Post interview blahs I am fighting

So another interview has come and gone. I think it went well. They asked about my references, that is a good sign. So I went home and enjoyed a lovely dinner with my mother, still cresting the wave of adrenalin and enthusiasm I had worked up to 'sell' myself. And this morning came the crash. The whole process of applying, getting a call, visiting, researching, idea creating, answering questions, being my best self, telling and re-telling my 'story' is tiring. It can even be demoralizing as I chew over answers, think of better examples, pray for compassion. And I know that I now have to wait, for days, while they consider, interview others, do their own research. I wish them well. Because it and they and I are all part of a dance really. I am trying to learn the steps. This protracted experience of job seeking, like spraining my ankle earlier this year, is offering me something new. I try to step back from the process and appreciate this learning because it is real and also it helps me appreciate just how lucky I have been through my career so far. I have always landed on my feet, got the right job, walked into the perfect situation or talked a situation into going my way. And that has meant that I assumed life would always be like that, that my skills and talents, enthusiasm and ideas would keep me on the hot list, make sure I got the job. I can talk, no one who knows me will doubt that. So, finally, I am somewhere where all the talk in the world doesn't seem to be offering me a tipping point into paid employment. Which is leading me, as I fight the desire to sink into a depressive, funky state, to consider self employment, starting a new business, retraining in something altogether different. I'm still exploring - it is what I have the time to do just now! I want this time to be a blessing, an awakening and staying positive is half the battle. Beingkmy and using this blog are helping. And if you know of anyone who wants to hire an organized community builder with networking skills, write me today! Another plus of unemployment is that I get to go skiing tomorrow on the fresh snow falling today!

Cell phone ringtones and a good mystery

One of the things about having a lot of time available is that I find I am exploring things such as ringtones on my smarter-than-me phone. So, I now have a variety of bird calls that indicate to me if a text has come in, if a friend is calling, if someone I don't know is trying to reach me. I have wanted New Zealand bird ringtones and when I was unable to find them, I decided to use some I had found on the open market which are of interest - wrens, crows, owls. I would still prefer a Tui or a bellbird but until I master even more technology, I will make do with what I found for free. The primary reason for changing my ringtones is the amount of time I spend in libraries. Somehow, a hooting howl, while incongruous to the surroundings, is still not as disruptive as any number of 'normal' ringtones that involve loud music or actual ringing bells. And I love watching the confusion on people's faces. I only wish I had more people calling me.....

Today I stayed in bed until nearly noon reading a most absorbing book. A mystery, which is most unlike me. Carol O'Connell is my new favorite author and the Mallory series will be what I look for - I was given Killing Critics which is the third in the series and a quick google tells me there are nine in the series. Just as well I am an honorary member of my mother's mystery book club, which I had heretofor been just the driver for - now I can contribute to the discussion.

Wandering the Georges River

I am actively seeking a quality job and so am doing my homework on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon by driving around back lanes, following the Georges River. I had a bowl of soup in Union and discovered the cafe has a slow-press which is great news for a spring/summer of quality beer drinking....

Yesterday was spent carving ice at the Winterfest in Camden. That was good fun. It seems there is always something going on around here so even though the communities are small, I don't feel as isolated as I thought I might.

The non-winter has meant that my return to running hasn't been slowed down by weather. This morning I went for my usual run past the belties and along the Rockport harbour before returning to Camden. Glorious. Then my well-earned bowl of oatmeal. Yum!

The thing I am noticing about a blog is that I actively write blog posts in my mind during the days and then when I finally face a screen in the local library, I find the content has reduced to ramblings about recent activities. Hmmm. I need to find a strategy to capture my musings that are of interest rather than fill space with nonsense. But, until I have a readership, it doesn't much matter does it? I need to do some property searching, as well as continue the job searching. Just because I am hopeful and praying, doesn't mean things will finally go my way. The search continues until I sign a contract. Be well.

On the road looking for an opportunity

Today on my job search journey three things happened: I had a pre-interview conversation with a great organization, I found out I came in 2nd for a position I interviewed for yesterday and I got a call from another organization for a meeting on Friday. So, since the job of finding a job is a numbers game, I guess I am ahead right now, even though this was the third time I've come in 2nd and each time, to someone with the same 'enthusiasm, good ideas and fantastic experience' but with the 'recent Maine experience' that I lack. My fresh ideas, new eyes and international experience don't seem to cut it when it counts. But, it is reassuring to hear that I make committees struggle with their decision making and that they like my energy. Would that my energy was strong enough to pay my bills, I would cease and desist from this frustrating search. But equally, I am having fun, clarifying my goals, articulating my strengths, keeping my communication skills finely tuned and getting out and about mid coast Maine. My overnight trip to Brunswick (for the conversation) was terrific: I saw a bald eagle soaring overhead on the way home, wandered around historic Bath, had an amazing cranberry/orange muffin, went shopping at a now-favorite natural foods store and was able to sing out loud in the car for a long time....

This week, I fasted for three days, in part to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Dragon and because January was going to slip away if I didn't just pick some days and stop eating. I try to fast at least twice a year for 3-5 days and intend to commit to a weekly 24 hr fast. Considering how fantastic I feel after three days, I am re-inspired to attempt the weekly. I like beingKMY when I feel strong and light and clear-headed. Fasting does that!

Let this begin

Getting a blog started is harder than the spin makes it sound but maybe that is just me. Anyway, here I am and the sun has come out on another spring-like winter day in Maine. I am off to a job interview this afternoon and then another pre-interview tomorrow. Things are starting to move and I feel that I am close to getting settled. I am four days away from a year off work - I left the University of Otago on 28 January. That is amazing. The year has been not at all as expected and I will continue to reflect on it and what continues to happen. Right now my focus is on finding work, finding a more permanent home and creating a community. There is some interesting stuff happening and I would love to be part of it. Patience, that is the hard part of beingKMY. But it is something this year and this life so far has been continually trying to teach me.