MARS Stout had their annual Christmas Party tonight. The problem is that the national championship was to air at the same time. The organizers of the party had a big screen (5ftx20ft) installed at the party and we all watched the Grizzlies in the championship game. The Griz lost but it was nice to watch the game.
Everyone got presents from the business. It was the traditional organizers plus a personalized gift. Mine was 50 dollars in gas coupons. I also received food certificates. That was very nice of them. Even though I work for Workforce, they still treat me like a part of their family. I like that.
With that in mind, my heart is heavy with decision. There is that job at Adventure Cycling Association that just came available. I have showed interest and intend to follow up on it. I feel very bad because I feel such a connection to my current job and how nice I have been treated.
It’s always a thrill to wake up with the day’s plan etched in your mind. For me, this morning, December 17, 2004, was all about embracing the crisp, early hours for a refreshing hike on the Kim Williams to Sentinel via Hellgate Trail. The darkness at 6:30 AM was no deterrent; my hiking boots were ready, and the coffee was brewing, emitting an inviting aroma that only early risers know.
However, as I indulged in the morning brew, something shifted. My mind, often a playground of ideas, lured me into an unexpected territory – the world of internet coding. Before I knew it, I was deep into tweaking my site, immersed in lines of code, with the trail plans fading into the background.
10:02 AM: Breakfast and Reflections
Fast forward to 10:02 AM. The hiking plan is now a memory, replaced by a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and some delightful wild game sausage, courtesy of a colleague. The sausage is a hit, but the potatoes… let’s just say my attempt at homemade hash browns left me longing for McDonald’s version.
There’s a twinge of disappointment, sure. I had to trade the tranquility of the trails for the intensity of coding. But then, isn’t life about these unexpected turns?
A Career Opportunity Amidst the Morning’s Chaos
In the midst of this morning’s twist, there’s something else brewing – a potential career opportunity. It’s with Adventure Cycling, and the blogging community is buzzing about it. It seems like a dream job, but complications exist. My commitment to Mars Stout is one, and the fact that I’m yet to be seriously considered is another. It took an entire day of contemplation yesterday to decide whether to pursue this chance.
Conclusion
This morning was a blend of plans and spontaneity, of outdoor dreams and indoor realities. It’s about embracing the unplanned – be it a coding session over a hike or contemplating a career shift. Sometimes, the best plans are the ones we never make.
Resources for a Morning Like Mine:
Hiking Trails Near You: Discover your next hiking adventure with detailed trail information.
Life sometimes throws us into a whirlwind where every decision, no matter how small, feels monumental. Picture this: you’re wrestling with whether to ride your bike or drive your car to work. The bike saves gas, but the physical toll and hunger pangs afterward are real. The car seems easier, but then there’s the cost of gas and the guilt of not exercising. It’s a daily dilemma that can wear you down.
Now, add the hunger factor. Imagine relying on a diet of hot dogs and Ramen noodles, and the intense cravings for real, wholesome food. The struggle is real. But then, a ray of hope shines through – support from friends and family. An internet friend helps pay your phone bill, a colleague brings you game meat, and grandma sends a little something to ease the burden. Small gestures, but they make a huge difference.
Here’s a reality check: your body is like your car, running on empty, needing more than just fuel – it needs maintenance. Your car is overdue for an oil change and your body is crying out for proper nutrition and exercise. It’s a tough balance to strike, especially when exercise means needing more food, which you’re already short on.
But amidst these challenges, there’s a silver lining. Gratitude. Gratitude for the family and friends who stand by you, even when you feel responsible for your own predicament. Their support is a reminder that no matter how tough things get, you’re not alone.
Resources for Navigating Tough Times:
Mindful Budgeting – Learn how to manage your finances and make every penny count. Get tips and strategies for stretching your budget without compromising on nutrition.
Exercise on a Shoestring – Discover ways to stay fit and healthy without spending extra on food. This site offers exercise routines that don’t require additional caloric intake.
Nutrition Basics – Understand the fundamentals of good nutrition, even on a tight budget. This resource offers practical advice on getting the most nutritional bang for your buck.
Mental Wellness Support – Find tips and strategies for maintaining mental and emotional health during challenging times. This site offers resources for meditation, stress relief, and more.
Community Support Networks – Connect with local and online communities that offer assistance, from food banks to emotional support groups. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
Yesterday was not the best of days. Thank god I have a job I like as it took me away from the starving and money problems. I did find myself struggling to think and concentrate at work. Food is so necessary but it is something I am without lately.
After work I knew my plans for the rest of the night. Go home, fix a Raman noodle dinner and go to bed. I felt tired and just overall bummed out. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to have a job and everything is great. Everything that is, except not having money. I am afraid that this job wont work out for me. Sure I may get full time in the future but for how much. I am not a greedy person but I do not want to starve any more. Then as I arrived home from work carrying my bike downstairs I got more confusing news.
It was my answering machine. Originally I thought it was grandma but it wasn't. It was the University of Montana wanting to know if I was still interested in the Web Coordinator Job. Of course I am, but now what do I do.
I have invested time and I really like working for Mars Stout. The University is a more lucrative job and one with a future but only if I can play politics well. At Mars Stout I don't have to play politics and that is what I like. But what about money. I cant live like this any longer. I am willing to do what it takes to keep a good job, but now starving seems bleak. Next week will be worse. What will I do.
So here I sit with a decision, go to the University Interview and show interest in that job or just hold out to see if things really do get better and secure at Mars Stout. I really like it there.
This morning, as Marcy and I watched the sun rise over Missoula, we enjoyed our weekly McDonald’s Big Breakfast—twas good, indeed! Thankfully, last night was peaceful, with no partying upstairs.
Today is grocery day, and I have a meager $15.00 to spend. I’ve carefully prepared my list and double-checked it, and now it’s time to pick up my friend at the airport.
This evening, Larry, the dogs, and I plan to hike Mount Dean Stone. Afterward, I’ll tackle my grocery shopping and hopefully we’ll have dinner tonight! I’ll do my best to pace myself and not run out of food before the week is over, or even the year for that matter.
It’s almost bedtime, and I’m more than ready to hit the sack. Last night, my neighbor came home and partied until the early hours of the morning. They even ordered pizza and had it delivered to my place, knowing full well I couldn’t pay for it. Their behavior was just mean.
Last week at work was fantastic. I’ve been working on XSL and web development. The Christmas party is next Friday, and I’m looking forward to it. It coincides with the national championship game, which adds to the excitement. Speaking of which, the Grizzlies won today and secured their spot in the national championship in Chattanooga.
During halftime today, I hiked up Mount Sentinel and had an amazing time. The wind was incredibly strong. When I tried to watch the game through the 300mm zoom lens on my Canon, my eyes teared up from the wind before the play even ended.
Well, it’s time for me to head to bed. Tomorrow, I plan to hike up Mount Dean Stone and pick up a friend at the airport. Toodaloo!
This morning, I’m running late. It’s not because I was sick last night and took Excedrin and went to bed a little early. No, it’s not because I woke up at 5 am and started reading and implementing some XSLT code. Well… maybe it is.
Well, it’s time for work, and I can’t fret because I can’t wait to go. I love it, and today is free pizza day. You’ve got to love that.
Tonight is Family and Friends Online, and my Aunt Wanda will be stopping by for a guest appearance. It should be fun.
It’s snowing this morning, and there’s a light dusting of snow on the ground as I took Marcy for her morning walk. Last night’s trail run up Sentinel Gulch Trail with Marcy was fun, even though it was in the dark. There’s a bit of snow at the top of the saddle between the two sentinels, and Marcy had an encounter with a skunk on the downhill section of this route.
I really enjoyed my new job yesterday. The day flew by, and I didn’t want to stop and head home. That’s a sure sign that this job is a good fit for me. I can’t wait to go to work today because I have a new idea that will make styling the sheets faster and easier.
Today is a workday, but before I go, I need to find some money to pay my car payment. I’ve decided to use my credit card, which will push me deeper into debt. I really don’t want to lose the car. Next week, it’s fundraising to keep my phone. I’ve decided to let this site go, but don’t worry; I’ll ask my boss if I can host it on one of his servers. That is unless anyone wants to donate $7.00 a month to keep the site going.
I see blue skies this Monday morning here in Missoula as I begin my day with some good old-fashioned studying. I’m reacquainting myself with some technologies that have really evolved since I last read about them.
Of course, everyone knows about XML and even XSL. I’m now delving into XSLT, Xpath, and XSL-FO, all of which are used for formatting XML data on a web page. It’s very cool, and I’ve even tried it out. This might not seem like a big deal, but the last time I checked, this stuff didn’t work. To make it work, you need Explorer 6 and the very latest Netscape. It’s cutting-edge, and I’m excited to be a developer working on this new tech.
Yep, again. Just got a job yesterday and accepted it. But, get this, about 20 minutes later, I got a call about a job opportunity at Edu Log here in Missoula. I told them I’d already accepted a part-time gig at Mars Stout. Then, they ring me back a second time, saying it’s a full-time position and they’re flexible with the interview schedule.
Again, I said sorry, but I’ve already taken another offer. And guess what? 20 minutes later, they’re on the phone again. This time, no talk of interviews, just straight up offered me $10 an hour to start. That made me stop and think.
Had to decide: do I grab this full-time job that’s offering a full $2 more per hour than the one I just said yes to? I turned it down! Why? Probably why I can’t sleep. It’s just wild, after all this struggle, to land a job and then get hit with a decision like this.
I feel like I’ll mesh with Mars Stout so well that it’ll grow into something Edu Log just can’t offer. Fingers crossed I’m making the right call.
I was contacted today by the folks at Worforce that Mars Stout has proposed me a job offer to come to work part time as a Web Developer.
As a national services organization, M.A.R.S. STOUT has established a reputation for excellence, by providing unparalleled levels of service for more than 20 years. My position may lead to full time in the future. I am wishing so, because I visited them on Wednesday for an interview and really seemed to bond with the place. The building in next to the river and has great views of the North Face of Sentinel Mountain.
I am excited but for now I must brush up on some xml for work. The real hardships are before me as I have to struggle to retrieve and keep my apartment as well as try to dig out of the big hole unemployment has dug for me. I am certainly going to lose the car but with a new opportunity, I am feeling a lot better.
The sun is struggling to come out on this brisk but pleasant fall day here in Missoula. The sky is a bluish white and the battle is on to control the air and skies. No matter, I am going trail running up the Sentinel South Ridge today.
Today the wait is on. I am waiting for a call from Debi at Workforce.
Mars Stout is supposed to call her today with their decision on the Web Development position. As I have said before, this may be my last chance to stay in Missoula.
I have wasted enough time and must post this and get off line in case I get that call. I hope all my family members and friends have a good weekend. I will be online to chat tonight.
The biggest news is that the interview yesterday went well, and hopefully, tomorrow I will have good news.
Here’s a lesson we should all follow if we blog regularly: write your blog in Word first. For starters, spell check and grammar checks are a plus. Secondly, and most importantly, when you make a mistake, you have a backup.
I just wrote a blog and accidentally pressed the back button in the browser. Lost it all. Well, I don’t want to recap, and I’ll be online later tonight to chat. Marcy and I are going to Water Works Hill tonight. Stay tuned to the Beam!
Today, I have an interview at Mars Stout. The job opportunity comes through Workforce here in Missoula. It feels like this is my final chance to stay in Missoula. Well, I can’t ramble any further down the path, beg your pardon. Stay on the path of the beam, and I’ll see you there later. I beg your pardon, sir!
Good Morning World-O-Ramma … Overcast skies. That is what us Missoulians call inversion effects which is keeping all our human combustion sitting in the valley like a bowl of milk without cearl. Yea, I guess we are in denial …. Whatever.
I hear my new upstairs annoyance is stirring this morning and frankly I am shocked since they stayed awake all night making as much noise as they could. When they are not making noise, their dogs take up the effort by barking all day and all night. The community was over last night knocking on doors. I cant believe what a nice dog I have in Marcy.
Yesterday was not one of my best. Everything went well until I took a collection so that I could get groceries. I have no money and now it has settled in on my soul even more. Then my grandma called and I could tell that she was in tears on the phone. What can I do, Things are getting bad and before the week is out, I may have decided to leave Missoula for warmer climates of Yuma Arizona.
I do not want to live in Yuma though, so today I must hit the phones and walk the beat visiting businesses. I think today I will get on my knees and beg for a job.
Today marks a pivotal moment in my life. I’ve just drained my bank and PayPal accounts for one final grocery haul. The weight of sadness is almost tangible. In a week, uncertainty looms like a dark cloud. Maybe heading back to Arizona early is my best bet. But really, what do I do next?
As the day progressed, my quest for good news proved fruitless. However, I decided to treat myself at Taco De Soul, clinging to a sliver of hope that a job opportunity is just around the corner. Now, I’m immersed in the world of ‘The Dark Tower,’ a fitting backdrop for my current state of mind. Next on the agenda: picking up dog food and heading out for a hike at 3. It’s a strange mix, but today, it feels just right. Good day, indeed!
Again! The paradox of progress is that you burn toast more often. Today is a busy day with stops at Workforce, A to Z, and LC Staffing. Marcy is starving, so it’s off to the grocery store first. The hot porridge with cocoa, toast (burned), and mocha have been downloaded into my gullet, and now it’s time to go down the path of the beam. Looks like Missoula is colder than Plattsburgh or New Haven today; better take a sweater. Long days and pleasant nights!
Tonight, the colors in the sky were absolutely breathtaking. Marcy and I embarked on a run up the Kim Williams Trail to the Hellgate Canyon Trail. As we reached the summit of Mount Sentinel, snowflakes began to descend. I knew something was amiss when we attained the peak and couldn’t see any city lights.
Tonight, I was astonished not only by my ability to run up the incline, but also by my desire to do so. I’m not saying it was a walk in the park, but it was enjoyable and not all that challenging. I’m curious if I’m still in shape or if it’s just the two-day hiatus catching up with me. The calorie expenditure will undoubtedly come back to haunt me, as I consumed two days’ worth of food upon returning home.
While running, I came up with an idea for an online book. I’d like to create an application that allows numerous people to contribute to a single narrative. Like a blog, but exclusively for storytelling. For instance, I could log on and say, “I knew there was something in her eyes.” Then, the next person to log on could continue the story. However, I will need to create an application to ensure that the story must be verified, preventing multiple users from editing the script simultaneously and causing conflicts.
As I approached the summit, a vibrant orange glow emerged from the west, illuminating Lolo Peak. It was the sun’s farewell sign. As I previously stated, a wall of snow replaced the Missoula city lights. Once I reached a lower elevation, the lights came into view. I couldn’t help but think that I wouldn’t need a Christmas tree with such a stunning display of Christmas lights beneath me.
The descent was treacherous due to the snow and ice. We encountered the usual deer, and as I neared the city, I observed the city parking lots and roads turning white. As I remarked to my new neighbors upon arriving home, “I wonder how much snow we’ll get. I hope enough for some recreation.”
![[image]](https://i0.wp.com/williammartin.com/wp-content/uploads/migrated/image12.jpg)
I was contacted today by the folks at Worforce that Mars Stout has proposed me a job offer to come to work part time as a Web Developer.
Boneshakerbike 