February 2019 Report

Chicago is amazing and I love it. I’ve fallen in love with the city. The architecture is mind blowing. The public transport is robust. One thing I have to get used to, is doing a series of mental calculations everytime I want to go somewhere. First I calculate time by car, second calculation by train plus some walking to the train stop, then realizing I have to walk to where I parked my car, finally, wondering if I actually want to go anyway. The biggest downside to living here is, besides the train that runs by my window every 15 minutes, is that I can’t stop singing “I hear the train a comin, it’s comin round the bend” from Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues.

Remember last month when the lesson of the month was to stick with something until the end? To not quit early? Well I quit my life insurance job early. It got to a point where I was doing more cold calling and follow up paperwork than actually meeting with people. I have no problem with cold calling or paperwork. The part of the job that kept me going was meeting with people, and I did so little of it. Plus, I was unprofitable because I just don’t have those skills to pay the bills. Eventually I would have improved. I just wasn’t willing to wait that long. I only have so much money in my war chest, and I need some to live on while I look for my next job.

I’m looking for a new job! My ideal job would be Product Design Engineer which I have seen a few openings here in chicago. I would also consider Computer Aided Drafter/Designer (using 3D software to design parts), and Die Design Engineer (designing the metal dies that are used to stamp sheet metal or the molds that plastic is poured into). If you know anyone who does those jobs, let me know. I’d love to ask them a few questions. I’ve added a page on my website: Hire Me. Check it out if you haven’t already.

Input
  • Books
    • Captivate: the Science of People, by Vanessa VanEdwards
    • Wee Free Men, by Terry Pratchett
    • Welcome to Nightvale, by Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor
    • Psyched Up, by Daniel McGinn
  • Movies
    • Pulp Fiction
  • Song of the month
    • Saint Cecilia, by Foo Fighters
Output
  • Blog posts published = 4
  • Gym
    • ~5 times this month working out for 5 minutes when I wake up. It’s not much, but it’s more than last month!
  • Diet
    • Still on fire. My biggest concern right now is portion size and frequency. Several times I would wait too long between meals, binge, and get a food coma
Adventures
  • None. I’m ok with that.
Habits
  • Ended
    • None
  •  Started
    • None
Lessons
  • Treat everyone as if they were a marketing director. I met someone at a networking event, then it turned out he was a marketing director, then one of my contacts asked to be introduced. I was happy to oblige, but I’m not sure I left such a good impression with the marketing director to warrant any favors.
 
Prediction review
  1. Taxes will get done before March 1st, pending any missing documents.
    1. Done!
  2. I’ll start editing my novel
    1. Not yet
  3. I’ll listen to or read at least one self help book.
    1. Done! See “Captivate” and “Psyched Up” above
Predictions for Next Month
  1. I will go to 10 networking events this month

What do you think? Right? Wrong? Pure poppycock?