Inspiration

Every time I hear the word "inspiration" I think of the Chicago song "You're the Inspiration" which is both a cool and sad take on the word. As I've gotten older, inspiration has become synonymous in my world with a precursor to greatness.

• Inspiration for innovation
• Inspiration for writing / singing / creating
• Inspiration to be a better person / parent / lover / friend
• Inspiration of others

The last probably being the greatest gift we as people can give - sharing our story, letting people know they aren't alone, reminding them they can accomplish greatness. 

I found inspiration for peace, trust, and faith reading The Alchemist. I read it while unemployed and in the serious throes of a discouraging job search. It inspired (and reminded) me to listen to my gut, trust in God's plan (or the universe if you're so inclined), and my "plan" doesn't matter - the right thing will come along when it's supposed to (in my case 3 weeks before my unemployment ran out, but I digress). 

What does inspiration mean to you?

"Worrying is the new candy"

Day 3 and although I'm a little late to the posting party - it still counts :)

Today's prompt is:

"Choose your favorite blog and put the 4th and 14th words in the following phrase: ______ is the new ______"

Are you freaking kidding me? Do you know how many 4th and 14th words in paragraphs before I got to  something that made sense (because "know is the new ear" makes absolutely no sense - even in Oz!)?

Anyway, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to give commentary on why or how I feel about this phrase, but I'll give it a shot.

Worrying is bad.
Candy is bad.
Worrying makes you anxious.
Candy makes you anxious (and hyper).
Worrying is not yummy.
Candy is SO yummy.
Worrying < Candy
So worrying can't be the new candy.

I worry this candy may haunt my dreams later. Mmmmmmmmmm CANDY!

Simply the Best

It's my second day in a row to post! Not a record, but YAY I'm back for another day (don't worry I'll only celebrate for a few more days).

Today's prompt courtesy of www.dailypost.wordpress.com is:
NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?

I prefer to answer this in list format (because I love lists!) and in no particular order:

Paderno World Cuisine Rouet Spiral Slicer

• cheese
• spiral veggie cutter (because seriously, who doesn't love noodle veggies?)
• microwave (hopefully, whoever finds it will have electricity)
• refrigerator
• air conditioner / heater
• indoor plumbing & shower
• music player (be it a cd or mp3 player)
• crop irrigation system
• sewing machine
• industrial manufacturing machines
• dry erase markers
• velcro
• sleep machine
• books

Okay, WiFi is pretty important too!

Ok - I don't want to make an exhaustive list because I don't know how big this spacecraft is. I love technology, but I don't think that it's necessarily the "best" of modern human culture. While it makes information more accessible and daily life easier - I feel lucky for some of the "given" things we take for granted (indoor plumbing, temperature regulators, mass manufacturing technology). While I could (and did) go without a phone / smartphone in my pocket, I don't think I would last too long in a world where I had to go outside and dig a hole to relieve myself. Plus technology fails - books are forever :)

What would you add or remove? 

It's been awhile

Wait... I think I have a post with this title already.  Oh well, I'm not feeling too original today. Ha!

I've decided that I need to write more and you 4 subscriber people get to benefit (or be tortured) by this decision. Thanks to my Writetastic Pinterest board I have no shortage for ideas (fair warning) so buckle up and ride along with me. I'd love to hear your super extra positive feedback :)

Today's prompt:
You get to spend a day inside your favorite movie. Tell us which one it is and what happens to you while you're there.

This one is a tough one - I have so many favorite movies. I guess I'd have to go with the one I use most often Back to the Future.

I'd love nothing more than to go back to November 5, 1955. My dad was 6 weeks old - nowhere near Hill Valley, California (I totally could've made it onto an Air Force Base in Panama, right?!). It would be awesome to see my grandmother again - especially as a young new mom - and meet my grandfather. Then I'd like to hurry up to Louisiana and to see my other grandparents. Although my mom wouldn't be born for 2 more years, getting to meet my grandfather (sadly, I never met either of my bio grandfathers - but I had a super awesome bonus grandfather) would also be pretty neat. Of course, I'd have to borrow the DeLorean but I could totally be low key in that, right?

After meeting up with my grandparents, I'd probably just hang with Marty. (Michael J Fox was indeed foxy in1985). Of course, I'd have to go back as the age I'm at now because 6-year-old me (circa July 1985) wouldn't be near as much fun as 36-year-old me (Shit! I'm feeling old!!).  I could help him defeat Biff and quite possibly even help him get his parents together sooner. Although my name IS Jennifer, I wouldn't want to play her part in the movie - she misses all of the action!

Ok - I'm seriously rusty! I clearly missed the point of the prompt, but I don't feel like telling a story today so you get what you get. At least I'm writing something.

Until tomorrow, friends!

xoxo

It's not you... It's me... Just kidding - It's You!

Most people hate awkward conversations. I am not the exception, but I think I might be from this point moving forward.

He may be an ass, but at least you know where you stand.

As you may know, I'm unemployed right now and deep in the throes of a job search. I didn't realize how much I had chronicled in this sparsely kept blog... eek! Before this time in my life, I had never ever been on a job interview and not gotten an offer. I've had LOTS of jobs (often 2 or 3 simultaneously) but I am by no means a job hopper.

Professionally speaking, I've stayed with my employers no less than 4 years, with the exception of the last one that just laid me off. That being said, I am a firm believer in the adage If you don't use it, you lose it. So, in an effort to keep myself sharp I would apply for jobs here and there. The opportunity had to interest me to the point that I could see myself leaving my current-at-the-time wonderful job. Inevitably it wouldn't be enough money, or the supervisor was a megalomaniac helicopter boss so I stayed put.

I promise I have a point and I'll make it soon!

In the event the person we hired
instead of you can't fulfil their duties...

This experience has been a real eye opener. I've met a lot of great people. Learned more about a few fabulous organizations.  Interviewed for some amazing opportunities. And the ones that have had the awkward conversation / email / letter it's been shared that I've been named runner-up for those amazing opportunities at the fabulous companies with the great people more times than I care to admit. Honestly, I'm okay with that - there's some stiff competition out there and I know some of them are better than me! 

My problem is with these fabulous organizations that don't bother to tell me that the job has been filled. Like it's some big secret.

Here's the deal - If I schlep myself out to your place of business, give you a great interview (or a shitty interview for that matter), and take the time to write thank you note / email and I'm not chosen for the position - let me know! I'm a big girl, I can take it. 

Not only is it free, it's respectful

There are more than a dozen organizations right now that if I were called and offered a job today (mind you my unemployment benefits expire in 5 short weeks) I would say thanks, but no thanks. 

It's about respect.

Respect for my time. Respect for my professionalism. Respect for me as a human being. 

Since good 'ol Bill Gates invented Microsoft Word and his buddy Al Gore gave us the internet it's never been easier to let someone know they didn't get a job. (Do you hear that HR people - it's called a mail merge?!? I'm willing to do a tutorial on it, just ask.). 

I guess I should give this back now...

I might be crazy for putting this out there since I'm still job searching, but the thing is - who wants to work for an organization that can't be bothered to tell someone who's spent time (the only truly non-renewable priceless resource we are afforded) that they position they applied for is filled. 

WOW! That was cathartic. I feel like I've just channeled Chevy Chase in the timeless holiday classic: Christmas Vacation -  Holy $H!7! Where's the Tylenol?

What you think vs What you know

When I went to work with a bunch of engineers at a local university, I figured

that I would be okay because my dad is an engineer and nothing can quite prepare you for working with an engineer like living with an engineer...

I grew up with a very analytical father (an engineer), I too am quite analytical but I lack the scientific brain to back it up so most of the minutia that I word vomit tends to be more subjective and creative. This is where I got into trouble. Fast forward to the university job.

I worked for one of the (seemingly) most intimidating men ever put on the face of the earth. Picture a 70-something Westpoint grad / former military interrogator / all-around bad ass that knows everyone in the defense contracting world and is very politically connected. We shall call him "Mr. Westpoint". 

I'm in a meeting with lots of executives and very important partners / stakeholders and Mr. Westpoint asks me a question about the capacity of a room for an event I'm planning. 

"I think it holds a maximum of 750 people for the set up we've been discussing." I reply in an innocent 27 year old wet-behind-the-ears fashion (because, ya know... I am).

Mr. Wespoint leans in and says really quietly, sternly and for the sole effect (I believe) of making my blood run stone cold "You think or you know."

HOLY SHIT!?!?

This is one of those situations that makes or breaks a person; I can feel it. I calmly look down and flip through my notes where I see, that YES - the room will hold 750 people in a classroom style setting. 

"I know it will hold 750 people in a classroom-style setting, Mr. Westpoint." I feel my face turning the color of a ripe strawberry, but I hold his gaze and speak with as much confidence as I can muster.

"Thank you." Mr. W replies and we move on.

Professionally speaking - that was the last time I started a sentence with "I think...". I realized that when you are looked to as a subject matter expert you can't afford to think you have to know. You're hired for a job because you have the expertise in that arena, repeatedly responding with your opinion or like you're guessing systematically chips away at your expertise. 

I don't want someone who thinks they know how to disarm a bomb - I want a freaking bomb disarming EXPERT! 

Do you agree? Do you have any similar stories? Did I leave anything out?

 

A watched phone doesn't ring

In case you didn't know, I'm unemployed right now. For the last 2 months I've been running around like a crazy person trying to apply, interview and seem right damn near perfect for any job I might remotely be qualified for / think I could get excited about. I've met a lot of great people. I've also decided there are some companies, locations, and people I'd rather not work for / with / at / in. This list will... not be published.

Last week, I waited by the phone to hear about a job that I *REALLY* want, at an awesome company, with (seemingly) fun and friendly people and it's right around the corner from my apartment (Trifecta, right?!?). I couldn't ask for anything more - except for them to call me. The candidate pool was narrowed to me and 2 others and I was interviewed last. I waited on pins and needles (not to mention the toilet - sorry for tmi) all week to hear back. I emailed a "thank you" on Friday after the interview. I dropped off personalized notes to the front desk receptionist on Tuesday. I emailed the decision maker on Thursday (just to make sure she got my note). All I've gotten?? Crickets. Now before I get flack for too much communication - it was all innocuous. Very quick, brief and to the point. I'm not trying to be annoying - just trying to find out if I got the job. Have I mentioned how much I REALLY want this job? 

Today I called my HR contact. That was an hour and seven minutes ago... tick tock! My stomach is in knots. I can barely think straight, much less concentrate on anything (it really is a good thing I don't have a full time job right now - although I doubt the pressure and anticipation would be at this level if I had a steady income). 

So back to phone watching... at Starbucks. Trying to get some contract work taken care of and test my telekinetic powers to WILL my phone to ring. Damnit!

Found this card and although I think it's geared towards a recent grad - I think it fits where I'm at right now. God help me if I'm still job seeking by Thanksgiving. Julian's bottom bunk - here I come!

Fake it til you make it

We've all been there. Maybe a little nervous about a meeting or new experience... In my line of work, there's always a little pit in my stomach about going to an event and meeting a ton of new people - and it's MY JOB! I've been doing it for so long, you'd think I would be long over it by now - but people are unpredictable. Maybe that's why the nerves get going. 

At any rate, I thought this little lion kitty was a great image to illustrate the importance of faking it until you make it.

There are some things you shouldn't fake (am I right, ladies?) but when it comes to traits you feel like you need for success: Courage, Image, a Sunny & Bright Disposition. Those things don't happen for all of us overnight. 

• Could you be depressed because you aren't telling yourself that you're happy? 
• Are you alone because you keep telling yourself that you don't deserve someone? 
• Are you missing out on a promotion at work because you "could never say your idea in front of all of those people" or to your "a-hole of a boss"? 

We hold ourselves back with our self-fulfilling prophecies. What if you started telling yourself that you are happy and you chose to focus on all of the wonderful things in your life? Day after day, focusing on and making the choice to be happy would get easier and easier - until one day you aren't faking it anymore. 

Imagine that!

I guess that's probably what professionals (or people much smarter than me) call building healthy habits. 

Ask yourself: Are Courage, my Image and a Sunny & Bright Disposition habits? 

Maybe, maybe not - but they sure as hell are comfort zones and comfort zones breed habits.

What new habits are you going to start breeding when you let go your fear of change?

First you're up, then you're down, then you're up again...

Last week, I was laid off from my job. I mean really LAID OFF! From my job. At a University. In a non-grant-funded position. 

L A I D  O F F

I've worked for a couple of universities, I've even worked in one of those grant-funded positions that make you crap your pants in anticipation every time they re-apply / re-up the grant (or worse yet, when the government threatens to shuts down) but in all those years, I always had a job. 


Until September 30th.

My co-workers and I knew something was happening when the president of our board called a meeting Monday afternoon, but it wasn't even close to what we thought. I should probably mention that tension has run high in my office because our boss was on her way out (not really by her choice) and we all *knew* it without *knowing* it. So 6 happy-go-lucky chumps walk into a meeting with members of our board and a couple of HR folks still thinking we were going to get an official statement about out boss. (Which did happen, as an afterthought.)

We were even more surprised than this!

Have you ever been in a meeting that you thought was going one way and you came out on the other end without a job? Yeah... it's like having the carpet pulled from under your feet (or at least what I imagine that would feel like). 

Have you ever found out that your current job situation was illegal? Again... SURPRISE! 

I should clarify - our jobs weren't illegal (this isn't Breaking Bad) but the whole administrative back end of our jobs became illegal because someone somewhere laundered some money or received a kickback or did something equally as heinous.

I should also mention - I've NEVER been without a job, or at least a plan for a job. EVER. 

Confusion. Day drinking. Tears. Fear. Tension. Stress. Anger. 

I felt all of these emotions. Sometimes within minutes of each other, wondering what I was going to do. Hell, I even contemplated moving in with my parents!!

Luckily, the organization I was working for illegally - legalized and offered us all our jobs back within days. Exciting, right?! Absolutely. Until I realized that I'm starting a new job. 

New Insurance. 
New PTO. 
New Benefits. 
New Paperwork. 
No Longevity... 
Oh & it wasn't my choice.

Don't get me wrong - I'm EXTREMELY grateful to have a job. MY JOB. (I LOVE my job). I'm just ready for the wind to die down and let me catch my breath. 

No one to crush on...

For a long time Bobby (the guy on the far left) was my big "My Boys" crush!

Last month, while house / dog sitting I decided to resurrect one of my FAVORITE shows (Thanks Netflix) "My Boys", and up came an episode about being in a slump - and boy could I relate! 

Everything in this show centers around how life mimics baseball, so when you aren't dating or crushing on anyone - you are in a slump. Couldn't agree more! My slump has lasted way longer than I'd like to admit but I digress...

What a difference a month makes!

You know, the Morton Salt Girl and I have something in common...

Except she gets salt. I apparently get boys coming out of the woodwork! (Notice I'm not complaining)

It's been so long since I've had a man actually courting me, that I forgot what it was like. I'm a little sad to report that it is not like riding a bike... okay well maybe it's like riding a bike you still remember the concept - but your center of balance has probably changed. 

So for now, I'm plugging along. Trying to enjoy the attention. Trying to enjoy 35. Trying to make sure I don't end up holding an umbrella when the next dry spell comes along.

New Apartment

So I've spent the last couple of days moving (way too much) stuff from my old house in Fort Worth to my new apartment in Grand Prairie. I've learned a few things:

1. I have way too much stuff
2. I hate moving
3. I'm still not done yet
4. My bicycle doesn't have a place outside
5. I left my toiletry box at the old house and washed my hair with body soap. But it was still amazeballs

Now to finish unloading my car in the morning and take one last trip to get stuff in Fort Worth. Then I get to unpack! Woo hoo!

Photos / Video to follow soon!

The Blazing Race

The Amazing Blazing Race - or at least that's how we do it where I work. 

The Slimsons BEFORE photo :)

Today, along with a couple of coworkers, I competed in a scavenger hunt of sorts all over the university where I'm employed.  In an effort to become less fat-tastic, I have tried to become more active - which goes really well with this Slimdown Competition work is hosting. Our team, The Slimsons, is working on getting into our skinny jeans and this race was part of the goal.

We chose the low impact route and DAMN I'm out of shape! (Like it was that big of a surprise!) 

As we went along though, I realized a couple of things:

1. When you're too fat, your back hurts BAD when you walk.
2. The more active you are, the better you feel. DUH
3. My coworkers are really fun people (I kind of already knew that...)
4. This campus is HUGE (and yes, I realize "That's what she said")
5. I don't care what that stupid piece of paper said - we walked more than 1.14 miles!

My encouragement to you today is to get out there and walk or run or bike or whatever you do to be active. Looking down at the scale and tipping it to the highest you've ever seen it with your two feet standing on top is not a happy place, friends! 

Remember: Fitness is FUN!

750 Words

As some of you know, I teach computer classes at an organization that serves women looking to improve their situations by learning a new skill (e.g. computers). I came across this organization following the death of two of my co-workers almost two years ago. I'm on my 3rd class and last night we finished up the keyboarding portion of our course - which means we're a third of the way done with the program! Time seriously flies!!!

Anywho, a common thread among some of these women is that at some point they've been victims of domestic violence. Sometimes they suffer from low self esteem or self worth. They've never had someone tell them that they could do something - they've always been put down. This is where my 750 words comes in.

Think back to a time when you were learning something... say keyboarding. I take for granted that (once we moved to Texas) the schools I attended had computers and we always had a computer in the house (Thanks Dad!) so keyboarding is a skill I never really put much thought into learning. Now, I can type upwards of 75 words per minute. 

One reason I'm a stronger typist than others is that I spend a lot of time writing / blogging / etc. So I've encouraged my students to start doing the same. 750words.com is a website developed on the idea of Morning Writings. The thought is that if you write three pages every morning (roughly 750 words) it frees your mind and allows you to think more clearly for the rest of the day. The added bonus is that if you're learning to type, you can get practice and comfort typing to your little heart's desire. 

The thing I L O V E about 750words.com is that it is completely private - unless you change the settings. They also give you fun statistics (nerd alert) about your writing and who doesn't love getting into their subconscious? The only downfall at this point, is that they're going to a paid only subscription to assist in offsetting the cost of running the site. It is very modestly priced but my point is that even if you don't use this particular platform - getting those pesky thoughts out of your head every morning really helps you become a more productive and creative person. 

Give it a try. You never know what you might find out about yourself. Even if it's just that you improve your typing speed :)

Spellstravaganza

As I mentioned yesterday, I participated in the 2013 Tarrant Literacy Coalition Corporate Spelling Bee along with my fellow teammates from Mayor Betsy Price's young leader initiative SteerFW. 

We came in 9th.

We were one of the last 2 teams on our "side" of the stage (out of 11)!

I'm proud of our team. I'm also proud that we didn't know the word gallimaufry - which I had NEVER heard before yesterday. In case you're like me, and didn't have a freaking CLUE what the word meant it means: hodgepodge. 

My first inclination was to think: why not just use the word hodgepodge? but that's not what spelling bees are all about.

Now, let's talk about our costumes! We were the "Stellar SteerFW Spellers". Originally, we wanted to have an aviation theme, but since Lockheed Martin was also participating, we went starry. As you can see - we mean business! Shelly (on the right) was gracious enough to raid Party City for all of their star-themed paraphernalia  We got so many compliments and comments on our costumes - it was well worth it.

Spelling Anxiety (aka Spell-ziety)

I'm participating in a Corporate Spelling Bee for the benefit of the Tarrant Literacy Coalition and I fear I'm in over my head. 

The competition is tonight, I've studied (yes, I use that term extremely loosely), I've worried, I've quizzed, I've indulged in spelling juice (aka wine). Now the time has come for me to bite the bullet, get up in front of a ballroom of professionals and leaders in my community

and make a complete and utter ass out of myself. 

Yes, friends. I'm probably the most nervous I've been about an activity in quite some time. I've spoken to crowds, performed in plays, played an instrument, sang both alone and with a choir - but today I'm a little north of mortified. 

Did I mention, I'm on the team sponsored by Fort Worth Mayor? 
Did I mention that last year her team came in 2nd place? 
Did I mention, I'm the team captain?
Did I mention, I have a SEVERE ISSUE with saying No?

Okay, well with all that - it's time for me to leave work and go get ready (Did I mention, I'm wearing a costume?). Yes it's all in good fun. Look for the horrifying evidence photos tomorrow. 

Oh and if you're looking to contribute to a worthwhile organization that believes in parading community members around and making fun of them through spelling, might I suggest Tarrant Literacy Coalition? :)

Ignorance at its worst

I feel like I've been around the block. By no means am I a "worldly" individual, but working in customer service and business development for almost 20 years has given me a view of people that I am constantly stunned by, ashamed of, awestruck by and grateful for at the same time. 

I've been the only white person at events. 
I've been the only woman at events. 
I've been the shortest person
The only dark headed person
The only one without my ears pierced
The only one without a date
The only one without a hubby
The only one without kids... need I go on? 

I understand that it takes a certain type of person to survive (much less thrive) in those types of situations - but anger, ignorance and name calling is not a solution. There are groups of people in the world (hell in our back yard) that have views I think are the most abhorrent ideas ever thought of. It disgusts me to think that these people spew their intolerance and hatred among themselves, much less to others, but I have to ask: Will disagreeing with them and calling them names make them change their minds?

Um, No.

Hate begets hate
Anger begets anger
Name calling begets name calling (and makes you sound like a kindergartner)

I believe we are all entitled to our own opinions, whether or not I agree with your opinion or you with mine is not the point. 

It's how we handle ourselves in the disagreement that defines us. Today, I am reminded that maybe we haven't come as far in race relations as I had hoped. 

One thing remains true though, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity for hope, understanding and tolerance.

If it's meant to be, it's up to ME!

Nothing like these words of wisdom to kick you right in the ass...


You're welcome. 


Now go do great stuff!!