tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33561352011-04-21T17:13:07.611-05:00The Face Of UnemploymentThe daily grind to find a daily grind.Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-804757512002-08-20T09:29:00.000-05:002002-08-20T09:32:46.000-05:00After posting this journal for the past eight months I think I have developed writers block. Normally I get up, turn on the computer and just start typing the first thing that comes to my head. This morning the only creative thought that came to me was the fact that I don’t have anything to say so I thought I would write about that. I think this is a sign of extreme boredom. The most excitingPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-802747222002-08-15T08:43:00.000-05:002002-08-15T08:45:42.000-05:00Sometimes a website says it better than words. This is for all of my loyal fans who read my journal. My sister sent this to me and I am just passing on the joy. Turn up the sound before you click on the link.
http://www.funklix.com/WannaShout/You_Make_Me_Wanna_Shout.swf
Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-801844942002-08-13T08:59:00.000-05:002002-08-13T09:02:25.000-05:00This weekend was pretty boring. I know, I know it was Halsted Street Market Days. Who wouldn’t have fun, right?! Me, that is who. I rode down there on my bike ready for a good time. It was so hot and crowded the Saturday I went I just took a detour into a bar after walking about half way through the market. I was just annoyed with all those damn people. Besides, the bar was air conditionedPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-800275862002-08-09T09:39:00.000-05:002002-08-11T09:49:02.000-05:00Hey gang, as you have probably noticed I have started doing a little redecorating around the old website. It is just little things now but look for a complete overhaul in the near future. I know I have been saying that for some time now but it will definitely happen. I’m just researching my options right now. Since our nation has been downsizing (for the past 10 years!) I thought I should Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-798918132002-08-06T09:34:00.000-05:002002-08-06T09:52:48.000-05:00Hey gang, it’s movie review time! As most of you should know I have dreamed of meeting ET since that movie of the same name was released by Stephen Spielberg. Well, the latest addition to the sci-fi genre is not quite ET but is just as entertaining in a more ominous way. ‘Signs’ focuses on a phenomenon of mysterious crop circle formations that has been puzzling people for years and now one hasPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-798463202002-08-05T09:51:00.000-05:002002-08-05T09:51:59.570-05:00The gang from Michigan made it here for the party weekend. They numbered six which equals three couples from the great state of Michigan. I met them out Saturday night at a cute trendy bar called Big Wig. They were their usual dancing fool selves. The music was really good and I think a good time was had by all. We got to Berlin and I was done with dancing so I just propped myself against Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-796899632002-08-01T10:09:00.000-05:002002-08-01T14:44:40.000-05:00Yesterday I got my first job that was not a referral from a friend. I really appreciate the work that my friends have sent my way and please keep sending it! A couple of weeks ago I went around the neighborhood with flyers that advertised my services. I also put up the FASiT web site. I was a little disappointed that I was not getting any bites from my (attempt at) advertising but that all Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-796445672002-07-31T10:44:00.000-05:002002-07-31T10:44:16.006-05:00Many (OK most) of you should already know that I LOVE barbecue! Normally I wait for other people to break out their grill and invite me over for some delicious smoked and charred meat. Mmm, mmm, I start to salivate just thinking about it. Anyway, Yesterday I came to the conclusion that I can not depend on others to provide me with my regular fix of grilled meat so I went out and bought one of Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-795473692002-07-29T08:38:00.000-05:002002-07-29T08:54:48.000-05:00Yeah, I used to be a typical Chicagoan for the longest time. I live here, I work here (when I can) but rarely partake in all this city has to offer. This summer has definitely afforded me the time and opportunity. Can you believe I have lived in Chicago most of my life and until this weekend had only been on the lake once in a boat? I hd just graduated from high school and I went on a date...Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-794406312002-07-26T10:42:00.000-05:002002-07-26T10:45:37.000-05:00Friday’s are such a bad day for me to try and post a journal entry but I will give it that old college try. It is kind of ironic because for me the party weekend begins on Thursday. I am up before 10AM and I am drunk off my ass but I know I have to put out this damn journal and that is what I am going to do! I had the best time yesterday evening hanging out with my friends Tami, Carrie, Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-793481282002-07-24T09:40:00.000-05:002002-07-24T09:59:43.000-05:00I’m sitting at my desk and looking around my apartment. I am truly disgusted by the level of disorder that has slowly evolved over the past few months. When I was a kid our dining room table stayed in a constant state of disorder. I was so proud of myself that I had not fallen into that pattern while living on my own. I felt like I was ready for a last minute dinner party. Not that I have Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-792553692002-07-22T08:53:00.000-05:002002-07-22T09:24:33.000-05:00Why do I have this stereotype lifestyle of my friends who are married with children? I always see them shuffling the kids to school then little league or music lessons. I also envision their idea of fun as sitting around playing Bridge and drinking Diet Coke. That would be a big time Saturday night!! I have obviously been watching too much 1950s TV. Let’s not ‘Leave it to Beaver’, Father Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-792552572002-07-22T08:50:00.000-05:002002-07-22T08:52:27.000-05:00Why do I have this stereotype lifestyle of my friends who are married with children? I always see them shuffling the kids to school then little league or music lessons. I also envision their idea of fun as sitting around playing Bridge and drinking Diet Coke. That would be a big time Saturday night!! I have obviously been watching too much 1950s TV. Let’s not ‘Leave it to Beaver’, Father Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-791057322002-07-18T09:28:00.000-05:002002-07-18T09:28:05.996-05:00Down, down, down it goes. Where it will stop no one knows. I am referring to my 401K which I decided to leave with my company even after they let me go. At the time it seemed like a good idea. I am fully vested and the stock was already pretty low when I left. I just figured there was no where to go but up! Yeah and if I thought that then there is a skyscraper selling for a $1. After the Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-790690072002-07-17T11:26:00.000-05:002002-07-17T11:26:38.056-05:00I didn’t think I had anything to write about today but I have found a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Laundry. Yes, that once a week chore that we all detest for whatever reason. Regardless if we are taking our soiled garments to the laundromat down the street or if we simply have to drag them to the basement laundry room it all adds up to the same thing. We are being held hostage Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-789778292002-07-15T11:21:00.000-05:002002-07-15T15:05:37.000-05:00Every family goes through some trying times and apparently it is my family’s unfortunate happenstance that it must be faced with its current dilemma. Apparently one of my cousins has been accused of murder. I think it is OK to voice my thoughts here since I am not sharing anything that has not already been published in the local newspaper. However, I will not mention any names. I found out Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-788605132002-07-12T07:42:00.000-05:002002-07-12T07:44:24.000-05:00Yesterday I hung out with my nephew. I really wanted to take him to a carnival that just got setup in the neighborhood but unfortunately it was not open yet. So we did the next best thing. We went and saw a movie. ‘Men in Black II’ was the movie of choice. I thought it was pretty entertaining. Not for the storyline, plot, theme or anything like that. No just for the special effects and thePaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-788174582002-07-11T08:18:00.000-05:002002-07-11T08:21:57.000-05:00Last night was the absolute worst for trying to sleep around here. The weather was great. I didn’t even need a fan. I loved that part. Unfortunately it was very windy and some Goober across the alley didn’t secure one of their screen doors. Can I tell you that this door has been opening and slamming ALL NIGHT LONG!? At one point I thought about going across the alley to secure it but I didnPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-787298082002-07-09T08:39:00.000-05:002002-07-09T08:40:50.000-05:00Gang, as you (should) know by now I am trying to do my own thang with the start of my new IT consulting company called FASiT. Since the job market basically sucks I figured why the hell not start my own company. However I am in desperate need of customers! Uncle Pauly needs you to pass the word about FASiT! I also printed up a bunch of flyers that I will be posting in the neighborhood today.Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-786899822002-07-08T10:52:00.000-05:002002-07-08T12:39:48.000-05:00I only have one thing to say. www.FASiT.biz.
Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-784612382002-07-02T08:22:00.000-05:002002-07-02T08:24:32.000-05:00I think the beginning of the summer season for straight people is demarcated by the Memorial Day weekend. Well I have determined that pride weekend marks the beginning of summer for me. Boy, it was hot and fun. You know it’s summer when you see dikes on bikes, hairy drag queens, Chicago Smelts and circuit boys on every manner of float. Break out the sun tan lotion and pass me another beer Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-782699782002-06-27T09:47:00.000-05:002002-06-27T09:52:34.000-05:00It’s movie review time. I really should include a weekly section for movie reviews since I see at least one matinee each week. This week’s movie was ‘The Minority Report’. I’m sure many of you have seen great reviews from the critics about this movie. Roger Ebert said it was, “…a triumph.” Roger, I beg to differ. It was good but it wasn’t all that! Besides, I don’t want to focus on the Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-782248332002-06-26T10:10:00.000-05:002002-06-26T10:16:26.000-05:00I am a true wimp. I admit it and I embrace it. This current heat wave brings out the pansy in me. I like it comfortable. I have a window air conditioner unit that I was dreading to bring from basement storage to my apartment. I live on the third floor! It’s one of those old heavy bastards that weighs a ton and isn’t kind on the BTUs. My electric bill is usually ½ again as much when I use Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-781751032002-06-25T08:12:00.000-05:002002-06-25T11:13:01.000-05:00This weekend I was afforded the opportunity of a lifetime. My friend Rob had an extra ticket to see the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley field. I have lived in Chicago all my life and have never been to Wrigley field. It may have something to do with the fact that I don’t like baseball. Talk about a boring sport. The game this weekend sparked a little interest. The Cubs actually won against the Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-779799042002-06-20T09:25:00.000-05:002002-06-20T09:25:45.886-05:00God I hate jogging! I was stretching out the other day and I think I pulled a muscle. No, not that muscle! Get your heads out of the gutter. It was the muscle behind my thigh. I heard a pop and felt it. It sounded nasty. Initially it hurt but I went ahead and jogged for two miles anyway. My logic was that I should just stretch it out. I just got off the phone with my friend Benjamin and Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-778866382002-06-18T07:56:00.000-05:002002-06-18T07:59:27.000-05:00I was over my folks house yesterday because my dad wanted me to take some pictures of his building. I guess he wants to show them to his brothers who have never made it to Chicago to visit him lo these 30 plus years that he has owned the property. Snapped off a couple of pictures for him then I had to take some pictures of my stepmother’s garden. I am always bragging to my friends about how Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-776950752002-06-13T08:07:00.000-05:002002-06-13T08:11:13.000-05:00Not a whole lot going on this week. The most exciting thing that happened so far was that my friend Jim Benn was in town. There was a death in the family and he had to get here right away. It’s always hard dealing with death in your immediate family. I should know, I have had to deal with that specter twice and it is no fun. Anyway, I know he was trying to get back to Italy right away so I Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-775663532002-06-10T09:56:00.000-05:002002-06-10T10:02:31.000-05:00“Lord, have mercy, Jesus!” That is what my grandmother would say when there was something unexpected or stressful in her life. Let me just say, Lord have mercy, Jesus! I just got back from a run around the park. I haven’t exercised in two weeks and didn’t think it would be that tough. It probably would have been better if I wasn’t pretending to be a Hoover by eating everything in site. ThisPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-774198592002-06-06T09:56:00.000-05:002002-06-06T10:06:30.000-05:00Dear friends, I have something to tell you that is quite difficult for me. I have done something for which I am quite ashamed. This is the most difficult thing I have had to write about but I can not continue on in this manner for fear that the secret that I have bottled away for several days will force it’s way out and consume me. It all happened this past Monday when I was returning home Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-773754462002-06-05T09:35:00.000-05:002002-06-05T09:38:45.000-05:00Boys and girls, can I tell you how good it feels to be (semi) working again? I have been averaging about two jobs a week helping friends with their computer problems. It is quite satisfying when I look at their little faces after I have fixed their problem or I have configured their system to do what they desired. It gives me a true feeling of accomplishment that my skills are appreciated. I Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-772863982002-06-03T08:50:00.000-05:002002-06-03T08:52:26.000-05:00It’s another Monday morning and I find myself struggling to get back into my regular morning routine. After spending a week with my family in what sometimes seems like 19th century rural America where dietary health concerns were not even an afterthought I am struggling to divorce myself from the seductive taste of (can you guess?) bacon! I really love that stuff. I think it’s more addictive Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-771820202002-05-31T08:40:00.000-05:002002-05-31T09:25:31.000-05:00Words can not even begin to describe what I will refer to as the acid trip of a road trip I have just returned from. I believe I existed in some quasi form of reality in a parallel backward universe. There are just too many stories to tell in this small journal so I have compiled a list of the things that I have learned during the trip. Mind you, this is an abbreviated list and each statement Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-768827272002-05-23T09:14:00.000-05:002002-05-23T09:14:57.430-05:00This has truly been an amazing week. I just heard from a former co-worker and good friend whom I haven’t heard from in a number of months. Now it seems like we are e-mailing each other everyday! I also just got a voice mail from a guy I used to date over ten years ago. We were pretty good about keeping in touch with each other even when he moved to the East coast with his (then) boyfriend. Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-767982412002-05-21T09:14:00.000-05:002002-05-21T09:14:52.243-05:00It looks as though my Memorial day weekend will NOT be filled with bar hopping and scoping out all the hot men in Chicago for IML (International Mr. Leather). No, I have apparently sacrificed the first true weekend of the summer season to travel with my father by automobile (how 1950s) to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. That is where my father is from and where many of his family live. I guess they are Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-766573772002-05-17T08:41:00.000-05:002002-05-17T08:45:21.000-05:00Gang, 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 whenPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-765768512002-05-15T09:57:00.000-05:002002-05-15T09:57:35.830-05:00Thanks 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 Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-764972082002-05-13T10:08:00.000-05:002002-05-13T10:10:06.000-05:00Mother’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 Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-763421022002-05-09T08:21:00.000-05:002002-05-09T08:34:06.000-05:00“I tried, I tried. Lord knows I tried!” And I will keep trying...to get out there and get in shape. Lately it’s been difficult for me. It’s been raining and very crappy outside. I have been getting up early and doing stretches and crunches. After that I would normally do a brisk walk for a couple of miles but I’m not walking out there with all that rain! As I have stated before I can’t Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-762203532002-05-06T09:37:00.000-05:002002-05-06T09:37:23.170-05:00Today is a new day. I am slowly putting my master plan into action. I got up nice and early and stretched out. I was going to go on a brisk walk this morning but it is just too crappy out there. It would be my luck to go out in that weather with the intention of getting healthy and catch pneumonia! I can’t afford the medical bills! I have decided to go to the grocery store and do my brisk Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-761210852002-05-03T10:09:00.000-05:002002-05-03T10:09:48.550-05:00Boy oh boy did I have a good time last night. Yeah, I went out to the bars but those bars are so tired that they aren’t even worth the virtual ink. I don’t think I have mentioned this before but I am a big geek. I know it is hard for many of you to believe but it is true. I admit it. I am a sucker for gadgets, computers, science fiction, etc. I am also a big follower of astronomy and Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-760408692002-05-01T10:04:00.000-05:002002-05-01T10:04:09.013-05:00“I’m in control, my worries are few…. I got a new attitude!” Sing it Patti! These are the words I’m trying to live by as I go forward with my job search. After being turned down by the company I was interviewing with I have decided to turn up the heat on the job search! More, more, more! I have created an outlined task list of the things I want to do. Creating this list (again) was very Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-759645542002-04-29T10:31:00.000-05:002002-04-29T10:41:30.000-05:00I’m not sure what to write about because everything that happened this weekend deserves a journal entry! Should I write about the volunteer work I did helping teens and pre-teens prepare for summer job interviews only to go through mock interviews with them and realize that Ebonics must be a second language? Should I write about a surprise party for my cousin’s 65th birthday in a community Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-758480272002-04-26T09:22:00.000-05:002002-04-26T09:22:02.490-05:00Well gang, the verdict is in. Unfortunately I did not get the job that I have been writing about for the past two weeks. I am quite disappointed over the outcome. Looking on the bright side it was a great experience interviewing for such a high level position. In the final round there were only two of us being considered out of six people. The employer decided to go with someone who had morePaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-758095852002-04-25T09:46:00.000-05:002002-04-25T11:45:10.000-05:00And then there were two… I don’t think I ever want to interview for another job again, ever! There is just too much anxiety waiting to find out if that company has chosen you or not. This process started over two weeks ago for me and as I have stated in previous posts I have been a wreck. It is now down to the wire. I am one of two candidates being considered for this position. I am also Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-757277002002-04-23T09:19:00.000-05:002002-04-23T09:19:00.860-05:00For those of you waiting with baited breathe wondering if I have secured that most elusive of all creatures, a job. You can keep holding your breathe! I just had my second interview yesterday and I think it went quite well. I actually interviewed with one of the presidents but didn’t realize he was a head honcho until after the interview! Well, he was so damn young. I am sure that he is Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-756490812002-04-21T09:10:00.000-05:002002-04-21T09:21:16.000-05:00Well boys and girls, it finally happened. I have officially been called back for that second interview I’ve been having anxiety attacks about! I was relieved when my recruiter called to tell me the news. Actually, I was relieved for about five minutes then I started thinking about the interview. What kind of questions would they ask this time? What would I wear? I only have one suite! Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-755868252002-04-19T10:13:00.000-05:002002-04-19T10:13:18.886-05:00Well, I’m still waiting to hear from the one employer if I will be called back for a second interview. Normally I would only be annoyed but because I think this job would be perfect form me I have had a heightened sense of anxiety even before I had the interview. I was expecting a call from my recruiter about the status of the interview yesterday. I was so nervous about the whole thing that I Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-755050582002-04-17T09:18:00.000-05:002002-04-17T09:18:49.690-05:00OMG, waiting to hear if I have been selected for the next round of interviews feels like a Heinz ketchup commercial! “Anticipation is making me wait!” What the hell! I don’t get it. How long does it take to determine that I am the best person for the job? I was supposed to find out yesterday but the employer had to review his notes on the interviews and the references some more. Whatever! Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-754629672002-04-16T08:42:00.000-05:002002-04-16T08:42:01.130-05:00No, I didn’t enter a journal entry yesterday. I was preparing for an interview that I had yesterday afternoon! I was so nervous yesterday morning that I did number 2 about three times! I think I lost about ten pounds in crap alone! No wonder my suite fit so well! I have to remember to take a laxative the next time I have to wear that thing. I think I’ve already had it let out as far as Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-753245242002-04-12T08:51:00.000-05:002002-04-12T08:51:38.140-05:00My journal entries to this point have been kept light and thought provoking but recently I have been watching events as they unfold in Israel and I am sickened and saddened by what I have seen. I’m sure that I may be scolded by some of my Jewish friends but I can not wrap my mind around the logic that the Israeli government went through when they decided to deploy military action against the Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-752867422002-04-11T10:02:00.000-05:002002-04-11T10:02:17.846-05:00Well gang, I just had my first interview this year. I really didn’t go in expecting much and a good thing I didn’t. First of all why is it that the interviewer feels they have to talk ad infinitum about EVERYTHING! Being a good little interviewee I had already done my preliminary research about the company. But the interviewer felt it necessary to go into specific details about the company (Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-752458942002-04-10T09:28:00.000-05:002002-04-10T09:33:39.000-05:00Wow, when it rains it pours! I haven't had a call back from a recruiter in months and now I¡¦ve been getting about 2 a week for the past couple of weeks. I even have two interviews lined up! I have one this afternoon and another one on Monday. How cool is that? I have everything all planned out the moment I get a (decent) job. I will tell my prospective employer that I can not start for twoPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-752046172002-04-09T09:12:00.000-05:002002-04-09T09:12:08.636-05:00Sometimes my dad scares me with the things that seem to fall out of his mouth. When most people talk the words float on air and into the recipient’s ear. My dad’s words have a tendency to fall on the ground and produce shockwaves for about a mile. When I was over to my folks’ house for Easter my dad related his concern about one of my uncles and how he wished my uncle would go to church. I Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-751640002002-04-08T09:41:00.000-05:002002-04-08T10:01:50.000-05:00This has been one hell of a weekend! The weekend started on Thursday at Big Wig for all the after work queens. It was my first time at a BGCC (Big Gay Cocktail Club) event. I met a ton of people over cocktails and appetizers while Shaka23 served up a healthy helping of soothing sounds. I meant to stay at home Friday but my friend Sean twisted my arm and the next thing you know I’m at Big Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-750757802002-04-05T10:19:00.000-06:002002-04-05T10:19:47.866-06:00I have come to the conclusion that I am fashion challenged. I have been invited to the Horizon’s HumanFirst Gala this weekend. It is billed as a black tie optional event but I get the feeling that it would not be acceptable to wear jeans and a mock turtle neck. Hey, that’s what I wear on special occasions! I’m not used to these fancy-smancy events. Though I am quite comfortable in a grand Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-114529252002-04-04T08:41:00.000-06:002002-04-04T08:41:02.906-06:00Since I don't really have anything to report today I thought I would post the response I received from Onebox last week. For those of you who aren't familiar with the whole Onebox debacle, Onebox is a free web based e-mail service that also provided voice mail as a free service. This service was advertised as "Free e-mail for life" until recently when they started charging for the service. I Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-114172062002-04-03T10:16:00.000-06:002002-04-03T10:16:36.310-06:00One thing is for sure, I have to learn not to answer the phone when I just wake up. I went out last night because I’m unemployed and I can do that. Sorry for all you people that can’t stay out until 3AM on a Tuesday night but you have to take the good with the bad. Anyway, it’s 9AM and I’m just rolling over for another10 winks when the phone rings. I was so excited to get a call that wasn’t Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-113440192002-04-01T09:21:00.000-06:002002-04-01T09:36:22.000-06:00OMG! Can you believe IBM just called me and they want me to take over management of a 10,000 PC operating system upgrade project. The project is suppsed to last between 2 and three years. I would be able to hire my own core staff and would be working directly under the CIO. How cool is that!?!?
APRIL FOOL!!!
Now that I've had my little fun. Let's talk about Easter. I live between two Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-112495452002-03-29T10:06:00.000-06:002002-03-29T10:09:37.000-06:00If you and your friends want to have a good time by getting in front of a room full of people and embarrassing the hell out of yourself then you need to go to Karaoke night at Carol’s. My friend Sean invited me out to this ne'er-do-well bar in Andersonville, Chicago. It’s a sad piece of pub property that seems to be a refuge for anyone who has bad hair, bad teeth and bad smells. If your namePaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-111745662002-03-27T09:26:00.000-06:002002-03-27T09:26:08.180-06:00Since I don't really have anything new to write about I thought I would just record some observations while driving in Chicago. This has always been a pet peeve of mine. One day last week while I was at a stop light I noticed a driver on the cross street decided to stop at the intersection even though she had a green light and was not making a turn. Yup, she simply stopped at the intersection Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-111379452002-03-26T08:58:00.000-06:002002-03-26T09:18:02.000-06:00I know, I know. I should be spanked with a wet noodle. I have not been keeping up with my journal like I should. After returning from Florence, IT I’ve just been trying to catch up on my job search, re-assessing my finances and just getting back into the swing of things. I applied for over 20 jobs last Thursday alone! I actually got a couple of calls back from recruiters. I take that as a Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-109306932002-03-20T08:08:00.000-06:002002-03-20T08:09:36.000-06:00Below is a copy of the letter I sent to Onebox which I will refer to from now on as One(kitty litter)box::
Sir or Madam:
You may add this e-mail to your list of complainants. I'm sure that
I am not the first one to send an e-mail about your unilateral decision
to eliminate free e-mail service. For some reason I vaguely remember
a slogan your company used to have which stated "Free e-mail for Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-108990162002-03-19T10:04:00.000-06:002002-03-19T10:09:47.000-06:00"I can remember back in the day when that shopping mall over there was an apple orchard. My good friend Jimmy and I would run through the orchard and would grab a couple of apples. We were always scared that Mr. Brachard, who owned the orchard would get mad but he didn't mind. Yeah, those were the days"
The same can be said about the current state of the Internet. I remember back in the day Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-108582182002-03-18T08:44:00.000-06:002002-03-18T08:50:17.000-06:00Back in Chicago and still looking for a job. Just thinking about my recent trip to Italy and it all seems like a dream. This morning I got up and routinely did everything that I normally do. Turned on CNN, checked my e-mail, made oatmeal for breakfast and put a load of laundry in the washer. BORING!!!!
I visited my folks yesterday for the first time since I’ve been back. My dad asked me, Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-107412112002-03-14T16:57:00.000-06:002002-03-14T18:42:47.000-06:00Hello all! I finally made it back to good old Chi-town! Getting home is always the worst because let's face it. Who wants to come home from vacation? Not I. I had a 7 hour train ride from Florence to Zurich. Not bad. much better than that 1940s style junket I rode from Zurich to Milan. I thought some woman named Natasha was going to enter my compartment and hand me the secret codes to Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-106210232002-03-11T10:23:00.000-06:002002-03-11T10:23:30.660-06:00Well, the big adventure is almost over. I almost didn't update my journal because it's just too painful to think that I am leaving Florence. But I know I have so many crazy fans out there who just wouldn't be able to get to sleep unless they had a dose of Pauly's big mis-adventures. Yes, I'm going to miss the long (LONG) walks all over Florence with no true direction in mind. I will miss all Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-105636022002-03-09T13:24:00.000-06:002002-03-09T13:35:43.000-06:00If you didn't see it the first time don't expect to see it when you haven't planned it out for the second trip. This should be my motto from now on. I went to Rome to day and was SO disapointed. I desperately wanted to see the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museum. Who the hell knew they closed at 12:30PM on a Saturday?!? Nothing closes that early in the States. I was so pissed. To top Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-104885332002-03-07T08:12:00.000-06:002002-03-07T08:17:06.000-06:00I have officially taken 'Climb the Duomo' off of my things to do while in Italy. I found a much better solution. There is a bell tower right next to the Duomo and I noticed that there is never a line so I opted for that yesterday. Talk about a workout! There are over 400 steps to the top of the tower (Not quite as tall as the Duomo) and they make you pay 5 Euro (a little less than $5) to workPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-104461352002-03-06T05:58:00.000-06:002002-03-06T05:58:47.630-06:00Yesterday I wandered around Florence looking for another cool church. You could be blind and wander into a cool church NORMALLY. Well, I ended up at San Lorenz (sp). I thought, "This must be a cool church because there is a line to get in." When I got to the front of the line I thought this must really be a cool church because they are charging 2.50 Euro admission. Well smack my ass and callPaulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-104032912002-03-05T05:50:00.000-06:002002-03-05T05:50:16.920-06:00OK, let me just say that the keyboards here in Europe are NOT like the ones we are used to in the states. I have tried to update my journal on a couple of occassions but because I hit the wrong key all of my work has vanished into digital heaven! Anyway, on with the show. My friend Jim and I were in Rome this weekend and we had a fabulous time. We did the quicky tourist thing. We saw the Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-102642502002-03-01T08:54:00.000-06:002002-03-01T08:54:34.976-06:00I'm in Florence! The churches are old and big and the men are young and cute. And there is an abundance of both! Need I say more.
Off to Rome this weekend. The pope had better lock the gates to Vatican City. I'm looking for one of the cute young priests. If he is wearing a robe we will find out if black patten leather shoes really do shine up!
Ciao!Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3356135.post-100854202002-02-24T20:30:00.000-06:002002-02-24T20:47:22.000-06:00OK, I'm testing out this blogger thing to see if this will work for me while I am in Italy. I know it doesn't have the lovely Century Gothic font that many of you are used to but we do what we can. So, for those of you who are loyal fans of my journal (all one of you) This is what my journal will look like for the next couple of weeks. I've been quite busy tying up loose ends. You know, the Paulyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150230928012152669noreply@blogger.com