I'm glad there's one day a year to remind me to be thankful. Oh, I count my blessings sometimes, but it's good to have a holiday to help me focus on it. And even when it's easier to count things that have gone wrong or things I don't have, I can look at the bigger picture and put it into a more rational perspective.
It's so easy to sound trite when you try to be thankful. You go through an average list, without really acknowledging to yourself that even on your worst days, there is something good about your life. So next time you catch me complaining about something, remind me to step back and say, "Today isn't really as bad as it seems."
I am thankful for my family, both by blood and by choice. Some people have to look farther to find people with whom they can share their ups and downs.
I am thankful for my home. It's not a big house, but not everyone has a bed and a roof every night.
I would be thankful for my job, if I had one. But I am thankful that I have a direction in mind and have skills to use.
I am thankful for my health. I know plenty of people struggling with short-term and long-term issues.
I am thankful for the Internet, as odd as that may sound. But it allows me to communicate with so many more people than I could if I had to rely on letters and phone calls.
I am thankful that some things change, and that some things stay the same.
I am thankful that life isn't perfect...really...I am. What would be the point if each day didn't bring something to learn and grow from? Each experience is a thread as we weave the tapestry of our lives. I don't want mine to be only one color.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Don't Forget Thanksgiving!
I'm as much a fan of Christmas as anyone. I'd love to have the space and the money to go all out decorating. But today, November 21, I saw homes with outdoor Christmas lights already lit. Hello...can we celebrate Thanksgiving first?
It seems that Thanksgiving was a bigger holiday when I was a kid. I admit, my perspective may be clouded by the nostalgia for childhood. But I remember making turkey and Pilgrim decorations. I remember watching the Macy's parade when it was primarily a parade; there were floats and balloons, and not so many pauses for songs and dance numbers.
I understand that the Thanksgiving story I learned in school may not be historically accurate. But the general idea is the same. There were people who weren't satisfied with their lives, so they took action. It wasn't an easy path. But somewhere along the line, they realized that things were going to get better. They had hope for the future, and paused to give thanks for what they had at that moment in time.
Time permitting, I'll write more about reminding myself to be thankful. But for now, I just want to speak out on behalf of a celebration that seems to get squeezed out more each year by Christmas. If you don't look closely, you'll only see back-to-school followed by Halloween sliding right into Christmas.
Don't forget about November! Don't forget Thanksgiving!
It seems that Thanksgiving was a bigger holiday when I was a kid. I admit, my perspective may be clouded by the nostalgia for childhood. But I remember making turkey and Pilgrim decorations. I remember watching the Macy's parade when it was primarily a parade; there were floats and balloons, and not so many pauses for songs and dance numbers.
I understand that the Thanksgiving story I learned in school may not be historically accurate. But the general idea is the same. There were people who weren't satisfied with their lives, so they took action. It wasn't an easy path. But somewhere along the line, they realized that things were going to get better. They had hope for the future, and paused to give thanks for what they had at that moment in time.
Time permitting, I'll write more about reminding myself to be thankful. But for now, I just want to speak out on behalf of a celebration that seems to get squeezed out more each year by Christmas. If you don't look closely, you'll only see back-to-school followed by Halloween sliding right into Christmas.
Don't forget about November! Don't forget Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
So, This Is What Freelancing Feels Like
If you know me personally, or via Blogger/Facebook/Twitter, you may remember that I was laid off earlier this year when the ad agency I worked at was sold. Didn't exactly throw me into a state of panic, but I was forced to reflect on my employment life.
I've been looking for a job using the traditional resources. But there aren't many places looking for an actual proofreader. Many businesses are too small to warrant a full-time person. Larger companies may have a system already in place. And honestly, I'm sure a lot of organizations don't realize the value that a fresh set of eyes can bring to their printed (and web) materials.
Having some time off has given me more time to spend with a friend who would also do well being self-employed. It's been helpful for both of us to identify and discuss our talents and skills, exploring options together. We're both good at what we do--it's just tough trying to define what that is and translate it into a way to make money! Another friend was recently laid off, so now we've got three great minds formulating a plan for mutual success.
I had to miss our last two "freelance staff meetings," however. I was busy...freelancing. A local marketing firm had a big project in-house. I have worked with a few people there, so my name came up when they determined it was time to have someone else take a look for little things that might have been missed. So I got the call. As luck would have it, I was available. For eight days, I went to their office and read every word that was put in front of me. Then I set upon my task of adding hyphens, deleting commas (just because I'm a fan of the serial comma doesn't mean I can't ditch a few sometimes), capping and un-capping, noting typos, and making sure that things were stylistically consistent.
It was really kind of a rush, making notes with my red pen. I know spelling and punctuation isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I truly enjoy it! Sort of a treasure hunt...looking for little things that other people might not see. Even though I was in unfamiliar surroundings on a strictly temporary basis, I was in my element, doing what I know how to do. And when I'd finished reviewing, I packed up my copies of the AP Stylebook and Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips and went home. Sent off my invoice and officially completed my first freelance project.
I know the life of a freelancer has its ups and downs. Sure, there's some flexibility, but there's also less reliable income. It's truly performance-based pay. You don't get a check if you don't put in the time. Am I still looking for a "regular" job? Definitely! Unless I buy a winning lottery ticket, I've gotta continue to bring in some cash. But I think I could get into being an independent contractor. We'll see where this road goes.
Thanks to the people close to home for their encouragement and support. And thanks to my Twitter friends, too. They really know how to build you up. And since a lot of them are also in the freelance world, I know that I can learn a lot from them.
I can't wait to see what's next!
I've been looking for a job using the traditional resources. But there aren't many places looking for an actual proofreader. Many businesses are too small to warrant a full-time person. Larger companies may have a system already in place. And honestly, I'm sure a lot of organizations don't realize the value that a fresh set of eyes can bring to their printed (and web) materials.
Having some time off has given me more time to spend with a friend who would also do well being self-employed. It's been helpful for both of us to identify and discuss our talents and skills, exploring options together. We're both good at what we do--it's just tough trying to define what that is and translate it into a way to make money! Another friend was recently laid off, so now we've got three great minds formulating a plan for mutual success.
I had to miss our last two "freelance staff meetings," however. I was busy...freelancing. A local marketing firm had a big project in-house. I have worked with a few people there, so my name came up when they determined it was time to have someone else take a look for little things that might have been missed. So I got the call. As luck would have it, I was available. For eight days, I went to their office and read every word that was put in front of me. Then I set upon my task of adding hyphens, deleting commas (just because I'm a fan of the serial comma doesn't mean I can't ditch a few sometimes), capping and un-capping, noting typos, and making sure that things were stylistically consistent.
It was really kind of a rush, making notes with my red pen. I know spelling and punctuation isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I truly enjoy it! Sort of a treasure hunt...looking for little things that other people might not see. Even though I was in unfamiliar surroundings on a strictly temporary basis, I was in my element, doing what I know how to do. And when I'd finished reviewing, I packed up my copies of the AP Stylebook and Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips and went home. Sent off my invoice and officially completed my first freelance project.
I know the life of a freelancer has its ups and downs. Sure, there's some flexibility, but there's also less reliable income. It's truly performance-based pay. You don't get a check if you don't put in the time. Am I still looking for a "regular" job? Definitely! Unless I buy a winning lottery ticket, I've gotta continue to bring in some cash. But I think I could get into being an independent contractor. We'll see where this road goes.
Thanks to the people close to home for their encouragement and support. And thanks to my Twitter friends, too. They really know how to build you up. And since a lot of them are also in the freelance world, I know that I can learn a lot from them.
I can't wait to see what's next!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Just Pick Up the Phone!
Why am I so bad at making phone calls? We have a land line, and I have a cell phone. It's certainly not physically difficult for me to get to a phone and "dial" a few numbers. (Yes, when I was a child, our phone had an actual dial!)
I had things to talk about this week. A friend took a trip and I wanted to travel vicariously. I got a freelance proofing project and had lots of stuff to share with my girlfriends. But did I call them? Noooooo. There's something inside me that always says, "Oh, don't bother them. They could be busy." How silly is that? These women would have no problem telling me that it's not a good time to talk. I think most people will freely tell you if they're in the middle of something, especially when you start the conversation with something along the lines of, "Do you have a minute?" or, "Did I catch you at a bad time?"
I'm pretty sure I've been like this since I was old enough to use the phone. In high school, I don't remember being the type to call my buddies and spend an hour on the phone each evening. Of course, there was a 15-minute limit on calls at our house. And my brother and his sweetie were usually on the phone anyway. :-) My sister and I have been known to talk for an hour or more in one sitting about nothing in particular. But I've never been good at initiating the call. There's just something in my subconscious that prevents me from picking up the phone without a specific question or bit of information to share.
For better or worse, I'm a big fan of the more "modern" forms of communication. I'll send a quick text message, just to touch base or when I see something that makes someone cross my mind. If I have more to say, I'll send an e-mail, which gives me a chance to do sort of a rough draft and make sure everything's right. Then the recipient can read it when they're ready, respond if they want to and when they're able. (Oddly enough, I was never good at actual pen-and-paper letters. Couldn't find a good way to make small talk in writing.)
I guess I need to change my perspective. Rather than thinking I don't have a particular reason to make a call, I should see it as a chance to show that I care or that I was thinking of you. It's not intruding...it's staying connected to people that matter.
Is anyone waiting for a call from me?
I had things to talk about this week. A friend took a trip and I wanted to travel vicariously. I got a freelance proofing project and had lots of stuff to share with my girlfriends. But did I call them? Noooooo. There's something inside me that always says, "Oh, don't bother them. They could be busy." How silly is that? These women would have no problem telling me that it's not a good time to talk. I think most people will freely tell you if they're in the middle of something, especially when you start the conversation with something along the lines of, "Do you have a minute?" or, "Did I catch you at a bad time?"
I'm pretty sure I've been like this since I was old enough to use the phone. In high school, I don't remember being the type to call my buddies and spend an hour on the phone each evening. Of course, there was a 15-minute limit on calls at our house. And my brother and his sweetie were usually on the phone anyway. :-) My sister and I have been known to talk for an hour or more in one sitting about nothing in particular. But I've never been good at initiating the call. There's just something in my subconscious that prevents me from picking up the phone without a specific question or bit of information to share.
For better or worse, I'm a big fan of the more "modern" forms of communication. I'll send a quick text message, just to touch base or when I see something that makes someone cross my mind. If I have more to say, I'll send an e-mail, which gives me a chance to do sort of a rough draft and make sure everything's right. Then the recipient can read it when they're ready, respond if they want to and when they're able. (Oddly enough, I was never good at actual pen-and-paper letters. Couldn't find a good way to make small talk in writing.)
I guess I need to change my perspective. Rather than thinking I don't have a particular reason to make a call, I should see it as a chance to show that I care or that I was thinking of you. It's not intruding...it's staying connected to people that matter.
Is anyone waiting for a call from me?
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