Random Sputterings: 1/10/2002

[elSicomoro]

Good evening to all...

Progress on the job front: As I've mentioned before, this is the 3rd time I've been unemployed in the past 15 months. Yet, I feel like I've been more successful during this run than I have in the previous 2 situations.

I think part of the reason is that I am truly focused this time. I know the jobs that I want to do. I am firm on where I will work and will not work. Plus, I've found more jobsites to explore this time. I'm much more relaxed in my job interviews. Yesterday, I had one of the best interviews I've ever had in my life...at least IMO.

Next week, I'm off to the IRS to take a test to be a data transcriber. It's only temporary, but hey...it'll work. The service center is 5 minutes from my house, and they pay well. The following week, I have to head to Center City for 2 tests for positions with the Commonwealth of PA. We shall see...

Funny story of the day: I submitted an application online last night through Monster for a Case Manager position in Philadelphia. I figured I blew it b/c of the cover letter I sent: In most cases, I don't send a cover letter online...personal preference. However, in sending my application, I accidentally selected the cover letter option. Well, the cover letter that I had stored was a general fill-in-the-blank one. For example:

"I am impressed with the reputation of (insert company name here)." (That's exactly how I had it in the letter.)

The crazy thing is...they actually CALLED today. Either they didn't read it, or didn't care. I'm not sure if I should be relieved or concerned.

Road Trippin: Incidentally, that's the name of a section I'm working on for my site. It's coming along well. It's the first time I've extensively used FrontPage beyond work. I used it once before for my website, but didn't keep it for long.

In any case, I'm pretty stoked about taking the road trip tomorrow. Even more so because I don't have to drive my car.

I love driving, except to and from work. Hey, I'll actually have to drive the Capital Beltway during rush hour. That should be interesting.

I'm pondering whether I want to avoid the toll on the Delaware Turnpike (I-95 at the DE/MD state line) or not. It's so easy to do, and only involves an extra 10 minutes of your time. I've done it before going northbound, but not southbound.

(NOTE: Avoiding the toll means getting off at the exit before the toll and getting back on the highway at the exit after. In going NB, you exit at MD-278, go into Newark, DE, then get onto DE-7 (I think) and hop back on I-95. I am NOT a toll-jumper. )

Quick Quips

Xmas tree is STILL up...I was going to take it down today, but I didn't wake up until 3:15 this afternoon...that was fucked up. I had no intention of sleeping that long...perhaps my body was telling me, "Hey...MORON! Get some rest."

I had no desire to watch the American Music Awards last night...and I have no desire to watch the Grammys.

Has anyone watched "Last Call with Carson Daly" yet? It's alright. I think I liked the old "Later" better. And I think I'd rather watch "SCTV" than Carson. For some reason, I cannot stand him. I don't know why...I associate him so easily with teen-pop...maybe that's why.

Have fun folks...