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There was a celebration of Israel's independence on the Boston Common today, and I didn't even know about it. I'm just flat-out embarrassed about this. Not only would I have attended, I would have done so enthusiastically and taken a hundred photos. I need to hook up with a Jewish social network here in Boston and relearn things I should know, like Israel's independence day.
I feel like an idiot.
My father sent me a job advertisement from The Hill. The job is for a research and reporting assistant for a Wall Street Journal columnist. The ad copy reads as follows:
The first problem with this job is obvious: it's in DC. I don't want to live in DC. I've been there, done that, got the t-shirt, thanks. DC is an object lesson in stasis; Boston is organic and dynamic. DC's goal is to stay the same, year after year; Boston grows a little, changes a little, every day. My father was supremely unimpressed when I complained to him. "Go where the job is," he said in his Stern Daddy voice. So I'm trying to be more open-minded about a possible move, but it's hard.
The next problem is the "administrative support" bit. I have many strengths, but booking travel is not among them. I did it for Carville on a regular basis, but never lost the sense of feeling overwhelmed and resentful that he didn't just use a goddamn travel agent. The idea of putting myself back in the situation of having to scour the web for good fares and remember frequent flyer codes and so on makes me hyperventilate.
Otherwise, the job looks fine, skill-wise. I don't know what's included in Microsoft Office, but everything Microsoft makes is similar to other Microsoft products and they're all easy to use. I learned PowerPoint in a couple of hours by fiddling with it. One more office package isn't going to be a problem.
The final analysis is that I really didn't want to be anyone's assistant ever again, but I may not have a choice. I need a solid, steady job, and I was a very good assistant. Sigh. I'll write up a cover letter and fax it with my resume anyway.
I wish I felt less scattered today; I have so much to do.
Two things, briefly:
1. If you haven't seen the movie No Man's Land, rent it. It's amazing; it's beautifully shot, the editing is tight, and it's much funnier than you expect. It's not a comedy; it uses the humor inherent in life. I can't praise this film enough. Just rent it.
2. If you're on a high-speed connection, download this short video of highlights from the Pacific Alliance Championships. It's well-made and fun to watch.
I should go get a Sunday paper and start looking at jobs here in Boston... and stop writing long, rambling, essentially pointless journal entries. If you've seen my funny around, send it home, please; its mother misses it quite a bit.
I feel like an idiot.
My father sent me a job advertisement from The Hill. The job is for a research and reporting assistant for a Wall Street Journal columnist. The ad copy reads as follows:
Must be able to perform research for columns; handle deadline pressure; & have strong writing skills for weekly reporting for new column. Accuracy under deadline pressure is essential. Will be a liaison for TV & radio appearances, & speaking engagements. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, email & the Internet; able to master new software; & become familiar with technology terminology. Responsibilities include administrative support including coordinating travel & scheduling meetings.Maybe writing their advertisements as well. Heh.
The first problem with this job is obvious: it's in DC. I don't want to live in DC. I've been there, done that, got the t-shirt, thanks. DC is an object lesson in stasis; Boston is organic and dynamic. DC's goal is to stay the same, year after year; Boston grows a little, changes a little, every day. My father was supremely unimpressed when I complained to him. "Go where the job is," he said in his Stern Daddy voice. So I'm trying to be more open-minded about a possible move, but it's hard.
The next problem is the "administrative support" bit. I have many strengths, but booking travel is not among them. I did it for Carville on a regular basis, but never lost the sense of feeling overwhelmed and resentful that he didn't just use a goddamn travel agent. The idea of putting myself back in the situation of having to scour the web for good fares and remember frequent flyer codes and so on makes me hyperventilate.
Otherwise, the job looks fine, skill-wise. I don't know what's included in Microsoft Office, but everything Microsoft makes is similar to other Microsoft products and they're all easy to use. I learned PowerPoint in a couple of hours by fiddling with it. One more office package isn't going to be a problem.
The final analysis is that I really didn't want to be anyone's assistant ever again, but I may not have a choice. I need a solid, steady job, and I was a very good assistant. Sigh. I'll write up a cover letter and fax it with my resume anyway.
I wish I felt less scattered today; I have so much to do.
Two things, briefly:
1. If you haven't seen the movie No Man's Land, rent it. It's amazing; it's beautifully shot, the editing is tight, and it's much funnier than you expect. It's not a comedy; it uses the humor inherent in life. I can't praise this film enough. Just rent it.
2. If you're on a high-speed connection, download this short video of highlights from the Pacific Alliance Championships. It's well-made and fun to watch.
I should go get a Sunday paper and start looking at jobs here in Boston... and stop writing long, rambling, essentially pointless journal entries. If you've seen my funny around, send it home, please; its mother misses it quite a bit.