Today is an interesting day. Yes, it’s a Monday, but that’s not why it’s interesting. Today marks the 161st calendar day since I started work at Duke Energy. And November 16th, 2009, my first day at Duke Energy, was the 161st day since I had been at my old job. So, I’ve been working for as long as I was unemployed. Wow.

My 5-plus months of unemployment seemed a lot longer than my current 5-plus months of gainful employment. Guess that means I’m enjoying what I’m doing!

I still kind of cringe at the thought of me being unemployed. Sure, I had a lot of time to think, to play golf and to be lazy. But the uncertainty that came along with being unemployed put a unique damper on the period. All in all, I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I thoroughly enjoy my work, my coworkers and my company. I tend to think my coworkers like me, too!

Toward the end of my senior year of college I took a class in advertising copywriting taught by the late Mel Helitzer. He passed away earlier this year and was an amazing mind. He’ll definitely be missed. I thought of the class and Helitzer last night as I compiled portfolio materials for an interview today. As I put together the compilation, I come to the realization that I’ve really come a long way in the past five years. Made me think of a classic Virginia Slims tagline Helitzer often quoted: You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby.

 Once I printed out my samples and had them bound at Kinko’s (sorry…Fedex Office), I felt very proud of myself. I felt a sense of professional accomplishment for the first time in a few months. It definitely boosted my confidence as I geared up for the interview this morning. I think the interview went well. It’s a tricky situation that should have some resolution in the coming weeks.

But part of me feels like listening to President Obama and making a “change.”

When I first moved to Charlotte in 2004, my intention was to stay here for three to five years. My five-year anniversary was in June and I’m kind of torn on whether or not Charlotte is the place I’d like to spend the next five years of my life. Sure, I definitely enjoy the city, but I feel there are a lot of other places I could be and live happily. I’m lucky in that I don’t have a spouse or children to think about when contemplating a move … just a house. But as a wise former coworker once said, “Houses sell.” I think this still holds true, even in this economy.

As you probably noticed, this is my first post in quite some time. I just haven’t had much to share as of late. But I’m feeling good about the weeks and months ahead. Fall is my favorite season and I know it will bring cooler temperatures, pretty colors and, of course, a new opportunity for me!

I had my iPod on shuffle this morning and one of the live versions of a Stephen Kellogg song came on. He took a break in the middle of the song to really talk about its meaning:

“You have friends. Then you have Friends with a capital F. People who like you, people who you actually want to pick up their phone call even when you’re in a bad mood. Friends with a capital F; you’ll always pick up their calls, no matter what the hell is going on.”

Not trying to sound weird, but over the course of the past two months, I’ve discovered my true Friends, versus those who are just friends. Don’t get me wrong, friends are still friends and good people. But Friends are a whole different breed. I’ll leave it at that.

As for an update on my life … I’m sorry it’s been so long. I’m still looking for a full-time opportunity. I am doing about 20 hours/week of contract work for a PR firm, which is nice. I’m playing way too much golf, which is also nice. Though I wish my game was doing better.

I’ve found golf to be my saving grace from boredom and (possibly) depression. I’m not sitting around the house as much as I did my first few weeks out of work. I’m actually somewhat busy in my life. Have things to do and a purpose for the day has made this period some much better.

Howdy folks. I know you’ve missed me SO MUCH since my last post. I wish I had a great reason for not posting in such a long time … like finding an awesome job … or meeting the love of my life … or winning the lottery … or making a mean turkey sandwich. In truth, I have no good reason.I’ve been chillin’ out the past couple of weeks, looking for jobs, playing golf, sleeping in and drinking beer. Not too bad for my summer break / free agency.

I did have a five-hour interview on Friday that (I think!) went well. Also started working in an office again today. Am doing some contract work for a PR firm in town. It’ll get me out of the house for 15 to 20 hours a week for now. Today was good. Decided to use public transportation to get to the firm’s downtown office and it worked out very well. I actually like the bus a lot; was able to read a magazine and relax. No worries about parking or driving or anything. Just me, my magazine and my iPod.

Hope to update you again soon. Maybe I’ll even have some good news!

I haven’t been posting as much as I should as of late. But it’s not because I haven’t had the time. It’s mostly because last week was pretty much a “wash” due to the holiday and this week has been somewhat slow as well.Tuesday was busy, though. Went in for a writing test at a local PR agency, then went downtown to spend the afternoon working from friends’ office space. It sure was nice to get out of the house and interacting with people again!

And starting today I will no longer be counting my days of unemployment. I don’t think it’s a good idea anymore, as it’s kind of depressing to see. But I have reached the one-month mark and I must say I’m doing well. I still don’t feel like I’m unemployed. It feels like I’m on a staycation and am due back at work any day now.

Yesterday I sent in my application and supporting documents for a federal contract job. That was, surprisingly, a lot of work for just one application. But I’m happy with the end product and was even happier to get it out the door.

Today has been spent replying to e-mails that have stacked up, catching up with hiring companies and cleaning my kitchen. I guess I’ve been eating at home more often as of late and my kitchen really shows it!