Lemonade Movie Trailer

We've all heard the truism, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
[*Per Webster:
tru·ism [tr ìzzəm]
(plural tru·isms)
n
obvious statement: a statement that is so obviously true and so often repeated that people find it trite or meaningless]

However, there is nothing trite or meaningless about 'Lemonade' the movie. Out of this tough economic time, laid off ad man 37 year-old copywriter Erik Proulx turned to movie making. Now he has a movie showcasing the transformed lives of former ad executives, all laid off from their high paying jobs, and coming out the other end of the experience with fuller and richer lives than before.

Check out Erik's website http://www.pleasefeedtheanimals.com/

*Thank you Erik for the refreshing drink of 'Lemonade The Movie' on a hot summer day*

5/5/2009 It's My Birthday:)

It's my birthday today. So far, I'm off to a great start, the love of my life gave me a one year membership to 24 hour fitness. Oh. happy day:)

My horoscope in the SF Chronicle today says:
TAURUS-(April 19-May 19) What use to come easy doesn't any more. This is good because it pushes you in a new and more creative direction.

Well, this is true. I started working when I was in senior high school, and I have not been without a job since that time. But, I was ready to move forward in a new and more creative direction. My last job had become stifling. After layoffs at the company, my schedule change to nights. Now my commute, built around shuttles and BART was compromised. There are no shuttle buses to my neck of the woods after midnight.

So, leaving all of that behind me, I am pressing forward to high calling of a new career path. It's hard work, but, I'm a skilled at hard work. Above is a picture I painted with the paint program on my computer. It's practice. But, it's representative of my life. Roots firmly planted in the ground, supporting my life, as I go through the process of branching out. vlb

Unemployment-It's up again in California

(04-17) 12:06 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- The state unemployment rate soared to 11.2 percent in March, the highest since before World War II, leaving a record 2.1 million Californians out of work, according to a report issued Friday. (San Francisco Chronicle)

It's up again, the unemployment figures continue to rise. One person out of every nine in California is unemployed. It's hard to believe.

The good news, some companies are hiring in spite of other companies having to still layoff staff.

To check out the top 200 companies in the bay area, check out this link to the SF Chronicles CHRON200.

And here's to all of us out there looking for work in 2009. vlb

Jobless claims top 6M; housing starts plummet

"

WASHINGTON — The number of people receiving jobless benefits exceeded 6 million for the first time, the government reported Thursday, and housing construction unexpectedly plunged to its second-lowest level on record — fresh evidence that the recession is far from over.

Analysts expect the labor market to remain weak for the most of this year with companies reluctant to hire new workers until an economic recovery is well under way. And the latest housing data show the slump in that market, a major factor in triggering the recession, has yet to hit bottom." (from Comcast.net news and information)

Well, this was the first bit of news I read this morning as I logged on to work on school projects, and do my job search research. Finding a job in 2009 is going to be tough. So here's to the unemployed out there, stay steadfast, because in spite of this news, Craigslist, Monster.com, Ladders, and a host of other sites out there continue to post tons of positions, and although they may not yield what your looking for, these sites do give way to new directions of possibility for work, that maybe you have not yet thought of. Be creative!:) vlb

Friday Already:) Oh, Yeah

This beach is located about 40 minutes south of San Francisco, and only 5 minutes south of Devil's Slide, Devil's Slide is well known in the bay area because about every other year it closes down hwy 1 to through traffic, after winter storms cause weak areas in the rock to slide into the highway, shutting it down for several days, while the cleanup and repairs are made. But, a major highway project underway will make those closures a thing of the past.

Yesterday as I took a walk along this beach, and took in the beauty of God's creation, and took time to breathe in the fresh air, and had time to play with dogs, and spend time out in nature with the love of my life, I found renewed strength, and began again to count my many blessings, and name them one by one.

My life will always be in development, there will always be new things to learn, and new places to go and explore, this period of career change is showing me these things more than ever. A stranger once prayed for me this wonderful prayer of encouragement, and part of the prayer went like this, "God keep her reminded, that you are always going before her, preparing the way for her." Hindsight has shown me how this prayer is being fulfilled day by day, as I look forward I hope to begin to see it as well, with more conviction and assurance, while at times there may just be one set of footprints in the sand. (get it?) vlb

Monday came quick!

It was a very cold and windy weekend. But today the sun is warm, the wind has calmed down somewhat, and the search for a job continues.

I take a daily walk for exercise and fresh air. I noticed last week for the first time on my walk, that more cars are parked along the street than ever before, more people are staying home. The headline on this Saturday's SF Chronicle showed unemployment in California was now at 10.5%. I can certainly see the impact where I live with more neighbors staying home these days. Back when I was first home from leaving my job, this area was a ghost town during the week.

So with renewed effort, here's to the week ahead, the job search continues. So send positive job energy this way! The sun is high in the sky, there is a cold breeze blowing, you can hear the distant sound of lawnmowers running as the wheels of industry are turning. So here's to hard work, play, and taking the time to smell the roses. Happy Monday! vlb

Monday

At the end of the day this Monday, while I did a ton of research, and found some interesting positions to apply for, and finally had my telephone interview with EDD to go over questions regarding my unemployment benefits, it felt like a wasted day, unfortunately.

But, during this period of searching for a new job, going back to school, and changing my career path, I'm guessing that's just the way it's going to be. I've had some incredible days that felt successful and I could see that I made some major steps forward. This was not one of those days.

What was missing? Well, I never took my walk today, I never picked up my book to read, I had lunch at my desk, I didn't do my stretches.. My lesson? To remember the exhaustion that comes from not doing those things that recharge and renew my brain cells and battery. It's just as vital to take time to smell the flowers, as it is to plant the seeds, as I grow into that new job that I'm looking for. vlb

Take time to Breathe Deeply

The sf chronicle had a story in the datebook section today on rock climber 'Katie Brown'. Only 28, Katie Brown is author of 'Girl on the Rocks': A Woman's Guide to Climbing with Strength, Grace, and Courage' Falcon Guides, 2009. The title alone describes my job search journey, as I climb onward and upward, I’m relying on strength, grace, and courage.
When I lived in Florida, I worked for a start up television station that during the construction period of the new building, the station launched a 20 minute show out of an old strip mall turned office complex. In the complex, next door to the temporary station, was an indoor rock climbing gym going in. Working for a start up station was exciting, but just as exciting was watching the progress of the rock climbing gym going on.
Later, after moving to California, I finally made my way to an indoor rock climbing gym in San Rafael, California. I joined the gym, took lessons in rock climbing and weight lifting. Before starting up the wall, you would say on-belay, that indicated to your belay-er, that you were tied in and ready to climb. I was in the best shape ever when I climbed. Reading the chronicle story about climbing and author Katie Brown this morning brought back many memories of those days.
I have had the good fortune of taking part in in-door and outdoor rock climbing, parachuting, scuba diving, and snorkeling out in the ocean over huge sea turtles and reefs. Each of these activities brought me a very similar feeling, of being out in nature, and really letting go of all the stuff, the baggage, the dust, the cob webs, you truly, in those type of moments, live in the present moment, as you focus on safety and survival, and you breathe in the air, and take in the beauty of what’s around you.
Here's a quote from Katie's book, "You're a little intimidated by the challenge of the climb, and the exposure, so you breathe deeply, tell yourself you can do it, and continue to move upward on the rock."
Whatever you do, remember to take a moment to breathe deeply, tell yourself you can do it, and continue to climb upward! vlb

Thank God for the Bay Area Video Coalition

San Francisco is home to many great colleges and schools. In the area of digital and video technologies, the Bay Area Video Coalition is one of the best. (bavc.org) I'm involved in a 250 plus hour-job development-portfolio building-program with bavc.

I get lab time to practice, practice, practice the lessons taught in the three to four day classes. Since my editing background is in avid non-linear editing, I'm now studying final cut pro 6 non-linear editing. In addition to editing however, I'll be learning how to make graphics through photoshop, flash, illustrator, and studying a web intensive path.

As I continue my journey to a new job, and continue the work of transitioning from one career path to another, I'm fortunate to live in California, where media programs and talented instructors thrive, and I'm blessed have access to the ETP state funded programs, so that I can develop my skills and find inspiration and new job opportunities.

Today I'm counting my blessings, high on the list is the Bay Area Video Coalition. Thanks for Advanced Digital Media Training!!, and for accepting me into this course of study! vlb

Bad News-Still no job

Well, the news was not good. I did not get the job. I had such high hopes, this was truly a dream job. I was told that I was #2 out of the 4 chosen for in-person interviews. I wish that could somehow help the way I feel right now. But, this a tough road I'm on.

So, I'll continue my classes and push forward. In the meantime, I would appreciate your words of encouragement, your prayers, and your job related stories. Thanks for checking in.

taking time to smell the flowers

the weekend weather was terrific, just in time for the time to change and give us longer days to enjoy more sunshine. these are pictures taken in Half Moon Bay and Pacifica, California this weekend. the flowers are starting to bloom and the beach, although windy, was beautiful.
Monday is around the corner, the job search will continue, but for now it's been nice to take time to smell the flowers. here's a prayer for a blessed week ahead. vlb

it's thursday

the sun rose and set today without my becoming employed. however, i did get word that a decision is still in works and may come friday or monday. so i, along with three others wait, with the knowledge that we made it to the top of 250 others who applied for this same position.

along with my wait for word about the job today, i made a full day hitting the redial button on the phone to unemployment. my ui check is late, very late. on the other end of line the message continued to be 'we're currently receiving more calls than we can handle', and occasionally i would get excited by the other message that takes you through three steps before telling you 'we're currently receiving more calls than we can handle at this time'.

the best part of my day was the chance to do a good deed for a neighbor. i took their pet hamster to the vet. this little hamster was so adorable, unfortunately dealing with some health issues. i was happy to get him to his appointment. here's to healing, to miracles, and to all of us out there looking for work, and wholeness.

to update this post, i have to add, that an even better part of my day was going for an evening walk on the beach with the love of my life, with the dogs. watching the sun set in the west, and seeing the warmth and love in my partner's eyes, makes everything okay in the world, it's a joy to be in love, i wish that for everyone. vlb

after the rain comes the sun

the rain was coming down in buckets today as I took off for my job interview. when i arrived to my interview location, the clouds rolled back, the sun came out, and blue skies were visible.

from a guard patrolling the grounds, to the top executive, i was met with kind and encouraging words. i now wait for a decision to be made. but, during the process today, i learned that 250 resumes had been received, 30 prospective employees had been called, only 4 applicants made it to the in-person interviews. i'm grateful to have been one of the four. vlb

OK, Job Interview Today

A lot of work has gone into this moment, a job interview, for what I consider to be a dream job, with a wonderful, successful company. (No Pressure) It will be a series of several interviews over several hours. I feel as prepared as I can be.
So, wherever you're at, and whatever you're doing, and whatever your beliefs are, send me positive job energy today. Thank you for finding this post, and for taking the time to read it.
If you happen to be looking for work yourself, I have to say, Here's to us! as we do the hard work of finding a job that gives us the challenges we seek!
Don't take today for granted, it's all we're guaranteed. We have to do everything in our power to make it count. vlb

sharing what i read today & lessons I'm learning

I try to spend a little time everyday reading something that will uplift and encourage me as I continue my path of looking for my next job. (in addition to job boards and craigslist, etc)
Currently I'm reading 'The Success Principles' by Jack Canfield. Here are a couple things that stuck with me today. First a quote from Robert Fritz, author of 'The Path of Least Resistance', 'If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect from yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise.' , and then in the same chapter is a cartoon showing two guys sitting on a bench, one guy is well dressed and the other guy is unshaven and a mess. The unshaven guys says to the other "I'm wealthy beyond my wildest dreams! Unfortunately, my dreams were never very wild."
Here's to all of us looking for work to have wilder dreams! There are different kinds of wealth. In my case while I want to make good money, it is just as important to me to be thriving in the work I do. I had the choice to stay with my last job, I had a great position and I was making good money, but with cutbacks at the company, a stressful job became even more stressful. (It's a long story) But, I have no regrets in making the decision to move on and to create a more balanced life for myself. I also have a deep and abiding faith that God is there, going before me and preparing the way for me. With that faith comes the responsibility to do everything in my power, to grow, to reach, to believe. to learn, to listen, and to be present! It takes a lot of courage and risk to move forward and reach for what you truly want, and not compromise. But, now that I'm moving on, I see that it takes a lot of courage to stay in a tough situation as well, and my hat is off to those who choose to do that. vlb

looking for work in 2009

looking for work in 2009 is tough work. as of last Friday unemployment reached an all time high at 10.1% in California, the highest in 26 years. You hear bites on the news every night from highly qualified and educated unemployed workers out there in the market for a job after being let go from their company.
in my situation, it's been 9 months of diligent searching, refining my resume, searching job boards, researching companies, and through this process there have only been a few phone calls and interviews for work.
but, finally the light has gone off, it's not what I've been that will lead me to a new job, but it's what i'm going to be. I'm learning how to reinvest, reinvent, plug-in, reach-out, research, and discover what it is that i want from work period. (and it's not just an income, although that's high on the list, OK it's first on the list)
when my process was just starting a few months back, i met someone at a restaurant in San Francisco who encouraged me by saying, "you have to stop saying to yourself what you can't do, and start realizing what you can do". everyday I'm understanding that statement a little bit more. here's to all of us out there working to find a job! may we not be a statistic for much longer! vlb