Trips past and present

This photo was taken last year when we visited Portugal. Everyone was excited to come home in the airport in Lisboa. Some incredible light in this airport terminal. The parents get back tomorrow from their vacation there.

Creativity is sparked at odd times.

I have been busy with work, which is why I haven't posted anything recently. I have been trying to get the funding for the next version of the product I am working. Usually that means there isn't time for much else including writing on the blog. I have had thoughts of creative topics to posts. But usually those strike me when I am half a sleep, driving in my car or while I am enjoying a beer. My wife has started a vegetable garden for next spring. It is looking really good. My job was to cut down an 8in Maple that I was able to do without taking down the garage or cutting off my leg. No pictures to post because there still isn't enough progress. Getting ready for a weekend away with some URI friends. I have been practicing guitar to get ready for the camp fire group singing performances on the beach. Since my wife and hank have told me I need serious help with my voice I leave the singing up to others.

Here is the list of songs I have been practicing

REM World leader pretend
REM Losing my religion
U2 One
U2 Walk on
U2 Dancing in my
Staind Outside
CCR Bad Moon Rising
CCR Down on the Corner
Indigo Girls Closer To Fine

My son and I practice CCR Down on the Corner. He played lead and I played the rhythm sounded great.

Summer's Day Trips

While we didn't go on vacation this summer thanks to the economy. We did do some nice trips here and there. Here are some of my favorites. Regina's pizza 2x once in the north end and once at Fanuel Hall. Top of the Prudential to the observation floor. The clouds were incredible, it felt like you were at the top of the world.

In search of a picture

One of the things I find enjoyable about photography is the constant pursuit to find something new interesting in places perhaps that you haven't been before. After spending the day at our family beach spot that we have been going to for over 20 years I went looking for a picture. I cruised around Jamestown looking for a good shot of the Newport bridge. I didn't find one that I liked but here is what I did get. Enjoy the what's left of the summer.




Beach outing Jerusalem East Matunick The is the family spot.

Do you have Skills?

Since I am on the topic of career advice I thought I would write another post about it. It was also requested... So I love the movie Napoleon Dynamite. In that movie Napoleon tells his friend that he needs "skills" to win the school president election. That was some great advice. Well in college I learned not only the skill of engineering but also the skill of hair styling! We were all too cheap to pay for hair cuts so I became the barber for all my friends. I think almost all of them have had their hair cut by me once. I got to sharpen my skills this week after I cut my nephew's hair. He was styling by the time I was done. Best part was that there was no melt down, which is something he does with other barbers.

Some free career advice.

Oh no.. is it that time again??? No job is worth staying at if you hate it. There are plenty of ways out there to make a living where you can be reasonably content. I spent 4 months looking for a job pretty much every spare moment I had because I hated the one I had.

My second cent of the the free 2 cents of advice I am giving. Kids and mortgages actually reduce your options because there is only so much risk you can take with your career when you have a family to feed and shelter. Consider making a living for yourself as an entrepreneur doing something you love that people would pay you for. Now is the time to try it assuming you don't have any kids yet.

Reach out to others that have "been there done that" with their careers. That includes those who have made mistakes and had somesuccesses in different industries.

Also consider going back to your college. Many colleges offer their alumni personality exams that can suggest certain fields/jobs based on your profile. They might even be able to place you in a job.

I have switched careers 3 times each time for the better.. and I never know when I ll be forced to again. Resume Career Web sites and contacts have worked well for me.