Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
midlife Monday: brand awareness with miles more Moo
This summer I completed the work experience part of the writing diploma I'm taking. The internship was a big part of my decision to enrol, and I'm not disappointed. What started as 180 hours course requirement extended to another 130, stretching my return to the workplace into mid-october.
I learned how to set up web pages using the Adobe CQ5 template program. I interviewed researchers and university staff then turned my notes into articles for online and print newsletters. I learned how to turn an Adobe InDesign file into a readable epub, reflowing the text for different sizes of readers.
Most importantly, my work was edited; for almost six months it was patiently picked apart then reassembled into eloquence (thank you Barry), leaving me with abundant track changes and before-and-after reference documents to learn from.
Apart from testing out my skills (and being pleasantly surprised with my abilities) I also found that not only can I still hack it in the world of paid employment (yes, a paid internship), I'm longing to get back in there.
But how? So far, I haven't managed to hook one interview. It is quite frustrating as I know now that I can do most of what each posting specifies and am still able to quickly learn the rest. My qualifications, volunteering and self-directed learning just aren't enough, and my lack of Canadian qualifications/work experience aren't helping.
Somehow I need to re-package Brand Me into a much more attractive, persuasive model - I need to be pushy, to get my face out there cos my resume just ain't doing it.
Any tips from those who have been here before?
PS: still nothing from Walmart btw.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
scientific saturday
Engaging with SFU engaging with the community - scientific ice cream before the maddest scientist competition.
Perfectly wacky way to encourage an interest in science.
Friday, October 26, 2012
friday forte: a hike and a camera and some boots
Tip: an unwilling nine-year-old can be persuaded out on a hike if you give him a camera.
Note: this will slow the nine-year-old down considerably.
Hint: this isn't a bad thing.
Fashion notes: mother and son footwear for splashing thru puddles kindly supplied by Palladium (check out http://palladium boots.com for details).
Thursday, October 25, 2012
self portrait 25th october: boots to the ballet
Today was one of those days when leaving the house was an achievement.
And I'm so glad I made the effort. Today's noon hour dance special at the Scotiabank Dance Centre was a rehearsal session by Ballet BC giving a teaser of one of the upcoming works for this November's In/verse performance.
Emily Molnar introduced the event, letting the audience know there would be a Q&A with both dancers and choreographer after the rehearsal.
The work is not yet complete for performance ... not that I could spot any flaws. Only a ragged end to the third movement gave any hint that what we were seeing was a work in progress. The dancers seemed very much at ease in the piece, inside its portrayal of boundaries on the edge (my interpretation) accompanied by an intense but beautiful soundtrack.
It was lovely to hear the dancers after the performance. They were quite eloquent in describing their process and working with a contemporary choreographer.
I cannot wait till I see the complete work - what will the lighting be like? The costumes? How will it end?
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
we are fashion bloggers
Today, his boots went to school and piano lesson; my boots met the Premier (#cc4moms if you're interested) then sat outside the piano lesson.
mr ebb took the pics :)
Side note: I was in my boots all day, including commuting in the rain and sitting around in a hot studio - feet non-sweaty at day's end.
Monday, October 22, 2012
midlife monday: boots and thick woolly tights
Like mother ...
... like son.
Out and about test driving our boots.
Him - to school; me - school too.
Footwear provided by Palladium Boots for review.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
soft-focus sunday: boots at work
This week I'm test-driving some wonderful boots sent for review from Palladium.
Ahem - it's not just me test-driving the boots; the Wee Guy is stomping around in his own review pair too. So far, the mum-and-son fashion focus is going well. We're both extremely pleased with the comfort and the fit.
And the new waterproof models arrived just in time to test in our Lower Mainland puddles.
Stay tuned for "a week of boots" but in the meantime follow our fashion exploits in this flickr set.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
friday forte: erotobot mark I
Friday night doodles on the tablet cos I'm not out clubbing!
Last Friday Mr ebb and I did haul our arses out on a date.
And very nice it was too.
So we're not quite shut-ins yet.
self portrait thursday: red head
Surrounded by redheads. I hadn't added up, but there are quite a few redheads on my wall, watching me as I work. They'll be spending more time with me too as today was my last day 'at work'. Yes - my internship finally finished though I do still have a few odds and ends still to complete.
I'm sad.
It was nice to play grown up, responsible salaried valued productive member of society again after a decade off. It's also been a real reminder of how much I miss it all, even the commute.
I'll write more about what a wonderful experience it was and about how much I learned, but for just now i'll return to my foetal ball and ... bawl.
Pity party for one in full swing.
Pls commiserate generously.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
merchandise monday
L-R: brocade and lace cuffs, little nest pendants in silver and copper
This little batch of goodies is heading to Bird on a Wire tomorrow. Check out the sidebar for details and location.
edit: delivered!
Monday, October 15, 2012
midlife monday: recent doodles
September wasn't too great for blogging though I managed a decent innings - 14 posts, which averages at one every couple of days or so. Nothing erudite or far-reaching ... but then is it ever?
Today is Blog Action Day, and the theme this year is the power of we, celebrating how blogging makes a positive contribution by uniting lots of small voices together into one big shout to make change.
So maybe I should be talking less about myself and more about global issues here on pomomama.com? Maybe I should quit the griping and suck it up for the greater good? Stop wasting my time on me and start thinking deeply about we?
Well maybe I should ... but on the other hand, some of the things I talk about open them up for others who drop by to chat. There aren't many but they are a meaningful few. And I am incredibly grateful for their presence here. The blogosphere is full of these supportive microcommunities, harnessing the power of we to keep each other afloat.
PS: Think Before You Pink this month - avoid the vacuous FB memes, the pastel branded carcinogens, and actually do something meaningful for a change.
saturday sketch: please stop hurting me
- feeling much better now but damn! another weekend lost to migraine and its after-effects :(
Sunday, October 14, 2012
grrrratitude
1. My migraine has gone and I only feel half as nauseous as yesterday.
2. I finished up my artwork for the 6x6 exhibition at Port Moody Art Centre despite the pain (oh I am so good).
3. Coquitlam Mall now has free wifi so I have yet another portable working venue.
4. I finished my rhetorical analysis essay yesterday (yup - working thru the pain).
Yay thanks ...
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Wordless Wednesday: Sarah Ronald at City Hall
Friday, October 12, 2012
friday forte: pitch
Not just the stuff for mending a roof but what a writer does when submitting a proposal to an editor, or perhaps what a hopeful applicant does for every new job post.
This is my most successful pitch in a while.
The boots.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
self-portrait Thursday: i mind
yesterday was world mental health awareness day, a day to be thankful that it's not you, to be thankful that it's not you right now, or perhaps even to wonder what it's like to have mental health issues ... or not have mental health issues. whatever - it's an awareness day and luckily not one associated with buying branded pink carcinogens.
it's an awareness day and also an education day. if you're not familiar with mental health issues please take one thing away - you cannot snap out of mental health problems. this is no mind over matter event even though it is all in the head. just telling someone that they have no excuse, that they should be grateful for the life they have isn't an instant cure; understanding and support is. check out Maslow's hierarchy of needs. although the basics for survival are obvious, pay attention to the higher tiers. they are the ones that nourish emotional wellbeing and also contribute to mental health. gratitude for the roof over one's head or a full belly isn't necessarily The Cure, and being reminded just heaps on the guilt. a gentle hand on the shoulder, sitting quietly in their company and even a softly stated, that sucks! helps more. don't feel that you have to fix the problem.
so next time you offer a quick fix solution to an acquaintance struggling with the heaviness of life, just do a quick run through of some of the less obviouses like emotional support, creativity and recognition before telling them to be grateful and snap out of it.
speaking personally, you might as well just punch them on the nose for all the help it is.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
wordless wednesday: look for the sunlight, don't focus on the clouds
In honour of World Mental Health Day.
Monday, October 08, 2012
midlife monday: aloft
I wish I was soaring aloft on the thermals, seeing far into the distance and untroubled by mundanities on earth ... but I'm not, so suck it up and deal with it girl.
This beautiful late summer continues so we enjoyed a bike ride en famille along the Traboulay Trail beside the Pitt River. Even our reluctant junior cyclist eventually pronounced it a success.
Sunshine - check; exercise - check; time out with the boys - check. Makes me one happy woman.
Sod the rest of life - I don't fucking care anymore! You'll catch up with me eventually - and not the other way around. Your loss!
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Saturday, October 06, 2012
friday forte: just open the door and walk right in
This forte is a day late with no apology. Thursday moody introspective reflection brought on lots of thought, and some lovely comments with much understanding. Thank you. I am indeed picking myself up and putting myself back out there ... as I always do.
Thank you to those of you who realise that it is more than just walking up to the door and pulling it open to step inside. Sometimes the door is too heavy, or locked. I can look inside and see I want to be there. Sometimes I can't find the door and can only peer through the windows. I keep walking round the perimeter. Mostly I just see others stepping across the threshold.
I did get into Opus yesterday - just pulled open the door and walked in past the very tempting array of juicy Copic markers. Its shelves an inspiration as usual, stacked with potential and possibilities, of projects in waiting open to all hands. Just reach out and grasp - there's no one to say, you're not qualified to do that. I bought three mini cradled panels for some Christmas mixed media work I have in mind - a few more eternal gardens which cannot be killed off. This was just after I dropped off my portfolio for a standards of quality jury where yes, I will be judged. Wish me luck.
See - I'm no stranger to putting myself out there or picking myself up repeatedly. Each time I do, my soul is exposed and I'm vulnerable. To do it repeatedly is exhausting - some would say soul-destroying - but I keep going. An easy entry would be nice for change though.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
self portrait Thursday: grad
It's graduation week here, or I should say convocation. The robes are a tad garish but there's no escaping the pride in accomplishment on the faces of family and offspring. Twenty four and then again (yes - two university degrees) twelve years ago it was me in either the academic black or the doctoral maroon robes looking well chuffed with myself. Actually, first time around I was a zombie, having been up all night with a patient.
Today this midlife, unemployed immigrant is wearing denim, calico and thrifted boots. Watching the new grads swanning around is a little bittersweet - I've been advised to scrub my two degrees from my resume to improve my chances of getting a job. Not only am I too old, but I'm over-qualified. Neither do I have a degree in the right subject - experience doesn't count these days.
I didn't realise that moving to Canada would be career-suicide. I honestly thought that the care and diligence I had put into my education would count for something.
Apparently not.
So now, according to my resume, I graduated from high school, have done lots of volunteer work, am a part-time student, and have held down a couple of veterinary office and lab tech jobs.
I'll let you know when WalMart get back to me - that cashier job has my name on it.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
click to shop pomo mama design online!