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!

Taxi drivers offered their Hackney Carriage licence forms in Braille

Taxi drivers applying for their Hackney Carriage licence are being offered the forms in Braille by a council. 

Braille ad in Taxi Driver Application form

The document, issued by Portsmouth City Council, makes clear that it is also available in large print or audio format for those with sight problems.

A notice at the end reads: “You can get this Portsmouth City Council information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language….”
 
The council, a member of the Plain English Campaign, defended the forms.

Head of customer services Louise Wilders said: “Obviously, a taxi driver would not need the Braille version, but they might find a foreign language version helpful.

“The form is also for employers to fill in – they could need a Braille version.”

The Braille system is a method that is widely used by blind people to read and write. Braille was devised in 1821 by Louis Braille, a blind Frenchman.

Each Braille character or cell is made up of six dot positions, arranged in a rectangle containing two columns of three dots each.

At first, I was a little put off by the message. Then I literally took a step back to look at the bigger picture:

I laughed at myself for taking the initial message seriously. In the end, I think this is a very clever and comical marketing message. Best of all, it was probably developed by the Blind Man himself. I wonder if he’s ever been yelled at for being insensitive…

 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!

“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.

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!

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!

I ended up playing golf on Saturday and, evening though it was hot, I had a great time. I need to look for more golf deals and take advantage of this extended break.

Monday was spent trying to figure out how to apply for a federal job. I found a 14-month contract position that’s open, but applying is a pain in my arse. I had to request a college transcript for the first time in my life. It made me realize that NO ONE has ever asked to see proof of my college education. Heck, for all they know, I could have gone to Bob’s College of Knowledge instead of Ohio University. Do they have a good football team?

Wednesday: Went to a PRSA Charlotte board meeting and luncheon. Both were great. I got to catch up with some friends and heard about a potential 14-month contract position. The luncheon featured an entertaining media panel.

Thursday: Well, Thursday’s only half done right now, but it’s been productive. I went to FedEx Office this morning to have some of my work samples bound, then headed to an interview. This in-person interview was a follow up to the phone interview on Tuesday. I feel as if it went well and I look forward to seeing how the cards play out.

On tap for the rest of the day: I have a phone call with Rabbi Danielle from Hillel at Ohio University at 2:45 p.m. In between now and then, I think I’ll reply to some e-mails, do a load of laundry, clean up my house a bit and make stir fry for lunch.

I appreciate you checking in on me and my adventure. I look forward to sharing more of the struggles and successes in the coming days!