Life Still Goes On, Even If Employment Doesn't

Yesterday I completed my online registration with the EDD office. I was fortunate to have completed the process by the final deadline date. Meeting that deadline was accidental, but I got it done in time just the same. I also completed my first bi-weekly unemployment form, which should have been mailed on 10/11, but wasn't mailed until 10 days later. I wouldn't think I would be penalized for the late mailing, but I guess I'll soon find out.

On my unemployment form, I noted that I had been traveling for the purpose of working on my new product design that I hope to one day introduce to the market place. I have no idea if the EDD will consider that as a valid attempt at finding work. Again, I guess I'll soon find out.

After filing paperwork, following up on phone calls, and completing forms, I had to deal with an upcoming appointment scheduled for 4:40 p.m. At 4:40 p.m., I was taking my dog to the vet's office for the last time. My sweet Bailey, age 16 1/2 (or maybe 17...she was a stray I got from the pound 15 years ago) was on her last legs. Her auto accident from 15 years ago had finally taken its toll. Her hips and hind quarters were weak from that accident and she now had trouble standing. Although she looked forward to treats, she also stopped eating her kibble a few days prior. Her 72 pound frame during her heyday now weighed in at 44 lbs. It was time for me to let her go, and 4:40 p.m. was just hours away.

Prior to her final sendoff, we decided to fix her a filet mignon with a side of Beggin Strips. Even with a rotten tooth in her mouth, she gently ate all that she was given and loved every morsel. For dessert, I served her two tranquilizers in cheese. The tranquilizers kicked in by the time we reached the vet's office. Part of me felt like such a traitor, sealing her fate. I only hoped she understood and knew I didn't want her to go.

The final shot was administered by the vet. As I cradled Bailey in my arms, she gently slipped into the abyss called death. It was over. My sweet girl was gone, but she appeared to be sleeping on the table. It seemed so wrong to leave her there. I wanted to take her home where she belonged. That final trip home for Bailey won't be for another 10 days, however, when her ashes are returned to me. It was a sad day and I was crying so hard, I could no longer breathe.

Today is a new day, one which I'm supposed to continue my focus on the mundane. My eyes still weep and my only thoughts today are of Bailey. She was an avid soccer player in her heyday. A lover of humans and other animals. A gentle soul. She was the sweetest girl and I miss her terribly.

My search for new employment will have to wait another day.

Where Does The Time Go?

Ironically, since I've been unemployed, it seems I have less time during the day to get things done. Where does the time go?

I used to pay bills every other week, on payday. Now that I have no payday, I think I need a new system. I used to clean house or do laundry between meetings during the day...at least before the PG&E Smart Meter was installed. (The meter, which PG&E claims doesn't increase rates, but adds penalties for usage between their peak hours each day, hours which I have yet to see publicized anywhere. But I digress.) I look around now and see that the house is a disaster. Shouldn't it be spotless now that I'm unemployed? Shouldn't I have time to cook a decent meal for dinner, instead of serving dogs and beans like I did last night?

I think all I do during the day is complete forms and get accounts on internetworking websites. It's both monotonous and exhausting, but I'm told it needs to be done, as any chance of finding employment will be the result of networking.

I enrolled in Twitter yesterday. I know it's good for discussions, but not necessarily good for job search. I can't say I really understand how Twitter works. After I enrolled, I was told that I follow 20 people and one person follows me. Follows me to where? Is this some kind of Twitter conga line? What does that stuff mean? I think it might behoove me to focus on other job networking sites for now. Monster.com and TheLadders.com are two such websites.

Speaking of which, I got my first lead yesterday. (Thank you Mark.) It's likely a long shot due to its location, but exciting just the same. However, in preparation for any possible interview, I need to again update my resume, personalize a cover letter, and sharpen my interview skills. There's a fine line between "selling" oneself in a positive way without sounding like a self-centered ass. Plus, in my case, "sales" is not necessarily my forte. Fortunately, the consulting firm I have access to is supposed to help with interview skills. For me, it's a much needed service.

My insomnia's back. I guess it's a good thing, as it gives me extra hours in the day (or more appropriately, night) to get things done.

That's my blog entry for today. Time to focus on updating my resume on LinkedIn.

Good Thing I'm Unemployed...

It's been a while since my last entry. I had planned a trip to Florida to visit friends and family after my departure from work. My mother was recently admitted to an alzheimers facility. My step-father has been battling with lung cancer in both lungs. Although currently in remission, his health is fragile for other reasons, and his guilt is overwhelming for agreeing to let go of my mother's care. Then there's my father, who needs arthroscopic surgery in both knees, but his excessive weight denies him the procedure, so he is barely ambulatory. Illnesses aside, it was great to see them all. It was also a huge distraction, as my mind was occupied with thoughts other than my recent unemployment.

That being said, however, while in Florida, my sister and I did embark on a 4-night cruise to the Bahamas. She and I are trying to develop a new product to introduce to the market place. It's a brilliant idea, if I do say so myself. I mean, I would buy it. What other proof do I need? My sister suggested that I look up Donny Deutsch, who is supposedly a marketing guru, to help us in our efforts. According to some of the recent Internet search results I found, Donny is not necessarily the next "Mahatma Gandhi" of marketing, but it's a place to start.

I have an opportunity to work with an outplacement service for the next 6 months. I hope to meet with them for the first time next week. During my initial phone interview yesterday, I was asked what I wanted to do. The answers fall somewhere between everything and nothing:

I'd like to continue my position as a technical writer because of the salary associated with the position and because communication skills are part of my genes, but is it a passion? The answer is no.

I would love to be a published author, but it could takes years to achieve such a goal and what do I live on in the meantime?

I would love to open an animal shelter, but where does the money come from to begin such an endeavor?

So much to do...so little money. But it's the beginning of my journey and far too soon for me to become pessimistic. For now, my glass is half full.