I think things will be rather interesting as my parents celebrate their 20th year anniversary this month on the 23rd. I still fondly remember being a total idiot standing on a rock when we first met Skip and shouting Echo into the park as loud as I could. I fondly remember this because I was 18 and a total twit. I fondly remember it because I'm not the person any more....much. ;)
I've had some very positive experiences over the last few weeks. I'm writing, though I'm spending more time blogging than writing fiction, still I'm easily going to meet my first goal for the year and probably the second. I'm enjoying a wide variety of social activities including hanging with friends, playoncon etc. Still, dating is not as strong now as it was earlier, but I almost wonder if some of that is internal given my rather firm plans to leave Atlanta after this contract is done.
The job goes well. Kind of slower than I'd like but honestly I'd never be happy unless I was slammed every minute of every day. There is a kind of rush to solving problems I truly enjoy, and I'm pretty good under pressure. No, strike that, I'm excellent under almost any kind of pressure. And I'm a lot better than I was before, which wasn't too bad.
I've had a few situations I'm not going to mention turn out rather well, and I have a lot of hope in others. Basically life is going very well. Not perfectly. Not without risks, but on the whole very well. Going to visit family this weekend in Houston. It should be interesting since I'm playing "Big T" the villian in the family movie. He's a bit cliche, but the Villain is the one who makes the story move. :) Plus this is a family renunion movie, not Citizen Kane. I'm also thoroughly impressed by my niece Melanie who wrote the script.
When I was a year younger I wrote a script I sent to Spielberg. I'm sure I've got it buried somewhere, but the thing that always stands out in my mind is this:
EXT: Kids ride up on bikes to a large statue holding a sword.
Kid #1: Wow, how'd that get there?
Kid #2: It wasn't there before.
Tom: I wonder if there is a way inside?
Yes, that's right. I put myself into my own damned script. Some day (maybe in a year or two) if I feel I'm getting too full of myself I'll find it and dust it off, and have it performed for the podcast in a whole new demonstration of awfulness.
None of which was in Melanie's script, and more importantly there were over 20+ characters that have rather rolls in it. And its a rather clever premise too. I'll post the link on youtube when its ready. It will also be great to see Brett after he's been gone for two years. It will be interesting seeing a recently returned missionary from my current perspective.
Let's see... I earned my Green Belt. I am quite pleased of that accomplishment. Speaking of Movies, I've finally finished and posted the reshoot of Dueling Morons. Took FOREVER mainly due to a rather anemic and sickly computer which Greg fixed. I still need to rerender tomorrow to include a credit I missed/did not have in the first pass. It has some glitches so I doubt I'll be submitting it to film festivals, though we'll see. Maybe.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
On the Job
Well it has been a hell of a month. So the new job is working well. Its been a slow start but things are starting to finally pick up, which is good. In a contract I am always pleased when I have stuff to do, because that means that there is work, and while there is work, I get paid. I have some concerns still that it will end early, but I’ll have a better idea what the actual length of the contract will be as compared to what I’ve been told it will be in about two weeks. I’ve heard all different kinds of estimates, from the end of the year to march to perm to hire. But I know that while they want to hire more people they are generally understaffed for perm employees, but this project is so huge they’ve had to bring on contractors. One of my four bosses (yes….four bosses. ) really likes my BA and PM work and wants to expand my work but not at the expense of the existing BA. The existing BA is a solid guy and will be the one setting my day to day schedule. He is slammed on a regular basis so I might get some more BA work as well which would be helpful. If I have BA or PM work in addition to Tech Writing work, there is no doubt in my mind that I’ll be able to be in this contract until March of next year. Otherwise, I suspect it will last until November.
Which segues nicely into my ‘long term plans.’ A solid perm job is something I don’t want to turn down if it comes up, despite my desires to move to the West, but I honestly just don’t see that possibility here. I’d like it to be such, but I’m not holding my breath. I do, however see the strong possibility of some absolutely excellent references. I had lunch with another of my bosses, who gave me absolutely vital information on the PMP. My current priority is to rebuild my reserve such that if the contract ends, then I can move instantly. By my estimates, especially with several imminent expenses coming up in the next two weeks, that’s going to be the end of October. After that, I’m going to start gunning for the PMP which it looks like I can take. I am still firmly committed to trying to achieve my goal to take the PMP this year, it’s just looking like it will be in December. I’m studying for it now just in case.
Had an excellent date last weekend. It was only a first date but I’d like there to be a second. She has a daughter home for the summer so they’re out of town this weekend. I’m out of town the weekend after that so this might be a situation where there is chemistry but the timing doesn’t work out. I’ll try a weekday next week maybe but we’ll see.
I have been formally approved to take my Green Belt tomorrow. I am very psyched. First of all because I’ve worked my ass off for this, and second of all because it is one of my life goals, the ‘big’ ones, and the green belt is the threshold I set for matched success. I like these guys enough that I’m probably going to at least finish out the year though I have already decided I am not doing this for another FIVE YEARS to become a black belt. Still, I have learned a lot and it is great fitness.
Writing is going exceptionally well. I’m meeting my goal of writing a thousand words a day. I’ve finished several stories this year. I’m having a short story that’s been chosen for a widely heard podcast called “Smoke and Mirrors” tomorrow night (I’ll post the link tomorrow). I’ve also been selected for the World Con writer’s track and I’ll have some professional writer’s helping evaluate my fiction. Finally, the feature film I wrote the script for, “The Sentinel Chronicles: Dawn of the Apocalypse” has been finished and will be airing soon. I’m looking for two or three more web series to write for as well since I’ve decided I really like that. I’m going to write a short film script (sci fi) based on the short story that was accepted to World Con’s writer’s track and also a feature film based on….???? But it will be set in the ‘real world’ though beyond that I don’t know.
Which segues nicely into my ‘long term plans.’ A solid perm job is something I don’t want to turn down if it comes up, despite my desires to move to the West, but I honestly just don’t see that possibility here. I’d like it to be such, but I’m not holding my breath. I do, however see the strong possibility of some absolutely excellent references. I had lunch with another of my bosses, who gave me absolutely vital information on the PMP. My current priority is to rebuild my reserve such that if the contract ends, then I can move instantly. By my estimates, especially with several imminent expenses coming up in the next two weeks, that’s going to be the end of October. After that, I’m going to start gunning for the PMP which it looks like I can take. I am still firmly committed to trying to achieve my goal to take the PMP this year, it’s just looking like it will be in December. I’m studying for it now just in case.
Had an excellent date last weekend. It was only a first date but I’d like there to be a second. She has a daughter home for the summer so they’re out of town this weekend. I’m out of town the weekend after that so this might be a situation where there is chemistry but the timing doesn’t work out. I’ll try a weekday next week maybe but we’ll see.
I have been formally approved to take my Green Belt tomorrow. I am very psyched. First of all because I’ve worked my ass off for this, and second of all because it is one of my life goals, the ‘big’ ones, and the green belt is the threshold I set for matched success. I like these guys enough that I’m probably going to at least finish out the year though I have already decided I am not doing this for another FIVE YEARS to become a black belt. Still, I have learned a lot and it is great fitness.
Writing is going exceptionally well. I’m meeting my goal of writing a thousand words a day. I’ve finished several stories this year. I’m having a short story that’s been chosen for a widely heard podcast called “Smoke and Mirrors” tomorrow night (I’ll post the link tomorrow). I’ve also been selected for the World Con writer’s track and I’ll have some professional writer’s helping evaluate my fiction. Finally, the feature film I wrote the script for, “The Sentinel Chronicles: Dawn of the Apocalypse” has been finished and will be airing soon. I’m looking for two or three more web series to write for as well since I’ve decided I really like that. I’m going to write a short film script (sci fi) based on the short story that was accepted to World Con’s writer’s track and also a feature film based on….???? But it will be set in the ‘real world’ though beyond that I don’t know.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Mid Year Goal Check
As is my relatively new annual tradition, I check the progress of my goals in the middle of the year. Let's see how we're doing.
Goals for 2011.
Social
Make One Person As Happy As Possible (Besides Myself)
**Grade: A+ (And that's all I'll say about that....)
Visit with the Family at least once (likely to be the Family Reunion)
**Grade: A+ (Because I'm doing it twice....)
Spend Quality Time with Friends at least Twice a Month
**Grade: A+ (Excellent friends and spending plenty of time with them. Getting out of the house more than ever.)
Do a Good Turn Monthly
**Grade: A (Room for improvement here.)
Initiate Social Activities at least once a Quarter (Group Dates do not count for this)
**Grade: A (Attendance could be better for this...would be better if I had a house but its slowly progressing. Still technically fulfilled)
Career (New but Needed Category) (AKA "The 4th Life")
Gain a Stable Permanent Job I Like To Do That Pays Well
**Grade: C (A for Effort, F for results....since I'll be in the contract until the end of the year, BUT for a contract it looks to be quite fun)
Set up a consulting business for side Project Management Work
**Grade: Incomplete. Year's still out on this one but I hope to start this month or next month on it.
Continue Project Chrysalis with Mythic Imagination Institute
**Grade: B+ (I am no longer in charge of Project Chrysalis but I am doing Project Peabody for them and its going gangbusters)
Take the PRP in June 2011
**Grade: C (There is still hope of turning this into an A. There is a guy in my new contract who will help a lot with this but it turns out volunteer experience does NOT count towards getting your PMP...)
3rd Life
My Project: Project Dance Of Joy (Film)
**Grade: A+ (Re: As cover for party.....heheheheheh...I love it when a plan comes together.)
**Grade: F (The actual film went over like a lead balloon but I'm doing another later this year...)
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel Pi Project Management and Writing
**Grade: B (Went well mostly but then having half the actors diss me and go off the rails makes this a Not A....of course learning that Poison was sabotaging everything didn't help....)
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel 4.0 Project Management and Writing
**Grade: Incomplete. Factors external to my control determined this.
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel Podcast
**Grade: Incomplete. Factors external to my control determined this.
Learn To Edit
**Grade: B (My computer died but I have it back now)
Finish Editing Dueling Morons
**Grade: B- (I had a nearly working copy but lost it. Now I have a chance to turn this into an A by the end of the year)
2nd Life
Write 75000 words
**1/2 done. Grade: A (including certain game related writing.)
*Increasing this goal to 180000 words before the end of the year. I can write a lot more than this and should.
Decide if I like the 5th novel by the 15th of Jan. If not start another by Feb 1. If not then 5 Short Stories + 1 Feature Length Film
**Grade: A
*3 Short stories written, no feature film written but that can be rectified by the end of the year.
Finish the Graphic Novel (Est 5000 more words)
**Grade: A+ Finished. Working on draft.
Affiliated Project: Maintain at least 90% post rate on Nerdgasm
**Grade: B. I quit half way through due to time issues but completed whilst I was doing it.
Help at least 3 people with their writing, either to start or to help them edit.
**Grade: B+. I made an excellent effort but cooperation was required on this one and I rarely got it. People lead busy lives.
1rst Life - Retired.
Publish T7 Project (Now mostly done.)
**Grade: C- (A+++ for effort, F for results. Not QUITE dead yet but this may well be a failure by the end of the year)
Physical
Get at least 3 more belts in Karate
**2 belts achieved. On track for third.
Decide then: Either 2 (5 total) belts in Karate OR Start a New Martial Arts OR Start Yoga
**Grade: Not yet relevant.
Continue Weight Training OR Start Cross Training OR Start Free Weights
**Grade: B. Free weights. I'm averaging 1.5 times a week. Room for improvement.
Cardio 2 additional times per week
**Grade: B. Hiking once a week plus walking. Room for improvement.
Mental
Read 12 Non Fiction Books
**Grade: B- (Time to improve but only 4 read so far. Behind.)
Read 12 Non Sci Fi/Fantasy Fiction (at least 2 of which should be classics)
**Grade: B- (3 read so far. No classics.)
Read 12 Sci Fi/Fantasy Fiction
**Grade: A (And with the Hugo package easily done.)
Do Something to improve my creativity (?????)
**Grade: A
Learn a New Skill
**Grade: N/A (hope to pick up in August)
Spiritual
Read at least one major religious text of a religion that is not my own that I have not read before.
**Grade: B (Not major but spiritual. Hope to complete by the end of the year.)
Meditate/Pray at least 3 times a week
**Grade: A
Emotional
Be More Generous
**Grade: A
Be More Kind
**Grade: A
Stop Talking about Dark Things
**Grade: B+
Withdraw From Politics as Much as Reasonably Possible
**Grade: B
Incidental
*Go to Gencon OR San Diego Comicon OR World Con OR Dragon Con
**Grade: A+ (2 out of 3 is excellent here.)
*Go on at least 6 'weekend' trips, ideally at least one per month.
**Grade: A+ (3 done so far.)
*Go to NYC for at least 3 days (will count as one of the above trips)
**Grade: F (Not done so far....still time but looking less likely....)
*Make CONCRETE plans to go to France in 2012 (or 2011 if realistically possible)
**Grade: C (Time to finish but looking less likely....but due to factors not of my own making)
*Spend at least 20 hours at the range improving either pistol OR rifle OR shot gun skills.
**Grade: F. Haven't been to the range at all.
*Obtain the Following: A decent couch, a gaming console of some kind (likely a Wii), 10 DVD's for my permanent collection, a piece of original art and something to advance one of my other goals in a meaningful way.
**Grade: A (Just need 5 more DVD's to complete this...)
*Do at least one major good deed entirely anonymously. (Besides acknowledging completion of the goal in the assessment)
**Grade: C
*Finish the Graphic Novel script and work with Liz to edit as needed.
**Grade: A
*Finish the 4th Novel with Ken and help him market it as needed.
**Grade: A- (not finished with the final edit, but I've finished all my received chapters and we're marketing it...)
Life Goals - "At some point"
1. See the Louvre.
**Keep. Slated 2011-2013.
2. Travel around the world on a way way trip. Japan, Australia, India, Egypt, London, Italy and Hawaii.
** Goal to see all by 2017.
3. Learn a martial art.
**Partially done. 3 more belts will qualify as 'done.' 2011.
4. Competitively enter a fencing competition.
**Slated 2012.
5. Assemble a band for a tour based on music written by me.
6. Start a succesful business.
"Start" in 2011-2012. "Success" is determined in this case by an operating profit of 400% invested capital or $10000. 2011-2015. Otherwise 'failure' and goal removed from dock.
7. Learn a musical instrument.
8. Sculpt something memorable.
9. Create or help create a graphic novel.
**Nearly completed. Honestly the draft as is is good enough to call this complete, but I want to be sure.
10. Own a plane, sailboat, taught or ultralight and learn to pilot/sail it.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done.
13. Go on a cruise.
**2012.
14. Organize a convention on SOMETHING.
16. Build a house (not necessarily my own.)
17. Own my own home (all own, no mortgage)
18. Have a room with a secret passage
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
26. Live the fifth life (who knows what that is)
**Have some ideas on this.
27. Ditto the sixth.
28. Ditto the seventh.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
**Reshoot of Dueling Morons does not count as another completed film.
If the right door opens....(ie interesting goals that either depend on another person or a significant amount of wealth that may never happen but that I want to write down)
29. Marry the Right Person.
30. Establish a business empire dedicated to a not for profit foundation.
31. Visit (but do not live in) Space.
32. Buy my own island.
35. Create a functional and profitable news network that actually produces what is independent.
36. Create an institution to focus on pure research.
38. "" Neurological regeneration.
39. Paid Angel agents to quietly and anonymously do good.
40. Create a series of libraries (10) dedicate to principles original to libraries. Secular sanctuaries and temples to knowledge.
43. Breed dogs to live twice as long
**Strangely some people are surprisingly responsive to this. This might move to more realistic within 3-4 years when/if I own a house.
44. Create 3 patents.
45. Own and that is entirely self sufficient w. energy, food and other items.
46. Become a Father.
Goals for 2011.
Social
Make One Person As Happy As Possible (Besides Myself)
**Grade: A+ (And that's all I'll say about that....)
Visit with the Family at least once (likely to be the Family Reunion)
**Grade: A+ (Because I'm doing it twice....)
Spend Quality Time with Friends at least Twice a Month
**Grade: A+ (Excellent friends and spending plenty of time with them. Getting out of the house more than ever.)
Do a Good Turn Monthly
**Grade: A (Room for improvement here.)
Initiate Social Activities at least once a Quarter (Group Dates do not count for this)
**Grade: A (Attendance could be better for this...would be better if I had a house but its slowly progressing. Still technically fulfilled)
Career (New but Needed Category) (AKA "The 4th Life")
Gain a Stable Permanent Job I Like To Do That Pays Well
**Grade: C (A for Effort, F for results....since I'll be in the contract until the end of the year, BUT for a contract it looks to be quite fun)
Set up a consulting business for side Project Management Work
**Grade: Incomplete. Year's still out on this one but I hope to start this month or next month on it.
Continue Project Chrysalis with Mythic Imagination Institute
**Grade: B+ (I am no longer in charge of Project Chrysalis but I am doing Project Peabody for them and its going gangbusters)
Take the PRP in June 2011
**Grade: C (There is still hope of turning this into an A. There is a guy in my new contract who will help a lot with this but it turns out volunteer experience does NOT count towards getting your PMP...)
3rd Life
My Project: Project Dance Of Joy (Film)
**Grade: A+ (Re: As cover for party.....heheheheheh...I love it when a plan comes together.)
**Grade: F (The actual film went over like a lead balloon but I'm doing another later this year...)
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel Pi Project Management and Writing
**Grade: B (Went well mostly but then having half the actors diss me and go off the rails makes this a Not A....of course learning that Poison was sabotaging everything didn't help....)
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel 4.0 Project Management and Writing
**Grade: Incomplete. Factors external to my control determined this.
Affiliated Projects: Sentinel Podcast
**Grade: Incomplete. Factors external to my control determined this.
Learn To Edit
**Grade: B (My computer died but I have it back now)
Finish Editing Dueling Morons
**Grade: B- (I had a nearly working copy but lost it. Now I have a chance to turn this into an A by the end of the year)
2nd Life
Write 75000 words
**1/2 done. Grade: A (including certain game related writing.)
*Increasing this goal to 180000 words before the end of the year. I can write a lot more than this and should.
Decide if I like the 5th novel by the 15th of Jan. If not start another by Feb 1. If not then 5 Short Stories + 1 Feature Length Film
**Grade: A
*3 Short stories written, no feature film written but that can be rectified by the end of the year.
Finish the Graphic Novel (Est 5000 more words)
**Grade: A+ Finished. Working on draft.
Affiliated Project: Maintain at least 90% post rate on Nerdgasm
**Grade: B. I quit half way through due to time issues but completed whilst I was doing it.
Help at least 3 people with their writing, either to start or to help them edit.
**Grade: B+. I made an excellent effort but cooperation was required on this one and I rarely got it. People lead busy lives.
1rst Life - Retired.
Publish T7 Project (Now mostly done.)
**Grade: C- (A+++ for effort, F for results. Not QUITE dead yet but this may well be a failure by the end of the year)
Physical
Get at least 3 more belts in Karate
**2 belts achieved. On track for third.
Decide then: Either 2 (5 total) belts in Karate OR Start a New Martial Arts OR Start Yoga
**Grade: Not yet relevant.
Continue Weight Training OR Start Cross Training OR Start Free Weights
**Grade: B. Free weights. I'm averaging 1.5 times a week. Room for improvement.
Cardio 2 additional times per week
**Grade: B. Hiking once a week plus walking. Room for improvement.
Mental
Read 12 Non Fiction Books
**Grade: B- (Time to improve but only 4 read so far. Behind.)
Read 12 Non Sci Fi/Fantasy Fiction (at least 2 of which should be classics)
**Grade: B- (3 read so far. No classics.)
Read 12 Sci Fi/Fantasy Fiction
**Grade: A (And with the Hugo package easily done.)
Do Something to improve my creativity (?????)
**Grade: A
Learn a New Skill
**Grade: N/A (hope to pick up in August)
Spiritual
Read at least one major religious text of a religion that is not my own that I have not read before.
**Grade: B (Not major but spiritual. Hope to complete by the end of the year.)
Meditate/Pray at least 3 times a week
**Grade: A
Emotional
Be More Generous
**Grade: A
Be More Kind
**Grade: A
Stop Talking about Dark Things
**Grade: B+
Withdraw From Politics as Much as Reasonably Possible
**Grade: B
Incidental
*Go to Gencon OR San Diego Comicon OR World Con OR Dragon Con
**Grade: A+ (2 out of 3 is excellent here.)
*Go on at least 6 'weekend' trips, ideally at least one per month.
**Grade: A+ (3 done so far.)
*Go to NYC for at least 3 days (will count as one of the above trips)
**Grade: F (Not done so far....still time but looking less likely....)
*Make CONCRETE plans to go to France in 2012 (or 2011 if realistically possible)
**Grade: C (Time to finish but looking less likely....but due to factors not of my own making)
*Spend at least 20 hours at the range improving either pistol OR rifle OR shot gun skills.
**Grade: F. Haven't been to the range at all.
*Obtain the Following: A decent couch, a gaming console of some kind (likely a Wii), 10 DVD's for my permanent collection, a piece of original art and something to advance one of my other goals in a meaningful way.
**Grade: A (Just need 5 more DVD's to complete this...)
*Do at least one major good deed entirely anonymously. (Besides acknowledging completion of the goal in the assessment)
**Grade: C
*Finish the Graphic Novel script and work with Liz to edit as needed.
**Grade: A
*Finish the 4th Novel with Ken and help him market it as needed.
**Grade: A- (not finished with the final edit, but I've finished all my received chapters and we're marketing it...)
Life Goals - "At some point"
1. See the Louvre.
**Keep. Slated 2011-2013.
2. Travel around the world on a way way trip. Japan, Australia, India, Egypt, London, Italy and Hawaii.
** Goal to see all by 2017.
3. Learn a martial art.
**Partially done. 3 more belts will qualify as 'done.' 2011.
4. Competitively enter a fencing competition.
**Slated 2012.
5. Assemble a band for a tour based on music written by me.
6. Start a succesful business.
"Start" in 2011-2012. "Success" is determined in this case by an operating profit of 400% invested capital or $10000. 2011-2015. Otherwise 'failure' and goal removed from dock.
7. Learn a musical instrument.
8. Sculpt something memorable.
9. Create or help create a graphic novel.
**Nearly completed. Honestly the draft as is is good enough to call this complete, but I want to be sure.
10. Own a plane, sailboat, taught or ultralight and learn to pilot/sail it.
11. Write seven novels.
**4 of 7 done.
13. Go on a cruise.
**2012.
14. Organize a convention on SOMETHING.
16. Build a house (not necessarily my own.)
17. Own my own home (all own, no mortgage)
18. Have a room with a secret passage
23. Be in a flash mob dance number.
26. Live the fifth life (who knows what that is)
**Have some ideas on this.
27. Ditto the sixth.
28. Ditto the seventh.
47. Finish 7 films. (3 out of 7 completed).
**Reshoot of Dueling Morons does not count as another completed film.
If the right door opens....(ie interesting goals that either depend on another person or a significant amount of wealth that may never happen but that I want to write down)
29. Marry the Right Person.
30. Establish a business empire dedicated to a not for profit foundation.
31. Visit (but do not live in) Space.
32. Buy my own island.
35. Create a functional and profitable news network that actually produces what is independent.
36. Create an institution to focus on pure research.
38. "" Neurological regeneration.
39. Paid Angel agents to quietly and anonymously do good.
40. Create a series of libraries (10) dedicate to principles original to libraries. Secular sanctuaries and temples to knowledge.
43. Breed dogs to live twice as long
**Strangely some people are surprisingly responsive to this. This might move to more realistic within 3-4 years when/if I own a house.
44. Create 3 patents.
45. Own and that is entirely self sufficient w. energy, food and other items.
46. Become a Father.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Employment and other situations
I have a job. It is a 6-9 month technical writing contract with the Weather Channel. I start on the 5th of July. The interview went well but I had to do a 'homework' assignment, which was kind of a pain because it took six hours to do, but I had do do it that way because I did not know how much time the other guy was going to spend on his. It got me the job and at the least is useful for a portfolio piece. Plus if someone else gets a similar idea I can say, "Well I can do that, but before I do, lookit this, I did it in six hours." I had people help me review it and it was very helpful. Having good friends is very helpful indeed.
I am hoping to restart my podcast this Thursday night, we'll see if I'm successful. I am also trying to get as many goals as I can done before my mid year goal assessment. So far I'm doing pretty well with most of them, having really only dropped the seven timelines goal...and I keep considering taking that one up again. Maybe.
For various reasons, including the fact that I'm employed now, I'm trying to get the most out of live, using my car to go to many events and friends. I've been going to weekly game night with Eisen, weekly poker night at Patrick's and I'll be starting a weekly campaign with Russel. I'm still in Karate though I'm a bit behind but can still make my goal of getting a green belt this cycle. I like it a lot but I'll make an assessment at the end of July to keep doing that, go to another Martial art or do Yoga. I do like the people at Atlanta Kick A LOT and they're fun and good teachers.
This weekend I also went to a Midsummer festival, which was quite fun. Met Eisen and Will there at random, which was more fun. I got a few extra articles for a leather armorish thing I bought at Dragoncon. Its currently my facebook picture and it looks awesome. Though speaking of Dragoncon, now that I'm staying in Atlanta, I need to see if I can get a ticket. Weird things are going on on the website, but I will call them tomorrow and find out what's up. $120....wow. Should have bought my tickets on the cheap last year at the end of the con. I'm looking forward to World Con in August even though because I'm starting a new job it is limiting the days I can ask for off to be with Dad and Brett as they visit Houston. But I should at least be able to visit there for a weekend. That, and the world con tickets were purchased months ago and are non refundable :/
Last weekend, I took Skip to Father's day dinner at the Raging Burrito. It went well. Also went on a day hike with Russell, Amelia, Alex, Claire, Sean and Will and it was 2.5 miles either way. Trying to go on Russell's weekly hikes more. Karate keeps me in shape but I need to do more cardio and more weigh lifting. I'm still hopeful to make my goal of weighing 250 by the end of the summer.
Writing is going well. Writing my first non sci fi short story (not written in HS) and its turning out quite well. I still need to write the novel summary for Novel 4 (a decent one that is.)
I am hoping to restart my podcast this Thursday night, we'll see if I'm successful. I am also trying to get as many goals as I can done before my mid year goal assessment. So far I'm doing pretty well with most of them, having really only dropped the seven timelines goal...and I keep considering taking that one up again. Maybe.
For various reasons, including the fact that I'm employed now, I'm trying to get the most out of live, using my car to go to many events and friends. I've been going to weekly game night with Eisen, weekly poker night at Patrick's and I'll be starting a weekly campaign with Russel. I'm still in Karate though I'm a bit behind but can still make my goal of getting a green belt this cycle. I like it a lot but I'll make an assessment at the end of July to keep doing that, go to another Martial art or do Yoga. I do like the people at Atlanta Kick A LOT and they're fun and good teachers.
This weekend I also went to a Midsummer festival, which was quite fun. Met Eisen and Will there at random, which was more fun. I got a few extra articles for a leather armorish thing I bought at Dragoncon. Its currently my facebook picture and it looks awesome. Though speaking of Dragoncon, now that I'm staying in Atlanta, I need to see if I can get a ticket. Weird things are going on on the website, but I will call them tomorrow and find out what's up. $120....wow. Should have bought my tickets on the cheap last year at the end of the con. I'm looking forward to World Con in August even though because I'm starting a new job it is limiting the days I can ask for off to be with Dad and Brett as they visit Houston. But I should at least be able to visit there for a weekend. That, and the world con tickets were purchased months ago and are non refundable :/
Last weekend, I took Skip to Father's day dinner at the Raging Burrito. It went well. Also went on a day hike with Russell, Amelia, Alex, Claire, Sean and Will and it was 2.5 miles either way. Trying to go on Russell's weekly hikes more. Karate keeps me in shape but I need to do more cardio and more weigh lifting. I'm still hopeful to make my goal of weighing 250 by the end of the summer.
Writing is going well. Writing my first non sci fi short story (not written in HS) and its turning out quite well. I still need to write the novel summary for Novel 4 (a decent one that is.)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Best Summer Ever. The Worst Summer Ever.
So for me I think my 'best summer ever' was probably the summer of 96 which actually kind of started horrible and had some horrible things happen in it but was still awesome. I was desperate to get a job that paid more than minimum wage, so I signed up with some room mates to sell crazy pest control contracts in San Francisco...only I didn't pass the 'sales personality' test, BUT the owner's cousin was one of my room mates (Gosh those guys were fun and cool, miss em...at any rate...) so they gave me a job as a technician with the caveat that I drive a truck. OK. I'd driven...like....5 years ago when I was 16 and took that class in High school....
Oh wait? Trucks a Clutch?
So I spend a month and a half driving around San Fran with the BROTHER of the owner who is this other cool guy, killing bugs, learning to drive a clutch, listening to radio disney between gigs, running crazy 14 hour days and having a blast.
First day out on my own I crash the truck (though in my defense it was old and the brakes suck....)....
Job over.
I came to Houston in utter shame and defeat, expecting to find another min wage job. Even Hilo auto parts wasn't hiring... (my boss there was cool even if the pay was not good).
Then Mom and Skip invited me to live with them for the summer and see if I could get a job.
You know...during the Olympics? Being a security guard for NBC Sports during the Olympics was awesome. :) In retrospect I should have used my ability to see more events like everyone else, but...oh well.
I also worked for a brief stint at Coca Cola which was also neat because I learned about working in an office, and the importance of branding.
So while I had less money than I'd hoped to earn, I got to do a LOT of cool things.
Is it possible to top that summer?
Dunno.
My deal with myself (I do things like that, the price of living too much in your own head) was that if the last two days went well this would be a positive blog, and if it went negatively, it would be a negative blog.
Its...complicated instead.
The job search is....well to put it bluntly I'll say 'not well', but 'not awful'. Having as many interviews as I've had and STILL no job is a bad sign. It makes me question the wisdom of my project management decision, if for no other reason than I'm stuck between worlds, and had I been at my last job another year I'd be in a much better position....I am tempted to strip all reference to Project Management at ALL from my resume and just search as a tech writer...but then I'm stuck in the same loop/dead end I've been for the last 12 years....
(sigh)
But I'm still getting calls from recruiters, even if most of them are for PM/BA positions that require another 2-3 years of experience than I have, so if somehow I can get more PM work then in 2-3 years I'll be sitting pretty with a solid stable career...
But...then there are other dark clouds on the horizon. I know some of my readers hate it when I'm cryptic, but in this case I have damn good reason to be. And these are pretty darn black clouds...life altering in fact.
But....I can't make the entire blog negative. Not entirely. Went back to Karate for the first time in 2 weeks yesterday. I'm just starting but I enjoy it greatly. People there are fun. Atlanta Kick = Teh Awesome.
Mythic Imagination Institute meeting tonight also went well. I'm glad I've met these people and wish I'd listened to Andrew and Bill earlier when talking about them....but I learn most things the hard way and slowly....at least things that matter.
Tuesday was a kickass day where I got a LOT done including sending out Novel 4 to 5 agents, realized I need to do a much better job with synopsis, realized I only tried to sell Novel 3 to 5 agents (ie not at all) so I should start selling it and Novel 2 all the more.....My failure to write a decent initial synopsis for Novel 4 is in my opinion a GOOD thing because it means I can learn and write good synopsis for Novels 2 AND 3 (even if...honestly they will still be much harder to sell...) (I'm not touching Novel 1 with a ten foot pole...if you want an acid trip induced purely by text, feel free to message me and I'll send a copy.) This shows the advantage of writing with a coauthor (for novel 4). Ken pointed out things I needed to fix in the synopsis.
Also today the sludge of damoclese (name coined by Mom) has been removed meaning people can start cleaning Grandma's house again. Also resolved a water issue Grandma was worried about. (The neighbor is a cool guy.)
All for now. More to come.
Oh wait? Trucks a Clutch?
So I spend a month and a half driving around San Fran with the BROTHER of the owner who is this other cool guy, killing bugs, learning to drive a clutch, listening to radio disney between gigs, running crazy 14 hour days and having a blast.
First day out on my own I crash the truck (though in my defense it was old and the brakes suck....)....
Job over.
I came to Houston in utter shame and defeat, expecting to find another min wage job. Even Hilo auto parts wasn't hiring... (my boss there was cool even if the pay was not good).
Then Mom and Skip invited me to live with them for the summer and see if I could get a job.
You know...during the Olympics? Being a security guard for NBC Sports during the Olympics was awesome. :) In retrospect I should have used my ability to see more events like everyone else, but...oh well.
I also worked for a brief stint at Coca Cola which was also neat because I learned about working in an office, and the importance of branding.
So while I had less money than I'd hoped to earn, I got to do a LOT of cool things.
Is it possible to top that summer?
Dunno.
My deal with myself (I do things like that, the price of living too much in your own head) was that if the last two days went well this would be a positive blog, and if it went negatively, it would be a negative blog.
Its...complicated instead.
The job search is....well to put it bluntly I'll say 'not well', but 'not awful'. Having as many interviews as I've had and STILL no job is a bad sign. It makes me question the wisdom of my project management decision, if for no other reason than I'm stuck between worlds, and had I been at my last job another year I'd be in a much better position....I am tempted to strip all reference to Project Management at ALL from my resume and just search as a tech writer...but then I'm stuck in the same loop/dead end I've been for the last 12 years....
(sigh)
But I'm still getting calls from recruiters, even if most of them are for PM/BA positions that require another 2-3 years of experience than I have, so if somehow I can get more PM work then in 2-3 years I'll be sitting pretty with a solid stable career...
But...then there are other dark clouds on the horizon. I know some of my readers hate it when I'm cryptic, but in this case I have damn good reason to be. And these are pretty darn black clouds...life altering in fact.
But....I can't make the entire blog negative. Not entirely. Went back to Karate for the first time in 2 weeks yesterday. I'm just starting but I enjoy it greatly. People there are fun. Atlanta Kick = Teh Awesome.
Mythic Imagination Institute meeting tonight also went well. I'm glad I've met these people and wish I'd listened to Andrew and Bill earlier when talking about them....but I learn most things the hard way and slowly....at least things that matter.
Tuesday was a kickass day where I got a LOT done including sending out Novel 4 to 5 agents, realized I need to do a much better job with synopsis, realized I only tried to sell Novel 3 to 5 agents (ie not at all) so I should start selling it and Novel 2 all the more.....My failure to write a decent initial synopsis for Novel 4 is in my opinion a GOOD thing because it means I can learn and write good synopsis for Novels 2 AND 3 (even if...honestly they will still be much harder to sell...) (I'm not touching Novel 1 with a ten foot pole...if you want an acid trip induced purely by text, feel free to message me and I'll send a copy.) This shows the advantage of writing with a coauthor (for novel 4). Ken pointed out things I needed to fix in the synopsis.
Also today the sludge of damoclese (name coined by Mom) has been removed meaning people can start cleaning Grandma's house again. Also resolved a water issue Grandma was worried about. (The neighbor is a cool guy.)
All for now. More to come.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Good Times
I don't have a job yet, but last Monday I had about four good leads pop up out of nowhere. Given how sparse the previous two weeks had been this was most welcome news. I had a face to face interview last Friday that seemed to go pretty well (I wasn't hired on the spot but I got the implication that a decision will be made soon) and I have a phone interview tomorrow and a face to face interview on Thursday, as well as two more recruiters that plan on talking to me tomorrow or very soon. I have what I call a 'recruiter' interview tomorrow in the afternoon.
Creatively speaking I've been able to make some progress but hardly a well of outpouring. I'm on the last chapter of the graphic novel, and while I had writer's block on it for a good chunk of last week I've slowly been able to make progress. I've also been working with Ken on the revision of the fourth novel. I've started my first 'non sci fi' story in many years, and its kind of fun but I'm not churning out pages. Last Tuesday was the two month anniversary since I was laid off, but fortunately a nice 'thank you' dinner from Allison (details classified) and a boy's night out at the bar with Russell were a rather welcome distraction.
I saw Thor on Thursday. It was pretty good. I do think it is more enjoyable if you know the comic and some of the things that are supposed to be going on in the background, but I think it would still be enjoyable regardless if you're a huge comic fan. Friday night I got my Advanced Gold belt. My goal is to at least get my green belt, which means next cycle I'll need to decide if I'm going to continue that or start taking Yoga. Both are incredibly beneficial. I'll make a decision soon.
I have been able to reconnect with a friend that I was previously estranged with, and I've made yet more insightful decisions. One of which is, some details and lessons are best kept private. :)
Creatively speaking I've been able to make some progress but hardly a well of outpouring. I'm on the last chapter of the graphic novel, and while I had writer's block on it for a good chunk of last week I've slowly been able to make progress. I've also been working with Ken on the revision of the fourth novel. I've started my first 'non sci fi' story in many years, and its kind of fun but I'm not churning out pages. Last Tuesday was the two month anniversary since I was laid off, but fortunately a nice 'thank you' dinner from Allison (details classified) and a boy's night out at the bar with Russell were a rather welcome distraction.
I saw Thor on Thursday. It was pretty good. I do think it is more enjoyable if you know the comic and some of the things that are supposed to be going on in the background, but I think it would still be enjoyable regardless if you're a huge comic fan. Friday night I got my Advanced Gold belt. My goal is to at least get my green belt, which means next cycle I'll need to decide if I'm going to continue that or start taking Yoga. Both are incredibly beneficial. I'll make a decision soon.
I have been able to reconnect with a friend that I was previously estranged with, and I've made yet more insightful decisions. One of which is, some details and lessons are best kept private. :)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Viewpoint Matters
So I've been acting deliriously happy for the last six weeks relative to my situation. There are lots of reasons for this and lots of lessons learned but here is the cliff notes version: Unless you are attempting to generate sympathy, moaning about the situation helps nothing, and you'd be wise to save those moments for when you truly need them....kind of like some people are reluctant to take Aspirin in too great a dose....and in truth, there is wisdom in this...I should know, because I took too much last October and the ringing still occasionally flits around my ears. ;)
I think the most valuable lesson I've learned is that our perspective really is subjective. You've heard that before, but its true. Its basically a matter of trying to construct your own reality, your own values and your own perceptions, while at the same time maintaining a grounded understanding of what is true for everyone else. For me in practical terms it means taking delight in the little things around me, making plans about what I might do that are bigger than the sky, and also small enough that I'll be able to do them no matter what my circumstance, and setting goals that I can achieve. I've been doing that for a long long time but I never realized how important it was. Of course I know about the subjective truth of things...but from an objective perspective I'm also working my ass off to find a job. In truth its the hardest job I have or ever do because it never really ends. You can always be doing more, and even more frustrating because most jobs come from a post to a job board that takes about two seconds to update a week by hitting the refresh button, meanwhile the task that I take hours and hours each day performing, sending out resumes, almost always accomplishing nothing....except, of course, giving me something to show for my efforts plus ten percent of recruiter calls actually DO come from placed resumes. Little lessons are learned each time this happens to me. :)
Small victories:
I'm getting my advanced yellow belt next week. (Exercize in dark situations is HUGE!)
I've lost 13 pounds in 6 weeks.
I've managed to shave about 60-70% off of my monthly budget by saving things in little ways....(Thanks Skip for the idea of storing all my public storage space in my closet!)
I've decided that playing role playing games is actually cool.
I have only had a mental break down once in the last two months...(For being unemployed, that's pretty good...trust me :) )
I've written two stories and have ideas for two more. And I'm well on my way toward keeping almost all of my yearly goals.
I've healed a friendship I thought was lost.
I've forgiven what I didn't have to forgive (not related to the above.)
I've been a force for good in at least 5 people's lives.
I've made the world a better place.
I successfully initiated Project Fluffy. (Nope, sorry that part is for me to know :) )
I've run several successful games online and had my favorite mush accept an interdimensional @#$@#$# bus driver...I mean, how awesome is that? :)
I've discovered and watched some rather remarkable movies and television shows and books...and grocked them rather well.
I've invented at least 4 different new ways to improve my job search so that its now more efficient than its ever been....my confidence remains high, such that even the most cynical part of me is forced to grudgingly admit minor possibility that things might somehow work out.
I know where I'm going with my life.
I also have at least two very solid leads on how to get what I most want.
I also have a rather solid and realistic plan to get what I most want after that, even if I don't get Plan A.
Aside from that....life is swell. TTYL.
I think the most valuable lesson I've learned is that our perspective really is subjective. You've heard that before, but its true. Its basically a matter of trying to construct your own reality, your own values and your own perceptions, while at the same time maintaining a grounded understanding of what is true for everyone else. For me in practical terms it means taking delight in the little things around me, making plans about what I might do that are bigger than the sky, and also small enough that I'll be able to do them no matter what my circumstance, and setting goals that I can achieve. I've been doing that for a long long time but I never realized how important it was. Of course I know about the subjective truth of things...but from an objective perspective I'm also working my ass off to find a job. In truth its the hardest job I have or ever do because it never really ends. You can always be doing more, and even more frustrating because most jobs come from a post to a job board that takes about two seconds to update a week by hitting the refresh button, meanwhile the task that I take hours and hours each day performing, sending out resumes, almost always accomplishing nothing....except, of course, giving me something to show for my efforts plus ten percent of recruiter calls actually DO come from placed resumes. Little lessons are learned each time this happens to me. :)
Small victories:
I'm getting my advanced yellow belt next week. (Exercize in dark situations is HUGE!)
I've lost 13 pounds in 6 weeks.
I've managed to shave about 60-70% off of my monthly budget by saving things in little ways....(Thanks Skip for the idea of storing all my public storage space in my closet!)
I've decided that playing role playing games is actually cool.
I have only had a mental break down once in the last two months...(For being unemployed, that's pretty good...trust me :) )
I've written two stories and have ideas for two more. And I'm well on my way toward keeping almost all of my yearly goals.
I've healed a friendship I thought was lost.
I've forgiven what I didn't have to forgive (not related to the above.)
I've been a force for good in at least 5 people's lives.
I've made the world a better place.
I successfully initiated Project Fluffy. (Nope, sorry that part is for me to know :) )
I've run several successful games online and had my favorite mush accept an interdimensional @#$@#$# bus driver...I mean, how awesome is that? :)
I've discovered and watched some rather remarkable movies and television shows and books...and grocked them rather well.
I've invented at least 4 different new ways to improve my job search so that its now more efficient than its ever been....my confidence remains high, such that even the most cynical part of me is forced to grudgingly admit minor possibility that things might somehow work out.
I know where I'm going with my life.
I also have at least two very solid leads on how to get what I most want.
I also have a rather solid and realistic plan to get what I most want after that, even if I don't get Plan A.
Aside from that....life is swell. TTYL.
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