Focus on: Chile

Well, work ends for me on Wednesday and then I begin a new chapter in my life.

I'm not going to lie...I am sad to be laid off. You can't help but feeling a little rejected. How did I make the cut and other people get to stay? Why me? Why anyone? But you know what, I can't be bothered with these bad thoughts. They are counter-productive. I choose to find a bright side. EVERYTHING happens for a reason.

It definately helps that as far as layoffs go (this was my second one), this one was fairly pleasant. They gave me six weeks notice, an okay severance, and I couldn't ask for a better time of year. I'll be getting my tax refund and can enjoy some nice weather, while I collect unemployment and job hunt with the rest of the country.

But first, I'm going to Santiago, Chile. That's right. I'm going. I need a change. I am going to recharge and I'm going to speak Spanish if it kills me.


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So if you are wondering what I will be reading for the next few weeks, I can tell you with 100% certianty, it won't be about Elvis. Thanks to another publishing friend (aka Book Angel #3) I'm reading Chile - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette and Fodor's Chile, 4th Edition: Including Argentine Patagonia



So far, I learned the following:
1) There is no time difference between NYC and Chile.
2) Never show up on time, as nobody will be expecting you, but be punctual the first time, just in case.
3) Lunch is the main meal of the day and dinner is between 8 and 9pm. "Once" is the period between lunch and dinner you have a little snack.
4) Chileans love their grilled meat and seafood.
5) Water is okay to drink in Santiago, but have bottled water in rural areas.
6) Tipping is 10%
7) Men like to stare at women.
8) Drinks can be very strong so be careful.

Clearly...I have more to read. But its a start.

Elvis and Layoffs

What a difference a few weeks make! When we got back from Tennessee, all I was worried about was finishing my Elvis book, Careless Love by Peter Guralnick.




Then I got laid off.
Now, I was worried about finding a new job, money and all the things I had planned for the near future...Getting laid off wasn't what I had in mind for 2009. I just got myself in a good place. I'm losing weight, on dating sites, and just feeling good about life. WTF?????? Not this again.

Hope and inspiration from a small book...
So...I get this email from NYU for the launch event for the book called the World Wide Rave. My boss told me to do what I need to do to find another job, so I signed up figuring it was a networking opportunity. I was inspired by the various speakers, including author David Meerman Scott. While not really a networking event, it gave me hope for my future. The Internet is changing again...and after 10 years I'm still moving forward with it. Things started looking brighter.




Big lift from a small package
Then I get home to a shipment from my Book Angel. To my surprise...it was LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS...another Elvis Book from the author of Careless Love. This was a follow up to another shipment of assorted reading from Book Angel... NICE...good day.




Another possible bright side...
Then I was visiting with my Aunt and Uncle, talking about my Cousin's wedding in California in June. My cousin Kim is driving back to New York, right after the wedding. Maybe I could drive back with her? Maybe... I like the sound of something to do...A few more spots to check off my list from 1001 places to visit before you die. Sounds okay to me.



Good News still shines through
Then I had a revelation. What if I could take some time and travel and maybe learn Spanish? An email and phone call later, I was speaking to the former principal of my high school, Sr. Lois and I was planning my trip to Chile. A few days later I got the good news. The nuns think this is a GREAT idea and they are happy to have me. Dreams coming true.

Then I called my cable company...Told them I got laid off. My bill was reduced to $99. A call to my credit card company had more good news. They told me that if I needed it, I just had to tell them that I need hardship support and I get 3 months with no interest. Plus I found out I had enough miles to go to Chile...Free.

Then my friend Tricia told me that the federal government will pay 65% of COBRA premiums for employees who are laid off from Sept. 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2009. The subsidy will extend for nine months. A big relief.


I think I found a Bright Side
So...No, not what I had in mind for 2009...but I am starting to think that the universe and God still has a plan for me. Just in case...I'll also pick up a copy of highly recommended book, Rebound by by Martha I. Finney. I'm not going to let this shitty economy bring me down!





It now time to start brushing up on Spanish with the Rosetta Stone, learning more about Chile and digging up my copy of The Secret.







More to come...