fbpx

Jen A. Miller Consulting

Tag: Catherine Abalos

  • My Computer Crashed, and I Survived

    My Computer Crashed, and I Survived

    Catherine reflects on a computer crash and packing up the last nine years

    PHOTO: JJ Jumoc-Casas.
    PHOTO: JJ Jumoc-Casas.

    There are times the worst case scenario pops into your head. “Wouldn’t it suck if it rained on our picnic?” And then it does. This week I put my computer to sleep for an hour, and it never woke up the same. Just earlier that day I was thinking about how much a crash would jeopardize my work. And when it happened I was in disbelief over the coincidence. A computer crash is the most feared catastrophe for someone who is self-employed and relies on their beloved laptop for nearly everything.

    My first thoughts were of the supposed devastation. My next were of a tinge of relief: in light of my move from Los Angeles to San Francisco, maybe I have a chance at starting fresh. Completely.

    (more…)

  • What I Love About My City | Catherine’s Los Angeles

    What I Love About My City | Catherine’s Los Angeles

    Catherine reveals her top ten in the Los Angeles Westside

    PHOTO: Catherine Abalos
    PHOTO: Catherine Abalos

    Welcome to a special edition of What I Love About My City—a series in which our favorite single girls dish on everything from the best places for a single girls weekend to the secret spots only the locals know about. This time I’m taking over with a twist, bringing you the best of Los Angeles from my perspective.

    If you haven’t heard the news, I’m in transition moving from L.A. back to my hometown in the San Francisco Bay Area. In an ode to my home of nine years (I spent the first four in college), I wanted to share my City of Angels. Los Angeles is made up of over 80 neighborhoods, and mine is part of the beautiful Westside. One of the best things about this major U.S. city is its diversity and space for everyone to create their own version of the city. You can be a struggling actor (literally) or a multi-millionaire and find activities, food, and people that appeal to you; granted, it takes some work. I love that Los Angeles is something different to every single person that lives there. I love how much flack it gets from people who don’t truly understand the hidden nuances. I love how you can drive to a different neighborhood and feel like you’re somewhere new entirely. You never run out of places to explore. Each of those 80 neighborhoods has its own character, and I’m so excited to share some of the best things about the Westside.

    (more…)

  • Around the World in 24 Hours | Single Girl Summer Movies

    Around the World in 24 Hours | Single Girl Summer Movies

    10 summer movies to feed into your wanderlust

    summer movies
    Time and/or money limitations holding you back from taking your dream vacation? Live vicariously through the travels of film characters. Reminisce about carefree summers with classic childhood movies. Host an outdoor movie night, curl up under the stars with these movies, and remember that your next adventure is just a choice away.

    (more…)

  • Stars & Stripes Sophisticate

    Stars & Stripes Sophisticate

    An inspiration guide to elevated red, white & blue style

    PHOTO: Pinterest.
    PHOTO: Pinterest.

    There is no shortage of American flag-emblazoned garb in the States. Despite the painful elimination of USA from the World Cup yesterday, we will always have one thing to celebrate: freedom. Let it ring this holiday weekend with classic Americana—hot dogs, water slides, apple pie, fireworks—and maybe leave the repurposing of flags into dresses to the college gals. Try these ideas on for a more grown-up iteration of the star-spangled banner.

    (more…)

  • Thoughtful Single Girl | Are You A Good Listener?

    Many of us consider ourselves good listeners, but what exactly does that mean?

    PHOTO: Pinterest.
    PHOTO: Pinterest.

    In a world of constant “communication,” we are losing our ability to slow down and pay attention. We think conversation is a two-way street merely because anyone with a social media account can have a voice. We are encouraged to form our own opinions, and we often do that in a matter of seconds; is this interfering with the essential skill of listening?

    After some practice with meditation and reading a great book on spirituality, I reflected on what it means to listen. I started to notice the lack of it within group conversations: speakers aren’t being heard… people are simply waiting their turn to talk. It’s one thing to be a great conversationalist—someone who can carry on an interesting verbal exchange and keep the other person engaged—and it may be another thing to be a great listener.

    When a friend is going through a tough time (a loss in the family, a rough period at work, a break-up), being heard is especially important. We are quick to jump in with our opinion, our advice, our words of wisdom. However, what she may really need from us is simply an ear and a shoulder. If her situation immediately reminds you of your own, you may need to ask yourself: am I listening, or am I just waiting to talk?

    Before you allow the wheels to start turning in your head, consider the following.

    (more…)