Nien Oktoberfest

3 10 2009

Tonight, I passed on the public drunkenness that is Downtown Panama City’s Oktoberfest celebration.
Plowed the backyard instead, did some planting and potting and made the little lizards scatter.
Talked to an old pal who runs the fairgrounds. He said they are looking for a reporter up in Washington County.
That brings back memories of working in a one-horse town.
My first job outta college. Sports Editor of the Troy Messenger.
It was a lot of work for very little pay.
Writing stories, taking pictures, designing the newspaper and even developing film.

Oh those dark room days. I can smell the chemicals now.

All and all, it was an important learning experience and, eventually, I got a free trip to Montana.Montana in December as a matter of fact. Snow was everywhere.
Our boys from Alabama had a tough time gaining their footing, which is very important in the game of football.
We did score the first touchdown.
And then Montana scored the next 70 points.
Yes, it was a quiet flight home.


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Categories : Football

Building Bridges

2 10 2009

Took a bike ride around Grand Lagoon today.
It was a beautiful day.
As I was pedaling, the powers that be were announcing plans for a new bridge to be built across Grand Lagoon.
Sorely needed for the East End.
Trust me, it is no easy task bicycling over that bad boy in it’s current state.
Reportedly, 500 jobs will come of this project.
Hmmmmmm.
Wonder where one would apply for those jobs?
What’s great about this much needed infrastructure improvement is it comes courtesy of the federal stimulus package. Take that Tea Baggers!
Also, during my ride I noticed another construction project underway — the Joan Avenue Lift Station.
Now, those folks should be paid double.


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Categories : Bridges

Dem tickets

30 09 2009

Met with members of the local Democratic Executive Committee.
Might as well put that Poly-Sci degree to use.
So I’m now going to be warming up the crowd with a few comments at the group’s annual Jefferson / Jackson Celebration.
Anyone know any good Republican jokes?


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Categories : Politics

The Mystery Check

30 09 2009

Today is a “Glass is half full” day!
I am blessed to have a driver’s license. Thus, I can traverse the county in search of employment.
And also to meet friends for lunch.
A director, who I hold in great esteem, was in town. Fresh from the Canadian wilderness.
We met at pizza place in Panama City known for its ties to “America’s Mayor.”
Strangest thing happened.
Someone picked up our tab.
It came as a total surprise to both of us.
And this mystery person left before I could rely my gratitude. The waiter tried to point him out, but having left my eye glasses in the car, I’d have a hard time spotting Hugo Chavez across this crowded restaurant.
And then there was the lighting. Something my director friend pointed out immediately.
I was looking into the sun.
How à propos


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Categories : Restaurants

Watching TV with Will

29 09 2009

Caught up on sleep and my favorite television stories today.
No desire to actively seek employment.
They say this is part of the process…the letdown.
Recently I interviewed with the Wyndham Co. It was a phoner with the hospitality giant’s human resources department in Las Vegas.
Alas, my “thanks, but no thanks” letter came via e-mail a couple weeks after our 15-minute phone chat.
The usual reply….while they are always “impressed” with my “skillset” for some reason an offer never follows.
What’s interesting is the peaks and valleys situation this creates among the job seeker.
The peak being, going through the process. Writing the letters, sending the resume and doing the interview.
Then comes rejection, thus knocking the candidate back into the valley to catch up on sleep and sitcoms.
In case you’re wondering. I like to watch “Entourage,” “Weeds,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “Big Bang Theory.”
Entourage for the writing.
Weeds for the acting.
How I Met Your Mother for the production.
And Big Bang Theory for the nerds.


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Categories : Television

Snorkeling

28 09 2009

So, it’s Sunday. Can’t look for work in the Bible Belt on the Lord’s day..but you can look for fish at the state park. Lots of fun under the sun and some real “Finding Nemo” moments. I now understand the need for flippers when snorkeling cuz some of those critters like to nibble on your toes.DSCF3472


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Categories : Water

A New Direction

27 09 2009

So, this blog now has a purpose.
To boldly blog until I find employment.
Yes, the Chronicles of the Unemployed it is.
Here’s the situtation:
A 30-something, college educated, out-of-work writer based in Panama City Beach, Fla.
That would be me.
All I want is a job that pays the bills, provides structure and growth and, oh yeah, makes my mother happy.
Isn’t that what it’s all about?


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Categories : Education

Road to Recovery

25 09 2009

Being unemployed really stinks. Being unemployed without unemployment benefits really, really stinks. Being unemployed without a motor vehicle really, really REALLY stinks.
But enough doom and gloom.
I keep thinking, What Would Jesus Do?
Well, for starters, Jesus was a carpenter and there’s always work there. Maybe I should go back to school and hone my chops in construction.
I could build a temple for all of the unemployed.
Or not.
So, I guess I’ll just blog away until I return to the ranks of the working stiffs.
There’s therapy in this.
Ciao


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Categories : Humility

Airport Authority Board Meeting

24 09 2009

Went to PFN Board meeting on Tuesday. Lots of major players there, all treated to a lively discussion about grass. Chevrolet Cramer didn’t cut C.W. Roberts much slack. Nevertheless, there have been much more tense meetings. Aside from gardening woes at the new site in West Bay, the Board approved new contracts for insurance providers and lightning detectors. And, in a wise move, the Board politely turned down a request from the Mosley High School Band for $40 grand to march in a parade in England.


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Categories : Airport

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