Martian Successor Nadesico Opening

I just got back from the grocery store where I picked up this month’s copy of Otaku USA, an anime publication. In it there is a feature article on the popular 90s mecha-comedy series Martian Successor Nadesico. The following passage stood out to me:

“I don’t care what anyone says; “You Get to Burning” is one of the best anime openings of the 90s. It’s rewarding, it’s exciting, it will make you feel like 10 grand, and reassure you that there was a time where you didn’t have to settle for your anime.”

Anyone who has read any of my previous posts on anime knows how much I love a good opening video. In my opinion, a good anime opening should always set the tone for each episode of the show you’re about to watch. I have an iTunes playlist containing all of my favorite anime tunes and “You Get to Burning”, by Yumi Matsuzawa, is included.  Even though I’ve never watched Nadesico, this song always gets me pumped up. Hope those familiar with this show will enjoy this and that newer anime fans will appreciate and seek out this classic gem.

 

My First Week on the Job and I’m Already Craving the Weekend

Thank goodness the weekend is here. Since starting work this week, I’ve once again come to realize the importance of a relaxful weekend. Plus it’s even better since this is Memorial Day weekend and you know what that means…extended sleep on Monday!!!

My first week on the job has gone well. I’m learning a lot and feel like the new kid on the block (that kind of rhymes).  In a sense, I feel like my coworkers have treated me with kid gloves since I’ve been doing  tons of tedious paperwork and nothing too serious as of yet. I will definitley be investing in a speaker to plug my iPod into on my desk. Doing the same thing repeatedly in total silence while staring at a computer screen all day will have you feeling like a zombie.

The department is undergoing many changes and is currently in its peak season of business. I was told that things should stabilize greatly by June and I should be able to have some type of daily routine established at that point. As of now, I’ve been trying my best to assist in any capacity that I can.

All of my coworkers are super nice and it seems like they really want me to succeed. The head of our department is a great guy who always goes out of his way to show how appreciative he is of the staff. I was riding with him on the elevator the other day and we had a good conversation that really made me feel like I was special. I’ve always heard great things about him, but even I was shocked to discover how cool and humble he was.

I asked a ton of questions this week and it didn’t appear as though anyone got tired of me (unless they hid it well). In my last position at A&T, I developed a reputation for not asking questions because my boss would go out of her way to make me look stupid. I’m not making that mistake this time around.

The only thing I really hope to improve on next week is my communication with everyone. I work with a bunch of very vocal people who love to laugh. I like to have as much of a good time as anyone, but even I’ve noticed I’ve been shier than normal. It could be that I’m still feeling everyone out and am not ready to cut loose and be my true self just yet.

I actually got to utilize my writing skills today as I was asked to proofread the departmental newsletter. It felt like I was right back in my zone and I helped point out a few edits that needed to be made. We also got off two hours early, with pay, which is always a good thing.

On a scale of 1-10, I would rate my first week’s performance at a strong 5 ½ to 6. I didn’t make too many mistakes, but I didn’t have a lot of chances to really show what I’m capable of. Pretty soon, I should be out of my holding pattern and really starting to kick things into high gear.

Perhaps, the roughest part of the week was getting my body re-adjusted to waking up at 6 a.m. every day.  It can be quite difficult  getting back into that routine after not doing it for nine months.

Oh well, I’m definitely about to start playing catch up.

 

Owen Hart’s Legacy Should Never Be Forgotten

In all the hoopla of life, I totally forgot that today marks the 13th anniversary of one of the most tragic moments (and  there have been many) in the history of the pro wrestling business, the death of Owen Hart. For those unfamiliar with wrestling or who are too young to remember, Owen died on a live WWE pay-per-view event in Kansas City on May 23, 1999.

The following words were written earlier today by his brother and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart: “A most solemn day. It’s so hard not to feel the blood thicken in my heart at the memory of Owen’s passing today. I miss you every day, brother.”

Owen was one of the most talented wrestlers EVER in the history of pro wrestling. From his beginnings in Calgary to his stints in Japan and WWE, Owen was a one of the best workers the sport produced. He was on par with contemporaries like Bret, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Jushin Liger, Ultimo Dragon, Hiroshi Hase, Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero when it came to the ability to get a quality match out of any opponent he faced. Dave Metlzer, founder and editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the longest running and most authoritative source of wrestling information on the planet, once remarked Owen was right up there with anyone in history with how quickly he took to wrestling and was as good as any rookie of the last 35 years. That is serious praise indeed.

Though Owen’s remarkable career is often overshadowed by its tragic ending, his legacy is still intact and alive amongst today’s top performers. I’m sure current top performers such as C.M. Punk, Christian, Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler would all agree that Owen was one of their inspirations in regards to how they perform in the ring.

I’m challenging every fan reading this to watch at least one match of his this week (particularly his Japanese matches or his classics against Bret). You owe it to yourself to see what an amazing talent he was.

My Nonfiction Query Has Been Accepted!

Yesterday, a true milestone occurred in my writing career. I received the news that a query I proposed last month had been accepted for publication into Southern Writers Magazine, a bi-monthly print and online publication founded in 2011. The following is an excerpt from their homepage:

“Every issue of Southern Writers is packed with inspiration and advice from the voices of experience: popular, published authors sharing their secrets of success. Plus: articles by the experts on book marketing, promotion, branding, blogging, screenwriting, songwriting, conferences and much more.

We’ll help you connect with other writers who are traveling the road you’re on, learn from publishing and publicity pros, and make sense of the world of social media so you can sell more books.

All with a touch of Southern hospitality.

Whether you’re born and bred down South or just like to visit, we look forward to getting to know you, neighbor.”

On April 9, I submitted my query to the editor-in-chief for an article on the popularity of blogging and how it has greatly influenced the nature of the publishing industry. I gave an outline of the points I wanted to address within my story and how I would go about obtaining my information. As a blogger, I wanted to shed light on how blogging has changed the traditional methods of entry for new authors and provide examples of established authors who used blogging as a springboard to further their already successful careers.

About three weeks ago I received an e-mail informing me that the proposal had been rejected. I didn’t get too down about it since every writer experiences rejection. Ironically, just days later, that same editor sent me a friend request on Facebook and we began a cordial dialogue. I also continued to maintain a regular presence on the Southern Writers Magazine Facebook page.

As I was checking my e-mail yesterday afternoon I came across a new message from the editor which read the following:

“Hi Jeuron,

I was wondering if you would like to write something about blogging based on your suggestions below:

In what you sent me a couple of your bullet points sounded like an interesting article –1) examples of established authors who’ve used blogging to further their careers, 2) how bloggers can gain insight into new story ideas via interaction with readers.

As you know we do not pay for articles, however, you will get plenty of exposure and help build your name recognition by writing an article and it being showcased in a magazine. You will show up on the masthead as a contributor, you will be highlighted on social media. And when you send things off to other places you will be able to tell them your article was published in a regional magazine that is seen all over the United States.”

I immediately sent a response and as of today I’m officially working on my first nonfiction article for publication into a literary/writing magazine. My story will be in the neighborhood of 850 words and my deadline is July 20.

I consider this a true honor, not just for the fact it will be my first nonfiction piece in a major publication, but also because I’m writing about blogging, which is something I’m very passionate about.

What I said in January continues to ring true: 2012 is the year I will make all of my writing dreams come true. And I look forward to sharing every step of this journey with you all.

New Job+New Mentality+Regular Dose of Writing= Improved Quality of Life

Hi everyone. I hope every mother had a great Mother’s Day. Mothers truly make the world go round and it is my sincerest wish that you all were treated to a day of luxury on last Sunday. Even after children reach adulthood a mother’s job never ends.

This has been a good week so far. Not a ton of action, but it’s been enjoyable nonetheless.  I’m officially in the midst of the “Jeuron Dove Farewell Tour.” Or at least that’s what I envision this week becoming. If you read my latest post then you know I was blessed with a new job. I start next Monday and I made it very clear to my boss at my part-time job that I would likely not be returning. Even though my new job is a weekday 9-5, I could still choose to work Fridays and weekends. After thinking it over I decided it would be in my best interest to leave entirely. During my last stint at A&T I felt like I didn’t have a life outside of work. I want to be able to work just ONE job and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I truly believe some people work so much that they don’t enjoy life. It’s no need in making all the money in the world if you never have the time and energy to enjoy it with the ones you care about.

I’ve been saying my goodbyes at work all week long. I’m not too big on goodbyes so this is especially weird for me. It’s been very gratifying to see all the positive attitudes my coworkers have shown as I’ve shared the news with them. They are so happy to see me move on to something better and the same sentiment has even been expressed by customers.

As I was leaving out of work Monday I was telling another of my close coworkers about my last day and a customer overheard us. As I was walking to my car that customer stopped and asked me about my job and congratulated me. It always feels good to know you’re appreciated by the people you work with and work to serve. I work today through Friday and hopefully I’ll get the chance to see the remaining coworkers I haven’t had a chance to say goodbye to.

This is a huge shift for me personally. In times past I always had the mindset of hanging onto Food Lion for as long as I possibly could even if I had another job. But this time around it was quite easy to make the decision. I’m not as worried as I was in years past to leave since I still live in Reidsville and will continue to shop at that store so it’s not like I will never see my friends again. However, it will be a big adjustment to not see them on a daily basis, especially since my latest stint (since my last job ended in July) at Food Lion has been the one where I’ve developed the closest relationships with my coworkers.

A lot of thoughts have been swirling through my head in anticipation of next week. For my future success I really need to do two things: ask questions and keep writing.

A big part of the reason I failed in my previous role at A&T (aside from my boss being nuts) was because I developed a fear of asking for help. My boss would make me feel stupid for asking a question, yet she always encouraged me to ask them if I didn’t understand anything. It got to the point where I didn’t bother asking for help with anything because I figured I’d mess things up one way or another. I know that may appear to be a strange mindset to have, but working for a person who has zero confidence in you will do that.

I won’t fall into that same trap this time around. If I don’t understand something I will seek out help and do my best to understand the situation so that a similar circumstance won’t occur. I don’t believe there is anything wrong with making mistakes. It only becomes a problem when you make the same ones repeatedly.

I will also continue to write vigorously. I was by no means doing as much personal writing as I am now (blogging, submitting works to publications and entering contests) during my last two stints of full-time employment. In fact, I don’t think I did any. My old mindset during that timeframe was that I worked my 40 hours a week and felt like I was entitled to do nothing but relax once I got home. Making that mistake again could be fatal to my progress as a writer. Regardless of how intense my job may get, I must always continue to keep a regular schedule of writing. My writing really took off in quality and popularity over the last nine months and I would hate to lose my edge and see my blog fall into oblivion as a result of laziness.

 

 

A Random Act of Kindness to a Mother

This post is pretty short and sweet. The following is a status update I just made on my Facebook page. I strongly encourage everyone to try this and leave me a comment about your experience.

“Just came back from the dollar store. As I was shopping, there was this mother and her son on my aisle. I didn’t know the woman at all, but I wished her a happy mother’s day on tomorrow and her face lit up with excitement. She was so thankful that a total stranger took out the time to tell her that. You never know how much a random act of kindness could impact someone. I encourage everyone to try that with at least one mother you see today as you’re running your daily errands and watch how much better it makes you, and that mother, feel.”

The Job is Here!

A few weeks ago I expressed the feeling that a new job was on the horizon ( and I’m happy to report that I was officially hired for a new full-time position yesterday at North Carolina A&T State University. It’s a temp position that is slated to last for six months. However, my supervisor informed me that it could be extended up to a year. I’m praying that it somehow transitions into a permanent position with benefits. Regardless, I’m thrilled about the job. The most exciting part about all of this was that it was such a quick process.

Last week, I received an e-mail from one of my old coworkers there. We never worked side by side or in the same building, but we worked in the same division of University Advancement. She is one of the nicest people I met during my tenure as an employee and even treated me to lunch during my final week of employment.

In the message she asked what my recent employment status was. I replied that I was still searching for full-time work. She quickly sent me a reply saying that a new temp position was opening in her area and she wanted to inform me before she posted it online. She told me she’d contact me at the top of the week.

On Tuesday I got another message informing me I had an interview scheduled with her for Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and to report to human resources for a background check. In my mind it already sounded like I had the position. But I wanted to be professional as always, so I put together my portfolio and laid out a nice outfit to wear. Regardless of what the situation was, I wanted to look as presentable as possible.

I arrived at her office yesterday morning and it was the shortest interview I ever completed. I already had the job!

She briefed me on the responsibilities of the position and told me all the necessary paperwork had been completed and is currently being processed. It warmed my heart when she told me about how she felt I was overqualified and kept my name in mind since she knew I was looking for full-time work. We  concluded the interview on a hug and she appeared genuinely thrilled to have me as part of her team. How many people can say they have hugged their future boss during an interview?

This is my third time being employed at N.C. A&T. My first job, from Feb. 2010-Feb. 2011, was a great learning experience. It also allowed me to grow professionally as a writer (I got a ton of good clips from that position). My previous job, from last April-July, was not only one of the worst periods of my career, but it was one of the worst periods of my life. It was a time where I truly dreaded waking up to report to work. I learned much about my character while there so I got something positive (that was the only thing) out of the experience.

I’m so excited about this opportunity for two reasons. The first is that I’m working with people I consider as friends. It felt so great to be in the office yesterday and reacquaint myself with familiar faces. They were so happy to see me and were eager to welcome me back into the fold. The second and more important reason is that I will get a chance to start from a clean slate in proving that I am a capable and competent employee. I always had a bad taste in my mouth from how my last tenure abruptly ended. I feel like I have been given another opportunity to rewrite my legacy at N.C. A&T and end things on a positive note.

Once my background is cleared, I’m scheduled to begin on May 21. It looks like my days of hanging around the house and staying up until the wee hours of the morning are coming to an end.