So the SU has bad teeth. He needs his overbite corrected and because he hasn't been able to afford, his teeth have been pretty damaged. Almost to the point of needing to pull them.
However, he managed to get into a dental school program and they are fixing his teeth for him, at about half the cost of doing it commercially.
Yesterday we went to have his braces put on. The SU is almost 40. He's not too happy about having them at his age but the alternative (pulling teeth and getting dentures) was less appealing so he's got the braces.
They told him smooth food only for the first 4-5 days, nothing he has to chew and nothing too hot or too cold. Last night for dinner we made lentil soup, cooked until the lentil was pretty much dissolved.
The braces were supposed to be clear in the front and they are not the bright shiny metal that I've seen in some mouths but they're still visible. He's very self-conscious about it. It really doesn't help when I tell him I'm married to Ugly Betty. They'll be on for 2 1/2 years.
I've never gotten a blow job from a guy with braces before. Do I need to worry about getting anything caught? pinched? hmmm.
Keep reading for future updates about that very subject. Ummm Yeah, sure.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Condo board foolishness
Last night we had several of my family members over for dinner. Included among them was one of my brothers. He and I lived together our entire lives until I moved in with the SU so we're close.
A few years back, my sister was given as a pup a very small toy Pom but she wasn't able to take care of the dog properly so asked if we could take her. We agreed and Casey has been with us since then.
I say us but really she is with my brother full time. The condo we live in is a No Pet building. In Ontario, tenets in rental apartments cannot be denied the right to own or have pets but Condos are not covered but that ruling. Since condos are private buildings, or communities, it's up to the community to set the standards (in this case the condo board).
So no pets.
That, as it turns out is fine with the SU and I. We find that while we do miss having the dog around, even the cat for that matter, we do not miss the mess, the shed hair, the food on the floor, the kitty litter smell. So no biggie for us not to have a pet.
Other owners in the condo building have cats, some have birds.
What does all this have to do with a family dinner? Well since my sister was going to be there, my brother decided to bring Casey so sis could see her. Not something the SU or I mind.
This morning we get a letter from the Management Office, tapped to our door. Saying that a member of the staff had noticed someone entering our unit with a dog at 4am on Wed the 26th of February.
Several things wrong with that statement. Wed was the 25th, first off. My sister stayed over and was in bed by 11:30. My brother left, with the dog around 11. The SU and I were in bed by a little after 12. So who, I wondered witnessed anyone coming or going with a dog at 4AM???
The SU is a hot blooded Arab/Italian cross and he wanted to phone the office and go off on them about this letter. In the letter it pointed that the building does not allow any pets, of any kind at all. So dogs are definitely not to be permitted.
As I mentioned we know that other owners have pets (cats and birds) so we wonder what the hell the issue is with a dog, especially a dog that is half the size of an average cat.
The board does have the right to set these kind of policies with regard to owners having pets, but we don't see the issue with a visitor, who is not staying the longer then an evening bringing a pet along for an afternoon or evening.
We're very tired of this building's management. We've had run ins with them since we first moved in. They have very poor management style, the office manager is probably one of the snootiest woman I've ever met, very pretentious and filled (overfilled really) with her own sense of importance. When I begin working again, if we haven't already sold this place before hand, we'll begin saving immediately for a house and get out of here as soon as we can. Of course, we can't buy a house in an historic neighbourhood or in a place with a strong neighbourhood oversight committee.
In some areas they are restricted houses from having outside cloths lines, as it makes the neighbourhood look run down. At the same time they want people to use dryers less and save the environment.
I guess it's crap wherever you go or can be.
A few years back, my sister was given as a pup a very small toy Pom but she wasn't able to take care of the dog properly so asked if we could take her. We agreed and Casey has been with us since then.
I say us but really she is with my brother full time. The condo we live in is a No Pet building. In Ontario, tenets in rental apartments cannot be denied the right to own or have pets but Condos are not covered but that ruling. Since condos are private buildings, or communities, it's up to the community to set the standards (in this case the condo board).
So no pets.
That, as it turns out is fine with the SU and I. We find that while we do miss having the dog around, even the cat for that matter, we do not miss the mess, the shed hair, the food on the floor, the kitty litter smell. So no biggie for us not to have a pet.
Other owners in the condo building have cats, some have birds.
What does all this have to do with a family dinner? Well since my sister was going to be there, my brother decided to bring Casey so sis could see her. Not something the SU or I mind.
This morning we get a letter from the Management Office, tapped to our door. Saying that a member of the staff had noticed someone entering our unit with a dog at 4am on Wed the 26th of February.
Several things wrong with that statement. Wed was the 25th, first off. My sister stayed over and was in bed by 11:30. My brother left, with the dog around 11. The SU and I were in bed by a little after 12. So who, I wondered witnessed anyone coming or going with a dog at 4AM???
The SU is a hot blooded Arab/Italian cross and he wanted to phone the office and go off on them about this letter. In the letter it pointed that the building does not allow any pets, of any kind at all. So dogs are definitely not to be permitted.
As I mentioned we know that other owners have pets (cats and birds) so we wonder what the hell the issue is with a dog, especially a dog that is half the size of an average cat.
The board does have the right to set these kind of policies with regard to owners having pets, but we don't see the issue with a visitor, who is not staying the longer then an evening bringing a pet along for an afternoon or evening.
We're very tired of this building's management. We've had run ins with them since we first moved in. They have very poor management style, the office manager is probably one of the snootiest woman I've ever met, very pretentious and filled (overfilled really) with her own sense of importance. When I begin working again, if we haven't already sold this place before hand, we'll begin saving immediately for a house and get out of here as soon as we can. Of course, we can't buy a house in an historic neighbourhood or in a place with a strong neighbourhood oversight committee.
In some areas they are restricted houses from having outside cloths lines, as it makes the neighbourhood look run down. At the same time they want people to use dryers less and save the environment.
I guess it's crap wherever you go or can be.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Wedding guest and Oscar night
So the wedding wasn't truly horrible. It was a simple affair, in a local hall. I think it was all done on a budget but it didn't suffer for that. It could have easily gone the way of the trailer trash set but instead it had a simple elegance to it. The bride was stunning, and the groom was a very sexy bear type who looked very hot with his shaved head and tux.
Our table consisted of the SU, myself and a coworker of his (sans date), her cousin (also a friend and former co-worker of the bride) and the cousins husband.
Woof!!! The husband was hot. He sat beside me at the table and had a habit of leaning back and adjusting either his package or his belt. I can certainly tell you it was very very distracting.
Both he and the wife were very nice people and we ended up having a really good time chatting with them. The husband wasn't too keen on dancing either (as I am not) so he and I spend most of the evening in conversation.
At one point he got up to go to the bathroom and I almost followed him. Just to check him out but I'd only had one beer and a cooler, so wasn't nearly drunk enough to be a slutty bear.
I behaved.
The only thing I found strange is that way the meal was served. It was served family style. Platters of food were placed in the middle of each table for all to share. I've never been at a wedding, well a North American wedding, that served the meal that way. I have been to a couple of Chinese wedding feasts and that is how they serve the meal.
Anyway, it just seemed a strange way to do it. The food, however, was excellent, started with a salad, followed by a pasta course, then the main meal consisting of Roast beef (served with bread stuffing???) and 3 veggies with gravy on the side. The beef was done very nicely and although it was well done, it was still very tender.
We left just as the bride and groom were heading to the airport to fly out for their honeymoon.
We came home and crashed, I slept solidly for about 7 hours (which is highly unusual for me.
Sunday we didn't do much. The SU wanted to try a recipe for Chicken Biryani that he'd been given, he went shopping for materials and I played Zelda on the WII.
Sunday night we watched the Oscars. At the risk of having to turn in my gay card, I don't usually enjoy the Oscars (or any award show for that matter) but I really enjoyed last nights show. While I've read 1 or 2 disparaging reviews of Jackman's hosting abilities I thought he did a fine job.
I really enjoyed the actor awards, how they brought 5 previous winners to introduce the nominees. I liked that the stage was smaller and more intimate then in previous years.
The kept it moving along with a good pace without seeming to rush the winners speeches (one or two times, I think the music started to come up).
Overall, I can't comment on the Slumdog win as I haven't seen the movie yet but was happy to see Milk recognized, as I did see and enjoyed it alot.
It's Monday morning now and it's back to the job search, calling headhunters today and trying to get a few appointments to get my name out there.
Luck is needed.
Our table consisted of the SU, myself and a coworker of his (sans date), her cousin (also a friend and former co-worker of the bride) and the cousins husband.
Woof!!! The husband was hot. He sat beside me at the table and had a habit of leaning back and adjusting either his package or his belt. I can certainly tell you it was very very distracting.
Both he and the wife were very nice people and we ended up having a really good time chatting with them. The husband wasn't too keen on dancing either (as I am not) so he and I spend most of the evening in conversation.
At one point he got up to go to the bathroom and I almost followed him. Just to check him out but I'd only had one beer and a cooler, so wasn't nearly drunk enough to be a slutty bear.
I behaved.
The only thing I found strange is that way the meal was served. It was served family style. Platters of food were placed in the middle of each table for all to share. I've never been at a wedding, well a North American wedding, that served the meal that way. I have been to a couple of Chinese wedding feasts and that is how they serve the meal.
Anyway, it just seemed a strange way to do it. The food, however, was excellent, started with a salad, followed by a pasta course, then the main meal consisting of Roast beef (served with bread stuffing???) and 3 veggies with gravy on the side. The beef was done very nicely and although it was well done, it was still very tender.
We left just as the bride and groom were heading to the airport to fly out for their honeymoon.
We came home and crashed, I slept solidly for about 7 hours (which is highly unusual for me.
Sunday we didn't do much. The SU wanted to try a recipe for Chicken Biryani that he'd been given, he went shopping for materials and I played Zelda on the WII.
Sunday night we watched the Oscars. At the risk of having to turn in my gay card, I don't usually enjoy the Oscars (or any award show for that matter) but I really enjoyed last nights show. While I've read 1 or 2 disparaging reviews of Jackman's hosting abilities I thought he did a fine job.
I really enjoyed the actor awards, how they brought 5 previous winners to introduce the nominees. I liked that the stage was smaller and more intimate then in previous years.
The kept it moving along with a good pace without seeming to rush the winners speeches (one or two times, I think the music started to come up).
Overall, I can't comment on the Slumdog win as I haven't seen the movie yet but was happy to see Milk recognized, as I did see and enjoyed it alot.
It's Monday morning now and it's back to the job search, calling headhunters today and trying to get a few appointments to get my name out there.
Luck is needed.
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's that time, I guess
This is kind of personal. So I'll err on the side of caution and not give too much detail.
I've been unemployed for over a month now. Because the Spousal Unit was employed for part of the previous year, and I changed careers with a lower then expected base salary (and it turns out no bonuses or raises), we have depleted our emergency fund sooner then expected.
So that means that as I am on Employment Insurance (used to be called Unemployment Insurance but that was deemed to have negative connotations for those not working so the more positive EI was adopted) that I have limited funds to pay my bills. The Spousal Unit is helping but he has his own bills too.
It's that time, time to contact my creditors and credit card companies - yes I committed the cardinal sin of running a balance -- and ask to reduce my payments and my interest rate until I'm working again. I had hoped to avoid making these calls but I guess it's inevitable.
I probably should have done it when I first lost my job and we could have stretched a few months further but I was stubborn and stupid.
I am hoping that I won't have any issue with them reducing my payments or accepting the limited amount that I will be able to pay, better they get something rather then nothing, eh? I've already spoken to one and they said no problem just let them know how much and when I will be making the payments and they'll make a note.
I hate being in debt and we've talked about selling the condo to ease things but if I can arrange this then we are covered for the next 9 months, as that is as long as the EI payments will last.
The job situation is bleak. I haven't heard back from anybody (well one company asked for more info, which I sent them, followed up with them after sending it and followed up again to see if any decisions had been made) but that went no where.
Mind you, several of the jobs I've applied for have very long lead times - 5-6 week closings, so there is still a possibility for late Feb or early March for a few of them. My general thinking though is that they don't wait the six weeks, that if someone interests them they call right away rather then risk losing a good candidate.
I've gone to a few headhunters but they haven't responded or haven't found anything for me.
So, yeah, bleak.
Trying to remain positive and keep a good attitude but it's tough some days.
Enough of job shit.
Tomorrow we're going to a wedding. The bride is a co-worker of the Spousal Unit while I've met her once, I couldn't say that I know her and other then the my spouse, I'll know or be familiar with 2 or 3 other people (also his co-workers) that will be attending.
Now something you should know about me. I'm a wallflower. I hate parties and I hate crowds. Especially when I'm in the middle of them. Well that's not true I don't hate crowds, if I'm shopping at christmas, those kind of crowds don't bother me at all, I kind of feed of the energy of it all but a crowded bar, or a crowded house party - no thanks.
The Spousal Unit (henceforth to be called SU) loves parties, loves to dance and always has a good time. Me? Not so much. If it was a quiet dinner (4-8 people) at my home or someone elses house - I don't have an issue with that) but a large gathering I just kind of go into a shell and don't speak.
Last year he and I went to a work function (his) where I ended up sitting at our table by myself for most of the evening.
One on one or even 2 on 1 I can make small talk very easily, I can feel comfortable and relaxed, can speak intelligently on a wide range of topics, and enthusiastically and expertly on a few (Disney for one - visit www.singlerider.com for my aborted website for singles that are fans of Disney - started about a month before I met the SU and not touched since - bad I know).
However, put in that group enviromnemt and no go.
I may be changing though, as I think about this while I'm typing it up. At New Years the SU and I spent the evening with my sister and got dragged to her son's house for his big bash party. BORING!!!!! For me anyway. However, there was a young teen girl there that used the phrase "that's so gay" and I went off on her in the middle of the party. Not my usual thing at all but I think that people have to be aware of what they say and that it may be hurtful to others. It's funny cause, it ended up starting a long conversation between myself, the SU and some other guests that went on for over an hour and covered a wide range of topics starting with Gay rights, and tolerance in general and moving to the middle east and ending with the economy.
I really enjoyed that part of the evening. Maybe my teaching experience is allowing me to just relax and be heard in these situations where as before I wouldn't be comfortable speaking about anything.
The SU is going for his citizenship in 2 months, the process could take up to a year (before he's tested - though generally is 3-5 months) and then up to 6 months before the swearing in ceremony. He maybe be able to make the July 1st swearing in (Canada Day - think the Fourth - same deal for us but on the 1st).
After that and presuming I'm working, we'd like to plan a trip to Disney - I haven't been in 3 years and it's killing me. I mentioned the website above that I had pre-emptively started but done not a thing with. Well, I'd like to, at some point, actually do something with it, build some content. I think the idea is still valid.
My concept was to provide a place where singles that are big Disney Fans but don't necessarily have anyone in their lives that enjoy going with them - so many people see it as "for kids destination" and while it is that, it is not only that. I had envisioned a place to have travel tips, dining tips (sometimes it's awkward to eat alone), provide travel dates for those looking for others to spend a day or 2 with (not a dating site or hookup site but just a reference that could be used by singles) and some other ideas. Even though to add a page for favourite disney recipes or meals that individuals recreated based on a meal or food they enjoyed while at Disney.
For that reason, I haven't given up the site, I still own it. Just haven't had the resources or the time to pursue it any further. As a corrilary I even created a facebook group call Disney for Adults... I have one memeber and no discussions going on. If any readers have any ideas for content (on either the facebook group or the website), feel free to drop me a note or leave a comment.
I was going to post some pics of me working out on the WII Fit but damn they all look horrible and I look old and fat in them (ok I am old and fat but still), so I'll save you all the grief and just forgoe that small task.
I met my 2 week goal a little early and so I've just set a new goal for the next 2 weeks. Keeping them very reasonable but if I continue to meet them early, then it's too reasonable and I'll have to bump it.
Continuing to work out almost every day. I've unlocked all the extra tiles/games/activities. I'm really enjoying the Yoga and strength exercises. I saw another WII Fit exercise program called Personal Coach but I'm holding off on buying that until I start working again. And the SU and I started looking at fold up treadmills, something that will easily fit into the Solarium and can be folded up when not needed.
As well, the SU is finally getting his teeth fixed this coming week. He's been waiting for several years to get into the program offered by a local Universities Dental school, as that will save him about 75% of the cost of going to a commercial dentist. It's a lot of money but his benefits cover some of it and even though I'm not working, we can't pass this opportunity up, as he'd have to wait years to come back to the top of the list again. We're going ahead with it, not even an option not too. Plus he's saved for it, seperately from out emergency funds.
It's Dinner time, tonight's menu includes home made garlic bread, made with fennel seed dinner roles, fettucini in a home made tomatoe/pepper sauce with meatballs. Whatever is on your menu, enjoy the meal, enjoy the company and enjoy yourselves. Bon Appetite.
I've been unemployed for over a month now. Because the Spousal Unit was employed for part of the previous year, and I changed careers with a lower then expected base salary (and it turns out no bonuses or raises), we have depleted our emergency fund sooner then expected.
So that means that as I am on Employment Insurance (used to be called Unemployment Insurance but that was deemed to have negative connotations for those not working so the more positive EI was adopted) that I have limited funds to pay my bills. The Spousal Unit is helping but he has his own bills too.
It's that time, time to contact my creditors and credit card companies - yes I committed the cardinal sin of running a balance -- and ask to reduce my payments and my interest rate until I'm working again. I had hoped to avoid making these calls but I guess it's inevitable.
I probably should have done it when I first lost my job and we could have stretched a few months further but I was stubborn and stupid.
I am hoping that I won't have any issue with them reducing my payments or accepting the limited amount that I will be able to pay, better they get something rather then nothing, eh? I've already spoken to one and they said no problem just let them know how much and when I will be making the payments and they'll make a note.
I hate being in debt and we've talked about selling the condo to ease things but if I can arrange this then we are covered for the next 9 months, as that is as long as the EI payments will last.
The job situation is bleak. I haven't heard back from anybody (well one company asked for more info, which I sent them, followed up with them after sending it and followed up again to see if any decisions had been made) but that went no where.
Mind you, several of the jobs I've applied for have very long lead times - 5-6 week closings, so there is still a possibility for late Feb or early March for a few of them. My general thinking though is that they don't wait the six weeks, that if someone interests them they call right away rather then risk losing a good candidate.
I've gone to a few headhunters but they haven't responded or haven't found anything for me.
So, yeah, bleak.
Trying to remain positive and keep a good attitude but it's tough some days.
Enough of job shit.
Tomorrow we're going to a wedding. The bride is a co-worker of the Spousal Unit while I've met her once, I couldn't say that I know her and other then the my spouse, I'll know or be familiar with 2 or 3 other people (also his co-workers) that will be attending.
Now something you should know about me. I'm a wallflower. I hate parties and I hate crowds. Especially when I'm in the middle of them. Well that's not true I don't hate crowds, if I'm shopping at christmas, those kind of crowds don't bother me at all, I kind of feed of the energy of it all but a crowded bar, or a crowded house party - no thanks.
The Spousal Unit (henceforth to be called SU) loves parties, loves to dance and always has a good time. Me? Not so much. If it was a quiet dinner (4-8 people) at my home or someone elses house - I don't have an issue with that) but a large gathering I just kind of go into a shell and don't speak.
Last year he and I went to a work function (his) where I ended up sitting at our table by myself for most of the evening.
One on one or even 2 on 1 I can make small talk very easily, I can feel comfortable and relaxed, can speak intelligently on a wide range of topics, and enthusiastically and expertly on a few (Disney for one - visit www.singlerider.com for my aborted website for singles that are fans of Disney - started about a month before I met the SU and not touched since - bad I know).
However, put in that group enviromnemt and no go.
I may be changing though, as I think about this while I'm typing it up. At New Years the SU and I spent the evening with my sister and got dragged to her son's house for his big bash party. BORING!!!!! For me anyway. However, there was a young teen girl there that used the phrase "that's so gay" and I went off on her in the middle of the party. Not my usual thing at all but I think that people have to be aware of what they say and that it may be hurtful to others. It's funny cause, it ended up starting a long conversation between myself, the SU and some other guests that went on for over an hour and covered a wide range of topics starting with Gay rights, and tolerance in general and moving to the middle east and ending with the economy.
I really enjoyed that part of the evening. Maybe my teaching experience is allowing me to just relax and be heard in these situations where as before I wouldn't be comfortable speaking about anything.
The SU is going for his citizenship in 2 months, the process could take up to a year (before he's tested - though generally is 3-5 months) and then up to 6 months before the swearing in ceremony. He maybe be able to make the July 1st swearing in (Canada Day - think the Fourth - same deal for us but on the 1st).
After that and presuming I'm working, we'd like to plan a trip to Disney - I haven't been in 3 years and it's killing me. I mentioned the website above that I had pre-emptively started but done not a thing with. Well, I'd like to, at some point, actually do something with it, build some content. I think the idea is still valid.
My concept was to provide a place where singles that are big Disney Fans but don't necessarily have anyone in their lives that enjoy going with them - so many people see it as "for kids destination" and while it is that, it is not only that. I had envisioned a place to have travel tips, dining tips (sometimes it's awkward to eat alone), provide travel dates for those looking for others to spend a day or 2 with (not a dating site or hookup site but just a reference that could be used by singles) and some other ideas. Even though to add a page for favourite disney recipes or meals that individuals recreated based on a meal or food they enjoyed while at Disney.
For that reason, I haven't given up the site, I still own it. Just haven't had the resources or the time to pursue it any further. As a corrilary I even created a facebook group call Disney for Adults... I have one memeber and no discussions going on. If any readers have any ideas for content (on either the facebook group or the website), feel free to drop me a note or leave a comment.
I was going to post some pics of me working out on the WII Fit but damn they all look horrible and I look old and fat in them (ok I am old and fat but still), so I'll save you all the grief and just forgoe that small task.
I met my 2 week goal a little early and so I've just set a new goal for the next 2 weeks. Keeping them very reasonable but if I continue to meet them early, then it's too reasonable and I'll have to bump it.
Continuing to work out almost every day. I've unlocked all the extra tiles/games/activities. I'm really enjoying the Yoga and strength exercises. I saw another WII Fit exercise program called Personal Coach but I'm holding off on buying that until I start working again. And the SU and I started looking at fold up treadmills, something that will easily fit into the Solarium and can be folded up when not needed.
As well, the SU is finally getting his teeth fixed this coming week. He's been waiting for several years to get into the program offered by a local Universities Dental school, as that will save him about 75% of the cost of going to a commercial dentist. It's a lot of money but his benefits cover some of it and even though I'm not working, we can't pass this opportunity up, as he'd have to wait years to come back to the top of the list again. We're going ahead with it, not even an option not too. Plus he's saved for it, seperately from out emergency funds.
It's Dinner time, tonight's menu includes home made garlic bread, made with fennel seed dinner roles, fettucini in a home made tomatoe/pepper sauce with meatballs. Whatever is on your menu, enjoy the meal, enjoy the company and enjoy yourselves. Bon Appetite.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
It's Tuesday and this definitely isn't Belgium
The weather is turning. Well for a few days anyway. It's the February thaw. Temps are on the rise and the mountains of snow are melting.
In one respect I'm thankful to be unemployed as it means that I won't be wading to work as I cross streets and wait for buses. Still I think I'd rather be working.
Yesterday I found a listing for a magazine (an e-magazine) editor. I won't really give details but it sounded like such a fun job. I applied for it even though I don't have the qualifications they're looking for.
As I was reading the proposed duties for this position it suddenly occurred to me that I'd really enjoy that role.
I drafted a kick ass cover letter, one that tried to link my training experience to the editing process. I do have to edit lesson plans for publication - at least I did - even if it is my own work that I was editing. The job description talked about providing clear instructions (the role was to edit instructional documents) and I drew parallels between being a facilitator that eases learners through a process, guiding them to a successful finish and the editor ensuring that the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
It's out there, I know, and as I say I'm not directly qualified by still it sounds like an intriguing opportunity.
I haven't lost focus though, I am still looking in my core search area, but I'm trying to broaden that search a bit, to give me a greater range of opportunities. This is going against what the outplacement firm that is helping with my search suggested, as they suggested setting firm goals and limiting your search to within the guidelines needed to achieve those goals.
In any other economy, I could see the sense in that, but in this economy? with so many lay-offs and closures? I think that my goal is to get employed right now. Yes I would love a full time training position that is 5 minutes from my house but the reality is those jobs don't exist.
All of the networking opportunities that I've used via family, friends, old employees and former co-workers have led to naught. I think I need a new plan of attack.
I think I'll stop this post now, as I'm beginning to ramble a bit and my "work day" should begin. I have to make some calls, review the job boards, research some companies, draft a few letters and get my ass off this blog.
In one respect I'm thankful to be unemployed as it means that I won't be wading to work as I cross streets and wait for buses. Still I think I'd rather be working.
Yesterday I found a listing for a magazine (an e-magazine) editor. I won't really give details but it sounded like such a fun job. I applied for it even though I don't have the qualifications they're looking for.
As I was reading the proposed duties for this position it suddenly occurred to me that I'd really enjoy that role.
I drafted a kick ass cover letter, one that tried to link my training experience to the editing process. I do have to edit lesson plans for publication - at least I did - even if it is my own work that I was editing. The job description talked about providing clear instructions (the role was to edit instructional documents) and I drew parallels between being a facilitator that eases learners through a process, guiding them to a successful finish and the editor ensuring that the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
It's out there, I know, and as I say I'm not directly qualified by still it sounds like an intriguing opportunity.
I haven't lost focus though, I am still looking in my core search area, but I'm trying to broaden that search a bit, to give me a greater range of opportunities. This is going against what the outplacement firm that is helping with my search suggested, as they suggested setting firm goals and limiting your search to within the guidelines needed to achieve those goals.
In any other economy, I could see the sense in that, but in this economy? with so many lay-offs and closures? I think that my goal is to get employed right now. Yes I would love a full time training position that is 5 minutes from my house but the reality is those jobs don't exist.
All of the networking opportunities that I've used via family, friends, old employees and former co-workers have led to naught. I think I need a new plan of attack.
I think I'll stop this post now, as I'm beginning to ramble a bit and my "work day" should begin. I have to make some calls, review the job boards, research some companies, draft a few letters and get my ass off this blog.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Saturday night at the ole homestead
It's Saturday night.
The spousal unit is working, his store is doing inventory, so it's all hands on deck.
So I'm bored.
I've been playing WII all day. The Legend of Zelda. I went through a whole section without saving, rookie mistake number one, let me tell you. Needless to say I ended up doing a huge section over again. I've been on the current section for about on hour and just got too frustrated with my inability to jump straight. I put the game away before I was forced to break something.
This is what I've been playing all day.
I'm so bored, in fact, that I just took a few minutes to clean out the hall closet. I disposed of about 12 pairs of shoes that were so ratty and worn that they weren't even worth saving. Friends say to donate all the old stuff to goodwill but when something is garbage it's garbage. I don't want to contribute to the landfills but really ratty old shoes that I wouldn't wear (and, right now, I'm poor)-- How can I expect someone else to wear them.
Don't cry for me Imelda. Even getting rid of 12 pairs, I still have 6 pair of flip flops, 3 dressy black, 2 dressy brown, several casual brown walking shoes, 3 work out shoes, shower shoes. Suffice to say I could open a damn shoe store.
Those are only mine, I haven't touched the spousal units yet, and he has more then I do/did.
I think it's time for a general new purge. I still have my comics that I had collected as a nerdy teen. Not worth a fortune but several hundred at least. My office, here at home (also our guest bedroom) has become a real library. Bookcases line the walls, all are full and I have books stacked up on other surfaces in the bedroom and in the office. So it's time to purge some of those as well. Probably my history and sports books. I used to read a lot of history, religion (and history of religion), sports and biographies as well as sci-fi and fantasy books. I have a large collection of American Civil war books. Some were good and very interesting. Others not so much.
It been years since I've looked at them though. So I think it's probably time to get rid of them. Kijiji or Craigslist? I tried selling stuff on ebay before but I had problems with one buyer and that just put me off the entire site.
As far as collectibles and nicknack's are concerned, I have all my Disney miniatures and I think I'll get rid of those as well. Maybe not sell them or try to sell them, just donate them to goodwill, I'm sure someone with young kids would enjoy having them.
Alright, it's time that I went back to cleaning. The closet is clean now and it's time to hit the kitchen.
The spousal unit is working, his store is doing inventory, so it's all hands on deck.
So I'm bored.
I've been playing WII all day. The Legend of Zelda. I went through a whole section without saving, rookie mistake number one, let me tell you. Needless to say I ended up doing a huge section over again. I've been on the current section for about on hour and just got too frustrated with my inability to jump straight. I put the game away before I was forced to break something.
This is what I've been playing all day.
I'm so bored, in fact, that I just took a few minutes to clean out the hall closet. I disposed of about 12 pairs of shoes that were so ratty and worn that they weren't even worth saving. Friends say to donate all the old stuff to goodwill but when something is garbage it's garbage. I don't want to contribute to the landfills but really ratty old shoes that I wouldn't wear (and, right now, I'm poor)-- How can I expect someone else to wear them.
Don't cry for me Imelda. Even getting rid of 12 pairs, I still have 6 pair of flip flops, 3 dressy black, 2 dressy brown, several casual brown walking shoes, 3 work out shoes, shower shoes. Suffice to say I could open a damn shoe store.
Those are only mine, I haven't touched the spousal units yet, and he has more then I do/did.
I think it's time for a general new purge. I still have my comics that I had collected as a nerdy teen. Not worth a fortune but several hundred at least. My office, here at home (also our guest bedroom) has become a real library. Bookcases line the walls, all are full and I have books stacked up on other surfaces in the bedroom and in the office. So it's time to purge some of those as well. Probably my history and sports books. I used to read a lot of history, religion (and history of religion), sports and biographies as well as sci-fi and fantasy books. I have a large collection of American Civil war books. Some were good and very interesting. Others not so much.
It been years since I've looked at them though. So I think it's probably time to get rid of them. Kijiji or Craigslist? I tried selling stuff on ebay before but I had problems with one buyer and that just put me off the entire site.
As far as collectibles and nicknack's are concerned, I have all my Disney miniatures and I think I'll get rid of those as well. Maybe not sell them or try to sell them, just donate them to goodwill, I'm sure someone with young kids would enjoy having them.
Alright, it's time that I went back to cleaning. The closet is clean now and it's time to hit the kitchen.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
the search continues
I am continuing my job search, working some networks, getting the spousal unit to work his networks, and his co-workers networks. Scanning the job boards and industry boards for jobs. Looking at the news for companies that may be expanding (yeah good luck with that one) or just for opportunities to cold call (or cold mail) a company.
I think I'm doing everything right.
Still not one single bite.
I am not discouraged yet though.
We have some room to play and a few months before things become dire (finance wise) so we'll try to hang on and out last this.
In the meantime, the spousal unit bought me a WII and a WII Fit as my Christmas gift. I have been using it religiously each day since I received it which was a few weeks after the holidays, due to expected stock shortages right before Christmas.
Lest you think that I spend my whole day playing games when I should be looking for a job, think again. I do not touch the WII before 6PM every night, some nights not until around 10 but I try to keep it consistently within the same time frame.
So far, I haven't lost any weight, at least according to the scale in the WII Fit board but I do feel toner, tighter. I feel that my belly isn't sagging as much as it once did and my ass (always the first part of me to fit up) is looking fine!!! If I do say so myself.
The spousal unit and I both set up MIIs to begin the fit program but he hardly ever goes in to work out. The other day the WII Fit asked me to check on him and make sure he is OK since he hasn't worked out in a while. I about laughed my ass off.
I will continue to work out each day, as long as I am able to. At least the Yoga and Aerobics each day and targeted Strength training on alternate days.
I also realize that ultimately this is a toy and that I will need to move away from the "game" and into a real fitness routine at some point but it's a good, fun way to get me started again and so far I think it's helping.
I live in Toronto and I used to work out at the Y on Grosvenor in downtown Toronto, I miss it but my last job was outside the city limits in the the smaller community of Richmond Hill and I don't have a car. Being an inner city kid, my whole life, I've never really felt the need to own one. I do have a license and I do drive but I just rent when I need to. Getting from Richmond Hill down to the Y would have taken me a couple of hours on transit and then they Y is still 50 minutes by transit from my house. So I axed that. I did work out at a small gym in Richmond Hill for a while but I was still getting home around 9 each night, after leaving my house at 6:30 due to the 90 minute commute each way.
In my new job search I'm hoping to land something that is very close to either that Y or one of the other Y locations throughout the city. If I do, I will rejoin and work with the trainers there to develop a more rounded and complete training program.
Lots of plans and all predicated on finding that job. So back to work. As that is what finding the right job is - a job in and of itself.
Good luck to all in the same boat.
I think I'm doing everything right.
Still not one single bite.
I am not discouraged yet though.
We have some room to play and a few months before things become dire (finance wise) so we'll try to hang on and out last this.
In the meantime, the spousal unit bought me a WII and a WII Fit as my Christmas gift. I have been using it religiously each day since I received it which was a few weeks after the holidays, due to expected stock shortages right before Christmas.
Lest you think that I spend my whole day playing games when I should be looking for a job, think again. I do not touch the WII before 6PM every night, some nights not until around 10 but I try to keep it consistently within the same time frame.
So far, I haven't lost any weight, at least according to the scale in the WII Fit board but I do feel toner, tighter. I feel that my belly isn't sagging as much as it once did and my ass (always the first part of me to fit up) is looking fine!!! If I do say so myself.
The spousal unit and I both set up MIIs to begin the fit program but he hardly ever goes in to work out. The other day the WII Fit asked me to check on him and make sure he is OK since he hasn't worked out in a while. I about laughed my ass off.
I will continue to work out each day, as long as I am able to. At least the Yoga and Aerobics each day and targeted Strength training on alternate days.
I also realize that ultimately this is a toy and that I will need to move away from the "game" and into a real fitness routine at some point but it's a good, fun way to get me started again and so far I think it's helping.
I live in Toronto and I used to work out at the Y on Grosvenor in downtown Toronto, I miss it but my last job was outside the city limits in the the smaller community of Richmond Hill and I don't have a car. Being an inner city kid, my whole life, I've never really felt the need to own one. I do have a license and I do drive but I just rent when I need to. Getting from Richmond Hill down to the Y would have taken me a couple of hours on transit and then they Y is still 50 minutes by transit from my house. So I axed that. I did work out at a small gym in Richmond Hill for a while but I was still getting home around 9 each night, after leaving my house at 6:30 due to the 90 minute commute each way.
In my new job search I'm hoping to land something that is very close to either that Y or one of the other Y locations throughout the city. If I do, I will rejoin and work with the trainers there to develop a more rounded and complete training program.
Lots of plans and all predicated on finding that job. So back to work. As that is what finding the right job is - a job in and of itself.
Good luck to all in the same boat.
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