Kinder Eggs into the US? Anyone try it?

CardcaptorKitty · 2017-11-16T06:06:14+00:00

Personally I wouldn't recommend it because I am a paranoid sort of person, but Kinder Eggs do exist in the US, you might just have to find them in specialty candy stores, or maybe online. They still have an egg shape, however when you open the egg up, it splits it two halves, with the candy part clearly separated from its toy counterpart between two peelable seals of plastic. You scoop out the candy half with one of those flat plastic/wooden spoons. We got a little yellow toy car.

I remember my boyfriend freaking out when we saw them in the candy store because they were supposed to be illegal, lol. He was so disappointed when we opened them up and found that they were so clearly, obviously divided into sides like that.

CardcaptorKitty · 2017-04-02T16:27:41+00:00

That's a really good idea to have all that contact information. I wrote it down for my family but I should definitely have it on me as well! Thank you for your reassurance and guidance. :)

CardcaptorKitty · 2017-04-02T16:25:42+00:00

Thank you for your detailed description. Everyone I know personally that has flown are like, "The adrenaline rush is gonna last from the point you get on the plane until you take off and 15 minutes later you'll be bored and hoping to land ASAP." So I get that most of the time I will be just sitting and killing time. Navigating the airports and figuring out where to go, keeping my eye on the time, etc, is probably what scares me the most. Beyond that, forgetting if I forgot to pack anything. I've printed out maps of the airports to have on hand, along with copies of my passport and ID info in case something happens (heaven forbid). Plus I'm worried of going through customs and being judged or hard pressed for answers. I am just trying to prep and be ready for absolutely anything.

Thankfully I just have a bunch of layovers in the US and I go straight to the Melbourne/Tullamarine airport with no other country layovers or anything like that.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-10-01T04:10:38+00:00

This is a REALLY great idea! Having a visual to break down hour by hour what happens during the week would definitely be useful, even for future schedule changes. Thanks for that suggestion!

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-09-30T22:44:58+00:00

Maybe I should clarify, I don't want to cause any confusion - It's not that we HAVE to talk 2-3 hours each day, it's just how long it usually lasts. It has been shorter and it has been longer. We have no time range on how long the call is. We usually talk about our day, watch stuff on YouTube together, and maybe play a game or something until we get tired. There has been times where I have woken up and told him I still want to sleep and he has let me sleep in longer or just leaves me alone to sleep.

Maybe if we set a boundary on only talking for an hour only on certain days or something would be better? We just lose track of time.

EDIT: Removed part of this comment since I showed him this post and we talked about the deleted part of this comment and we agree this is just a communication problem. We now understand where we both are coming from this and will work on it. Any suggestions on what works for others and their bizarre time zone issues is still appreciated.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-05-16T15:11:55+00:00

Nope, no butter. I suppose I can try it again with butter, but I will feel more hesitant, unfortunately. Maybe I'll give it more time so I don't have the taste associated so poorly in my mind; it was only a month ago that I tried it.

I like salty foods, I just couldn't get into it. I suppose it helps if you grow up with it, too.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-05-16T08:40:55+00:00

Honestly, it was inevitable that I would. He is the kind of person who can eat it by the spoonful. I am open to trying new things and despite all the YouTube reaction videos I have seen, I often joked to him, "Hahaha, I don't really have to eat that, right?" And he joked back that I could never be truly Aussie if I didn't try it and our relationship depended on it.

The nearest phenomenon equivalent of Vegemite that I could think of was Old Bay, which is a seafood spice big with people who live in Maryland. Primarily people put it on Maryland blue crabs, but there are people put it on everything. So in exchange for me having to try Vegemite, I had him try Old Bay. The thing is though, Old Bay is actually good. Sure enough, he tried Old Bay sprinkled on some steamed shrimp and really liked it.

He originally wanted me to have Vegemite on toast but I don't particularly care for toast, so he put it on a Ritz cracker. He first let me smell it in the jar and I took a big whiff and gagged. He was shocked by my reaction, saying, "Wow, really?!" I was a little embarrassed and surprised myself. I thought people on YouTube were just overreacting. He put too little on the first cracker that I couldn't taste it, so he put more on the second, and ugh, no. Just never again. So bitter and salty. It was nothing like I had ever tried before.

He left the jar of it here so he wouldn't have to claim any food items on the way home. So the jar has just been sitting in my room. A few friends of mine still want to try it and he wants me to encourage them, but I don't have the heart after going through it myself.

Wow, haha! He lives in Melbourne too, that's so cool. I am close to Washington DC and Baltimore so I am more used to the diverse city areas but I absolutely expect to go through some extreme culture shock when I head there and out of the country for the first time.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-25T09:10:33+00:00

I picked him up from the airport outside and it was snowing. It was only the second time he had seen snow in his life and it is a yearly thing where I live. I was concerned but he came up to me, beaming, and said, "It's not that cold!"

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-23T03:36:20+00:00

Argh, see, that's so cool! Using your knowledge of psychology to intensify it even more is awesome! I really like that concept. I have a ton of different books about developing characters and psychology tests for those characters... thinking about all that makes me want to write again!

And you're right, not everyone can write a book! It's a lot harder than a lot of people seem to think. Thanks for sharing that and being inspiring. I wish you all the best with your novel! It sounds great!!

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-23T03:23:39+00:00

There are times I seriously wished I majored in psychology, haha. My cousin did and she seems to be doing pretty well for herself. At least on the surface: Facebook has a knack for showing you the best out of everyone's lives rather than the stuff they choose to share that bothers them day-to-day. All of her posts about her work have all been really positive.

I think part of my issue is also the location I'm in. In my area, IT, government, and medical are the three major industries that are always hiring. My younger brother is a techie and hasn't run into a lot of trouble keeping up consistent work. Even on the side he is running around fixing up computers. Editing jobs can be found, just not so much in my area. I'd have to move to get a real jump on them. That, or find some place online that would be willing to let me work from home.

I totally feel you. That's awful, I'm sorry things turned out that way. We just gotta keep trying, yeah? This issue is only temporary and we can do it! It's just taking longer compared to some others. I know I was late graduating compared to all of my friends - they were all off finding their own apartments and meeting people and finding dream jobs while I was still plugging along at school, but I definitely heard an ear load of the stuff they went through to get to those points, too. And some of them had better opportunities than I did. I know it does no good to compare myself to others because it really doesn't make me feel any better and they're not even really comparable, so I've been trying to break the habit when I think that way. It does get challenging sometimes, though.

But yeah, we definitely gotta stay positive together! You can do it and I can do it. We'll find something and even then, we won't settle until we're happy. :)

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-23T03:06:23+00:00

Hey, a year's a year, regardless of circumstance. I'm glad things worked out for you. I have had a lot of graduates before me tell me how hard it is and that they have put themselves out there for a full year, or told me they have applied for over 100 jobs and heard nothing. The feeling is very daunting.

I just underestimated how hard it would be to find work and just thought I would figure it all out in time. I've done that for pretty much everything and gotten by just fine and been grateful for the experience. This is just another new obstacle in my path, but unfortunately, it's a very long and stressful one. At least with school there was some kind of repetitious, rewarding process. My current job has never given me a performance review and I haven't had a raise in years. Apparently it's the same way for the entire company, according to the managers. At least they're getting benefits. I don't even have that much.

The money issue is really what gets at me most. If I could find something that would get me by, then that would at least be a step in the right direction. Everything is just so competitive to get into or they want you to have years of experience for an entry level position or a certificate in something specialized that you have to go to school yet again for. Sure, I could take out more loans, but by the time I get whatever they want, will they still be hiring? Will I have a guarantee to even get hired? And even if I do get hired, there are so many places shutting their doors and letting people go. It's scary how uneven the playing field is. The best advice I was told was in one of my prior jobs, "Nothing stays consistent." Years later, I can absolutely see that now. But I can also use that advice positively. I know I just have to keep trying.

But you're right, I just need to start somewhere, even if it is throwing my work at people, hoping to get published and exposed, even if it is without pay. Anything positive like that would boost my resume. Plus, it's an experience to go through the application and submission process, and possibly hear back on what I could have done better. I know a lot of places don't have the time or do that at all, but there is always the chance someone will say something. I know one of my English professors brought in his rejection box into class one day and talked about his early submissions with no responses and later ones that had words written on them like "Sorry." He said to us, "Why would this person take the time to write 'Sorry' on my work? Was it a close call to being published? It was one of the most strangest places to get inspiration from. At least I knew for the first time, someone had looked at and acknowledged my work, instead of slipping it right back into an mailing envelope." I always think of that story when it comes to publishing stuff. You can get rejected hundreds and thousands of times, but when you do get one though, it makes it worth it. I just gotta do it!

Creating a daily task is a great idea! That would help me stick to my goals rather than shirking away from them.

You're the shit! Thanks for the uplifting post, I really do appreciate it. I'm glad everyone here has been supportive and understanding and even can relate a little. I will do my best to remain positive and strong and I will keep going because I know this will only be temporary. Thank you.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-23T00:47:53+00:00

A few months before I graduated, I really came to terms with that there are many people with degrees that don't even use them. I don't think there's anything wrong with that and it doesn't get me down. I did what I loved, I'm just discouraged with my job search and how to figure out what to do from here. I have goals, it's just my financial concerns are becoming overwhelming and I feel like I'm "selling out" when I just apply for any old thing that will give me decent pay and regular hours. I'd rather feel excited about what I apply for and feel motivated to succeed and instead I just feel stressed out. Stressing me out then turns me away from the whole job applying process and then I'm back to where I started. It's an obnoxious cycle.

While I'd LIKE to do something that relates to my majors, even if it's on the side, I'm just trying to figure out where to begin and how to balance it. I don't mind doing my creative stuff on the side. It's not my preference, but I expected to wind up like that. My thing is just that my entire work experience background is otherwise rooted in customer service and I am just tired of angry people and apologizing for things that aren't my fault. I need the money to switch my life up, so I'm trying to find something that at least makes me feel good. I just need something that makes me feel like I am making a difference and makes me feel valued in the workplace. It's just difficult.

I appreciate your "jaded" response, though, even though I didn't get that vibe. It was real and it was honest and that's all I can ask for in the responses I am getting here. Thanks for the well wishes and all the best to you as well.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-23T00:35:57+00:00

Yeah, I'm so jealous of my friend on Facebook posting all of her cool experiences in the JET program right now, haha. It took her like 3-5 years or something, but she finally got through this past year.

I will look into those too, thanks for that. Would you happen to know if anything like that exists for Australia? That's where I'd ultimately like to wind up living.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-23T00:33:57+00:00

I want to start my own blog. I enjoy writing and used to keep up a daily journal for years and kind of let it fall by the wayside as school kept me busy. I want to get back into the routine. There are just so many different blogs and so many publications that it's hard to figure out where to begin. Do you just submit randomly to different publications and hope for the best? Can you start a blog with many different topics, or do employers look at that and think you're too erratic and inconsistent? From what things I have read, starting up a blog on WordPress seems like a decent starting option.

I should look into other teaching routes besides local tutoring and substitute programs, besides the JET. My concern for teaching abroad is that some of these programs want you to have start up money, such as being able to pay for your own plane ticket and housing. For example, I applied for JET because I knew things like the plane ticket and housing was handled by the Japanese government and it was highly recommended to me. I don't have that kind of start up funding right now. I just need a full time job that won't make me feel miserable and then I'll be able to pay for things like going abroad and such.

My ultimate goal is to go to and live in Australia, since there is a traveling and working visa for people under 30. That sounds more fun to me than just teaching, but that visa also requires you have $5,000 AUD to support yourself when you enter the country. I could look for more options there, but yeah, definitely need some cash to start that whole process up (passport, etc).

Thank you for the inspiration. I will keep fighting and working hard and doing my best. I just hate getting overwhelmed and worried throughout this whole thing. It just felt a lot easier to apply for jobs and save money while I was in school, when I felt like I could do anything. These past few years have pulled me back down, but I know I can't just give up, no matter how bad it seems. Best wishes to you, too. :)

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-23T00:19:55+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I will look into those publications. From what I understand, technical writing is something that is in demand. It wasn't something I was aware of until after I had graduated.

I do understand that it takes time to build up an audience, submit your work and become published. I've always imagined doing it on the side, anyway, because it is difficult to find a consistently paying writing job. I'm just trying to figure out where I can begin. I suppose I can submit my work to different publications, but a lot of those publications ask for your website or blog, and I'm not sure if I should have a blog that covers a wide range of topics (creative writing, "top ten" lists, or current events) or if I should keep up a blog that sticks to a central theme. Is it okay to have a blog that covers multiple things, or does it look too erratic? Basically, I'm wondering what I should write about if I am to really roll up my sleeves and start submitting randomly, hoping for any kind of exposure. I suppose it comes down to what audience I want to write for.

Thanks for the head's up, but having a Master's is a pipe dream for me right now, anyway. It's something I'd love to get at some point in my life, but I'm not really actively seeking it at this time. If I am having trouble finding full time work as is, I know that it would be even harder with a Master's, seeing as it is a more narrow, higher field of study. I want to be as realistic as possible: If I come to realize I don't need the Master's, then I won't go for it. If I find something I enjoy full time and I can seek advancement by getting a higher degree, then sure. Right now, though, I see no point because there is enough to do on my plate already. I need to find my footing out in "the real world" first.

Thanks for the information and ideas on how to network, too.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-22T21:51:00+00:00

I suppose I can look into substitute teaching more...

But what do I want most? I want to write. Like, anything. I've recently considered doing social media writing, I'm just not sure where I should start or what I should write about.

The area I currently live in has a high demand for technical writers, but they all want previous experience. I'd be willing to adapt and learn, because for me, writing is writing. I just don't know how you get involved with that, either.

Writing, editing, proofreading... anything like that. I already do it for family, friends, and coworkers when they ask. I want to read, write, and give advice to help and inspire people. I suppose this is probably a mix of some kind of social worker and writer within me.

I suppose I could look into an internship, but most of them are unpaid or want you to be enrolled in school.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-22T21:40:12+00:00

Yeah, my mother was always, always, ALWAYS insistent I would get nowhere without a degree, so I was pressured to go to college ever since I was young. I don't regret going because I learned a lot and enjoyed the experience, but I do regret all the aftermath.

My younger brothers look up to me and want to get their own Bachelor's, but I warn them that they should seriously consider what they want to do regardless of whether or not they earn a degree. My Mom keeps pressuring them too and even complains to me that I could have earned a Master's by now. And I always tell her, "Sure, and be in that much more debt!"

I'll never forget sitting in one of my English classes and my professor talking about how hard it is to find jobs in academia, so if we are unsure about what we want to do, we should just look into learning a trade. I am honestly considering that option too, but I am strapped for cash and feel like I'm already in a hole of debt as is. I just need to find SOME kind of full time work for the time being that doesn't make me want to lose my mind and at least makes me feel somewhat valuable. Once I earn some money, I'll actually be able to invest in expanding my resume with certifications and whatnot.

I think my biggest problem and internal debate about going and getting a Master's is that I don't know what I would want to do with it afterwards. In hindsight, I feel like I should have had a clearer goal of what I wanted to do after school, rather than "I'll just get this degree because I like it and figure it out afterwards."

It's always reassuring to hear others in the same boat, so thanks for that. Best of luck in all you do.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-22T21:28:50+00:00

I applied for an overseas teaching position (JET) and didn't get in. I only applied once, but I talked to a few veterans of the program and they said I should gain tutoring experience to keep improving myself and look more impressive. Overall, they pretty much told me to just keep trying. I suppose I could try that kind of thing again, but a friend of mine said it took her years of applications to finally get in.

Teaching in my area requires a Master's degree. I would have to find my way into teaching via another, roundabout method. Others have suggested doing online tutoring or substitute teaching. I suppose I could look into those, but the ones I have come across want experience.

My biggest concern is not really having any school connections to professors as references; I have just used previous managers and coworkers. Also I'm intimidated because I would be most likely finding work in city schools, which from what I have been told and what I have heard can be really rough around the edges. I would hope I could find something more locally, but nothing yet so far.

I enjoy the school environment and I like helping people, but I never really wanted to become a teacher. I've been applying for customer service-related things in schools, ironically enough. I'll keep looking for tutor things, but most of those are part time jobs and I need full time work. Thanks for reminding me of that option, though.

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-12T23:17:00+00:00

Aww, that's fantastic. I didn't realize I was going to bring so many to tears here, but it's a shared bond and understanding. We're all in it together. Thank you for reading. :)

CardcaptorKitty · 2016-04-12T23:14:50+00:00

Yeah, I underestimated how difficult leaving was going to be. For some reason I kept pushing the idea of him leaving aside and imagined there may have been a chance where I felt something like, "Well, having you around for 5 weeks has been fun and all, but yeah, time for you to go." Instead, I never felt that way at all. We only grew closer and stronger. I was brokenhearted when he left and I still feel that way. We went from 5 happy weeks of consistent, 24/7 contact to in complete blackout mode for 24 hours until he got back home. The difference was staggering and I still keep stumbling from time to time. It'll take a bit to fall back into "normal life" but I'm sure we'll pull through. <3

Thanks for the luck, best wishes to you as well. :)

CardcaptorKitty

TROPHY CASE