3.20.10-Notebook

Here are some photos of my daily log notebook, that I have used about daily since I've been here. I brought it with me to the park, and was kind of frustrated tonight with myself and my efforts to find a job and to 'make it happen' here in NY so far. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, but I think worse than that, I knew that I hadn't done all I could.
That said, the pictures explain some of the process of finding a job for me, as well as some of the challenges of NYC. While most of this will mean little to others, maybe someday I will keep a paper copy of this blog, and I'll have some good material to help me relate to my kids when they are my age.
In my case, I have not only looked for a job, but I am in the position where I am really trying to find some direction in my career path (photo/medicine/what?). This is really my first real job hunt (the last job I found 'networking' was the pickle factory, and I'm hoping for something better than that!). All the principles of job searching are thus being tried out, along with my patience, focus, confidence, and vision. It's a good experience, overall, although it seems like every day is filled with new challenges.
I think my situation here is a reality for a lot of people, especially fresh graduates who think they are the bomb! The city, in particular, is challenging and trying. Being around incredible people is really great. However, I see a lot of really talented people struggling to scrape by on jobs that they could do in their sleep, waiting for a door to open so that they can realize their potential. I guess I understand that a little better today than I did three months ago, and I guess I appreciate more the opportunities that I have been given.
At the end of the day, the fight is alive in me to make it here in NYC. More than ever, I appreciate the challenge and expectation of excellence, regarding work but also regarding life in general. And I also really appreciate my faith, and the plan of God and the purpose of life. I don't think they necessarily comfort me by telling me that "it's okay to be mediocre, or to waiver; or that what we do in this life isn't that important." On the contrary, I think it challenges me, inspires me, and strengthens me to be my very best, to rise to my potential, and to overcome every obstacle and stand strong through the hardest of times.