MG’s Notes

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!