Patience...and persistence

Today brings a reminder that patience is a virtue, and not always easy to come by...and when supplemented with persistence, a VERY good thing. Something to work towards.

I'm keeping this short. Need to finish a paper that should have been done yesterday. But did want to write a quick note to say that I am thankful for safe travels today, time spent with Carson on his birthday and in the car, and that I am looking forward to a few days with family.

What more can I ask for?
Until later,
EM

The Most Important Job I'll Ever Have

19 years ago today I signed on for the most important, and perhaps the toughest job I'll ever have: MOTHER.

On July 29, 1990 at 8:23 a.m. (Iowa time) Carson made his appearance in this world. A month early, he was so tiny that he wore preemie clothes that looked more like doll clothes. Yet today he is strong, healthy and you would never guess that he was in a hurry to arrive. Perhaps that "hurry" has translated to his speed on the track!

Babies don't come with instruction books or an owner's manual, and so it is truly on-the-job training. Some days were easy, some were tough. However somehow we have managed to raise him in a way that people around him enjoy his company. He is kind, caring and compassionate, he does well in school, and he is a tough competitor. He has developed interests in cars, fishing, running, and cards. He is friends with a wide group of people - I am amazed at his ability to interact with those around him. He bought an extra fishing pole so that he could take along a friend, and is introducing the sport to new people!

I know that as we send him off to Purdue this fall he is armed with the knowledge that his parents, family and friends love him very much and are proud of him.

So today I will bask in the knowledge that this most important job will never end and the rewards are many.

Life is...

a journey.
a celebration
a learning opportunity.
a wonderful thing.
filled with family.
filled with friends who are like family.
filled with music.
filled with challenges.
filled with opportunities.
filled with great books to read!
filled with good things to eat....peaches...sweet corn...pizza...pasta...

Philosophical this morning. Please forgive my sentimental moment.

For the love of a job.

Those of you who know me well know that I am not much of a baseball fan. I usually go once a year to see the Cubs play - and that is really to watch the people, drink a beer or two and eat a hot dog. And of course, stand and sing with the rest of the Wrigley faithful during the 7th inning stretch.

However, something happened in baseball yesterday that doesn't happen very often. Mark Buehrle, a Chicago White Sox pitcher, pitched a perfect game. He was the man on the mound - but if not for DeWayne Wise in the outfield with a catch that will undoubtedly go down as one of the best in the game, it wouldn't have happened.

I'm not a sports writer, so I won't go into the details - you can find an article focusing on the catch here: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/07/23/wise.catch/index.html?eref=sihpT1.

What I do want to detail is that these men work (and yes, playing baseball professionally is work) with passion and zest and the pursuit of that perfect game every time they take the field. If not for that, we probably wouldn't have celebrated with Buehrle last night, as the game would have ended differently.

That's the kind of job I want. One where I go to work each day with passion and zest for making a difference in the community where I am placed. It probably won't be in baseball (no newsflash there!) and right now I'm not sure where it will be. However I hope that it is something where I can use the gifts that I have been given.

And a tip of the hat to Buehrle and Wise from this quasi-baseball fan.
Until later,
EM

Singing ...and loving it!

This week I am spending time on campus doing one of the things I love to do most (and no, not talking!): singing!

I'm a member of Tippi Choral Club, which is part of Melody Makers of Indiana. Yesterday was the first day of a MMIA's 2.5 day workshop in which a group of 140 women, ranging in ages from 28 to 82, will sing together. Our goal is to learn 12 songs, which we will polish and then record as a teaching tool for the other members of MMIA. (There are over 500 members across the state.) In June 2010, all 500 of us will come together to perform these songs as part of MMIA's Festival.

I know that I'm partial, however what other medium could bring such diverse people together to do something that each enjoys? We are laughing as we try to learn the really tough numbers (this year's repertoire includes lyrics in Latin, Japanese, and another language that escapes me at the moment.) We are sharing ideas, experiences, tips on how to sing better, and really enjoying the company of like-minded women.

Even though I'm spending time singing, I still am keeping up with the job search. Earlier this week, I had an interview for a position in which I am very interested. I enjoyed the experience, and hope that those who interviewed me did as well!

As part of my class, I am to add a video or audio component to my Facebook page. I'm hoping that I can get a bootleg copy of the recording this week to add!

I'm doing what I love to do and enjoying it very much - I hope that those of you who might read this are able to say that, too!
Until later,
EM

Work...out, not work...ing

Today - another new experience - a work out with a trainer! I had been told that she would kick my b--- (remember, this is a family-friendly blog) and that she did! So while I wasn't working...I was working out.

We (why did I write we? I did the real work!) spent time on the treadmill doing intervals...gasp...can I really jog at 5 mph? Then it was on to the REAL torture...ab work. I do believe that she took pity on me and we didn't do the workout in its entirety because I got lightheaded! Oops - note to self - eat about 2 hours prior to the workout! So after a quick glass of grape juice, she sent me on my way.

And eating, hmmm...she wasn't overly impressed by my breakfast of fresh peaches and ice cream. Well, that will be tough to give up as it is peach season and they are delicious!

Of course, I'm going back tomorrow...and later this week...and next week...dear J, I'm afraid you are stuck with me!
Until later,
EM

Sweet Corn, Peaches and Tomatoes

Today brought with it a trip towards southern Indiana to meet my parentss to get some sweet corn, peaches and tomatoes. A quick trip, but well worth it! My son accompanied me, and he recalled for me his awesome experience at the Billy Joel and Elton John concert last week. Our trip down - Elton John tunes. on the way home - Billy Joel. I recalled the first time I saw Elton John in concert - and again marveled at the staying power of this cross-generational rocker.

And, oh, the sweet corn: my dinner this evening consisted of 3 ears. Delicious! :-)
Until later,
EM

Thanks, Doc!

It's been an interesting week, at least for me! Had an opportunity to meet with a company regarding a potential position, and just as I was opening blogger, had a call for a phone interview for another position. So, perhaps things are starting to move a bit...I keep saying, and those around me are saying it, too...things will work out.

However my thoughts this afternoon are with a local family who lost their husband/father/grandfather/brother/uncle/friend. He lost his battle with Alzheimer's earlier this week, and he was remembered at a lovely funeral service this afternoon. His calling in life was as an obstetrician, and a couple of my friends were his patients. They remembered him fondly, and said that he gave them the very best care. One of them lost a baby at birth, and she said that he was particularly compassionate at that difficult time.

I always appreciated his wry sense of humor when I called his wife, who served on a sorority board with me, and then at church as he and wife began to worship where I do. He was quick with a comment, and he had a twinkle in his eye. He was ageless...

Today I was impressed by two of his beautiful grandchildren who spoke at the service. One read a poem about the dash that appears on your tombstone between your year of birth and year of death - what you do with that is what people remember and that is what counts. They were very eloquent; I couldn't hold back the tears when the granddaughter put what later proved to be artwork in his casket. And the trip to the memorial gardens for internment was impressive - cars pulled over to honor him, and I said a prayer of thanks that people still do that today!

And even more moving was the flag ceremony - this man served honorably in WWII, received a Purple Heart and other honors - when the flag was crisply folded, Taps was sounded, and the flag presented to his widow. Incredible...

So while I didn't know Charlie as Dr. M, I appreciate his compassion, caring and contributions to the community. Your dash through life was appreciated by the many lives you touched. Rest in peace and God bless.
Until later,
EM

Lessons from a car wash

Hmm...this is a blog about a job search, so what does a car wash have to do with that? It will take a bit of explaining...

My son is headed to Chicago today to see Billy Joel and Elton John in concert at Wrigley Field. (My head is whirling at the fact that these two iconic musicians have spanned the generations and my son can sing along to their songs with the best of them!) Son asked to drive my Honda Odyssey, and of course I obliged. It was really dirty, and I considered driving through the car wash at the gas station, and then remembered that the last time I did that, I was terribly disappointed with the wash. There was road film, not all spots were cleaned - really pretty much a waste of $9.

So I decided that I would wash it the old-fashioned way - by hand! This required a bit of time, elbow grease (how many bugs died on my windshield this week) and patience. Not satisfied with a mere wash, I vacuumed the interior and washed the windows inside and out! It took me about 45 minutes to do the entire job.

Here's where this ties into my job search journey...if I were working, I would have had to settle for a second-rate wash and have been frustrated by the low quality. This morning I had a clean car, a bit of exercise (had to climb up and down a ladder to wash the top) and the satisfaction of a job well-done. In fact, when I pointed out to Son that I had done it myself, he gave me the high praise of "looks good, Mom!"

Here's to the joy found in small things!
Until later,
EM

Volunteering - the new job search method?

A friend of mine pointed out that many people are explaining their time away from the office by sharing their volunteer activities. It seems that today employers are cognizant of the fact that there will be resume gaps; the primary question is: what did you do to use that time effectively?

Pause to wonder...her comments to me were food for thought. Today I spent the morning serving as a judge for a 4H fashion review in Hendricks County. Yes, I was compensated however at a level which pretty much covered my mileage. The point is that while I was there I actively encouraged close to 50 young 4H as they modeled and told me about the garments that they had made. I found that was something that made me feel really good.

As a former 4H member, I know the value that it can provide. I learned to bake, sew, model fashion, sort wheat (don't ask how my brother and I could take samples from the same bushel basket and he got Grand Champion and I got a red), show pigs, show dairy heifers, and yes, there was even an opportunity to sing!

So, with all that said, I think that I am going to use the free time that I have to do something that will help my fellow community members: volunteer! And who knows - I might make a contact for a new job while I'm at it!
Until later,
EM

Where the jobs are....

Amazing how Twitter works. I signed up for an account - as a requirement for my class. If you want to follow my tweets, my user name is elainemarie1.

At first I thought - really, what is all the noise about? Is this going to benefit me in any way? I had to get past the followers who were interested in providing me information that would make me blush if I read it (and that continues almost daily) but that is just a new form of spam. I find though that my horizons are broadening by following the tweets of people from around the country. I'm following news in a different way than I ever have before.

Now, here is the beauty of this related to my job search. Someone named Ken Horst, the jobs guy, found me, and I am now getting tweets from him. When I did a bit of research, I find that he is essentially the "front man" for a major (or what seems to be major) recruiting firm. Hospitality industry and more. So if I go to his list of tweets, I can see hundreds of jobs from all over the country, from general manager to bell staff. Interesting...a new way of finding a job! Along the way it appears that he has shared articles that are of benefit to those in the job market.

Here is a link to the company's Web site: http://allianceq.com/Default.aspx

So...for the meantime, this appears to be another place where I can find where the jobs are....

All in a Day's Work

It's funny, or maybe not, what you do to occupy your time when you aren't working. Let's see, life outside the office has certainly changed what is "all in a day's work" for me.
6:30 a.m. Wake up, pull on shorts, t-shirt and tennis shoes for my morning walk.
6:45 a.m. Make the world a cleaner place for the 6 4-legged friends I have as roommates. I won't go into details as this is a family friendly blog. :-)
7 a.m. Meet my dear friend Peggy for our weekday morning walk. Today there were a few sprinkles, but we didn't melt.
7:30 a.m. Head to Wal-mart for a few groceries
8:30 a.m. Arrive home, wait for the heating/cooling repairman
8:35 a.m. open garage door for one of the 4-legged friends to go out - this will be repeated innumerable times throughout the day as they wander in and out of the garage
9:30 a.m confer with repairman. Ouch - some coin needed.
9:35 a.m. read and respond to posts from my prolific writing, thought-provoking classmates
11:30 a.m. Vacuum
12 noon. time for lunch
1 p.m. start writing week's thought paper for journalism 7700. where did I put my thoughts?????
2 p.m. Procrastinate by spending time on Facebook
3 p.m. Paper posted, now time for some sunshine!
And at 3:20 p.m., I'm not sure what the rest of the day will bring! However, there are 3 new jobs that have been posted at a couple of universities in the last 24 hours to which I will be applying. Tomorrow's work!
Until later,
EM

How long before you panic?

I've been getting lots of advice regarding the job search from caring friends and family. Now mind you, I do appreciate their care and concern regarding my employment status. However some of them seem to not understand my lack of panic that I don't yet have something lined up.

So I've been wondering - how long before a gap in the resume is a problem with potential employers? If I am able to meet my basic life needs, then how long can I "ride it out?"

Well, I got that answer this morning. According to an article posted at the ladders.com, which is a job service for $100K+ jobs, for managerial jobs anywhere up to 11 months isn't really a problem in this economy. Check it out. http://marketing.theladders.com/career-advice/out-of-work-how-long?et_id=1154517447&sign=y&link_id=540

Basically, this economy is presenting challenges for job seekers and employers. I have heard stories of people turning down jobs because they can't sell a house or a trailing spouse can't find a job. So, where as in the past an employment gap of more than a month or two was cause for concern, now that isn't necessarily the case.

So for me, I'm not going to panic...yet!

Fisherman...another skill for the resume?

This evening as we say good bye to the lake, we took a boat ride to enjoy the evening sunset, moon rise, and the beautiful weather.

I actually tried my hand at fishing! Perish the thought, but between my sister-in-law, her mother and father and my brother, I figured out how to cast the line. Although I didn't catch anything on my line, my brother did catch a small fish and gave the rod to me to reel it in. Heady stuff!

Now I must say I don't think I have the patience to fish but it was fun to try and a new adventure. The family I am visiting are passionate about fishing, and so to share their experiences was awesome.

so until later,
EM

Happy 4th of July!

I am thankful that we are able to celebrate this holiday as we choose - this morning we went to a "parade", and I use the term loosely, in honor of the 4th. Lots of cool cars, fire trucks, motorcycles, kids on unicycles (my lovely niece was one of them) and candy being thrown.

We are going to fish, enjoy the sun, relax and probably play a few competitive rounds of cards.
Take care,
EM

It's the holiday so....

my job search is on holiday too!
This morning we picked strawberries. Now for a native Hoosier - originally from the southern part of Indiana - strawberries disappeared in early June. However travel about 850 miles north, and it is strawberry season. The rule of the patch - eat all you want in the patch, but for every strawberry eaten, pull a weed! It was obvious that there were lots of berries eaten there because there were NO weeds! It was a great experience, and the berries are awesome!

Getting ready to play a rousing game of Nertz...the Minnesotans favorite game.
I am sure to be competitive however the lovely Miss Olivia (one of my nieces) usually wins...
Until later.
EM

Traveling...without child in tow

Today I experience a flashback - traveling with small children. what you say - your child is almost 19! I flew Southwest Airlines - not a bad experience - however they must have said all the women and children on the 1 p.m. from Midway to Minneapolis! Wow...I must say they were for the most part very well-behaved. The children, that is. One of the parents almost had a knock-down with the flight attendants over where the child seat was placed. Life is too short - move the seat, lady!

You may ask what this has to do with my job search? Well, remember that I told you I could travel because of my employment (or lack of) state? this is the 7 degrees to the blog connection!
Be safe,
EM

On the jobfront (not waterfront, yet!)

"I coulda been a contendah..." don't know why that popped into my head - I'm full of useless trivia! Anyone want to play Trivial Pursuit?

Sorry, sidetracked. On the job front - after I finish this post I will be applying to two more jobs. Interesting thing that I have noted after reading the job posts frequently (and I do mean frequently) is that the same job at one university has been posted THREE times in the last month. I don't know if they aren't getting applicants for the job that they want, if they think by reposting that it will bring it back to the top of the list (which it does) or they keep tweaking the job description and posting.

Unfortunately in this market employers playing games is a reality. It is a "buyers" market right now... One of my classmates tweeted yesterday that the Wall Street Journal is laying off more employees.

I'm thankful that I have the support network that I do. My family and friends are awesome and unbelievable...so I am keeping the faith!

The benefits of unemployment

Hmmm...are there any? Well, todayI am going to enjoy at least what I think is one of them! I am headed to the airport to visit my brother and his family for the 4th of July. A new experience, as they have a family home/cottage/cabin on a lake in Minnesota. Should be fun.

Web site with job postings

If anyone reading this is interested in positions in higher education, here are a couple I recommend. www.higheredjobs.com and www.chronicle.com The second link is for the Chronicle of Higher Education. These have sorting capabilities - by state, type of position, and are very good resources.
Happy hunting!
Later,
EM

Resume updating on the horizon?

I subscribe to a job search email list, and today's topic was updating your resume. Now, this is one of those businesses that wants you to subscribe to their service BEFORE you can see the postings for those $100K + jobs (and no, I am not a dermatologist!).

It was interesting though, as one of the principals in the company had not updated his resume since he had started with the company over 5 years ago. So he was the guinea pig! His resume was quite impressive, I mean, after all, their company is in the business. But it gave me pause to wonder if mine is as GOOD as it possibly can be. I think that I am going to do a bit of retooling.

And as a sidebar, I was reminded again over the few days how fortunate I am to have a strong support network. Had lunch with some friends today which really brought into focus that I am very blessed.
so, with that said....here's to an awesome new resume in the next few days!
Later,
EM

More opportunities await

I have discovered that it takes a lot of time to look for a job! I know that sounds silly, however it does. Search for postings online, research the company/college/business, write an appropriate cover letter and tweak the resume if needed, and then create an account with the company/college/business.

Yesterday there were several new positions posted across Indiana at colleges and universities. I had forgotten how cyclical higher education can be. With graduation - trailing spouses depart, and eureka! jobs open up! So it is back to the application grindstone...and something will come of it I'm sure!

As an aside, had lunch today with my son. He can polish off a cheeseburger in no-time flat!
Until later,
Elaine Marie

When do you say YES, I want that job?

Yesterday afternoon I had a singularly wonderful experience: someone actually WANTED me, almost begged me to apply for a job. That brought on a very warm-all-over feeling.

It is a position with a not-for-profit, and has a mission that I believe in very much. It would provide me an opportunity to use skills that I haven't used for some time, and to develop and hone new skills. It would allow me to stay in Lafayette, and become even more active in the community. It would be working in an environment that is very affirming for all who are involved.

So, why haven't I said "YES, I want that job?" Well, there are a couple of downsides. And it is early in the process of my search, and I don't want to take something and then something better presents itself. That is the fear - the unknown. I wish that I had a crystal ball in which I could see the future - don't we all??? So the question of the day is when to say yes?

In the meantime, I plan to apply, and if it is meant to be, it will be. Time will tell.
Later,
Elaine Marie

Stay at home Mom makes 6 figure salary

Okay, so I read at cnn.com that a woman who was a stay-at-home mom, and when her husband was laid off...she started a marketing firm at home, and now makes over 6 figures....
I pasted the link below.
So it makes me wonder I could start my own business???? hmmm....something to think about....however I would seriously need to figure this blogging thing out....

Socially speaking..or should I say social networking?

Just set up a Twitter account, and will now be adding Tweeting to my repertoire! It used to be socially speaking...or what was socially acceptable. Now it is social networking! Out with the old, in with the new!

Checking IDs...or checking for jobs?

Saturday night the most random thing happened. Our local Taste of Tippecanoe (37 music groups, 42 restaurant booths, fireworks, beer/wine, etc.) was last Saturday night. A friend coordinates volunteers for a couple of the beer tents, and I said "Sign me up!"

As I was at the gate checking IDs (why is it that now the people who are 21 look 12?) and a former student employee said hello. He has gone on to a very successful position with a local company that does software development. Anyway, long story short - he said they are in search of a project manager. Not to write code, but to help manage relationships with key clients and business partners. Again, I said "Sign me up!" Well, not quite, but we did talk today and there is some real potential in the position.

So I invested $5 in a temporary beverage server permit, and may wind up with a whole lot more!

Moving, almost accomplished!

I am almost done with my move - thankfully! I am happily ensconced in my new home!

Here's a funny....I am such a cat lover, and I now have several cats as "roommates". This morning, I heard this tap, tap, tap on my bedroom door. Thought it was shut and latched, but obviously not...as Gracie LEAPT on my bed! I shooed her out, and went back to bed laughing. I'll make sure the door is latched!

Moving has taken time away from being hard at work at the job search, but have continued to look. Some promising postings for me to work towards on Monday.

And in the meantime, I'm hard at "work" at my class!
Later,
EM

Jobs????

Since I entitled this my Job Search Journey, I think I should provide an update here on my status. Nothing earth shattering, however I did get in response to a request for an update "we're close to making a decision is all I can provide you right now". Hmmm....doesn't sound very promising.

the other response to a request for how the process would be undertaken: "your information has been forwarded to the search committee which will review resumes for two weeks. we will keep you posted as the process progresses." Now that sounds a bit better.
Time will tell!!

Life without the Internet

Moving is daunting. Taking classes can be daunting. The job search can be daunting...and overwhelming at times. However, all those things together - wow. Serious overload.

But that isn't the worst thing! I killed my Internet access yesterday - by accident - and so I haven't been able to blog, read my email except on the 2 x 3 screen on my mobile device, check for new job postings, do the research I need to do for my thought paper (don't want it to be a thought"less" paper!), watch episodes of Royal Pains, on and on, and that was only in a period of 24 hours! Think what it would be like without Internet access for a week. Can't imagine. Starvation.

So I am working at a friends' house right now. Watching a baby squirrel right outside the window which is enjoying the morning sun. A bit of nature.

Can't finish quickly enough

Wow...I may need to speed up the rate at which I'm taking classes. A couple of really awesome looking job postings - advanced degree required. I'm glad that I started when I did. At least I'm that much farther down the path towards the MASTERS. I worried when I started that I was 45. Well, as a couple of people pointed out to me, if I had waited to start, I would just be 46. Good point. I'm 46, and have 12 credit hours completed, and before I'm 47, will have 15!

'Tis the Season

for universities to post positions! There are several today that look promising, and many are in the Midwest.
For those of you who might be following this, a good reference for creating a resume and other supporting documents is the Purdue University Center for Career Opportunities.

www.cco.purdue.edu/common/CCOJobSearchManual.pdf
Later.
EM

June 16, 2009

While it's not truly part of my job search, the class that I am taking - Journalism 7700 from the University of Missouri - is helping me to learn things that are SURE to be beneficial to me as I go out in the workforce again. Just this morning I figured out - with the help of some of my classmates - how to put a counter on my blog. Now that may seem like a minimal thing, but for someone who HATES to read directions and just wants to DO something, it is an accomplishment!

Today I'm packing to move. One of the downsides of not having a job is the challenge of signing a lease for an apartment. The lease where I am has ended, and so I will be living with 2 dear friends. I am blessed that they are helping me out. When I get settled in I will post some pictures.

As an aside, I am thinking about what my topic should be for this week's "thought paper" for my class. I read an article this morning in the paper about research that says that increased Internet usage has cut into family time. DUH. However I'm going to let that simmer in my mind as I wrap my trinkets in the more traditional form of journalism - the newspaper!
Later!

Monday, June 15

Interesting development on the job front this weekend. I can't go into lots of details as it is confidential, however it is a business opportunity that might work for me. No, it isn't Amway or any other business such as that. (Nothing wrong with Amway - great products and I know some people who have made lots of money with it!)

Anyway, I would need to create a business plan, go to the bank, borrow the money and then get to work. However, working for yourself adds a whole new dimension - no insurance, no retirement plan (unless you are very disciplined and create your own), no paid vacations or sick leave. BONUS - you are your own boss and can make choices on your own!

I think it is a back burner, Plan B situation. Something to think about though. And if God means for me to do it - He will make it clear to me.

Today I am reworking my resume a bit to apply for a job that is alumni relations/event planning. I need to "sell" my experience in that area. Just read an email from a recruiting firm (of course they want you to pay to see their postings) and the writer reminded his readers that it is important to sell the BENEFITS of what you bring to the job, not the FEATURES.

Until later.
EM

June 12

Am making a list today of the jobs to which I've applied, and hopefully by the end of the day will be adding to that. Right now I'm struggling with whether I put in applications at Wal-Mart, McD, etc. to tide me over until I find a professional position. However I am moving next week, which will take some time as well. I think that I need to focus on the tasks right in front of me and then after the 22nd, look for something that might help to tide me over.
One of the biggest challenges about looking for jobs is the time that it takes to apply! With so many online sites - each one requires an account to be set up. That's great and it isn't difficult - it takes time! and I have to remember account information. What I've started doing is writing on the job posting the account info so that it is right "there". What would be better would be a spreadsheet with all the info. Is that akin to alphabetizing the spice rack?????

Yesterday morning I listened to one of my son's best friends make a presentation for Cutco knives. His parents are close friends, too. He did a great job! He was very polite when he asked me if it was okay for him to inquire about my job search. I gave him the update, and then he told me that he clould probably get me a job with Cutco! Not sure I want to do that at this point, however, who knows?

June 11, 2009

Finally have completed almost all the tasks - mostly volunteer and family commitments - that were standing in my way of really working hard at finding work. That's a good feeling, and I'm ready to continue my search of Web sites for available positions. Nothing new posted today at Purdue that is in my area of expertise.

Looking for a position makes me think of shopping for clothes. No matter what size you wear - the pair of jeans that you want never seems to be available in your size. Somewhat like a job - today I wish I were a nurse as there are several positions available. Last week I needed to have a degree in marketing.

I'm staying positive and know that something will come up!

One Month out of the Office

As of yesterday (June 8, 2009) I have been out of the office for one month. I find that I am wondering where the month went...and no job in sight. However, in that month I have planned, prepped and helped host a graduation party for my son; scanned over 200 photos in preparation for a graduation video and two presentations for the choir in which I sing, applied for at least 6 jobs, written a final project for my Masters program, (got an A on the project and in the class)...and I think that there are a few other things completed, too.

So while I haven't found a job, I have marked a few things off the "to-do" list. Today was spent getting ready for a big performance for my choir - setting up the stage decorations - and working on a special project for my former supervisor. Tomorrow - the choir show...and Thursday will find me hard at work on the job search.

Until then...I'm trying to figure out a way to get paid for volunteer work!