Aside from the computer issues I have been keeping busy by providing freelance graphic design services including logo creation, business cards, stationary and other printed materials.  If you are interested in low cost high quality design services, please feel free to contact me with the details of your project.  All project costs are quoted on a individual basis.  I’ve also been providing home cleaning and organizing services.

In addition to the aforementioned activities I’ve been working on the following long term personal projects.

- Music collection re-organizing

Tagging and cataloging over 80gb of mp3 files.  This has been an ongoing project for the past two or so years and, until recently, was confined to my spare time.  I highly recommend Softpointer’s Tag & Rename software for such undertakings.

- Family photo digitizing

I recently created a photo yearbook for my mother’s 50th birthday which prompted me to start scanning, retouching and indexing the family’s photos.  It has been a fun and interesting trip down memory lane.  I’m hoping to purchase a new scanner soon that will allow me to scan directly from the negative and slides.  For batch renaming of files, Flash Renamer has been a lifesaver.

- Genealogy search

Upon discovering the site Geni (think Facebook for families) I have been on a quest to uncover our family’s roots.  I have found the records at Ancestry.com to be helpful albeit not worth the membership cost.  Luckily I gathered most of the information I needed within the 14 day trial period.

- Tending the garden

Spring is the time of year to top dress and re-pot plants.  This year I’ve added some annuals to the mix (Verbena, Primrose, Hosta and Dusty Miller.  The Marigolds and Snapdragons didn’t make it so they are going back to Lowe’s for replacements).  So far they seem to be doing well indoors but the true test will be the winter months.

So that is pretty much what I’ve been up to in between the usual job hunting expeditions.  I’m sure there is no need to comment on the current state of the market as it’s already been covered everywhere else.  As they say, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade”.  Thankfully lemonade is one of my favorite drinks

I have my resume posted on every online job board I can find as well as on file with several employment agencies. I’ll have to see what I can come up with next to distinguish myself from the rest of the pack. Stay tuned…

With the continuing decline in available jobs, I am trying new tactics.  Obviously creating this online resume/blog was my first effort.  My latest idea was to create a visual advertisement for myself to post on Craigslist.

As someone who has spent many hours digging into the Resumes section of CL looking for that diamond in the rough, I know that after (a very short) while all the resumes start to look the same.  You start searching by keywords instead of the posting title, your vision blurs from trying to read all that text with little to no formatting and finally you just give up after copying, pasting and reformatting numerous resumes just to see if there is any potential.

So I figured, why not give my former counter-parts out there something that is easy on the eyes, showcases my ability to “think outside of the box”, allows me to play with my underused graphics software and hopefully piques their interest.  I’m not sure if this will be appreciated or pay off but as the saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”.  For now I think I will post a few more fliers if for no other reason that to break up the monotony of job hunting in these trying times.

You may also download a printable version of my resume and additional information using the links on the right of the page. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or to set up an interview.

I do not like hopping from job to job and would prefer to secure employment with a stable organization I can grow with for many many years to come. I am interested in a position in the following:

- Reprographics (management/supervisory level)
- Printing
- Project Management
- Office Management
- Facilities Management
- Administration
- Employee Relations

I prefer to work in a creative environment; however, I am not opposed to a challenging position in other environments. I enjoy being part of a dynamic team and at the end of the day I want to feel inspired to succeed and be able to assist others in meeting their goals.