Snowed In - Catching Up

We are getting absolutely pounded with heavy snow right now.  So, with nothing else going on, it seemed like a perfect time to catch you all up a bit on everything that's been going on.  There has been some concern expressed by family, friends and readers that recent posts have expressed a lot of anger.  Yep, they sure have.  I'm less angry than I am frustrated, but that's just part of the story.

I'm 35 years old and I have had no luck starting a meaningful career since 2007 when I graduated (Magna Cum Laude, I might add) from college.  I have continually been told that I'm 'overqualified'.  Well, now I'm seen as too old and too experienced for entry level work, but I don't know the requisite computer applications that seems to be required for mid-level management (seriously?  It's a computer application - I could learn a stupid computer program in a day or two).  I've also come to the realization that I really don't play very well with others.  I'm demanding and exacting and hold people to the standards I hold myself to and that seems to cause me a lot of problems in the workplace.  It's made me realize that the education and skill set I currently have isn't doing me any favors.  As a result, I'm exploring whether VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program could help me get the training I need to go into business for myself (or at least on a contract basis).

Seriously, I want to change career fields so that I can be self-employed.  I've been exploring options and I think that learning web and application design could open a lot of doors for me.  Even if I worked for someone else, it's much more cut and dry what the skill requirements are for the jobs - you either know the programming languages or you don't.  Considering I learned Arabic in 63 weeks, learning programming languages should be a breeze.  I've actually been teaching myself HTML5 and CSS.  I'm going to learn Javascript, jquery, ruby, and python too.  Hopefully, voc rehab will be able to help me get the formal education I need to make the transition.

So, that's the work side of life.  Things on the personal side are settling down substantially.  I go to train MMA as often as I am able to get out to the gym.  I am learning to deal with my emotions better (anger and frustration still need a lot of work).  I've been off the medication for about two months now and I feel a whole hell of a lot better.  My psoriasis is much more manageable, I have stopped having constant stress headaches, and my asthma is almost non-existent.  My instinct that the medication was having an adverse impact on my physical health definitely appears to be right on the money so far.  I feel more energetic, motivated.  I've still got a lot to work through and think through, but I feel like I'm finally headed in the right direction.

As for the non-profit, well...The backlog on 501(c)3 Tax Exempt status is so big, we won't gain our tax-exempt status until 2015 at the earliest.  It has made getting the non-profit off the ground exceptionally time-consuming and frustrating.  As a result, I've had to change the short-term focus and just get down to the basics.  The crowdfunding rewards are finally done and in hand - sort of.  The company that made affortable static window clings went under.  The other companies charge more for a single window cling than I paid to purchase and print a t-shirt.  Same goes for the 550 cord key chains.  As a result, I've decided to send all supporters a silicone bracelet and a t-shirt.  So keep an eye out for the email I'm sending out to confirm mailing addresses.  The silicone bracelets I got for a song - the website I purchased them through gave me 200 free when I bought 100 debossed two-tone bracelets.  At least I'll be able to make a little money for the non-profit by selling them and the extra t-shirts.

So there you have it.  That's pretty much everything going on right now.  I've been much better about recognizing my limitations and am finally making the lifestyle and professional changes I need to so that I can live a less stressful and better balanced life.  I won't lie and say that things have been easy as I have worked on making this transition.  It's been stressful as hell, but I finally feel like I'm thinking long-term and making the changes I need to provide for long-term stability.  I'll keep you posted as things progress.  Thanks to all of my readers for your continued support and readership!