<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720</id><updated>2011-09-17T06:54:12.432-04:00</updated><category term='unemployed'/><category term='talking'/><category term='snuggie'/><category term='adventures'/><category term='change'/><category term='marriage'/><category term='human rights'/><category term='happy period'/><category term='logistics'/><category term='phone'/><category term='thank you'/><category term='you'/><category term='little blog'/><category term='job'/><category term='insecurities'/><category term='deodorant'/><category term='peter petrelli'/><category term='severance'/><category term='work at home'/><category term='elementary school'/><category term='no one'/><category term='local government'/><category term='e-learning'/><category term='sardines'/><category term='co-crying'/><category term='Provident Bank'/><category term='summer picnic'/><category term='difference'/><category term='friends'/><category term='acquisition'/><category term='power point'/><category term='silence'/><category term='change management'/><category term='me'/><category term='colleagues'/><category term='Twilight Zone'/><category term='webinar'/><category term='Memphis'/><category term='struggle'/><category term='gym'/><category term='first'/><category term='casual games'/><category term='donuts'/><category term='negotiation'/><category term='unemployment'/><category term='ASTD'/><category term='job fair'/><category term='jerks'/><category term='outplacement'/><category term='breaking up'/><title type='text'>Be Strong Little Blog</title><subtitle type='html'>A little blog trying to stay strong in the sea of life.</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>14</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-2127881413673360334</id><published>2009-08-22T16:07:00.006-04:00</published><updated>2009-08-25T07:16:36.542-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='struggle'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='friends'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='insecurities'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='marriage'/><title type='text'>Life. Don't talk to me about life.</title><summary type='text'>Life has suddenly become real again. As I embarked on a new career, everything seemed perfect. My spouse found a wonderful new job, I had a fabulous boss, and we bought a Wii.Over the last few days, however, life is no longer the picture perfect image I always dreamed I would have. Don't get me wrong...my spouse still has a wonderful job, my boss is still fabulous, and our Wii works just fine. </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/2127881413673360334/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/life-has-suddenly-become-real-again.html#comment-form' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/2127881413673360334'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/2127881413673360334'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/life-has-suddenly-become-real-again.html' title='Life. Don&apos;t talk to me about life.'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/SpPGtUmguwI/AAAAAAAAAys/2la2IDbp4nk/s72-c/las+vegas+078.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-4258620520097849834</id><published>2009-07-18T15:34:00.016-04:00</published><updated>2009-07-19T10:57:56.023-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Twilight Zone'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='happy period'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='elementary school'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Memphis'/><title type='text'>School...</title><summary type='text'>This week has been...what's the word?...interesting.First, I am officially down to two weeks of undergrad classes. This trek to get a piece of paper has taken 15 years, involved 5 schools, and covered 4 states. I apologize for the lack of posts, but I'm exhausted.Now to the interesting part of my week. So, I'm hanging out in my office (cube) and I get an e-mail that a visitor from our sister </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4258620520097849834/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/this-week-has-been.html#comment-form' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/4258620520097849834'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/4258620520097849834'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/this-week-has-been.html' title='School...'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/SmIsbQN8kZI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/GNPLHFNs_tU/s72-c/first+grade.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-1110700535015325256</id><published>2009-06-27T16:21:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-27T16:47:47.395-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='first'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='summer picnic'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='marriage'/><title type='text'>For Better or Worse</title><summary type='text'>I have experienced many firsts over the last two weeks and this seems the perfect platform to share.June 15 - First time I used the gym in about a year. Don't judge.June 15 - Also the first time I took a shower at work. Awkward!June 17 - First day I wore jeans to work. June 21 - First anniversary. Yummy Bonefish for dinner!June 24 - First custom computer built for me.Perhaps the best (or worst) </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1110700535015325256/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/for-better-or-worse.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/1110700535015325256'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/1110700535015325256'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/for-better-or-worse.html' title='For Better or Worse'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/SkaCQ4aFMOI/AAAAAAAAAO4/SAUF82rU3UY/s72-c/company+picnic+2009+018.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-5978332032806797316</id><published>2009-06-06T18:28:00.007-04:00</published><updated>2009-06-06T22:09:05.639-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='ASTD'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='gym'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='snuggie'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='work at home'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='difference'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='donuts'/><title type='text'>My face hurts</title><summary type='text'>I never thought I would be able to say "I love my job" about another company, but after one week at my new company, I can.If you will indulge me for a few minutes, I will recap the top 10 reasons that I love my new job:10. I have 24 hour access to a gym. The gym is not a cheesy hotel gym, but a huge space with machines, free weights, and Direct TV everywhere.9. Every morning at 8AM Dunkin Donuts </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/5978332032806797316/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-face-hurts.html#comment-form' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/5978332032806797316'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/5978332032806797316'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-face-hurts.html' title='My face hurts'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/Sisf75aF55I/AAAAAAAAADw/ssztLVoZ8m0/s72-c/random.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-7018045081564700074</id><published>2009-05-30T13:51:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-05-30T14:09:11.128-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='little blog'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='unemployment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='me'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='adventures'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='change'/><title type='text'>A new leaf</title><summary type='text'>Just a quick note about my little blog. You probably noticed a visual change. (And remember, change is good.) Since I am no longer unemployed (woot!), I thought it would be silly to continue writing about my adventures with unemployment. Instead, this blog will be all about my favorite subject - me.And to keep you entertained, please take a peek at the following video.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7018045081564700074/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-leaf.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/7018045081564700074'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/7018045081564700074'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-leaf.html' title='A new leaf'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-3447775046911002821</id><published>2009-05-28T14:54:00.005-04:00</published><updated>2009-05-28T15:28:17.565-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='colleagues'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='thank you'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Provident Bank'/><title type='text'>Stay classy Provident Bank</title><summary type='text'>It's been over a week since I have seen my colleagues, or ex-colleagues and I find it interesting that I am feeling such a sense of loss. As most of you know, I worked in a satellite office where I would go for weeks without seeing or talking to some of my colleagues. Yet, now I have an undeniable craving for the camaraderie that we shared during our last few months together.I have had the entire</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/3447775046911002821/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/stay-classy-provident-bank.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/3447775046911002821'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/3447775046911002821'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/stay-classy-provident-bank.html' title='Stay classy Provident Bank'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/Sh7lI5I7ETI/AAAAAAAAADg/lo18s0iAuG0/s72-c/j0438625.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-5759931736868689121</id><published>2009-05-17T13:51:00.011-04:00</published><updated>2009-05-21T15:13:28.658-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='colleagues'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='you'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='negotiation'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='job'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='breaking up'/><title type='text'>It's not you, it's me</title><summary type='text'>As you know, I have been searching fruitlessly for a new job. Finally, over the last few weeks, I have been called, interviewed, and background checked by two different companies. I was fortunate enough to have two offers on the table. After a few days days of back and forth, I opted to take the job with more flexibility, autonomy, and exciting domestic travel. I'll soon be seeing the sights of </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/5759931736868689121/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/its-not-you-its-me.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/5759931736868689121'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/5759931736868689121'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/its-not-you-its-me.html' title='It&apos;s not you, it&apos;s me'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ShWnN-t1x6I/AAAAAAAAADY/bf0Ze-k2bKI/s72-c/j0424402.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-128413091794173992</id><published>2009-04-21T21:13:00.013-04:00</published><updated>2009-05-01T17:16:31.241-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='jerks'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='co-crying'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='peter petrelli'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='change management'/><title type='text'>Don't call me Peter Petrelli</title><summary type='text'>I recently took a Facebook quiz (insert groan here) and discovered that the answer to the burning question, "Which Heroes character are you?" is Peter Petrelli. Initially I scoffed at this notion - I am not full of mid-20's angst! However, upon further reflection (which is all I seem to do these days), I realized that Yes, perhaps I am like Peter Petrelli. Not the angst part, but the empathy </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/128413091794173992/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/dont-call-me-peter-petrelli.html#comment-form' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/128413091794173992'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/128413091794173992'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/dont-call-me-peter-petrelli.html' title='Don&apos;t call me Peter Petrelli'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/Se57b3NmerI/AAAAAAAAACg/WMzI3TS57qA/s72-c/crying.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-3265122631700174410</id><published>2009-04-21T21:05:00.010-04:00</published><updated>2009-05-17T13:49:58.439-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='no one'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='webinar'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='talking'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='phone'/><title type='text'>Talking in the dark</title><summary type='text'>When I started this blog, my intention was to express my feelings about pending unemployment in a non-verbal way. I chose this medium because I can drone on and on, but also because I don't have to talk to anyone. Not that I am anti-social, but I might get emotional (See previous blog post) and I don't have time for that crap.As May 22 approaches, I can't help but reflect on the new skills I </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/3265122631700174410/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/when-i-started-this-blog-my-intention.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/3265122631700174410'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/3265122631700174410'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/when-i-started-this-blog-my-intention.html' title='Talking in the dark'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ShBNA52wlnI/AAAAAAAAACo/awoHL8diHl8/s72-c/j0409340.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-5676007408546915835</id><published>2009-04-09T23:49:00.009-04:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T09:10:05.022-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='e-learning'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='webinar'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='power point'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='casual games'/><title type='text'>Meanwhile...</title><summary type='text'>My job these days consists of looking for a new job. Luckily, my boss is really lenient in letting me find a new job while "working" at my current job.In the midst of this overwhelming task, I try to find some time for professional development. I know that sounds kooky, but I want to stay hip to my profession. (Besides, I *do* have a lot of free time on my hands...)One of my interests these days </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/5676007408546915835/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-job-these-days-consists-of-looking.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/5676007408546915835'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/5676007408546915835'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-job-these-days-consists-of-looking.html' title='Meanwhile...'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/Sd7U96ZcUNI/AAAAAAAAACA/bF4mVUCWbZs/s72-c/j0387460.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-6726709246267102084</id><published>2009-04-05T11:52:00.009-04:00</published><updated>2009-04-05T12:24:05.741-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='unemployment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='local government'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='job fair'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='human rights'/><title type='text'>And now for something completely different</title><summary type='text'>On Saturday, March 28, I attended a job fair hosted by my local county government. Originally this was called the "My County Mega Job Fair." Upon further investigation, the title was actually called "Envision your Success." After my previous experiences, I was not hopeful about my success. I was pleasantly surprised. As I pushed through the door, I was immediately greeted by someone who handed me</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/6726709246267102084/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/and-now-for-something-completely.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/6726709246267102084'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/6726709246267102084'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/and-now-for-something-completely.html' title='And now for something completely different'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/SdjXClt7puI/AAAAAAAAABo/zg3I3hGCfZg/s72-c/j0435250.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-7982754921255673382</id><published>2009-03-29T08:52:00.013-04:00</published><updated>2009-03-29T10:26:26.367-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='sardines'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='logistics'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='job fair'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='unemployed'/><title type='text'>Sardines is a game for kids, not job seekers</title><summary type='text'>I recently went to a job fair hosted by a very well known online job site. I had very high expectations for this job fair. After my last experience with job fairs, how could this one be worse?Well, here are just a few ways:1. Only 10 employers were present. The website and e-mail registration response listed these employers and dutifully noted "and many more!"2. Lack of direction. This job fair </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7982754921255673382/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/sardines-is-game-for-kids-not-job.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/7982754921255673382'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/7982754921255673382'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/sardines-is-game-for-kids-not-job.html' title='Sardines is a game for kids, not job seekers'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/Sc-Dwa0GPoI/AAAAAAAAABg/rBIoOreN_aQ/s72-c/j0409531.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-8271113153898720018</id><published>2009-03-26T19:17:00.003-04:00</published><updated>2009-03-26T20:05:05.204-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='outplacement'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='severance'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='acquisition'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='silence'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='unemployed'/><title type='text'>Resistance is Never Futile</title><summary type='text'>Earlier this week I attended an information session targeted for those of us who "are being offered severance packages." My understanding of this meeting was that the future organization would be talking to the soon-to-be unemployed about benefits, 401(K), etc. This sounded a lot like a lion describing its own digestive system to a zebra. The actual session was much worse.After hearing about the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/8271113153898720018/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/resistance-is-never-futile.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/8271113153898720018'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/8271113153898720018'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/resistance-is-never-futile.html' title='Resistance is Never Futile'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2967552580466656720.post-7203993979405015792</id><published>2009-03-23T21:40:00.004-04:00</published><updated>2009-03-23T22:57:02.874-04:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='deodorant'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='job fair'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='unemployed'/><title type='text'>Job Fairs are Smelly</title><summary type='text'>Three weeks ago I was informed that my employment would cease in the very near future. As a result, I have been doing what 8% of the population has been doing - looking for a job.My first venture was to attend a public job fair. For those few of you who have no idea what a job fair is, let me break it down for you. Employers come to a large facility (imagine your high school gym), set up booths, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7203993979405015792/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/job-fairs-are-smelly.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/7203993979405015792'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2967552580466656720/posts/default/7203993979405015792'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://bestronglittleblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/job-fairs-are-smelly.html' title='Job Fairs are Smelly'/><author><name>nikol</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/16472114805768213435</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='27' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JC7lU1qlnaU/ScmWtQ4nccI/AAAAAAAAAAM/310V_19mn5A/S220/SoB+2008+(13)b.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
