Cherney’s Life Story

Spring has finally arrived in the Willamette valley, and maybe not a moment too soon. I can’t tell you how nice it is to see sunshine each day! Riding bike to work, running along the river trail, driving with the sun roof open.. (just for the hell of it).. are all signs that summer is just around the corner. Really, winter wasn’t all that tough this year. It seemed like we had at least one sunny day each week.

I’m excited to report that I have phone interview this Tuesday with a business that is closely aligned with my masters degree. I have never had a phone interview before, shoot… I don’t recall the last time I have actually had an actual private business job “interview.” Maybe the late 90’s? I’m a little nervous, but hopefully that will all go away when I get on the phone with them. I guess it is the unknown that I wonder about. What on earth are they going to ask me?

Hopefully my charm will carry over on the phone, and I will impress them with one of my many skills. The location of the business is near Minneapolis MN. Not exactly a warm location, or even that close to my current home in Oregon. The business is a non profit, with a small staff of 8. They focus on reducing waste and increasing energy efficiency. I need to do a little homework this weekend. I need to read up on Minnesota energy reduction policies, state regulations on waste disposal, as well as research and learn about the business itself. I might even google stalk the people in the business to build a better idea of who they are, give me the upper hand when trying to build a rapport with them.

I’m heading up to Seattle next weekend for another job interview. What are the odds that I get 2 interviews in the same week? I have been applying for 8 months now, and I haven’t heard anything.

They are moving me at work. Yeah, the room that has been my office for 7 years is now becoming a classroom for instruction. I am getting moved to the other end of the building. There are some pro’s and con’s to this move. I think it will be harder on some people in the building, as I will be less accessible to them. On the flip side, my new area will be much quieter, added privacy, and several LARGE windows for natural light. I like the windows part. 7 years in a brick room.. is like living in a dungeon. They are FINALLY letting me out.

Since I will be further away from people, I should totally invest in some nerf shooters. My students and I could have a blast, and not disturb a soul!

I wrote a letter to the super attendant yesterday. I asked him why doesn’t the district do more things that are sustainable? I offered up some suggestions and ideas on how to save money.. Much to my surprise, he not only wrote me back (quickly), he also liked my ideas and passed them on. They had already started a committee to look at some of the things I mentioned. I think I might ask to be on it.

Time to enjoy some sun..

I got word yesterday that my application for the FBI has been terminated. Sad times.. sad times…

I made it through 6 of the 8 phases. But in the end, it wasn’t enough. I have some pretty cool stories from the experience, and I learned a lot about myself. Time to find a new career path!

One positive… any future job interview process will be a cake walk compared this last one.

Read this today.. and liked it:

“I profoundly believe that in this country what matters is what’s in your head, what’s in your heart, what you care about, and what you believe in. It doesn’t matter where you come from; you should rise according to your talent and your ability. “

I don’t know if I have many readers anymore, as I haven’t really kept up with my blog. There is so much happening, and yet so little.. it is hard to write. I’ll do my best to keep you all updated today.

Job search has found no new leads. As I apply for federal jobs, and private sector stuff, I am finding that I am more and more happy with the life that I have. Surprisingly, the idea of working 70 hour work weeks isn’t all that exciting. I suppose for the right job, it would be okay. My current job, hell… NO. I will keep the 40 and nothing more. As I meet people I am learning that the corporate world is cut throat and nothing like government work. Working for a small company is the only way to go, bigger businesses suck your life away and leave you in the dust when they don’t need you anymore.

As each day passes, I am struggling to find the identity (work profession) that defines who I am going to be this next decade. If I knew where I was going to live, I would and could plant roots and develop a new network. Going to Australia this summer is going to be a great break from Eugene. Since I have gone to France, and Australia in the years previous.. Eugene is getting smaller with each passing day.

What is interesting to point out is; should I ever have a family.. my current life would be PERFECT. Well, not perfect.. but pretty damn close. The things that I want to achieve would be less important if there were children in my life. I would want to make an income that would be able to provide for them, but I would also want to SEE them. Do stuff.. Play. Perhaps, getting that teaching license isn’t all that far fetched. I would have one hell of an education if I went back to school again. Where would I find the time though?

I don’t really like living with my parents, but you can’t beat the rent. Free is tough to top. Does this kill other parts of my life? Maybe.. The hardest thing about my current situation is swallowing the pride pill. There is nothing to be ashamed of, yet our society stresses independence above all else. Yet, family is suppose to be the most important thing. Waking up each morning and looking around, I see that I don’t have it bad at all. But, I need to tell myself each morning that this is temporary. That’s how I deal with the pressures that bombard me each day. “This is temporary, and I can move out at anytime.” Being able to pay off bills is huge, and hopefully I will make smart financial decisions when I move out again. Having a larger income would help. I think I live a life where 50k is comfortable, bummer I’m not there yet. So, as I run.. workout.. date.. go to work. I think to myself, I’m happy. Everyone wants more, but being an adult is recognizing that you can’t always have it.

Speaking of dating. . it goes. Not much more to report.

I have a friend who is just staring to go through a breakup.. I feel horrible for them, and wish them the best as they deal with the pain and hurt that is now to follow. Opening your heart to someone can be tough for people, but then to have it ripped from you.. can be even harder. I understand why people are afraid of long term commitment, they can get hurt. On the flip side, if they hurt.. it probably means there was a lot of joy too. Why live if you can’t experience happy and sad. That is to be human.

Spring is starting to show it head in Oregon, and with it comes the pollen. Allergies suck.

But, the new, fresh feeling that comes with spring makes me confident that this year something big will happen. Maybe a new job, a new relationship.. a new something. It is this feeling that keeps me focused on the future, and working hard to reach it.

Have you ever created a list of the happiest 5 moments of your life? I’m going to try to attempt this for my life.

Attending the first UO football game with Loren
Stepping foot for the first time in another country
Earning my undergraduate degree
Finding a sandwich in my bag after a hard day in Reims
Acting on stage for a high school play

However, the best is yet to come!

Okay.

How can people not believe that humans are not contributing to global warming? WTF.

Do people not understand science. What does gasoline turn into when you drive? There is an emission, right? Where does it go?

Among other things, the emission is carbon dioxide. So, this stuff as a liquid is in our ground.. now it is in the air, just in another form. Add the factor of cutting down trees a natural sink (captures CO2), and even more gets put into the atmosphere.

We know that CO2 is a greenhouse gas.

More of it going up, less of it going away.. = global warming. (in the simplest of terms)

I’ve been gone on winter break, thinking my blog was down the whole time. I come to learn that it was my computer having the issues, not my website.. sorry everyone.

Not much new to report, aside from having a relaxing break.

I’m applying for jobs like crazy, catching up on my reading, and watching movies.

Recently, I started to sell my things around my place. Much like my friend who moved to Minnesota, I am getting ready for a big move. Unlike her, I have no idea where I am going.

Work starts up again for me today, and it is kind of good feeling to be back. Not because I LOVE work, but I enjoy doing something with my day. It is nice to help people and feel like I am making somewhat of a difference. As me at the end of the again, and I might say something else. But now, it is still early enough to feel this way.

I am surprised with myself, but I have began an application to work with the Peace Corp. This is a far cry from the FBI.. but I gotta keep my options open.

The Ducks lost on New Years Day.. but my spirits are still riding high for next season. Who knows, maybe they can go back to back?? I certainly know we have the talent on the team. New Years also brought the winter classic for the NHL. Sweet game, make sure to catch it next year. Hockey, outdoors.. need I say more?

Well.. to work I go..