Links
Archives
A perspective on life in Chicago from a late 30s male
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Today. Sunday. March 28th. Two weeks before Easter. Four days til I start again at FTD. Hmmm....
Been an interesting last few days here...not a heck of a lot going on. Got church in a little bit so figured I'd sit down and sort out my thoughts.
I start again at FTD on Thursday. Least its for six weeks and I think we are the first to be there...those that were there before. Nice that they asked me back...just hope I can still do as well as I did before. Gotta make sure to let them know about later next week with church services and all. Hope I get Corinne (sp?) as my re-orientation gal...she was great.
Honestly I feel like I am in a rut these days...no money to do a whole lot so simply staying home which gets old after awhile. I need to go out this week and get the oil changed in my car and I have Credit Card bills up the ying yang to get caught up with so need to write them letters asking for amnesty. Makes me wish I could start all over again with everything...no not thoughts of suicide just a fresh start. Heck would love nothing more than to go out of town after this FTD thing is over in May...even if its just for a day.
Met someone over lunch on Thurs...cool dude thats for sure...he suggested some certifications to get...if hes not busy this week perhaps do lunch with him Tues or Wed...we'll have to see...
Will write more later today perhaps tomorrow.
Been an interesting last few days here...not a heck of a lot going on. Got church in a little bit so figured I'd sit down and sort out my thoughts.
I start again at FTD on Thursday. Least its for six weeks and I think we are the first to be there...those that were there before. Nice that they asked me back...just hope I can still do as well as I did before. Gotta make sure to let them know about later next week with church services and all. Hope I get Corinne (sp?) as my re-orientation gal...she was great.
Honestly I feel like I am in a rut these days...no money to do a whole lot so simply staying home which gets old after awhile. I need to go out this week and get the oil changed in my car and I have Credit Card bills up the ying yang to get caught up with so need to write them letters asking for amnesty. Makes me wish I could start all over again with everything...no not thoughts of suicide just a fresh start. Heck would love nothing more than to go out of town after this FTD thing is over in May...even if its just for a day.
Met someone over lunch on Thurs...cool dude thats for sure...he suggested some certifications to get...if hes not busy this week perhaps do lunch with him Tues or Wed...we'll have to see...
Will write more later today perhaps tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Wow its been awhile since I last blogged...at night I forget about it and before I know it many days have passed. Guess its what I get for listening to Steve & Johnnie on "GN all the time...ahh well....
It seems to me that April 1st will be not only the beginning of the month but I'll be working on and after that date...remains to be seen how long but at least I have a guaranteed 6 weeks of work. I decided to take matters into my own hands and call Mark back at FTD and tell him I am available for now. I'm sick of waiting for the temp agencies to call and damn if Rick at the YMCA did not get back to me (now you watch I'll get a call from him today or tomorrow).
Speak of the YMCA...I had the interview last Thursday. I would have to say it was one of the best I've ever had. I liked the way it was conducted. Gotta hand it to Rick Snell, he knows what he is doing. To think I've never had an interview where the interviewer and I talk about the college I went to and how his former gf graduated from there. Just wish he would let me know either way because the wait gets exceedingly frustrating.
Far as the other temp agencies go, I'll have to call First Associates next week to let them know I found temp work for six weeks, altho at my interview last week I mentioned it. They seem like nice people to work for so will make sure I keep them posted. I never did hear back from Heather Coomes at Chicago Hire...maybe CCFR gave them a bad rap about me or they don't care. Kinda wish FTD would offer me something a little more permanent but I am not going to complain that they are hiring me back. I have a feeling I'll get my choice of shifts, altho the first week I would love to get 8-4:30 as that is Holy Week. Doubt I'll be able to switch Good Friday for Holy Saturday but we'll see I guess.
Speak of church, the Mission is going pretty good so far...feel like MacGuyver at times with some of the solutions I come up with. Managed to find a way to directly connect a CD/Radio into the sound system....I'm hopin this works for Maryann so she could tape us singing directly from the sound system instead of the way she does it now. In a way I feel almost like a coordinator...MA relies on me to help pick songs we know. I wish we could get out of this rut we are in and learn some new stuff and that our small group could do some things...gonna suggest to her that only a few of us sing for Confirmation. That way we can maybe learn some new stuff, stuff that Jana and I both know and can do our parts with. Add Mikey and Pam to the mix (Pam with her Bass) and ask Jim if he could help us out and I think we'll do fine.
Home front...ok I guess...I wish Dad would get off my butt already about working. I am trying and it gets so frustrating. I am glad I have friends to talk to...I feel like I can't talk to Dad like I used to...he manages to find a way to throw it back at me...I'm really trying to help grandma out where I can and she sees it but Iwish I could get her to go to a doctor, get her house fixed up, etc. and I am afraid its not her that being stubborn but dad. Oh well I'll let that lie for awhile....hopin to get some stuff organized here today...I want to get my room changed around a little before Easter.
It seems to me that April 1st will be not only the beginning of the month but I'll be working on and after that date...remains to be seen how long but at least I have a guaranteed 6 weeks of work. I decided to take matters into my own hands and call Mark back at FTD and tell him I am available for now. I'm sick of waiting for the temp agencies to call and damn if Rick at the YMCA did not get back to me (now you watch I'll get a call from him today or tomorrow).
Speak of the YMCA...I had the interview last Thursday. I would have to say it was one of the best I've ever had. I liked the way it was conducted. Gotta hand it to Rick Snell, he knows what he is doing. To think I've never had an interview where the interviewer and I talk about the college I went to and how his former gf graduated from there. Just wish he would let me know either way because the wait gets exceedingly frustrating.
Far as the other temp agencies go, I'll have to call First Associates next week to let them know I found temp work for six weeks, altho at my interview last week I mentioned it. They seem like nice people to work for so will make sure I keep them posted. I never did hear back from Heather Coomes at Chicago Hire...maybe CCFR gave them a bad rap about me or they don't care. Kinda wish FTD would offer me something a little more permanent but I am not going to complain that they are hiring me back. I have a feeling I'll get my choice of shifts, altho the first week I would love to get 8-4:30 as that is Holy Week. Doubt I'll be able to switch Good Friday for Holy Saturday but we'll see I guess.
Speak of church, the Mission is going pretty good so far...feel like MacGuyver at times with some of the solutions I come up with. Managed to find a way to directly connect a CD/Radio into the sound system....I'm hopin this works for Maryann so she could tape us singing directly from the sound system instead of the way she does it now. In a way I feel almost like a coordinator...MA relies on me to help pick songs we know. I wish we could get out of this rut we are in and learn some new stuff and that our small group could do some things...gonna suggest to her that only a few of us sing for Confirmation. That way we can maybe learn some new stuff, stuff that Jana and I both know and can do our parts with. Add Mikey and Pam to the mix (Pam with her Bass) and ask Jim if he could help us out and I think we'll do fine.
Home front...ok I guess...I wish Dad would get off my butt already about working. I am trying and it gets so frustrating. I am glad I have friends to talk to...I feel like I can't talk to Dad like I used to...he manages to find a way to throw it back at me...I'm really trying to help grandma out where I can and she sees it but Iwish I could get her to go to a doctor, get her house fixed up, etc. and I am afraid its not her that being stubborn but dad. Oh well I'll let that lie for awhile....hopin to get some stuff organized here today...I want to get my room changed around a little before Easter.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Its Tuesday almost Wednesday here...not too bad of a day. Didn't do a whole heck of a lot but did get to the Unemployment office to re-sign up for U/E comp. Turns out I only have about three weeks worth of comp left so that will at least help me get my car pmt and insurance taken care of for later this month. Also the letter will serve as proof I am still unemployed to a couple credit card places and my student loan.
I've actually read more than a couple chapters in that Web Design book and it does not look all that complicated. I'm going to dink around with a few things and see what I can come up with. Am also going to look into free webspace for myself and apply what I have learned. Perhaps a career in web design is not out of the question.
I did get a call yesterday about an interview with YMCA downtown. Sounds like the job is up my alley....but as usual I am not going to hold my breath. Also, I got an email from the interview I had on Thurs...no go as I figured but in a way glad because I don't think I would have liked it very much. And if all else fails I do have FTD starting April 1st.
Also heard from BJ tonight...wow it was great hearing his voice. Sounds like he is adjusting to life in the desert. Doesn't sound too homesick yet. I guess his group is heading into Iraq soon but the place where they are going to be was bombed on Sunday. Just hoping and praying he has safe journey getting there.
Started another book today too. Michael Crichton's Travels which is not bad. I've never gotten into his fictional books but perhaps I might after reading this. Got to also read that book I got "The Day Christ Died". I would like to use that as meditational reading especially as Holy Week gets closer.
Looks like tomorrow is going to be a quiet one. Harrison Clinic is closed so will stay put and apply for more jobs. If the weather cooperates I might take a drive tomorrow....I do have choir tomorrow night too...Easter is coming fast!!
I've actually read more than a couple chapters in that Web Design book and it does not look all that complicated. I'm going to dink around with a few things and see what I can come up with. Am also going to look into free webspace for myself and apply what I have learned. Perhaps a career in web design is not out of the question.
I did get a call yesterday about an interview with YMCA downtown. Sounds like the job is up my alley....but as usual I am not going to hold my breath. Also, I got an email from the interview I had on Thurs...no go as I figured but in a way glad because I don't think I would have liked it very much. And if all else fails I do have FTD starting April 1st.
Also heard from BJ tonight...wow it was great hearing his voice. Sounds like he is adjusting to life in the desert. Doesn't sound too homesick yet. I guess his group is heading into Iraq soon but the place where they are going to be was bombed on Sunday. Just hoping and praying he has safe journey getting there.
Started another book today too. Michael Crichton's Travels which is not bad. I've never gotten into his fictional books but perhaps I might after reading this. Got to also read that book I got "The Day Christ Died". I would like to use that as meditational reading especially as Holy Week gets closer.
Looks like tomorrow is going to be a quiet one. Harrison Clinic is closed so will stay put and apply for more jobs. If the weather cooperates I might take a drive tomorrow....I do have choir tomorrow night too...Easter is coming fast!!
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Another weekend is over, and I spent today after church and brunch at home online mostly. Got a good town on SimCity 3000 and have saved it to another CD so if I can't access it I can always get the copy from the CD. Now we'll see if this one works.
On the job front....picked up the Trib today and found a number of jobs to pursue. Of course I prefer to get a job downtown but right now Oak Brook is looking very attractive as well. Maybe its time to go back into the hotel business. I dunno it simply gets frustrating at times.
Nice to hear that Matt had a good weekend on his retreat. I wish he would understand I've been on a couple of those types of retreats before that I am not a "newbie" by any streatch of the imagination. I've got to tell him sometime of us trying to get TEC going again here in Chicago and what a struggle that can be.
I understand he is trying to motivate me to find a job and all but he honestly I don't think he knows how bad it is out there. And after hearing about Tom getting laid off from his job that makes me all the more skeptical about going into IT unless I know its a reliable and lay-off free company. And no I don't want to move to Little Rock right now. Yeah it is cheaper to live but Chicago is where my family and friends are...perhaps i would move up to MN or back to WI but not Little Rock at this time. I don't think I'd want to work for Alltel anyway.
Lets see....Monday's schedule...gotta get a letter out on some mail I got on Saturday...also have to get over to Harrison Clinic and check the computer out. I have a feeling they are going to have to get a new one over there like at Near North. I honestly can't see why they aren't updating all the equipment all at once. That way everyone will have a newer computer (state of the art for all intents and purposes) and all be on the same page. Makes you wonder sometimes on how businesses work.
Also got to make a couple of calls. RGIS is going to be one of the places I contact to see if they have anything. FTD is looking more and more like the place I might be working at again. If I could only find some money to tide me over til then to get some bills paid for the month.....grrrrrrrrrrrr
Did talk to someone on the North Side whos a Harley owner and wants to get together perhaps this coming weekend. That will be cool to check out for a change...also talked to Marc for the first time in what seems like forever. Glad to hear he is doing ok. May have to do dinner with him one of these evenings.
OK MONDAY DO YOUR THING!!!!!
On the job front....picked up the Trib today and found a number of jobs to pursue. Of course I prefer to get a job downtown but right now Oak Brook is looking very attractive as well. Maybe its time to go back into the hotel business. I dunno it simply gets frustrating at times.
Nice to hear that Matt had a good weekend on his retreat. I wish he would understand I've been on a couple of those types of retreats before that I am not a "newbie" by any streatch of the imagination. I've got to tell him sometime of us trying to get TEC going again here in Chicago and what a struggle that can be.
I understand he is trying to motivate me to find a job and all but he honestly I don't think he knows how bad it is out there. And after hearing about Tom getting laid off from his job that makes me all the more skeptical about going into IT unless I know its a reliable and lay-off free company. And no I don't want to move to Little Rock right now. Yeah it is cheaper to live but Chicago is where my family and friends are...perhaps i would move up to MN or back to WI but not Little Rock at this time. I don't think I'd want to work for Alltel anyway.
Lets see....Monday's schedule...gotta get a letter out on some mail I got on Saturday...also have to get over to Harrison Clinic and check the computer out. I have a feeling they are going to have to get a new one over there like at Near North. I honestly can't see why they aren't updating all the equipment all at once. That way everyone will have a newer computer (state of the art for all intents and purposes) and all be on the same page. Makes you wonder sometimes on how businesses work.
Also got to make a couple of calls. RGIS is going to be one of the places I contact to see if they have anything. FTD is looking more and more like the place I might be working at again. If I could only find some money to tide me over til then to get some bills paid for the month.....grrrrrrrrrrrr
Did talk to someone on the North Side whos a Harley owner and wants to get together perhaps this coming weekend. That will be cool to check out for a change...also talked to Marc for the first time in what seems like forever. Glad to hear he is doing ok. May have to do dinner with him one of these evenings.
OK MONDAY DO YOUR THING!!!!!
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Well another day has passed. Not a bad one at all as I did some stuff around the house this morning them took grandma out for a ride and shopping. Note to self to never take her to a fast food place and dine in as she didn't care for the Wendy's we stopped at. I am hoping she takes to Culver's, tho as they have built one in Lansing(IL) close to our favorite Chinese place.
I think I might be actually losing a bit of weight. I was going to wear a shirt I got for Christmas that someone got for me at Old Navy. Put it on and it was very baggy...almost too loose for me. Granted it, it was an XXL but still...giving up chocolate for Lent may have its dividends yet. I have also taken to eating granola and energy bars. The Kashi stuff I picked up at Osco on Friday was pretty tasty. We'll see what happens in the long run, tho. I should start taking up walking again once the weather settles down...maybe even take the dogs out for a stroll every now and again.
While on my way to pick grandma up I had an interesting thought. With the closing of Polka Sausage, there are no more Polish-owned businesses in South Chicago that I am aware of. The only vestiges of a formerly heavy Polish neighborhood are whats left of the parishoners at a few of the churches. The closest place we can get any kind of Polish food is Hegewisch which is, granted it, still fairly close, but its sad to see nothing left of my youth as far as Polish-owned businesses in South Chicago.
Thats why I am glad I belong to Sacred Heart Church. This is one of a few parishes that has not given up its roots in Chicago and that the ethnic language is still the native language it started with (Croation). I know there are times that I get pissed off about it, but actually its nice to see a church which still is rooted on what it was built on and I hope it continues for the forseeable future.
No calls or rejection letters today on the job front. Looks like I might be working at FTD after April 1. I am going to call that one ad that I saw in the paper. It looks like something I might like. Oh yeah I also have to call RGIS on Monday. I'd love to get hooked on with them and at least go out from time to time.
And what about school for me? I guess its another wait and see concept. IF I knew I could get the funding for it (and no I don't need any more loans) and get mostly grants, I'd think about it for sure. Watch this space for more details.
Also talked to Dave tonight. I am so thankful to have him as a friend as he's always there to offer advice and the like. Next week we are supposed to go see Phil Keaggy...I like his music alot.
OK I'll stop here...church in the AM and pretty much laying low. I bet I'll end up going grocery shopping tomorrow...have a feeling Dad will want to sit and watch basketball all day. Oh well......
I think I might be actually losing a bit of weight. I was going to wear a shirt I got for Christmas that someone got for me at Old Navy. Put it on and it was very baggy...almost too loose for me. Granted it, it was an XXL but still...giving up chocolate for Lent may have its dividends yet. I have also taken to eating granola and energy bars. The Kashi stuff I picked up at Osco on Friday was pretty tasty. We'll see what happens in the long run, tho. I should start taking up walking again once the weather settles down...maybe even take the dogs out for a stroll every now and again.
While on my way to pick grandma up I had an interesting thought. With the closing of Polka Sausage, there are no more Polish-owned businesses in South Chicago that I am aware of. The only vestiges of a formerly heavy Polish neighborhood are whats left of the parishoners at a few of the churches. The closest place we can get any kind of Polish food is Hegewisch which is, granted it, still fairly close, but its sad to see nothing left of my youth as far as Polish-owned businesses in South Chicago.
Thats why I am glad I belong to Sacred Heart Church. This is one of a few parishes that has not given up its roots in Chicago and that the ethnic language is still the native language it started with (Croation). I know there are times that I get pissed off about it, but actually its nice to see a church which still is rooted on what it was built on and I hope it continues for the forseeable future.
No calls or rejection letters today on the job front. Looks like I might be working at FTD after April 1. I am going to call that one ad that I saw in the paper. It looks like something I might like. Oh yeah I also have to call RGIS on Monday. I'd love to get hooked on with them and at least go out from time to time.
And what about school for me? I guess its another wait and see concept. IF I knew I could get the funding for it (and no I don't need any more loans) and get mostly grants, I'd think about it for sure. Watch this space for more details.
Also talked to Dave tonight. I am so thankful to have him as a friend as he's always there to offer advice and the like. Next week we are supposed to go see Phil Keaggy...I like his music alot.
OK I'll stop here...church in the AM and pretty much laying low. I bet I'll end up going grocery shopping tomorrow...have a feeling Dad will want to sit and watch basketball all day. Oh well......
Friday, March 12, 2004
Well it is the end of another week. Still unemployed, but there is hope.
I did have an interview yesterday. Got a call from a place called Apartment Finders a couple of weeks ago and after playing phone tag a few times finally got to talk to someone about an interview. Needless to say I don't think I got to the second interview. After talking to the guy who would have hired me, I got a very bad vibe from him. I get the impression hes a Type A personality...stress driven and all...not my cup of tea. Funky place too where this place is at...right in the heart of Lakeview on Belmont. Its about a half a block from The Alley and is practically across the street from Ann Sathers -- so a really happening place. Ah well, another interview under my belt.
The good news is I was called back from FTD on Tuesday...they must have liked me so much that they want me back for the Mother's Day holiday. Only thing is that it would not start until April 1st but would run at least 6 weeks....double what I worked for Valentine's Day. Another bad thing is that it would be a 50 cent reduction in pay. Then I saw an ad in the Reader today (first time I picked that up in awhile) that looked good and was right in my pay range. It would be to show people the love of Reading....sounds like I would be doing this with both kids and adults....gonna give them a call next week and see what its like and if so...I am gonna take it....
Can't believe how hooked I am on Sim City 3000...I did have a decent sized city built and all and the damn program either didn't save it or there was a problem cuz the last time I checked it, the damn thing was reset....well one good thing is when I am pondering a move or waiting for the game to get going (several times a day) I am getting bits and pieces of my room cleaned up. Hope I can get a lot of it done before Easter. Surprise the heck out of the folks too....
Tomorrow is get some housework done (mom's working) then maybe take grandma out. I am not the most solvent money-wise so probably will lie low rest of the weekend....thats ok its supposed to rain on Sunday. Damn wish I could have the extra dough right now to get my car pmt taken care of already...ahh well..live and learn.
I did have an interview yesterday. Got a call from a place called Apartment Finders a couple of weeks ago and after playing phone tag a few times finally got to talk to someone about an interview. Needless to say I don't think I got to the second interview. After talking to the guy who would have hired me, I got a very bad vibe from him. I get the impression hes a Type A personality...stress driven and all...not my cup of tea. Funky place too where this place is at...right in the heart of Lakeview on Belmont. Its about a half a block from The Alley and is practically across the street from Ann Sathers -- so a really happening place. Ah well, another interview under my belt.
The good news is I was called back from FTD on Tuesday...they must have liked me so much that they want me back for the Mother's Day holiday. Only thing is that it would not start until April 1st but would run at least 6 weeks....double what I worked for Valentine's Day. Another bad thing is that it would be a 50 cent reduction in pay. Then I saw an ad in the Reader today (first time I picked that up in awhile) that looked good and was right in my pay range. It would be to show people the love of Reading....sounds like I would be doing this with both kids and adults....gonna give them a call next week and see what its like and if so...I am gonna take it....
Can't believe how hooked I am on Sim City 3000...I did have a decent sized city built and all and the damn program either didn't save it or there was a problem cuz the last time I checked it, the damn thing was reset....well one good thing is when I am pondering a move or waiting for the game to get going (several times a day) I am getting bits and pieces of my room cleaned up. Hope I can get a lot of it done before Easter. Surprise the heck out of the folks too....
Tomorrow is get some housework done (mom's working) then maybe take grandma out. I am not the most solvent money-wise so probably will lie low rest of the weekend....thats ok its supposed to rain on Sunday. Damn wish I could have the extra dough right now to get my car pmt taken care of already...ahh well..live and learn.
