"Weekend Update"

Not really too much new news to report here from this weekend. Has been a slightly productive one as far as weekends go. I was out yesterday afternoon, did some more reading in Do What You Are, and  ran some errands. I was very skeptical about reading Do What You Are, even though it came highly recommended by Erin O. I don't really like reading books that could be considered self-help or DIY books; I prefer when I read to read fiction or political, historical, or biographical books. But I have to say it has helped a lot in evaluating what I like and what I don't, which I think is the most important part of the job search (and really life, as well). Although the book has confirmed what I already knew about myself, it helped me think about my weak areas and how I can work to overcome them. So I guess I, too, would recommend this book for anyone starting their job search, changing careers, or just wants to assess overall how they approach their life at work (and also outside of work).

Last night I had a chance to catch up with Ashley (or Ashbo/Smashbo/Splashbo if you are in the inner circle). She's got a really aggressive strategy for the job search, and I'm constantly learning from her. I was telling her last night that even though I thought I was well-prepared to look for jobs when I got out of school, I'm learning new tricks as I go. I'd like to think that my previous 50+ applications have not been in vain, because I've learned from those mistakes, but it's hard to see all of those resumes and cover letters disappear into the black hole of human resources departments everywhere. I think, though, that I've turned a proverbial corner. I'm finally starting to "get" what the job search is all about, and I think that I'll be making some moves in the near future to snag a job that I'll enjoy. 

As for this week, I'm headed out tomorrow for Rhode Island to visit Colleen. It will be the first time in a long time that I will not be doing anything job-related (ok, I'll still be checking my email, but that's it, I swear!). It will be nice to have at least two days where I don't worry about sending out applications. So I'll be posting a quick update tomorrow morning and when I get back on Thursday, but I'm on hiatus Tuesday and Wednesday...try not to miss me too much. 

In other news, though, I've been asked to guest-blog on Kate L.'s blog, Health Nuts. I'm flattered, to say the least. I'll be writing a post similar to what I do here. I'm hoping to have it for her before I go, so check out her blog (and check it out in general, it's really cool - she just ran a half-marathon and talks about the race and her training). I've added her site to the blog list on the right. I've also added Real Life Boogaloo, a blog to which Vince is a regular contributor. It's a group effort by him and some of his friends from college, so some inside jokes, but all in all an interesting look at life post-college from people who've been out a year already. It's also very funny.  

Ok time to finish up the last couple of applications before freedom!