Interests

I am a history addict. I love to read history. It doesn't really matter what kind of history. I like learning new things. Currently I am reading 1776 by McCullough. So far it is a fascinating read.

I am very interested in Genealogy. I will not be going into my family history here. But, if you have any genealogy related questions, I would be happy to answer them or help you find the answers. A few years ago, YAHOO had an experts program, I signed up as a genealogy expert and answered 5 to 10 questions per week. It was fun and I was good at it.

I enjoy keeping fit. Years ago I was a runner. I ran in high school and afterward completed two marathons. I ran up until I sustained an injury to my ankle. I still go out for a mile every now and then, but not regularly. If you want running tips, let me know.

I played in a volleyball league for a few years. I was proficient, but not great. I was the setter for my team and also the Captain/Coach/Manager. I am also a volleyball fan. I attended the 1996 Beach Volleyball Olympic Trials (the only time we had Olympic Trials) in Baltimore and enjoyed front row seats. I would like to get back into playing volleyball at some point in the near future.

I love being a father! I have two great kids. The youngest starts kindergarten this coming fall. They both are bright, active kids with great senses of humor. How could they not? They have me for a dad.

Remember, if you have any questions or comments, please either leave a comment or drop me an email.

Wednesday

I hate being out of work. It makes me feel like a slimy leech. I have a wife and 2 kids to take care of and without a paycheck coming in, I feel very uncomfortable to say the least. I have retail management experience, I have IT experience, database experience, reporting software experience, and Development Management experience. None of that seems to matter here in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. If, on the off chance that anyone is reading this, and you know of any jobs in the Eastern Panhandle area, please let me know. I have been and would be an extremely hard worker. In the past 18 years I have worked for exactly 2 companies - one for 7 years and one for 10 years. I have never been fired. I work well in groups or alone. I am a self starter at work and need minimal direction. Hire me!

My other blog

I added a link in the "Places to Go" section on the right which will lead you to my other blog. It deals with one of my many interests - Poker. I have played online since 2005 - mostly for play money. I am by no means great, but I think I can hold my own. I am excited by the prospect of being able to play 20 minutes from the house when the WV Table Gaming law gets ratified by the county next door. Read more about that in my other blog.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

In the past two months, I have filled out more applications and sent out more resumes than I can count. I have interviewed 4 times so far at 3 different companies and still no job offers. I am either over qualified or under qualified. I just want to work and make enough money to pay the mortgage and feed my family. Is that too much to ask?

I thought all the interviews went well. I showcased my abilities, acknowledged my weaknesses in ways that show I know my limits and am working to improve. I made good eye contact and showed confidence. Hire me damn it! I am good. In the last 19 years I have held exactly 2 jobs. I think the interviewers are looking at that and saying, "Jeez, if we hire him we are stuck with him."
And I am thinking that it means I am good at what I do, and I am a loyal employee. One of the jobs I will hear about in about 3 weeks. One of the jobs I will hear back next Wednesday.

I did turn down a job offer last month. I was offered a job as a Front Desk Clerk at a local Mom & Pop owned Motel. They were only paying $7 an hour. After taxes, it wouldn't even cover the mortgage. At least someone wants to hire me.

I guess trying to find a tech job or any job even in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia is too much to ask for. If anyone stumbles across this and is hiring, please contact me!