Open Mic

I performed my first open mic ever last night. I was sooooooo nervous for the time leading up to my song. Once I started strumming, it didn't all melt away, but it felt more comfortable. It was so weird hearing my voice through a microphone. Much, much, MUCH different than when I just play in my room. Kind of sounded to me like I was flat the whole time, 'cause it was difficult to match up my voice (which sounded like it was 3 feet in front of me) with my guitar. But I just figured, I've played half the song flat already, might as well finish it flat and be consistent. But I guess it wasn't really flat. I'm rambling... but that kind of reflects my immediate mood after finishing playing. I had the jitters, couldn't stop smiling... it was good. I'm glad my friends encouraged my to do it, and that so many of them showed up to support me! Got some good feedback from other bar patrons, too. Overall, an excellent night. I don't know how to post videos on blogs, so if anyone knows, I'd love the input. For now, go to my friend Roger's youtube video that he took:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAp4wit-4vU

Sentimental Sunday

Lots has happened since the last blog. The only thing I will specifically mention is that the Cubs not only did not make it to the World Series, but they didn't even win a single playoff game. Swept by the Dodgers. One more reason why I don't like L.A.

I am finding that I have more people in my life who care about me than I often realize. This is such a wonderful thing... but I can't figure out how it came to be this way. I'm not sure what has happened over the course of the past 25 years, but I managed to acquire the best group of friends and family possible. It doesn't matter where I go or how we met or what our connection is to this or that. I am so overwhelmed by the people in my life. I don't deserve all of you, but will hold you tight as long as I possibly can, till you turn blue and go limp.

Job Update

I decided not to stay with the job that started on Tuesday. It was a bad fit for me, too much of approaching people, sales sales sales. This new job I got yesterday is as an insurance agent for a company that sells supplemental health/life insurance to union workers. Being the only health insurance company in the U.S. that is itself unionized, it is the only one in this market (since unions usually only buy the services of other union companies when possible), so business keeps growing, and is stable since it's been around since 1924. The downside is it'll be a while till I get a paycheck, since I first have to dish out some money to take training classes and then take the state exam to get my license. Then go through 2 or so weeks of training learning the presentation and how to make appointments, etc. But as soon as I get that down, I'm able to meet with people and sell stuff, which means paycheck for me. What's better about this job than the last is that the people have already said they're interested. They got something in the mail from their union, and filled out a card if they wanted to find out more info and look into supplemental benefits and mailed that in to us. So I will be calling them back, setting up an appointment to meet with them in their home, and going to meet with them and see if they really do want extra insurance or not.

Yes, it is not exactly up my alley. But in the mean time no one else responds to me except these kinds of jobs, so I don't think it's wise to sit around unemployed because I'm being picky. I'll give it a couple months and see if it's a good fit for me and bringing in enough money to pay the bills. If not, I've written another song or two recently, so I can always play my guitar on street corners. Hey... that actually sounds really nice...

It's Labor Day weekend. What are you up to? I'll hopefully meet up with a friend and her family to chill... then do some online training to get ready to take the licensing exam. I know, CRAZY fun. Side note: you should be following the Cubs if you haven't been. I've been predicting they'd win it all this year since about 3-4 years ago. Those of you who've talked to me about the Cubs in that time know this to be true. So mark my words.