Gang, I’m old and I’m tired but I am not out of the game yet. This whole job hunting thing has been the most exasperating experience I have ever had. I have a new respect for my mom and dad when they both lost their (very good paying) jobs back in the ‘70s. My folks had just purchased a four flat building and I was enrolled in private school. Just when you thought everything was gravy is when the bomb hit. First my dad lost his job. He worked for an electronics manufacturing company. Then my mom lost her job. She was a secretary at Spiegels. Hey, back then those were great jobs if you were black! Anyway, it was hard times. I think we had chicken every night and I KNOW we were getting government cheese!

My experience seems to be paralleling theirs. I had a really good job working for Compaq, I just bought a condo and I just lost my job. OK, it’s been seven months but you get the idea. Anyway, I think it’s time I took matters into my own hands and that doesn’t mean going postal on my former employer. No, I’m going to start my own IT consulting company. I’m kind of being forced into it. I won’t be happy doing anything else and this seems like the most viable alternative. I’ve been brainstorming about services I could provide, pricing, scope, customer base, etc. It’s just too much work! I would rather concentrate on providing solutions to my customers but these are the things that one has to think about when starting their own business. If you have any ideas PLEASE fill me in. I’ve never done anything like this before and I need all the help I can get!

Thanks to my dear friend Rob I actually had a small job this week. He recommended me to a friend who is currently working from home. I met Brian (that’s his name) at his house for a little consulting session on how his network should be set up. Poor dear had already bought all of this proprietary equipment that wouldn’t do what he needed it to do. My first recommendation was for him to take all of that crap back and get my list of equipment. Though I didn’t plan on actually completing anything that day we ended up doing a lot. Price comparison, returned equipment, bought new equipment and ordered the DSL line. Whew! I didn’t mind. I was getting paid! All Brian needs now is the DSL line. SBC gave him some fantasy story that his DSL line would be active in 14 days. I almost fell on the floor laughing.

The workout is totally working out. I’m so proud of myself that after several months of doing nothing I am able to get back on that jogging trail and leave those pounds in my footsteps. I do admit that it is a little hard getting out that door in the morning but once I start stretching out I feel much better. After I complete my run my mind actually has blood in it and I get all of these ideas rushing through my head. It’s kind of cool to know the old noggin is still working. Just needs the right stimulation.

Mother’s Day is a time for the family to come together and celebrate the maternal component of their development. My own family gathered at my brother’s apartment for a Mother’s Day dinner. It was our usual family gathering. My sister’s didn’t show up because they felt they were not invited. My brother Henry didn’t call me either to tell me about the dinner but I didn’t care about that. I still showed up, ate his food and talked about him. My dad was being difficult because Henry didn’t have any Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull. That’s beer for those of you who have never heard of it. Henry and I tried to find it but I told him that the stores wouldn’t have it in the (white) suburbs. You have to go to the very (black) West Side or South Side in the city to get that swill.

Oh yes, love was definitely in the air last night. Henry and I finally got back from (not) finding the beer and we noticed that everyone had already finished eating! They are so considerate. Henry and his fiancé were definitely feeling the love. Let’s see, they argued about the roast, the potatoes, the dishes and probably a few other things I missed. They are definitely made for each other because they act like they are already married. I’m still waiting on the wedding. I’m sure they will be arguing when they walk down the aisle! Family, you gotta’ love ‘em. This is only possible with years of therapy and staying away from sharp objects.