Here's To A New Year

Well, I am sorry that the memory of both my kids getting married during 2005 is tempered by my loss of a job. Yup, I just passed 6 months of unemployment. I am hoping the new year will find me employed, a proud grandfather, and supportive father-in-law. And of course, I am always thankful for Kathie, who stands beside me through thick and thin.

Christmas was fairly quiet. We celebrated with Kyle and Lyndsay on the 23rd, and with the folks and Carey and family on Christmas day.

We are heading up to Flagstaff for New Year's Day with Kyle and his in-laws. So, tonight, we will watch the Pine Cone Drop in downtown Flagstaff. I bet you are jealous, huh? Well, this is our first time after living in AZ for 22 years.

Why haven't I been more regular about updating the blog? I wonder that, also. That implies that I don't check yours often, either. Also true. Weird.

We did go see Chronicles of Narnia and really liked it. Wow, special effects get better every year.

Nothing looming on the horizon for jobs right now. I need to focus on knowing God so that, like Paul, I can be content in whatever state I find myself. So, keep praying.

Happy New Year to one and all.

Another Door Closes

Well, it seems that God is again asking me to wait. Univ of PHX decided to hire from within, so I begin my search again. Of course, I am disappointed. Even given the low salary, I am ready to get back to work. Luckily, I have a loving, supportive wife who counseled me to use this as an opportunity to get back into the Word and renew my emphasis on praying for His will. She's right.

For this week, I need to focus on the reason for the season. Pray that I will not focus on me during this time.

Hey, Lyndsay is feeling some flu symptoms, but because she is pregnant, cannot take medicines. Please keep her in your prayers. I list this because I assume Kyle will not update his blog. We have both been sick for over a week. I suspect that we keep getting each other sick again.

We saw Chronicles of Narnia earlier this week and loved it. Alison said she was disappointed becuase it lacked the detail of the book. I know she is correct, but it did not detract from the story for us. And the special effects were really cool, especially Aslan.

Too Much Too Early?

I think I've got the opposite problem of Too Little, Too Late. It was a good second interview today at University of Phoenix. However, they all seem a little intimidated by my background, so I can kind of write my own interview. Maybe, though, I seem too strong, too self-assured. You know what? I can't worry about that. I'll be myself and continue to trust God to guide me in my search and prepare the right job for me.

No response yet from Motorola.

We are nearing full recovery from our bouts with flu. Drainage and an ugly cough remain, causing tightness in my chest and a sore tummy.

Two more days and Kathie is through for this semester. She's excited.

I cannot find my Osmond's Christmas CD. Did one of y'all steal it? I was disappointed when I bought it because it was missing one song that the album had..a medley of Christmas hymns. Kyle, is there a ripped version of it on your PC from when it was here?

Wouldn't Be Prudent

Dad gummit. We are still sick here in Casa Indebto. So, I cannot sing in the final Chorale Christmas concert, nor even attend. We only do it maybe 5 times, and Christmas music is only sung 4 Sundays a year. So, we are both disappointed.

And, it's Dad's birthday and I must celebrate by staying away from him. Hey, wait a minute. I'll bet he planned this somehow. I have given him the gift he always wanted.

Also, we cannot see our daughter-in-law, who is great with child. Well, she's great anyway, but we are prejudiced. Oh yeah, we can't see her husband either.

I've got to be well by 2:30pm tomorrow for my 2nd interview with Univ of PHX. Also, I applied for another Project Manager position with Motorola.

Whew! Flu! Who Knew?

Kathie and I are working hard to keep the flu bug going in our house. After all, with the kids gone, *someone* has to do it. Sure, it's not too big of a challenge with Kathie sharing a room with 26 first graders all day. So far, though, I've been the one that picked it up worse. Where's the justice in that?

Well, a friend might be accepting a job with another company, even while she has a job. What's up with that? She'll have 2 jobs and I'll have none. On that note, though, there is some light right now. I have a second interview with University of PHX on my birthday. That would be a nice present, huh? I had to cancel muy first interview with the company that needs documentation help due to my illness. So, she has cancelled twice and me once.

In our Chorale, we only have a few concerts where we sing Christmas songs. Four, or five at the most. So, I was disappointed not go last Tuesday. Even now, I am concerned about the concert on Sunday. I hope to feel better, but will my luscious, mellifluous voice be recovered as well. We shall see.

Apprentice - I'm OK with the winner. Apprentice Martha - I don't care who wins. Amazing Race - OK with the winners. Survivor - OK with the winner. Job search - if I get a job before my friend, I'll be OK with the winner.

A Pile of Personal Postings Packaged Properly

Blog Update: Sorry for the delay. I had hoped to have some great news to report, but time ran out. So, I'll settle for tiny news. Christmas Update: Tree is trimmed. Shelves and piano decorated. Brick wall out front lit. House 67% lit. Two windows in front lit. Chorale concerts: 1 yesterday, 2-3 Saturday, 1 a week from Tuesday, 1 on G-Dad's birthday. Kid Update: Blogs not updated by Alison or Kyle. After all, I learn about them rough blogs just like you do. Lyndsay can feel Isabella kicking, but Kyle cannot yet. Job Update: Applied for some more job postings today. I have a lunch meeting with Applied Touch on Thursday as a possible (part-time?) documentation writer. No answer yet from PetSmart.

The Goose Is Getting Fat

Christmas is coming. We started decorating the house tonight. A house without kids in it for the first time in 24 years. Weird. Still, getting the house fixed up puts us in a Christmas mood, and that's always nice.

Tomorrow, I will call back the only two companies talking to me. Still, as many of you have counseled me, God *is* in control. I know I need to stay focused on Him and not worrying about where or when I will work again.

Zoolights was nice, even if we did have dueling photographers. I found there are some nice features the other guy has that I don't, and vice versa. We did see a lot of the same shots. And it was fun having all 4 of my kids here for a little while. Who knows when I'll see them again (at least the TX ones)?

Sit Down and Finish Your Test

Oh, sorry. I substituted for a fourth grade teacher yesterday and am still in that mode. It was fun...kinda. I just got a call to substitute for the same teacher this afternoon. Hello. Of course. Finally, I'm getting a paycheck...kinda.

Other job search notes: a company might hire me on a temporary contract to update their SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) relative to IT. Another company, PetSmart, interviewed me last night over the phone (during King of Queens! Lucky for them I have a DVR) for an application I sent in over a month ago.

Sunday's sermon was about how God is in control even when we are clueless. 2 Kings 6:8-12 talks about God using the wisdom of others and we didn't have a clue. Vv 13-23 shows God surrounded us with His mighty warriors and we didn't have a clue. Judges 7:1-22 demonstrates that God took away our props so we had the opportunity to experience His power. He protected us from our own naive decisions in 2 Chron 18:1-34. And each of us has our own examples of blessings that came from God's hand and we didn't have a clue.

Whew! I got preachy. Sorry. Let me end with some of Abraham Lincoln's proclamation of Thanksgiving. "The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.... They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens...."

Amen. Have a great Thanksgiving.

(I reserve the right to add another post before then...if I want to.)

Need a Christmas Tree?

Here is the definitive tree for our generation:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=9352&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=336&iSubCat=571&iProductID=9352

What Would YOU Think?

Well, my phone interview with a Scottsdale electronic questionnaire provider has been delayed a second time. First, from Monday until tomorrow at 11. Now, from 11am until 3pm. The good thing (to my way of thinking) is that they are still calling. No contact yet from University of PHX.

No other responses from any other firms. Only 2 applications sent in this week. I've spent most of the mornings at Dad's helping build a cabinet for his huge TV. It's so big that the timber shortage due to hurricane rebuilding in the South is affecting our progress.

Just got back from a quick trip to Calico (remember Ballad of Calico by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition) and Zion National Park. I only took about 220 pictures. Yeah, I guess I was feeling off, huh? We enjoyed both places. I think Calico Ghost Town might not have been quite as interesting if we hadn't been familiar with the stories from the album.

Nisey, thanks for the supportive words. Just when I feel a little down (or maybe a lot), someone comes along to encourage me.

Look Out, Ben's Of The World

That's right. I got my state/FBI fingerprint card today, so now I can substitute teach in AZ. I went a while ago and filled out employment forms at Kathie's school so I can get paid. Now, I just wait. Yes, I am getting pretty good at that. No, maybe I am not.

Email today includes 2 promising tidbits. The tid is a phone interview on Monday for a Programming Manager position in Scottsdale. The bits are that a contact at University of Phoenix has put my name in for 3 positions there, and he feels confident that 1 and maybe 2 will contact me for an interview.

Even so, Kathie and I have committed to constant, focused prayer for this week to be sure we know what God is saying...not only about the job, but about Himself. I am often reminded of an old GVB song which says "I believe. Help thou my unbelief. I walk into the unknown trusting in Your love."

Looking for Mr. Goodjob

Well, I am trusting in that scripture that says the Lord helps those who help themselves. What? That's not a scripture? Isn't that what Prov 3:5-6 says? That may explain why I don't have a job yet. Kathie and I are putting forth a concerted week of prayer to know God. If we can know Him, we will know His will.

I am waiting on my state fingerprint card so I can be available as a substitute teacher. I am toying with how to take a temp job and still be available for family during the holidays. Today, I will help Dad replace his entire den with a single cabinet to house his gargantuan TV (see Carey's blog). It's so big he had car slots and speakers installed (see comments on Carey's blog).

Zip...Nothing..Nada

Some of you probably thought I was describing the wasteland between my ears. No, I am talking about job results so far. So, I figured you didn't need a post saying nothing and so I said nothing, but ZKW reminded me that the rest of you cannot hear the nothing that I hear, so I will write it. Well, you probably already guessed my news from a prior post, huh?

No, it is not that my first grandchild is a girl, although that is plenty exciting. Like father, like son, right? It is that I applied to a local Baptist church for their open Music Minister position. I held off on telling y'all thinking I would know something by now. Nope. Same nothing I am hearing from the secular job applications. All we know is that their search commitee has my information.

I went to a retirement party Thursday night for the guy that hired me at Motorola in 1983. There were some contacts there that are my next followups for the job search. I am not holding my breath. Who would have thought I'd still be searching after 5 months. I have begun expanding my search outside of PHX.

OK, I am rambling. That means it is time to sign off. Y'all keep praying. We certainly are.

Zachary Did It..Why Can't I?

For all of you running OS 10.4 (Tiger), I have created a new widget that I think you will find helpful. Please download it here

I Just Can't Do It

Nope. I am really struggling with posting and reviewing our trip photos and reading...basically anything that is normally my down-time activity after work. Right now, I feel guilty because I should be looking for a job. Of course, I can only search job sites and research companies for so long, but it is still messing with my head.

I have added a surprising twist into my job search. I mean it. Even *I* was surprised. Will it go anywhere? I don't know. I should have some sense of it by the weekend. What is it? Well, it is not time for me to reveal it yet. Soon. And K&K, no, I am not moving to Pahrump.

"Flights" of Fancy

Now, I don't know if anything can come from this, but at least I had an interview yesterday. With US Airways. Well, let me start at the beginning. They had an IT Job Fair at the corporate headquarters here in Tempe. So, I went (along with 200+ of my close buddies) and waited in line to give them my resume. I went looking to be a project manager, but while in line, I heard that programmers were being called in. So, I saw the head of IT for company (whom I knew from our MOT days) and asked about that. He said, OK, let's change your focus and come with me. Cool! So, I had my first meeting and he said, let's give your info to Human Resources. HR said, can you stay and have an interview right now. Duh! So, I went into the facility for an interview. It went OK, considering it's ben over 15 years since I was a full0time programmer. After that, he mentioned that the person standing by the exit *also* used to be at MOT. Well, I remembered his name, and luckily, he remembered mine. He had come to GDL while I was there. So, if personal connections counts at all, I might have a shot. Free flights might make up for a little lower salary. Still, and over everything, I want to know that I am where God wants me. Denise, thanks for the supportive scriptures. Thanks to everyone for continued prayers as God teaches me His lessons for my life.

Back to life...back to reality

Well, we had to leave the beauty and grandeur of God's nature for the pain and sadness of the "real" world. At least we got to escape for a few relaxing days. It was so nice to see such sites with Kathie and Mom and Dad. I only took 430 or so photos. Death Valley, then Yosemite. Over to San Fran for a night. Up the coast as far as Humboldt Redwood forest. We then decided to add Sequoia Forest on our way home. It was a great week.

Now, it looks like my photo hosting sites are not reliable. What do the rest of y'all do to place photos on your site? Do you use a free site (yeah!) or a pay site (boo!)?

OK, back to finding a job. The only "offer" so far is a youth ministry job in southern Utah. I do not expect to take it, but it does deserve a proper response.

Going to cooler country

Well, we are minutes away from heading up to cooler climes. First, we'll stop in NV to get a final fill of heat. Then, a quick pass through Death valley to really get steamed. By Sunday, we will reach the cooler coastal region. Then, I've got to go Ansel Adams on them and get some pictures. Keith took 400+ in Ouray, so I need to top that. Probably no updates until next weekend. Comments and insults welcomed.

Maybe I *should* be a preacher

There's really only one way for any of us to know what we should do in any situation in our lives. Yes, you know what it is. We should go ask....Rev. D. Keith. It's true. i sawl it in a vision (well, sawl is how our kids used to say it). So, in order to continue with seeking my future, I need to go to Pahrump, NV. So, we (including Kathie, Mom and Dad) will be there on Friday night, Oct 7. Then, a nice breakfast at a casino on Saturday. From there, we will drive up through Death Valley (so we can all say "Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...") Then, we'll cruise up to Yosemite (so we can all say "Consarn it, rabbit...") and on to the Pacific Coast Highway starting at SF (so we can all see where we left our hearts). I'll tell you, I *need* a vacation. I have been almost working my tail off.

He's Upgraded to a 2x6 Now

Well, if I thought God was using a 2x4 on me in an earlier post, I think he has upgraded it. Let's look at the day in chronological order.

I went to Chandler Hill at 10am to prepare for my 11am appt. I got all my documents and scripts in order and was ready. Well, it turns out that 11 was last Monday's time. Today, it was 2pm. OK, so I went back at 3 and made my first 3 calls, only to find that the person I was seeking no longer worked there. "Did you not verify the contact, as you were instructed in a prior assignment?" The next 2 worked OK, and I have a new name to follow up on Friday. No meetings scheduled yet.

Tonight, I had church choir. We practiced a couple of songs for Oct 3 and Oct 10. Then, the director had the gaul to have us meditate on the words of the last song. Let me share them.

"Blessed be Your Name in the land that is plentiful; Where Your streams of abundance flow, blessed be Your Name. Blessed be Your Name when I'm found in the desert place, though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be Your Name. Blessed be Your Name when the sun's shining down on me; When the world's all as it should be, blessed be Your Blessed be Your Name Name. on the road marked with suffering; Though there's pain in the offering, blessed be Your Name."

"Every blessing You pour out, I'll turn back to praise; When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say. Blessed be the Name of the Lord."

Bryan, the director, asked, how many of us get caught in the first part of each phrase and never choose to seek Him in the second part? D'oh. Don't you hate when they do that? Yeah, me too. Lord, I want to know You and Your will. Only then can I be happy in whatever circumstance I find myself.

Boo, Hiss!

The folks and Keith's family have gone to Ouray for a week. That doesn't seem fair. It's one thing when I am included, but when I am not, it is not nice. After all, that's Carey's job.

Speaking of job, my meeting tomorrow at 11am may include calling companies to see if they received my letter and if I can set up a meeting with the decision maker. That makes me a little nervous. Not nervous enough to overlook their Ouray trip, but enough that I hope I can sleep OK.

Wow! The East Valley Chorale has a lot of concerts coming up in the next few months. Even a practice on Saturday morning. What's up with that?

What's with all the family blogs? I think even third cousins twice removed are blogging. And I don't even know who removed them.

Well, Z, it's very late, so I'd better get to bed. Next thing you know, I'll be staying up until 9pm.

I'd Bet My Picture Is Older Than You

That's right, folks. That picture is from 1978. Isn't it weird that I have not changed *at all*? Luckily, I had scanned it in when I loaded our wedding photos, so I have it captured forever. It's not as nice as some people who have their picture in a wedding dress, but it'll do.

BeatleMania Live! (www.wolfmanjack.com/beatle.htm) is coming back to the Valley in mid-November. All right!!! If y'all have never been to a Beatle tribute group concert, you don't know what you are missing. It is so fun. Of course, the majority of the audience is probably closer to my age than yours, but if you like their songs, it is a blast. Everyone singing along, dancing in the aisles, gawking at how close they sound to the Beatles. I think this will be #5(?) for us. Last time, it was Kathie and I, Kyle and Lyndsay, Courtney, her mom, and Nathan. This time, my folks will join us. Yes, we are a little nervous about the volume level for them, so we suggested they bring ear plugs. We sit close enough to the stage that smoke has never bothered us. 90% of the songs are always the same, since this is adapted from a Broadway version. Enough evangelizing.

I must work on my job search. Today, I need to finish my phone scripts. And I am documenting some possible answers to interview questions. I want to sound professional, and if you know me, you know how tough that is.

Can't Get There From Here

Well, it was a day for being humbled. This morning, at Chandler Hill, my Campaign Manager asked me where my various phone scripts were. I need to be able to handle admins, voice mail, immediate link to the company contact I am wanting to meet, people who want to know why I am calling, etc. So, he took me through a mock phone call and stymied me pretty quickly. I worked some on scripts today, and will have first drafts for tomorrow. He hopes for us to begin calls Monday.

Then, tonight at choir, we prayed for the family that just lost that little girl to cancer, for those who lost family members and homes in Katrina, for those who have lost family members in Iraq and Afghanistan, for choir members who have unsaved family, for a choir member who is undergoing chemo. Yes, Lord, I need to keep my minor setbacks in perspective. As we sang tonight, "You're all I want. You're all I've ever needed." Make that so in my life.

Birthdays and Ignorocity

Happy b-day, Ali. I hope you had a good day. James, did you get her something?

Listen to this. I would have guessed that I was smarter than I apparently am. I went in to the job search office today and finalized my initial introduction letters to some companies. My Campaign Manager approved them and I printed them out on their nice printers and heavy bond paper. Another office staff helped me get the envelopes printed. Now, it's time to go home, sign them, stamp them, and mail them. No wait, you don't know where I am going yet.

This office does not validate parking. So, today was $6.00. Oops. I forgot my wallet. No money. No cards. No license. Luckily, they decided I could pay in the morning when I go back. Well, I made it home with no traffic stop. Kyle came by and I decided he could drop them at the post office on his way home. I sealed them and he took them for me. Did you see the step I missed? That's right. I forgot to sign them. D'oh!

At least I can go lose myself in singing at Chorale practice tonight. Even without a job, I can look forward to Tuesday night each week. Y'all keep praying, y'hear?

Helping Katrina Evacuees

Whew! Kathie has been really wanting to do something to help Katrina victims. She'd really like to donate to the ASPCA of La, but I'm pushing back on that until I have a job. Tonight, she surfed a little looking at a posting board for people searching for their pets. That's a sad situation. Lauri, just think if you had to leave Daisy behind. Some of them are looking for trained helper dogs that they had to abandon becuase rescue workers wouldn't let them come.

Anyway, on the news last night, they said they really need gently used furniture for those that have decided to move to AZ and settle. Yee Haw. We've got 3 couches, a kitchen table, and a microwave that were available to our kids. They didn't want them, and I wasn't sure how to find a charity which would accept them. So, Dad and I took the stuff to St. Vincent de Paul today.

That's the good deed for today. I even gave up The Price Is Right for it. Then, I came home and got a little depressed looking through the online job sites. I didn't find anything to apply for today. That's OK. There's always tomorrow.

Upside the Head with a 2x4

Have you ever had one of those where someone hits you upside the head with a 2x4 (which actually only measures 1-3/4 by 3-3/4...what's up with that)? Anyway, today was one of those days. You probably guessed I would say that, or else the whole intro paragraph would have been nonsensical.

OK, so before one of our songs today, a trio did a brief skit. The man in the group talked about having lost his job last week, with a wife and kids and mortgage and bills to manage. OK, I am listening. This led into the Phillips, Craig and Dean song "It's Amazing," which says:
"Who am I that You are mindful of me? That You hear me when I call. Is it true that You are thinking of me? How you Love me. It's Amazing. I am a friend of God. I am a friend of God. I am a friend of God. He calls me friend."

It's true for me. Who am I that he would think of me? OK, the sermon was pulled from John 15:4-9. We started rating ourselves on the fruit of the spirit. Superior, Pretty Good, or Need Improvement. Of course, I need improvement in all of them.

Finally, we reached the verses saying "If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now abide in my love." The speaker noted that the painting Creation of Adam is really about God wanting to touch and love His creation. Amen.

I know that doesn't mean he will give me a job because I say I want one. What it says...to me... is if I seek Him, I will know how to pray for my future. My purpose is to do what a branch is supposed to do: Abide.

The Reality of Reality

Ooo-wee. Isn't Big Brother 6 interesting? Almost over, though. Survivor is starting again. Amazing Race is coming back. Apprentice returns. Apprentice:Martha shows up. So, is it coincidence that Bob Denver (Gilligan) passed away just before all these are on for this TV season? I'll leave that to you to decide. If I could choose, I'd take new stuff like Gilligan's Island over all almost anything on TV nowadays.

Mr. Politico Kyle raises the blog stakes with an entry on the Pledge of Allegiance. Suddenly, I have to read something that makes me think? The only reason I could finish it was because he included a picture. If you look, I think you can see G-Mom and G-Dad in it, and G-Dad is holding the flag.

I sent ZKW most of a 1972 Kenny Rogers and the First Edition album. Yeah, baby. Next, maybe I can get KDW to listen to The Carpenters. Or convert Keith over to Black Sabbath (well, it does have the word Sabbath in the name)?

I got inspired today to try and make one of my photos look like something from Ansel Adams. What do you think?

Blog goings-on

Well, if we keep adding family members to blogging, so that everyone is posting, and commenting, and tweaking HTML, I won't have TIME to find a job.

Lindsay, don't come crying to me on Monday when you are sunburned. Kara, we are praying for y'all. Katie, don't EVEN try to make me feel sorry for you having to live in London. Zachary, don't go bragging about Tiger. Brenda, we will pray that you get into your house quickly. There is nothing like the first one. Caleb, nothing new today. No weird names or condiment creator trivia? Lauri, good luck with your doggie. Jay, we used to come to TX for Thanksgiving. Maybe we'll be able to meet somewhere then.

Today, I got all but one of my business introduction letters ready to mail. Once Mr. Campaign Manager approves them, I'll get them in the mail. He thinks we might start meeting with companies by the end of next week. Woo Hoo (yelled in a professional way, of course).

Lessons from Choir

So, why is choir spelled that way, but you pronounce it kwy-er?

Anyway, prayer requests last night remind me that God has worked and continues to work in my life and my family's life. Why can't I trust Him to know our financial needs and take care of them? "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!"

Some of the choir members have kids that know the little girl dying of cancer who also needs a liver transplant. And we did not lose everything in a hurricane. And all my family are saved. Thank you, Lord, what You have given me and help me seek those lessons You are teaching me now. Amen.

Leave Phoenix??

What happened to the 'o' in Phoenix? Why don't we pronounce it? Weird. And why is weird spelled so weird?

Well, Pat approved my cover letters and I applied for jobs at Harvard, ASU, Kforce in Portland, and the Mayo Clinic.

Why do my cover letter need to be approved? Well, I am writing them using a T-format. So, on the left, I list the top expectations as stated in the ad. On the right, I address each expectation and how my experience matches it. Chandler Hill's experience shows that, by helping them with the initial screening, we get past the first resume screening.

Now, I will work on some letters to companies that I choose that are not advertising. I ask for 15 minutes to understand the market they are in and how can I tailor my search or reinforce my skills to work in that industry.

Who's Thick Headed?

Finally, today, I got the point of many of the homework assignments from Chandler Hill. Today was a lot of "Randy, I've already told you that...." "Don't you remember me saying...." But now, I was able to put 2 and 2 together to get 4, not just think that I don't need to add them because I've done that in the past.

All right. Let's get after it.

Take 1

Why are fiming or taping episodes called 'takes'? Cause someone is taking your picture? OK, why is that taking? Ah, the English language.

That's right. I filmed my commercial on the first take. We did one dry run to get timing and set the camera angle. And then, Action!

In a combined training session with 2 other job seekers, Pat asked my about my most significant achievement. Well, I did not use my written words, so got too wordy. And I did not include the key element, THE RESULTS. One of us did. Showoff.

Still Watching Bob Barker

No jobs yet. No interest yet. And...no one won a car today on TPIR (The Price Is Right..at least for those in the know.).

Still working on homework about 4-5 hours a day.

Plus I check the want ads in the paper.

Plus monster.com and careerbuilder.com.

Commercial to be filmed next week. I'd better get my suit cleaned. And pick a nice, sensible business tie.

Resume Rewritten

We have now rewritten my resume to improve legibility. We have added a Summary page that lists my top 5 achievements in my career. These form the basis of my more modern resume.

Chandler Hill had me write a commercial which will be filmed and loaded onto a web site they provide me within their domain. I've got to learn my lines. Please, no autographs.

Thank You, Dear

While I am here, I thought I'd remind us all what Kathie and I looked like when we started. Check it out!

Kathie got me a contact at University of Phoenix. So, I sent my resume to Shannon, who will ask around.

Chandler Hill said that only 7% of hires are found on the advertised market.

Why Are We Doing This?

Pat told me today that I am a typical IT-type. Always questioning things. Why did I fill this out? When will we start talking to companies? etc.

It seems their philosophy is to get a company interested, and let them find a position so they can hire you. There aren't that many advertised jobs.

Also, we will talk to some decision makers in companies and ask them what I should do to be successful in my search.

More Homework?

Met with Pat again. More homework. But no jobs.

Nothing Yet

Well, I still search the paper and careerbuilder.com. Nothing yet. I also applied to KLOVE in No. CA, but I think they would not pay enough...and do I really want to move?

And no replies from my previous applications. Not even a No Thanks.

I met with my Campaign Manager, Pat. He thinks we can get something going. Good.

Yup. Gonna Do It.

OK, I hired the firm to help me. The interviewer said we would be "looking at weeks, not months." He gave me some homework to start before I meet with my Campaign Manager. Hey!? I did not think I was running for office?!

Sounds Promising

Well, the dude I talked with made it sound pretty positive. I've got to do a little homework, and he wants to meet with both Kathie and I to be sure we are both willing to do whatever it takes. Sounds ominous, doesn't it?

I took the Myers-Briggs Personality Test for the firm. I am an ESTJ.

Bring In the Big Guns

I have decided to obtain professional help. (No! Not for that! For finding a job!) I meet tomorrow with Chandler Hill (chandlerhill.com) to improve my odds and hopefully speed up the process.

More Possibilities

I applied for jobs at Intel and Freescale. No reply from any of my previous submissions.

Kyle and Alison are still married.

OH, I forgot to say that the rehearsal dinner for Ali and James was at his parent's house. We had a good time and he has a nice family. Of course, so does she ;)

Everybody's Married!

Just got back from Alison and James' wedding. Yee hah! We had a great drive both ways with the folks. On the way down, we saw the Davy Crockett Memorial...in a town HE NEVER VISITED! That's right. When the state decided to honor him, it sent the statue to Crockett, TX and not to Crockett County. The county did not want to pay the additional shipping, so it stayed where it was.

On Sat night, there was a fire in our hotel and we were evacuated for about an hour. I forgot to grab my camera. D'oh!

The wedding was nice, but the narrow venue did not allow me easy access to photograph, either during or after the ceremony. I hope the professional pictures are good. I hope I get a job in time to be able to purchase some prints.

Back to Motorola?

OK, I applied for a posted position with Motorola here in PHX. I have already contacted my remaining contacts there and tried to use the informal network, but have heard nothing. I even contacted Juan Manuel in Guadalajara to see if he had any ideas.

I am really tired of being home, but at least there's The Price Is Right.

Leaving for Alison's wedding tomorrow. Good. I won't sit and stew about this for a few days.

Whew! Slim Pickins

I am not seeing many jobs for my type of skills posted in the paper nor on monster.com. Maybe I'll have to rethink my expectations?

Happy Independence Day..Where's Wil Smith?

Went to see fireworks with Kyle, Lyndsay, Courtney, Casey, Nathan. Kathie didn't want to sit out in the heat. Check out this sample photo. I'll bet she is first in line to go next year .

Well, let's start the job search

OK, I applied for a Project Manager position at DHL. We'll see. Yeah. I'm going to find an even better position than the ones I have held for the last 2 years or so.

Our first wedding

The first wedding is over. Lyndsay is now Mrs. Walker. So, balance is maintained because Lindsay Walker is not named Walker anymore. We now have a new L Walker. Welcome to the family! Hmm. Even if Paul or Jay marry a Kara or an Alison or a Katie, it will not bring full balance to Walker names since they would then be Mooring. Oh well. All the more reason to thank Kyle.

It was lovely, and even though it was outside, it was not too hot. Also, since I got to sit of the front row, I snuck some pictures during the ceremony. I'll publish one here when I learn how.

The Rehearsal Dinner last night at the folk's house was nice, also. Hawaiian themed, since that is where they are going on their honeymoon. One thing is not fair. Kathie and I went to San Antonio and Dallas for our honeymoon. And I have traveled to many places, but NEVER Hawaii.

How it started

I was walked out of ON Semiconductor at 9:30am on 16 Jun after almost 22 years with Motorola and ON. Not only that, but it was a surprise. And then. AND THEN, on the drive home, a truck in front of me kicked up a stone and put a crack in my windshield.

Yup, the head of IT called me in and asked how things were going. So, I told him about Kyle's wedding coming up in 2 days. Then, Human Resources came in and I suspected things were not going my way. I had wondered why he wouldn't listen to my suggestions on my annual appraisal the previous month.

Am I hurt? Of course. Am I crushed? No. I need to look to the Lord for guidance and support. I should rephrase that. I WILL look to the Lord. Luckily, Kathie is there to comfort and support me when I forget who is really in charge.