I Cannot Lie

Monday, April 05, 2010

www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4he79krseU

Okay, yeah, I know about the song.

I was actually considering a Gilbert and Sullivan version of it (parody of course), but that was getting even weirder. So here's the original. Slap on the headphones if you're at work. Unless you don't mind your boss giving you that look. You know that look, the one where the boss thinks, man, you're one weird employee.

Anyway, uh, where was I?

Oh yeah.

Today's entry.

It's been an eclectic week. I've been working on my site a lot. Trying new things, adding pages, correcting things, working on design, etc. I've got a ton to do. I don't want it to look too amateurish. But at the same time, heh, I'm no web developer. But I'm realizing: I'm everything. Not just the developer even though I've never thought of myself that way. I'm also my own press agent, my own employment counselor, my own, God, everything.

So excuse me if I'm low on time.

Every day is a meeting. Or it's website work. Or blogging. Or networking. Or or or ....

This is why I'm going to contact my gym and tell them to suspend my membership. I'm just not going these days. Plus the weather is beautiful. Why stay inside and walk on a treadmill, when I'd rather walk around the Reservoir? Plus, unfortunately, getting to the gym is a three hour round-trip production when conditions are good. When they aren't, it's more like four. And I just can't afford that time right now. It's not that I don't want to exercise (although I've kept inside and rested recently because of the mega monster cold from hell which I'm only now finally getting over). It's that I need to make the best possible use of my time. And three or so hours on a bus or trolley is not it.

So, what else is happening? Oh, and why the song???

The song is because, and this is odd, I've been complaining lately that it hurts to sit on a hard chair or bench for too long, say, two hours or so. I mentioned this to Mr. J and he laughed and said, it's because I've lost much of my, ahem, padding. I look at myself, and I don't see it. And I'm a good 60 (yes, that number is correct) pounds heavier than I was in High School and I didn't feel this way. Something is happening. My body is reconfiguring again.

I had a good weight loss week last time, but this time it was abominable. I regained almost 7 pounds. Now, since I had lost 4 last week, I'm mainly just evening out. But it's still odd. And, heh, yeah, that comes with the, erm, sitting pain. My measurements have not changed significantly. Where am I keeping it all? Certainly not in my, ahem, back.

Perhaps I've got really beefy toes.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

QUEENOTHEFOREST 4/7/2010 6:59AM

Yes Beefy toes. That is my problem too. Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETZMIX 4/6/2010 8:45AM

Beefy toes. Reminds me of hearing myself complain to Sherard that I have sausages for fingers, even though my hands and fingers are way smaller than his. I totally get why you would suspend the gym membership. It's too far and you have things to do. If it was an hour trip back and forth, I would say keep it. But you are better off saving your money, and you are right it's too nice to be inside. I went out for Easter and just walked around. It has been sO nice out. Keep working hard, The weight gain is nothing, you have been sick. Like you said, it is all going to even out. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 4/6/2010 6:47AM

Beefy toes - LOL! I've noticed that sitting is uncomfortable, too, but I'd rather have that then the extra padding. I did consider getting a new computer chair, but I probably don't need to be on the computer more. Yep, when the butt's asleep, it's probably time to move! Walking outside sounds like a great plan to me! Keep it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

TELERIE 4/6/2010 2:42AM

Ahh, those beefy toes!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZENMIND7 4/6/2010 12:00AM

I thought I was just weird because I never had much butt to begin with, but yeah, I can totally relate to hard chairs hurting now that you've lost some weight! Report Inappropriate Comment

MITEJOE 4/5/2010 11:45PM

Ha ha...gotta laugh! My home office chair, well, I have a soft pillow there...that darn seat is just too darn hard! And it's a good quality Eames office chair, vintage 70's...a VERY expensive chair when it was new (I bought used several years ago). Anyway, I was curious about suspending a gym membership...had no idea one could do that. I haven't gone in ages. I get my exercise mainly from walking outdoors. Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 4/5/2010 11:42PM

Always enjoy your blog. There is no reason you can't get a good exercise program at home. And no traveling time. I am sure your web site will be the bomb when you get it completed Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLISCIOUS 4/5/2010 10:35PM

Beefy toes are easier to grab when you read... I have trouble sitting without padding...a new thing for me, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 4/5/2010 9:01PM

Our bodies sure do FEEL differently these days, don't they...? :-) Don Report Inappropriate Comment

THECITYMOUSE 4/5/2010 8:46PM

Beefy toes....you just know how to make me LOL, no matter what!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KSGROTHE 4/5/2010 8:44PM

That song made me laugh! I've heard the song before, or at least parodies of it, but I don't remember ever seeing that video. The song is parodied in one of the Shrek movies by Eddie Murphy as Donkey singing it about his dragon girlfriend. I wonder if that video is available somewhere. Anyway, it sounds like your website is coming along. Sorry to hear that you've lost your backside. I remember my grandma complaining about there only being one comfortable chair left in her house since she'd lost her padding. (She used to be heavy and lost weight as she got older.) I take it Mr. J. isn't like Sir Mixalot and doesn't mind that you've lost your "big butt"? Keep up the good work! You're doing great! - Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

KUNGFOOD 4/5/2010 8:41PM

Yes, bring on the warm weather. Hot blishtering heeeeaat. Fresh air! It is a strange thing about weight loss ...the redistribution and evening out. I know for me a kind of 8-9 week cycle. I can get used to buying smaller single-digit clothing. Report Inappropriate Comment

GEE-KNEE 4/5/2010 8:37PM

My two only complaints about losing weight are I get cold easier, and sitting on hard surfaces hurt my rear. I figure it's a fair trade because I had way more complaints about being obese. Don't worry about the 7 pound gain, it happens. You'll lose it and more. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARCHMAID 4/5/2010 8:16PM

Well, you do know the answer: don't get fixated on the scale. Heck humidity affects it! So, do what you know works, get some exercise, etc. BTW I'm doing really well--taking so many muscle, joint, strength and well being through swimming classes (not to mention allergy injections, knee injections and assorted health maintenance appointments) that I hardly have time to work--or cook or eat! Not bad, eh? Report Inappropriate Comment

Some Folks Trust to Reason

Monday, March 29, 2010

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR5OnOJxaNY

Oops, I owe you all a month in review post. In fact, I think I missed it last month.

Ah well.

Anyway, here goes.

This has been quite an eventful week in terms of numbers, even if it's been quiet as I'm still trying to get over a cold and now my husband is getting it, too. My main goal is to be well by Friday, when I am meeting with a serious work prospect. Now, don't get all hope-y. The prospect cannot pay me. This is, as they say, the ground floor of a startup. But it's a way to continue to enhance my presence and if it comes to something then it's a good thing. Plus, if nothing else, I need to be able to field such things.

But on to the numbers.

Weight

Oh.My.God. This morning: 173.4 lbs. I'm only .4 lbs. away from having lost half of my starting weight (yes, I have a song specially planned for that). Pretty amazing. This all happened in about 2 years, 2 and a half months or so. Not too shabby.

BMI is 28. And, I'm finally smaller than Mr. J. And so I hope we stay that way.

Measurements

Happy news here, too.

Bicep: 12.5" (originally: 19") down 6.5"
Bust: 36.75"; 1/2" above personal best (originally: 55") down 18.25"
Band: 33.5" 3/4" above personal best (originally: 47.5") down 14"
Waist: 34" (originally: 49") down 15"
Belly: 36.25" (originally: 59.5") down 23.25"!
Butt: 41" 3/4" above personal best (originally: 64") down 22.25"!
Hip: 41" 3/4" above personal best (originally: 54.5") down 12.75"
Thigh: 19.25" 1/2" above personal best (originally: 32.5") down 13.25"

Average of all eight measurements: 15.66" off.
Average of six measurements (no bicep, no thigh): 17.58" off

Energy

These past two weeks are somewhat misleading due to my cold. I'm not sleeping too well and am headachey on and off so that's throwing everything off. But I'm spending a lot of time reading and learning. In some ways it's a good thing, as it's keeping me inside in order to do website work. I was able to go to the gym once last week and twice the week before. I had been going at a three times per week clip but that's not back yet. The gym is fine but not while I'm this sick. Plus I think I overdid it in the beginning of last week and feel I may have extended the cold accordingly. Feh!

Job Search

While it's not a part of my weight loss it does occupy a great deal of my head space so I suppose I should report on it. My two chief activities are networking and building a website. I am still reading about website building and right now networking is suspended until I'm better. Hence I'm back to job applications, which tend to be far lower margin affairs. Fortunately I have nothing specifically planned until Wednesday, which I can blow off if I have to, and Friday, which I really want to attend. Then next week I have doctor's appointments so, if I'm still sick, I can step up treatment. These are planned visits and just so happen to coincide with the cold. Oh and on Sunday we have Celtics tickets. :)

Other Health Issues

I think my surgery issues are more or less all resolved but it's hard to tell as I am taking OTC meds for my cold. These contain Tylenol so it's tough to say whether the Tylenol is only going to my headache or if it's hitting me where I had surgery.

My right breast still has the seroma and that does not appear to be going away. It might be smaller, but it's not easy for me to ascertain that as I look at it every day. My other issues are fine; wounds are all closed and scars are, well, they're no worse. I'll have scars forever; it's really just a question of them fading in time.

My abs are more or less resolved although I do still feel them when I get up from a prone position. I am back to situps and those are okay. At the gym, it was hard for me to use the ab machines. I'm not back to chest exercises yet as I still have the seroma. I'll ask the surgeon about it when I see him a week from today. I suspect I'll be able to go back to chest work but I want him to confirm that.

Upshot

I've still got tons of reading to do and I've still got a cold. I know that building my own site is key for me getting the kind of work I really want. I am really hoping to have something up soon. Perfect? Of course not. It will be a work in progress for, for, well, potentially forever. But I want something up there already. Somewhere to point people to. Somewhere to call home. Content swirls around my head, and sometimes it butts up against design. And SEO seeks a place at the table as well.

It will be a LOT to do. I am going to be acting like my own development team, my own marketing team, my own PR team and my own writing team. The only one I really know how to do is the last one, and I have to be sure to not let it dominate everything else. What's the use of great content if no one sees it, or if the site is hard to use?

But I also feel this will be, ultimately, incredibly rewarding. Even if I don't see a dime from it. A site. Made by me. With my own grubby lil paws. My quirky self, all on display.

It must be the Nyquil talking.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GEE-KNEE 4/4/2010 6:23PM

Half your body weight, I am right behind you. I have a little over 2 more pounds to reach that. Feels good huh? I am anxious to see your site. I like the silly graphing site that you previously sent me a link too. It made me laugh. Hope you feel better soon. Hugs, Jeannie Report Inappropriate Comment

MITEJOE 4/1/2010 3:00PM

You are doing great...keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

KUNGFOOD 4/1/2010 8:45AM

Yay, you! I'm heading over to look at your site and agree wholeheartedly about Analytics. Anal-ytics. Hmm. Well, they *are* absorbing! Report Inappropriate Comment

FIT_TERI 3/30/2010 5:01PM

.4 lbs away. That is awesome! I am glad your surgery related problems are mostly behind you, and I hope that last one clears up really soon. Then you can focus fully on regaining some of the muscle strength you've lost. Just imagine how fast those lbs will fly off then! Your website sounds like a terrific idea. It's a big undertaking, as you know. But it will keep you busy. I've been afraid, when I have been out of work for several months, that if my mind isn't being challenged I might lose my "edge" (whatever's left of it anyway). I don't know if you have similar worries about that, but this endeavor will certainly keep your mind challenged! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRACYZABELLE 3/30/2010 3:27AM

You are doing great girl! Keep up the good work Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLISCIOUS 3/29/2010 9:48PM

"Creative" grubby little paws, mind you! I'm very excited about your very own web site! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAYWEB555 3/29/2010 5:02PM

Motivate me baby ! I'm so glad I stopped by to read your blog, I'm feeling so uch better because your doing so well. Keep up the hard work and once again. THANKS FOR THE BLOG ! Report Inappropriate Comment

TELERIE 3/29/2010 4:32PM

You're just so inspiring! Can't wait to see what you make with your grubby little paws! Report Inappropriate Comment

KSGROTHE 3/29/2010 2:37PM

Your numbers look great! Hopefully, you'll be over the cold soon. Otherwise, you sound very upbeat! Keep up the good work! You're doing - Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

MARCHMAID 3/29/2010 11:52AM

An inspiring story continues! Keep on keepin' on! Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETZMIX 3/29/2010 11:52AM

I do hope you feel better. I know your website will be up soon. It seems like just yesterday you told us you were going to go and have your surgery. I know you are not 100%, but in my mind I would of thought for your recovery to be slower. And .4 pounds away from losing half your weight. ummmm that is basically potty stuff. (I know, how gross!) But I know once you are no longer sick, you will be at your new milestone! HOW EXCITING!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 3/29/2010 11:34AM

Your own web site sounds awesome. Glad to hear you are healing well. Too bad you have the cold but that will end soon. Always enjoy hearing what you are up to. And you do sound like you feel much better. The right job will come your way. Report Inappropriate Comment

POETSNA1 3/29/2010 11:13AM

Great job! Report Inappropriate Comment

My Life is One Big Adventure

Monday, March 22, 2010

www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0FBi5Rv1ho

Well, maybe.

But I won't know -- or at least you won't -- until I get it all online.

Huh? I hear you saying.

Well.

I've bought a half a dozen domains. Two are my name (variant spellings, e. g. with and without the hyphen in my last name). One is my userid on this site. Another is the name of my chief team on Spark. The other two involve results and effects. All are dot-coms.

I have zero content right now, so there's no reason to go and look. Nothing to see, nope.

But there will be,

See, I am looking for social media work. And I end up putting a huge number of links into any cover letter. And I finally realized -- duh! -- I'm giving Hiring Managers far too much to do. Better to just give them one link. This way, everything can be coherently organized. Plus I can (once I've figured out how to do what I need to do) show my stuff.

I am not intending to become a programmer or a web designer or developer but I am looking for a role whereby I can speak to such people intelligently. I figure that building my own site will do just that.

I spoke with a man who's successful in the Social Media space and he said he thought it was a good idea. It's a way to bring order to the party. It's a way to not just say I can do things, but to actually demonstrate that.

I have so much to learn. I have books on Web Analytics (I started this one first as it's the longest one), AdWords, Drupal and SEO. The HTML book is on its way. Hopefully the weather will get good again and I can sit on the front porch steps, read and take notes.

But even if the weather is lousy I will be reading and absorbing. Right now, it is very chicken and egg. Do this, oh, wait, first do that. No, this other thing. Which depends on the first one. And around and around we go.

But I've done the first part: parked the domains and paid for them and hosting.

Now onto method. Then comes content, although I already have ideas about that. Then design.

I like projects and this one is a beaut.

Will it get me work? I have no idea. But it's useful no matter what. And, yes, there will be a weight loss/Spark portion. And a blog. But no, I won't stop blogging here.

I guess I'd better go and rest -- a cold is coming on. Perhaps I will dream of cascading style sheets.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KUNGFOOD 3/27/2010 9:55PM

Learning is good! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRACYZABELLE 3/25/2010 4:57AM

Hope the cold blows itself away... and best of luck with your business Report Inappropriate Comment

CDNMSFIT 3/24/2010 9:52PM

I'm sorry you aren't feeling well.. I want to learn all that stuff too. I wish some things could just get uploaded to my brain - a usb port is needed, I guess. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

VALERIEMAHA 3/24/2010 9:09AM

...and again, I say AMAZING! Keep us informed...and give us links to content!!! Maha Report Inappropriate Comment

QUEENOTHEFOREST 3/24/2010 8:54AM

I love that you are always creative about how you approach projects, from weight loss to finding work to skills building. Amazing Report Inappropriate Comment

NYAYNE 3/24/2010 8:16AM

Great game plan. Please keep us posted on the progress. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 3/22/2010 10:48PM

Hoping your efforts pay off...! Certainly must be keeping you hopping...taking care of all of this...! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 3/22/2010 7:36PM

I am sure you will get it all figured out and be successful. Too much brain strain for me but I know you will do it Report Inappropriate Comment

JPANESE 3/22/2010 4:20PM

Good Luck! I'm sure you will come up with something great! Visualize your end result and you will eventually arrive. Great oaks from tiny acorns grow! Report Inappropriate Comment

IM_GETTIN_THIN 3/22/2010 4:20PM

kewl! that is like my dream job. good luck to you. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARCHMAID 3/22/2010 4:08PM

Sounds productive. I'm not sure what social media is exactly--this? : ) Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETZMIX 3/22/2010 2:38PM

Feel better. hmm I will be curious to see what you come up with when you are done. Report Inappropriate Comment

When You're Alone and Life is Making You Lonely You Can Always Go

Monday, March 15, 2010

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKCnH
Was3HQ

We were watching public television the other night and there were musical acts from Ed Sullivan. And I was reminded of how much I like today's song. And thinking about, it held more resonance for me. It means more now.

I just need the city. I can't explain it; I suspect people who need the country or the mountains or the sea have similar feelings. But I've got to have buildings and concrete. It doesn't mean that I don't like green. Hell, I garden. But I guess I need the excitement.

Several years ago, I worked in voice recognition, doing research. It was an interesting job and the people were amazing (I'm still friends with, still in touch with, almost all of them and it's been over 5 years since we all worked together). But it was in Burlington, Mass. This isn't exactly the sticks (the Bedford Air Force base is maybe two exits away on Route 128) but being away from Boston was maddening.

Hence I've got to have, well, Boston, specifically, for work. I can work from home (if I can find such a sweet gig) but still need to be able to get in every now and then, no matter what the reason is. Any job I take must have Boston or its immediate environs (e. g. Cambridge or Brookline or Newton) attached to it.

This is a part of what had been bothering me when I was really in nasty shape -- being kept at home and away from it all. Don't get me wrong, I like a rest like everyone else does, plus I'm not exactly a party gal. It's not for the bars or the culture. Just to be there.

So I went today.

And, as importantly, I went to the gym.

First time since two days before surgery. Six (yes, you read that right) weeks AFTER I'd originally thought I'd be back. But I went. I was there for the full hour, and did my usual stuff. But I lifted 30 lbs. instead of 40, and went on the treadmill only up to 2.7 MPH, not the 4 and 5 MPH I've done before. Smaller weights on the machines. Oh, and the ab roller thing? Not 140 or so reps. More like 45. Oof.

But I went, despite my less than perfect abs. Despite the pouring rain seeping ever more quickly into our basement. Despite the time change making me want to stay inside and just do crossword puzzles all day long.

I went.

Did you?

So maybe I'll see you there
We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares ....

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MARTINT011 4/5/2010 9:29AM

For me it is Chicago! And I love going on the El or a train too. Brings back memories when I lived in the Suburbs and went Downtown it was so exciting! Thanks for the Blog about going to the gym too. Report Inappropriate Comment

IM_GETTIN_THIN 3/20/2010 11:11AM

I am proud of you for getting in your exercise despite all you are going through. that is Report Inappropriate Comment

KAYWEB555 3/17/2010 11:05AM

Way to go, right back at It ! Report Inappropriate Comment

FIT_TERI 3/16/2010 9:06PM

Good for you getting to the gym. OK, so maybe it's later than you planned and maybe you're not at the level you were when you left. You could mope about it or do something about it. And, of course, you have chosen to do something about it. I, too, like the city energy, though I don't really want to live in it. I get to go to NYC whenever I want to....sometimes more often than I want to, but that's work related. I love visiting other cities and just got my DH to agree to a vacation in *gasp* a city - San Francisco. I think a weekend in Boston should be next. Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETZMIX 3/16/2010 9:09AM

I haven't gone to the gym in forever. Was doing some workouts at home and walking outside. I dunno, why though? Maybe I am bored of my gym, tired of it, or the need to just be outside. Report Inappropriate Comment

QUEENOTHEFOREST 3/16/2010 6:53AM

Nice. You are my most city mouse buddy these days. I like to think of you walking those sidewalks and choosing to let the bus go by. I grew up in Manhattan. No wonder I am a country mouse today. Boston seems more livable and you make it sound appealing. Congrats on your return to the gym. Won't be long before you are passing your old numbers by. Report Inappropriate Comment

AFM-SPARK 3/16/2010 12:10AM

Downtown is one of my favorite songs from when I was a child. I just had to post it on my FaceBook. -A Comment edited on: 3/16/2010 12:10:24 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLISCIOUS 3/15/2010 10:49PM

I did go...tried to talk myself out of it...but I went. Glad to hear you are progressing in the right direction. I'm a wide open spaces kinda' girl...as long as the mall isn't too far away. Report Inappropriate Comment

MS.ELENI 3/15/2010 10:13PM

You must be really healed to do all you do. I wish you could send me some of your motivation. You are always such an inspiration. It sounds like Boston is home sweet home for you. I would not want to live in a city or country.Outskirts of small town are for me. I like having a 7-11 up the street. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 3/15/2010 8:29PM

The time change and other niggly things got me today...back at it tomorrow! I am a fan of ctiies too...love spending time in the country, but really like the walkability / bikeability of the city. Don Comment edited on: 3/15/2010 8:30:33 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MARCHMAID 3/15/2010 5:35PM

I went out walking in the wind first thing this morning and went to my Pilates class. Not heavy duty, but I was there! Glad you're back in step--sort of. Report Inappropriate Comment

VALERIEMAHA 3/15/2010 4:04PM

*My* downtown would be The City by the Bay, as San Francisco is known. And WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! this California girl now lives in central Arkansas!!!!!! How did THAT happen, you ask? Well it's the *R* word (hint: 12 letters). AND the *R* is over but I continue to dwell *in the middle of nowhere!* Somethun's wrong with THAT picture, eh, and I just had to vent...since YOU brought it up! However, I am FINALLY beginning to bloom where I'm planted...for now anyway...after 12 years of digging out alternative resources and friends here in the middle of the Bible Belt...like the Little Rock Ecumenical Buddhist Society for instance...and the two groups of friends...Sisters of the New Moon and gatheirng to work Connie Kaplan's The Invisible Garment together. Going back to university has also helped since I closed the Helping Hands Across the Americas project which has resulted in more time on my hands. And intermittantly heading to northern California or Hawaii or Ecuador to rendezvous with the lion's share of my friends helps too. Oh, the gym, you say? Yeah, yeah. Need to get back into that habit. And I DON'T have a legit excuse like you! Your commitment and diligence is a wonderful model of where I'd like to go...and WILL GO! In solidarity, Maha Report Inappropriate Comment

Sometimes You Keep Busy Reaching Out for Something

Monday, March 08, 2010

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQGpF
6cmfSQ

I've had an odd week, and I'm trying to process it and make it coherent so here goes.

Last week, I had a meeting with a potential employer-type person. Well, he has no job. But he did buy me lunch.

Sigh. Story of my life these days. Seems like there's interest but it's not going anywhere.

Hence I've got to (a) get more proactive and do a lot more networking and (b) take some sort of classes. I've often had good luck getting work after getting more education. Seems silly as I've already got a dang doctorate, but there you have it.

In the networking department, I'm trying to attend more things and also have reached out to another dozen people to see if I can have meetings with them. At a certain point, it will become not so financially viable for me to do such things. But that time has not yet arrived. It's only coffee. I'm also being far more selective. The less driving (and parking fees) I do, the better, and the fewer lower margin people I meet, the better. Of course I don't always know who can do the most for me, but I'm trying to at least prioritize my time better. And that means meeting people who are somehow connected to companies or jobs I'd like. There's time enough to meet other people -- right now I have to concentrate and try to make it all count.

Plus this week is nuts. Today I went to the doc's (I don't have to go back until April 5th -- my right breast is still not, heh, optimal, but it's better and should be improved by then). Tomorrow I have a breakfast (I won't eat there) meeting with people I used to work with, mainly it's for moral support. Tomorrow night is Tech Tuesday techtuesday030910.eventbrite.
com/ . Wednesday morning is Cambridge Open Coffee (those are the people I owe $5 to) www.meetup.com/OpenCoffee-Cam
bridge-Meetup/ . Wednesday night is Mass Innovation Night massinnovationnights.com/even
t-rsvp/march-2010-rsvp-list (my Twitter ID is @shrinkingjes, listed there). Thursday for lunch I'll see two guys I worked with at a different company. And Friday is the Community Roundtable thecrboston19.eventbrite.com/

Next week will be personal meetings as Tech Tuesdays are monthly and Mass Innovation and Community Roundtable are every other week (plus I won't see my doc for a while, and the former coworker meetings aren't regular events), so next week I'll just have Cambridge Open Coffee.

I figure I'll bombard the world with my resume and my business cards and my networking profile.

Pity the printer has decided it's time to die.

Perhaps Mr. J and I will spend the weekend printer shopping. I'm okay for now, and I can order cards from www.vistaprint.com if I absolutely have to -- it's just an expense I didn't want, particularly seeing as the printer is going to be an expense anyway.

The training will most likely happen here: www.hubspot.com/inbound-marke
ting-university/

As for my weight loss journey, suddenly it's going well again. I continue to bloat up every time I even think about salt (and, since surgery, the bloat is all in that area -- feels like I'm wearing a corset -- most uncomfortable), but the acid reflux seems to be gone and I'm back to lifting 30 lbs. and have even returned (with my doctor's blessing) to situps. All that's left to get me back to my previous level of conditioning/working out is to up the weights to 40 lbs. (in a few weeks or so), go back to chest exercises (won't do that until the last of the wounds are healed, but I'm down to only 2 band-aids, yay!), return to my gym (ditto) and start running again (ditto again).

So -- after all of this semi-coherence -- what the heck does the song have to do with anything?

It's, well, it's about focusing. I am focused, I suppose, on my weight loss again. It was a long time there where I was fully absorbed in my recovery. Understandable, as things were distressing and they hurt. But that seems to finally be subsiding so it's time to turn toward kicking off the final 31 lbs.

And the focus is on the job search as well. I am not in too much active pain and things are covered up enough and even enough that I don't spend all of my time worrying about being lopsided or something moving out of place. And at least, thank God, I finally know what I really want.

I have online community management experience. I blog, I tweet. I have been online in some capacity for over a decade. It's about time I did it all as a career.

So what do I want to be when I grow up?

A Social Media Specialist/Expert/Manager.

There are jobs out there. I know there are. If I focus in like a laser beam, I will get one.

As is said at the end of the first (yeah, it's the fourth, A New Hope, but it's the first one that came out, so sue me) Star Wars film, when Luke is aiming at the special little place on the Death Star, the dispatcher or maybe it's the squad leader keeps repeating, "Stay on target. Stay on target."

And so I shall, and in both aspects of my life, no matter how dull or discouraging they can get. And we all know that they indeed can.

Stay on target. Stay on target.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MS.ELENI 3/10/2010 5:54PM

You are going to be just fine.You are doing all the right things and you will find the right job for you.Sounds like you are also healing more everyday. It will all work out. You can do anything Report Inappropriate Comment

TELERIE 3/10/2010 10:00AM

I know you'll find something and they shall be lucky to have YOU on their staff. I like what Queen and Marchmaid suggests about volunteering and networking through that and focusing a bit on FUN too. Best of luck on healing and working back to your old workout program. You inspire me! Report Inappropriate Comment

KUNGFOOD 3/10/2010 7:28AM

Gotta keep on keepin' on! Staying focused is a challenge... do you suppose your weight loss journey contributed to the focus you're martialing? Congratulations on continued positive health improvements. I'm sure that in all this uncovering-the-new Jes that there is a new employment challenge waiting for you. Love the links! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARCHMAID 3/9/2010 10:01PM

I'm in agreement with the Queen. As the economy rises, your boat will float. In the meantime, as a lifelong volunteer (out of choice and good fortune) I recommend the idea. Something out of your usual area but using your skills. My brother in law retired (a business owner/computer maven) and now volunteers with the Red Cross traveling all over the place, unsalaried but fulfilled and benefiting--I think they pay his travel. Anyhow, think outside that box some more. Focus is fine but fun is finer. Report Inappropriate Comment

QUEENOTHEFOREST 3/9/2010 7:16AM

There is no doubt in my mind that you take every action that is conceivable to take good care of yourself and to land a meaningful and rewarding job. I know it must be frustrating now but you are going to nail rewarding work just as you have nailed every other important aspect of your life. I am curious if it is possible to do consulting in your field just to keep the cash flow moving and also to bring networking to a different direction? Also curious if it would be worth while volunteering a few hours a week or a month for an organization that deals with weight loss issues or fitness issues like the American Diabetes Association or similar? You could increase your network through the board members of such orgaizations while making a valuable contribution. Anyhow darlin, one thing I hope for you is that when you are not working your butt off to find a meaningful job that you get to enjoy some of your time off right now. What an amazing opportunity you have. Because of course as the economy improves your skills are going to be in demand again very soon and in some ways this time in your life is going to be a rare break from your working life. Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 3/8/2010 10:08PM

Keep looking, keep dreaming...you'll find your niche! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLISCIOUS 3/8/2010 9:58PM

Your blog made me grateful I have a job. Thanks, I needed that. Here's hoping you find your dream job. Stay on target...love that movie. Report Inappropriate Comment

IM_GETTIN_THIN 3/8/2010 5:28PM

do or do not.................there is no try :) Report Inappropriate Comment

EMMASMART 3/8/2010 3:40PM

Hi, I'm still alive. I am exhausted reading about your schedule. I am mostly work on Church stuff and that's okay by me. I'd love to have actual work. I love your new job title that would be an awesome job for your funny geeky self. I have an interview for a job that I have been being talked to about since September. It's farrrr from the house. So I dunno. I hope you continue to do great. If you go to some printer stores and bring the dead printer with you, they give you $50 back. Staples for example. Just saying. Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETZMIX 3/8/2010 3:30PM

Werd we will be staying on target. Whoo Hoo to 2 band-aids! Printers nowadays aren't super expensive, so maybe you guys can get one at a good price. Report Inappropriate Comment