Wednesday, September 26, 2012

SceniCreations: A Slightly Different Direction

Hello Everyone!

I'm not dead! I always seem to forget about blogs. Maybe I just get to busy, or I don't have anything to say for a few days and then I forget, or both, who knows. Anyways that's not what I'm here to talk about! This isn't the why have I not been posting blog, this is a SceniCreations blog!

So you heard about SceniCreations in my last post just about 2 months ago. I have been messing around with fountains, learning new techniques and other fun stuff like that. I haven't build one worthy of selling yet but a few are getting close!

Now for what I am actually here to talk about! I have been thinking of how I could turn this hobby into more of a business. People like fountains but they are limited, and the amount of them I would have to make would be crazy. There are also limitations on time due to drying time. It takes at least a week to make one fountain because you either have to wait for the glue, coating, sealants, or paint to dry between each step. I have been looking into other similar things to do. Then, just a few days ago, the amazing Amy found me a little book. This little book was on clearance for the amazing price of.... one dollar! Sold!

So what was this book? It was simply called, Water Gardens. The book explained everything you needed to know how to make water gardens from the size of a small pot to a decent sized pond with streams and waterfalls. It showed the popular plants and fish you can use and how to take care of them. Now I can't remember what I said in my last post and I'm not going back to look so I will just tell you again if I already did. As a kid I think my favorite thing to do was play in the brook next to my house. I liked to rearrange the rocks to make little dams and pools or make it flow faster in areas. I have always like streams, rivers, ponds, etc. Which is kind of strange because I don't like swimming, I guess I like surface water.

This added a new direction to my idea, instead of doing fountains and miniatures terrain I could focus more on the water aspect. I currently have three areas I am thinking of, fountains, water gardens, and aquariums. Water gardens could be in ground or simple pots with some plants in them. The aquariums be a combination of fountains and water gardens along with fish or other aquatic animals. I am currently working on my first one now. If you read my last blog you know what I am doing for fountains.

The problem now is I have no experience with making actual water gardens, I have a good idea of how to make them and have ideas on things to do, I just don't have the experience. I came up with some plans to make a little river into our pond with a fountain and small pond at the top. It is getting too late to work on this year so it will most likely have to wait till spring. This is kind of disappointing but also a good time to learn more and plan.

This is all for now, I will try to keep you updated as time goes one. There also might be some other random blogs mixed in their too.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

SceniCreations: The Beginning!

Hello Everyone!

You may be wondering where my 48 Days posts have gone. Well it's partly me being lazy and partly being busy. I have put 48 Days on a hold for a bit. I know that isn't how you are supposed to do it but oh well.

So now let's move on to the main topic, SceniCreations! What is SceniCreations you ask? Well it's a little business/Etsy shop that I created! The last few months I have been building a few water fountains and have really enjoyed it. After reading 48 Days it gave me the idea to attempt to make it a way to make money. I then had to come up with a name. I wanted it to be something nature like because everything I make looks like natural things. I then came up with Scenic, I was thinking of nice views, mountains, lakes, and valleys. This all fit what I wanted what I was making to look like. The second part of the name, well I don't think I need to explain it. So now I have Scenic Creations, I looked around and googled it and well... there are a lot of places called Scenic Creations. I wanted my name to be unique and easy to find. This is how I ended up with SceniCreations, also the two c's next to each other bugged me,so one had to go.

I was thinking about things that I could make and realized that fountains are limited. There are many things you can do with them  but there all still generally the same. I want a variety of things to make, this also helps keep me motivated. If I keep doing something new I won't get bored of it, this is why I don't like being a cashier, same thing over and over again for hours on end. I came up with three general categories of things for me to make; fountains, game terrain, and natural looking sculptures. All of these thing require the same general process to make but each have something diffe
rent about them. The fountains and sculptures are the same other than the sculptures you don't need a place for the water to go or an area for a pump. The game terrain is much smaller and needs to be more precise so it will blend in well on a board and with other pieces. If you are wondering what game terrain is, it is things like this  http://www.mind-games.com/temp40/table%20terrain.JPG , it is used for many different table top games.

Over the last couple of weeks I have been pulling everything together, making an email, twitter, etsy shop, and Facebook page. I still have a lot to learn and figure out but I made it to the point where I can open up the shop! You can check it out here! http://www.etsy.com/shop/SceniCreations or Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/SceniCreations or Twitter! https://twitter.com/SceniCreations or E-mail me! SceniCreations@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

48 Days: Income


Hello Everyone!

Today we are talking about income! That one of the reasons that we work, to make money. There isn't a whole lot to talk about today but let's get started.
One of the things people hate doing is negotiating their salary. They are scared of going too high or too low. If they go to high they think they might lose the opportunity because the employer will think you're crazy for asking that much. If you go to low you could lose out on the money they were willing to pay you. When you get to the point where you are discussing your salary they have already decided that they want you. If you make an offer that doesn't fit what they were thinking they will probably just tell you a different amount and you can debate about it from there. They won't give you up just because you made a bad offer, they should work with you to come to an agreement that works for both of you.
You shouldn't think about past salaries, experience, or degrees. This is a whole new job, what you did in the past doesn't matter. What matters is that you can do what you need to do at the new job and you will be paid fairly for it. If you made $20,000 at your old job, it doesn't mean you can't work an $80,000 position. It all depends on what you are doing now, not what you used to do.

1. Is negotiating on a price uncomfortable for you? Describe 3 things for which you negotiated the purchase price.
Yes, Even after learning all these things I still don't like the idea of talking about how much money I should make. I haven't had many opportunities to do this, but at a flea market I negotiated the price over a few things, I got a lower price for buying a couple things instead of them individually.

2. Have you negotiated your income in the past?
So far my jobs have had set hourly wages, you can negotiate a bit after you have been there awhile but it's highly unlikely they will give you more than your yearly raise.

3. Do you realize that in changing companies you may be able to increase your income by 40 to 50% though that is unlikely to happen while moving up in one company?
Yes, a company will only give you small increases over time but if you start at a new company you don't have any salary to go by so you can make much more.

4. What are the guidelines for how much is reasonable? What is fair? Is it always reasonable to ask for more?
There is a general guideline that companies go by, you should make the company 3-5 times more than your salary. You should know what your job is and about how much you should make for your job, you wouldn't ask to get paid a $100,000 salary if you worked at a fast food restaurant, unless you are management.

5. Read Matthew 20:1-15. How does this parable fit what you've learned?
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right. So they went.“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing.  About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?“Because no one has hired us, they answered.“He said to them, You also go and work in my vineyard. “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first. “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius.  So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius.  When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.  These who were hired last worked only one hour, they said, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day. “But he answered one of them, I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?  Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?
This goes along with what I have been talking about with previous conditions not effecting what you should make. You have to figure out what you will be happy making or else you might end up like the first workers and making the same as the people who came later.

6. What would you do if you tripled your current income? What could you offer that would merit that?
I would probably buy a house, get married, and do some other fun things. I'm not sure what the second part is saying?

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

48 Days: Interview

Hello everyone!

Once again, it has been awhile. There really hasn't been a lot to talk about. I was supposed to send out some resumes and stuff but I'm still trying to figure things out so I haven't done that yet. Right now the book is talking about interviews.

The first thing it talks about is how an interview is two sided, it is defined as "to see about each other." It is meant for both you and the interviewer to learn about each other and what you each do. You are there to find out information about the company and position and they are there to learn about you.

It then talks about the do's and don'ts of an interview. You should always prepare for interviews and have answers to common questions planned out. You shouldn't take more than a couple minutes answering a question. You should also avoid filler words. These are words like so, because, like, um, etc. They make you sound unprepared. You should also try to keep eye contact unless you are looking at your notes. You should also have your resume memorized so you can answer any question about it without looking. The most important time to make an impression is in the first 10 seconds. That is when most people make their decision, the rest of the interview is just to confirm their decision. You should look good, walk in confident and give a firm handshake. If you can't make a good impression when they first meet you, your chances drop greatly no matter how good you would be for the job.
Also I still need to find a millionaire, so if you know one or know of one let me know!

1. Can you clearly and easily describe your strongest areas of competence?
Not really, if I gave it a lot of thought I could come up with some things but just off the top of my head I couldn't.

2. Does knowing that interviewing means "to see about each other" make it more comfortable to ask for information about the company and the position?
It does, but the problem I usually have is that I find out all the information I wanted to know before I have to ask. It will help though if I do need to ask about something.

3. Are you aware of any personal habits or annoying filler words that may be part of your personal presentation?
The only thing I can think of is umm and hmm, I use those when I am thinking, I also end sentences in so sometimes.

4. Is your level of enthusiasm contagious?
I wouldn't think so because I'm very quiet. Even if i am excited about something people might not notice. It really depends on the situation and people.

5. What are some unusual questions you know of that have been asked of you or others in an interview situation?
What is your opinion of Franklin high school? I was asked that at an interview after they found out I went to Belmont.

6. How can you be humble and godly and still show confidence?
This is a tricky one for me, because I hate to show off and make myself look good. I would say you just have to tell them your strengths without being too pushy about how great you are, just enough to show that you know what you are doing.

7. Would you ever take a position even if you knew it was not a good fit for you?
It really depends on the position. Generally, I would say no, but if there was an opportunity to move into one you want or it was similar to something you want then I probably would.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

48 Days: What you love!

Hello Everyone!

Today will be a very simple post! All I have is a couple of questions... for you!

1. Are you doing what you love, and what is it? (yes go to question 2, no go to question 3)

2. How did you get to where you are?

3. If you are not doing what you love, why not, what is holding you back?

4. If you could have the opportunity to do anything, what would it be?

Monday, June 11, 2012

48 Days: Search

Hello Everyone!

It's been awhile but I've been busy lately. I have been trying my best to keep up with this and I've been doing pretty good but haven't had time to blog about it. So let's get started!

The book has been talking about job search techniques and how looking in the paper or job sites are the worst way to find a job. The best way is to find a company that you like and contact people that have the power to hire you. You keep contacting them but not an annoying amount, once a week until you get an interview with them or they tell you to stop. The next best way is to use friends and family to get you into the company they work for. They know about jobs before anyone else, most jobs are open to current employees before they offer it to the public.

He has also been giving more tips on resumes and cover letters. I will post mine on here soon once I get it finished. It is hard coming up with all the things you are good at. There are a lot of things you don't think of like problem solving, people skills, and some other areas you don't really think of for putting on a resume. Well now for questions!

1. Are some job markets more secure than others?
Some are more secure but doesn't mean it is a better job. I can't see fast food places closing any time soon and they are always hiring, that doesn't mean you want to work there for the rest of your life. There are many job markets that will be secure but they are usually factory and production type work. Most of the office and technology jobs are always changing. This doesn't mean there bad to work for, it just means you need to be ready for constant change. This all really depends on a lot of factors too, everything is changing so it's hard to say what will be stable and what won't.

2. What are the best places to look for new opportunities in today's workplace.
The best place to find work is through t the company itself. You should find the companies that you would want to work for. Then you should write, email, and call someone with the power to hire you there. If they like you enough they will hire you even if they were not looking for someone at the time.

3. What are the biggest mistakes you've made in the past in looking for positions?
I would say how I have been looking for them in general. I look at job sites and only pick the ones that say I can do. Job sites are almost useless, unless you catch the ad right when it comes out you don't really stand a chance and even if you do your chances are very small.

4. How do you feel about "promoting" yourself?
I hate doing this! Even though I know it's good and what you are supposed to do when looking for a job, it still seems like I'm trying to brag about myself.

5. How do you know when to change jobs or careers?
There are a lot of reasons why you would need to change. If you have hit a dead end in the job, you either want a higher position or a raise but they won't give it to you. You may want a higher level job that company doesn't offer. You may also not like the people or environment that you work in.

6. How should we apply the principles found in Colossians 3:23-24 as workers in this day and time?
Well I will be nice and post the verse so you don't have to look it up! Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
You should look at you're work not as I have to do this to make money but instead as I'm doing this work for God. That might sound a bit strange but try to think of it as your doing it in a way to improve the world and show his love. That also sounds kind of confusing but it is hard to explain. Say you work at McDonalds, you do your job the best you can and do it for God then you will make everyone around you happier and God will be pleased that you are doing your best even if it isn't the best job. That still really doesn't explain it but hopefully you get the idea.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

48 Days: Jobs

Hello Everyone!

The last few days I've had to think about jobs and skills and things like that. It also talked about resumes. It explained how to write a better resume and how to use certain words to make things sound better. Instead of a cashier you can be a customer service and sales representative, it's pretty much what you are but it sounds better on a resume. As I said before my main problem is coming up with the things I like to do and match them with jobs. I have come up with a few ideas but I'm not sure how to make any of them work. I will talk about one of them after the questions.

1. Do you understand your areas of competence?
Yes, It's just thinking of them off the top of my head. If someone asked me can you do this I would know, It's just trying to think of them that I have a problem with.

2. Do you feel trapped because of your current or past work experience?
I don't feel trapped from the work I have done, it's more the lack of work. Everything I look at asked for work experience and I don't have any in the fields I would want to move into. There aren't a lot of entry level jobs in the areas that I like. Although there may be more if I know how to find them, which he will talk about in a chapter or two.

3. Do you recognize how easily your abilities may transfer to a new industry or profession?
Many of the basic skills I have can transfer anywhere. I have customer service skills from working at vista and those are skills that can be used at any job. Even if you don't deal with customers they can help you deal with people in general.

4. Can you see value in those things you may have done as a volunteer through your church or community?
Yes, There have been many experiences from youth group and Boy Scouts that I have taken something from. When helping out around the community you also pick up skills from the work you are doing or you could learn something from the people you are working with.

5. Are there skills or training you need to make you a candidate for the work you love?
I think business training would help me the most. I really don't know how business work or the laws and rules around them.

6. Has God given you abilities that do not match your desires? If you how can you reconcile those?
There are probably a bunch of abilities that I have that I wouldn't use for work. They are good for the rest of life. It's always good to have a lot of skills even if there not ones you use often. Maybe your a good mechanic but you don't want to be one. If your or a friend's car breaks then you would probably be able to fix it. Just because a skill doesn't relate to work doesn't mean it's useless.

I recently started playing airsoft and I really enjoy playing it. A few days ago I came up with the idea of starting an airsoft field. I have been thinking about how it would all work, things I could do, prices for things. The only problem is money. I would have to buy the land, then build some buildings, supplies for the field, buying rental guns, and some other things. As you can see that would add up to a decent amount of money, money I don't have. This is one of the first ideas I have gotten really excited about and it's kind of sad to see that it's not possible right now due to money. That dosen't mean I am giving up on the idea, I still REALLY want to do this, I just need to find a way. I made a poll on facebook, if everyone would vote on it that would be great! If you have no opinion either way then you don't have to, but if you do then please vote!
https://www.facebook.com/questions/10151166988404535/

Sunday, June 3, 2012

48 Days: Me

Hello everyone!

The last few days I haven't had anything to really write about. Today I have questions and they have all the things I have had to think about the last few days. The book seems to have slowed down a lot, it's mostly been think about this, or how are you in this type of situation.

1. In what kind of settings are you most comfortable?
I like working alone or with a few people that I like being around. For social things, I like small parties/cookouts where people just relax eat food and talk. I generally like calm places where you can think and nothing crazy is going on.

2. How do you respond to management?
I am pretty good with management, I'm good at following directions, and unless it's something crazy, I can do what I'm told. I might be a bit mad but it usually doesn't really get to me.

3. How would you manage people?
I would be pretty easy with them. If they get all their work done and the customers are happy then they can do it how they like and at the speed they like. If the job gets done and there aren't any problems then they can do it how they like.

4. Are you better working with people, things, or ideas?
I'm better with things and ideas. I would say I'm best with things because I can never figure out my ideas. I can never come up with a decision or I go too far with them. I'm not really a people person, I can work with people but I would rather keep it to a minimum.

5. Are you more analytical, detailed, and logical, or are you one to see the big picture and respond with emotion and enthusiasm?
I am usually analytical, detailed, and logical. I like to think things out before I do them. I want to know how everything is going to go and what needs to be done before I actually start doing something. If I get really excited about something then sometimes I will just go for it without thinking much first, which usually turns out bad.

6. Are you steady and predictable, or do you seek variety and new challenge?
I'm a little bit of both. I am usually steady and predictable but I always like to try something new if it's something I think I would like. I also really like variety, that's one of the reasons I don't like being a cashier, I just stand there doing the same thing over and over again.

7. Are you verbal and persuasive, or are you the caring, empathetic listener?
I am the caring empathetic listener. I like to listen more that I like to talk. I usually only talk if I'm asked a question or it's something I really want to talk about. I would rather just listen and throw in some things here and there.

8. What strengths have others noticed in you?
The first one that I can think of is that I'm patient. I don't mind having to wait as long as I'm not running late for something, I hate being late. I'm good at solving problems, I'm good at finding out how to figure things out. I might not know how to do it but I can find how you are supposed to do it. People have also said I'm helpfully. Unless I'm really busy with something I will attempt to help almost anyone.

9. What are 5 words or phrases that describe you?
I don't like doing things like this, but here we go. Creative, Patient, Calm, Happy, Nice.

10. In writing your epitaph, what would you want people to remember about you?
Well if I knew what a epitaph was I would tell you, google time! Now that I know what it is I guess I would want it to say something about being a helpful and kind person. That's something hard to come up with. It could also be something funny, Mel Blanc's was "That's all folks!" he did the voice of Bugs Bunny and many other cartoons.

Friday, June 1, 2012

48 Days: Skills, Traits, and Dreams

Hello everyone!

Today the book talked about the three things that shape you as a person and how you do things. The three things are skills and abilities, personality tendencies, and values, dreams, and passions.

Skills and abilities are the things you can do. This is anything you have knowledge of and the ability to do. On average when you are 30 you will have around 200 things you have the ability to do. Just because you have the skills to do something doesn't mean you should do that as your job. You can have the skills to cook but that doesn't mean you should be a chef.

Personality tendencies are they ways you act, think, and interact with the world. They are divided up into four groups and almost everyone can strongly relate to one of the groups.

Dominance (Lion/Eagle) - Takes charge, likes power and authority, confident, very direct, bold, determined, competitive.
Influencing (Otter/Peacock) - Good talkers, outgoing, fun-loving, impulsive, creative, energetic, optimistic, variety-seeking, promoter.
Steadiness (Golden Retriever/Dove) - Loyal, good listener, calm, enjoys routine, sympathetic, patient, understanding, reliable, avoids conflict.
Compliance (Beaver/Owl) - Loves detail, very logical, diplomatic, factual, deliberate, controlled, inquisitive, predictable, resistant to change.

I would say that I fit mostly under steadiness. I think I fit with most the traits under that category. Second closest would be compliance. There are a few traits that I think fit me in this category but not as many as Steadiness. I have a bit of influencing too but not enough for it really to count, and I don't really have anything from dominance.

Values, Dreams, and passions are all of the things you want out of life. Many people push these out of the way thinking they will never happen. You should be doing the opposite, you should be trying to work towards your dreams. There is a reason they are your dreams and passions, it's the things that you want to do so why would you try to avoid them.

The tricky part is now combining these three areas and fining what all works together for you. Everyone is unique so there is no easy way to figure out what you are supposed to do. There are many paths to take you just need to find what you like best. You could have a dream of working with art but you're not a very talented artist. If you are dominate then you could possibly open an art museum or work in management at one, or if you influential then you could be a museum guide or a promoter for an artist. You just have to look at all the possibilities. There may be a job that you would love doing that you wouldn't even think would work with what you want to do. If you want to work at a restaurant but don't want to be a cook then you could be a manager, waiter, greeter, promoter, and probably 10 other jobs that I don't even know about. You need to see what your dreams are then what skills you have fit those dreams then look at your personality and see what job would fit all of those. Everyone is going to come up with something different.

If this post seems crazy and weird, it is because I was lazy and waited until after midnight to do it. I guess I would say I am almost sleep blogging. If anyone has any questions or wants me to explain something better just let me know in the comments.

This might seem kind of strange, but I need to find a millionaire. I have some time to find one but I figured I should start looking. On day 47 I have to take a millionaire out to lunch. If anyone happens to know any millionaires I would like to know!

Monday, May 28, 2012

48 Days: 7 Areas for Achievement

Hello Everyone!

Today was a slightly different chapter than the ones so far. It didn't focus much on jobs but more on the rest of your life. It talked about how there are 7 areas of your life that you have to work with to have a good and enjoyable life. If one area is failing, it will start hurting the other areas too. The 7 areas are Financial, Physical, Personal Development, Family, Spiritual, Social, and Career.

You need to have money to survive, unless you are going to run away into the wilderness and live off the land with no contact with civilization then you are going to need money. Have goals for your savings and make sure to budget your money. If you are failing financially then it will be very hard to support any of the other areas because you don't have any money to do anything. I'm not saying you need to be rich, you just need to know how to use your money or all you will be doing is worrying about it and won't have time for more important things.

Keeping yourself in good physical condition is very important. If you are always sick then it will be hard to work or do much of anything. You have to keep your body in good working order so you are able to work on the other areas. You can have all the money in the world but if you aren't healthy you will end up spending it all to improve your health. This is a very simple thing to do too, although it is hard to get the motivation to just do it. Just try to eat healthy and get some regular exercise in, doesn't have to be a huge work out, just enough to keep your body working and in good condition. 

You should always be learning your entire life. You don't have to go to school and take classes all your life. You can just do simple things like, reading a good book, go to a museum, or try a new hobby. You should always be trying to improve the skills you have and learning new ones. You can even simple listen to an inspirational or educational podcast on the way to work, anything to keep you learning and thinking.

You should always be working towards having a great family relationship. Weather it is with your parents, spouse, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles, everyone. They are the people that care about you most in life and you should do your best to grow with them. Barbra Bush said, "Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but what happens inside your house." Spend some time with your family, it can be as simple as sitting down to dinner with them or going or a short day trip. If you can improve your family life, you will improve your whole life.

You should be trying to live a good life. Always try to be serving God in everything you do, try to follow his calling for you and stick to a good and pure path in life. Try to have some faith in your life, you can take some risks and know that you will come out of it ok. That doesn't mean you should go out and try a bunch of crazy things but you can take some risks knowing that God is there to protect you. This also includes praying and going to church. You don't have to go to church but it is a good thing to go and be around other people with similar view points and you never know what you could learn. You should also pray about everything. Any decisions you make pray about it, happy about something, thank god for it, have a problem, ask God for help. When I say everything I don't really mean EVERYTHING, you don't have to for pray if you should get a McChicken or a McDouble, I'm talking about things that could have an effect on your life.

Everyone needs friends, even if you want to think you don't need anyone try to see how long that lasts. You should try to have a good relationship with your friends. Always be open to meeting new people and try not to be judgmental. You should also try to be involved in the community. Not only will you be helping your community out but it can also help you. People will get to know who you are and will be more willing to help you out, It should even open up some job opportunities. There are six basic ways to get a person to like you, be genuinely interested in them, smile, remember their name, and be a good listener. These are all simple things anyone can do and they can make a huge difference in the way people think of you.

Last but not least is your career. Your career should be something that supports all the other areas of your life. You should love they work you do and always be trying to learn more about it and always improving. If you find a career that is meant for you, it won't even feel like you're working. Your career isn't simply just your job, it's all your hopes and dreams for life. The is your part of the 7 areas, it's what you want to be doing and what you enjoy doing. It should work together with all the other areas and pull them all together.

This chapter also talked a lot about goals and how they are important. If you set some goals and stick to them, you are much more likely to succeed than if you don't. When you make goals, you are making a plan for your life. You are determining what you want to be done and when you want it to be done. Many people joke around with New Year's Resolutions, but they are actually a very good way to get you started for the new year. It can give you motivation and something to be working towards. The point of seeing goals is to constantly be improving and having a new objective to reach. 

Now for questions!

1. Are you a goal setter? Do you typically set goals at the first of the year? If not, why not?
It really depends, usually I'm not but if I'm determined then I will set some goals. I try to come up with something at the beginning of the year but I usually forget about them. The only time I have succeeded was with the Bible in a year plan. I would probably do better if I wrote them down. 

2. How would you describe your current focus on work?
I have just been looking around on job sites for work. I want to get away from the job I have now but I'm not sure where to go. If I had so describe it in one word, I would go with searching.

3. What hobbies do you have? What other skills and interests do you have?
My main hobby is skiing, I love skiing and go every winter. I'm also getting into airsoft now which is a lot of fun. I also like to do crafty things and play games. You can see the list later in this post to see some of my other skills and interests. 

4. How are you involved in your community?
I'm not very involved right now other than what I do at the church. I used to do a lot through the Boy Scouts. Last year I helped with a big event in New Hampton, I helped park cars and direct people to where they needed to go. I've done a few little things here and there too. 

5. What was your father's or mother's attitude toward work and how has that affected you?
I would generally say they think you should work hard and get the job done. I would say that I try to do that in my work. Even if I'm not in the best of moods or things aren't going right, I'll still try to get the work done the best I can. 

Although it's not part of today's assignment I decided to make a couple lists. They keep saying that you already know what you enjoy doing but most people just can't think of it, so I decided to make a list of all the things I can remember doing that I liked as a kid. I'm sure that I missed a lot but these are all the things I can think of at the moment. I also made a list of some rough goals. I didn't put much detail into them, I just wanted to see what a rough outline would look like. Well enough talking, here they are!

Things I liked to do as a kid

• Play in the river
• Build things
• Crafts
• Drawing
• Skiing
• Playing in the woods
• Video games
• Art
• Cook
• Imagine
• Design


Goals and Stuff

Five years - 5/2017
• Married
• House
• Job I love
• Financially secure

One year – 5/2013
• Have a good job
• Saving money
• Married/engaged/almost
• be in better shape, around 180lbs

Six months – 12/2012
• have a job/searching for jobs/business plan
• Exercising regularly
• Reading and learning more
• The planning for future

One month - 7/22
• Have a plan
• Start learning more
• Start exercising more
• Know start to understand calling

Well I think that is a record for me writing, other than school papers. It's strange because I usually don't like writing but I actually enjoy making these blog posts. I put it into word and it's just about 5 pages, normally I would hate writing something that long. I guess you never know what you will enjoy until you try it!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

48 Days: Vocation, Career, and Job

Hello everyone!

This chapter talked about the differences between a vocation, career, and a job. Most people use these words as if they have the same meaning, or a similar meaning, but each one is actually defined differently.

A vocation is what your calling, purpose, mission, and destiny are. This includes everything you want out of life, everything that has meaning and makes a difference. Stephen Covey says, "to live, to love, to learn, and to leave a legacy." That is what a vocation is, it's what you want out of your life, all the things you enjoy and that make an impression on the people around you. This would also be considered God's calling for you. It is your purpose in life, the thing you where meant to love to do. Many people have a hard time finding their calling, when they do and try to achieve it they can do great and amazing things.

A career is your line of work but it doesn't have to fulfill anything. You can have a meaningless job that you hate doing and you are never going to go anywhere with and that's still a career. Career is defined as "to run or move at full speed, rush wildly."" It doesn't mean you will get anywhere it just means you will be working hard. A career has nothing to do with what you like doing, it's just whatever you happen to be doing. A career can also be a job you love, but it doesn't have to be, it's just simply the work that you are doing.

A job is generally, what you do to produce income. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it gives you a paycheck. A job is defined as "a lump portion, a task, chore, or duty." It is simply the work you do to produce money. You will have may have many jobs over your life but they shouldn't get in the way of your vocation or calling. In Hebrew the word, avohah, means both work and worship. To them working their daily jobs and worshiping in the temple had the same meaning. It was all considered service to God. This is why it is best to have a job that is you're calling, it will just make your life so much better and you will be happier and able to do more than you even knew you could do.

Now it's time for questions!

1. In today's rapidly changing work environment, is it realistic to expect a job to provide more than just a paycheck?
There is a good chance that you will get the basic benefits but even that is starting to go away. Right now though you can generally expect benefits from a full time job. Outside of that, you would be lucky to get any more than that.

2. Have you ever had a sense of calling in your life? How did you hear that calling?
This is a tough one for me. I know there are things that I love doing, it's just hard to remember them. There all there it's not that I have forgotten, it's just that they don't come to mind. I would say it's when you find something and you just completely love and enjoy what you're doing. You may hear someone talk about it, read about it, or actually do it.

3. Does God call only a few people?
No, He calls every one, just in different ways. A lot of people only thing pastors and ministers have a calling to do Gods work, but actually, anyone can. It doesn't matter what your job is, it can still be your calling. A persons calling may be a carpenter, a factory worker, a layer, a janitor, or almost anything, If they love what they are doing and it just feels right to them it is there calling.

4. Is it reasonable to expect our work to be part of the fulfillment of our calling?
Yes, It should be part of your calling. Your calling is what you are meant to do in life, so your work should reflect your calling. It doesn't have to directly be your calling but it should go along with it. If you like helping children you could be a teacher, a nurse, a museum guide, or work at a day care. They all will have an effect on children even if the job isn't directly related to them. Your calling is the thing you want to do in life so you should want a job that matches it.

5. Do you currently have a job, a career, or a vocation?
I would say I have a job and a career. I do work and I get paid at the end of the week so that fits as the definition of a job. It's a career because I feel it's going nowhere. It's Just what I do to make some money. I do enjoy they Youth Director job a lot but I wouldn't say it's my vocation. It's closer to it than my other job though.

6. What does success mean for you this year?
I would say finding a better job that I would be able to live off of would be my current goal. I would like to have the ability that I could support myself from the job that I have.

7. Are you where you thought you'd be at this stage of life?
I was hoping I would already be beyond where I am. I was hoping to have a job right out of college and be making some decent money at a job I like doing. That didn't happen so I've been searching with no luck so far, and now I'm here seeing if this book can help.

8. Do you go home at night with a sense of meaning, purpose, and accomplishment?
From Vista I rarely do. The only thing I get out of it is when I can help customers, the rest is rather blah. I do a lot more from the Youth Director job. I like seeing the kids learn and knowing that I helped in the process, but even still I don't feel like it's my purpose in life. I enjoy doing it but it's not my calling.

9. If you want different results next year, what will you change in what you are doing now?
I will have to work harder in looking for a job. The job sites can only do so much, you have to go out and find the jobs yourself and make then want to hire you. If I go for starting a business, I have a lot of learning to do as far as how businesses work and actually deciding on something I want to do.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

48 Days: Change Pt. 2

Today is an only question day! Nothing to read today just some questions to answer, so here they are!

1. Respond to the statement, "All progress requires change, but not all change is progress."
You can't get anywhere without change, even in the simplest of things. If you want to get out of bed in the morning, you have to change from laying down to standing up. I think that's a very simple explanation but it shows that everything required change. This is a little extreme example of how not all change is progress but anyways. Say, you own a business, you decide that to come into your store customers have to pay $20 at the door. That is a change to your business but it will also destroy your business, I don't know anyone that would pay money just to go in a store. I know that's something that would probably never happen but it shows the point, well actually they have pay bathrooms in cities and stuff, but that's different.

2. What statement describes your career path so far?
I don't really know how to describe it. I had a couple jobs for a short time and I've been with my current job for about 4 years now.

3. How has a company change affected you? How did it make you feel?
It can be annoying at first but then you get used to it. The only one I can think of that can still be a bit annoying is how they angled the registers, its hard to get a cart into them if your coming the other direction and the cashier is trapped on the last one, you have to squeeze behind the soda cooler to get out. I've been able to deal with them all the just get a bit annoying sometimes.

4. Have you experienced any "failure" in your career? If so, what did it lead to?
The only failure I can think of at the moment is being short money at the service desk. There have been a couple times it's happened. All they do is not let you work at the service desk for a few weeks and try to figure out how you messed up.

5. What were your childhood goals and ambitions for life? Which ones have you been able to fulfill?
This is a tough one! I can remember that the jobs I wanted as a child where an architect, roller coaster designer, scientist, or landscape designer (mainly water features, rivers, ponds, fountains, etc). I wanted to learn how to ski, which I have accomplished. I can't really think of any real goals I had, although I think that I wanted to invent something, I didn't care what, I just wanted to invent something.

6. Who are 2 or 3 people you know who seem to have accomplished their dreams? What do you remember about their accomplishments?
I can't think of anyone I know that has done that. Most everyone I went to school with are either in college, that military, or working some other job. I'm sure plenty of people I know have accomplished their dreams but I can't think of anything that stands out, or maybe they never mentioned it.

7. What do you imagine your retirement will be like?
I would like to be able to travel around, go skiing in the winters, and just enjoy life without having to have a job to worry about. Have a nice peacefulness cabin up in the mountains.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

48 Days: Change

Hello Everyone!

Today I read chapter 2. It talked about how jobs are changing and they are no longer how they used to be. You used to find a company and you would stick with it until you retire. Now it is more common for people to jump around jobs improving as they go instead of trying to climb higher in a single company. The average an employee stays at a company is now 2.2 years, by the time your 45 the average person could have up to 20 different jobs. People are also starting to shift from large corporations to small businesses.

The main point of this chapter was change. It talked about how you have to be able to adapt to change and enjoy it to survive in the world today. It will be very hard to have a single job your whole life now, so you have to be able to adapt. They are not saying that people are getting fired and then finding new jobs, although sometimes that's the case, it's just saying people get tired of a company and move on the a better job for them. It also said looking for jobs in the paper is a bad idea. Only about 12% of jobs are posted in papers and they are usually open before they made it to the paper. You have to learn the companies you would like to work at and personally contact them to see what they have to offer, or what you have to offer them. You can be hired for a position that doesn't even exist if you can convince a company that they need you.

Question time!

1. How close to the national average are you in length of your jobs?
My current average is about 1 year, although i have had my current job for about 4 years now. All the other jobs I had were around 1/2 to 1/4 of a year. My current job has been about twice the national average and my others have been under.

2. Were the changes in your work a result of circumstances or something you did?
My first job at the dog track was only a summer job so I guess that would be a result of circumstances. McDonald's I quit because I just didn't like it there, I would have rather had no job than that job so I guess that would be something I did. My two current jobs I still have so no changes there.



Tuesday, May 22, 2012

48 Days: What Is Work?

Hello everyone!

It's day 2 of 48 days and things are already going well! Today the booked talked about what work is. What the difference between work and play is and how they can be the same thing. It talked a lot about how work turns into the thing you do to make money and not the thing you enjoy doing. It was interesting seeing how some of the people he has talked to defined work and play, and talked about their own situations.

Today there were questions so here they are!

1. Who gave you your first job? What kind of job was it? How much money did you make?
I'm not exactly sure what he means by that but I'm guessing its the first place I worked. MY first job was at the Belmont Dog Track. I was a Lead-Out, brought the dogs to the starting boxes at the beginning of races. Im not sure the exact pay but I made around $200 every 2 weeks.

2. From looking at your work life so far, what has been of the greatest value or worth?
Seeing the kids in youth group grow, having fun, and learning.

3. If your job changes, does your purpose change?
My purpose at my job may change but general purpose in life would stay the same no matter what the job is.

4. Do you  think your current job will exist five years from now?
I don't see why it wouldn't unless the store goes bankrupt, which from how busy it can get I don't think is a problem any time soon.

5. What would be the key characteristics of an ideal job or career?
Something that I really enjoy doing. Not having one repetitive task, multiple things that I have to do with out being too overwhelming.

6. When you daydream, what do you see yourself doing?
There are many things I have thought about, architect, computer repair, landscape designer, youth director, and probably more that I cant think of at the moment.

7. What have been the happiest, most fulfilling moments in your life?
There are a lot that I  know are there but I cant think of them all, here are a few. graduating college, achieving Eagle Scout, being able to have Amy as my girlfriend, being Youth Director, hiking Mt. Chocorua(hiking in general), helping at Amazing Grace Farm, Soulfest, and finishing projects that I enjoy.

8. If nothing changed in your life in the next 5 years, would that be OK?
It would probably be able to deal with it but it definitely would not be what I wanted. There isn't any way for me to move on with the job I have now, they don't offer full time to regular employees and they only give yearly raises. I could survive if nothing changed but I would be pretty miserable. Pretty much, No, it wouldn't be OK.

Monday, May 21, 2012

48 Days

Hello everyone!

As I mentioned in my last post I was going to read the book 48 Days To The Work You Love. Well last Saturday we went to Lexington Mass. for a youth leaders conference, which was great, after we decided to shop around and we came across a Barnes and Nobel. I found the book there and decided to buy it.

Today is my first day of reading it. The book is broken down over 48 days, each day there is an assignment. They are all things like read a chapter, answer some questions, make a plan, make a list, ask some people something, etc. Today's was to read over the schedule and to read the introduction.

From the intro and schedule, it seems it will be a very helpful book. A lot of what he says is things I've thought of or wanted to learn and he make some very good points. Another thing he mentioned in the beginning was a few tips to keep in mind while doing this. The first is to talk to everyone and let people know what you're doing. That is why I am going to try to blog about it every day, maybe not every day but whenever something interesting comes up. Most of the people I know I don't see often so posting this online is the best way to let people know. Another thing he said to do it to write out the answers of the questions and not just think about them, if you write them down they stick more than just thinking about them. I don't like writing so I figured I could answer them here. Also that way I could get some feedback on what I'm thinking.

Well that is all I have for now. I hope this book really works out and helps me find something I would enjoy doing. I will see you here again soon!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Work and Running

Hello Everyone!
I know it's a few days late but here I am anyways! I guess I will start with work.
I'm not sure if any of you have heard of Dave Ramsey, but Amy and I took his Financial Peace University classes a month or so ago and leaned a LOT! He has great advice when it comes to money and how to spend it. Of all the 13 lessons only one was on making money, the rest were on spending it wisely and how to save, give, etc. I really got a lot out of the class but the only problem is that I really don't have the money to do anything because I only have a part time job.

As you all probably know I've been job hunting but I haven't had any luck yet. That's when I came up with the photography idea but didn't have much luck with that as you can see from my last blog. I went back to Dave's site to see if he had any good tips or info there. I found some stuff but forgot about it by the next day. Then the other day Amy was listening to one of his CDs we got from the class. She then reminded me about one of the books that Dave recommends. So we looked into it and found his top recommended books for jobs. I checked them out and decided that there were four I thought could help and want to read. They are, 48 Days to the Work You Love, Quitter, The Power of Who, and EntreLeadership. I'm most likely going to start with Quitter. I read the sample on my Kindle last night and it sounds good. I want to actually buy 48 Days because it has things in it you need to fill out and check off so it wouldn't work as well on the Kindle. The other two I will check out once I'm done with these.

I will still be searching for jobs but hopefully these books will help me find something that I've been missing or give me some business ideas. Another thing that Dave said on his site is that you already know what you love to do, you don't have to go out in discover something new, you have just forgotten about it or are too busy to do it.

Well that is all for work related things as of now so on to running! The other day Amy, Julia, Connor, and I decided to go walking down the WOW Trail. We were talking how we don't really work out and we have been wanting to go hiking for a couple years now. Connor decided to challenge us to run every day and that he wouldn't stop bugging us till we did.

I was lazy the first few days but decided to go for it today. I think I might have overdone it for the first day but oh well it felt good! I ran 2.32 miles in about 40 minutes. My legs hurt while doing it but i feel fine now that I have rested for a bit and could probably do it again! I might actually go for a walk later. Now I will try to run more. I'm sure I won't do it every day but I'm going to try to as much as I can. Hopefully this summer we will go hiking a lot, we will have to go at least once or twice!

That is all for now, See you all soon! Bye! : )

Monday, May 14, 2012

Day 44: Oh well...

Hello everyone! So that 40 day challenge... yeah... uhh... I guess we will call this a failure, well it want a failure, I learned a lot. I just didn't complete my goal. Lets see where I am at now.

I have pretty much decided that a photography business isn't for me. Its a good hobby and I can make a little money on the side but nothing I would ever want to do full time. I'm just not a people person and that's kind of important when it comes to photography.

Now I'm back on the hunt for a job, or come up with another business idea. I like the idea or running a business I just have no idea what I would want to do. Well I guess that's my main problem, I don't know what I want to do. There are a ton of things I enjoy doing but none of them I would like to do for a living. I need to find the thing I would actually enjoy doing every day.

Well I might consider doing another 40 day challenge but not just yet. I need to think more into this before I just go for it. I have no idea what the goal would be anyways.

Also random info! Connor is forcing Amy, Julia, and me to run. I don't know how bad it will be but I guess he will be constantly bugging us until we run. I need the motivation though, It would be nice to get in shape.
I don't really know what else to talk about now but I feel like I have more to say. I guess I will sleep on it and come back tomorrow if I come up with anything.

Anyways.. Happy Mothers Day!

Actually I missed it by a half hour.... uhhh....

Happy Belated Mothers Day!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Day 24: Photoventure #2

Time for another Photoventure! This time it was around my house. I also only used my 35mm f/1.8 to challenge myself to move instead of zooming. I decided to go exploring in some of the woods I haven't been in before. I found a nice stream which I followed for most of the time. I managed to get through it all with only one wet shoe, there where many close calls but I managed to get out before falling in.
Enough talking... here are the pictures!
The Tallest Flower
I started off when I noticed a bush by the pond was blossoming so i decided to take some close ups like I did a few days ago.
New Blooms
I got a nice close up of one of the blossoms. f/1.8 seems to be a bit too much as the back of the bloom starts to melt into the background.
Lonely Quartz
I found this big chunk of quartz laying in a swampy area with some other rocks. It really stood out and caught my attention so I decided to take a few pictures of it.
Mossy Quartz
I liked the moss growing on it, the greens and whites go together well.
Woodland River
Here is part of the stream I was following. It's not a great shoot but I couldn't seem to get what I was seeing, something that I need to work on some more.
Waterfall
I really like this shot! I don't know what it is but I just really like it. Its a little waterfall like thing going down the stream.
Stream Islands
The stream got wide at this point with lots of mossy rocks, they kind of look like little islands in the stream.
Beyond the trees
There was a fallen tree going across the river so I look a picture through it. I tried focusing on the river and on the tree. The tree version came out mush better.
Rooterfall
There was a tree root going across the stream causing a little water fall, I liked the look of it with the tree right next to it.
Chipmunk on a poll
When I returned home I found this guy trying to climb the bird feeder. Amazingly he didn't run away and I got a pretty good picture of him seeing I only had my 35mm.

That is the end of another Photoventure! I had a good time exploring my woods and taking some pictures. Now for other news! I found this website called Trello, it's a site where you make lists. Its very good for organizing so I decided to make a board for the business. Although It doesn't exist yet It's helping me keep my ideas and things organised.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Day 16: Flowers!

I noticed that our pear tree had blossoms on it and thought this would be the perfect time to take some pictures. I was able to get some great pictures that I wouldn't be able to get with first lens. So here they are!
Pear Flower 1
Pear Flower 2
Pear Flower 3
Pear Flower 4
Pear Flower 5
Pear Flower 6

I'm still watching videos to learn some more lightroom. There is just so much that program can do! I also started reading Stobist, it's a blog about lighting. Now I want to get some basic lighting equipment.
Well that is it for the photography update today. But I also found this poem thingy that I like... Here it is!

     Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
     Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
     Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
     Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
     Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
     Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
     Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
     And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
     Strive to be happy.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Day 13: New Lenses!


I bought two new lenses on eBay last week! I lucked out and won them both for about $100 less than they cost new! It would cost about $500 for them both and I got them for $300! The first lens is a AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED and the other is a AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8. I picked the 55-200mm because I wanted to be able to zoom some more than I could with my kit lens. There have been many missed opportunities just because I couldn't get close enough. The 35mm is a good lens to improve your skills, it forces you to move instead of zooming. It also has a low f-stop you you can get some nice bokeh. 

Roak wall
35mm - Here is a simple shot of a rock wall. I took this to test the lens out, it was used so I wanted to make sure it was working right, everything came out sharp and clear!
Bird House
35mm - Here is a shot of a birdhouse. I took this to test out the depth of field at f/1.8, Bird house is nice and sharp while background is smooth and out of focus
Waterfall
35mm - I thought this would be a nice shot with the water and rock wall. Grass got over exposed because it was very bright out but the wall was very shaded. Other than the grass the shot came out nice.
Brook
35mm - A simple shot of the brook by out house. No reason for it other than I thought it would be a nice shot.
Nicole
55-200mm- One of the girls from my youth group. Shes way too photogenic, probably going to be a model some day.
Hanna
55-200mm- Another girl from the group. Something weird happened with the lighting here, Can't seem to figure out what?
Justine
55-200mm- Another girl from the group. Easily captured her swinging while staying sharp and no blur.

I may have a photoventure tomorrow! If not sometime next week. I also have some photo shoots set up in the next couple weeks. Other than that my next step is learning to use Adobe Lightroom better. I have the basics down but their is still alto to learn!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Day 8: Photoventure #1

Wait... What? You just said that you are on day 10? Why are you posting this as day 8 of the challenge?
Well here is your answer. The blog didn't exist till now and I felt like sharing the first Photoventure.
Now you're probably wondering, What is a Photoventure?, Well it's a thing I came up with to help improve my photography. I pick a location and then I go out, this time with Amy, and I take pictures. The best way to improve your photography is to take more pictures, so that is exactly what I am doing!

This Photoventure began in Lakeport on the Wow Trail. It was a cold and very windy day so that made things difficult and didn't get many pictures because of it. Now lets move on the the pictures!


 Amy
The first shot is of Amy on a bridge that goes over the trail and train track. It took a lot of work to get the power lines out of the picture. We wanted the building out of the picture but couldn't find a good way to do it. Anyways it came out pretty good.

Rocky Shore
As we went down the trail, we found a clearing that went down to the water. For some reason i liked the look of the pebbles on the little beach so i took a picture of the water washing over them.

Amy Picturing
While looking for some pictures to take I decided to get a candid picture of Amy taking a picture. The bags kind of bug me but hey what can you do about it.

Munk on a Root
I noticed some chipmunks running around in the clearing and tried to get a picture, which was hard because I didn't have a telephoto lens. I like the shot anyways, just something nice about it.

Windy Amy
Later that day we got to a train bridge. I went down below next to the water and took a picture of Amy looking over. I like the look of her hair in the wind, she will probably yell at me for posting this.... I love you!

Rail
The bridge had this middle set of track like things. I'm not sure what they are used for but I thought it made a pretty good picture.

Rails
Here is another shot of the rails from above. The overcast sky gave the picture a weird look but I changed it to B&W and it turned it into a nice shot.

Tracks
We decided to walk across the bridge that had big gaps so that you could fall to your watery death if you missed a step! It wasn't really that bad still a bit scary, luckily there were no trains running.

Gerbil
When we returned home, we decided to play with my gerbils. I decided to try out my new 55-200mm lens that decided to get here AFTER we went on the Photoventure, you lucked out this time chipmunks!

Anyways that is the end of the first Photoventure. I hope to do another one soon, just need to pick another location and have a free day. Until then, more reading and watching videos so I can learn some new skills for next time.

40 Days

40 days... you can do a lot in 40 days. A few weeks ago, Air1 started their 40 days of service, a project where they want people to help in their community or in any way they can for 40 days to try to make a difference somehow. I thought this concept was interesting but didn't really think of it beyond that. At the time, I was trying to figure what I was going to do as far as a job. I didn't get the job I was hoping to get and really had nowhere to go from there. So I started looking into hobbies and starting a business or just about anything I am interested in. I decided to look at Reddit for some help and motivation. While on my search through sub-reddits I found the 40 Day Challenge. The point of it was to try to accomplish something in 40 days. So that got me thinking again about the 40 days to do something. I finally came up that I would try to get a job, start a business, or at least have a plan for what I am going to do with work in 40 days. 

It is now day 10 of the challenge. I have pretty much given up on the computer field. I would hate to waste the degree I got in Computer Science but I just can see myself doing that now. So I moved on to my next hobby, Photography. I started looking into starting a business and the skills you need. Well I found I have a lot of room to improve. But I’m not letting that hold me back, I picked up a photography book and have been watching a series on portfolio critiques. 

My next step is to continue learning and to find the type of photography I like. I'm not much of a people person so I would think portraits are out of the picture, get it... out of the picture.... anyways my that is my current challenge. If photography doesn't work out then I don't know where I go from here. I still have 30 days to find out so let’s see where this takes me!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Welcome

Hello everyone and welcome to the Mind of Kimball!
This will be my blog to dump anything I find interesting, keep up to date with people, do some fun things, and help keep me motivated. I will be posting some "real" posts soon but I felt like I should make an introduction to this blog!