Oh, the job search…

I’ve been back in Texas since late January and have been searching for a job ever since. I believe I have pretty diverse skills that include writing, publishing, editing, and general good people skills–and yet here I am, more than six months later, and I still don’t have a job. So many tell me that it’s a simple reflection of the economic environment but for some reason I have a hard time believing it. I am a confident person, and believe I should have something by now.

It’s tough because I long for independence. And I know that whoever does end up hiring me will have a kick-ass employee on their team, because I am so ready to work hard and earn a living again.

This post from an old college friend of mine was a little encouraging beacuse I know she’s also a very hard worker and a very talented person in general. “Hard Economic Times” by Angela Grant.

So I keep trying. Some day my job will come.

Review of my dad’s next one

My dad shared the manuscript of his next book with Dr. James Douglas, the Executive Vice President of Texas Southern University. Dr. Douglas wrote a commentary that can be found here. An excerpt:

It is clear that what started out as a straightforward biography of Heman Marion Sweatt ended up being a masterful overview of race, education, and social views of both African-American and White Texans during the early to mid-part of the last century.  Lavergne writes like a novelist, but his work is, in fact, a wonderful historical treatment of an important period in the history of the State of Texas.

Look for Adult and Citizen: Thurgood Marshall and the Long Road to Justice for Heman Marion Sweatt coming soon.

Time-lapse drive through Minneapolis

Check out this YouTube video of a time-lapsed drive through Minneapolis, going west on Lake Street and then north on Hennepin Avenue. I’ve watched many of this guy’s YouTube videos, many through the Twin Cities area, but this is the first that pretty much went through “my” neighborhood, the Uptown area of Minneapolis. Pay special attention around 2:15, when the driver takes a curve to the right; about three blocks south of there is where I lived for my last year in Minneapolis.

Also keep an eye out for landmarks such as the Midtown Market, Calhoun Square, Loring Park and downtown Minneapolis. The last shot of this video shows Minneapolis’ skyline. The building with the gold-lighted crown is the Wells Fargo Center, where I worked my entire time there. And one more thing, be sure to notice the piles of snow on the side of the road. Those are no bueno.

I am glad to be back in Austin, but I miss Minneapolis sometimes. It really was a lovely place to live, despite the inhumane amounts of cold and snow.

A buddy’s success

Here’s a video on CMT featuring the up-and-coming band Love and Theft. One third of the band is my friend Brian, with whom I went to elementary, middle, and high school.

I’ll always remember Brian as one of the more talented students at school. I downloaded the single “Don’t Wake Me,” for free on iTunes, as it was featured on the home page for a bit. It’s a fantastic song. Congrats to Brian and the band on your success.

Caution: It’s depressing. Traumatic pet stories.

If you’re up for a tear-jerker, here’s a recent post at one of my favorite blogs, an entertainment-review site, Pajiba. The writer shares the trailer for an upcoming documentary about “crazy cat ladies,” then invites folks to comment on their traumatic pet stories. Here’s my two cents:

We found our German Shepherd in the backyard paralyzed from the midsection down. He was really my sister’s dog from the start, and she wasn’t around (forgot what she was off doing). So my dad and I took the dog to the vet. On the way there, the dog had pooped all over the car out of fear. We put him to sleep that day…

From scanning most of the other comments, I see a lot of very sad (some slightly comical) stories. If you’re feeling down and want a catalyst for a good cry, here’s your chance.

Watch the trailer, too. As a cat owner myself (I only have one, though), I feel a little sentimental toward these women.

R.I.P. Woodreaux.

I’ve updated the look of my web site…

…again.

I think I’m a little eager for work.

In other news, the Diocese of Austin’s Bishop Gregory Aymond is moving to become the archbishop of New Orleans. Good for him on the promotion, not so good for Austin-area parishes. I’ll miss Bishop Aymond, I’ve seen many wonderful confirmation masses thanks to him.

Also, last night I stepped out on the front porch to find ominous swirling gray clouds overhead… turned out it was a tornado brewing. I love Texas storms, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was in my subconcious to move back to Texas for them.

Can I borrow $10?

Check out this poster from Lure Design, Inc.:

Only $10! If I had an office, I’d post it in there.

iPhone 3GS, and I might be able to afford it

For the past hour or so I’ve been keeping up with engadget’s live blogging of the World Wide Developer’s Conference from Apple, for which there was much anticipation of an announcement for a new iPhone. I got what I was waiting for–looks like in just a week-and-a-half the new iPhone 3GS will be available. Get a 16 gigabyte version for $199 or a 32 gigabyte version for $299.

It includes video capture! A compass! Voice recognition! It’s speedier! And cheaper!

I’d sure like one. Please? I’m still having to clear out music (that I still like) in my library to make room for new music so that it will fit in my iPod.

Now I’m an ‘award-winning’ communicator

Cool, eh?

Check this out. I’m not in the article because I’m not affiliated with Wells Fargo anymore, but the award is for 2008, for magazine issues with which I helped.

Feb. 2008 issue, Connections

Very, very cool. Congrats to the team!

(Also, please forgive my lack of posting for so long. I’ve moved back to Austin, my home, and am currently conducting a rabid job search. It ain’t easy.)

Dear fast food chains that are advertising fish sandwiches to target folks who don’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent, or might have otherwise given up meat for Lent,

I’m giving up fast food for Lent. So there!