Monday, September 14, 2009

Bowling at Morningside

Today I volunteered at an assisted living facility with a separate Alzheimer's and dementia unit. I assisted with the Monday bowling league, which was a lot of fun. I met with the activities director to discuss volunteer work and career opportunities.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Resume, again

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

Creative customer service professional seeking full-time
employment. Experience in office management and clerical
procedures including retail and service environments. Flexible
and dependable with strong work ethics. Demonstrated initiative,
enthusiasm, and ability to communicate ideas and resolve issues
with tact and courtesy. Key strengths include:

* Customer Relations
* Administrative Processes
* PC/Windows Proficient
* Organization
* Exceptional Judgment
* Non-Traditional Student


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Drake Beam Morin, Inc. - Westminster, CO 2000-2002

Human resource solutions, including retention, development,
selection, and career transition services.

Office Manager / Technical Liaison / Client Services Associate

Provided full range of administrative support, servicing entry to
senior executive level clients receiving career transition
services at a career center.
* Increased client participation in technology-based learning
tools by creating marketing literature, forms, and efficient
library processes.
* Resolved hardware, software, communications, and office
equipment issues, performed troubleshooting, repair, and
maintenance. Worked closely with corporate Help Desk and local
technicians to maintain optimum resource performance.
* Reduced service call expenses by learning to effectively
troubleshoot and reprogram multi-line telephone system with 20
inter-office extensions and over 100 available voice mailboxes.
This virtually eliminated the need and cost for a professional
to come out for service.
* Assisted in coordination of opening two off-site career
centers, including property management relations, furniture
rental, and installation of computer and telecommunication
resources.
* Improved leadership and management skills by training new hires
and career consultants to support career center and main office
functions.
* Maintained superior client evaluation ratings. Recognized by
co-workers and clients throughout the region as a
knowledgeable, client-focused team player.
* Placed engagement calls for interim managing consultant while
continuing to perform all normal administrative duties.
* Developed presentation skills by introducing career transition
workshop participants to client services, providing office
tours, program descriptions, and individual and group
orientations. Increased consultant productivity and ensured
client awareness of resources.
* Ensured office operated at maximum potential by efficiently
managing multiple consultant calendars and coordinating
workshops, conferences, meetings, and special events.
* Developed strong client relationships through prompt and
appropriate resolution of escalated client concerns.


Assistant Project Coordinator
DBM/United States Olympic Committee Project 2001-2002

Coordinated Olympic athlete services tracking with project
committee and company project coordinators nationwide, portraying
a professional company image in a high profile environment.
* Assisted in modification and design of database templates,
determining program description information to include in
business referral documents.
* Accurately processed detailed information for eligible athletes
and prepared consolidated activity and value-in-kind reports.
* Improved and maintained Excel spreadsheets tracking athlete
data. Provided essential data used in the grand opening of the
Colorado Springs USOC Athlete Career Center.


LightSpeed Business Solutions, Inc. - Westminster, CO 1996-2001

Internet-based business solutions offering custom software
development and technology-based consulting.

New Business Development & Marketing Coordinator
* Provided marketing and operations support in product
development, website design, customer service, sales, and
internal operations.
* Developed and implemented strategic marketing tools in the
promotion of custom software, resulting in increased local,
international, and internet business relationships.
* Wrote and developed help documentation for custom software and
marketing materials used in targeted campaigns.


Scrap N Stamp Ink - Mansfield, OH 2002-2006

Paper arts and crafts retail store.

Retail Store Owner
* Entrepreneur and co-owner with experience in all aspects of
operations. Took courses and attended conferences to improve my
knowledge in business and creative ventures. This included
courses in computer knowledge, small business development, and
those relating to my artistic passions.
* Strong expertise with QuickBooks point-of-sale, office
machinery, phone etiquette, customer service, and computer
applications.
* Focused on customer service and professional performance as a
vital element of operations. Worked effectively with
organizations, not-for profit groups, schools, and private
clubs as well as with business contacts.
* Designed, scheduled, and instructed artistic project and
technique classes to small and large groups on and off-site
with enthusiasm and knowledge.


OTHER PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

* Retail /Grocery-Cle Elum, WA and Hood River, OR
* Banking Services/Bookkeeper-Clovis, NM
* Continuing Education Courses
City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Clovis Community College, Clovis AFB, NM
Front Range Community College, Westminster, CO

MILITARY SERVICE

United States Air Force
* Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Nellis AFB Hospital, NV
* Distinguished Graduate, School of Health Care Sciences
Sheppard AFB, TX
* Honorable Discharge (1986)

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Bronze Change

I just finished coloring my hair - it's a warm bronze that brings out just enough of my natural red highlights and I'm pretty happy with it. I haven't colored my hair for a couple of years, so this is a deal to me. It is a muggy Sunday afternoon and I am interrupting housework for some me-time. Michael has worked on the truck this weekend and now I am washing the heavy car blanket.

I am excited to have recently volunteered for http://warriors4michael.com to raise money for medical expenses for a dear friend of mine's nephew. I will provide an activity for the kids: Felt Discovery Pages (see Classes).

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

There's more to me than that

So I've been complaining about how difficult it is to find a job. And whining about the tasks to be done around the house. But there's more to it. More is coming. I just wish I knew when.

I want more. More to fulfill my needs. I am not happy not working. I need to contribute.

I NEED A JOB!

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

Creative customer service professional seeking full-time
employment. Experience in office management and clerical
procedures including retail and service environments. Flexible
and dependable with strong work ethics. Demonstrated initiative,
enthusiasm, and ability to communicate ideas and resolve issues
with tact and courtesy. Key strengths include:

* Customer Relations
* Administrative Processes
* PC/Windows Proficient
* Organization
* Exceptional Judgment
* Non-Traditional Student


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Drake Beam Morin, Inc. - Westminster, CO 2000-2002

Human resource solutions, including retention, development,
selection, and career transition services.

Office Manager / Technical Liaison / Client Services Associate

Provided full range of administrative support, servicing entry to
senior executive level clients receiving career transition
services at a career center.
* Increased client participation in technology-based learning
tools by creating marketing literature, forms, and efficient
library processes.
* Resolved hardware, software, communications, and office
equipment issues, performed troubleshooting, repair, and
maintenance. Worked closely with corporate Help Desk and local
technicians to maintain optimum resource performance.
* Reduced service call expenses by learning to effectively
troubleshoot and reprogram multi-line telephone system with 20
inter-office extensions and over 100 available voice mailboxes.
This virtually eliminated the need and cost for a professional
to come out for service.
* Assisted in coordination of opening two off-site career
centers, including property management relations, furniture
rental, and installation of computer and telecommunication
resources.
* Improved leadership and management skills by training new hires
and career consultants to support career center and main office
functions.
* Maintained superior client evaluation ratings. Recognized by
co-workers and clients throughout the region as a
knowledgeable, client-focused team player.
* Placed engagement calls for interim managing consultant while
continuing to perform all normal administrative duties.
* Developed presentation skills by introducing career transition
workshop participants to client services, providing office
tours, program descriptions, and individual and group
orientations. Increased consultant productivity and ensured
client awareness of resources.
* Ensured office operated at maximum potential by efficiently
managing multiple consultant calendars and coordinating
workshops, conferences, meetings, and special events.
* Developed strong client relationships through prompt and
appropriate resolution of escalated client concerns.


Assistant Project Coordinator
DBM/United States Olympic Committee Project 2001-2002

Coordinated Olympic athlete services tracking with project
committee and company project coordinators nationwide, portraying
a professional company image in a high profile environment.
* Assisted in modification and design of database templates,
determining program description information to include in
business referral documents.
* Accurately processed detailed information for eligible athletes
and prepared consolidated activity and value-in-kind reports.
* Improved and maintained Excel spreadsheets tracking athlete
data. Provided essential data used in the grand opening of the
Colorado Springs USOC Athlete Career Center.


LightSpeed Business Solutions, Inc. - Westminster, CO 1996-2001

Internet-based business solutions offering custom software
development and technology-based consulting.

New Business Development & Marketing Coordinator
* Provided marketing and operations support in product
development, website design, customer service, sales, and
internal operations.
* Developed and implemented strategic marketing tools in the
promotion of custom software, resulting in increased local,
international, and internet business relationships.
* Wrote and developed help documentation for custom software and
marketing materials used in targeted campaigns.


Scrap N Stamp Ink - Mansfield, OH 2002-2006

Paper arts and crafts retail store.

Retail Store Owner
* Entrepreneur and co-owner with experience in all aspects of
operations. Took courses and attended conferences to improve my
knowledge in business and creative ventures. This included
courses in computer knowledge, small business development, and
those relating to my artistic passions.
* Strong expertise with QuickBooks point-of-sale, office
machinery, phone etiquette, customer service, and computer
applications.
* Focused on customer service and professional performance as a
vital element of operations. Worked effectively with
organizations, not-for profit groups, schools, and private
clubs as well as with business contacts.
* Designed, scheduled, and instructed artistic project and
technique classes to small and large groups on and off-site
with enthusiasm and knowledge.


OTHER PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

* Retail /Grocery-Cle Elum, WA and Hood River, OR
* Banking Services/Bookkeeper-Clovis, NM
* Continuing Education Courses
City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Clovis Community College, Clovis AFB, NM
Front Range Community College, Westminster, CO

MILITARY SERVICE

United States Air Force
* Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Nellis AFB Hospital, NV
* Distinguished Graduate, School of Health Care Sciences
Sheppard AFB, TX
* Honorable Discharge (1986)

Consideration

Up for consideration: Do I get my hair cut? Do I color it? Do I get my nails done? Do I shop for a new outfit? No. My hair is fine. It's just in a stage of growing out and if I want it long, I just need to wait. My color is fine. A few straggly grays remind me of what it took to get here. My nails are fine, all natural, and clean. My closet has more work outfits than I can count. I am fine. I am convincing myself. I write this blog for me.

Revisited

Blog entry 07 29 09

I am weary of the daily routine. What has changed since my last posting? Job-hunting is tiresome. Wouldn’t it be great to spend an early morning getting ready for an interview, heading out all spiffed up to greet the world with my enthusiasm and experience? I have tried walking the pavement, but even the fast food chains don’t take walk-ins anymore. You have to apply online everywhere. The grocery and drug stores want you to answer 50 generic questions to prove your integrity. The opportunities for office work are nil. Without a medical certificate, I am ready to be a waitress. My days are spent in an endless routine of mundane housework and computerizing, with an office-appropriate wardrobe collecting fuzz in my closet.

I am bored. I have something to offer. But the longer I go without a job, the less I am confident about my abilities. I know I can be a great attribute to a company, whether I’m answering phones or piecing parts or managing inventory. Maybe I am too diversified. Right now, I’ll take what I can get. But I can’t even get McDonald’s.

In my down time, I do the laundry and wash the dishes. My creativity is squashed with failure to produce anything of interest.

The cats keep me normal. Aspen, with her silky coat and quiet nature is calming to me. Vail brings me socks and washrags, meowing in questioning approval. AJ just seems to be everywhere, ready to be picked up and loved on. Loki sleeps on the bed, ready in a moment to search out the latest noise.

My son keeps busy with school, his finals being this week. The lawn needs more than a mowing. My girls are on their own, and I wait patiently to hear from them about their latest doings. Again, I am bored. And I want to get paid for it. I have something to offer, but the longer I search for a job, the easier it is to let the moments pass without creating something worthwhile. Sad.