Need Some Motivation???

Man! Job hunting can be a downer, if you rely on the internet to hand you an interview. So when I began losing interest, motivation and hope in starting a job anytime soon, I realized it was time to look for answers. After doing some research into the best job hunting techniques, I found out that I've been predictably "spinning my wheels" and gaining little momentum due to my very actions (or lack of the best actions).

For starters...pursuing jobs on-line only is like sowing seeds in rocky ground. Not only will your crop be sparse, you might even stumble and fall. There are definitely predators out there just waiting for the gullible fly to get caught up in their net. Or I can go back to the vehicle analogy...you'll be left spinning your wheels, going nowhere.

So what to do? Scouting job prospects on-line is not a bad idea to do in spare time, but the true meat and potatoes of job hunting is self-marketing...preparing yourself, your resume, and a cover letter and targeting the companies you want to work for. Not waiting on them to come to you with an interview from your on-line application, but contacting them, and specifically someone who has the power or say-so to grant you an interview. (reality checks from Robin Ryan and other job coaching experts)

Now...the above is no easy task! It takes a serious investment of time, intense mental evaluation and clarification, decisiveness, courage, and gall! Which is why it's just so much easier to sit at the computer googling jobs, posting your profile and resume(s) on job search engines and filling out applications. Believe you me! That's what I did for about 2 weeks with very little turn on my time investment.

The more I searched for answers and read the info out there, the more I realized how much I have yet to do and how to change my job search tactics. There are gobs of books out there offering the ideal way to land a job. If you read a few books or articles by job coaches, you realize they are all saying about the same thing. It isn't rocket science. What they have to say just makes sense. This is the information I've been digesting:

Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton

Over 40 & You're Hired by Robin Ryan

Knock Em Dead by Martin Yate

Ya! I don't believe it is as easy as "1, 2, 3..." but they have a point. I'm not looking for a miracle, but I need to use my brain and be productive with my time. The internet contains a lot of information on jobs, but marketing oneself in person gets people to notice you!

So...I'm "getting in the game" and will be "sowing the seeds" as a new week begins. I'll keep you up on my progress.

Some of the areas are hilly which helps a bit with the cardio.

In the meantime the one healthy thing I've been doing (however inconsistently) is going for walks in the evenings from 30-60 minutes and completing my knee strengthening routine. It is good to get outside and walk to get some perspective. And tonight as I took my mp3 player with me and listened to "Listen Up: The Official 2010 World Cup Album", I felt uplifted and actually good about life. Listening to upbeat, active music with a positive message is definitely a helpful reminder and motivator. We just don't do those good things for ourselves enough!

The last week has been full of cloudy days and very little rain...

don't let the rainbow fool ya!

Ok! Now you try it...listen to this song and try not to move!

Ahhh...come on now! You know that little kid in you is going bonkers!!!

If you still have no motivation to get up and move after listening to music like this...maybe you need some shut eye! Well then...get your sleep on, so you can eventually get up and do something good for yourself like moving to the beat!

By the way...Congrats to Spain for winning the World Cup in overtime!

GOOOAAALLLL!!! This time in Africa

GO NETHERLANDS!

GO SPAIN!

One field, two teams. At 8:30pm (2030 hours) today Spain and Netherlands will begin the competition for who's #1 in the soccer/futbol world for the next four years.

Me? I'll be following the "play by play comments" on FIFA at 12:30pm.

This year FIFA is where I went for updates and video highlights on World Cup actions. I got a much more in-depth and overall picture of what went on during the competition.

Beautiful country!

Inspiring opening ceremony!

Incredible goals!

Energetic and talented players!

Enthusiatic fans!

That's been the World Cup 2010 competition in South Africa!

Shakira and Freshlyground in celebration!

Waka Waka

Things that make you go...hmmm

New Mexico...breathtaking skies...

this pic taken about 5 mins from where I now live.

I'm thinking about the choices before me and wondering which path will lead me in the direction I want to be heading.

Hmmm...so I'm mulling over this statement..."If you don't go out on the limb you'll never get the fruit"...a bit of advice Spoken Word artist Taalam Acey passes down from his mother to whomever will listen...listen up! (an interview posted on his blog)

The question was put to him by Greatness magazine about why he left the world of business to pursue his passion for Spoken Word. He says "you can live your life and never take the chances and you'll end up regretting it", speaking to the reason he was willing to take the risk and leave a secure financial situation and strike out into what was initially for him "somewhat of an unknown". Taalam says he knew from the first time he saw Spoken Word that was his "calling (my words)".

Though, at times, his words may sting, I've been taken by his passion and audacity ever since I first heard "There's a market for ni$$as" on Famecast back in 2007.

Here's another intense piece by Taalam...the man loves what he does! I had the chance to hear him "live" in Scottsdale a couple years ago. It was definitely a memorable event. I remember the chills that I felt watching him connect to his audience. Spoken Word is Talaam's gift and he is busy sowing the seeds of his fruit.

Beautiful Music for a World Class Event!

I don't care what you call...sentimental or whatever!...I like it!

Only 4 countries left competing in the 2010 World Cup-Uruguay, Netherlands, Germany and Spain. No US! No African teams! No Mexico! Aaaahhhhh! Oh well...good action all around anyway!

Check out the quarter final matches.

Intense game between Paraguay and Spain with Spain coming out on top.

Germany and Argentina?!! Is Germany really that good or does Argentina just need to go home and practice...maybe find a new goalie? I'm not sure since I saw only the highlights, but whoa!

Ghana and Uruguay-what can I say but INCREDIBLE GOALS AND SAVES all around! I'm not sure why Uruguay advanced...maybe due to the number of fouls for Ghana??

Netherlands and Brazil...well Netherlands hit the target and Brazil didn't...it's that simple.

Next games to be played are on July 6th and 7th.

A Work in Progress

Overlooking the north side of Albuquerque July 4, 2010

July the 4th

All across our land there are communities organizing celebrations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and yet we in modern day America are quite removed from all the events that took place in history to shape this nation.

We know little of the audacity it took to envision a land separate from monarchical rule. We know little of the brutality it took to annihilate and enslave people faced with foreign occupation and foreign ways to make room for more and more immigrants from foreign lands and to build and sustain a solid economical structure for this new country. We know little of the blood that was shed for years after the Revolutionary War right here in our own country in the name of freedom, liberty and justice.

Liberty and justice for all?? Yes...thinking back to July 4, 1776...it was the beginning of many things. On July 4th each year I enter into sober reflection over the meaning of liberty and justice for all.

When one attempts to go back to that date in history through one's imagination...there is a sense of excitement and glorious beginnings, but some are aware that so much more was taking place and would take place beneath the surface of such ideology.

All the people from Africa and various island communities brought and kept against their will to our land for the purpose of slavery were not given freedom until over 100 years after the signing of this document. And it would be over 200 years after the signing of the declaration before any true sense of equality or justice, with day-to-day practical application, was given to most African Americans in our country. Liberty and justice for all??

The declaration of equality and justice for all was not offered to the Native peoples in this country who were tricked and overpowered in order to surrender their lands and lives, as our founding fathers settled new towns and communities and forged into the West out of a desire for power and wealth. Liberty and justice for all??

Removed to some extent...and yet, as modern day voters and citizens, and we are very much a part of what takes place today, and will take place tomorrow and in the future, that impacts what this country is all about...a country that promises liberty and justice for all.

Today Mexican immigrants, without the proper legal documentation to live and work in the United States, face similar fates as states, county sheriffs, and certain communities determine to eradicate them through deportation. We'll travel half way across the world to attempt to provide liberty and justice for people in a foreign land (Iraq and Afghanistan) where we consider the rulers to be tyrannical, and yet, in our own land, we refuse to come up with a solution that offers dignity and respect to a people who have for over a century literally broken their backs and given their lives to put vegetables in stores, to clean our motel rooms and work spaces, and care for our young children, among many other difficult jobs. These undocumented immigrants do this in search of this dream of liberty and justice for all, knowing that they are often used and abused at the hands of tyrannical corporations right here in the United States of America. Liberty and justice for all?

All this reflection could lead anyone who is truly willing to look at the reality of liberty and justice for all in our country to a great sense of cynicism.

So it gave me needed perspective to hear this radio interview from Weekend America: A Native American Take on Independence.

Albuquerque fireworks 2010

Fourth of July

Independence Day,

we show our pride.

We show our pride with fireworks.

Fireworks represent,

bombs bursting in air;

burst in air in war

war for freedom.

Freedom from sacrifice,

sacrifice of blood,

young blood spilt,

paid the cost.

Price paid in blood,

blood spent,

liberty for you,

a man gave his life.

Life lost for love,

love of country,

land of free,

paid by the brave.

Sparks in air for fun

reminder of men,

brave lives gone.

Patriot loss,

patriot pride.

by

Roger Hancock

September 20, 2001

I encourage you to experience the music and vision of BRUHLE AND AIRO...they are fascinating and offer a fitting message to what this day...July 4th symbolizes...that in the midst of devastation, division, and yes...even deception...there can be those who stand up for truth and will work towards re-creation and reconciliation. Yes...we...the people of the United States of American, and of the world, are certainly a work in progress.

I dedicate this post to my brother, Neal...who has such a deep and enduring passion to spread a message of life transforming liberty to everyone with whom he comes in contact. Much love to you my brother!

Why Albuquerque, New Mexico?

IT'S COOLER HERE IN ALBUQUERQUE. That is TOP on my list.

Now I have only been here (off and on) for two months and so far in May and June, I've experienced 70-high 90s in the middle part of the day and 50-high 60s/maybe low 70s in the night and morning. It started raining this week and I haven't noticed much humidity. Considering that I only have a evap cooler as my central air, I'm hoping the humidity and temps for the remainder of the summer stay just where they are. One 14-year resident of Albuquerque informed me that June is typically the hottest month of the year. Hmmm...sounds good to me! I just hope I didn't bring any of the hot Phoenix summer air along with me.

The information below is from Uniquely Albuquerque, a convention and tourist's bureau website.

UNIQUELY ALBUQUERQUE: Albuquerque is renowned for having the best year roundweather in the USA.

Summers are warm and dry with the average daytime highs around 90°F/32°C and nighttime temperatures cooling down to44°F/7°C are common, but the low humidity means shade provides ample relief from the heat.

Autumn in Albuquerque is often called "Indian Summer" because of warm temperatures early in the season around 70°F/21°C. Summer still lingers in September and early October, with "sweater" weather setting in during November.

Winter requires heavier outdoor clothing; however, sweatshirts or light jackets may be enough on those famousAlbuquerque sunny days. It will snow on occasion, but it seldom lasts more than a day or two. Instead, snow remains in the nearby Sandia Mountains where it creates a skier's delight. Sports enthusiasts can often ski in the morning and play golf or tennis that same afternoon.

Spring begins Albuquerque's warming trend with buds and blossoms decorating the city in April and May. The Rio Grande weather enhances your afternoon hikes or morning walks along the banks. In just a matter of weeks, the bare limbs of cottonwood trees lining the banks of the Rio Grande billow with waves of green, preparing themselves for the rising waters of snowmelt from the Northern New Mexico mountains.

A downtown mural of the Alvarado Hotel around Central and 2nd St.

Information found on Wikipedia about the Alvarado Hotel: The Mission Revival-style ATC was designed to be reminiscent of the Alvarado Hotel, a railroad hotel which was formerly located on the site. The ATC also features a clock tower, located on the northwest corner of the complex, facing the intersection of Central Avenue and First Street. The Alvarado Transportation Center (ATC) is a multimodal transit hub located at 100 1st Street SW in DowntownAlbuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The complex was built as a hub for Albuquerque's regional transit system and as a replacement for Albuquerque's previous bus depot and train station. The ATC serves ABQRide, Amtrak, Greyhound Lines, and the New Mexico Rail Runner Expresscommuter rail line.

Actually I was drawn here because of the wall art...it is everywhere. It made me think that they are open-minded here and enjoy having artists around. I had to come and see for myself.

There are mountains for hiking...actually lots of places for exercising whether it's walking, biking, or hiking. Of course, these forms of exercise are my favorites.

It's a smaller city, but not small enough really. But I need to live where there are jobs, at least for another 20 years or so, by then I imagine the country will be looking like my kind of destination.

Albuquerque Daily Photo shows the diversity of wall art here. Even with the tons of pictures I've already taken, I have yet to see most of these murals in person. It's incredible! Very talented people living here.

A downtown mural

I found the following information about this mural at RoadTrip America.

FRUTOS DE LA EXPRESION
designed by Claire Bain
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Contributed by Gerald Thurman of Tempe, Arizona

This mural was completed in 2000 under the auspices of Working Classrooms, Inc. and honors the first, fifteenth and nineteenth amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It was painted by: Claire Bain, Gary Sena, Lauren Kostelnick, Antonio Lente, Elizabeth Lopez, Luis Mayorga, Branden Toledo, and Michael Herrod. The mural is located in downtown Albuquerque at the SE corner of 2nd NW Street and Central.

Moving to New Mexico

Durango Juvenile Detention Facility 2010

GOODBYE DURANGO...ten + years of memories.

I am so thankful for all the opportunities I had to work with so many talented young people in a variety of capacities. And I had the pleasure to work with such a diverse group of co-workers...good times Durango family! I'm thinking of you...and just want to say, "Stay safe! Stay sane! Your skills and abilities are abundant-may they be used!"

My last home in Arizona...Yvonne's garden oasis in Glendale-

home of the delicious Cerreta's Fine Chocolates!

GOODBYE PHOENIX, ARIZONA...my home for twenty years.

Over those twenty years I met and spent lots of time with so many interesting people-children and adults. And Phoenix will always hold a special place in my heart...particularly because it is the birthplace of Laura, my (birth)daughter and my mom's favorite place to be. But the HEAT...ahhh the HEAT!! I just did not want to survive another summer in the desert heat! Arizona is such a beautiful state and I know I will go back often, not only to visit family and friends, but also to visit the breathtaking scenery.

And so...here I am (67 days into my transitional phase)

in Albuquerque, New Mexico

...about 7 hours from Phoenix and only 4.5 hours from Show Low =).

Just taking it all in and finally getting to a place

where my head and equilibrium has stopped spinning from all the changes.

Albuquerque is a mountain community

with the diversity of an urban setting.

I enjoy the artsy mountain culture here,

the weather (daytime-90s and nighttime 60-70s) in the summer,

and the landscape celebration.

So many places to hike, walk, explore and just "be" in the outdoors.

An overlook at the surrounding area from the Sandia Peaks

which are situated on the east side of Albuquerque...my new home.