Category: Blog Posts

  • False Alarm

    False Alarm

    Reality hit me this morning when the power was cut to my apartment. It turned out to be a mistake, but it gave me a glimpse of what I might face if I don’t find a job soon.

    I met Paul and Monica last night at the Adventure Cycling open house. Paul has an awesome job – he’s biked across Alaska. Some people are so lucky! I was impressed by the entire operation, especially the mapping department. As a map lover, I think making maps must be an amazing job.

    Julie Huck and I talked about planning another night ride, and I’ve contacted my friend Larry. Since next Thursday is Thanksgiving, we’re considering Sunday night. That would be cool.

    I recently read an AP wire article that astonished me with its inaccuracy. A study by the Milken Institute claims:

    “Missoula is the number-one small city in the nation for creating and sustaining jobs… based on job and pay growth, as well as technology use.”

    I had to email them my thoughts:

    Job Growth: Missoula has an unbelievable unemployment rate. I know people with Master’s Degrees waiting tables, so this can’t be true. I’ve been unemployed with a computer science degree for six months, and I’m a month away from homelessness.

    Pay: The claim about high pay is laughable. I’ve interviewed for IT jobs offering only $7 an hour, and most labor jobs pay $5.50. I previously worked for Sikorsky Aircraft as an Associate Software Engineer, starting at $50,000 a year. Missoula’s pay rates are among the lowest in the country.

    Technology Use: Missoula is behind in technology, and any advancements are outsourced to other states and countries, leaving no local tech jobs.

    I wrote to the Milken Institute for two reasons: I wish I’d been notified about a possible bug in their software, and, as someone nearly homeless, this article hit close to home. Missoula might have a clever marketing scheme, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

  • Where is everybody?

    I got up at my usual time of 6 a.m. and headed out for a McDonalds breakfast and then to Liquid Planet to begin the days job search.

    In two separate places, McDonalds seemed to be not open, but open at a third. A little annoyed I headed downtown to Liquid Planet. They were not open as well. What is going on? Is it a national holiday today? So here, I sit at home. I would rather be at work right now, but as we all know I must get a job first. I just read an article about how Computer Science work outsourcing and an interview of a local company called ”First Call Computer Solutions“. Actually, it was on IT outsourcing but I feel like the Computer Sciences in general is going to countries like India. I have sent that company my resume and may stop in today. II would like to see how serious these companies are about keeping their hometown eligible workers, working! I am currently also hustling myself to Nelson Temp Agency who were recommended to me by a friend. They seem to specialize in IT worker placement. Let us hope

  • Another Day – No Job Still!

    Today’s good news is that a good friend of mine gave me some venison and elk meat. This is enough for a week’s worth of meals at least. I can make it go further by making goulash and stew. I grew up learning how to make things go further.

    I called the woman at LC Staffing, and she said that she is still processing my application. I am wondering if she has run into any snags with Sikorsky. Damn, I hate them. They will not provide a recommendation, and they are such a large corporation that I was just a number.

    Tomorrow I have a couple of leads to follow up on. One is with an investment firm, and the others are for labor and lot work. Well, it is getting late again, and tomorrow I must put more energy into the effort.

  • Hello From Liquid Planet

    I got up this morning and came out to do some power searching before following up on some leads today. It’s a gray day outside, which seems to reflect my mood. Not much to say except for wishing myself good luck. I feel some resentment creeping in, so I better get going!

  • Bad Day

    I awoke this morning and was almost late for an interview. It’s almost like I’m giving up. Don’t I care anymore? Well, I made it to LC Staffing on time, and I like them out of all the other staffing places so far. The person told me that they had contacts and to call her tomorrow. I hope they find something.

    After that, I came home and went to bed for the rest of the day. I didn’t want to do anything. I’m feeling sad about not getting that job last week. I really wanted it.

    I came to my senses around 5 P.M. and took Marcy for a hike up Mount Jumbo. I came home and ate three packages of ramen noodles. I’ve decided now to get online and check my emails.

    My next project is the worst. I don’t have any money, and I have to call these companies and tell them I can’t pay. What the heck do I do? Best Buy charges $30 for missing a payment per month. How much do they add on until they realize that I can’t ever catch up? And Sallie Mae for my student loan. I have a feeling that they won’t let $35,000 worth of debt just slide. I wonder what they will do. I wonder if I will end up in jail. That would be better than freezing outside. I don’t know. Better just turn in.

  • Grey

    After a night of weird dreams here I am sipping coffee trying to think of what to blog. Yesterday I spent the entire day inside working on some php code for my new blog application (the one I am writing this in now). I am grateful for those that donate to keep the site going. This site may live on as I become homeless and freeze to death this winter. I think that if people keep donating it will have a life of its own. When the funds run out … it will die. Pretty cool if you think about it.

    Today I will go night hiking but first I have to sew up my fanny pack that ripped out two days ago. I am still using the old Giant one that I got from Viking back in the day when life was good. Does anyone want a new one that I bought this summer. I hate it, but maybe someone else will like it. Otherwise it will go to trash when I move into my car.

    Its cold out, gray and dark. My mood is acceptance and sorrow. Crying doesn't help but it is what I do. Why do things seem so hopeless. I never thought it would come to this.

  • Slow Slow Saturday

    Slow Slow Saturday

    It’s Saturday morning but I am not feeling happy. The job that I wanted at http://www.youdictate.com went to another applicant and I am real bummed out. Will I even get a job before I become homeless? Am I going to freeze to death this winter? Am I going to starve to death? I better bail out before I get to my last penny. I have no money so I am thinking I should use my credit card to go to Arizona and hope that the job market is better down there.

    UPDATE: YouDictate is out of business … so it all worked out well don’t you think?

  • Back From Hiking

    Back From Hiking

    Marcy and I just got back from an amazing hike. Despite returning to a job rejection I was really hoping for, the night hike was fantastic. Captured some awesome night shots of the valley—will share soon. We trekked the Kim Williams Trail, ventured up Helgate Canyon Trail, and made it to Sentinel’s peak. The top was enveloped in clouds, like wading through soup, but it cleared up about 500 feet below. It was a great hike!

  • Hello From The Library

    I just got back from LC Staffing here in Missoula and yet another chance at help with my job search. This is the first place in Missoula that understood about Sikorsky's policy. I have been having problems convincing companies that Sikorsky does not allow any calls concerning job refrences. Here in Montana, if you cannot call your previous employer to get a reference than you must be a person to stay away from.

    Well I must check my emails and see if I got any bites from this mornings casts into the employment pond.

  • Stuart Peak Adventures & Pizza Celebrations

    Stuart Peak Adventures & Pizza Celebrations

    Yesterday took an unexpected turn when my buddy Larry hit me up with a wild idea: tackle Stuart Peak on our mountain bikes, pushing all the way to the wilderness boundary before taking on the peak itself. Fired up by the challenge, we set off at 12:30 p.m., racing against time to make it back for the Thursday Mountain Bike Night Ride at 6 p.m.

    Larry, ever the packrat, loaded his bike rack like we were setting off on a cross-country trek. That decision quickly bit back as we hit the Trail of Tears, a climb that lived up to its name, especially for Larry with his extra cargo. I managed to pull ahead, snagging some photos to capture our adventure (and Larry’s struggle).

    The route was relentless, steep, and brutal, all the way until we hit the switchbacks about 2 miles from the Wilderness Boundary. Despite the terrain, I was in my element, only having to dismount for a couple of logs and a particularly sneaky root that caught me off guard.

    As we neared our goal, the wilderness never looked so inviting, nor the challenge so rewarding. We reached our turnaround point with just enough time to spare, hustling back with the thrill of the ride pumping through our veins and the promise of the night ride spurring us on.

    We made it back with moments to spare, the night ride a perfect capstone to an already exhilarating day. But the true cherry on top? Celebrating our conquest with pizza, sharing slices and stories, a perfect blend of carbs and camaraderie. Here’s to spontaneous adventures, challenging climbs, and the friends who make them unforgettable.

    Stewart in winter
  • Discipline

    The alarm went off at 6 a.m. but I figured, why should I get up. No job, no possibilities, no interviews except one, and no money. What is the use? Today I am sending off a letter to you [link=http://www.youdictate.com]www.youdictate.com[/link] and some of my friends to see if they have heard anything new. Its Thursday so tonight is the night ride. I am not looking forward to it like I usually am because I don't have a job and I am embarrassed. Am I really useless?

    My problem is that I have no discipline. Children need discipline to feel secure; so do adults. Discipline means understanding there are logical consequences to our behavior. Maybe that is my problem, I have no logic. Discipline means taking responsibly for my behavior and the consequences. Who was I to think I could have a real fun summer just like in my bike riding days. I had it all back then.

    Discipline means waiting for what we want. Discipline means being willing to work for and toward what we want. Discipline means learning and practicing new behaviors. Discipline means being where we need to be, when we need to be there, despite our feelings. Discipline is the day to day performing of tasks, whether these be getting a job behaviors or washing the clothes. I do that just enough for me to look discipline but in reality, I do not!

    The biggest part of discipline is the ability to trust that my goals will be reached even though I can not see them. I can not do that! Look at me wanting to kill my self because I don't want to fight any more.

    Discipline is grueling. I feel afraid, confused, uncertain. Later on, I am supposed to see the purpose. I do not. I herd from someone that clarity does not come from the time of discipline. Well my question is this – how long must I be disciplined? You can only fight so long. Maybe that is what is wrong with me, no endurance.

    The task at hand (unemployment) is simple; trust, listen, and network. Bullshit!

  • This Mornings Interviews

    I just got back from meeting with a real nice woman named Debi at Work Force Inc. We had a good meeting and she said that they did not have any Computer Science positions but will work to find one. I told her that in the meantime I wanted anything. Let's hope.

    I am also applying at LC Staffing here in Missoula. I have posted an online interview. I want to document it because I feel I should review these questions which most employers are possablily going to ask.

  • Does it get any worse?

    Last night around 9p.m. someone started moving in upstairs. Ten o clock came around and they were still moving in. I wanted to go to bed but it was too noisy. I started listening to a Stephen King book and suddenly I started chocking and sneezing. My apartment was filling up with smoke. Someone upstairs was blowing smoke into the air intake for the heating system. I duct taped all the vents and opened the windows. Keep in mind it is 20 degrees out. I didn't get to sleep until 4 a.m. and now my clothes and my apartment smells like I am a smoker. So I ask you, does it get any worse than this?

    I just posted last nights dream in my Dream Catcher blog. Weird that I always dream about lost love. Today I have another interview with yet another temp agency. I just had oatmel and coffee and must now get a snapping. I really wish that ]www.youdictate.com will call me and offer me a job.

  • Dear Friend,

    Embracing acceptance, I’ve realized that the art of letting go is a step towards serenity. If a relationship is meant to thrive, it will find its way without my forceful guidance. It’s not my role to steer its course.

    Acknowledgment dawns that what will be, will be. There’s beauty in the natural progression of a bond, unforced and unmanaged. My intervention won’t accelerate its destiny.

    So, to a friend I’ve held dear, I impart a simple wish for a good day. This gesture, no longer laden with expectations, signifies a shift in my energy from effort to ease.

    The truth has unveiled itself in stark clarity—it’s been a solo journey of exertion on my part. To give when it’s convenient for another is no exchange—it’s exploitation.

    The realization that my generosity has been a one-way street brings no resentment, only a pivot in my attention. It’s time for self-care, for preserving my well-being above all.

    And so, with a gentle withdrawal, I step back. Any hurt that follows my silence is not borne of malice but a boundary set for self-respect. I’m finally choosing to see and accept things as they are.

  • Laundry Done – Still No Job

    I’m back online after my trip to the laundromat for the usual Monday laundry. While one load was in, I headed downtown to visit Taco DeSoul. Let me tell you, real food tastes incredible when you haven’t had any for a couple of days. As I was leaving, a homeless person approached me and asked for money. I replied, ‘I saved up for a week just to come and eat here.’ ‘I’ll be here with you begging soon enough,’ they said. If I do manage to land a job before I blow away into the wind, I’ll make sure to order an extra taco and share some food with those in need on my way out. It’s a reminder to be grateful for even a single meal in a day

  • No Job, Tough Decisions!

    I was just online for a little while before I called VW of America. I was hoping for a job offer, but unfortunately, I didn’t receive one. However, I did get a couple of leads for roofing and office maintenance jobs. Still, with wages at 7 and 8 dollars an hour, I’m faced with the difficult decision of giving up the car. This is a challenging situation. It reminds me of a blog post from back when I first got the car:

    SATURDAY, JULY 07, 2001 My car broke down again yesterday, and this time, it was the transmission that gave out. I’m in the process of trying to secure a loan for a new car. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Volkswagen Beetle. Today, I’ll be heading to VW of Fairfield to explore the possibility of purchasing a new car. Stay tuned!

  • A True Monday

    Good morning from the Liquid Planet. I believe today’s blog should start with a nice picture to kick off the week. I woke up this morning, ventured into town for breakfast, answered emails, sent out resumes, and worked on my blog. The weather is pleasant, but my mood seems to oscillate between a sense of uncertainty and acceptance. I can’t wait to have a job; this situation is driving me crazy.

    I once read, and I can’t recall who said it, but it goes, ‘To thine own self be true.’ Today, I’m reflecting on my current needs and what it takes to live without a job. What are those needs? Will they be met? How am I feeling, and what steps can I take to address those emotions? What are my feelings trying to tell me about my path and where I need to go?

    I’m following my instincts, not the expectations of others. Sometimes, the demands of others can cloud and confuse our instincts. I think I’ve been doing that all summer, and my grandmother can vouch for it. By doing this, I believe I’m staying true to others only because I’m committed to staying true to myself. You can deceive others, but never – never deceive yourself.

  • Just in Time

    Just in Time

    There is a gift for everyone in each relationship that comes our way. Not just human relationships but our relationship with the world around us. Sometimes the gift is a behavior we are learning to acquire: detachment, self-esteem, confidence, setting boundaries, or owning our power in another way. Sometimes a hardship can be a gift – like unemployment.

    Some relationships trigger healing in us. I can say that this summer has enabled me to heal from the wounds of that last corporate job. It has triggered healing from issues of the past and stocked the band aide cabinet for the future.

    Then there is the humans (lol – I mean people) we live with and around. Sometimes we find ourselves learning the most important lessons from the people we least expect. For instance feed back from a riding partner. Relationships may teach us about loving ourselves or someone else. Hold on mom, I am not in a relationship. Back to my thought …Or maybe we will learn to let others love us.

    Today I am a little uptight and anxious about unemployment and the possibility of starving and living in the car. Sometime we are not aware of the lesson that we are learning. We must believe that the lesson is there and understand that when it is time the gift will be precisely what we need.

    Montana 34, N. Arizona 22

    (12:39 PM ) Lex Hilliard rushed for a career high 132 yards and a touchdown and Craig Ochs passed for 227 yards and two scores in Number Ten Montana’s 34-to-22 Big Sky Conference victory over Northern Arizona this afternoon in Missoula.

    Montana is now 7-and-2 overall, 4-and-1 in conference.

    New ski resort envisioned on Lolo Peak

    (12:33 PM) A long-time rancher wants to transform his acreage on Lolo Peak into a world class ski resort. Tom Maclay has already hired a manager for his project and has carved out several ski runs on his three thousand acres overlooking the city of Missoula.

    He also knows where he’d like to put the main lodge and warming huts.

    But Maclay needs to lease land in the Lolo and Bitterroot national forests above his property, since his land only reaches six thousand feet. He’s also looking for broad community support.

    Business leaders say developing a ski area in Missoula would only work if the resort was large enough to attract out-of-state visitors.

    The national forests haven’t been receptive to the deal, but the Lolo forest is revising its forest management plan this spring.

    Tonights Hike

    (6:33 p.m.) Tonights hike Marcy and I hiked up between the Sentinel Mountains. We did the trail up between the peaks and then circled around and topped the South Peak. What a great view tonight with the sunset just stunning. I hope to get in a little Cold Fusion programming tonight and some web work before I go to bed.