Internet is Back, But Not Cable TV

Cox is in the midst of upgrading their network top provide faster service to all areas, including TV, internet and phone. For me this morning, though, all it meant was that everything was down. TV is not back yet, internet is back but not really responsive, and phone service is back. Wow, the house is really quiet and boring when you can't do anything.

Luckily, I had created today's CoV last night, so I did not have to take the time to write one. Today's is a commentary on paperwork, which I am already working on for my new job.

Once I put up this post, I need to hop in the shower and give Dad a call so we can tile the shower floor. Wait. What about the grout color mismatch? Yeah, let's take a look. Here is how the shower appears right now.

Did you notice that the grout colors are not the same? Here is the original color.

This is what the swatch on the front of the grout container showed.

See? Maybe it doesn't exactly match the old, but it doesn't match the new, either. Since we ran out and need to buy more, we are going to match the old color for the remaining grout work and I'll worry about the red later. It's inside the shower, so who will notice except family and busybodies?

This is enough posting for today. I need to get cleaned up so Dad and Mom can swing by. All we will do today is lay the tile on the floor. Next will be grouting the floor and the outside front edge of the curb. Then we can put up the shower door and it will be finished.

Stop reading or I will keep writing. Don't make me pull this blog over.

Do You Feel The Rumblings?

They have been going on since yesterday afternoon. I talked to Apollo recruiter and he said they will be sending me an offer letter this morning. Praise the Lord! Whoo to the hoo! Of course, I am praying that I know I am in God's will, but he seems to be strongly guiding me in this direction. I will know more tomorrow, but I did not want to keep you in the dark since you have been praying for me.

BTW, I communicated with the guy with whom I had an interview this morning and we agreed this offer is better for me than his would have been. Somehow, I did not know that his open positions were both contract work which would not have included benefits.

This blessing and answer to prayer comes after two chapters in our Bible study about humbling ourselves and two chapters on not being anxious. Those were heaven-sent, huh? This coming Sunday's lessons are on not getting angry and trusting God's providence. Then the following Sunday, Feb 10, I am teaching two chapters on doing the will of our Father so we can be transformed and justified. Remember that this study is free at John Piper's site.

Praising God and having the weight of no job lifted from me does not mean that my mind doesn't still have its odd thoughts. That is evident daily in my Clarity of Vision comics. Here is today's, brought about by the current executive orders on gun control.

I just read that another child has been suspended for having a Nerf gun at school. That will likely be the idea for tomorrow's CoV. Any ideas on where I will take it?

Starting work will mean I have to rethink how/when this blog and CoV will be updated. No, I don't know if it means I will now do my blogging the evening before or still try to do it before my workday begins. Hey, we all look forward to finding out.

I Thought It Went Well

My interview yesterday went very well. He also gave me a chance to ask about what things have changed since I was laid off. He expects to make a decision this week. And I have another interview tomorrow with a different group.

My commentary on President Obama's comment that he enjoys skeet shooting at Camp David.

Remember the youtube video of game show responses. Here is another of answers that happened to be right.

Dad and I put in grout yesterday that doesn't seem to match the existing grout. However, the front of the box certainly looked like the old stuff, and that color exists nowhere else in the house, so why would I have a half-empty box of grout we never used? Well, it's what we used, so it will do...at least for now. I may go with a grout colorant at some point in the future, but I would rather get the shower functional again for now.

I have to conduct part of Chorale practice tonight. We are preparing for recording a new CD in a couple of weeks and we have to get used to how the accompaniment tracks speed up and slow down so we can match them. I have to work on 8 songs and my co-conductor will work on the other 5.

So far this year, we are at 1.5" of rain compared to a normal of 1.4". Whoo hoo. Craziness, huh? I will say, though, that drivers here do not handle rain well. Our annual average total is 8.2", so let's see how the year measures up.

OK, I have already exercised for today, so I need to hit the showers, check the job boards, and get a little laundry on. Thanks for this morning's diversion, though. And thanks for sticking with me through all those words.

Cautiously Optimistic

Yeah, I do have those two on-site interviews this week. The first is today at 10am and the other is Wednesday at 10am. I just have to pry that God will prepare me and the interviewers so that His will is done and I will find the job He has chosen for me. If it is not one of these, I am also still waiting on ASU and GoDaddy to respond. And if not them, then OK, let's get started again.

We kept the GRANDS this weekend and, wow, with luggage and diaper bag and car seats and getting them ready, it's a lot of work. Anyway, it inspired today's CoV.

Since I have that interview, I skipped exercise this morning. That is not my favorite activity, but it is important to stay healthy and I will need to find a time to do so once I return to the workaday world. Until then, though, I'll keep hitting it most every morning.

Here is what the state page says about filing for unemployment, "If you are unable to conduct a work search, a new question has been provided on your weekly certification which allows you to decline to file for the week if you do not meet the work search requirements. This option is available to you if you state that you “did not look for work” or if you did not look for work on at least four days of the week. If you did not report your work search efforts or it was inadequate and you wish to file for the week you will be disqualified for the remainder of your unemployment." That's right, if you do not do something four days a week and you still file a claim, you are disqualified for the rest of your unemployment. That is why I apply for jobs on four different days each week. So, I need to file my claim today.

I need to review my information before today's interview, so I will leave you after only four paragraphs. It saves us both time, right?

Are Any of You Still Reading This Blog?

Are any of you trapped in the job search loop? I seem to get close (in my mind, anyway) to a job, only to have the merry-go-round of unemployment swing me back around to the starting point. However, I take heart in that it is still spinning and has not stopped. It can only mean God is still leading me towards the ideal position.

Are any of you watching American Idol this season? Did you see the fight between the judges? Crazy, right? Actually, I don't watch it. I have only heard about the fights from the media coverage. However, that does not stop me from using it as fodder for a Clarity of Vision.

Are any of you watching The Following on Fox? We have it recorded, but have not seen it yet. However, it sounds like it got good ratings from the first episode. Did you watch Last Resort after you found out is was cancelled? I went ahead and watched the season, but have not seen the finale. I heard they made it wrap up the story since they knew in advance it would only last 13 episodes.

Are any of you fans of TV game shows? Check out this compilation of the best game show answers. Some may be a bit off-color. You have been warned.

Are any of you tired of reading my ramblings? I understand. Anyway, I've gotta go. I have an interview in just a little while. I will let you know how it goes.

So Near, And Yet...

I got a call yesterday from Apollo and thought that maybe it would be an offer for employment. No, it is for a face-to-face interview (Monday 10am). I tried to convince myself not to read too much into the contact, but deep inside, I was hoping it was the job. However, I know (at least in my heart) that God IS in control. I just need to convince my mind. It is kind of like that old poem about one set of footprints in the sand when God is carrying us (and not leaving us alone as we often feel).

However, please understand that this blog is sharing my life. I am not implying I am more spiritually mature than anyone else. I am prompted to write that after reading today's Bible study. Here is a quote from Demand #16 Humble Yourselves By Making War on Pride, "Even if we do not have a strong sense of merit, we may crave the same result, namely, the praise of men. Jesus warns us not to give to charity or pray or fast in order to be seen by others. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them” (Matt. 6:1). “When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others” (Matt. 6:5). “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others” (Matt. 6:16). Jesus calls them “hypocrites” because in their praying and fasting they want to appear as if they treasure God, but in fact they treasure the praise of men. That is one dimension of pride."

Now all of what I just wrote may not be true with regards to my Clarity of Vision comic. I come up with ideas that I think are funny or clever and then create a set of panels to share them with you. You may not think they are funny, but I do.

We are waiting on the mortar to cure before taking the next step. So today is job search and laundry and haircut day. That sounds fun, doesn't it?

The 'No's Have It

No, I do not have a job yet. In fact, I included that fact in today's CoV.

No, I am sure that I have not shared this link before of the Piano Guys playing a One Direction song, but even if I did, I think is a cool video.

No, I know that I did not share this link yet. How about a mashup of AC/DC and the Ghostbusters theme?

No, we have not finished the shower curb yet. Both sides are done, but we still need to tile the top of it. The floor is the next item.

No, I did not go exercise this morning. I wanted to submit my claim for unemployment from last week, send a couple of followup emails on job submissions, and apply for at least one job. I also had to create today's Clarity of Vision.

Yes, I have had enough paragraphs starting with the word 'No,' too. In today's Bible study, I am studying Demand #17 Humble Yourselves in Childlikeness, Servanthood and Brokenhearted Boldness. In this chapter, John Piper writes, "Children may have all kinds of faults, but in a normal, healthy family, they trust their daddy to take care of them. They do not lie awake wondering where the next meal is coming from. They do not fret in the stroller that the sky is turning gray. “The child is, by its very position, lowly . . . and lives by instinctive confidence.” They are both lowly and non-great by the standards of worldly acclaim. And they are happy, anxiety-free, and confident that everything they need will be provided." I can only pray that I can have that kind of trust that God will take care of us, even while I am out of a job.

Yes, we have reached the end of today's time together. Yes, I plan to be back tomorrow. I hope you will, too.

Post Inaug Blues

Where was I yesterday? It was a federal/bank/school holiday, so the family was home and I didn't do anything about CoV or job search or post creating. No, I did not watch the inauguration coverage. I had tile laying to do. Things are back to normal today, so let's get to today's news.

I've got a doctor's appointment today. This is the first one since I changed insurance, so I hope they take my new policy. Don't you hate getting that taken care of again?

Before that, though, I expect Dad and I will work a bit more on laying tile in the master bath. Today is the curb, so it involves a bunch of 2x2 tiles and some bullnose tiles on the top of the curb. Don't I sound like I know what I am talking about? This is how it looks right now (plus a hint as to where the curb is).

I did create a new CoV today whose title is "What's a Magazine?"

And I need to file my unemployment claim for last week. I did keep good records of what I applied for each day so I can enter the specifics in the claim record. Will I actually receive any money? Who knows?

I did not hit the gym to start the day. Maybe I should have, but I wanted to talk to y'all and do my unemployment claim, etc. OK, we can check off one of the to-do items now.

MLK Day

Banks and schools may have the day off, but job seeking doesn't have that luxury. And not only is today Martin Luther King Jr Day, but it is the presidential inauguration. So, I decided you need a little presidential humor.

This morning, Dad and I finished laying the tile on the walls of the shower. So, next is the curb (probably tomorrow) and then the floor. Following that is the grouting followed by the showering. Whoo hoo.

Well, not much to say today. So, I'll let you go early. Thanks for stopping by, whether you had the day off or not.

End of the Week, But Not of Unemployment

Well, no job yet. As I have said before, I will keep searching, and praying. However, today's Bible study is Demand #15 Humble Yourself By Making War on Pride makes me want to be sure I am sharing this not for praise from any of you.

"Pride is difficult to define because its manifestations are subtle and often do not look like arrogance. We can see this if we compare boasting and self-pity as two forms of pride.

Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response of pride to suffering. Boasting says, “I deserve admiration because I have achieved so much.” Self-pity says, “I deserve admiration because I have sacrificed so much.” Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak. Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. The reason self-pity does not look like pride is that it appears to be needy. But the need arises from a wounded ego, and the desire is not really for others to see them as helpless but as heroes. The need that self-pity feels does not come from a sense of unworthiness but from a sense of unrecognized worthiness. It is the response of unapplauded pride."

Let's lighten the mood. If you have ever been RIFfed, you know that you are usually offered the option of continuing medical coverage via COBRA. We did not do so because it is stinking expensive.

Hey, look at this ski lift in France that I found on Pinterest.

Did I mention that I had an interview yesterday? Well, it got postponed to this afternoon. Did I mention that I was going to a job fair yesterday? No, because I did not know about it when I wrote yesterday's post. It was for GoDaddy. Yes, I did apply for a job there on Tuesday, but I decided showing up in person might give me an advantage. So, they moved us (I think they expected around 700 people for a posted 150 jobs) through several speeches (in groups of 35). Finally, we reached the interview room and I got sent to the next room for scheduling a more formal interview. Whoo hoo. They said they will likely schedule an interview next week. Most of the people were there to join the GoDaddy call center. I would estimate the line for technical jobs was 1/20th as long as the call center line. People just need jobs.

Sorry I kept you so long. Go enjoy your Friday and I'll see you next week.

Waiting On a Call

Well, yes, I am waiting on a call offering a job. However, I was referring to waiting on a friend to call me about applying for a couple of jobs. She suggested that it will help if the applications came from an internal source, and she will get a bonus if I am hired.

Oh, and I got an email yesterday asking if I could be available for an interview at 3:30pm today. And I just got back to this post because I remembered that I had forgotten to confirm the request.

I am sure you heard about the President issuing a number of directives about gun control. I did not listen to the press conference, but I am sure it did not mention how Boehner tried help.

Today's youtube link is Rowan Atkinson of Mr. Bean fame doing a bit of his standup routine. Pretty clever.

Let's make today's visit short and sweet. I suppose that means it was sweet for me and short for you, huh?

Boy, Interrupted

I mentioned that I had an interview this afternoon, but it is temporarily postponed. The main interviewer is in the hospital. You are probably wondering why he couldn't do his part from there, but such is life. He is scheduled to be released this week, but then we'll need to find time on all their schedules. Oh well, at least he is going to be OK.

Actually, bitstrip has a lot of functionality for a free comic maker. It lets me create characters, move their arms and legs, add scenery, etc. So, today, I chose to place the people in a bathroom getting ready for work.

I need to get the house ready for an appraiser. We are trying to refinance the house to lower our payment a bit and overall pay less interest. Hopefully, he won't ding us for the shower rebuild currently in progress.

Today's youtube showcase is a pair of quick change artists. Just when you think you've got it figured out, they do the next one. And check out the final change. Pretty kewl.

Hey, the Kiwi-based family posted again. Go check that out.

I just read that AMEX is in the midst of layoffs, so I have not applied there, at least for now. Instead, I applied at GoDaddy, the domain registrar and maker of the famous Super Bowl commercials.

Today's Bible study is totally unfair for today. It is Demand #14 Do Not Be Anxious About the Necessities of Daily Life. Just at a time when my most promising prospect cancels an interview and this happens to be today's lesson. Do you think God is bopping me upside the head or what?

OK, housework time. Take care, my friends.

One a Day is More Than a Vitamin

That's how I have to apply for unemployment. I have to have applied for a job four different days a week. So, I guess doing three on one day and one on another does not qualify for a payment that week. Yes, I could apply for multiple in a day as ling as I did that four days a week. However, I am not seeing so many jobs for which I am qualified. So, yesterday was ASU, today will be American Express.

We have finished all the mortar work to build up the floor of the master bath shower. Next is the wall tile. which we already have. Then, floor tile, which we have not yet chosen.

As I write this, the TV is on in the background. However, I am not watching Honey Boo Boo. Do any of you watch that? I chose to use that show in today's Clarity of Vision.

Have you ever seen Secret Life of HinjaNinja on youtube? I thought it was clever. Watch it now. Please.

Well, it's time to do today's job application. I will let you know how the search is going.

And The Award Goes To...

Actually, I did not watch the Golden Globe Awards last night. We had our first Chorale concert of 2013 at a nearby RV park. It went OK. We were a bit ragged on a few of the songs, but we are just restarting after the holiday break, so I'll give us a pass. Dad estimated there were 350-400 in attendance and maybe 65-70 singers.

I did watch a bunch of football over the weekend. None of my teams advanced into the playoffs, but I watch the team that did and saw some good games. Justin, there were no Kiwis here with me, so your viewing parties were probably more fun. I will miss NFL when the 2012-2013 season ends. It does free up time on Sundays and Monday nights, though.

I guess I could read a book, right? I would either need to download some free books on my Kindle or check something out from the library. Speaking of library...

We had a good time with the GRANDS this past weekend. We got them some new dress-up clothes that they wore the whole time. We hit McDonald's for lunch and their indoor playground, and then to an outdoor one at a local school. Even Jack had a good time.

Today, it is back to surfing the job boards. Yes, I do have an interview on Wed, but as I have seen before, nothing is guaranteed.

My Bible study today from the John Piper series is Demand #13 Always Pray and Do Not Lose Heart. Quite timely huh? I am truly seeking His will for my job and my family. Maybe it speaks to you, too? Here is a quote.
"The point is not to finally break God’s resistance but to discover, by patient prayer, God’s wisdom as to the way and time the prayer should be answered. He is not disinclined to help his children and glorify his name. He simply knows better than we do when and how the answer should come. Therefore, our persistence in prayer shows both our confidence that God is our only hope and that he will act in the best way and the best time in response to our persistent pleas."

Another Day Without Another Dollar

I have an interview for one of the Apollo jobs next Wednesday afternoon. The job sounds a little different from the job I had for the last four years, so it could be cool to do something a new. And one of the other positions there is still reviewing resumes, so I don't know when it might move ahead. Last night, though, I was surprised that the team I interviewed with at ASU contacted me about a new job posting there. I had thought they did not want me at all, but they took the time to tell me about this job opportunity. Yes, it would probably pay less, but it could also be a good job at a great employer. The only risk is that it is currently only funded for one year, but she feels it will become permanent (and I would think it has a better chance of that if someone like me does a great job). As you can tell, yes, I will apply.

Speaking of job interviews, let's look at today's CoV.

You say that you couldn't get enough of the videos I posted yesterday. Well, I do have some more. Stevie Wonder with Metallica in Sad But Superstitious? Or one of my favorites, the Final Teen Spirit Mashup?

You say you also would like to see one of my photos? How about that one I took a few years ago at ZooLights?

If you are on Facebook, check out a new video of Bella and Kendall singing or dancing or however you would classify their activities. You can see it on our daughter-in-love's page.

Yes, I got a bit chatty today, so let's get Friday out of the way so the weekend can start. We've got the GRANDS tonight, so I want to straighten the house before they arrive. I'd better get started.

It's Like a Song From Oklahoma!

I mean a song from the musical Oklahoma!, not from the state, although I suppose it could be that, too. I am talking about the song All Er Nuthin'. The words include "with me, it's all er nuthin'. Is it all er nuthin' with you?" Two days ago, I was thinking all my leads had led to nothing. Now, I have three different groups talking to me about returning to Apollo. Two of them are managers inside the company, and one is a placement firm who has a lead. And I got a voice mail from a friend who has a lead on a firm nearby who wants to build a new PMO.

Did I create a new Clarity of Vision? I did.

Did I do anything with a photo for today?
I did not.

Did I find any interesting youtube videos? I think so. I found some mashups of interesting songs like Whole Lotta Love from Led Zeppelin with Helter Skelter from the Beatles. You can see that one here. What about Pink Floyd's The Wall mashed with the Bee Gee's Staying Alive? Check it out.

OK, the search firm wants my most recent resume, so I'd best send that off to him. Don't worry, I will keep you informed...even if you don't care.

Mortar is Hard and So Is Not Working

Dad and I poured a new floor for the shower stall yesterday. I was the laborer and combined the water and mortar mix and Dad poured it and smoothed it. Dad came by last night and smoothed out a couple of high spots. Today, it has hardened significantly, but it still wet looking. Now, we need to finish the curb, the raised border between the shower and our bathroom floor and then lay the tile. We are getting closer.

Also hard is the job search. We have reached the point when our money is getting tight, so all I can do is pray that God will miraculously help us pay the bills and lead me to the perfect job. No, I did not hear from anyone in the last 24 hours, so the search goes on.

We recently changed over to a whole home DVR and can now watch any recorded program in any room. There are some vagaries, but I told those guys to go beg elsewhere. What, that's not what vagaries means? Anyway, the new brighter LEDs on the boxes led to this CoV.

The new year of East Valley Chorale began last night. We have a lot of songs to refine before we make our second CD in mid-February. Just like last time, though, I am not very excited about it. In fact, I have never listened to our first CD.

Hey, NZGirl, where are you? It's time to give us a little update.

You may have noticed that I have not posted many photos lately. Yeah, after I finished the latest photo book, I decided to take a little break. So, here is a page from the book. Preacher Bro got a new zoom lens that goes up to 300mm. Here is a page with a couple of shots I took using his lens. It's pretty nice.

I've spent enough time on this post for today. I'll be back soon, even if I don't have that much to say.

Two Days in a Row?

I am posting two days in a row. It's like a new dude took over my blog, huh? And both of them include a new CoV, too.

Did anyone see this clever video about the merging of Lucas Films and Disney? Check it out. It's got some clever comparisons.

No, there is nothing new right now on the job front. I did submit a couple of applications yesterday, but no news, good or bad.

In today's Bible study, I came across the following quote from C.S.Lewis. "If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he can- not imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." Interesting viewpoint, huh? It is part of a lesson on Demand #10 Rejoice and Leap for Joy from John Piper's What Jesus Demands from the World.

The shower is coming along. We plan to pour the rest of the mortar for the floor today. We were not sure if we could do this today since I got called for jury duty, but I just checked and we are released. Whoo hoo. So, about the shower, here is how it looks right now.

Having a Legend in My Own Mind overload yet? I thought so. I'll see you in the next post.

Waiting for God..Oh!

I am still seeking employment, as you can tell from the title. When you read it, did you think of the play Waiting for Godot? Well I did, but only from the way it sounds, not because the play is any sort of spiritual journey. Certainly, though, I am waiting to find the job God has chosen for me. And the current Sunday School series on What Jesus Demands from the World is beating me up to make sure I stay focused on Him and his provision and not my own fears. This week's lesson about Demand #7 Abide in Me included mentions of the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus talked about how God clothes flowers and will certainly take care of me.

I had resisted actually applying for job at my previous employer, but I have been at home for long enough. So, I submitted my application for a PM job back there. I will also be submitting another application at the "world's largest publicly traded copper company." I tried once, but never heard back.

Hey, guess what this is.

Did you guess that it was a new Clarity of Vision cartoon? Since it has been almost four months, I would suspect nobody saw it coming. It looks different because I no longer have access to Microsoft Visio, so I had to use a Mac-compatible tool.

The bathroom shower rebuild is well underway. We will likely pour the final mortar for the floor this week and that means I need to pick some tile.

Hey, cuz, MBH and I had a good laugh at your last comment. It is almost like you are funny.

OK, let's get 2013 going. I will try not to go so long between updates.

Another Year Begins

Sorry that I haven't posted all year. You know how it is. You get busy and something has to give. OK, let's get caught up on some stuff.

No job yet. I did apply for another project manager slot at ASU. I met with my job search consultant and reviewed by resume and talked about creating my own marketing plan. What is that, you ask? Well, I think somebody did ask, so I will tell you. it is because friends and coworkers and whoever is helping you find a position needs to know what you want and why you would be a good fit for it. That is a personal marketing plan.

In Sunday School last week, we listened to a video of John Piper speaking about Scripture memorization. I really liked it and thought you might enjoy it, too. He starts off quoting the following chapters and verses: Psalm 1, Psalm 16, Psalm 103, Romans 5:1-8, Romans 8, Matthew 6:25-34, and 1 Corinthians 13. The link shows the sermon points and reasons for us to learn Scripture.

Back in the 70's, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition released an album entitled The Ballad of Calico. It was written by Michael Murphy and inspired as he passed by the famous Calico Ghost Town just north of I15 near Barstow, CA. Here is a black and white photo of an alley in the town from our visit in 2005. Listen to this as you view it.

But that is not all of the photos I have. We snapped a shot of our rousing New Year's Eve celebration.

Well, let's get this year underway. I have only applied for one job all year, so I will try to improve those numbers tomorrow. I have not exercised all year, so I will try to fix that, too. And I have prayed without ceasing everyday this year, so I will try to keep that going. What about you? Any resolutions or plans for 2013?