Archive for the ‘Life’ Category
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Since April of last year I haven’t worked more than 24 hours in a week. While over the summer I was plenty busy with home remodeling projects and going to school full-time, I didn’t feel like a productive member of society.
While I’m not technically working full time, I am doing what I can, at 36 hours it’s not as bad as only 24. I’ve discovered some things about myself that I find interesting.
I’m more productive. I tend to try to accomplish more tasks and goals opposed to when I had more time, it seems strange but also interesting.
I have better self esteem. While I am tired, both mentally and physically, I feel better about myself which helps my motivation for things above.
I am lucky in the fact that both of my positions allow for me to work on my homework while there. I guess it’s an advantage of working in the world of academia. I try to take advantage of this resource as much as possible.
I was thrown into the world of “work” at an early age, 14. That’s when I got my first job cleaning tables and doing dishes at Gresham Dining Hall at IU. I enjoyed the work, but didn’t enjoy the atmosphere. Boys can be just as bad as girls at that age.
I guess age and maturity have changed my outlook since then. I want to work, it’s just been impossible to find a job. I hope that with time and with my blossoming skills, I will be able to find a position that pays me what I’m worth.
Tags: IU, Job Hunt, Life
Posted in Career Hunt, Life | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Life lately in the Lawmaster household has been anything but fun as of recent. We all came down with forms of the same sickness. Fortunately we have all recovered.
Originally I thought it was a new recipe that Rachel had tried, Baked chicken thighs with brown sugar. I think it really might have been part of a larger sickness going around our area.
Little Amelia saw the effects first. She spit up ( or should I say threw up) almost half of a couple of her bottles, was warm and somewhat fussy for a day. Some children’s Tylenol made her much better.
Rachel saw her effects span over a two day period. It started with nausea and diahhrea on the first day and ended with body aches, fever and a general not feeling well on the second day. She felt much better after a day of rest.
My case became overly complex and is becoming a nightmare in process. I woke up on the same day that Rachel’s symptoms started feeling the same nausea and diahhrea, but with the addition of severe body aches.
I didn’t have to be at work until noon, so I thought I would sleep in the Kelley School of Business changing rooms – a place I often nap in during lunch. The 3 hour nap helped me tremendously, but didn’t get rid of the severe body aches that made even walking a nightmare.
Due to the strict attendance policies in place at my job, I thought I would give working a go. The lab that I work in on that day requires some physical stamina, as I have to cover this lab, this lab, this lab and this lab. I tried my hardest to fulfill my duties, but was unable and thought it would be best for me to leave and see a doctor.
I went to my doctor’s walk-in clinic. Where I was almost immediately seen. They took my vital signs, asked me what I was having problems with and then had me give a urine specimen which I thought was quite odd. Then the waiting began. I waited an hour before I was seen by a nurse practitioner, who for some strange reason thinks my appendix was (and still is) about to burst.
I was then directed to take some blood tests and immediately go to the hospital for a CT scan. I’ll never forget what the nurse told me, “you cannot pass go, you cannot collect $200 – go straight to the hospital.”
I get to the hospital, where I then went to pickup a contrast agent that I had to drink with Gatorade. Thank god for the Gatorade. I learned later that particular contrast is used to be able to see the digestive tract. Then more waiting. I waited for two and a half hours before I even got the scan! I then had to wait almost two more hours to get the results, which I got from that same nurse practitioner via phone call!
She said that I had a large amount of lymph nodes that were swollen and my white blood cell count was up significantly but there were no signs that my appendix was in trouble. In layman’s terms, my body is fighting a infection of some sort. She then prescribed me 4 antibiotics, which I’m not taking. I believe I have MRSA and I have read that antibiotics actually perpetuate the spreading of these potentially killer infections.
After finally getting home at almost 9pm, I drank a couple shots of my cure all, Nyquil and went to bed. I woke up the next morning feeling like a brand new man!
Today I got a call from the walk-in clinic. They want me to do another CT scan in 3 months to make sure I’m okay. WTF? This sounds like either a very inexperienced health care provider, or an organization that is trying to generate some revenue through services that are not needed. I don’t think I’m going to go to that particular walk-in clinic again.
Tags: 24 Hour Virus, Amelia, Antibiotics, Bloomington Hospital, CT Scan, Health, IMA, Links, Me, Rachel
Posted in Health, Life, Links, Rachel, The Amelia Files | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Today we were able to receive our 2009 W-2 statement online and I must say it was quite a shocker. My income has significantly went down since I left Baxter, but I think this is a new low. I’m not going to publicly state how much, but lets just say it’s under 10 grand by a significant amount.
There were many issues that contributed to this. I’m going to outline them for documentation should I need a reference.
- CSR – They didn’t schedule me to work since April of 2009. Last week I resigned that position.
- School – I decided to take off over the summer and focus on my studies and remodeling of our home. Mainly due to the fact that I could not attain summer employment, or any employment for that matter.
- Unemployment – While off for the summer I applied for unemployment, received it – now they want it back!
I have been in a war of words with our state unemployment system. Technically employees of state funded educational institutions cannot receive unemployment during “an established break period.” We all know that summer is an established break period. However, this is only the case when there is “reasonable assurance” that the applicant will be returning to their position after that break. This was not the case here.
Since I have two positions, it can become muddy water from there. I was “assured” by both of my supervisors that I would indeed return. This only happened with one of them. With the job market virtually non existent, it has taken me this long to find another position.
I was paid around $1,000 in unemployment in a 4 week period. Of that money, I only received around half of that due to taxes, child support, etc. It then stopped, with potentially libelous statements to follow. The DWD actually stated that it was “the claimant’s fault.” It was my fault that I received benefits? Isn’t it the DWD’s job to ensure I’m applicable to receive them before they are paid? I appealed the findings, hoping to receive a hearing with an administrative judge. I received a letter that my appeal had been received, but still no hearing. I’m now receiving statements on a semi-regular basis demanding I pay this back or “severe civil and or criminal findings may be placed against me.” I say bring it! I deserve due process.
When I received the first notice, I responded quickly inquiring about why I never received a hearing. I Highlighted incorrect data that was entered by the DWD, not myself. I then asked to receive my hearing, but am still only receiving the mentioned notices. I have evidence that I believe shows my case – if I ever get a chance to show it.
I just wish this nightmare would come to an end. Seriously.
Tags: Appeals, Baxter, CSR, DWD, KSoB, Links, Renovation, Unemployment
Posted in Career Hunt, Deep Thoughts, Education, Home Improvement?, Life, Links | No Comments »
Monday, January 4th, 2010
I recently purchased this model of e-cigarette, to try it out and see if it actually did all it claimed. I was amazingly surprised! Since it’s disposable, once the battery died I had to find another option.
So I decided to purchase a “real” model and try to convert myself to something healthier to feed this addiction to nicotine that I have. I bought this model and a “charger pack.” It looks like a pack of cigarettes, but charges the battery while you’re on the go.
If you haven’t heard about e-cigarettes, they are very interesting. They are essentially a battery connected to an “atomizer” which heats up a piece of cotton which is soaked in a liquid. That liquid can contain just about anything. I chose a Tobacco flavor with the “high” level of nicotine. Thus giving me the closest possible resemblance to actually smoking. To compare it with another addiction, it’s much like heroin addicts receiving methadone for treatment.
Now the hard part begins. I have been trying to not purchase smokes while I go to work or run errands, but like the habit smoking is – so is buying them. I’ve found that there are many of my behaviors that I still need to change or work on, and it’s been really difficult. If I can successfully change these behaviors, I believe I can make this switch.
I’m not trying to quit at this point, I’m trying to move to something “more healthy.” Once I’m fully adjusted to e-smoking, I can step down the nicotine levels and even remove the nicotine completely! On a financial note, while this has been an investment at nearly $90, with refills equaling to $0.70 a pack – it’s much cheaper than the real thing!
I’ve shown this to my 10 year old daughter, who it quite amazed at it. I’ve told her that while this is still smoking, it doesn’t contain all of the “bad things” real cigarettes do.
Tags: e-cigarette, Health, Links, smoking
Posted in Health, Life, Links | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Tuesday, October 13th 2009 at 8:30am. An angel was sent to us via mommy’s tummy. Her name: Amelia Josephine!

After Rachel’s last OB appointment, it was decided that she was rather large and it would be best for her to come here via C-section. Weighing 9 pounds, 9.8 ounces, she was rather large. It seems that isn’t a bad thing as I haven’t heard anything otherwise from either the OB or her pediatrician, Dr. Laughlin.
There were minimal issues with her birth, she had some extra fluids in her lungs due to not being “squeezed” out of the birth canal. Rachel was sutured, but a slight mishap occured with them and it created a small hole where one spot did not fuse together. I have been treating it with Neosporin and it is healing greatly.
We spent 4 days in the hospital to ensure Rachel properly healed before venturing forth and becoming an active mom. Then the real fun began. The safety and security of the hospital created a fear of being on our own with this little one.
Since then we have been adjusting to fill her every need. It’s been tiring, yet satisfying at the same time. I wasn’t as involved in this crucial stage of my first daughter’s life, so I’ve learned a lot.
Now we spend most of our day eating, sleeping or changing diapers.

Big sister Taylor just loves her new sister to death. She bought her a Minnie Mouse, which Amelia adores. Minnie sits on her changing table and Amelia stares at Minnie as if she’s in deep thought about what she is exactly.
The kitties are still getting adjusted to the change. They have both noticed the lack of attention they are receiving, and sometimes force their way into receiving some by jumping on us while we’re sitting. I’d like to think they love her, but I’ll let time be the judge on that one.

My time thus far has been taken up significantly by her care and needs. Mommy does need a break! Today I started back at work full-time. I hope Rachel is doing fine today, I really do.
Tags: Amelia, Birth, Daughter, Family, Pix, Rachel, Taylor
Posted in Animal Love, Deep Thoughts, Family, Life, Pix, Rachel, The Amelia Files | 3 Comments »
Thursday, August 13th, 2009
Five years ago tomorrow, I became a husband. While I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into back then, I actually appreciate it now. Five years really doesn’t sound like much, but it’s an accomplishment in today’s world.

Throughout these years, Rachel and I have accomplished many things together. We bought a house, she got her master’s degree, I lost my job and now our newest adventure, our first child.
Our lives before each other were as different as night and day, but our beliefs have kept us close in many ways. I think it’s the core reason why our bond has lasted. It’s a case of opposites attracting. Our bond has done nothing but grow closer over time, something I hope doesn’t end anytime soon.
We will be celebrating our 5th anniversary with a trip down to French Lick. We’re going to spend a night at the French Lick Springs Hotel and perhaps do a little gambling. The traditional gift of the 5 year anniversary is wood. While the trip is our gift to each other, I have to break the rules and buy a present. While I can’t say what it is yet, I know she will be pleasantly surprised.
I hope to get a chance to relax, as I haven’t had much time to do that in a while. School starts back up in 11 days, and I’m back to work at TS full time right now, but that will be scaled back to 24 hours a week at the end of the month.
Today is my father’s 58th birthday as well, I called and left him a message this morning. I hope he got it. I love you dad.

August is a very busy month for us. My father’s birthday on the 13th, our anniversary on the 14th and Taylor’s birthday on the 26th.
Tags: Anniversary, Birthday, Busy, Dad, Links, Pix, Rachel
Posted in Deep Thoughts, Family, Life, Links, Pix, Rachel | 2 Comments »
Monday, May 18th, 2009
I’ve been too busy lately with all of my on-going projects to post any lately. Since I’ve got some free time, let me update you about the ongoings happening in my life.
It’s a Girl: We found out last Wednesday that we’re expecting a baby girl. While Rachel is happy she’s having her first child, I’m a bit indifferent. I’m not saying that I’m disappointed, I was just hoping for a boy – merely because I already have a daughter. She was acting up during the ultrasound and wouldn’t let the technician get a good look at her heart, so Rachel is going to have another ultrasound during her next appointment, just to make sure she’s developing normally. We have had a boy’s name picked out for over a year now, but have been having trouble with a girl one. We’ve finally decided on 2 – which we are keeping secret until she’s born.
Remodeling Blues: I’ve been over-occupied lately with remodeling. While I have made a lot of progress, there is still much to do. Last week I finished the next to last set of wires I need to pull. It was a complete nightmare, but this will give us some flexibility in the layout of our living room in the future. My next job is to cover up our duct run and post downstairs. We have decided to use some decorator panels downstairs instead of paneling or drywall. These panels are relatively inexpensive and will eliminate the majority of painting we would need to do with our original plan. I hope to get the downstairs almost complete by the time I go back to school in June.
No Flash: Friday while in the midst of “wire pulling hell” I wanted to take some pictures. I discovered our camera, a Nikon Coolpix 7600 has a problem. The flash isn’t cooperating, you can’t turn it on in most of it’s modes – and even in the modes it does “function” it doesn’t work. We’re working on finding a solution and have found a nice one with the Nikon Coolpix S210. Now it’s just a matter of purchasing it.
Demon’s Are Gone: The spring semester has officially ended. The last few weeks were quite the nail biter, as I did horrible on 2 chapter tests in my Math-050 course. I’m pleased to say that after 10 years of taking this course off and on, I have passed it with an 86%. This summer I am taking 5 courses, this will enable me to finish my degree in 7 semesters. With a baby coming, the sooner the better. The next course I am dreading is Math-111, I took it once and failed. I hope with 050 off my back, and a little help from Rachel I can conquer this as well. I’ve decided to change my degree and concentration. I originally was seeking an Associates of Science in Computer Information Technology with a PC Support & Administration concentration, after reviewing the coursework I know a little about everything. I don’t feel like I’ll be challenged or forced to use my brain to it’s full extent for that matter. I’ve decided to get an Associates of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems with a Programmer / Analyst concentration.
Free Tix: Being a smoker, I get mailings from time to time with coupons, offers, etc. from tobacco companies. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a voucher for free tickets to the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. My mother has received this same offer, but for Kentucky Speedway (as she lives in Louisville). I’ve decided to bring my mother, as I don’t think Rachel will be comfortable in the heat all day. We get free parking and free rental of headset radios to listen in on the teams. I’ve never been to the 500 before, and being free makes it that much better.
Tags: Baby, home improvement, Indianapolis 500, Ivy Tech, Mom, Nikon, Rachel
Posted in Deep Thoughts, Education, Family, Life, Links, Rachel | No Comments »
Thursday, February 26th, 2009
I’ve got some mighty big news to share. I’m going to be a father for the second time in my life.

We found this out several weeks ago, but wanted to wait until the first appointment. We didn’t want to tell the world, just to tell them that there are problems and so on.
The news has been both shocking and exciting. It means I have many things to do around the house in preparation for the new child.
I have to remodel our downstairs to move my office down there. I then have to remodel the new nursery to make it hospitable for a child.
There’s much to be done, and the clock is now officially ticking. The due date is October 6th – I believe.
Tags: Fatherhood, Life, Rachel
Posted in Family, Home Improvement?, Life, Rachel | 4 Comments »
Thursday, February 19th, 2009
Nothing seems to be going right lately. The things that normally bring joy to my life have disappeared or are disappearing. It’s hard to wake up in the morning when you don’t have a lot to look forward to. The only thing I have currently that brings some potential light at the end of the tunnel are my classes.
Education is sought after more than skills at this point. At least in my experience. I learned this the hard way and it’s really doing a number on me. There was an opening at my job in Technology Services at the Kelley School of Business. It’s almost exactly what I do, with a few other added responsibilities. I’ve been here just one month shy of a year now and I thought I would be a good fit. The only caveat, they wanted someone with at least an associates degree which I do not have.
They must have thought I was a good fit as well, because I almost immediately was asked for an interview. It went extremely well. I thought it was only a matter of time before the job would be offered to me. Then my boss’s boss wanted to speak with me, it was regarding the position. They offered it to someone who had “more rounded experience.” They said she “can give a different perspective that nobody else in the department can.” While I understand they have to do what’s best for the department and not myself, it didn’t hit me until today – the day she started.
There is really nothing I can do to make myself happy but continue my education and hope to find something someday. The only real issue bugging me is that I know that day won’t come soon enough.
This on top of all of the other issues I’m facing. I need a new computer & printer, I am on a deadline for remodeling the basement and old “office.” I need to start planning a summer job or load up on classes for the summer semester and get a large student loan to cover the lack of income.
I feel like I haven’t moved forward at all, but just taken a few dozen steps back since I started on my own back in 1999.
My only solace at this point is my love affair with ROX and computers in general. The computer doesn’t care about how much money I make or any of the other human conditions.
If only life were this simple.
Tags: Deep Thoughts, Education, Kelley School of Business, Links, ROX, Technology Services
Posted in Career Hunt, Deep Thoughts, Life, The Ed Biz | 1 Comment »
Monday, January 5th, 2009
There have been many things going on lately. With the holiday season and new years over, I’m reflecting on all the activities we’ve been pre-occupied with.
Christmas, as always is a very complicated time for us. We went to 3 family events, my grandma Lawmaster’s on the 23rd, my in-law’s on the 24th and my memma’s on Christmas day. We then had “after” Christmas get togethers for my daughter, who spent her Christmas with her mother.
Rachel and I finally stopped schmoozing off of my mother for our cell phone service and got our own plan. We decided to switch back to AT&T, due to a 12% IU discount, and cheaper plan. I finally got a smart-phone, a Samsung Blackjack II while Rachel decided she liked a red LG Shine. It was very interesting to go through this process again. We haven’t been officially on a cell phone plan for 4 years. While researching how much this would cost us upfront, the difference in how much and where was astounding.
On the AT&T Premier website (dedicated to business & enterprise): For the mentioned phones, we were looking at about $325.00 in up front costs. We would receive a $50 mail in rebate in the form of a debit card.
For the same phones at Best Buy, $50! I’m not kidding. I was blown away. The only difference is that we had to set up our IU discount separately, which just took a phone call.
We painted our bedroom finally, it’s a nice yellow hue. When mentioning it to people I tell them that the color is what you would get if you mixed yellow and brown mustard. It looks real nice, now onto the curtains. Hopefully they will be nice.
I will be starting school next week. I am entering the CIT (computer information technology) program at Ivy Tech. Within a few years, I should have a degree in a field I love, which can hopefully help me attain some real employment.
Tags: Deep Thoughts, Family, IU, Rachel, Taylor
Posted in Deep Thoughts, Family, Holidaze, Life, Rachel | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
Today the RCA Dome, better known to all as the Hoosier Dome was deflated.

This was done to assist in demolition, as it has been replaced by Lucas Oil Stadium (In the background). The space occupied by the RCA dome will become yet another expansion of the Indiana Convention Center.
Many memories were made in the dome, but no more will be made there. Rachel and I purchased a piece of that roof as a keepsake. I highly recommend to buy one yourself if you have any fond memories of the dome.
I took this panorama picture the last time we visited the dome during ISSMA marching band finals. We were there to see my niece Sabrina play the clarinet for Forest Park.

To get a better grasp of the scale, look at the 1/2 size version here. I had to make the picture that much smaller just to fit within flickr’s size limitation.
Back in the day, J&B on the ROX did an episode based on the changing of the dome’s name. It’s called “The RCA State” and definitely good viewing.
These are the changes I don’t really like to see. I still miss Market Square Arena.
In these times, I’m really starting to hate corporate sponsorship of whats seems to be everything under the sun. Can you believe that the Verizon Wireless Music Center’s (formerly Deer Creek) box office is sponsored by Taco Bell?
Tags: History, Links, Pix, Rachel, RCA Dome
Posted in Deep Thoughts, Family, Life, Links, Pix, Rachel | 2 Comments »
Friday, September 19th, 2008
Many changes are in the works right now. Like many Americans, the economy has affected the bottom line of our wallets. It has been over a year since I’ve had a full time position, and it seems to me like I’m starting to be pigeon-holed.
I’m going back to Ivy-Tech, for the 5th time, I believe. I plan on starting the spring semester of ‘09. For a while it’s going to be general courses. I think my best bet is to get a degree in a technology field, such as CIS, or computer networking – the same degree my father has.
I don’t really want to go back, but it seems like I need to just to obtain real employment around here. The other plus, the FSSA will pay for all expenses through the Vocation Rehabilitation program. So I won’t be out anything but my time.
I’m going to actually bring my business activities down to a lull while in school. I will still provide my memory saving services to individuals who are seeking them. I’m just not going to be working at it like I once did. There is simply not enough time.
Life isn’t that fun anymore, and I don’t have much else to say except for this update.
Posted in B-Town, Career Hunt, Deep Thoughts, Life, Links | 2 Comments »
Thursday, September 4th, 2008
I have been in a lot of pain recently. What really puzzles me is that I haven’t been involved in any rigorous activities. The only thing I have been really doing lately is sitting on a chair and looking at a computer screen, or laid back in my recliner after work.
My main areas of complaint are my knees and calves.
I had (or at least I thought) a knee injury from a car wreck back when I was 14, but it hasn’t been hurting for years. The other knee I really have no idea about.
My calves have been really tight lately, I’ve been having muscle spasms on a semi-regular basis in that area.
I just don’t want to go to the doctor, I’m not making much money right now and when I’m not at work I’m not being paid.
I hope this ends soon. I have big plans that require my health be in good shape!
Tags: Health, Life
Posted in Health, Life | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
Today is my dad’s 57th birthday. Happy birthday dad!

I’ve really lost count of my dad’s age since about 1999. It just doesn’t really matter to me anymore.
While he won’t be receiving any gifts right now, he does have something coming.
Bill Cosby is performing at the IU Auditorium in September, the first thing I thought of was dad. When I was a child he spoke constantly of listening to Bill Cosby albums when he was a teenager.
Dad’s health hasn’t been too good recently. I hope he can feel like a kid again, if just for one night anyway.
Tags: Bill Cosby, Birthday, IU Auditorium, Links, Parents, Pix
Posted in Comedians, Deep Thoughts, Family, Holidaze, Life, Links, Pix | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 13th, 2008
Tomorrow is our 4th wedding anniversary. Much has happened since that wonderful night in Bedford.
We didn’t really do much for our anniversary last year, so this year we are at least going out to eat at a nice place.
Rachel will have a surprise in store for her as well.
Sometimes it seems like we’ve been married forever, but then I look at people like her parents and B & XY and realize we’ve only just begun.
Coming from a broken home, I try as hard as I can to ensure I don’t fall into the same trap my parents fell into. My father has been married to someone he hates for 21 years. My mother has been married 3 times, she’s said that she’ll never get married again, and so far has kept up with that statement.
When I see the differences in our upbringings, I realize why I am the way I am, and why Rachel is the way she is.
Sometimes it makes me depressed that I wasn’t as lucky as her, but then I realize that I wouldn’t be who I am without what I had to endure.
Rachel, you are my rock! Without you, I’m not sure exactly where I’d be right now. I love you.
Tags: Deep Thoughts, Links, Married Life, Rachel
Posted in Deep Thoughts, Family, Life, Rachel | 2 Comments »
Friday, August 1st, 2008
My last three days with Morgenstern Home Services was just like my first three days. Disappointment.
The first day was cancelled before it began.
The second day I was called to go to a job to do these tasks: replace a piece of siding, replace a roof vent cap, replace a window and a sliding glass door.
The third day the rest of the job was cancelled by the homeowner. I received a call just as I arrived, the homeowner also then told me that she didn’t like his demeanor or professionalism, so she had decided to cancel the rest. The only thing remaining – the sliding glass door.
The homeowner then went on to ask if I had a business card so she could contact me should she want to hire me. I drove home and printed out some new business cards, and went back. I didn’t push my business offerings, I just made sure she had my contact information.
I was surprised to receive an email that night thanking me for the work I had done on her house, and asking what kind of fees would be associated with transferring some negatives.
I quoted her my price, and she sounds interested.
It may be a dead end, but she said she would reorganize her collections and get back with me.
I guess my customer service skills aren’t that bad after all.
Tags: Links, The Handyman Biz, The Vid Biz
Posted in Life, Links, The Handyman Biz, The Vid Biz | No Comments »
Monday, July 21st, 2008
My days with Morgenstern Home Services are numbered. Today, expecting some sort of work to do, I was given the run-around. I was told that the boss would get back with me, and he never called. This can’t and won’t last much longer, in these trying times my pocketbook can’t take it.
I e-mailed the CSR and asked if I could come in tomorrow and Wednesday to work. They said it would be okay. I will also be working full-time at Technology Services for the month of August.
If I could only get a “permanent” solution. I’ve been trying since September of 2006 with no real luck. My wife thinks it would be a good idea for me to be in the university environment, so I have been trying hard to achieve a position at IU. Here are some numbers to give you an idea of the sheer number of jobs I’ve applied to at IU.
# of jobs applied to: 61
# of interviews: 2
Most of these positions are “starter” office positions, which need little or no specialized skills mind you. There have been a couple which tickle my fancy as they have been video related.
Those numbers don’t take into account the endless number of positions outside of IU that I have applied to as well.
In other IU news, I have finally received a university identification card. I doubt it will help, but perhaps it might show some sign of permanence?
Tags: CSR, IU, Job Hunt, Links, TS
Posted in Deep Thoughts, Life, Links, The Ed Biz, The Handyman Biz | No Comments »
Thursday, June 19th, 2008
We are currently working on having our first garage sale ever!

It will be this Saturday, June 21st from 8:30 am til 4 pm. I don’t totally feel comfortable putting my address down, so if you’re interested leave a comment and I’ll give you my address.

Nothing is junk, everything is stuff we just no longer use. As you can see it has taken up a lot of space in our basement. My sister-in-law has donated some stuff as well.
What we don’t sell will probably be freecycled or given to goodwill or the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.
Tags: Garage Sale, Links, Pix
Posted in Home Improvement?, Life, Links, Miscellaneous, Pix, Rachel | No Comments »
Friday, May 30th, 2008
It’s been an extremely long time since I’ve posted, and there’s a very good reason why. I haven’t had much free time at all lately.
I took on a paper route, then after getting the kinks out and finally getting it down pat I started a new job as a Handyman for Morgenstern Home Services.
Between the two, I barely had time to sleep, let alone all the other responsibilities I have.
I’m currently in Chicago, IL. Rachel has a conference tomorrow, and we used it as a reason to get away for a few days.
We’re staying at the Club Quarters Hotel located in the Mather Tower. It’s the first time I’ve ever stayed in Chicago, and I must say I am enjoying it!
We’ve done much, I’ll list the highlights here: Wicked the Musical, Chicago River and Lake Michigan Boat tour, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Art Institute, Navy Pier, The John Hancock Center and “The Magnificent Mile.”
Pictures and more posts are sure to follow.
This break has given me an opportunity to find a replacement for the paper route. She called me tonight asking about inserts for the Sunday paper. I no longer have to worry about that 7 day a week commitment.
Now I have time to concentrate on various projects, such as our upcoming trip to Oklahoma to see my aunts.
Tags: Chicago, Links, Rachel, Travel
Posted in Art, Career Hunt, Life, Links, Rachel, Travel | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008
While making dinner this evening, I received a phone call. The phone was ringing like crazy today, but this one was way out of left field.
It was the Herald-Times, asking me if I was interested in becoming a paper carrier. I had sent them my resume about a month ago when a carrier position opened up. It just happens that the carrier for “my” area quit.
I’ve agreed to go on a “test” run tomorrow morning, bright and early at 4:15.
This is something that I would love to do, but a 7 day a week commitment is tough for a young individual like myself. We occasionally spend the night at friends and family members homes. I wouldn’t want to be grounded.
In other job seeking news, I had an interview at the VA clinic in town, and got another call for an interview with what seems to be a general contracting company in town.
The interview at the VA clinic went well. It’s a position in their front office, I’m just worried that my lack of experience in a medical office setting puts me at a disadvantage.
It would definitely be exciting to work for a general contractor again, but my back isn’t what it used to be.
Due to these concerns, I’m giving this some serious consideration.
I don’t want to work for KFC again, anything but fast food.
Tags: btown, Herald-Times, jobs, KFC, Links, VA
Posted in B-Town, Career Hunt, Deep Thoughts, Life | 1 Comment »