Gratitude.  I’ve been trying to focus on gratitude more recently, and I realize it can easily escape my thoughts.   It is very common to think about what I don’t have, or what I haven’t accomplished.  Being happy with what I’m doing in the moment or what I have already finished is a lot more rewarding.

Here is a clip that a friend shared on Facebook that I really liked:

Last November I shared the news that I would be laid off in December.  This came to pass, and I was lucky enough to find a couple short freelance jobs this winter.  After two months of applications, I amazingly found a full time job.  Believe it or not, the job is in my field, and at a company I wanted to work for.  (Brella Productions)  I don’t have to move away from the Chicago area, and I can continue to grow in my profession.

Jumping ahead, yesterday was the start of the Baha’i Fast.   It lasts for a Baha’i month, or19 days.  Each day Baha’is fast from sunrise to sunset with no food or water.  I’ve been doing this since I was 15 years old and each year brings different blessings.  I hope to blog more often this time about my process.  Yesterday wasn’t too difficult, and it felt like the beginning of a journey.  The first few days can be a challenge because I adjust my schedule to wake up earlier and I drastically cut back my caffeine.  I’ll share more as it comes.

This is a video I helped film in North Carolina this fall. 

The Inauguration of President Barack Obama - The Big Picture - Boston.com

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Season 2 Online Premiere - Flight of the Conchords (US Only) - watch more funny videos

The economy is bad.  I’ve been listening and reading news stories for weeks, but recently this really hit home.  Last week I was notified that I would be released from my current job in about a month.    It was a major surprise.  After a few days to collect my thoughts,  I realize it is not all bad news.  I am leaving only because of budget issues, as in there were not enough funds, and half of the department was released.  This job has been amazing when I consider the content I’ve worked on, along with who I’ve worked with.  However, I think it would be really difficult to decide when to move on, and now I have a really big sign.   In the last week I’ve updated my resume, made business cards, began a demo reel, and a launched a new website.  Today I attended a job fair for my field.  I feel like I’ve made a good start, but I’m cautious to be optimistic with the state of the economy. My contacts are starting to hear that I’m looking for something new, and it is exciting to consider a new challenge.  Hopefully the places I’d like to work don’t have any more layoffs.   Again, please visit mikebgray.com, and let me know what you think.  Good luck to all those searching out there.  

Usually hopefulness is more associated with spring than fall, but today is different.  To add to the historical occasion, it is a warm day in Chicagoland and the trees are bursting with color.  (I plan to post more photos soon)

I’m glad the election is finally over.  This year I followed it more than ever, and just as my friend Lacey shared, I’m ready for a break.  I really enjoyed both candidates speeches last night and I’m in awe of what was just accomplished.

Here are a couple links to wrap it up:

Great pictures of Obama’s campaign @ The Big Picture.

A last dose of campaign comedy via the Daily Show.  Obama list and McCain list.

So I did not meet my own expectations for blogging from the road.  I had internet access, but most of the time was spent loading footage from the day’s shoot or uploading audio files for transcription.  I plan on sharing a few pics from the trip shortly.

I didn’t see an TV commercial celebrities on the way home and I arrived very tired.  This weekend was only a little restful as I prepared for a big meeting Saturday and took care of things I’d neglected Sunday.  Luckily, I’m excited about upcoming projects at work and the weather has been nice recently.

Today I will vote for the general election, and usually I have no clue about the local candidates.  Luckily, I asked around through Facebook and Twitter, and someone suggested the Chicago Tribune’s website for a candidate comparison.  Hopefully the lines will not be crazy.  Please remember to vote!

Right now I’m in North Carolina filming for work.  Typically I think of things to I’d like to share when traveling, but rarely make the effort.  This is this start.

Day 1 -

Travel was really smooth from Chicago to Raleigh.  I realize that most of the travel I remember is when thing go bad.  I really appreciated the quick security processing - with all of our gear - and the on-time travel.  The highlight was flying with a celebrity, the Subway Guy.  Jared might be someone you’ve seen in commercials, and it took me a while to recognize him.  I learned later that he travels often speaking about fitness.  He was looking slim.

Day 2 -

The foliage isn’t turning colors as much as I hoped it would for our filming.  I do enjoy all the trees here though.  Its been a while since I’ve been South, and I enjoy the accent.  After filming some scenery, we spent time with a couple teenagers who we might profile for our story.  It was fun to both relate on some pop culture things, and miss a few reference and feel older.   I’m glad we’ll see more of them this week.

Stay tuned for more.