As my awkward in-between college and work stage starts to come to a close, I cannot help but to think about all the changes that will soon be entering my life. I will no longer be able to do my errands when everyone else is working, work out whenever I feel most motivated, and take Hunter on numerous long walks per day. It will be harder to plan and prepare lengthy meals and I will spend a considerable amount of time per day in traffic. Even as I weigh all the downfalls that come with entering the working force, I could not be any more excited to take the plunge.
First and foremost, I will finally be getting a steady paycheck and a decent starting salary with awesome benefits (okay now I’ll stop bragging). I will begin to feel as though my expensive 4 year university degree is being put to use and I will have something to do every day. The funny thing is over the last few months I have been desperately hurrying this time along. I have hated being in social situations and having the , “So you’ve graduated — what are you doing now” question asked. Now with two weeks of limbo left I’m starting to think, “hey this relaxing post-college vacation is pretty nice after all.”
What will my office life be like?
In other news: Today is one of those spring days that makes you really appreciate the nice ones. What’s the forecast? Rain, rain, and more rain.
Puddles everywhere
Wet, wet, wet
Yesterday I spent the day playing with my new Wii Fit Plus. Alex knew I really wanted one and searched everywhere for one. Remember how we had such a hard time finding a Wii? Well apparently the Wii Fit is even more difficult to find. Literally on the Best Buy website it says that every store from MD to California is sold out. During my birthday dinner at Bonefish, my brother (who was also at the dinner) took a “smoke break” and went over to Target. While he was there he found a WiiFit, called Alex, Alex left, bought it for me, and put it in the truck — all without me knowing. I was so excited and surprised to get in the truck after dinner and find it waiting on my seat!
This morning I got a big package from my new job. It has all the information about selecting my health insurance, 401(k) info, code of ethics, paperwork for me to fill out, and info about my first few days. I’ve spent the day trying to figure out finances. How much money will I get for each pay period? How much should I put away? What will I have left over after bills? You know… fun and exciting stuff.
Following the concerns raised in this post I am very happy to say that I have secured a job with Mandarin Media.
With partners and employees spread between Saigon, Singapore and the States it’s fitting that they shall be able to refer to me as “Our Man in Hanoi”.
A big thank you to them for having faith in me – I was initially interviewed based on Twitter output and general online activities (blogging does pay kids). There were some Skype chats and a in-person meet up in Saigon.
I’ll be full-time from the start of June and will be chipping away at smaller projects in the meantime.
Most of the work is linked to this country’s tourism industry – something I view as absolutely vital for Vietnam’s development.
Long term we’re hoping to marry the media expertise at MM with a little of my social media experience. This is the TripAdvisor travel era after all.
Anyway, I am delighted to have a “proper” job again. In the end it was the quality of colleagues and clients that really impressed me.
I had been genuinely starting to worry about employment but, yes, everything in my life is very much now going to plan.
it’s really nice i don’t have to worry about this being found out, for the most part, by people who actually know me. so. been over a month since my last post and since i’ve been here. i honestly don’t know how i’ve tolerated the constant, daily, inescapable korean exposure i don’t like when i’m where i’m from. i know whats i mean. it’s just so bothersome and it fucking gets to me..maybe because i’m not used to it or maybe even because i’ve had some traumatizing experiences i can’t remember, but are thoroughly ingrained in my brain. been yearning for what i’m used to—i think a lot of it is food and being able to do what i want when i want (..uh, accessibility of my own transportation and, no, not driving alls the time). also, i didn’t really think it was possible, but i’m fucking sure i’ve gained weight since settling down in my little ville. why.
in other words, i’m a little bit peeved.
and i would totally kill to go to coachella this year. pavement alone gives me solid reason to fly back home.
*sigh*
four more months…
ALWAYS ASK, NEVER ASSUME !!
His request approved, the CNN News photographer quickly used a cell phone to call the local airport to charter a flight.
He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger.
He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, ‘Let’s go’.
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.
Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, ‘Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.’
‘Why?’ asked the pilot.
‘Because I’m a photographer for CNN’ , he responded, ‘and I need to get some close up shots.’
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, ‘So, what you’re telling me, is . . . You’re NOT my flight instructor?’
Are you like a Scout? Always prepared for anything? Find out-CLICK HERE
Well, actually, there are several perks: they forgive you faster for things, they make you feel incredibly intelligent for knowing how to read and add double digit numbers, and they have story time on a fairly regular basis. My favorite perk, however, is that they say the darndest, cutest little things to you, meant with all seriousness and sincerity. Oftentimes it’s not only cute, but also stunningly honest and perceptive. It’s the kind of thing that you hear, and know that a few years from now they won’t be talking the same way anymore, but without being able to explain why or how that comes to be.
A few of my favorite quotes (they work best if you remember to put them in the cute squeaky six-year-old voice):
Student A: Student B, you are doing an excellent job today!
Student B: Student A, you are also doing an excellent job today!
Me: Oh that’s what I like to hear! It makes me happy when you guys are so nice and encouraging of each other.
Student B: Miss, you are also doing an excellent job today!
~*~*~
Teacher: We’re being a little bit silly today, aren’t we?
Student: I’m not silly, I’m serious.
*very serious pause*
Student: I’m the government.
~*~*~
Kid (who has just lost a tooth moments before, so still needs to wash the blood out of his mouth): Now I’m a vampire!
~*~*~
Me (after watching the kid hug a girl who clearly was not ready for said hug): Hey, I’m really glad that you’re making friends, but you might want to ask people before you hug them, because sometimes people don’t want to be hugged, and it’s good to check with them first.
Student: Well, I asked her at recess but she ran away!
Me (barely keeping a straight face): Well, that probably means that she didn’t want a hug right then.
~*~*~
But one of my all-time favorites occured today. A kid who usually moves a bit slow had done a really good job packing up and getting his stuff together, which had gone unnoticed by the teacher. So I gave him a high five and told him what a good job he had done.
Student: Yeah! Oh, Miss, wanna know what I want to be when I grow up?
Me: What?
Student: A firefighter!
Me: I think you’d be a great firefighter!
Student: Yeah! And I’d get the hose! Woosh, woosh!
Other student: I’m gonna be a policeman when I grow up!
Me: Oh good, then the two of you could work together!
Other student: Yeah! And I would stop the bad guys!
Student: Miss, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Now, I should have expected the question, but I didn’t, and so I wasn’t quite sure how to answer him. If I had been, I probably would have said something offhanded and silly, like “tall” or “a candy taster,” or just have been completely nonsensical. But instead, I wound up trying to stall, and came out with “That’s a good question! I’m not sure what I would be!”
The kid, however, looks at me completely seriously for a moment, then smiles and says, “You would want to be someone that helps other people, right?”
To which I looked back at him, touched and impressed that he had summed up everything I’ve wanted to be since I’d started planning my future life back in elementary school, and smiled back at him.
I started this thinking I finally had the discipline and fodder to keep it up. I couldn’t have been more wrong! I’ve had plenty to write about, I just didn’t.
I’ve got some time on my hands now though, so I’m thinking about going back and starting over. Oh, trust me, I’ve got plenty to write about when it comes to the past fews years I’ve travelled.
Let me just tell you about what’s happening these days……..
Last May, after my Sicilian boss went crazy and fired me/kicked me out of my apartment I found myself back in NY. I returned to Sicily in July to live with my friend (boyfriend?) and that ended in threats of possible Carabinieri (military police) intervention as only Sicilians love to do. Then after another 2 months in Taormina and Messina I decided to come home. I planned on returning to College to finish my degree. I didn’t realize that I couldn’t enroll on whatever day I would like and that they wouldn’t welcome me with open arms with a heartfelt “OH! Erin’s here….. Now, NOW we can begin” It was the end of September and classes began a month before I even thought about joining in. Now, I’m doing everything possible to get back to Europe.
While looking for a job in Europe I’ve been looking for some sort of gig here in NY. If I don’t find a job in some other country to start….. yesterday…. I figure I’ll go get my butt on line at the registrars office at good ole Nassau Community College and get going on some summer courses.
So, as it stands I have 3 options.
Option A: Find a job overseas and hightail it outta here stat.
Option B: Find a job overseas for September/October, take spring/summer courses and take a part time gig in the meantime.
I moved to Brighton about seven month ago. Before that I lived in London and worked in a coffee shop. Me and my boyfriend we got tired of London and the coffee shop so we decided to try our luck elsewhere. We both liked Brighton so we thought why not move here. We also thought that getting a job in Brighton will be a peace of piss…
Well in real life finding a job here wasn’t as easy as we thought. Luckily my boyfriend found a good job in his occupational field. But still it was more of a job to get experience not to earn money. After weeks of desperation I found a job selling pasties. I hated the job but at least we could pay rent. Every day I worked I repeated to myself that I will leave this job soon. Unfortunately they fired me before I could leave with my head held high. I have been unemployed for over a month now. It seems that getting a job now is even harder than it was in the autumn when we moved here.
I have a friend who manages the coffee shop I used to work at in London. She phoned me the other day and offered to work there for a while. I agreed. That means traveling from Brighton to London. One of the main reasons I left London was traveling and the time I had to spend to get from A to B. Now I will have to commute not only within London but to it. But that is fine. I am quite exited to work with my friend like the good old times. At least it is something to do and some extra cash. And the summer is near and things are starting to look up in Brighton. With the tourist season knocking on the door there should be more jobs out there. Fingers crossed.
I’m still disappointed that I only lost 1 pound. Normally from the disappointment I would have broken my diet by now. But I’m staying strong. I’m going to measure my body tomorrow because I do feel skinnier. My pants fit better too. So we’ll see…
Anyways Monday through Friday I’m still going to work everyday. Except tomorrow I scheduled the day off because it’s my grandmothers 77th birthday. I’m taking her and my mother to breakfast. That should be tasty!
For breakfast I had a kiwi and drank a coffee. Lunch was tuna mixed with miracle whip and a side of mini carrots. It was pretty good. I didn’t pack myself enough tuna though. I was still hungry. Then for dinner I had chicken strips at Iggy’s (a restaurant). They have the best chicken strips on the planet. Let me tell you, they are so good!
I didn’t exercise today because I didn’t wake up at 4:00am. LOL My husband is programmed to set his alarm clock at 4:00am now. He says if I wake up then he will also. It’s all on my shoulders. I know I’ll start waking up. I’ve been programmed to wake up that early. My mom home schooled my brothers and sisters and I. She had us waking up at 4:00am to study and learn music instruments. Ahhhh…I miss the old days it was so much fun .
Note to readers: Tomorrow I’m going to post new photos. So you can see the deference 6 pounds makes. LOL Oh, and I’m going to measure myself.
Suzanna Tharian is an architect working in New York City who loves her job. She has worked at the mid-sized firm PM Architecture for over 10 years, focusing on residential projects from apartments to corporate interiors. She grew up in India where she completed her Bachelors in Architecture. She received her Masters in Architecture in the US and license in 2003.
1. Why do you love your job?
I really like buildings, first of all. I don’t know if that sounds weird but I think I love my chosen field because I use my particular skill sets everyday (creative and analytic) in very significant real life applications. I love the practical and design side of it and I think this is what I do best.
I love my particular job because I get to be involved in so many different aspects of the practice so it never gets boring. I make drawings, visit sites, meet clients, go for approvals to different city agencies and so on. There is so much to learn all the time.
2. Did you always know this was the job or career path for you?
I always knew I wanted to do something in the design fields and that I liked spatial exercises and math.
When I was in high school, I was the one you did NOT want to sit next to in class. I distracted everyone around me and there were more doodles than notes in most of my books. But when I started architecture school, I suddenly became the most studious person because I really liked what I was doing and things made sense suddenly.
3. Tell us about a defining moment for you related to your work.
My first job in the city was PAINFUL. I had graduated with hopes and dreams and there I was in a job where nothing felt right and I did not feel like I had studied all those years to do that. But I was also terrified about making a move, wondering if that’s all there is out there and maybe it was me and I just have to learn to like it or try harder. And then like a sign, I was laid off, from my first job! That was hard. But I quickly got another better position and every job I have had since was much much better, where I learnt new things. All of it has also taught me that I don’t have to suffer through anything.
4. What are the most important lessons you have learned along the way?
I am still learning. But I know everyone has something to offer. You have to find what is right for you and also the right place where your skills fit in.
5. What advice do you have for people looking to find work they love in your field, and in any field?
Sometimes even when you are in a field that you like, a certain job or work environment is just not a good fit. This can make you start doubting yourself and your abilities and get very discouraged. I have now learned that when you know that you love the line of work, the job is transferrable. One position can’t make or break you. Move on (I know it is easier said than done) till you find a place where you can work and learn from the position. It may even mean starting out on your own.’
This is another excellent post from fellow member Qorax from Canadavisa.
Hi friends,
As these queries keep coming repeatedly in this forum (& I get many PMs as well), I thought to summarize all into one thread. This post shall quench most of our doubts. I hope it helps…
WHEN SHOULD WE ‘LAND’:
After getting the PR visa, we are supposed to complete our ‘record of landing’, on or before the Visa Expiry Date [mentioned on the visa]. The visa Expiry Date is related to EITHER*:
a) 1yr. from the meds, or
b) Passport expiry date of the PA or anyone of his/her accompanying Dependents
*Whichever of the above 2 is earlier.
WHO SHOULD LAND FIRST:
It is the obligation of the PA to ‘land’ first. Which can be ‘alongwith’ one or more or all the accompanying family members. Let it be clear that the PA’s dependents CANNOT land first.
PROCEDURE AT THE POE:
Irrespective of which city we chose to land, the ‘landing’ per se, is a simple process. Before debarking the a/craft we’ll be provided with a ‘Disembarkation Card/Form’. We take that form & first go to the ‘Passport Control’.
At the Passport Control:
Here we need to inform the IO that we have come to do our ‘landing’. The IO will check our Disembarkation Card and our passport/s & visa. S/he will then direct us to “Newly Landed Immigrants’ Counter”.
At the Immigration Counter:
The IO here will scrutinize our Passport/s & COPRs. He would [sometimes may not] ask to see our POF. Most of the times the officer will not count the ‘actual’ money & accept what we say. But, no false pretensions there. S/he will then fill some portions of the COPR & ask us to sign it, wherein it’ll be attached on our passport. We’ll be asked to fill-in the ‘PR Card Application Form’ & give an address where our PR cards will be forwarded within 3-6 weeks. Thereby, s/he would ‘Welcome us to Canada’ and direct us to another office.
At the Services Canada Office:
The Services Canada section is for assisting the Newcomers’ settlement moves. Here we’ll get lots of books/pamphlets, that’ll provide all the crucial info on Canada and our Settlement plan here. From here will be directed to the CBSA counter.
At the CBSA [Customs] Office:
This is an important location. We are required to present (1) List of Items Accompanying; (2) List of Goods to Follow; (3) Currency Declaration [We'd have to 'declare' any amount of $10K or more]. Lists-1 & 2 must be brought in 2 copies, one would be retained by CBSA and the 2nd copy will be returned back to us. We’ll need the 2nd copy when our shipments come-in.
Note: [1] If we are not bringing-in any goods later, we don’t need the ‘goods to follow list’. [2] At a random the CBSA might ‘actually’ check the POF here. Thus, no complacency is acceptable. [3] If there are ‘jewelry’ involved, do not forget to bring ‘Printed Photographs’ of the same (details later).
BTW: All the officers are extremely friendly, very understanding, cheerful and helpful. We’ll encounter ‘Welcome to Canada’ many a times. If all the docs are pre-printed & available with us; and there is not much of a queue, we will be out of the a/port in 40mins-1hr. flat. Which includes the walk-distance, baggage collection etc.
FORMS REQUIRED FOR THE ‘LANDING’:
Even if you stay ONLY for a day at Canada, you will need the following:
1. Passport with stamped Visa. -off course
2. COPR (IMM 5292B)
3. POF. [for cases "without" AEO & family class] (details below)
4. Passport size photos. -2 or 3 for PRC (may not be needed, but good to have)
5. PR Card Application (IMM 5444E). -carry it filled pre-printed, for ease
6. Goods to Follow List (Form B4 / B4A). -carry it filled pre-printed, for ease
7. Goods Accompanying List. -as above, a table of things u r carrying on person (value & Totaled)
Forms required later
8. SIN Card Apps Form (NAS 2120). -Not Needed at the A/port [later at Services Canada]
9. Kids Immunization Record. -Not Needed at the A/port [later for School Admission]
10. If you are Driving your Car. -read below
NOTE: The more you are organized before hand, the better 1st impression you deliver and the IO/CBSA officer shall be happier. (BTW: smooth & fast processing). U’ll be out faster. Go to your accom & relax for the day, you had a long journey, haven’t you?
SHORT STAY ACCOMMODATION:
For sure you must arrange a ’short-stay’ accommodation prior to your landing. The necessity of which cannot be overemphasized more. If you have friends/relatives, they can be approached for the same, if you do not have anyone, the following is recommended:
Toronto:
1) http://www.safehomestay.com/
2) http://www.staystudio6.com/
*Both provide a/port pick-up services. The places are used by many satisfactorily.
Calgary:
Not much such places are available. However, this ad by a service-provider caught my eye…
“Furnished rooms with high speed internet are available for newcomers & immigrants. Close to all aminities. Pick up & drop off services also available. Call Girish # 403-255-8582 [or email: taradale @ live.ca] for more info”.
Source: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/shared-accomodation-in-calgary-ne-t31430.0.html
Vancouver:
a) http://www.budgetpathotel.bc.ca/
b) http://www.ywcahotel.com/
Some other important sites on Vancouver are:
1) http://www.welcomebc.ca
2) http://www.rentbc.com
NOTE: Except for ppl with enough $$$ to spend, avoid Hotels & Motels. They are far costlier. Also, if you must take a hotel, avoid the ones close to the A/port -for obvious reasons.
HOUSE RENTAL:
The best way to do house hunting [long-term accom.] is to land at Canada & then start searching. Word of mouth & Bulletin Boards are a great ‘real-time’ source. However, we cannot condone the importance of the web. Some of the good sites [there are many] could be:
a) http://www.hometrader.ca (Good site)
b) http://www.capreit.com (Property Management Services)
c) http://www.kjiji.ca/ (Good Classifieds site)
d) http://www.mls.ca (Mother of all)
MONEY: PROOF OF LANDING FUNDS:
What Proofs Are Acceptable?
If you are carrying more than C$10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form of:
• Cash
• Securities in bearer form (for eg, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
• Negotiable instruments in bearer form (for eg, B/drafts, Cheques, TCs or MOs).
Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/funds.asp
How Much Funds Can I Carry?
There is no Max limit… we can take Millions, if we can prove its legitimate source & declare anything at/or more than $10,000 [that's the CBSA regulation]. There is a Minimum limit though… we must carry at least or more than what CIC requirement states, vis-a-vis for the no. of pax in the family [accompanying].
Tax & Duties Component:
The funds we bring inside Canada are Non-Taxable. It is only the ‘interest’ earned on that which is taxed. The moment our funds start accruing interest [while lying in a Canadian Bank a/c] the bank will start deducting tax ‘on source’. The same applies for any ‘investment’ in Canada that we make with these funds.
BANKING:
Though most international banks operate in Canada, the 3 main Canadian Banks are presumably the best, in terms of their presence, availability & location of ATM machines, branches etc.:
1) Scotiabank,
2) TD Bank, &
3) CIBC
Besides, you can also pre-open a Canadian Bank a/c from your home country [not all, Dubai, India etc.] thru Scotiabank, SBI & *ICICI Bank. I have posted details about it earlier here:
*ICICI Bank offers one of the cheapest a/c charges. But unfortunately, both ICICI & SBI have very limited presence in Canada.
AIRLINE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Usually BA & KLM change places frequently for their “lowest fares” to Canada. More often it’d be BA [especially from the UK, Dubai, Europe & the Gulf sector]. U can also ask your travel agent to select between multiple carriers to provide multiple-halt choices. But, from the UK actually that might not be required. Check BA today, it’ll do the trick… Dubai-Heathrow-Toronto : AED 3,860/pp return.
However, personal choise prevails. Sometimes other carriers place envious promotions too. Emirates has recently commenced the A380 [Dreamliner] service. And their all flights are ‘long-haul’ -Non Stop.
NOTE: If our $$$ are a consideration, avoid ‘non-stop’ flights. They obviously are costlier. A single-stop flight is highly recommended. Also, we might avoid travel agents as well, the ‘online’ reservation of all the prominent carriers are absolutelt good. I did mine thru BA & it was fantastic. Paid, printed and became an ‘Executive Club’ -all thru the net. The e-ticket shall be delivered, on-the-spot, in your email in-box.
PR CARDS (PRC):
Your PR Card application (IMM 5444E) shall be done at the POE itself. It is part of the PR package [free] and the photos & details will be the same as you supplied for the PPR. Our PR Card/s come back to us via regular post mail, in 3-6 weeks, avg. 4 weeks. It is ‘advisable’ to stay in Canada for at least 45 days, collect our PRC and then return back [if you must].
If you leave the country before it arrives, u’ll have to make arrangements for its collection & forward delivery to you, overseas, thru a friend/relative [Not a Recommended Action], however, done all the time by ppl. But there is a danger of losing it in transit. And if that happens, we’ll have a tedious process to get new ones made.
How To Enter Canada W/Out A PR Card:
As per IATA & CBSA regulations, we cannot enter Canada w/out a PRC. However, if we are entering thru a Border Post by road, it doesn’t matter -our COPR is enough for entry/exit. But, if we are travelling by an airline & boarding/entering thru an a/port we will Not be Permitted. At the embarkation port itself we will be Stopped by the airline staff.
The process in such cases is to apply for a ‘PRTD-A31 (3)’ [Temporary 'PR Travel Document'] at the local CHC [abroad]. It costs Ca$50. Details of it is provided at the ‘Manual for Permanent Resident Card’ (ENF 27).
NOTE: The PRC is probably the ‘most important’ document after we are thru with our PR application process. This is valid for 5 yrs. First time: Free; Renewals cost $50/card.
SIN CARDS:
After ‘landing’ we’ll have to visit the nearest Services Canada Office for the SIN Card. We get the SIN No. immediately as a ‘print-out’ -signed & stamped upon applying, the same day, the same time. That’d suffice for all our further actions in Canada, viz Job Search, Bank a/c, House Hunting etc. The card shall come to us in approx 3 weeks. For its collection -ditto applies as above, for the PR Cards.
NOTE: Remember, we don’t need the SIN Card for anything. Only the SIN No. Which we’ll get the same time as we apply for it. It’d be wise to visit Services Canada Office the very next day upon arrival.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Both PR Card & SIN Cards are Federal documents. Meaning? One card for the entire nation -Canada.
HEALTH CARDS:
Health is a provincial matter. It is NOT FEDERAL. Thus, if you change provinces, u’ll have to AGAIN get that province’s Health Card. And again the waiting period* shall apply. Off course, a previous province’s health card remains valid for few days/months in another province, but not all benifits could be availed.
*The Waiting Period:
As I know, Alberta [eg. Calgary, Edmonton etc] & Manitoba [eg. Winnipeg] are the Only provinces where there is NO WAITING period for the Health Insurance. Rest in all provinces there is some waiting time to get the Health Benifits. In Ontario [eg. Toronto, Ottawa etc.] it is 3 months.
Eg.: If Calgary Is My Destination Should I Get The H/Card In Toronto?
If Calgary is your Final Destination, but you are ‘initially’ landing in Toronto for a few days stay [Permitted action], I suggest you should first land in Calgary [get the health card] and then visit Toronto. Why? Mainly ‘coz, you can get the Calgary health card immediately, but in Toronto you’ll not. That Calgary health card will be valid in Toronto for a few days. Not the vice-versa. Secondly, if you land first in Toronto, you’ll be staying w/out any health coverage.
Temp. Health Coverage:
It’s wise to obtain a ‘temporary’ health coverage before you fly. Off course not required if you are going to Alberta or Manitoba. That temp. coverage shall come in the way of “Travel Insurance”, which you can obtain from ANY insurance company in your homeland. The costs depands on the length of coverage. Usually we should take it for 3-4 months, as that is the waiting time in all provinces.
NOTE: It’ll be a good idea to obtain the Travel Insurance from home country. For 2 reasons: [1] You are covered from day-1 even before landing. [2] In Canada it will be costlier & you’ll be covered only from the day you apply. What if you get to do it later, as you’ll be busy in the initial days? What if something goes wrong in between?
DRIVING LICENSE:
There is a way to obtain at least the Ontario G2 Driving Lincense immediately, if not the G1. For that some pre-arranged actions are needed, before you fly. I’ve written in detail on it. Check out this link:
HOW TO BRING CARS INTO CANADA:
Firstly, it is Not wise to bring-in Cars from any other country into Canada. Why? Cars are quite compititively priced in Canada. It’s only its maintenance & the cost of Gas that’ll kill you. Secondly, Canadian models are made specifically to withstand the ‘extreme’ cold conditions there. Our imported cars might not [less the ones from Europian or similar countries].
Thirdly, there are laws for Tire, Radiator etc. modifications, before we can register it in Canada. Why would we like to take that trouble? Fourthly, the transportation costs? It might just not be worth to bring-in cars from far-flung countries.
Import Cars From The Us:
Yes, be free to bring your car/s from the US by all means. But ‘remember’, we need to first ‘export’ the car from the US and again ‘import’ it into Canada, after we get-in. Documentations… documentations… However, quite a good detail about it is provided in this website:
ITEMS TO CARRY FROM HOMELAND:
Very debatable… I would say, do your maths first. Is the extra baggage costs worth the effort? Most items are readily available in Canada, also at very reasonable price.
Ditto for Indian Food & Spices [Rice, Dal, Pickles, Papad (?) etc.] And ditto for Italian [Pasta, Lasagna etc.], Japanese [Sushi, Tapanyaki, Teriyaki etc.], Tex-Mex, you name it.
Besides, many items are also not permitted entry. And there is otherwise a quality restriction as well. Check the CBSA website for those. Moreover, hiring a container full of goods? I’d say No… No. It may not be worthwhile at all.
What To Take? [Purely My Advise]:
1. Personal effects [for imdt use, large quantities... No]
2. General clothing [some warm ones also]
3. Laptop [no desk top, printer etc.]
4. Digicam / Camcorder
5. Heirlooms [heritage collections, murals, artifacts etc.] -Check CBSA rules.
6. Original Certificates / Documents
7. Prescription Medicines
8. Books & DVDs
9. Mobile Phone* [non CDMA] -a NA charger will be needed
*Only GSM850-1900MHz models [that's the Canadian frequency -not all countries have that]
What “Not” To Take? [Purely My Advise]
1. Furniture [whatever, small or big]
2. TV [even if it's an LCD], Fridge, Washing machine etc.
3. Curtains, Bedspreads, Pillows & linens
4. Cars, Bikes etc.
5. Large-sized Toys of kids
6. Food [Perishable or Non-perishable] items
7. Over-the-Counter Medicines
8. Meat or Meat products [including Fowl, Fish etc.]
NOTE: Asian make electronic/electrical items won’t work in Canada. [read 230 vs 110 Volts]
GOODS LISTS [FORM B4 / B4A]:
All goods that we carry, either ‘on person’ or ‘following’ needs to be ‘listed’ in form B4 / B4A, separately. These forms are available in the CBSA website, link given below:
It is the same form for ‘Goods Accompanying’ & ‘Goods to follow’. We should club similar items in groups [eg. DVDs: Qty-98, Books: Qty-42 etc.].
The entire list should be priced against each group & totalled in the end. We should carry ‘original’ invoices for high-end items [Diamonds -MUST]. Others can be broadly/generally priced, but appropriate.
Jewelry items MUST be listed [each item wise]; and should carry their “photographs”. We should print-out the pics under similar groups [eg. Rings -all in one or more pages, Necklaces -in another page etc.]
We’ll need 2 copies of each form, as one would be kept by the CBSA & one would be returned to us, for ‘customs’ clearance. This 2nd copy will be signed & stamped by the CBSA at the POE.
NOTE: All goods brought for ‘landing’ are non-taxed. If we were to bring-in goods ‘later’, either by personal carriage or thru a transporter, this list MUST be stamped on the 1st Landing. Else, they will be ‘dutiable’. No compromise on that is possible. That’s the law.
ABOUT KID’s SCHOOLING:
Canada has 2 types of schools -the ‘Public Schools’ & the ‘Catholic Schools’. There are some ‘ethnic’ schools as well, but not for regular education. Most of our kids [say 70%] go to the Public Schools -this education is FREE. The Catholic Schools are Fee-Paid [payable by us].
Usually, our kids will be accepted imdtly into the *neighborhood school, whether we arrive mid-term or during a new session. Their can be an ‘entry test’, but that’s not for rejection -but for assessment of the extra care that the school need to provide to a kid.
Even if our kids are not very good in either of the 2 Canadian official languages -English &/or French, by law a school is required to provide admission to our kids.
*Each neighborhood will have their own Public School/s; and our kids are required to ONLY be admitted there. We have no choice on that. The only way out [if we think that a particular school is better] is to move our residence to that area [neighborhood]. We have to provide our ‘residency contract’ for this purpose.
School Websites:
Each province [& some cities] has its own ’school District Board’. All information can be viewed in those websites.
1) An example is the ‘Toronto Dist. School Board’, check this link:
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/
2) For a ‘ranking’ overview of Canadian schools, you may like to check the following link:
NOTE: Do not be hooked by the thought that the Catholic Schools are better than the Public Schools. Both are equally compititive in Edu-care. In fact some of the Public Schools are ‘excellent’ & remember, 70% Canadian kids study in them.
***
I hope I’ve addressed most issues, if not all… to ease the process of our landing. If I missed out anything or if something is wrongly put, plz notify. Also other members who have more info to add may kindly post theirs under this thread, for the benefit of everyone.
University Student Job and Work Skills
One-third of undergraduates consider quitting. ALMOST one-third of undergraduate students have seriously considered quitting their course, according to a study examining the quality of learning in Australia’s universities. The behavioural inventory of what students do in their courses reveals worrying levels of disengagement and poor preparation for the workforce.
Uni survey finds job focus is missing. MORE than half of Australia’s university students have never talked about their career plans with their teachers, according to a study that could change the way university courses are taught. The findings of the Australian Survey of Student Engagement reveal that many undergraduates feel ill equipped to enter the workforce.
No surprises here….. one would almost always recommend a younger person to work before committing full time to university, and gain (life) experience before making an expensive choice. Would be interesting to know in Australia what advice parents, school and tertiary counsellors are offering youth? Even more so with fees, better for the majority to study via Vocational VET pathways, part time and or off campus, but then are universities in their present form a dying species?
For what I want to be when I grow up. I have found that my interests are varied, and although I have a wonderful job, I question whether or not this is the be all and end all. Every job has its roles to play and fulfill, but knowing for sure what you are called to do and what you are doing, are completely separate school’s of thought.
Should I coach? Should I research? Should I travel? Should I pursue. . . So many questions. . .so. . .I’m still searching.
Entering an interview as early as one year ago you assumed that you would come away knowing that you’ve got what it takes to do the job you were applying for. Today I hear more and more job seekers ask the question, “What am I doing wrong? I know I can do this job. Why can’t I get hired?
Before the bottom fell out of the global economy it was safe to say that if you had 60% to 70% of the listed requirements on a job description that you had a decent chance of being hired. Back then, the market was thin on talent and some employers found themselves grateful to have found someone that could do the job, albeit with partial abilities.
Below are 5 simple tips that will put your job search in the fast lane.
Tip #1
Don’t embellish on your resume
Lying on a resume is more obvious today that it ever was. I’m a recruiter – I expect to find something that you’ve listed but haven’t really done or done very little of. Don’t. We were always told that it’s perfectly OK to “fib a little” on your resume. Why do you list it if you know you don’t have that skill? I know why…because if makes your resume look stellar. It adds to the already glowing list of other things you’ve accomplished in your professional career. Psych 101 says that the things you’ve listed nearest the top of a resume and mentioned multiple times are the things you are more comfortable in doing. Most job seekers today are straining to add words and tasks so their resume looks better than their competition. It’s going to come back to haunt you, so don’t do it. Highlight what you are best at but also come clean when asked about something you’ve not done. Your candor will get your farther.
Tip #2
Don’t price yourself out of the market just because you think you deserve it more than the next person.
Trying to recover from a previous lay off by over pricing yourself today is a bad idea. Assume there are 15 other people applying for the same job. You must, must, must be more aggressive in this market. Pride is the 800lb gorilla – Let go of it and land the job even it means taking a small pay cut. The person that is next in line needs the job more than you. It’s not going to last forever and you’ll recover and be back to where you were soon enough.
Tip #3
Don’t apply for jobs that you know you can’t do.
If you are a Software Quality Assurance specialist, don’t apply for a Senior Director of Regulatory Compliance. Read the job description in full detail and only apply to the positions for which you have the skills. It feels good to send out a bunch of resumes but going through the motions isn’t going to get you a job any faster.
Tips #4
Apply once and follow up with an email to confirm receipt.
Sending 28 resumes to the same company won’t get you a call back any quicker than sending 1. My inbox fills up typically between 2am and 6am with multiple submissions of the same resume. The additional submissions are deleted. The contact management tools of today are smarter than you think and if you submit more than once, it’s automatically 86′d. Some CMS’s won’t allow you to submit more than once so make your first shot your best one. After submitting, send a simple email to the contact asking to confirm receipt. Most of the time you’ll get a reply. If you don’t….send another email. Recruiters today are averaging 150 to 300 resume submissions per day. It’s a lot to dig through and takes time, so be patient.
Tip #5
Use a Recruiter
I when I say use, I mean USE. Find a reputable recruitment firm and partner with them. Part of what I tell people today during interviews is that we are all in this together. It’s no longer a “Me – Tarzan, You – Jane” type of experience. Use their contacts, search with them vs. sitting at home waiting on a call. If you come across a job listing that fits your skill, call your recruiter and ask what they know about the company. There’s a better than average chance they’ll know someone on the inside that might be able to get you in the door faster. Word to the wise: If you don’t trust your recruiter, find another one. This is your career, this is how you put food on the table and this is how you pay your mortgage – don’t waste your time with someone that’s only in it for their own personal gain.
The “productivity guru” updates his renowned organizing and time-management program to help workers and managers stay on top of their game in an increasingly changing work environment. Organizing for Success, Second Edition provides simple, remarkably effective time management technique to help reders get two extra productive hours out of every day. The book uses “The Master List” concept to show readers how to budget their time and energy by the day, week, and month.
You will learn how to quickly prioritize their goals, complete tasks on time and under budget, and even helps readers plan for the interruptions, urgent emails, and unexpected meetings that will inevitably attack their day. This new edition places heavier emphasis on technology, including advice on how to write, manage and file email more effectively; how to use Lotus Notes and Microsoft Office to streamline the day; and how to use devices like Blackberries and social media as assets and time-savers, rather than as distractions and time sinks.
Based on the time management principles Kenneth Ziegler developed and that have worked for corporations such as Hertz, Toys “R” Us, The Federal Reserve, The Comptroller of the Currency, Hormel, and Fidelity Investments, Organizing for Success Second Edition takes Ken Ziegler’s concept of “The Master List,” and shows readers how to budget their time and energy by the day, the week, and month. Far less complicated, much easier to use, and more effective than the program in Getting Things Done, The Master List shows readers how to quickly prioritize their goals, get done what needs to get done on time and under budget, and even helps readers plan for the interruptions, urgent emails and unexpected meetings that will inevitably attack their day.
New to the 2nd edition:
More tips on creating a manageable Master List of things to get accomplished, the most popular question he’s received from his classes in the last five years. The book also features information on getting a downloadable version of a “Master List” from the author’s website.
A more specific time-management plan for organizing a more effective day, week, and month at work.
A new chapter on managing, controlling and writing email—a huge issue for people in today’s corporate environment.
A new chapter specifically devoted to maintaining email files—the second most popular question asked at Ken’s seminars.
New information on how to delegate tasks to people in their office—even if they have no seniority over them—to work more efficiently.
Using Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes to manage time better.
New information on making meetings more effective—even if you are not running them.
A brand new chapter on making the new changes to your life stick!
About the Author
Kenneth Zeigler (Charlotte, NC) has been recognized as a time management expert since developing a time management system for Herz in 1997. The author of three books, he has been on the cover of Investor’s Business Daily and has published numerous articles on time management, productivity, and work / life balance for such newspapers as The Washington Post, NY Post, and Charlotte Observer. Over the years he has advised such clients as Hertz, Toys “R” Us, The Federal Reserve, The Comptroller of the Currency, Hormel, and Fidelity Investments.
My number one question to ask a person is: If you could be any occupation in the world, regardless of your skill level, physical capabilities, or wealth, what would you be? This means, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never made it into the highschool basketball team, you’re150cm tall with a double muffin top, or if you happen to spend money prodigiously as if there is no tomorrow.
More common answers have been ‘lead singer in a band’, ‘tennis star’, ‘golf champion’, or more simply put, the desire to be extremely famous and abundantly prosperous.
Anyway, last night I posed the above question to my lovely parents.
My mum pauses for a moment, and proudly states that she would be a ‘real estate agent’. Interesting. (At times I wonder whether my mum listens to what I’m saying, or if she kind of gets the gist of the topic and converses with the parts she understands. This can be frustrating at times, however it can provide comic relief for the audience.) Nevertheless I respond with, “That’s not a dream job, you could actually become that if you wanted”. As such she rethinks and decides that she not only wants to be a real estate agent, but she wants to sell multi-million dollar estates to the wealthy. I nod, smile and accept this, as this is her dream.
We hear my dad’s footsteps approaching and immediately turn to each other and voice guesses on what his answer would be. Some thoughts were ”race car driver’, ’stay-at-home-dad’, and ‘Top Gear host’. I pop the question to him and without hesitation he replies, ‘an undercover spy’. Mother and daughter burst into howls of laughter in which my dad responds with a teethful smile, “Don’t you think people would be impressed?” I don’t think he realised that spies aren’t meant to reveal their true identities. You would think he knew that minor detail considering the amount of Van Damme movies he has rented.
All in all, my ultimate dream job would be a prima ballerina who spends her days off parading down a catwalk dressed in chic designer labels.
Posted by: BuellBoy CNN~What would you do if your company closed its doors, but offered you the same job 1000 miles away?
In December 2008, in the depths of the recession, GM worker Steve Kerl faced that same question. Just 8 years from retirement, his GM assembly plant in Janesville, Wisconsin was shut down. 1,933 workers were out of work.
“What are we going to do?” was Kerl’s first reaction. “Are we going to have our health care? How are we going to come out? We didn’t even know if you were going to have a job.”
Most of the Janesville plant workers took buyouts. But 545 of them were fortunate enough to be offered jobs at other GM plants. The catch? The plants are hundreds of miles from Wisconsin.
What would you do?
Kerl took a job putting fenders on GM SUV’s in Arlington, Texas. It’s hard work. At the end of his 10-hour shifts he goes back to bunk with two other GM workers in a three-bedroom apartment near the plant. Home is 1000 miles away.
Kerl’s wife and two teenage kids remain behind in Janesville. The Kerls didn’t want to take the kids out of school. And they couldn’t face the prospect of selling their house anyway with real estate prices plummeting.
The Kerl family, along with many others who worked at GM in Janesville, is yet another side of the recession. Families physically separated by economic circumstances beyond their control. The sacrifice is palpable.
More @
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There’s more to it than that, I suppose, but that’s the gist of it. It’s a pretty boring job, and having money means I’m constantly tempted to buy things I really don’t need. Also, it takes up my knitting time, and it’s sometimes difficult to balance schoolwork with a job. So, I almost quit, but I chickened out. I took off for the next three weeks in order to stay after school pretty much every day for stage crew for Bye Bye Birdie, so I guess I have more time to think it over before actually quitting. I’m kind of secretly hoping they’ll fire me for taking off for so long, but that’s doubtful seeing as I’m more or less the only courtesy clerk who actually does my work and doesn’t hide off and text or talk to friends the whole time.
I don’t really have anything else to say, so… goodbye.
I got a paycheck of thirty-five dollars today. It was only from working on one day. I’ll probably spend the money on more things I don’t need.
Solar Systems Networking, Inc. Helps Cleveland Residents
Solar System Networking, Inc. is part of a collaborative team of Cleveland organizations that are helping at-risk Cleveland residents get laptops, free wireless Internet, and knowledge in technology.
This project is an in-depth all inclusive program that involves training individuals so that they can be more productive and successful in using technology.
Solar Systems Networking, Inc. is teaming up with Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), OneCommunity, St. Vincent Charity Hospital, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), and Key Bank to make this project successful.
Solar Systems Networking, Inc. was formed in 1994 providing technical design, support, and implementation for government, business, education, health care and non-profit organizations.
Solar Systems Networking, Inc. resides in the newly renovated Baker Electric Building at 7100 Euclid Avenue. Lucy Fanger, CEO, expressed that “Our move to Cleveland has been positive and has allowed us to team with these great organizations wanting to affect a positive change in our city. We love this opportunity to give back to the community.”
Paul J. Molesky Jr.
7100 Euclid Ave. Suite 120
Cleveland, OH 44103
440-243-3207 ext.2014 (phone)
440-449-1182 (fax)
www.solsysnetwork.com
The Evening Ledger, 20 and 23 December 1916 ran ads for ‘a man [sorry ladies -- must have been the heavy lifting involved in the job] who can play, demonstrate and sell ukuleles — apply employment bureau’.
Of course, the downside is that there were no antibiotics, effective pain-relief, or fear-free dentists then, but the job does appeal…
I’m not going to lie… my “journey” towards my move to New York has been the most frustrating, exhausting, disheartening thing ever. It’s not that I’ve ever been naive to this whole thing, and I haven’t ever felt like it was going to be easy, but never had I ever thought that I would have had to experience so many negative feelings as I have had.
The whole thing is one big mess in my opinion and yet nothing can really change my mind about going.
Maybe I’m crazy. Who knows? All I know for 100% certainty is that I want to be there. As you can probably tell by my lack in writing, the job hunt hasn’t really been fruitful. This has caused me to, in all honesty, believe that it’s so much more important to know someone than it is to have a degree (or even two). While this isn’t anything new, nor did I just come upon this revelation, I guess I figured with all the hard work I had done to accomplish what I have would score me something great. Or maybe you’ve gotta have luck and I just don’t have it.
I don’t want to make this entire post about the negative; one bit of good news I can report is that I’ve heard back from a couple of federal jobs and one looks hopeful (keep your fingers crossed, please). I’ll keep this posted.
Basically, this entire process has been very difficult for me and I have this constant feeling of everything happening without me – as it currently has been going. Thing is, a lot is out of my control and that I think is the most frustrating thing ever. I’m tired of being patient. I’m tired of questioning myself, my skills, and wondering why I can’t catch the break I feel I have been waiting for deserve. And I realize a job isn’t even the sole headache. Once I finally make that move, I then need to worry about moving my stuff – finding a moving truck to move that stuff, finding someone who will drive that truck for me, the stress of a move of my entire life from one state to another, and trying to settle into a new city.
Meanwhile, I wait and that’s all I can do… I must say this road has been bumpy, and I’m just ready for those road workers to come out, so to speak, and make this road smooth and nice for me. But I guess I’ve never really felt accomplished for myself in completing a task unless it came with obstacles; and I believe this will all make me stronger in the end.
I’ll just remind myself that everything will be alright, sooner or later.
Business is for all. Everybody can do their own business and they can treasure in that if they have the mandatory information on the area and talent needed to excel. But the business never gives them more unless they wander from the common trail. Ordinary business men will have constant or less income. project payday. But the business which aims at distinct and unique plans like project pay day will generate big cash with lot of profit. If such a business man is inside you, then you can earn money in the online which you’ve a coffee or lunch at your house using this internet business.
Since we say that only unique people can earn over this internet business is it so others can’t have a part in it? Many have this type of queries. They have 2nd thought about this program. But project pay day eases them by pronouncing, We are for all.
Even a lay man who knows basic, PC, English and Internet can work as a beginner through payday business. If you need to work more, you can have enough possibilities. Project payday scam But it is down to you in making your cash increase or sit with the basic deposit. It needs some talent to become a hit in this business.
Generally the views about business through Internet are always negative. People never go in favour of an internet job which demand money from at the start. But even some of the websites which asks for your cash before earning are legit.
Those cash making websites are typically hot and advantageous. Project payday is a domain which comes under that list. This website makes all the viewpoints wrong and scores high in terms of earning money. When you join it and wait for your accomplishment, you will be the king of profit generating and choices of earning will be accelerating consistently.
Atal y fro has a vacancy for a Community Support Services Worker.
The closing date for this post is: 19th March 2010.
Please follow the links below to download the: Job Description and Person Specification Guidance notes Job Application Form
Please be aware that CVs are not acceptable when applying for this post.
As we are a registered charity we are aiming to reduce the cost of the recruitment process, therefore if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Thank you for your interest in this organisation and we wish you well with your search for employment.
Yours sincerely
Rita Gregory
Administrator
Atal Y Fro
01446 744755
You may recall mention of my experience of a Focus ST on a track in the hands of a professional racing driver recently, an experience that left me stirred, but not shaken.
So when a bright red second-hand (used Fords are always second-hand, it’s only Bentley’s that are “previously cherished”) example rocked up at the dealership for a customer to try I had to borrow the keys and take it for a sprint up the road.
Now the Focus generally is a perfectly reasonable car. It does what it does, is comfortable, handles neatly, is reasonably equipped and looks nice enough. It may lack the obsessional surprise and delight tactility of some of its German rivals, but it inevitably sells for a bit less used or new (ignore the list price, there are deals) so everyone is happy. It’s not the second-best selling car in Britain (behind the Ford Fiesta) for nothing. I’ve been running one for a few days whilst I wait for my new company car to be delivered (ordered but not yet arrived) and it’s a pleasant and comfortable if unremarkable way of getting around. But it’s not the sort of thing you can obsess over, it doesn’t impart a warm glow (unlike the Polite Hatchback, especially with those heated seats), it simply does the job neatly and efficiently.
The ST, however, is something else. Driving the ST is like watching an old lady break dance well, there’s a delicious unfeasibility to it, a sense that it just shouldn’t be possible.
On the outside the car is a fairly standard if slightly Barry’d Focus. There’s some wings and big wheels and whatnot, but nothing Baz and Daz wouldn’t buy from Halfords and bolt to their 1.6 base model. Inside the only giveaways are a pair of deeply bolstered and supremely comfortable Recaro seats and a set of auxiliary guages atop the dash (just like Ford used to fit on hot Cortina MK2’s back in the seventies, albeit there were no turbo boost guages on those old Fords). It’s under the bonnet that the big news lies, in the shape of a five cylinder two and a half litre turbo charged petrol engine imported from Volvo. This is the Red Bull that gives the Focus ST its wings, this is the hub, the powerhouse, the news.
Slip into the Recaro and you’re in a world of ordinariness. Sure, the seats are fab (and orange in the car I drove) but you’re sat on them so you can’t see ‘em. The extra dials give a nod to the performance cred, but that’s about all. Fire it up and it’s smoother than a normal Focus, but it doesn’t shout, you can barely hear the engine. Slot into gear and toddle off down the road and if you’ve driven a lot of Foci (I have) you’ll notice a slightly firmer ride bit it’s not hard, and never crashy. All in all it feels like a nice normal Focus with better seats, a bit smoother engine, and a fractionally firmer ride.
Right up until the point where you hit a fast road and nail it!
Big engines give you torque. Turbochargers give you torque. And torque is twist action, pull, grunt. It’s what gives you that unrelenting neck straining never ending catapult of acceleration that you feel in a fast jet aircraft on takeoff. The ST has 236lb/ft of the stuff available from just 1,600rpm, giving great big velvety unburstable effortless wallop, in any gear, at any speed. Drop the hammer and the car just lunges forward, no lag, no waiting for the revs to build, floor it and the car charges like Ocean Finance, all to the accompaniment of a sonorous warble that segues smoothly into a hard edged howl as the tacho sweeps round the dial as smoothly as the second hand of a Rolex watch. It’s just epic! We’re talking proper junior supercar performance here, sixty miles an hour from a standing start takes just over six seconds (think about that, each 10mph increment takes about one second), and it’s a full fat 150mph flat out.
And the good news doesn’t end there. The Focus has always been best in class for ride and handling and the ST is no exception. The ride quality at speed is excellent, smooth and planted, steering precise and accurate, and cornering without wallow or roll.
It’s a car that urges you on, each snick snick gearchange bringing a fresh double cream slug of noise and power. It’s addictive.
But above all the joy is the sheer unlikeliness of what lies beneath the surface. It’s like buying an Amstrad hi fi and discovering the innards are Bang and Olufsen, like buying a ticket with Ryan Air and finding yourself in First Class, like ordering a Maccie D and finding a Goucho Grill steak between the buns.
For sure, there will always be a whiff of Essex about any fast Ford, a touch of Burberry, a dab of Addidas. But you can buy these things at three years old with sensible mileage for about ten grand. That has to make it the performance bargain of the century.
I’d de-Barry mine and stick a 1.6 Zetec badge on the back. And go BMW hunting…
If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say…. But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” Job is frustrated that he cannot go where God is to confront him. He wants to stand face-to-face with God and hear God’s explanation for his suffering. He complains that he does not know where to find God, but God knows where to find him, presumably to inflict suffering on him. Then Job speaks from his self-righteousness, that when God has done his worst on him, he will still be righteous. In other words, even God cannot make him sin!
Tonight I received encouragement and direction from a most unexpected source: a fortune cookie. As I am a firm believer in all things whimsical–I am the girl who wishes at 11:11–I would like to also believe in the outcome of this hopeful fortune. I hope telling everyone what it is doesn’t negate the effects.
“You will obtain your goal if you maintain your course.”
Woah. Really? That, in my opinion, actually was some insightful stuff for a measly fortune cookie from a second-rate Chinese food joint. But it warmed my heart. Because it’s little signs like that, little occurences that make me believe in what I’m doing. I feel like it was a little nudge that says, “Hey, no worries. Just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll be fine.” I know everyone has been incredibly supportive of me, and I appreciate that to no end, but it’s nice to get the subtle enouragements. Such as from a fortune cookie. It was a sweet little surprise.
I came to an uneasy realization today: I want to be a part of corporate America. Seriously. In a weird, it’s-time-to-grow-up-a-little way, I want to be a part of something.
I came to this conclusion this morning after receiving a call from a headhunter of sorts who found my resume on Monster and called about an open position at a company in Boston. Of course I was a bit skeptical after recent events, but if I’m given an interview, I’ve decided I’ll definitely take it. He told me some aspects of the job, and it’s one of the typical 8-5, work all day, be the lowest one on the totem pole type job.It’s along the lines of what I’ve actually been looking for, so I was surprised. That’s fine with me.
Actually it’s more than fine. The intensity with which I want this interview frightens me, because frankly, I’m at a loss. I’m ready for a big-girl job, to a point. I want to be one of those people on the T early in the morning, groggy, bleary-eyed and clutching a gallon of coffee. I want to wear the crisp business suits and awesome clothes and feel like I’m actually somebody. Like I’m actually doing something instead of just reading my life away. I want to come home each day knowing I’ve done something important and contributed to a cause. I just feel ready.
When I first found out I was pregnant, I was happy. Then not even 5 minutes later, I was frightened. I was not only going to be responsible for myself, but for another life. A soon to be walking, talking, human being who’s mind, body, and soul would soon be a reflection of her parents. Being a parent as I will soon learn will be the most important job on the planet. And not to mention the hardest.
Every generation has seen a trend in the job preferences by graduating students and professionals. During the days of our forefathers the most sought after jobs were from the public sectors including defense services and the nationalized banks. Later the trend upgraded to engineers and doctors. Today the trend is to become software professional or be a part of the IT Industry in any role. It’s not that the students are not able to think beyond these professions, but also because of shear peer or parent pressure, and also because of their inability to identify the Idiot in them. The recent success of the movie 3 Idiots has inspired many, capturing the real life problem faced by each one of us. In the movie Aamir Khan plays the lead character who helps his friends to identify the Idiot in them.
Understanding ones passion and overcoming the confusion of career choice within could help an individual succeed in his or her career, and enjoy the same as well. This will also make us recession proof.
For example choosing the right MBA specialization is very crucial, it’s most likely that you will be getting your first job in the area of your specialization. If you happen to choose a wrong specialization, you may be offered a wrong job and rather it would become very difficult to make a switch offer after your first job. Workshops and counseling sessions are offered with an objective to clear the insecurities and dilemmas students face on account of multitude of available options, multiple decision influencing factors and lack of guidance on conducting scientific self-diagnosis.
Loratis offers four programs in this category. Each program is designed to match the profile of a candidate in order to choose the best solution that would lead to a successful career. It helps the candidates to get full clarity on their aptitude, personality, passion, and career direction.
Dr. Rathi, who promoted the Loratis Career School six months back, has been advocating this message through his seminars and talks for the past 15 years. He addressed more than 25000 engineering and management students in these years across Asia Pacific. Through Loratis, he is serving the students and young working professionals manage complete career management cycle – from Career Direction, Employability Skills, and Orientation Programs to Job Placements. Instead of ‘finding the idiot’ he has tagged it as ‘Finding the True North’.
Hello everyone! This is SunnyKatt here, lead programmer and designer of ZekeGames.
After talking it over with the other team members, we’ve decided that it would be best to look for a pixel (sprite) artist for Bleare Kingdoms.
A sprite artist would allow us to be much more efficient and save us time as we try to release Build 4 before the IGF 2011 deadline.
Anyone can apply, whether officially or unofficially. So here is a basic description of what is going on:
Job Description:
Team Pixel Artist. You will be making the pixel art for Bleare Kingdoms (and if you hang around long enough, possibly other games of ours).
This is an unpaid (volunteer) position. Because we are not (at least right now) selling any of our games and we are a hobbyist team, you will be a hobbyist pixel artist.
Information, presented in Q&A form:
How much time to I have to devote to my team?
This is a hobbyist position, so you can do this in your free time or whenever. As long as we get the grapihcs we need for the next build, it doesn’t really matter. You won’t have to sacrifice your other hobbies and you won’t have to waste all of your free time working on our team. However, if we need graphics from you badly, we would prefer you didn’t hold us up.
How long will this position last for?
We would like to have you as long as we possibly could, but we understand that things come up in life and you may be forced to leave sometime down the road. We ask that you be sure you can at least be with us for a year or more. You’re joining a team, not taking up some freelance position for a little flash game.
Do I have to be a certain age or have experience?
We don’t care about what age you are, as long as you are mature on the internet you are fine. As for experience, we don’t require any. That doesn’t mean you can’t be good at what you do – you’re applying for an artist position, you had better be an artist. We will be looking through sample work of people that submitted to join so hopefully we can choose the level of skill we are aiming for.
What style will I have to work with and from what viewpoint?
We aren’t going to try and force you to sprite within a pre-destined style entirely. We’re going to be flexible on that, considering you are going to be the game artist. We are, however going to be specific about a few things.
1.) The art is going to be pixel art. Not photoshopped graphics and textures like in other games, this must be actual pixel art. You can use whatever program you want, mspaint works fine. Pillowshading is unacceptable.
2.) We’re going for a simpler approach than what we had last build. If you aren’t sure of what we mean, click on the download link to be taken to the buld 1 page. Notice how the grass has all kinds of weird specks and textures in it. We’re cutting back on the number of decals alot, so we want a simple base color that is easy on the eyes for the grass, and a few grass decals spread out nicely.
3.) The view is overhead, or birds-eye-view, or topdown. Whatever you call it, the camera is directly above the view of everything in the game, so be prepared to draw from that angle. We need all samples of your work in this viewpoint, because some artists can be good at a platform view but really mess up when it comes to topdown.
What benefits will I get from joining you guys?
You are joining a team of talented people. We are not the team who makes a few games and are forgotten about, and we are not likely to drop a project. Our code is efficient, our organization is thought out, and our commitment and passion are in full force. We plan on entering Bleare Kingdoms into the IGF (Independant Games Festival) for the 2011 festival, and (hopefully) we can go down to GDC 11 to present the game and attend various IGF shows. You are not obligated to come at all, this is an option. We will be asking for blog and magazine reviews and interviews, and hopefully other outside sources will find us as we attract attention. If you are still in school and you do well here, a scholarship could be a possibility for you if you are lucky.
If we do end up deciding to sell BK, you will get a cut of the profits, so don’t worry about that. Basically, popularity and the rewards of working on a prestigious project is what is headed your way.
Okay, I’m in. How do I apply?
This is going to be kinda informal. You can post here saying you are interested, Email SunnyKatt at SunnyKatt@live.com, or post in a relevant thread on other websites where we are announcing this. We may request examples from you or have you sprite some stuff for us so we can get a feel for how you work. We all look forward to working with you!
KEEP IN MIND: We may not choose anyone at all in the end. This is an idea we are playing with, and we’re pretty sure we will follow through. If we cannot seem to find the candidate we want, we won’t hire one at all. Just keep this in mind when applying please.
Wow. A kickoff to an annual day of recognition for one campaign, a dedicated fundraising effort on a primetime TV show watched by nearly 40 million people, and the beginnings of a new flagship campaign — all in one week — all the combined efforts of the wonderful people I work with.
My About page says it: that anything I say on this blog is from me and by me only, and not endorsed by my employer – and that’s true. Usually I am subtle when giving kudos to the issues I work on, and use banners or buried links to show what I’m focused on 9-10 hours every day, but today is different. Today – it deserves a real mention.
This is a shoutout to the great work of the United Nations Foundation. To the great work of my teammates and my department, Public Affairs, and all of the other staff involved in these amazing and impactful projects. This is to say that even on the days when we want to tear our hair out, go hide in the corner, close out our emails, and say “no,” that the power of saying “yes” to inspirational and innovative ideas is so worth it in the end. It’s so worth reading emails or tweets from our supporters, giving us props for our shoutout on American Idol, for pledging to end malaria, for empowering girls around the world. It’s worth the emails that our team shares immediately after a win, full of pride and virtual pats on the back and sighs of relief that the hard part is done.
Sometimes in our daily work, we get caught up in the negative moments and the frustrating times – but in the last three days, I can truly say that I have been able to come home and still say that I feel so honored and fortunate to work at a place like the UN Foundation, and with such amazing, passionate, hard-working people.
And with that:
-Sign up to Sleep Out to End Malaria on April 24, the Eve of World Malaria Day at www.nothingbutnets.net/sleepout.
-Visit www.unfoundation.org/idol to donate to help the UN help Haiti rebuild and recover.
I’m sure a lot of you, if not all have come across this particular issue in your student life.
You know you need to give your career a start and you are constantly being reminded that there is a Career’s Office somewhere in the building.
You imagine naively that the Careers Office is a beautiful bright room where your dream job is waiting for you and where these angel-like people are there to guide your every step towards it. You know you need to bring your CV along and you have no worry about your Comic Sans font and your numerous bullet points.
Finally, you find a lady there waiting for you to put your name on the list and pick an hour.(as if there are so many students waiting to go in) ..Seriously, most of the people I know have never set foot in the office, some in their final year don’t even know in where the office is and some get particularly irritated at the sound of it.
I got a 10 minutes session. I walk in , this someone reads my CV in a few seconds (I don’t blame them, they didn’t need more) and tells me I need to change the font and put my grades on. And that was it. I don’t know what I expected, but that has put me off visiting the office since. I probably expected someone to help me with my job search. As I mentioned in my previous post, I was an alien recently teleported at Middlesex University so I had no idea what jobs are out there and how to reach them. Oh well, that was in the past. And I have come a long way since.(I encountered the benefits of career blogs, websites, etc)
I guess what I’m trying to say is if you are determined enough, you can do it your own way. What I’ve learned in my life as a student here is that if you expect people to push you in the right direction you miss out on the learning process. And as this wise man once said:
‘Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes the journey’
I have been in Thailand since October now and I am just starting to discover my fears. Fears of the traveling horizon ahead of me. I have traveled a lot since I have been teaching in Lang Suan, but it was easier. I traveled for a few days and then always came back to my job as a teacher. I always came back to my little house. I always came back to my bed (albeit an extremely uncomfortable one and most of the time the beds were more comfortable while I was traveling). I always came back to a sense of home.
And now I won’t have any of that. This was my last weekend in Lang Suan. Next weekend, I am embarking on a weeklong excursion to Malaysia and Singapore. I will be back in Lang Suan for a few days and then I am heading off to explore the rest of Southeast Asia. And this thought daunts me to no end.
Coming to Thailand was a huge step for me. It took me a short time to adjust and now I have to learn to adjust again. I am going to get to see historical monuments, breathtaking vistas, and learn about foreign cultures that others dream about. I’m going to live out of my suitcase and “couchsurf” with people I have never met. And it won’t end in Southeast Asia. If I can raise the funds, I am going to travel to Europe or South America in August for a year or so. With all these thoughts in my mind, I wanted to write about my fears of traveling.
My main fear is not having a home. I’m going to be bouncing around, not having a sense of place, not having a set group of friends, and never being comfortable. Home is one of the staples of our being. We need a place to call our own. We need people to call our own. We even need “stuff” to call our own. We trade all of that for a chance to witness places we only read about in books and on the internet.
I’m also scared of missing out on everything happening back in California and the rest of the US. That includes new music, new movies, sporting events (mainly the Olympics), my friend’s relationships and jobs and pretty much their lives, my family and my dogs. Yes, I can use the internet to stay in tune with all of these things, but its not the same. There’s nothing like hearing a new song on the radio or viewing a preview for a much anticipated movie or being there when your best friend meets her future boyfriend. I heard about the Super Bowl and now I’m hearing about the Olympics. I don’t want to watch the Olympics on the internet. I don’t want to choose which events I want to stream online. I want to tune in for those six hours they are on at night and I want to see them all! Its just not the same and its hard to only see my loved ones on the computer (but thank God for Skype, right?!).
My fear is that I’m putting my life on hold. I graduated college and got a job right away. I started building my life, my future and my savings. Traveling puts all that on hold. I feel like I’m not doing what I’m “supposed” to be doing. I should be working and building a career, but I am far from that. I want a family one day and we all know I’m not close to that either. I know I’m young and I have my whole life ahead of me, but its just scary!
I have so many people writing me and telling me how jealous they are of what I’m doing. They wish that they had done this before they started their family, or law school, or working. But the truth is, every once in awhile, I’m jealous of them. I’m jealous that they know where their life is headed and what they will be doing in five years. At this point all I know is that I want to travel. I don’t know where I will be in five years let alone tomorrow!!
I know I’m on the right path, but sometimes its hard getting that reality check!
I came home from work and paused a moment, wondering if it had been a bad day or if — in some strange way — the hectic pace had been enjoyable. I was too tired to really figure it out and haven’t given it much thought since… Well, not much thought until now, obviously.
Movies romanticize the career woman. I can picture it now… Kate Hudson strutting down the sidewalk in her adorable heals, chatting on her cell phone and — with her other hand — holding a Starbucks Coffee. She skips up a few stairs and soon finds herself in her office, which is decorated to perfection. Sliding into her office chair, she kicks off her heels and sets her coffee down on the desk… a desk completely free of any kind of clutter.
Then, flash into reality… My reality at the office. Papers are flying everywhere and landing wherever they may on my desk. The phone is ringing off the hook. And my beverage is a little styrophone cup filled with a very strong — but obviously not Starbucks — brew.
The highlight of my day was actually a wrong number that I dialed. I reached an older woman who obviously did not owe my company any money, nor had she ever heard of the security services we provided. She was concerned that she was the victim of security fraud, and I spent a few moments to assure her that I was not trying to collect money from her — I had just dialed a wrong number. Most people would have just hung up the phone. But she wanted to talk! Before long, I knew that she had lived in the little apartment for 14 years, had two kittens, and was caring for a sick brother. She was so lonely that I forgot — in the few minutes that I was on the phone with her — that I had a conference call to get ready for or even a refund that needed filing within ten minutes. She reminded me that sometimes you do just need to slow down and focus on the people around you, even if it’s ‘just’ an elderly woman on the other line who’s desperate for a friend.
By the end of the day, I did find that I was exhausted. Tuesdays are usually fish nights, but I had little motivation to put together the marinade and bake the salmon. Sooo, I made use of the grinder rolls that I had recently taken out of the freezer to make a grown-up’s version of little pizzas.
First, broil the bread so that it’s crisp:
Spread on some pizza sauce that has been pre-warmed (I found an all-natural pizza sauce that’s really good, although I’d really like to make one from scratch next time).
Then, add whatever toppings you want!!
I served pear slices and carrot sticks on the side for some c*r*u*n*c*h, as my sister would say.
The weatherman is calling for a mix of snow and rain during the next four days, so here’s to hoping that we won’t get an ice storm like last year!
Now some men can manage tension, there are a couple of guys who consider that it is not easy to forget an ex girlfriend. They will try to go back to that girl or just ring her every day hopping that will influence her to re-ignite the old flames which passed months ago.
Basically you must understand if you are not capable in getting over her after searching online, you have a job to do. Do you know why? Because she doen’t wanna hear your bullshit anymore, it’s likely that she doesn’t even return your calls, if you didn’t get a hint, she is avoiding you. Probably she’s already forgotten that you exist but poor you, recalling about all the special things you did together. I’ll tell you brother you’ve got to get your game correctly. Why can not you forget her, not because you have so many dear, she or she is the most beautiful queen of Spain since last year, there is no Mr. woman. You can not forget her, because you have an internal hole. Yes, I repeat, you have an inner (BIG) of vacuum. You have not yet found a solution in order to meet you believe you can from her. Not! She will not be effective, to fill you out. In fact, no one can do for you, while others may directly separate you, but you have to satisfy it. Do you understand? Click Now – Ways to Get a Bitchy Exgirlfriend Fast. Here is what I mean; the vacancy I’m uttering about is named neediness. Many guys are not capable to be themselves, they have to have a woman on their side to feel like real men. The less cool trait is that, they think the other person (girlfriend) will get them feel real. If they don’t get one, they become weak. They don’t have positive self-image and they can’t be themselves till they get the approval of others. If you are included in this group of human beings then you should evolve to change that character at once. You want to find out what the vacancy, you may want to ask why you love this girl so bad, causes what you do. Once you get the answer to dig, then more for more answers. These can serve to know about yourself. It could be as large or feel necessite for adoption. Once you pick the right solution for actions you feel are important. Is to discover something new, risky companies, discovering new skills it can be anything. Once you lived your needs until you feel important and self-confident person, the magnetic and attractive women. Our e-book will guide you fill out the inside, you can progress, start a new relationship and, if necessary under vacuum.
Before I went to Seoul with the girls, the school told me to take my passport with me and to visit the US embassy while I was there. I had to get an affidavit to notarize that background check I got. Unfortunately– I forgot to take my passport so I couldn’t take care of it when I was there. So to get my paperwork going, the school sent me back to Seoul on Friday (it was just a teacher work day). I didn’t want to spend the night by myself so I left on the 6:30am bus, got there at 11am, waited at the embassy for 2 hours, then got back on the bus to Gwangju. It was a long day but I finally got all the paperwork I needed.
I had never been to an embassy before and was excited. When I got off the subway, I was looking for the American flag. I was expecting a very nice building— I mean, I thought the US was this great country, so I just expected a great embassy. To my surprise, the US Embassy was the ugliest and oldest building on the block. Compared to all of Seoul’s LED lights and futuristc designs, the US embassy looked like it was built in 1959. It was that really ugly tannish brown brick color– Very retro in a tacky way.
After going through all this security, I took a number and waited in this musty room. It reminded me of a trip to the DMV– before Stanford was Governer. I was surrounded by American citizens. Some were Korean-Americans, some military, and others just plain people like me. Those were the people that I was greatly embarrassed by.
While sitting patiently enjoying my day off work, I observed the stereotypes the world has about Americans and found them to be repulsive. Just within 10 minutes of waiting, I heard more foul language than a rated R movie, saw body parts of bigger women that shouldn’t be exposed, and heard sad stories of single Army-mothers who didn’t know who the father of their new baby was. I felt so much shame for my country. I began wishing for the better life that waited outside the embassy walls–the Korean life. I know Korean’s say bad words. I know Korean families have broken homes and that many women chose a lifestyle selling themselves for sex, but for now- I am blind to most of that. I can’t understand people when they cuss in Korean and I can’t over hear conversations of sadness….and I appreciate that. Koreans may push their way through the street and bump into you with saying “excuse me” but I have never seen a Korean explode in anger or rudeness like I did in that embassy. Respect is a fact of life in Korea, as it should be everywhere.
Elihu’s rebuke continues in chapters 35-37. The rebuke is stirring, provoking, and humbling for Job (and me too), but it is overshadowed by God’s very own rebuke, which covers chapters 38-41. Both rebukes are interesting and affecting, but Elihu’s rebuke is very much a warm-up for God’s main attraction. As you know, the book concludes with Job apologizing (“[T]herefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”, he says in 42:6), with Job’s friends repenting, and with God restoring Job’s fortunes.
Memorable Quote
Job is full of notable quotables. Here is just one from today’s selection:
34:6-7 (ESV)
If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?
And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
If you are righteous, what do you give to him?
Or what does he receive from your hand?
Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself,
and your righteousness a son of man.
Comments on the Entire Book
Many of the comments I’ve seen on Job make similar statements. Now that I’ve taken in the book for myself, here are my thoughts on some of the statements I’ve heard.
“Job is a book about suffering.” Absolutely, the theme of suffering stands tall in Job. However, I am more effected by the theme of God’s goodness and man’s foolishness/silliness/pride.
“Job does not solve the problem of suffering.” A couple years ago, Bart Ehrman popularized this view. My knee-jerk reaction to this is to disagree, although I might be able to concede parts of his argument. Based on my reading, I would say that Job does indeed address the problem of suffering: Suffering comes from Satan; goodness, relief, and blessing comes from God. (Interestingly, Job created much of his own suffering by assuming that God was the cause of his problems; perhaps this shadows man’s keen ability to create trouble for himself.)
“Job did not sin throughout his suffering.” I’ve heard variants of this since I was kid. I may be missing something, but I disagree (for now) for a few reasons:
First, Job’s attitude is in the dumps. There are moments where he is angry or frustrated without sinning, but there are other moments where his pride and his “I don’t deserve this!” attitude are too much.
Second, as 42:6 says, Job repents. Why would he repent if he hadn’t sinned?
Third, both Elihu and God rebuke job. Why would they rebuke him if he hadn’t sinned?
Genesis
Chapter 12 introduces us to Abram (Abraham). He answers God’s call to move away from home; he divides the land with Lot, who chooses the lovely but deceptive land of Sodom and Gomorrah; he eventually receives a son, Isaac, from his old wife Sarai (Sarah).
A Couple Themes
Blessings. God offers Abram what will become a Bible-long blessing of a “great nation” in 12:2. After defeating Chedorlaomer, Abraham receives a blessing from King Melchizedek of Salem (14:19); you’ll remember that Jesus was “after the order of Melchizedek”. God offers Sarah the blessing of a son (17:16), a blessing to which Abraham upon hearing “fell on his face and laughed” (17:17).
Covenants. God offers Abram a lot of land in a covenant (15:17). He later offers an “everlasting covenant” (17:7) signified by circumcision (17:10-14) that assures Abram that he will “be the father of a multitude of nations” (17:2). Finally, Abraham made a covenant of peace with Abimelech (21:27).
A Few Interesting Things
Abraham’s laughing. He laughs when God tells him that Sarah will have a child (17:17), and he laughs when God tells him he’ll forever bless his multitude of offspring. In both cases, Abraham is actually laughing at God. Eek.
Abraham’s half-truths. In dealing with Abimelech, abraham tells Abimelech that Sarah is his sister, not his wife (20:2), so that no one would sleep with her. Abimelech discovers the lie and insists that Abraham and his descendants not deal falsely with him again (21:22-24).
Sodom and Gomorrah. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is unsettling and disturbing. Abraham’s convincing of God to spare the cities if 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, and then finally just 10 people are found faithful there is interesting (18:27-33); the subsequent destruction of the city demonstrates the city’s horrible condition. The rescue of Lot and his family (19:1-11) is dramatic and haunting; I was particularly disturbed by the men of the city trying to break into Lot’s house to capture the angels.
Following the concerns raised in this post I am very happy to say that I have secured a job with Mandarin Media.
Are you like a Scout? Always prepared for anything? Find out-CLICK HERE
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Organizing for Success
