"Hotel Rwanda"Earlier this morning I sat down and watched the film, "
Hotel Rwanda". There's no question. It's already on my list of personal favorites.
A gritty, intense, and very moving film, "Hotel Rwanda" tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina (actor Don Cheadle), a resourceful Hutu manager of a posh, dignified hotel located within Rwanda. In 1994, he helped over a thousand Tutsi refugees by keeping them safe inside his hotel, while mass genocide broke loose outside the hotel walls.
In many ways I liken this film to another favorite of mine, "
Schlinder's List". But this is Paul's story, and the violent overthrow is seen through his eyes, or overheard on Hutu radio broadcasts. We watch Paul as he sprints around his hotel trying to keep the Hutu army out, the ineffective U.N. officials (lead by actor Nick Nolte) in, and protect his own Tutsi family while his supplies dwindle, members of his staff turn on him, and hope slowly slips away.
As Paul, Don Cheadle offers a brilliant performance -- perhaps even his best so far. It's a touching performance with both a desperate internal struggle, and the external need to keep calm under duress with the lives of so many in his care. Cheadle continues to prove that he's far more of an actor than he's been given credit for. He's a great actor. Without him, the film would be lost.
If you haven't seen "Hotel Rwanda" yet, rent it. It needs to be seen.
-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:53 AM I I
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"Quote of the Day""Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we cannot see."- Hebrews 11:1 (The Bible)
-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:05 PM I I
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"Sunday Recap"- Intentionally opted to miss morning church.
- Finally went to bed in the late morning.
- Slept.
- Woke in the mid afternoon after a moderate "nap".
- Got to work on finishing my current theatre show design logo.
- Got so eagerly caught up in that, that I opted to avoid evening church as well.
- Finished the design (which looks beautiful by the way!).
- Scanned it to complete digitally once my client has given the ok.
- Joined Scott (roomate) on some late evening errands to get out of the apartment.
- Returned home and watched "
Starsky and Hutch". (Fun movie by the way!)
- And finally, engaged in some of what makes freelancing so fun...
...Helping others who seem to be "artistically challenged". :)
Yep, It's been a pretty good day. But I think it's time to head off to bed now. I have quite a bit more on my plate for tomorrow, and heavy eyelids to satisfy before that. So, take care, have a blessed Monday all, and until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:24 AM I I
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"Contacting Networks"Before going to bed this morning, I sat down and put together a detailed list of freelance contacts I could potentially work with. And it's a lot longer than I had expected. Yeah, a LOT longer. There's a whole dozen or more categories I hadn't even considered yet! In the short term, that's quite a few people I could do some career networking with. I guess I'd better get cracking, huh!
-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:20 PM I I
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"Wierd Saturday"Saturday was a strange day. I awoke in the mid afternoon on Friday, worked through the night on a wide variety of different things (finishing a few of them even), and after a very productive string of hours, went to bed in the early afternoon on Saturday. That's almost 24 hours of mostly work! Wow. Looooong day.
Then, I finally decided to go to bed.... and slept for ten hours.
Now, though, it's already Sunday morning, and I'm not all that excited to get back to work. I have some more drawing to do today -- with a project I'd like to have completed before late Monday, a few more employment matters to take care of, and a little more of my on-going marketing project to work on. Not to mention hopefully going to church later this morning, visiting again with Diana and her grandmother, and taking care of some much-needed email correspondance.
Yeah, this is definitely turning out to be a busy weekend for me. Busier than I had expected. But at least it's also proving to be a very productive one, and right now, that's probably what matters most.
So, we'll see what happens in the next few hours. Maybe I'll adjust my plans a little. Maybe I'll grab a nap and hope to be rested enough to fly through another long set of work hours. Then again, maybe I'll just end up spending some time with that annoying little runt known as "Procrastination." Good heavens, I hope not! We'll see, though. Wish me luck. I have a lot to do yet this weekend.
Have a blessed Sunday all, and until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:43 AM I I
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"Today was..."...cold, cloudy, and at times a bit rainy. Good thing I was able to stay indoors and work all day (with intermittent periods of napping of course!). Here's to a warmer tomorrow!
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:39 PM I I
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"Old Milwaukee"My home city of Milwaukee can be a very beautiful place. Lovely landscapes, beautiful lakeshore, and classy architecture. In fact, when it comes to the city itself, I've come to realize it was by far an even more beautiful place almost one hundred years ago.
I was looking around online earlier today, doing some personal research into the history of both Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin, and I came across
this website featuring images of old Milwaukee postcards. So, after spending way to much time on this site myself, I thought I'd share the images with you as well. Whether you're a fellow Milwaukeean or not, you do have to admit, this is one charming history-laden city!
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:04 PM I I
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"Quote of the Day""Who is rich? He who rejoices in what he has."- the Talmud
-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:53 AM I I
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Wednesday, April 20, 2005
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"No Longer 'Blood Bound'"Well, I found out earlier today that I have not been cast in "Blood Bound", the film I
auditioned for two weeks ago. The role has been filled and I'm out of luck for a lead. I've been told, however, that I may still have a chance with something much smaller, but I won't hold them to it. So, what's next? Well, move on to the next opportunity, and keep preparing for future possibilities.
Ah, the joys of being an actor. :)
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:28 PM I I
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"Shades of Green"It rained last night. I could hear it pelting my bedroom window off and on as it blanketed Milwaukee. Of course, looking out the window this morning, that means the greens of Spring are here to stay. The grass is vibrant and alive, and overnight the tiny buds on all the trees have opened up into fresh new leaves. Before long those dark cold branches of winter will be alive with color once again!
Yep. I love Spring. It signifies the renewal of nature, and the preparations for the heat wave of summer. Of course, being that I live in an apartment without air conditioning, I can't say I'm looking forward to that heat wave, but I am looking forward to the warm sunny days, and the outdoor activity of mid-year.
Gone is the snow. Here to stay is the smell of fresh-cut grass, and brats out on the grill. Gone is the rumble of the snowplow. Replacing it are the giggling voices of children playing in the sun. And the frigid arctic winds? Hibernating much farther north. Yes, it's already nearing mid-Spring, and summer is just around the corner. Get out and enjoy it. God only leaves the nice weather around for a limited time. Miss it, and you'll be out in the snow again!
Have a blessed Wednesday all! Until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:27 AM I I
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"Pope Benedict XVI"The world has a new Pope. And while I'm not Catholic, this news does have one small hold on me... it's historically significant. Within my lifetime, this is the first time the world has seen the election of a new administrator to the Catholic Church. That's pretty big news really, and certainly a milestone event in the lives of many. Congratulations to Cardinal Ratzinger. Administer well.
"
Cardinal Ratzinger... elected pope"
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:43 AM I I
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"Quote of the Day""The heart has its reasons which reason knows not of."- Blaise Pascal
-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:53 AM I I
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"Tuesday Musings"Today was a pretty good day. It wasn't quite as productive as I would have hoped, but then again, it was a Monday. Monday's generally tend to be a little slow. I was, however, able to develop some design ideas, prepare to undertake a few new projects, grab a nap, and go for an evening walk. So, in the end, it probably did make for a more relaxing day than a truely occupying one, but I can live with that. I'll just take it as it was, close the book on Monday, grab some sleep, and prepare for a new day on the morrow.
Afterall, you can make plans, but sometimes just sitting back and taking things in stride is a far better way to go. Enjoying a healthy life should always come before signing on as a slave to the daily timeclock. Always. :)
Have a blessed Tuesday all, and until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:54 PM I I
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"Sand Sculpting"I love good art. Here's some that caught my eye.
Incredible sand sculptures from
Sandsational Sand Sculpting.
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:19 PM I I
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"Renewed in Mind & Spirit"Yesterday was "just one of those days." A real downer to put it plainly, although why, I still haven't figured that out. But, today has been a far more interesting one, and I certainly thank God for that. Sometimes all you need to turn around a down day, is to commune with God's Word, and spend time with friends you love. Plus, the fact that the weather outside is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS helps as well! ...Although, as far as I'm concerned, "gorgeous" is by far an understatement. It's far too sunny, breezy, and oh so bright and cheerful outside to be just a mere gorgeous day! Right now, though, I just can't think of any more appropriate adjectives! :)
This morning was a good start to the day, though. Sunday church was just what I needed to renew my spirit. And, it also ended up being a powerful reminder of just how good a "Good Shepherd" my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ really is. Sometimes to be renewed spiritually, we just need to be reminded of how important Christ is in our lives, and how dead to sin we are without Him. For some reason, I really needed that, and being reminded helped rebound me from a not-so-up day yesterday. God works in strange ways, and, as was the case this morning, he used the Message in church to achieve that end. He knows me far better than I do.
After church, with the spirit renewed, my heart and mind were up to bat. Scott (roomate) and I stopped at his grandmother's house to visit with both her and his sister, Diana. Chatting with those two cheerful women (three if you count the neighbor who came downstairs for a bit to enjoy some of the birthday cake Diana had made for her) did wonders to renew my heart and mind. I am still astounded by how vibrant and cheerful Scott's grandmother is. For a 90 year old woman, she never ceases to surprise me with both the scope of her heart, and the curiousity of her mind. She may not realize it herself sometimes, but she really is a blessing to those around her, and to have come to know her, is something I myself count as a personal blessing.
Diana, well, she's another story -- a good story, certainly -- but one I'm sure she would rather I not get into too deeply here in my blog. Let's just say, she's the age-opposite of her grandmother. Charming. Friendly. Witty. And, VERY warm-hearted! I can't help but be invigorated by her cheerful disposition and her usual positive outlook on life. To put it simply, being around her warms my heart, and whether that's a product of something deeper, or just the sign of a good friendship, I don't know. But, I do know one thing, she never ceases to amaze me, and that amazement continues to be source of great joy for me. That too I consider a true personal blessing.
The Lord does indeed work in unexpected ways. He presents me with a strong Message to remind me of things I all too often neglect in my daily life, and in the process restores my soul. Then he presents an opportunity to share the company of two of the warmest caring people I have ever known in my life, while restoring my heart and mind in the process. The Lord knows me all too well. And He really does know when and how to cheer up the spirit when it needs it most.
For these reasons and more, I continue to remain in awe of Him. And I can only hope that someday, I can have the same effect on others as those who have entered my life have on me. Renewal is usually a personal thing, unique to each one of us according to our own spiritual and emotional needs, but, often overlooked, is just how contageous it can be to others around us.
Be infectious, and don't be afraid to share the joys of life with those around you. Afterall, it may just be the one thing they need most on a "not-so-up" day.
Have a blessed Sunday all, and until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:11 PM I I
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"One of Those Days"Sleep. Ponder. Procrastinate. Yep, just one of those days.
Hopefully tomorrow will be more interesting.
Have a blessed Sunday all. Until then,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:57 PM I I
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"Tax Day 2005"Happy IRS Day! I hope you got your taxes in on time? As of early this morning, I did. Now I get to wait for the resulting refund. Yay!... That only sad news is, it's already spoken for. Curses.
Have a blessed Friday all! Don't get too stressed out.
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:28 AM I I
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"Midnight Walkabout"There's just something awe-inspiring about the city at night.
As an artist, I adore the contrasting interplay between light and dark. The way it interacts upon it's environment. The way it casts shadows on some things and highlights others. As an actor, I long to investigate the drama and conflict between differing elements in nature. I love to investigate the relationships, the interactions, and the purposes for existing that those various elements contain.
But, put both of these categories together, and it's pretty easy to see why I love the night so much. It's full of those kinds of elements. Lights. Shadows. Conflict. Symbiosis. It's absolutely awe-inspiring, and when you take the time to breathe it in, it's a beauty in a class all its own.
As many of you know, I love to take walks, particularly where God's masterfully created nature can be seen. I grew up living in the country. Hiking easily became a hobby of mine. And I can remember the many trips me, my dad, and often some of my younger siblings, would take out into a local state park, the countryside, or even just our own large backyard. Whether is was looking at plantlife, watching for animals, or just marveling at the trees towering over us, the beauty in nature has always had a hold on me. As an artist, some of my favorite themes continue to draw upon this interest. And, as an individual with a healthy sense of curiousity, it's probably to be expected that, for me to be normal, I would need to continue venturing out into my local surroundings.
Tonight I satisfied my personal definition of "normal". I took another one of those walks. With Spring upon us, the weather is perfect, even at night. I can grab my jacket, pick a direction, and go explore. This evening it took me past a local steel water tower (which, for some reason, I continue to find intruiging every time I walk by), through one of the local city parks, where I stopped on one of the dark baseball fields to look up at the multitude of stars in a cloudless sky, and then back down the quiet empty residential streets to my apartment.
There's something about the sounds too. Generally, there aren't any. But that's the beauty of it. Everyone is sleeping. There are very few people around to make noise. The streets, normally busy during the day, are silent -- and empty. I can walk right down the middle of them, and almost never see oncoming headlights forcing me back onto the sidewalk. I can hear wind chimes on porches, paper rustling on the street, voices of kids out later than they should be from across a park....
It's a spectacular time of day, and it certainly holds a charm few of us ever take the time to enjoy. It's just a shame we -- as a society -- are so driven by time, career, and paycheck that investigating something as simple as the night escapes us. But I guess I must be "old-fashioned" then. Because, the way I see it, God put us here to enjoy His creation, and since we're only here for a short time, why not appreciate it whenever we can.
Even if for no other reason than to be awe-struck.
Afterall, sometimes we just need to take time to realize too, that though we may be a small physically insignificant part of that creation, spiritually, we're the most important element. And for an actor/artist like me, that's a dramatic contrast that blows my mind!
So, here's hoping sometime(s) you too are able to take the time to get out and let your curiousity be your guide. Seek, explore, go where the wind blows. You'll see a whole different world around you, and you'll be able to appreciate the same beauty I see when I venture out into my surroundings and my little corner of the world.
Creation is a museum of art. Be cultured. Be moved. Visit often.
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:44 AM I I
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"Mke Blog of the Week"You know, it's always humbling to find that you've been nominated for an award -- especially when you didn't even realize it. That said, I was recently investigating my website referrer logs and discovered that this blog has been nominated by
mkeonline as one of ten Wisconsin blogs up for this week's "
Blog of the Week" award. It's certainly an honor to have been nominated, and even moreso to know that my musings intruige so many others. I appreciate it. Thank you. :)
If you're interested in investigating all ten nominees, or just looking to becoming familiar with other
Wisconsin bloggers, feel free to give them a peek. I don't think they'd mind.
Have a blessed day all, and good luck to the nominees!
Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:48 PM I I
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"Cat Pummels Boy"This may be a silly little video. But it certainly made me laugh. Enter the
Cat Drum. Enjoy.
(PS, you might want to turn on your speakers.)
-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:14 PM I I
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Wednesday, April 13, 2005
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"Quote of the Day""Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is."- H. Jackson Browne
-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:07 AM I I
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"A Night In The Life..."What did I do today? Well, here's a recap:
5:18 PM -- Wake up. Grab something to eat. Turn on the early news.
7:30 PM -- Return to "home office" and get to work on various projects.
7:38 PM -- Write and upload previous blog post.
9:00 PM -- Upload my sister's completed
personal website. Start other projects.
9:35 PM -- Greet roomate as he returns home from work.
10:15 PM -- Chat with friend about
USS Terra Nova. Brainstorm plot ideas.
10:40 PM -- Multi-task. Projects, and continue to chat with friend.
1:10 AM -- Head into kitchen. Make dinner. Try not to wake sleeping roomate.
1:35 AM -- Eat dinner. Watch re-broadcast news from earlier in the evening.
3:00 AM -- Flip channels. Watch PBS program about the first
Transatlantic Cable.
4:05 AM -- Return to computer. Check/answer emails. Procrastinate.
4:20 AM -- Return to work on various projects.
6:48 AM -- Say good morning to roomate as he heads off to work.
7:35 AM -- Smile happily at updated
Art Store. Confirm successful changes.
7:42 AM -- Work on smaller projects. Mostly odds and ends.
8:43 AM -- Upload this email post. Resolve to go to bed soon.
UPDATE:8:52 AM -- Grab a french bread snack. Remember how much I like french bread.
9:30 AM -- Decide to turn off computer and head to bed.
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:31 AM I I
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"The Russell Branyan Show"Good news. Opening Day at Miller Park seems to have been a resounding success! Third Baseman Russell Branyon launched two homeruns deep over the outfield wall (Brady Clark a third in the fifth inning), and a sold-out crowd got to enjoy the Brewers crush the Pirates for the third time this year. Great way to start Milwaukee ball! Of course, the season is still young, but let's hope the Crew can keep it up. They've got good things going for them.
"
Milwaukee 6, Pittsburg 2"
-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:38 PM I I
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"Opening Day 2005!"Today is Opening Day at Miller Park. In honor of the first
Milwaukee Brewers home game of 2005, I present you with some well-known baseball poetry....
The following was written in 1908 by a man named Jack Norworth. One day while riding on the New York City subway, he spotted a sign that said "Ballgame Today at the Polo Grounds." Some baseball-related verse suddenly popped into his head -- later set to music by Albert Von Tilzer -- and the well known baseball song, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" was born. Since then, it's become one of the most recognized songs about baseball, and is gleefully sung during the seventh inning stretch in nearly every ballpark in the country!
"Take Me Out to the Ballgame!"- by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer
Katie Casey was baseball mad
had the fever and had it bad
Just to root for the home town crew
every sou*, Katie blew
On a Saturday her young beau
called to see if she'd like to go
to see a show but Miss Kate said "No,
"I'll tell you what you can do..."
Take me out to the ball game
take me out to the crowd
buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack
I don't care if I never get back
So it's root, root, root for the home team
if they don't win it's a shame
for it's one, two, three strikes you're out
at the old ball game
Katie Casey saw all the games
knew all the players by their first names
told the umpire he was wrong
all along, good and strong
When the score was just two to two
cagey Casey knew what to do
just to cheer up the boys she knew
she made the gang sing this song
Take me out to the ball game
take me out to the crowd
buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack
I don't care if I never get back
So it's root, root, root for the home team
if they don't win it's a shame
for it's one, two, three strikes you're out
at the old ball game!
Have a blessed Monday all.
And to my fellow Milwaukeeans, let's PLAY BALL! :)
-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:51 AM I I
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"Quote of the Day""Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk."- J.C. Penny
-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:02 AM I I
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"Blood Bound"Earlier this afternoon, I had a film audition... a film audition for a vampire horror flick to be filmed and produced here in the Milwaukee area. Yes, you read that right, a "
vampire horror flick". Something a little different, I know. :)
But it gets a bit more interesting.
The character I was reading for was that of Ed, "a stylish, charming, young college student studying photography and art". Sounds familiar doesn't it? Three years ago, you could have used that to describe me (although, maybe not so much on the "stylish" end of things!). I can definitely play the artist. Been there, done that. I'm already a pro in that department. But herein enters the acting realm... Ed has a sickeningly dark, conniving, evil spirit under all that charm. He has an agenda. He's the consumate example of an individual acting one way to achieve the opposite. He could be a very interesting character to play, and, definitely a challenge at the same time.
Generally, when it comes to movies, though, the horror genre isn't really a favorite of mine. I usually tend to pick something less extreme. Something lighter. But in this case, the role of Ed could provide an excellent opportunity for growth as a professional actor. I've played more dramatic roles in the past, usually much more lighthearted. Ed, however, could be something much more outside my zone of familiarity. Something unique. Something drastically different. For that reason, I am thrilled to have been invited to audition, and definitely hoping to remain in the running.
However, on the other side of the coin, I got all excited for my job interview earlier in the week, and that didn't pan out quite like I'd hoped. So I suppose this too could go either way. I'll just resign myself to keeping my fingers crossed, and hope I was able to impress the director. He had some great compliments for me after I auditioned, and I, think I did pretty well too. But then again, the goal was to impress him, not me.
It may be for a horror film -- one of my least favorite theatrical genres -- but as an actor, I can't overlook the opportunities it presents. Just like life, acting is all about personal growth. It's about experimenting with the environments around us, and continually striving to learn more about the human condition, all while improving one's skills in the craft. Here's hoping I'll get to do more of that "growth stuff". Nothing excites me more... even if I have to be part vampire to do it!
Have a blessed weekend all. I'll keep you updated! Until next time,
Your happily blogging actor friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:42 PM I I
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"April 7, 1979"Twenty-six years ago my parents were married. Today is that anniversary.
Congratulations Mom and Dad!
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:23 PM I I
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"Quote of the Day"It's a beautiful morning! The sun is out, the sky is a brilliant aqua blue dotted here and there by clouds of cotton, and tiny buds cover the trees while the grass hints at the spectacular greens of Spring. Looking at all this beauty outside, one little quote seems most appropriate:
"Our God is an awesome God."- Michael W. Smith
Have a spectacular Thursday all! Until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:04 AM I I
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Wednesday, April 06, 2005
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"Hire Me Already!"Guess what I've been doing today? Yep. Sending out even more resumes.
I hate job hunting. Know any good contacts?
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:29 PM I I
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"Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Don't..."Well, that's one down, more to go. The
company I interviewed with on Monday has chosen to hire someone a bit more qualified than myself... so my search continues. In the end, though, this can only mean one thing -- there's a job out there even more appropriately matched to my skills. And while this recent news is a bit disappointing, it also gives me hope. I will find that job.
Have a blessed day all, and until next time,
Your ever-faithful blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:59 PM I I
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"Tuesday"Typical day. Beautiful weather!
Oh, yeah, and some rather unexciting votes were cast in a local election, that I did take part in, for some encumbant state officials, that I have little interest in supporting. Yawn. Here's hoping tomorrow is a more exciting day.
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:37 PM I I
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"Root, Root, Root for the Hometeam..."Man, today gets better and better! The professional baseball season has officially begun, and the Milwaukee Brewers opened the season with a stunning 9-2 victory over the Pittsburg Pirates. Pitcher, Ben Sheets, dominated, and the Brew Crew played well.
I'm hoping this will be an enjoyable season -- and one that ends the team's unprecidented losing slide. I doubt it'll be a playoff year, but it could very well be a winning season, and that alone is something worth rooting for! Here's to the Brewers. Let's play some baseball! :)
"
Milwaukee 9, Pittsburgh 2"
-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:54 PM I I
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"Post-Interview Recap"Today was an absolutely gorgeous day to get outside! Seventy degrees and sunny -- the very epitome of Springtime. To say that I love days like this, is definitely an understatement! But to have had the chance to get outside and truely enjoy it... Priceless!
My interview for the bakery company was at 9am up on the Northeastern side of Milwaukee. For me, that meant a full hour bus ride from where I live -- thankfully all on one bus. But I didn't mind. On a downright lovely day like today, that ride took me past the bustle of Marquette University, through downtown, along the spectacular morning Lake Michigan lakefront, and up to a very quaint small-town part of Milwaukee (And I do like small towns!). As I had made a point of arriving early -- since I'm not all that familiar with Whitefish Bay -- I took the time to walk around a bit and get to know the place. My final assessment? I definitely like it. :)
After waiting the last half hour before I was to meet my interviewer, I stopped into the retail/bakery section of their location to inquire where I was to go. The two young woman behind the counter were very friendly and helpful, and I even ran into Michelle -- the individual who would be interviewing me -- as she was grabbing her morning coffee. She invited me to sample one of their baked goods before joining her across the street in the offices, which of course I couldn't resist doing. So, before heading to the interview, I chose a banana bread muffin. Mmmm. Very tasty! But then again, who am I kidding, I'm definitely a bread kind of guy through and through. Afterall, having grown up with a mother who's one heck of a skilled baker, what do you expect! LOL
After enjoying some of that muffin, and then arriving across the street, I was interviewed by Michelle and her chief graphic designer. By and large, I think it went very well. Both were friendly, informative, and the tasks they outlined -- the ones I would be responsible for -- were hardly beyond my capabilities. In fact, I'd even consider them a fun challenge!
Yes. It's an excellent neighborhood, similarly-aged friendly co-workers, and creative tasks I am more than familiar with... This could very well be a perfect fit. If I get the job. Which I hope.
After the interview, I thanked them and was once again on my way back home. The sun was still shining, and the Lakefront just as beautiful. If I get this job, that'll definitely be a perk. I don't get down to the lake near as often as I'd like. Working up there, I'd be going by it every day. On beautiful spring/summer days like this, I'd have every opportunity to walk down by the water, explore downtown a little more, maybe visit Grand Avenue Mall. I can't argue with that.
Hey, this could be a win-win situation! According to Michelle, I should know whether I won the job or not this Wednesday. I suppose it could go either way. Who knows how many people were interviewed. Nonetheless, I've still got my fingers crossed. In the end, here's hoping I'll be headed towards Whitefish Bay on a daily basis!
We shall see.
But, now that I'm back home again, the day is far from over. I've been up for nearly seven hours already, though, so I think I'll grab a bite to eat, a nap, and then get back to work on some of these freelance projects. So far it's been a great morning. Here's to a beautiful rest of the day.
Have a blessed Monday all, and until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:43 AM I I
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"Sunday in Review"Well. It appears that fundraiser didn't happen, or, if it did, I was for some reason not part of it. I'm still waiting on a response from the individual whom I would have been helping. I'm rather interested to find out what went awry.
But, I guess the good news is, I ended up getting a full eight hours of sleep afterall -- despite the lost hour. I missed Sunday church, as I had been under the impression I would have been busy with this event anyway, so I just napped waiting on the call that never came. Usually I take things as they come, and today was just one of those days. Oftentimes our plans just don't go as we expect. We just make the best of it and move on.
Tomorrow I have a job interview for a graphics art/copywriter position. I'm obviously hoping for the best, but we'll see what happens. It'll be nice, though, to present my portfolio, meet and greet, and engage in selling my skills again. I enjoy that. And, as this is for the corporate headquarters of a regional specialty bakery it'll be a nice change of pace as well. Wish me luck. I can always use more of it, regardless.
So, on that note, I think I'm going to go grab something to eat, watch a little late night television, and then go to bed. Tomorrow I have an "employment audition" to attend.
Have a blessed Monday all, and until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:49 PM I I
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"That Darn Clock"My alarm clock says 3:28 AM. My computer clock says 4:28 AM. Yeah, I know, "Spring Forward". I guess I had just assumed the changeover was tomorrow night. Ah well, so much for a full night's rest before helping out with that fundraiser today. Now it'll be closer to that of a half night. Bad Jon. I knew I shouldn't have stayed up and watched "She-Spys". LOL!
Better head off to bed. More later in the day. Until then,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 4:34 AM I I
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"Pope John Paul II"The Pope has died today. And while his passing has very little impact on my own spiritual life, I do pray that the Catholic world is blessed with another who can be as much of an intellectual, leader, and administrator as was his predecesor. The torch has been passed. May he rest in peace.
"
Pope John Paul II dead at 84"
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:53 PM I I
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"Saturday Afternoon Review"Today is Saturday. Tomorrow is Sunday. That is all.
-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:38 PM I I
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"A Short Engagement"For those of you still curious, yes, my post about getting engaged was indeed an April Fools joke. (Haha, made you look!). In reality, I'm still quite single and at least a year or two away from any marriage proposals. However, being that yesterday was the annual "Day of Foolery", I decided it was appropriate to honor that spirit and do something unexpected. So, I did. I'm just thrilled to hear that endeavor was so gullibly recieved! Mission accomplished. :)
In the end, though, it was all meant in good fun. I hope -- beyond that -- your April Fool's Day was a generally less gullible one. If not, well, there's an old Chinese Proverb that may be applicable, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Here's hoping the fooling was minimal.
Have a blessed Saturday all! Until next time,
Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:27 PM I I
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"She Made My Day!"Whoohooo!... I finally popped "the question" an hour ago. And you know what?... SHE SAID YES!!! We're setting the date for this fall, and I'll be letting everyone know later today! Share the good news all... I'm getting married!!!!
UPDATE 4-3-05:
April 1st = April Fool's Day. LOL
-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:37 AM I I
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