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!

This first thought has nothing to do with my search for employment, but rather an exciting series of events. Two of my most-recent exes experienced some excitement in their lives recently. One was married two weekends ago and another became engaged on Friday. I’m actually happy for both. But it makes me feel like Dane Cook’s character in the movie “Good Luck Chuck,” not that I’ve seen it yet. I’ll look for it in the Red Box later this week.I decided to make Friday a fun and free day. The Friday before last was slow and boring, and it affected my mood going into the weekend. So I was determined to make this past Friday a good one. I went to the pool in the morning and washed my car in the afternoon. I know, exciting!

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?

Even though my schedule hasn’t been packed with meetings or tasks, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were productive.Tuesday: Actually slept past 9 a.m. for the first time in weeks. I guess I had fallen behind on my sleep. Spoke with a potential employer at 11 a.m., which went well. I spent the rest of the day doing things around the house, then drove to Concord, N.C., to pick up some PRSA Charlotte materials from a colleague. Never realized Concord was so far away. But, it was good to get out of the house and enjoy some car time.

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!

Friday was the first time in these two weeks that I experienced some down time. Yes, I was bored. This ruined my positive outlook and it carried through to the weekend. I even woke up this morning less than enthusiastic, but that changed at 10 a.m.I had a good interview this morning and am much happier. I have e-mails to respond to and work to complete. I think today will be a late one, as I plan to clean out my inbox, do some nonprofit work I’ve been putting off, clean (again) my house and, maybe, take a nap.

I need to develop a list of tasks to complete when I have downtime in the future. I have paperwork to file away and cabinets to clean out. There’s stuff to do, but sometimes it can be a “downer” knowing that I have nothing pressing to complete.

Contemplating following through on a trip to D.C. in mid July to see friends and the Cubs play the Nationals. Flights to Baltimore are cheap, probably cheaper than driving. But I may drive just to have some time to think on the road. I may also swing over to Ohio to see family and friends, but who knows? Mid July is still some time from now, and my life my change drastically in the coming days and weeks. Perhaps driving is the best option, as I’m not tied to any schedule.

I had nothing scheduled today, nothing at all. No lunches, no coffees, no awkward appearances at my former employer. Just Lee time. Oh, you don’t know what Lee time is? Well, I guess I don’t know either. It just sounds exciting!

I worked out of my home office all day. I started out replying to a potential employer with some samples of my work, I then conversed electronically with another business owner. He invited me in on Monday for an interview! Yes, I’ll have my first interview in about three years. I have no idea what to expect. Do interviewees still bring chocolates or apples or homemade cookies to the interviews? Just kidding, I’ll just bring myself. And you, if you’d like to come along!

The rest of the day was spent applying for more jobs, trying to clean out my inbox, doing laundry, watering plans, making a taco salad for lunch and a little unpacking of my possessions from my old workspace. I really don’t know how I accumulated so many “things” at that place. It’s crazy!!

Friday may be a little slow in the life of Lee J. Freedman. My main goal is to clean out my e-mail inbox. I’ll also straighten up my house a bit, as Steph and Zach are coming back through Charlotte on Saturday and I’ve been a little messy this week. Maybe I’ll look into playing a round of golf tomorrow! Maybe the pool! Or maybe I’ll just sit at my computer and find something productive to do. That probably would be best. Holla!