Volunteering during unemployment

Well, volunteering is encouraged, whenever possible.  However, it has been a good use of time, during my unemployment.  In years past while working, I have volunteered for the Oregon Humane Society, Bus Project, Abby's Table, Obama campaign-voter registration, and various music festivals (Kinetik, Convergence 13, SXSW, and CMJ)

I'm planning in the next few months to volunteer at these upcoming events:

Bite of Oregon-http://www.biteoforegon.com/volunteer.html
TBA-http://www.pica.org/tba/tba10/overview.aspx
Triton Festival-http://tritonfestival.com

The benefits of volunteering are:

1. You feel morally engaged with your community by giving back
2. You get free admission to most of the events you volunteer for- YAY
3. You can make great contacts for networking

Most of all, I have made so many friends and connected to a diverse group of people, I don't think I'd otherwise be exposed to.  Also, I have learned so many interesting organization and human management
skills from viewing the event management inside out.  It's quite extraordinary to watch an event go from crazy behind the scenes mayhem to a successful outsiders viewpoint.

In closing, unemployment has been interesting.  I strongly suggest, to all out there dealing with the same issue, to make good use of your time.  It can become a time of catching up on much needed chores around the house.  In the process don't get down, or at least let yourself have limited depression time.  To find money:  try a garage sale, cash in on your points for credit cards and other plans you probably have (I had a flex medical plan at work), and get yourself registered with discounted food, utility, etc plans.  Unemployment is not something we all plan to be long term, but it's never good to blow through all of your savings if you don't need to.

Back again after some Procrastination

Yeppers, here we go again. For about a year and half, I kept meaning to get back to this blog and couldn't figure out where and how, until today. It must be destined? I'm newly unemployed and some of the interesting things that happen when you get canned are:

1. OH SHIT!

2. Now what?

3. You get Organized

So this end of the month, is really a new beginning. I had been making a few changes in my life before all this went down. I've had a studio at the Falcon Art Community for about 2+ years now. Bought supplies and equipment for a photography business. I'd made some inquires at galleries throughout the years, even displayed art at various events/businesses around town. (Akemi Hair Salon, Concordia Ale House, etc...)

But out of my recent desperation came some inspiration. Day of the above said event that caused a crack in my universe: I started by wiping off my tears and calling-friends, former employers, galleries, etc.

First stop Heritage Fine Art and Framing, http://heritagefineart.com/

Jason was really helpful, we had talked a little while back. And he later in the next two weeks sent me two leads. One Lara Sydney Framing Gallery, http://www.larasydney.com/ and Orleans Candle Co, http://www.orleanscandleco.com/

Second were the Calls: One to my dear friend Abby, http://www.abbys-table.com/ and former boss Colin Smith, http://www.photoshopcafe.com/ They have both encouraged me for years. They built up my confidence by just listening and offering assistance with my future plans. A girl has to have great friends to lift her up and all of mine have done more than just that.

Lastly, was letting everyone know. Why make it a sad thing, but a celebration. And surprisingly, after getting my paperwork in order for unemployment, visiting doctors before my insurance runs out and refreshing my resume-I'm actually going to throw a party this weekend to celebrate all my new found time. This time is not to reflect on what I want to do, but to act on all my built up dreams for the last 3 years.