyassnia, who have so generously donated their services.
Dr. Karnazes office is perched on the top floor of 450 Sutter with breathtaking views of downtown and the bay. What a place to come to work! I was welcomed by her staff, Pamela and Jamie, who were very helpful and kind. Dr. Karnazes herself was extremely thorough, compassionate, and gentle. After examining my teeth, she determined I was a candidate for tooth whitening, so molds were taken, and I am to perform the process at home over a 5 day period. All is going smoothly, except in my enthusiasm I put too much of the whitening gel into the trays the first day and got a mild burn from the bleach! Oh well, now I have skills and have learned. So far the results are looking good!
A few days later I visited Dr. Ellyassnia at his office also at 450 Sutter, this time on the 22nd floor. He works in a beautiful suite decorated with many gorgeous, large pieces of modern art. I enjoyed the spa-like atmosphere, sipping Pelligrino, as I filled out the paperwork. I was a little nervous, never imagining I'd find myself in a plastic surgeon's office. But Dr. Ellyassnia really put me at ease.
He has a very pleasant, easy-going manner. I had already done my research, polled my friends and family, and had decided to try whatever "injectables" he might recommend. He clearly explained my options and recommended Botox for my forehead, between my eyebrows (frown lines), and on the sides of my eyes (crow's feet) for the best results. He explained that it is important not to overdue the amount of Botox used on the forehead because paralysis of those muscles can make the eyebrows appear to drop or sag too low. The many (20?) small injections he gave me targeted specific muscles to make them relax, by paralyzing them. It was hardly painful at all, just pricking sensations with an occasional sting, but very tolerable. Right after I did have a few bubbles under my skin around my outer eyes, but these subsided quickly. I do think it took a day or two for the results to become more noticeable. And the only side effect I can describe would be a taut feeling in my forehead if I try and raise my eyebrows. My impression of myself after the Botox, was that a subtle, yet noticeable change had occurred. I appear more relaxed, less stressed out!
So that's the latest, much more to come. Back to Carmichael Salon tomorrow- I'm looking forward to seeing Russel, Tania and Mick.
Since my last post, I have had a great outdoor session with Andrew Duffy, where he not only helped me to get started on more aerobic training, but also made some valuable recommendations for rehabilitating a hamstring injury that I have been struggling with. I always learn something from Andrew!
Cynthia Fassler from TSS has been very supportive and coached me through my first interview, making recommendations on how to present myself, including what to wear, questions to ask, what personal information to reveal (or not). I felt okay about the interview. I got some feedback that I presented myself with good energy and even came across extroverted (which I am not), however I felt I was too personal and familiar. It occurred to me that in my previous life as a "stay-at-home-mom", I am used to a certain chit-chatty way of communicating which is friendly yet undirected, like striking up a random conversation in the supermarket. What I need to learn is to speak in a more business-like manner, controlling my agenda and redirecting back to my purpose, which is finding suitable employment. Practicing interviewing with Cynthia is definitely helpful. I like her clarity and her business sense!
Additionally, I have been appointments with dentist, Dr. Julie Karnazes, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Dino Ellyassnia, who have so generously donated their services.
Dr. Karnazes office is perched on the top floor of 450 Sutter with breathtaking views of downtown and the bay. What a place to come to work! I was welcomed by her staff, Pamela and Jamie, who were very helpful and kind. Dr. Karnazes herself was extremely thorough, compassionate, and gentle. After examining my teeth, she determined I was a candidate for tooth whitening, so molds were taken, and I am to perform the process at home over a 5 day period. All is going smoothly, except in my enthusiasm I put too much of the whitening gel into the trays the first day and got a mild burn from the bleach! Oh well, now I have skills and have learned. So far the results are looking good!
A few days later I visited Dr. Ellyassnia at his office also at 450 Sutter, this time on the 22nd floor. He works in a beautiful suite decorated with many gorgeous, large pieces of modern art. I enjoyed the spa-like atmosphere, sipping Pelligrino, as I filled out the paperwork. I was a little nervous, never imagining I'd find myself in a plastic surgeon's office. But Dr. Ellyassnia really put me at ease.
He has a very pleasant, easy-going manner. I had already done my research, polled my friends and family, and had decided to try whatever "injectables" he might recommend. He clearly explained my options and recommended Botox for my forehead, between my eyebrows (frown lines), and on the sides of my eyes (crow's feet) for the best results. He explained that it is important not to overdue the amount of Botox used on the forehead because paralysis of those muscles can make the eyebrows appear to drop or sag too low. The many (20?) small injections he gave me targeted specific muscles to make them relax, by paralyzing them. It was hardly painful at all, just pricking sensations with an occasional sting, but very tolerable. Right after I did have a few bubbles under my skin around my outer eyes, but these subsided quickly. I do think it took a day or two for the results to become more noticeable. And the only side effect I can describe would be a taut feeling in my forehead if I try and raise my eyebrows. My impression of myself after the Botox, was that a subtle, yet noticeable change had occurred. I appear more relaxed, less stressed out!
So that's the latest, much more to come. Back to Carmichael Salon tomorrow- I'm looking forward to seeing Russel, Tania and Mick.
Monday, February 21, 2011
EASY TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW
It seems like our winners are getting ready to interview or already have. Here are a few things to think about when putting together your outfit for an interview.
WHAT TO WEAR
1. Nothing too colorful or patterned
2. Moderate looking shoes, no open toe sandals or heels that are really high
3. Limited jewelry
4. Neat hairstyle
5. Sparse make-up
6. Manicured nails - short and neutral is best
7. Nice accessories - good watch, handbag, briefcase, belt
8. Long sleeves are better than sleeveless
9. Suits or a tailored jacket or sweater
10. Everything in top condition
AVOID
1. Too many colors
2. Bright colors
3. Trendy items
4. Outdated items
5. Ill-fitting pieces
6. Dirty or torn pieces
7. Jewelry that gets in your way - long earrings, bracelets that jangle
8. Look like you are going to an office not a party
9. Nothing too bare, don't show too much skin or cleavage
Good luck.
Micki
WHAT TO WEAR
1. Nothing too colorful or patterned
2. Moderate looking shoes, no open toe sandals or heels that are really high
3. Limited jewelry
4. Neat hairstyle
5. Sparse make-up
6. Manicured nails - short and neutral is best
7. Nice accessories - good watch, handbag, briefcase, belt
8. Long sleeves are better than sleeveless
9. Suits or a tailored jacket or sweater
10. Everything in top condition
AVOID
1. Too many colors
2. Bright colors
3. Trendy items
4. Outdated items
5. Ill-fitting pieces
6. Dirty or torn pieces
7. Jewelry that gets in your way - long earrings, bracelets that jangle
8. Look like you are going to an office not a party
9. Nothing too bare, don't show too much skin or cleavage
Good luck.
Micki
Updates on Fitness for All Three Women
This is Andrew Duffy, signing in.
First off, Congrats to EVA! Eva is our first success story, having landed not only interviews but a lovely job at a Marriott hotel in Oakland.
Eva has lost almost ten pounds in just over a month. With all the time she's been spending working that used to be free, she's had to adjust to her schedule to incorporate exercise.
This week, Eva and I set new goals for exercise to accommodate her busier schedule: workout twice during the week, and twice on the weekends.
Her diet has been consistently good, which is why she continues to lose weight. Eva is able to manage her portions well, especially when she's in situations where she can't control the content of the food she's having. That skill alone is worth so much not only for weight loss but also for overall health. So Eva is doing well.
____
Pam is ALSO doing well. Despite hamstring concerns that she had coming into the makeover, Pam is moving forward with her overall strength and balance. Some of the balance exercises proved challenging for Pam at first, but she is making progress and becoming more aware of her already capable body. Most recently, we spent some time outdoors working on some lateral running movements that would de-emphasize her hamstrings. Here are some examples of what we did:
The Grapevine (carioca)
Side Shuffle
We also incorporated some PNF stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) to help strengthen her right hamstring, which Pam felt helped her. I'm looking forward to more of the PNF stretching next time!
____
Marilyn also continues to lose weight, despite a busy private schedule and a week of what she called "not so good with food".
At her son's diabetes "camp" weekend, she stayed active with her son through sports and a variety of activities. Past major injuries are always a concern when I work with Marilyn - we want to avoid aggravating anything. I'm always cautious, but Marilyn is so ambitious and ready to progress to new and challenging things. She's all about getting healthier!
First off, Congrats to EVA! Eva is our first success story, having landed not only interviews but a lovely job at a Marriott hotel in Oakland.
Eva has lost almost ten pounds in just over a month. With all the time she's been spending working that used to be free, she's had to adjust to her schedule to incorporate exercise.
This week, Eva and I set new goals for exercise to accommodate her busier schedule: workout twice during the week, and twice on the weekends.
Her diet has been consistently good, which is why she continues to lose weight. Eva is able to manage her portions well, especially when she's in situations where she can't control the content of the food she's having. That skill alone is worth so much not only for weight loss but also for overall health. So Eva is doing well.
____
Pam is ALSO doing well. Despite hamstring concerns that she had coming into the makeover, Pam is moving forward with her overall strength and balance. Some of the balance exercises proved challenging for Pam at first, but she is making progress and becoming more aware of her already capable body. Most recently, we spent some time outdoors working on some lateral running movements that would de-emphasize her hamstrings. Here are some examples of what we did:
The Grapevine (carioca)
Side Shuffle
We also incorporated some PNF stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) to help strengthen her right hamstring, which Pam felt helped her. I'm looking forward to more of the PNF stretching next time!
____
Marilyn also continues to lose weight, despite a busy private schedule and a week of what she called "not so good with food".
At her son's diabetes "camp" weekend, she stayed active with her son through sports and a variety of activities. Past major injuries are always a concern when I work with Marilyn - we want to avoid aggravating anything. I'm always cautious, but Marilyn is so ambitious and ready to progress to new and challenging things. She's all about getting healthier!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Eva Shinn's Update
Wow . . . last week was a whirl wind! My week started out just like any other . . . with the very long mental list of things to do; maintaining my household inside and out, job hunting, my workouts, apartment/storage research, EDD workshops, and helping a cousin with her ill mother. Sometimes life seems so very overwhelming, and hopeless.
My meeting with Andrew Duffy this week focused on being committed to myself. He has helped me to realize that no matter what is going on in my life, I need to fit in at least 45 minutes of exercise and stretches, four days a week and that by doing so, it will help me both physically and mentally (relieving stress). Andrew made some additional suggestions to help me find time in my day to do my stretches and encouraged me to keep up the good work. The eight pound weight loss is feeling great!
My meeting with Andrew Duffy this week focused on being committed to myself. He has helped me to realize that no matter what is going on in my life, I need to fit in at least 45 minutes of exercise and stretches, four days a week and that by doing so, it will help me both physically and mentally (relieving stress). Andrew made some additional suggestions to help me find time in my day to do my stretches and encouraged me to keep up the good work. The eight pound weight loss is feeling great!
Working with Cynthia Fassler we also discovered I was very overwhelmed with the process of finding a job and we discussed ways to improve on making time during my busy days to focus on the job searching and rewriting my resume so that it better represented me. At Cynthia’s suggestions, I cleaned up my resume, rearranged it to flow better, and added some very key information that would “pop” when read by a potential employer. We also did some role playing and discussed ways to improve my interviews; asking myself some of the questions that would be asked of me and practicing with my responses.
Then there’s the issue of my overall self-esteem. Russel Thompson and Tania Aragon with the Carmichael Salon have worked with me by changing my hair style to better frame my face and have added highlights and color to compliment my overall look; Tania helped me by showing me different ways to work with my hair and to see that all I needed to do is give it a bit more effort and my hair could look really great!
Well, with all that said, I am very happy to announce that I have accepted a job offer! I began my job over a week ago and am so very excited to be back to work. As you can read in the previous posting, Cynthia was very instrumental in guiding me with the process of finding a job. Her years of experience and knowledge in pursuing a job, helped me to organize my job search so that I could be more efficient and productive in looking instead of feeling frazzled and frustrated. When you are competing with hundreds of potential applicants, being prepared and doing your research is very important.
Winning this makeover has been a wonderful experience; working with Andrew, Russel and Cynthia has been so rewarding. We have been given the tools to work with by all and it has been a fun and exciting experience, but it didn’t come without being committed and getting through a little homework with each visit. Having wonderful professionals to stand by us, cheer us on and see the potential in each and every one of us has given us the strength to stand on our feet and to push forward.
A simple “thank you” in my eyes is not enough to express the gratitude I have in my heart for making this possible. I look forward to completing this journey and meeting with the rest of the ORC team to complete my makeover.
A simple “thank you” in my eyes is not enough to express the gratitude I have in my heart for making this possible. I look forward to completing this journey and meeting with the rest of the ORC team to complete my makeover.
Eva's Job Hunting Plan
Eva has not worked a full time regular position since 2002. She has worked seasonal retail and part time accounting and administrative jobs to keep her going. She realized that it was time for her to fully re-enter the work force after a family tragedy. When she started the process, she realized that looking for a job is a full time job in and of itself. She needed to plan out her strategy.
Eva sat down and started working with Cindy Fassler of TSS Total Staffing Solutions on her plan of attack.
It all starts with…..
1) Review your skills and assess your core strengths. Compile your core strengths list
2) Write at least 3 compelling resumes with 3 separate career objectives.
3) Set up your Job Hunting Journal.
4) Create your Job Seeking Plan
2) Write at least 3 compelling resumes with 3 separate career objectives.
3) Set up your Job Hunting Journal.
4) Create your Job Seeking Plan
For Eva, she wanted to work in hospitality. She was doing her job search mostly at home on the internet. Eva would have multiple distractions with her kids calling and coming home while she was searching and responding to job postings.
To help her in her search, Cindy suggested that Eva set up the following 4 day a week job seeking plan.
First thing every day of the plan is to eat a healthy breakfast and to get dressed in a nice pair of slacks and a shirt and to put on makeup. Don’t start your search in your sweats or jeans. You need to feel good about yourself.
Monday
- From home, research the companies that you are interested in working for. Go directly to their website to see if they have any openings.
- Check the posting boards.
- Go to the nearest library or coffee shop and write your cover letter, tailored to the posting you are responding too.
- Go to the nearest library or coffee shop and write your cover letter, tailored to the posting you are responding too.
- Select 2 to 3 of the companies that you have researched that have openings on their Web site.
- Set up your drop offs geographically for your Tuesday morning personal resume drop offs.
- Finish your computer work; responding to online postings, printing any ads you responded to place in your journal.
- Prepare yourself for your personal resume drop offs.
- Prepare yourself for your personal resume drop offs.
Once that is done, head home and enjoys time with your family.
Tuesday
-Dress in interview attire
-Prepare for your personal resume drop off by putting your personal cover sheet and resume into an envelope arranged geographically
-Conduct your drop off between 9:30 and 11:00
- Head to the library and research new companies that you may not have thought of within your target industry.
- Follow up with a phone call or email on the resumes that you sent out last week.
- Follow up with a phone call or email on the resumes that you sent out last week.
Wednesday is just like Monday. Follow the same plan of attack only with new target companies.
Thursday:
-Dress in interview attire
-Prepare for your personal resume drop off by putting your personal cover sheet and resume into an envelope arranged geographically.
- Send personal notes regarding the resumes that were dropped off on Tuesday.
- Respond to any new job postings via email.
- Respond to any new job postings via email.
The goal here is to get out from behind the computer, by mixing up your job search with personal drop offs you stay engaged in your search.
You’re meeting new people
Remember to record all jobs you have responded to as well as personally dropped off your resume into your “Job Hunting Journal”. Also, note down the specific postings sites that you found the job listing on.
Once you’re invited in for an interview, be sure you do thorough research on the company and prepare your list of interviewing questions to bring with you to the physical interview. Be sure that you dress appropriately according to the industry. Print out and bring multiple copies of your resume. Make sure that they are not folded and on nice paper.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Marilyn Chelini
Greeting! My name is Sandy Hinojosa and I am a stylist at Carmichael Salon. I recently had the privilege of working with Marilyn Chelini on updating her hairstyle.
When I first met her, I was most impressed with her tenacious spirit and love of life. I knew exactly what I wanted to do! But I also wanted to hear her ideas and challenges about her hair. We agreed to bring up the length to just below the shoulders and lighten up her layers. This would create softness and movement on Marilyn's thick, wavy hair. We also wanted to grow her fringe into a sexy, side swept style. So I trimmed the fringe and removed some of the bulk in the front.
The first thing I did was to give Marilyn a mask at the shampoo bowl. I used Two Boys and A Girl Intensive Treatment Hair Mask which gave her hair resilience and shine while inparting strength. She also took this product home, along with a shampoo and conditioner that would allow her to continue the regime of strengthening her hair.
During the cut, we talked about about her challenges with styling. She said she wanted to recreate what I did. I explained part of achieving and maintaining a great style was a good product and a great blow out. I used Redken's Align 12. One of my favorite blow out lotions! It helps protect and adds smoothness to wavy texture. Perfect for her!
Marilyn's blow dry lesson. After drying 3/4 of her hair, I had Marilyn dry one side of her hair. As I watched, I coached her on the proper way to style and blow dry. When we were all done, I put on the finishing touches with Redken's Fashionworks 12, a versatile working spray and finisher. All our hard work paid off. Marliyn looked and felt fabulous! Plus...she could do this herself at home.
Marilyn's homework. I wanted her to practice styling her hair so that she could recreate this style for job interviews and special occasions.
I'm happy to say she came in a few weeks ago with nicely styled hair! She got an A+!
Good job Marilyn! :)
When I first met her, I was most impressed with her tenacious spirit and love of life. I knew exactly what I wanted to do! But I also wanted to hear her ideas and challenges about her hair. We agreed to bring up the length to just below the shoulders and lighten up her layers. This would create softness and movement on Marilyn's thick, wavy hair. We also wanted to grow her fringe into a sexy, side swept style. So I trimmed the fringe and removed some of the bulk in the front.
The first thing I did was to give Marilyn a mask at the shampoo bowl. I used Two Boys and A Girl Intensive Treatment Hair Mask which gave her hair resilience and shine while inparting strength. She also took this product home, along with a shampoo and conditioner that would allow her to continue the regime of strengthening her hair.
During the cut, we talked about about her challenges with styling. She said she wanted to recreate what I did. I explained part of achieving and maintaining a great style was a good product and a great blow out. I used Redken's Align 12. One of my favorite blow out lotions! It helps protect and adds smoothness to wavy texture. Perfect for her!
Marilyn's blow dry lesson. After drying 3/4 of her hair, I had Marilyn dry one side of her hair. As I watched, I coached her on the proper way to style and blow dry. When we were all done, I put on the finishing touches with Redken's Fashionworks 12, a versatile working spray and finisher. All our hard work paid off. Marliyn looked and felt fabulous! Plus...she could do this herself at home.
Marilyn's homework. I wanted her to practice styling her hair so that she could recreate this style for job interviews and special occasions.
I'm happy to say she came in a few weeks ago with nicely styled hair! She got an A+!
Good job Marilyn! :)
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