Leaning On Christ My Savior

So, Wednesday, February 24th was a wonderful example of God’s sovereignty. I was part of a reduction in force at my employer. Shocked, stunned to say the least. Day 2 set in a little more, but this morning is when the feelings of disappointment set in. Luckily, I was at my Friday morning men’s group.

Something I have tried to maintain throughout the last coupleof days is faithfulness in God. I can honestly say I have a real peace about all this.

Philippians 4:7

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This is so true. I could be bitter. I could dwell on things. I could be depressed. All these feelings, though, won’t help me get a new job. Even more, they won’t help me be a light in the darkness as I’m called to be as a child of God.

Don’t get me wrong; this is not easy. Every fleshly part of my body is crying out to be heard. But I have chosen to follow Jesus. That choice, the only real choice I have, is what is saving me, from, well…me.

I am praising God that He knows His plans.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Just today was an amazing blessing. My contacts are now medically necessary. This may not seem awe-inspiring or may seem more like a curse rather than blessing. Because of being necessary, my $516 contact lenses are only $30! Obviously, money is tight now, and the Lord has provided.

I am still praying. I still believe. I am still leaning on Him. I can say I am eagerly waiting for God; and for whatever He has in store for me.

Romans 8:28

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

[Via http://blessednoise.wordpress.com]

I'm Not Dead, But Not Quite Alive Either

Ever since Britney came out with “I’m Not a Girl,” I’ve always found ways to describe my situation as being ‘not one, but not quite the other.” I mean, Britney totally rocked the post-pubescent-pre-adulthood thing.

Until she shaved her head off and became a man.

But for now, I’m in between the living and the dead. Of course the first culprit is work. Why can’t one ever be content with sitting in the corner and successfully hiding away from their superiors? Not me. I like to see what’s going on. Except, I never expect that something is actually going on. Silly me. They get me EVERYTIME. All half-quips aside, I’m actually really excited about my job right now. There are some interesting projects swirling around and I’m having a hand in sme of them. My on-the-job experience scale has just exploded off the Richter and I love it! I never imagined my role taking on this form, but then again, no one expected the economy to tank. Well, no one except Nouriel Roubini aka Doctor Doom.

I could also say that my Money Moves is an accessory in this whole affair. Opening a 401K seems easy as peach pie. (Is peach pie easy? Not sure…) Switching your Roth IRA from the clutches of your Financial Advisor to another holding company? About as easy as NASTY PEACH PIE. I won’t paint a picture of my FA as a scorned lover, using all of his powers to prevent the impending departure of his “other half.” No that’s not it as all. In better words, it isn’t him, but it isn’t me either.

It’s actually my conscience.

I feel really bad breaking up with my FA. Ok, no I don’t. I feel really bad about switching my miniscule assets to another fund and NOT telling my FA about it. For some reason, it scares the bejesus out of me to tell him that I’ve decided to go to another fund. So, I’m doing what any mature person would do in this situation: I’m not saying a word and dipping out the back door. Yup, like a deadbeat I’m walking away.

Am I legally contracted to tell him that I don’t want him robbing me blind anymore? our financial relationship is over? Or is this an ethical dilemna? Is it morally wrong to just leave without saying a word? If he could understand that I’m Not Dead/Not Quite Alive/all I need is time..

Aside from that, I’ve just been lazy, choosing to bum around on the couch when I get home and spending an extra 30 minutes in bed in the morning. So yeah, that’s why I’ve been gone. To all that are under the wrath of Snowpocalypse: I feel you. Stay warm all!

[Via http://investingnewbie.wordpress.com]

The Story of Sava Senior Care

Finding the right person to fit in a particular job can be like trying to find the right foot to fit the glass slipper. For Danette Manzi, senior vice president of Sava Senior Care Administrative Services, the ProfileXT is like a magic shoehorn.
Manzi, who had experience with the assessment tool, brought the ProfileXT™ to Sava Senior Care. She found that it is key to finding associates who fit the positions she needs to fill. “The ProfileXT™ got the right people into the right jobs,” says Manzi, who has more than 20 years of experience in selecting long-term care professionals.   

“We review results with our employees, candidly discussing how their thinking and behaviors matched our benchmark for high-performing employees. People understood that they might not match the position, but they could move into other positions and be successful.”   

Headquartered in Atlanta with 184 locations in 18 states, Sava Senior Care provides long-term care to nursing home residents. The company has used the ProfileXT in a couple of ways. First, all 269 full-time employees in sales and marketing took the assessment.   

“We correlated the results to our performance,” Manzi says. “From that point, we developed a plan for performance improvement as well as training programs in the are employees and candidates,” she adds. “When I used due diligence again to find the right tool for Sava, this one met our needs. It’s much more comprehensive than others we researched.”   

Years later when the opportunity arose to deploy assessments at her new organization, she obtained the assessment tools she needed for Sava Senior Care. “Ms. Manzi was able to do coaching and help the manager of the department work with people where there was a big difference in styles.   

This enabled the teams to work together more harmoniously without as much misunderstanding, stress and conflict.” Using Profiles’ assessments is a no-brainer for executives like Manzi. “Why change something that isn’t broken?” 

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[Via http://johnhschmidt.wordpress.com]

Do crazy reality TV bosses fascinate you? Find out why...

Kelly Cutrone exposing fashion's ugly underside

Has your boss ever served a customer with a smile and turned right around a yelled at you for moving too slow? Or maybe you’ve been verbally abused or even fired for making a simple mistake. If so, you probably had what Aubrey Daniels calls a sociopathic boss.

Just today, I was talking with two colleagues about an incident where our boss told the co-worker, “If I had a choice, I would have never hired you.”  And if that wasn’t enough, when he saw the tears running down her face he barked, “Why are you crying?!” My eyes would have gotten a little misty too if he yelled that to me. 

Let’s face it – these type of comments cut like a knife when your head is on the chopping block. But we can’t seem to get enough of reality shows like ”Hell’s Kitchen” and “Kell on Earth” where crazy bosses yell obscenities and fire people left and right. Daniels gives good reasons in his article “Our Fascination with Sociopathic Bosses. “

Among the reasons, he mentions “vicarious empowerment”. Literally, an after-the-fact expression of your sentiments…”I wouldn’t let him to that to me” or “You know you shouldn’t take that abuse”. Most people would never confront a boss in person, but will resort to indirect means. In the age of reality TV, the easiest way is to turn on a show like “Ugly Betty” and root that someone lets Wilhemina Slater have it.

Aubrey Daniels makes a good case. Along with his three reasons for why America is fascinated with sociopathic bosses, he also explains the effect they have on long-term organizational success. And I can sum it up it two words. Not much. Read “Our Fascination with Sociopathic Bosses” for the entire article and find out why America is intrigued by crazy bosses.

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Kelly Cutrone picture appears courtesy of Washington Post.

[Via http://myfutureinfocus.wordpress.com]

What did I do to deserve this?

Ray Ortlund on the book of Job:

“I used to think the book of Job is in the Bible because it presents a rare and extreme case of human suffering.  “Look at this worst case scenario.  If you can see the truth here, then surely in your comparatively small problems . . . .”

Now I think the book of Job is in the Bible because the story is so common.  Many are thinking, “What on earth has happened to me?  I can’t see what I’ve done that explains this devastation.  Where is God in this?”

Enter Job’s three friends.  They were cautious at first.  But with their tidy notions threatened by his untidy realities, the moralism started pouring out of them: “Come on, Job, get real with us.  You must have some dirty secret that explains all this.  Admit it, and this misery will start going away.”  Their finger-pointing oversimplifications intensified Job’s sufferings, and this too is a common experience.

I don’t think the book of Job is about suffering as a theoretical problem — why do the righteous suffer?  I think it’s about suffering as a practical problem — when (not if) the righteous suffer, what does God expect of them?  And what he expects is trust.  When the righteous cannot connect the realities of their experience with the truths of God, then God is calling them to trust him that there is more to it than they can see.  As with Job, there is a battle being fought in the heavenlies.

Trust in God, not explanations from God, is the pathway through suffering.”

[Via http://strengthenedbygrace.wordpress.com]

Relaunch of noventum.de Website

Just today we published our new noventum website. It looks just great in my opnion. I delayed updating the contents for the IT service management pages until the new site was available, so the old site was a bit outdated.

So go ahead and check it out: http://www.noventum.de/, sorry currently only in German for the .de Site, English is available only for our turkish branch (up to now).

Due to an issue with the new software driving the site, ITSM The Game is currently unavailable, but it will be back in the near future.

[Via http://buzina.wordpress.com]

Don't Forget To Celebrate Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day

Office life can be the pits, especially when you are chained to a desk for up to 12-hours a day. Our bodies were made to be mobile and upright, so no wonder our country is facing an epidemic of obesity. In order to celebrate Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Day, we’re rolling out some quick tips to avoid workout excuses and start getting fit.

Check them out after the jump!

• 1. Take The Stairs – You’ll appreciate doing this when you see the results on your trim waistline and when the elevator finally gets stuck and you’re not in it.

• 2. Park In The Spot Furthest From Your Building – Sometimes, adding a few extra steps can show all the difference, especially when you sit sedentary at a desk. Parking further away means you’ll be moving more, but do it at a quicker pace to elevate your heart rate!

• 3. Lunges In The Conference Room – Do lunges around the giant table in the conference room. If you do this three times in a day you will really feel the burn in your hips and thighs, which will help you slim down.

• 4. Seated Leg Lifts – While sitting at your desk, extend one leg out and hold it parallel to the ground. Hold it there for 60-seconds. Switch legs and do it again. Do this in reps of 15 twice a day and your legs will be beach ready in no time.

• 5. Arm Stetches – Put both arms in the air and stretch for 30-seconds. Then stretch, one arm at a time, a little higher than the other. Do this for reps of ten three times a day to give your shoulders and upper back a nice workout.

• 6. One Legged Telephone Squats – While stuck on conference calls, stand up and do one legged squats. Make sure you hold onto your chair or desk for support and squat away. By the end of your call you’ll have had quite the workout!

• 7. 60-Second Cardio - For 60-seconds commit to a heavy physical endurance in the form of running in place, jumping jacks, or even jumping rope if you have the room. Doing this a few times a day will keep your body and mind fresh!

Will you be trying any of these out? Or do you have any workout tricks that you use at work? Share them in the comments!

[Via http://kearth101.radio.com]

Vocation Vacations - Test Drive The DogSmith

Vocation Vacations helped a laid-off music exec land a dream job, well if you are more inclined to care for pets then test drive The DogSmith through Vocation Vacations. Spend a few days in Florida and experience running a pet care business.

If you are interested in a career change or our looking for another job. Why not use this opportunity to turn around a new life. Become your own boss. The DogSmith is scalable, either be self employed and operate a small business caring for other people’s pets or build a substantial Dog Training, Dog Walking & Pet Care business.

Check out The DogSmith Vocation Vacation here, there are several locations in Florida to choose from.

Do you want to take your love for dogs and concern for their well being to a new level? Would you like to spend your days helping people meet their dog’s needs and enhance the quality of their relationship?  Do you have the skills to communicate effectively with both dogs and their owners?   If your answers were “yes”, then “unleash” yourself to explore a career training and caring for dogs.  Join Niki Tudge and her staff at The DogSmith and learn how to become a dog trainer, walker and sitter at their training facility in Bonifay, Florida, located between Pensacola and Panama City, and at The DogSmith Emerald Coast franchise nearby.

Niki Tudge grew up in England and went on to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.   For 15 years, she  managed hotels in exotic and exciting locations.   But while she was building her career, Niki was looking for opportunities to follow her passion for animals.  “Since I traveled so much in my job, I couldn’t have my own pet, so I looked for other opportunities to get involved with animals,” says Niki.

Wherever Niki worked, she always became active rehabilitating abandoned and abused animals. Then, while in Africa, she began developing her skills as a family pet dog trainer working with the local police K9 unit.  When her job took her to Hawaii, Niki decided to earn her certification as a dog behaviorist, pet dog trainer, veterinarian assistant and pet groomer.  Although her position as manager of a five-star hotel was demanding, Niki found the time to follow her passion and, with a partner, opened Hawaii Dog Training Academy which thrived for two years until another move took her to Florida.

This move caused Niki to really evaluate what it was she wanted to do.  “I was tired of working in the corporate life,” she explains.  She had spent her career managing hotel staff and had gained valuable experience in business and training. Now it was time to take that experience and apply it to a new career – time to follow her passion to establish a dog training and pet care company that would completely redefine people’s relationship with their dogs.

Niki and her husband Rick Ingram bought a farm in Bonifay, Florida, and founded The DogSmith in 2004.  Initially, they provided dog training with a mantra of “do no harm” based on scientific learning principles and positive reinforcement.  “We began working with the local Humane Society and became part of the community helping to alleviate the pressure on the rescue organization,” shares Niki.

Their innovative training program was well received, and soon clients started asking about other services for their dogs.  Niki and Rick decided to go beyond training and provide a holistic approach to helping clients care for their dogs by adding dog walking and sitting services.” We have become a one-stop shop for taking care of your dog,” Niki says.

Their business model has been successful, and they now offer franchises.  “We have a very strict screening process for potential franchisees.  Their philosophies have to align with our efforts on behalf of dogs and their owners,” Niki explains.  Franchise owners also have to commit to being involved in canine rescue efforts by contributing eight hours a month providing workshops and educational seminars. Today, with three franchises in Florida, one in Illinois and one in Pennsylvania, The DogSmith stands alone as the only national franchise that offers both positive, learning-theory based dog training services coupled with professional pet-sitting and dog-walking services.

Niki’s initial advice for someone wanting to get into the business of dog training/walking, sitting? “Do your research on training philosophies; recognize that this is a business like any business and requires attention to marketing, business operations and finances; understand that good personal service and building good customer relationships is the key to success.” And, of course, you have to love dogs.

Niki and her staff are committed to providing quality, competent, affordable services that benefit the dog and its owner.  Seven million pets a year are euthanized because their owners don’t know how to take care of them and respond to their needs.  The DogSmith is doing everything it can to reduce that number, and they welcome the opportunity to provide a “vocationer” the chance to experience how they hope to make an impact while running a very successful business.

While on your Dog Trainer/ Walker/Sitter VocationVacations® career mentorship with Niki Tudge and staff at The DogSmith training facility in Bonifay, Florida, and the nearby Emerald Coast franchise, activities will include some or all of the following:

Dog Training

• Participate in assessing rescue and shelter dogs for adoption
• Participate in and assist with presentations and program planning for a shelter or humane society
• Participate and assist in dog agility training
• Assist with group pet dog training courses at various levels
• Assist with private pet dog training courses at various levels
• Assist with private behavioral consultation
• Assist with developing and executing marketing campaigns to include participating as a member of The DogSmith sponsorship team in a dog event
• Assisting in the presentation of a variety of seminars to include 1) puppy socialization training for shelter personnel, 2) dog handling skills for shelter and kennel personnel and 3) The DogSmith Canine Resources for shelter and kennel  personnel

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

• Walking dogs with a DogSmith dog walker
• Assisting The DogSmith escorting dogs to local Dog Parks and Beaches
• Providing play outings, feeding and caring for dogs, cats and other clients which currently include, geese, ducks, donkeys, sheep etc.
• Participating in strategic and tactical marketing exercises
• Visiting vets, groomers and other pet related businesses
• Participating and assisting The DogSmith with pet sitting in a customer’s home to include house sitting services
• Assist in training and implementing pet care programs at local shelters and humane societies

The Dog Trainer/Walker, Sitter VocationVacations® career mentorship with Niki Tudge and staff at The DogSmith training facility in Bonifay, Florida, and the nearby Emerald Beach franchise, includes:

• Two days of one-on-one mentorship in your dream job as a dog trainer/walker, sitter
• The opportunity to participate in a total of one hour of pre- and post- VocationVacations career coaching from an accredited, affiliated VocationVacations career coach
• A pocket-size VocationVacations journal so you can document your dream job coming to reality
• Light lunches with your mentor

Available: All year, based on mentor’s availability

Price: $949 Per Person

[Via http://dogsmith.wordpress.com]

In the Limelight: Loving Young House Love's Dream Job as a Blogger

I’m starting a new feature on 2inspired. One that highlights successful individuals with unbelievable awe-inspiring careers. A spin-off of my “Successful Dreamers” feature, it’ll talk a bit more about the actual job. I’m going to start this week’s feature with my favorite blogging duo John & Sherry Petersik, soon-to-be parents and immensely talented creators of home improvement DIY site Young House Love.

I’ve spoken to them before (you can read my past post here) and so was extremely grateful that they were able to take time away from their busy schedule to chat with me again. Thanks again Sherry for all of your help! Hope you guys enjoy it!

For all you wannabe bloggers out there, keep reading for this week’s, “In the Limelight.”

Blogging as a Career

Dream of working at home in your pajamas one day while writing about topics you’re passionate about? Then working as a professional blogger may be your dream come true.

Anyone can be a blogger, but the difference between blogging as a career and doing it as a hobby is whether you get paid.  In the past, people who blogged did so for fun and used it as an online journal to share photos and updates to their friends and family.  Today, however there are bloggers who write about everything from weddings to home décor and make a good living doing it full-time.  With patience, hard work, and great writing and marketing skills, you could be the next Julie Powell of Julie and Julia.

Blogging wasn’t around when Sherry of Young House Love was a kid.  Instead what she fancied was design.  She dreamed of growing up to be a fine artist one day.  And though Sherry didn’t set out to blog full-time, her passion for writing and creativity helped give her the skills she would need to eventually become a full-time professional blogger.

“The funny thing is that although I’m a blogger, many aspects of my job are still creative and visual since I focus on home improvement and interior design. I love that I get to work with color, proportion and design on a daily basis- even if I’m not whipping out oil-paints and canvases.”

In high school, Sherry took English classes for extra credit and in college she studied advertising design eventually graduating with a Bachelor in Fine Arts. Her goal was to be a copywriter, writing ads for magazines and television commercials.  It was there that she got good at grammar and writing creatively and persuasively-things that would help her significantly as a blogger.

Sherry got a job after college as an advertising copywriter in New York.  At the time, her and her husband John both worked full-time and blogged part-time as a hobby.

After several posts on their kitchen remodel to friends and family, their blog gained popularity.  Soon they were being mentioned on websites, magazines and newspapers.  John and Sherry realized the potential to transform their hobby into a full-time gig.

After four years of working full-time, Sherry decided to leave her job so that she could devote her energy and focus to the blog.  Since then, their blog has received 30,000 visitors!

Sherry says she was surprised by all the attention their blog has gotten and never imagined that she would be able to do this as a full-time job.

One of the perks has been the letters and emails she receives from those who love their work and are from all over the world including India and Africa. She also loves the flexibility that comes from being your own boss.  At the same time, it is hard work!

“Since I’m my own boss I can write about whatever I think is important and I can pretty much make my own hours. But the most challenging part of my job is actually the same thing: the flexibility. You have to be structured and motivated to get things done on time to keep your blog going.“

Loving to write is a definite plus for those wanting to blog for living.  Sherry also says, “determination, a great work-ethic, and a passion for writing and sharing will definitely help you become a great blogger.”

[Via http://2inspired.wordpress.com]

Today is HAPPO - NYC PR Pro Ready for Action!

I’m selling myself for Help a PR Pro Out Day (HAPPO), taking place on Friday, February 19. Everything else I have done to find a job hasn’t worked so maybe this will help me and all my creative PR friends find jobs again and we’ll live happily ever after.

So for all you employers out there looking for a talented PR professional with nearly 10 years experience in communications, public relations and writing, you have come to the right place. Here I am! Hire me!

Most recently, I worked with the American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey as the Director of Communications.  I experienced things in this role that I never thought imaginable. I traveled to disaster ravaged areas in a public affairs role, meeting with local and national media to deliver the message of the Red Cross. I was humbled by families who were impacted by disaster and built bonds with colleagues from across the nation.  I was N.J.’s lead spokesperson during two of the most notable aviation disasters in the northeast: US Airways flight 1549 on the Hudson River and Continental Airlines flight 3407 in Buffalo. I watched miracles and heartbreak occur within a month of one another.  And then they eliminated my department.

Whether I was on the ground or behind a desk, it was my job to make sure the mission of the organization was relayed to the public. I built a department from nothing. It was a challenge but something I am so proud of.  I did everything PR related.  Press releases, media interviews, collateral materials, editorial web content, fundraising and crisis communications, strategic planning, managing umbrella chapters’ communications; should I keep going?

Prior to joining a non-profit, which was a life-long dream, I worked with agencies in New City handling the day-to-day duties of public relations.

In addition to my work in non-profit and media/entertainment, my industry experience spans corporate, beauty, fashion and consumer. I am also a contributing writer with a local newspaper in Essex County, New Jersey and a writer for Examiner.com

What I love about PR is bringing groundbreaking news or technology into the lives of everyday people. I like seeing an idea that seems lifeless suddenly grow leaps and bounds, all because of careful execution, determination and skill. I miss that. I miss being a part of that. Help bring me back there!

I’m on LinkedIn and Twitter and you can read my inner workings here. I look forward to hearing from you. And thanks for helping out this community. It’s been a rough year for our industry.

[Via http://hobokengal.wordpress.com]

Suburban homeless: Rising tide of women, families

Homelessness in rural and suburban America is straining shelters this winter as the economy founders and joblessness hovers near double digits. “One of the things that we’ve noticed is a lot more unsheltered, mostly men who claim this is the first time they’ve been homeless, who indicate that it’s due to a loss of wages or loss of job, because of

Source:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100216/ap_on_re_us/us_suburban_homeless

[Via http://paolacomenta.wordpress.com]

Movie

I was excited to see Percy Jackson and we finally went last night!

However, it was disappointing. I know I usually have something positive to say about book-movies, I go in with the expectation that it won’t be the same. There are cuts for time and it is really a screen adaptation, not complete book. But this movie was so different from the book it was distracting. They left out major characters, they captured almost none of the beautiful imagery in the book, and overall just completely told a different story. If this is the only movie, I can go with it. But if they try to do the whole series (which why would they not being money hungry movie freaks) I do not understand how it will work. I wonder what Rick thinks…

I am almost finished with a new exciting book. Caught up in my class finally. And soon will be out of a job! A sucky, stressful job, so woohoo!

[Via http://outsidethemean.wordpress.com]

Skills changed and skills found

Hello, as most of you know in the past few weeks i’ve been trying to gather info on dualer job. I found some stats for the skills and stuff and some more info. Dualer’s skill are here! As i said before they use a new type of weapons called blades!        Those are the blades. i assume the first from top is the lvl 10 one and the first from bottom is lvl 20 one. The purple one is probably timeless/reverse one and the reddish-white-ish one is probably maple blade. These new weapons look pretty sick, man. Gonna make one when it comes out. As you can see in the header i wrote a message thing saying that dualers are coming out feb. 25. Also there is 2x exp all week!  Calender on the site saying when: As you can see on the saturadays: 6,13, and 20th there is 2x exp from 1:00 to 6:00 and for most of this week there is 2x exp at 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. I only was able to get some 4th job and some 5th job skills .   So for the first few lvls its a normal rogue life then at lvl 30 u can advance to dualer. the 4th job skills i found(NOTE: their 4th job is at lvl 55 i think) :

Flash attack: Master Level: 20,  mobbing skill

Level 1: uses 15 MP,  45% damage, hits 3 monsters

Level 2: Uses 15 MP, 50%damage, hits 3 monsters

Level 3: Uses 15 mp, 55% Damage, hits 3 mosnters

Level 4: Uses 15 mp, 60% damage, hits 3 monsters

Level 5: Uses 15 mp, 65% damage, hits 3 monsters

Level 6: Uses 19 mp, 70% damage, hits 4 monsters

Level 7: Uses 19 mp, 75% damage, hits 4 monsters

Level 8: Uses 19 mp, 80% damage, hits 4 monsters

Level 9: Uses 19 mp, 85% damage, hits 4 monsters

Level 10: Uses 19 mp, 90% damage, hits 4 monsters

Level 11: Uses 23 mp, 95% damage, hits 5 monsters

Level 12: Uses 23 mp, 100% damage, hits 5 monsters

Level 13: Uses 23 mp, 110% damage, hits 5 monsters

Level 14: Uses 23 mp, 120% damage, hits 5 monsters

Level 15: Uses 23 mp, 125% damage, hits 5 monsters

Level 16: Uses 27 mp, 130% damage, hits 6 monsters

Level 17: Uses 27 mp, 135% damage, hits 6 monsters

Level 18: Uses 27 mp, 140% damage, hits 6 monsters

Level 19: Uses 27 mp, 145% damage, hits 6 monsters

Level 20: Uses 27 mp, 150% damage, hits 6 monsters

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Dash Jump: Master level: 20, Mobility skill, kinda like flash jump.

Level 1: Uses 60 MP

Level 2: Uses 57 MP

Level 3: Uses 54 MP

Level 4: Uses 51 MP

Level 5: Uses 48 MP

Level 6: Uses 45 MP

Level 7: Uses 42 MP

Level 8: Uses 39 MP

Level 9: Uses 36 MP

Level 10: Uses 33 MP

Level 11: Uses 31 MP

Level 12: Uses 29 MP

Level 13: Uses 27 MP

Level 14: Uses 25 MP

Level 15: Uses 23 MP

Level 16: Uses 21 MP

Level 17: Uses 19 MP

Level 18: Uses 17 MP

Level 19: Uses 15 MP

Level 20: Uses 13 MP

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Blade storm: Master Level: 30, Attacks with a fury of blade attacks.

Level 1: Uses 15 MP, 40% dmg

Level 2: Uses 15 MP, 44% dmg

Level 3: Uses 15 MP, 48% dmg

Level 4: Uses 15 MP, 52% dmg

Level 5: Uses 15 MP, 56% dmg

Level 6: Uses 15 MP, 60% dmg

Level 7: Uses 15 MP, 64% dmg

Level 8: Uses 15 MP, 68% dmg

Level 9: Uses 15 MP, 72% dmg

Level 10: Uses 15 MP, 74% dmg

Level 11: Uses 16 MP, 76% dmg

Level 12: Uses 16 MP, 78% dmg

Level 13: Uses 16 MP, 80% dmg

Level 14: Uses 16 MP, 82% dmg

Level 15: Uses 16 MP, 84% dmg

Level 16: Uses 16 MP, 86% dmg

Level 17: Uses 16 MP, 88% dmg

Level 18: Uses 16 MP, 90% dmg

Level 19: Uses 16 MP, 92% dmg

Level 20: Uses 16 MP, 94% dmg

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Sudden Death: Summons a mighty stone owl on the monster. Master Level:20.

Level 1: Uses 22 MP, 82% damage, Range 90%

Level 2: Uses 24 MP, 84% damage, Range 90%

Level 3: Uses 26 MP, 86% damage, Range 90%

Level 4: Uses 28 MP, 88% damage, Range 95%

Level 5: Uses 30 MP, 90% damage, Range 95%

Level 6: Uses 32 MP, 92% damage, Range 95%

Level 7: Uses 34 MP, 94% damage, Range 95%

Level 8: Uses 36 MP, 96% damage, Range 100%

Level 9: Uses 38 MP, 98% damage, Range 100%

Level 10: Uses 40 MP, 100% damage, Range 100%

Level 11: Uses 42 MP, 102% damage, Range 100%

Level 12: Uses 44 MP, 104% damage, Range 100%

Level 13: Uses 46 MP, 106% damage, Range 100%

Level 14: Uses 48 MP, 108% damage, Range 110%

Level 15: Uses 50 MP, 110% damage, Range 110%

Level 16: Uses 52 MP, 112% damage, Range 110%

Level 17: Uses 54 MP, 114% damage, Range 115%

Level 18: Uses 56 MP, 116% damage, Range 115%

Level 19: Uses 58 MP, 118% damage, Range 115%

Level 20: Uses 60 MP, 120% damage, Range 120%

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

[Via http://evanvoltaire.wordpress.com]

Barbie gets a (new) job

Wow, who would have thought the blonde bombshell would stop worrying about Ken and her hot pink Corvette and take a day job like the rest of us (well most of the rest of us). Barbie is becoming a computer engineer, surprising cause I thought most of that work got outsourced to Dubai, ah but I digress, continue reading to hear about all the bells and technological whistles this new Barbie comes with…

“Barbie, whose various careers have taken her from aerobics instructor to supermodel to business executive, will next be a computer engineer, a career chosen by half a million Barbie fans.

Computer Engineer Barbie still has her trademark cascade of blond hair, impossibly small waist, feet frozen on tiptoes to slide into her high heels and a whole lot of hot pink.

She also wears a neon-colored T-shirt with a binary code pattern and carries a smartphone and a Bluetooth headset. Her hot pink glasses will come in handy during late nights coding on her hot pink laptop. Before any one begins complaining, Mattel points out that her accessories were chosen with the help of the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering.

Computer engineer will be the 126th career for Barbie, who turned 50 last year. For the first time, Mattel, which makes the doll, asked people to vote for her career, choosing among computer engineer, architect, environmentalist, news anchor and surgeon.”

via.

[Via http://blog.metroparkusa.com]

My Life Has Become Dull

It seems like I do the same thing every week and I’m tired of it.  The mornings are a great example of that.  Everyday when I wake up I head to the library to update my blog and check my e-mail.  I’m tired of it.  What can I do though?  I am tired of this so much.  That’s why a job is so important to me.  I’m tired of living like this.  It’s time to change my schedule so things will become exciting again.

[Via http://jmh83.wordpress.com]

Hygiene Promotion and Community Mobilization Coordinator for Final Evaluation - American Red Cross

The American Red Crosshelps vulnerable people around the world to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters, complex humanitarian emergencies and life-threatening health conditions. As a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and one of more than 20 National Societies working with PMI in Indonesia, the American Red Cross is currently implementing its development programs in Banda Aceh, Aceh Utara, Lamno and Calang with a liaison office in Jakarta.

The American Red Cross (ARC) carried out a large water and sanitation (WatSan) program in approximately 70 tsunami affected villages in the province of Aceh. The program consists of hygiene promotion education, construction of water supplies, construction of sanitation systems and training of communities and their representatives in how to operate and maintain the constructed systems.

American Red Cross is hiring an international Team Leader to evaluate the program. The evaluation will start on May 31, 2010 and will run for approximately 5 weeks.

Due to the size and geographical spread of the program the ARC wishes will be hiring an Indonesian Hygiene Promotion and Communicty Mobilization expert and an Indonesian engineering expert to assist the Team Leader. This Terms of Reference is for the Indonesian Hygiene  Promotion and Community Mobiliziation Consultant, referred to below as the Consultant.

Practical Arrangements
·          The base location for the assignment will be Banda Aceh, Indonesia
·          The Consultant will be paid for each day worked based on the IFRC salary scale for a grade K staff member.
·          The Consultant will be paid a per diem in line with IFRC regulations for each day worked outside the base location of Banda Aceh.
·          The ARC will reimburse the consultants costs for travelling to Banda Aceh from the Consultant’s home to Banda Aceh and returning.
·          ARC will provide 1millionRp worth of phone credit to the consultant for the duration of the evaluation
·          The ARC will provide transportation and accommodation for the consultant
·          Reports shall be provided in the English language.

Requirements
The Consultant shall have
·          A degree in engineering related to public health, hygiene promotion or education
·          A minimum of 10 years of experience of hygiene promotion and/or community mobilization
·          A minimum of 2 years of experience working with disaster or relief projects with international NGOs
·          Experience working in rural villages and small towns in Indonesia
·          Knowledge and demonstrable experience of conducting hygiene promotion and education related to water and sanitation issues
·          Knowledge and demonstrable experience of mobilization  and organization of communities in rural Indonesian around specific issues
·          Good skills at interviewing and documenting
·          Fluent English
·          Fluent Bahasa Indonesia
·          Acehnese language is preferential but not required

Tasks
The objectives of the evaluation are to determine
·          How well the WatSan projects were planned and implemented with respect to the Program objectives
·          Determine the appropriateness and adequacy of the operation and maintenance aspects of the WatSan program in the local circumstances and to what degree sustainability of the program can be expected
·          The degree to which the Program objectives were met

More detail on particular aspects of these questions will be provided to the consultant by the Team Leader and by ARC management.

The Consultant will accompany the Team Leader during the initial phase of understanding the project and planning how the evaluation will be carried out in the field. Following this the Consultant will initially accompany the Team Leader on the evaluation of the program in one of the ten geographic areas where the program operates to conduct a joint evaluation with the Team Leader. Following this the Consultant will travel independently to other geographic areas and conduct evaluations of projects in those areas independently. The Consultant will pay particular interest to his/her areas of expertise as previously planned with the Team Leader. The Team Leader may choose to send the engineering expert with the Constant and should that be the case the Consultant will work closely with that individual. At all times the Consultant shall keep close communication with the Team Leader and will regularly debrief the Team Leader and ARC management of information
that has been found. Following field work the Consultant will meet the Team Leader again and will work with the Team Leader to produce the draft report for the evaluation.

Outputs
For each individual project that the Consultant evaluates independently the Consultant shall provide to the Team Leader  a short report with a length of less than two page. The report shall describe the project and the findings under the three main questions of the evaluation (listed above).  The report shall also include conclusions, lessons learned, and a list of persons met and documents consulted.

The Consultant will also be responsible with the Team Leader for the production of the draft report for the evaluation.

Please submit your application and curriculum vitae in English to hr@amredcross.org, placing the job title in the subject line and label your CV with your name (CV max. 500KB size).  Only short listed candidates will be notified. Applications submitted after February 18, 2010will be not considered. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

[Via http://hendri83.wordpress.com]

Use it or Lose it

I often talk to clients and when they say they need to hire a candidate they inevitably tell me they need a candidate who can hit the ground running. With the limit on money and resources they need someone who can do the required tasks with minimal supervision.

I often say the that the perfect candidate is the one that just left. That is the candidate that can perform the tasks at 100%.

Over the years I have started to see that getting the person that closest resembles the job description may not always be the best choice. The best choice maybe a technically strong, great communicator with initiative that has to something to gain by choosing the company.

I know that may sound backwards.  The benefit needs to be mutually beneficial.  A win for both employee and employer. what happens in 12-18 months passes and the person does not feel that they have a place to grow and flourish. They start looking for another opportunity.

I had a candidate yesterday that turned down the job because it was a lateral move. He was looking to improve his skills. He was looking for the opportunity to stretch his technical skills.

He did not want to lose the technical skills he had so hard to gain. His technical skills would start to dwindle.

I like to work out but I do not like to work out on “Legs” day. I know that since I do not squat, lunge, or leg press that often that when I do my muscles have started to lose some of their strength.  My muscles have started shrink or have gone into a basis muscle atrophy.

Per Wikipedia when you muscles go into atrophy it “decreases quality of life as the sufferer becomes unable to do certain tasks or worsen the risks of accidents while performing those”. Those things you do not use you lose.

We have all heard the saying “use it or lose it”.

That saying applies in muscles and knowledge. When looking for that right candidate you can think about today but make sure the long-term benefit will be a good fit as well.

[Via http://themattcheek.wordpress.com]

Looking for an academic job

I plan to graduate this summer (July, 2010). Therefore, I am actively searching for a job. My long term goal is to understand the unsupervised learning process in the brain. So far, my training defines me as a computational neuroscientist; I have studied neuroscience, computation theory, signal processing, machine learning, dynamical systems, information theory and spike train analysis. Working with collaborators, I have done experiments on (rat cortical) neural cultures, analyzed lobster olfactory population coding, and studied discriminability of noise stimulation in rat auditory system. To continue my career, I am looking for opportunities to work with systems neuroscientists. With my strong theoretical background, I would like to analyze data, develop robust methods, design experiments for in vivo experiments, and formulate neural coding and learning principles.

Brain is intrinsically noisy, yet robust. How information is coded is strongly limited by what kinds of noise is present in the system. In the neuron’s point of view, if two incoming signals cannot be discriminated well due to noise, they must be treated as being similar. If the brain is highly optimized to process signals, a good signal similarity measure and noise model would coincide. My short term goal is to extend and apply the statistical analysis methods for spike trains to multivariate in vivo data. This will be a stepping stone for understanding neural code, and deriving plausible unsupervised learning algorithms.

Another aspect of neural coding in the brain that is not widely studied currently is the context dependence. It has been observed that individual neurons are not tuned for just one task, but participate in multiple tasks in a non-stationary manner. It seems that the neural ensemble is formed depending on the dynamic state. Compared to the widely used static neural tuning analysis, a dynamic neural code analysis is a much more challenging and data demanding task due to the higher degree of freedom in modeling. Using dynamic modeling techniques from machine learning, and signal processing, I propose to analyze context dependent population neural code, and decode using Bayesian filter like techniques. The similarity that can be induced from the variability of neural signals can be used to induce a Hilbert space such that kernel based algorithms can be efficiently implemented for modeling.

I’m open to both faculty and postdoc opportunities in US and Europe. Please contact via email |memming|at|cnel|.|ufl|.|edu| for more information.

[Via http://memming.wordpress.com]

Good Things DO Happen.

It just takes time.

I was going through a pretty tough time after school was over… trying to find a job during a recession is not the easiest. And when people are constantly telling you that you aren’t trying hard enough or doing it the ‘right way‘, when you’ve just handed out numerous amount of resumes and have done loads of call backs… all you get is ‘Thanks for coming by, but we’re not hiring at the moment’. It can be stressful and feel very defeating… and then those lucky people with jobs start complaining about their work, I ask them if they want to trade places with me and suddenly they keep quiet.

Here I am, five months later, I have the greatest job I could ask for, with the greatest co-workers there could be, and the best manager I could ever imagine. I could really see myself there in years time. All this waiting for what I want, and not just taking any job, or what others say I should take, and here I am at the work place that I really wanted.

Good things DO happen. It just takes time, hard work and patience.

[Via http://moderndream.wordpress.com]

Job Search & ParentHood

Having a job doesn’t stop parenthood for me. Why would the job search be any different? Kids don’t need less when you’re unemployed, actually it seems they need more. So when I write a blog, read an article or answer questions for people in the job search, I always want to know about their family situation.

A mid 30’s woman with no kids, living alone in the job search is much different and a mid 30’s mother of two, married with a mortgage.

I see the balance as the most important issue. You have to make sure your family is balanced. Not to much time in any one spot so that their energy is even spread out. Especially the kids. Try taking a long drive, let alone write a resume with your child playing in the same room. It’s impossible.

So I suggest aligning the job search with time the kids are at daycare, dance lessons & especially school. If your kids are young and only have half days, it’s even more important to align that time.

But enough from me, what do you think? How do you balance parenthood and the job search?

[Via http://genxcareerdoctor.wordpress.com]

Why Finding a Job is a Lot Like Dating

I have come to the conclusion that finding a job is like dating. While I am not on the market for a man, I am for a job and have been for some time. And I recently realized how looking for a full-time career is just like looking for a mate.

Think about it. When you are on the prowl for a job, you try hard to find something that suits you just perfectly. An occupation where you can see yourself  in for a few years, accomplish goals, learn new things, have some fun. When you finally find something that might be the right fit, you make a move. You apply online, network through friends or former colleagues, make some calls, meet up for drinks; basically, you look for a way to get hooked up.  You’ve made the first move. And then you wait. You wait for an email, a phone call, some form of communication.

It’s on – they want to set a date. For an interview that is. You pick out your prettiest outfit, make sure your hair is in place and pull out those fabulous pair of shoes that have been sitting in the closet since you got laid off. You’re on time, even a little early to show your enthusiasm and dependability. You want this person to know you are a keeper! The interview goes great and they tell you the words every candidate hates to hear, “We’ll be in touch.”

You do your due diligence. You send a grand-spanking thank you note, expressing your extreme interest in the job. You make sure you aren’t too forward, as to not scare the potential suitor off, but enough to show your excitement. And then you wait again. Every time the phone rings, you hope it’s that employer. Whenever you open your email, it’s the only thing you can think about. Days become weeks and there’s no response. You reach out and send a friendly hello to remind them of your sparkling personality and interest in them. Still, nothing.

And then it’s over. Somehow you find out it didn’t work out. Through an email, a friend, it really doesn’t matter at that point. They wanted to be with someone with else. You weren’t the right fit, you didn’t have the qualities they were looking for, but it was great meeting you and they are sure you’ll find someone else. All that time, energy and hope, flushed away on another company that didn’t want to be with you. But this has happened before. You’ve been dealt this hand time and again, especially in this market. It just wasn’t meant to be.  Don’t get discouraged.  All it means is that this job wasn’t for you and the right one is still out there waiting for you. Go get ‘em tiger!

[Via http://hobokengal.wordpress.com]

The 'free' in freelance

Since there are absolutely no jobs out there and no hope for expanding the search to further places due to the expense, I am considering continuing this blog as a diary – not including personal information but more like musings of the everyday happenings in the world.

In this way I can keep writing and therefore won’t give up on my ambition of being a lifestyle/feature writer…

The only thing is that this can only be done for so long as unfortunately I will again be in need of money and probably abandon my post as a potential freelancer.

WOW. The economy has really put the ‘free’ in freelancer these days. I’ve been a voluntary magazine editor since I graduated (almost a year) and also contributing with other articles to various publications on a voluntary basis.

It’s a lose-lose situation; there are thousands of intelligent people out there who are happy to see themselves published for nothing – leaving people like me on a career path cul-de-sac where volunteers can be replaced by yet more volunteers. No job security.

[Via http://youonlyseewhatyoureyeswanttosee.wordpress.com]

Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner clinical based. North of Houston. GI experience is a plus.

Title: Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner
North of HOUSTON, TX
Be the first to apply. This job opportunity is brand new!
————————————————————————–
JOB DETAILS
Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner needed for clinical practice. Our client is seeking a Nurse Practitioner with experience in Internal Medicine/Adult Medicine to see the growing number of patients in this thriving practice. There is some focus on gastrintestinal treatment, so experience in Gastroenterology is a plus. We are looking for a practitioner whose commitment to quality and compassionate care is unwavering. This position is clinical-outpatient only with no evenings, weekends, or on-call! Excellent opportunity!
————————————————————————–
JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Must be registered and licensed by the State of Texas.
3. Possess some Internal Medicine/Adult Medicine experience.
4. Outstanding communication and customer service skills.
5. Commitment to quality assurance and compassionate care.
————————————————————————–
REWARDS PACKAGE
In addition to an enjoyable work environment and ideal schedule, our client offers:
• -Competitive Pay
• -Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and numerous holidays
• -Tuition Reimbursement
• -401 (k) with Company Match
• -Medical Insurance
• -Dental Insurance
• -Life Insurance
• -Flexible spending accounts to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare
• -Long-Term Disability Coverage
• -Short-Term Disability Plan
• -A professional, enjoyable work environment
• -Opportunities for advancement
————————————————————————–
LOCATION
The opportunity is located on I-45 in Conroe, Texas; located just north of Houston. With easy access to our nation’s fourth largest metro area, you will be able to enjoy unique sporting, entertainment, and cultural activities, endless shopping experiences, and all the excitement a large city has to offer. This can all be yours from the comfort of Conroe’s vibrant, growing community that maintains its small-town, master planned community appeal.
The Conroe area boasts some of the finest residential developments such as; April Sound, Walden, Del Lago, Bentwater, Seven Coves, Grand Harbor, Point Aquarius, and Corinthian Point all provide the opportunity for an idealistic place to call home. Many of the residential communities have superior golf courses and tennis facilities as well as water amenities. And to top it off, the schools in this community are truly outstanding!
Conroe offers the benefit of nearby restaurants and shops, accessed on small roads or within easy walking distance and driving distance.
Because of its outstanding location, wonderful residential communities, exemplary schools, low crime rate, and friendly locale, Conroe, TX is the perfect place to call home! You will LOVE it here!
————————————————————————–
BTW… Act fast because any position in this area fills fast!
CONTACT
For more information, please contact:
Blake Moser
Phone: 888.812.3452 ext. 707
E-mail: blake@aprx.net.
Apply Directly at: http://ping.fm/SPSic
Visit our Website at:
www.AdvancedPracticeRecruiters.com

[Via http://aprx.wordpress.com]

Recession & the Family: Women Now a Majority in American Workplaces

Of important milestones that women, and arguably feminists, have achieved, now women have surpassed 50 percent of the nation’s employment due to the recession. Behind the scenes, some are giving women a big ol’ sanctimonious pat on the back, as if the nation can forever profit at the expense of others. Yet, the “success” of women hasn’t come without a great cost even as it saves Corporate America billions of dollars in payroll bottom-line…at least, that is the assumption I make based on statistics and the latest from the mainstream media.

This national employment benchmark comes at men’s expense to be certain, but there is clearly a larger loser, the American family. During this “man-cession,” if a family is whole and complete, women are more often the breadwinners in a classic role reversal when compared to the Beaver Cleaver days. If a family has already been “castrated” from male influence, the remaining family of kids is now firmly on the back burner to fend for themselves while mom works her heart out. You cannot assume a nine-to-five scenario either. The jobs that are left are not necessarily the “plum picks,” but all kinds of shift work including part-time employment in an attempt to get by, as well as classic underemployment that now plagues America. Women are not the winners, but the losers, and the family along with it.

Last month, women held 50.3 percent of the nation’s “nonfarm” payroll jobs in seasonally unadjusted data, up from less than 33 percent in 1964. The loss of jobs held by men during the recession has finally tipped the scales of employment at a great cost to all. This isn’t to say that many women haven’t become unemployed during this recession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women have lost 3.9 million jobs while men have lost 7.4 million. Due to the number of seasonal jobs, men are likely to reclaim their status once again in the labor market, even though the trend toward women will likely continue.

Fractured families are faring far worse. Not only are women forced to work harder, more often for less, but men are more and more unable to make a supportable living, even to pay their child support. After all, if you can’t keep a roof over your head, how can you hope to pay child support? For the first time ever, untold numbers of men in fractured families, are held victim to the oppressive Bradley Amendment and a dramatic or total loss of income.

The nation has fallen victim to a system that demands fiscal perfection for “noncustodial parents,” which more often than not, happens to be men. This means that men must work under the system if they can hope to make enough to keep themselves off the streets. Others live perilously, under great stress, hoping to sustain themselves for another day, often on unemployment while barely making rent. The other option is living with friends or in the car for those that have worn out their welcome. Clearly, the recession and the banker-types that created the recession from unbounded hubris, have put America in a state of decline, not unlike that of a third-world nation. The big loser isn’t just men, but all families that don’t belong to the Wall Street or government “elite.” The larger problem remains: an unsustainable economy and mounting debt. The hubris and greed are proving to be the nations’ undoing in more ways than one.

[Via http://bradleyamendment.wordpress.com]

Job Search Attitudes - Employee or Skills Holder?

Previously on The Job Search Boot Camp Show we had special guest Brian Massey – the author of “The Market For Me:  Surviving Job Loss and Building Your Lifetime Career Network”.  Brian talked about how employees usually don’t usually anticipate an end to their current employment, and are often unprepared when their services are no longer needed.  However, “Skills Holders” fully expect to complete a number of transitions during the course of their lives as the value of their skills improve.  “Skills Holders” are always keeping up with the market and searching for new opportunities to sharpen their skills while being dedicated to their current employer.  But, they always know the basic fact about the job market which is – “One day this job will end, and I must be prepare my skills for my next job.”

Are you an employee, or are you a “Skills Holder“?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jay Markunas is a Career Coach who continually looks for ways to become a “Skills Holder”!  Along with his partner, Angela Loëb, he helps job seekers and career shifters by offering The Job Search Boot Camp webinar, Find a Career You Love tele-class, career & job coaching services, and career-related products through their company Great Occupations.

Each 1st & 3rd Saturday, he & Angela host The Job Search Boot Camp Show – which also available on iTunes.

[Via http://greatoccupations.wordpress.com]

Amazing Life

I haven’t updated in a while.  Oops.  I suppose my employment has got the best of me.

My original plan was to get a job but stay within the comforting umbrella of academia, attend medieval seminars in London and apply for PhD funding for the upcoming year.

But then I got a real editorial job for a real company in the real world working real hours.

And I haven’t really even thought about going back.

Part of me is completely unbothered by this, the part of me that knew if I finished with a PhD in medieval literature I would be at the whim of the university job market.  The humanities university job market.  The medieval humanities job market.  What I’m saying is, it’s a tough market.  And, when presented with the options of working and living in London as an editor at a good wage and moving to, oh I don’t know, Idaho for the one job I can manage to get as an untenured position as a lecturer of medieval literature, well, I know which option appeals more.

But there’s another part of me, perhaps the part that is overly proud that just really wants to continue and get a PhD in a subject that I’m passionate about.  Or, really, it’s not even so much the pride as much as it is the fact that I genuinely enjoyed my research.  I love researching.

But, yeah, I’m also really enjoying making money.  LexisNexis has turned out to be an amazing company for which to work so far, and the people on the Halsbury’s Statutes and Statutory Instruments team are quite friendly.  I mean for as friendly as you can get with your editorial colleagues; editorial work is a pretty solitary profession in the day-to-day sense.

So, on to the subject of this post: my amazing life.

I got home at 18.30 today, changed into my pyjamas, made fish and homemade chips for dinner, watched Project Runway and have just been lying around on the couch for the remainder of the evening.  Now that it’s 23.30, I think it’s an acceptable time to consider going to sleep.

Except it’s a Friday night.

No, honestly, my life is amazing.  I think I’m just still detoxing from the insane night that involved at least 15 gin-and-tonics at the Yelp birthday party.

I love gin and tonic.  I’m proper British now.

Except I could really go for some guacamole right now.

[Via http://expatlarissa.wordpress.com]

Volunteering

So, I don’t have a whole ton to report today. I somehow forgot to take “foodie” pics over the last 24 hours –  but we had pasta with tomato sauce, shrimp and feta for dinner last night – and it was delicious.

I’m feeling a lot better about things out here today – I’ve had a relaxing day so far, watched a few Friends DVD’s this morning and slept in nice and late – I’d call that a pretty good start to a Friday.

The boy also had his initial review at his job yesterday and got a nice bonus out of it – which was a nice surprise and I guess that means they like him . Much to his dismay, I think he might actually be slowly turning over a new leaf and moving from the student to professional mindset. I know this because he said he thinks he might spend some of his newfound wealth on “work clothes”.  This is EPIC people, EPIC. He is actually going to let me take him shopping, and maybe – just maybe – one of these days the beer shirts will disappear all together. I love it when he dresses up, so this whole “working professional” thing is a nice perk.

Things have been looking up a bit for me job-wise in the last day or so as well, but nothing is confirmed and I refuse to get my hopes up over this stuff. Whatever happens, happens.

I also spent most of last night working on some volunteer stuff I had offered to assist with. I gotta say, I have a newfound appreciation for volunteering, since I moved out here. Its becoming a great way for me to meet people, and because I like to be busy 24/7 – its helping a little in that department as well.

I’ve volunteered before, but I’ve always had a hard time balancing full-time work and that in the past – but I’m definitely going to make it more of a priority in my life.

Anyways, I think tonight we might make a quick dinner at home (*yay* for cost-effectiveness), but after we’ll probably hit up Boston Pizza for a few drinks and appetizers. Honestly, drinks and apps is probably my favorite way to spend an evening – totally low-key, good food, and yummy beverages – what could be better?

Do you volunteer? What do you like about it? What keeps you coming back?

[Via http://learningtolivelean.wordpress.com]

Undergoing a Serious Change

I was looking at some of my older posts and I have changed.  I’m more positive and I feel like I’m finally starting to build a life that’s worth living.  Now all I have to do is meet my match and find a job.  Those are going to be hard to get, but I won’t get discouraged.  Changing for the good is hard work though.  It’s not going to be easy.  I can make this change though.  I know I can.

Why is change so important to me?  Well, I want to be a happier person.  I’m tired of putting myself down all of the time.  I feel powerless at times.  What good is change when people won’t accept you anyway?  It’s those kinds of thoughts that I have to ignore.  I don’t want to relapse and end up in a situation that I’d regret later.  Is that why I’m serious about change?

[Via http://jmh83.wordpress.com]

Warm building

At 11am today, the Admin person send out an email, titled “Warm building”:

The air condition system for the office has failed.

I have called out the service engineers and they will be with us tomorrow morning at 09:00 hrs.

Ok right, we are going to be frozen to death in here. Out there it’s sub-zero. It’s winter, duh?

But why does he titled the email : Warm building? is the building getting warmer or colder since the air conditioning system had failed?

If inefficiency is not enough, I have to put up with ambiguity in this place.

[Via http://upeupo.wordpress.com]

Ce inseamna prietenul adevarat?

Mi-am facut o garla de nervi aseara.

Pentru cine nu ma cunoaste, eu sunt o persoana foarte deschisa si care prefera sa spuna lucrurilor pe nume. In special cand vine vorba de prieteni si prietene. Daca nu imi convine ceva si daca observ ca lumea susoteste pe baza unui “defect” pe care il are unul dintre prieteni (defect ce se poate remedia si/sau se poate lucra la el), eu prefer sa il trag deoparte si sa ii trantesc ideea. Cine intelege ca nu ii vreau raul, imi multumeste pentru ca am avut curajul sa ii spun in fata ca are acel defect.

Ei bine, ieri mi-am luat suturi de la fosta din cauza acestui motiv. Nu stiu de la ce am inceput discutia dar a inceput sa imi reproseze diverse lucruri, printre care faptul ca ii spuneam destul de serios ca trebuie sa slabeasca. Fata asta se apropia vertiginos de 80 de kilograme la o inaltime de 1.60 (maxim)… era dolofana rau si nu facea mai nimic pentru a schimba asta. N-am fost porc sa ii zic: “Cucoana, esti grasa! Pune-te pe sport si renunta la mancare, ca arati oribil!”, ci o incurajam sa iesim impreuna la sport si sa tinem un regim. Deh, si eu am un mic ghiozdanas (denumit burtica) de la un timp datorita jobului pe care il am – aproape 5% fiind procentajul in care mai facem putina miscare la job. Si eram de acord sa o iau de manuta si sa ne punem pe treaba.

Am vazut ca nu e motivata de acest lucru… si am decis sa ii spun in gluma ca o sa ma mut la ea daca slabeste si devine la fel de “buna” cum era in liceu – N-am vazut poze cu ea cap-coada din liceu, ci numai pana la bust, dar era suficient sa imi fac o parere – Mi-a aratat o singura data cum a aratat in liceu, aratandu-mi o pustoaica de 20 de ani intr-un parc.

Acum, dupa tam-tam-ul pe care l-am avut cu ea, imi scoate ochii cu chestia asta: am fost un nesimtit si superficial pentru ca i-am zis ca e plinuta si ca ar fi cazul sa se puna pe treaba! Mi-a sarit tandara si i-am trantit-o si eu, iar daca va vrea vreodata sa inteleaga, sa analizeze dracu’ bine cuvintele mele. Daca acum e plinuta si poate face ceva sa slabeasca, de ce sa taraganeze pana la 30 de ani cand nu o sa mai aibe chef si timp de nimic? Cum o sa arate ea insarcinata daca nu pune dracului putin mana pe treaba? Ea este draguta, are un chip dragut, dar o sa aibe probleme toata viata daca nu se mobilizeaza. Mi se pare de-a dreptul superficial sa imi spui mie: “Am intrebat barbatii si au zis ca daca iubita lor este insarcinata, tot ramane cea mai frumoasa femeie din lume pentru ei! Numai tu esti… pe langa subiect”.

Isi facea planuri de casatorie si imi batea mie apropouri?! Pai cum as putea eu sa o iau daca nu avea ambitie sa faca ceva? Munca – munca – acasa – mancat – uitat la filme – tocat ciocolata o data pe saptamana iar in restul zilelor seminte sau floricele de porumb, iar in weekenduri dormit pana la 2-3 (pranz). Voi ati lua de nevasta o femeie de genul asta?

Dupa ce am hotarat sa facem o pauza, s-a pus pe treaba si a fost decisa sa se schimbe la greu: incepand de la slabit, continuand cu sexul, terminand cu felul de-a fi ca persoana. Trebuia sa recurg la o astfel de solutie pentru a o motiva sa se schimbe?! Si daca acum s-a pus pe treaba, tot eu am fost badaran pentru ca i-am vrut binele, nu? Mi-a repetat ca nu se face asa… si nu ii spui unei femei sa slabeasca cum i-am spus eu… Pai eu i-am spus ca e simpatica si ca ar fi tare de tot ca tipa daca s-ar pune putin pe treaba: un regim, o miscare ceva (in afara de sex). Nu era bine, ci trebuia sa ii suflu-n cur si sa ii spun: “Esti frumoasa…” in loc de “simpatica”.

Ea avea mai multe defecte, pe unele le-a remediat in timp… cu ajutorul meu sau fara ajutorul meu – la insistentele mele sau fara insistentele mele. Pe alea nu le-a vazut acum, ci doar ca, vezi dom’ne, am jignit-o spunandu-i indirect ca e grasa!

Am trecut prin chestii de genul asta si cu prietenii mei: unii m-au ascultat si au avut putin creieras in cap incat sa ma asculte si sa analizeze, altii m-au injurat si mi-au spus ca nu sunt prieten adevarat, daca ii aduc critici si daca ii mustruluiesc daca fac ceva rau. Toti cei care nu inteleg imi spun ca trebuie sa ii sustin.

O intrebare la care vreau sa reflecte toti (indiferent ca sunteti prieteni, iubiti, amanti, soti, etc), in momentul cand primesc o critica de la prieteni si considera ca nu va sustin: “Daca aveti greutati in viata si vreti sa va sinucideti, ce ar trebui sa faca prietenul vostru cel mai bun? Cum ar fi sa va sustina la suicid?”… La intrebarea asta mi s-a raspuns cu texte de genul “asta e alta mancare de peste!”. Sa mori tu?! It’s the same fuckin’ thing!

Eu suport naibii orice idee, a oricarei persoane… Daca tot vreau sa comit greseala, o comit fara sa tin cont de ceea ce imi spune acea persoana. Dar niciodata nu o sa imi jignesc prietenii, niciodata nu o sa racesc relatiile cu un prieten daca imi spune verde-n fata ce probleme am, ce defecte am si ce ar trebui sa fac pentru a fi mai bine. Imi place sa mi se sufle-n cur (ca orice om), dar prefer sa nu mi se sufle-n cur daca nu am dreptate si prefer mai mult sa mi se dea cu un ciocan in oua cand sunt pe cale sa fac o gafa monumentala.

Ganditi-va mai bine cand va face cineva o sesizare! E posibil sa nu fie cu rautate. Inainte de actiunile voastre, puneti in balanta si ce v-a spus acea persoana.

[Via http://unuplusdoua.wordpress.com]

Find a Career You Love

Tonight we are excited to present Find A Career You Love tele-class at 7pm (central)!  You can still sign-up – it is a tele-class for goodness sakes, so we always have room.  This is a relaxed way for you to discover your career direction that you can do in your PJ’s!

About Me
Years ago, I was an IT professional.  I graduated with a degree in Management of Information Systems, and my first job out of college was programming (in COBOL) 3% death benefits for a variable annuity company – so when the annuity holder died his/her family would receive a 3% bonus.  Morbid and sad, but boring!  If you haven’t started yawning yet, I’ll do it for you!

I’ve always been good at computers from a young age.  I didn’t actually “love” them, but I had a strong apptitude for computers.  It seemed the right career path to follow.  I followed that career for many years, and I literally dragged myself into work each morning.  I never “excelled”, but I always “got by”.  I jumped from job-to-job thinking that it was the company’s fault that I wasn’t happy. 

After working in information technology for far too many years, I finally got fed up.  I couldn’t take it anymore.  I hired a Career Coach to help me find my passions.  I use much of that material in our tele-class.  Today, I am a Career Coach, Speaker, Show Host, Blogger and Writer on career-related topics.  I’ve been interviewed by news agencies, and found good success with my new career.  But…most of all…I am HAPPY!  I LOVE what I do!

My only regret….
My only regret is that I waited soooo long to find my passion.  I was interviewed by a show host a few years ago.  His show’s tagline was “Life’s too short to be in a career you hate”.  AMEN to that, brother! 

Are you getting fed up?  Jumping from job-to-job?  Silently crying while you sit in traffic on your way to or from work?  Isn’t life too short for all that mess?

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jay Markunas is a Career Coach who is in a career he LOVES!  Along with his partner, Angela Loëb, will be hosting the Find a Career You Love tele-class TODAY!  Included in the class is a Career Profile – DISC Assessment, the CareerFinder Method(TM) Worksheets, and 90-minutes of instructions on taking the first step to a career you love!  

Through his company, Great Occupations, Jay helps job seekers and career shifters by offering The Job Search Boot Camp webinar, Find a Career You Love tele-coaching event, career & job coaching services, and career-related products. Each 1st & 3rd Saturday, he & Angela host The Job Search Boot Camp Show – which also available on iTunes.

[Via http://greatoccupations.wordpress.com]

Introducing the 2011 Budget

NEWS
Introducing the 2011 Budget
By OMB Director Peter Orszag
February 01, 2010 at 10:34 AM EST

Today, the President transmitted the FY 2011 Budget to the Congress.  In about an hour, he will deliver remarks about the Budget, and after that I will be taking questions from the press with CEA Chair Romer.  This post gives readers of OMBlog a brief overview of the document.

After a year in which we took immediate and unprecedented action to rescue the economy from the brink of a second Great Depression, the FY 2011 Budget takes steps to jumpstart job creation, strengthen the economic security of middle-class families, and make the tough choices to put our Nation back on the path to fiscal sustainability.

When the President took office, the economy was on the brink of a depression. The economic crisis required that we take immediate and extraordinary steps to prevent a complete economic collapse that would have caused millions more to lose their jobs. Not all of the efforts we undertook to avoid a deeper recession were popular.   Nonetheless the President did what was right for our country’s future: signing into law the Recovery Act to jumpstart economic growth and taking steps to prevent the collapse of the financial system.

A year later, the economy is back from the brink – and is growing again.  This “statistical recovery,” however, is cold comfort for the millions of Americans who have lost their job. The President has therefore called for a package to spur job creation now – including small business tax cuts and investments in clean energy and infrastructure.

To sustain job creation and economic growth into the years ahead and provide room for the private sector to expand, we are also making tough choices in the Budget: cutting what doesn’t work or isn’t necessary and investing in what will help to expand the economy and employment in the coming years.

The Budget thus institutes a three-year non-security discretionary freeze that will save $250 billion over the next decade.  We’re not putting forward an across-the-board freeze, but rather an overall cap on non-security discretionary funding in which key investments are expanded but we cut back on programs that are ineffective, duplicative, or just wasteful.  As part of that overall effort, we identified more than 120 programs across the government that should be terminated or reduced – generating $20 billion in savings.

At the same time, we are making critical investments in the areas critical to building a strong economy in the 21st century. That is why we increase funding at the Department of Education by $2.9 billion or 6.2 percent, make the largest proposed request for Elementary and Secondary Education Act programs while reforming it to be more effective, and provide more money for Pell grants and Race to the Top.

To build a more modern infrastructure, the Budget establishes a new $4 billion dollar National Infrastructure Innovation & Finance Fund to focus on infrastructure investments of national and regional significance.

To help put the nation at the top of the pack when it comes to the new clean energy economy, the Budget includes more than $6 billion in funding for clean energy technologies while also eliminating existing fossil fuel subsidies. And to continue our country’s proud, innovative history, the Budget invests $61.6 billion for civilian research and development – an increase of $3.7 billion, or 6.4 percent, over 2010 levels.

As we focus our efforts on spurring job creation and jumpstarting economic growth, we also have to change business as usual in Washington and restore fiscal responsibility. Because of the irresponsibility of the past decade, we’ve seen a projected 10-year surplus of over $5 trillion at the end of the Clinton administration turn into a projected 10-year deficit of over $8 trillion the day President Obama took office.

The Budget lays out a plan to put the country back on a sustainable fiscal path.

First, we have already taken action to avoid making the hole any deeper. The Administration proposed, and the Senate just joined the House in passing, statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) legislation. PAYGO forces us to live by a simple but important principle:  Congress can only spend a dollar on an entitlement increase or tax cut if it saves a dollar elsewhere.  In the 1990s, statutory PAYGO encouraged the tough choices that helped move the Government from large deficits to surpluses, and it can do the same today.

Second, economic recovery – on its own – would take our deficits from 10 percent of GDP to 5 percent of GDP. To take them down further, the Budget proposes a series of policies including: the three-year non-security freeze mentioned above; restoring some balance to the tax code by allowing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to expire only for those making more than $250,000 a year and reducing the rate at which these same households write-off itemized deductions; ending subsidies for oil, gas, and coal companies and closing other loopholes; and putting in place a responsibility fee on the largest banks to compensate taxpayers for the extraordinary direct and indirect help they provided while also discouraging excessive leverage.

Third, these policies will take deficits down to 4 percent of GDP – amounting to $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction excluding war savings. But that is still not enough, and the only way to solve this is to change Washington, and bring Republicans and Democrats together to work on this problem. That is why the President wants to establish a bipartisan, fiscal commission to look at a range of proposals and put forward a bipartisan recommendation to balance the budget excluding interest payments on the debt by 2015. This type of process has worked in the past, and if everyone in Washington puts the national interest first, we are confident it will again.

Finally, as I have said many times before and will again (since it’s still true!), the key to our long-term fiscal future is fiscally-responsible health insurance reform. All our steps to rein in the deficit will be for naught if we do not reduce the rate of health care cost growth over time.  The legislation passed by both the House and Senate will reduce the deficit over the next decade and put in place the key pieces that will help to bring down health care costs over time. Congress must now deliver on this promise of fiscally responsible health reform – the stakes are high, both for the millions of Americans who lack a stable source of health insurance coverage and for the fiscal well-being of the Nation itself.

If we take follow the plans laid out in the Budget, I am confident that we will be able to spur job creation now and in years to come and put our Nation back on a fiscally sustainable path, which is critically important to the future growth and prosperity of the United States.

Cross-posted from the OMB Blog, read more details on the OMB Budget page.
Peter Orszag is Director of the Office of Management and Budget

[Via http://dominicstoughton.wordpress.com]

JOB TIME CLOCK BIZ

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Our motivated team will get you up and running, and make sure you are completely satisfied. Remember, we have implemented automated data collection systems for years. We know the issues you face and what it will take to install and train your staff, as well as give you guidance and recommedations from years of experience.

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[Via http://jobclock1.wordpress.com]

career.

I don’t know what I’m doing.  I don’t know if I have really gotten into the right type of career that could ever be all that satisfying to me.  I do nothing with music and working for the man is really bringing me down.  2010, I am going to figure out what I am doing, for who and where…and get it done.  I have a friend or two who is doing exactly what they want, and are excited almost everyday they wake up to do it.  Everyone has their more frustrating days, but they went for what they wanted and are doing what they are passionate about.  I long to be one of them.  Its not to say they haven’t worked hard to get where they are…but its not hard work when you love what you do.

I have to look hard at my life and talents and figure out what my calling is, while still making a paycheck.  It’s not this.  It’s not here.  Or maybe it’s me.

[Via http://audacityoftrust.wordpress.com]