Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Moving Right Along....

I read my pal Karen's blog (http://sassymonkey.wordpress.com) pretty much every day. So I got to thinking I better get back to this one before you all forget about me...tee,hee...
I'm now four months along, in my ...um.."between jobs" phase.
Surprise, surprise: I am actually enjoying using the time to pause and reflect.
I am eligible to still receive 55% of my last salary, from the unemployment insurance people. Who knew taxes actually help the tax-payer?! (wink, wnk)
So this time around I am aiming for work that might actually involve writing, since I am a writer (aimed to do so as a tech writer, but never actually wrote...du-uh!)
I know my resumé is solid, and there aren't many in these parts who can say they have been both a foreign correspondent and an award-winning writer, so...
These days, I am sniffing around government offices and doing the dreaded cold calls, which for some peculiar reason, I actually enjoy.
My social circle has broadened as a result. With actually very interesting people I would never have otherwise met.
That's at the very least. At best, of course, I will be working for/with them, in a few months.
Joined a book club. Also another first.
And I am taking not one, but two French courses - one at the local university, the other at a private school - which I thoroughly enjoy. I minored in French at university and lived in Montreal, Quebec City , and Ottawa. But I still feel rusty. The classes are a real confidence and competence builder.
( Gawd bless our unemployment system, which foots half the tuition as long as I am eligible. That means until spring, bless 'em!)
So there you have it. Any survival tips will be gratefully ackowledged.
Cheers..!