When I started this blog, I really wanted to just document my journey to figure out how to fulfill my ambitions of traveling, training, and writing. But as life usually turns out, the roads ahead are never clear, especially if the track has not been laid out for you. My posts were never meant to do anything except be part of a vanity blog. I wasn’t expecting or wanting traffic or affiliate money or even total exposure. It was just a way for me to throw my thoughts out there to the universe, random ramblings to learn how the blogging world worked.
So now that I have a better idea of what this world is all about, I’ve decided to shut this blog down while I concentrate on my first love, which is training and development. Will more writing come along? I’m sure it will. But for now, I want to thank my small band of faithful followers who have been with me every step of the way. Your support and encouragement have meant the world to me.
This is goodbye, but not forever. Thanks for reading!
December 4, 2010
November 14, 2010
Stop 7: Yahoo!
So it’s been a while since I’ve posted any progress reports. Guess I made a pit stop and before I knew it, life got away from me and here we are two months later.
Amazing how much can happen in such a short amount of time. Since my last entry I’ve had an article published by Yahoo! News, taught numerous Red Cross CPR classes, and traveled back East twice. In addition, I submitted a proposal to teach a social media class for seniors in the Spring and it looks like it will be added to the schedule for April.
I’ve also come to the realization that although I love writing, I just don’t have the same passion for it that I do for training, volunteering, and traveling. Even though I have a steady stream of assignments it feels a lot like work and not as much fun as it used to be.
Perhaps what I need to do is find a niche, something that I’m so passionate about writing about it just comes naturally. Weird, but I like writing training manuals with screenshots, newsletters, anything with pictures. To me that feels more creative than just writing straight copy. Maybe that’s what I need to focus on.
I’m happy with what this pit stop has brought to me, but now it’s time to get back on the train. So off we go again, who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Amazing how much can happen in such a short amount of time. Since my last entry I’ve had an article published by Yahoo! News, taught numerous Red Cross CPR classes, and traveled back East twice. In addition, I submitted a proposal to teach a social media class for seniors in the Spring and it looks like it will be added to the schedule for April.
I’ve also come to the realization that although I love writing, I just don’t have the same passion for it that I do for training, volunteering, and traveling. Even though I have a steady stream of assignments it feels a lot like work and not as much fun as it used to be.
Perhaps what I need to do is find a niche, something that I’m so passionate about writing about it just comes naturally. Weird, but I like writing training manuals with screenshots, newsletters, anything with pictures. To me that feels more creative than just writing straight copy. Maybe that’s what I need to focus on.
I’m happy with what this pit stop has brought to me, but now it’s time to get back on the train. So off we go again, who knows what tomorrow will bring?
August 29, 2010
Stop 6: Researching the Holes in the Track
One of my biggest problems as a writer and worker in general is my tendency to over-research a topic to the point of overt redundancy. I am what the DISC model calls a high “C”, which means I like to have all my ducks in a row and my facts lined up before I make a decision or take action.
The problem, however, with pointing out all the potential holes in the track before getting the train out of the station is that while thorough, the process is very time consuming and the window of opportunity passes all too quickly.
Take for example my writing career. There are many things that I can write about on the subject of Las Vegas, however I can never seem to stop Googling the darn subject long enough to actually write anything worthwhile.
Or when trying to launch my career as a freelance trainer - I always have one more class to take, one more seminar with which to disseminate information, one more book to read. This all came to a head today, where, in the ultimate example of my researchitis addiction, I attended yet another seminar on how to make money as a professional trainer and speaker. The only thing different about this one is that it detailed specifically how to break into the potentially lucrative market of college continuing education. And I gotta say, it was worth every penny I spent on it.
At this point, I need to take action. Again. If anyone knows of a motivation/take action pill I can take, I could sure use one write now.
Maybe my lack of motivation has to do with my lack of focus. My search in trying to find the niche that’s the most comfortable for me. Just because I know enough about a topic to write and speak about it doesn’t mean I want to do it.
Therein lies my problem. I mean, I know I want to travel, write, and teach. The problem is, what exactly? These three areas are so broad, and I’m like an ADD patient (no disrespect) where my ideas bounce around so much it makes my head spin.
So at this point, I need to ask myself: Out of my three passions, which do I love the most? After teaching at the Red Cross for several weeks, my answer is clear. My first love is training. Writing and traveling tie in at second. And I’ve discovered a 4th passion, one which I knew I had but didn’t realize until recently that I could make a living out of it.
All my life I’ve loved to help people, and graduating from a Sacred Heart school, I learned the benefits of community service and volunteerism. No longer is my motivation solely dependent on the bottom line. My work needs to mean something, it has to make a difference. Which is probably why I’m so picky about corporate job prospects – I’d rather work for non-profits. It’s less money, but it feeds my soul. Something I was missing for a good 10 years of my life.
And so I guess the title of this blog could just as much be titled, “Traveling the Right Train” as opposed to “Traveling the Write Train”.
So at this stop, I’ve discovered a potential new direction my career could head into. Let’s see what happens next.
The problem, however, with pointing out all the potential holes in the track before getting the train out of the station is that while thorough, the process is very time consuming and the window of opportunity passes all too quickly.
Take for example my writing career. There are many things that I can write about on the subject of Las Vegas, however I can never seem to stop Googling the darn subject long enough to actually write anything worthwhile.
Or when trying to launch my career as a freelance trainer - I always have one more class to take, one more seminar with which to disseminate information, one more book to read. This all came to a head today, where, in the ultimate example of my researchitis addiction, I attended yet another seminar on how to make money as a professional trainer and speaker. The only thing different about this one is that it detailed specifically how to break into the potentially lucrative market of college continuing education. And I gotta say, it was worth every penny I spent on it.
At this point, I need to take action. Again. If anyone knows of a motivation/take action pill I can take, I could sure use one write now.
Maybe my lack of motivation has to do with my lack of focus. My search in trying to find the niche that’s the most comfortable for me. Just because I know enough about a topic to write and speak about it doesn’t mean I want to do it.
Therein lies my problem. I mean, I know I want to travel, write, and teach. The problem is, what exactly? These three areas are so broad, and I’m like an ADD patient (no disrespect) where my ideas bounce around so much it makes my head spin.
So at this point, I need to ask myself: Out of my three passions, which do I love the most? After teaching at the Red Cross for several weeks, my answer is clear. My first love is training. Writing and traveling tie in at second. And I’ve discovered a 4th passion, one which I knew I had but didn’t realize until recently that I could make a living out of it.
All my life I’ve loved to help people, and graduating from a Sacred Heart school, I learned the benefits of community service and volunteerism. No longer is my motivation solely dependent on the bottom line. My work needs to mean something, it has to make a difference. Which is probably why I’m so picky about corporate job prospects – I’d rather work for non-profits. It’s less money, but it feeds my soul. Something I was missing for a good 10 years of my life.
And so I guess the title of this blog could just as much be titled, “Traveling the Right Train” as opposed to “Traveling the Write Train”.
So at this stop, I’ve discovered a potential new direction my career could head into. Let’s see what happens next.
August 6, 2010
Stop 5: Derailed by Disney
The last two weeks have been a roller coaster, much like the ones you find at Disney. I say Disney, because that’s where I was last week. And while fun, I have not written nearly as much as I wanted to. The writer’s block has been ridiculously oppressive, the motivation teasingly absent, the blank pages mocking me.
It’s depressing, and for the first time since starting this journey, I want off the train. Or at least rest for a while. I’m overwhelmed, and I need to focus, but the train is going so fast I don’t know where I am anymore.
It’s getting to the point where my life is starting to spin like it does when you’re on the magic teacups at Disney. It’s exhilarating, but it’s starting to make my head hurt. I wanted to travel, and I am. But my training deadlines are looming, and my writing projects are falling behind. I need to catch my breath.
Does anyone have any idea how to stop this thing? I think I’m going to be sick.
It’s depressing, and for the first time since starting this journey, I want off the train. Or at least rest for a while. I’m overwhelmed, and I need to focus, but the train is going so fast I don’t know where I am anymore.
It’s getting to the point where my life is starting to spin like it does when you’re on the magic teacups at Disney. It’s exhilarating, but it’s starting to make my head hurt. I wanted to travel, and I am. But my training deadlines are looming, and my writing projects are falling behind. I need to catch my breath.
Does anyone have any idea how to stop this thing? I think I’m going to be sick.
July 19, 2010
Stop 4: Oh, Canada!
This has been a really crazy week for me, full of traveling and working and family affairs.
First, the good news: I’ve accepted a part-time position as a paid Health &Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross in Southern Nevada. While the pay isn’t high, I’m excited for the opportunity to teach lifesaving skills to members of my community. The first question they asked me during the interview is why I want to teach this subject, and I answered that I strongly believe in the product.
What I neglected to tell them is I have several people in my family who died from heart attacks and strokes when I was younger, and I wonder how many of them would have had a fighting chance if those around them knew CPR and First Aid. If by teaching people these skills, I can help spare one family from going through what my family has gone through, then this job will have been more than worth it.
My freelance training project is going well, and the clients are happy with my work. I’ve also stepped up my writing, publishing several articles and submitting a story for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Of all the things that have happened this week, I’m most proud of the work I accomplished while out of town. My partner, his son, and I have spent the majority of this week in Bellingham, WA visiting family. Today, we drove to Langley, British Columbia in Canada to attend a family member’s memorial service. And I realized that I have managed my time extremely well and fit work into family obligations.
Now, I haven’t been able to fully complete the travel articles I talked about in my last stop, but I have done additional research for travel articles on this trip. Once I get caught up in all my other deadlines, I’ll concentrate on making this a reality.
In fact, I’ve made the decision to freelance full-time a reality. No falling back on unemployment benefits (the extensions haven’t been passed by Congress anyway), no more spending of the tax refund, just working to make this dream of mine come true.
And so, the train just chugs along. Choo-choo!
First, the good news: I’ve accepted a part-time position as a paid Health &Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross in Southern Nevada. While the pay isn’t high, I’m excited for the opportunity to teach lifesaving skills to members of my community. The first question they asked me during the interview is why I want to teach this subject, and I answered that I strongly believe in the product.
What I neglected to tell them is I have several people in my family who died from heart attacks and strokes when I was younger, and I wonder how many of them would have had a fighting chance if those around them knew CPR and First Aid. If by teaching people these skills, I can help spare one family from going through what my family has gone through, then this job will have been more than worth it.
My freelance training project is going well, and the clients are happy with my work. I’ve also stepped up my writing, publishing several articles and submitting a story for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Of all the things that have happened this week, I’m most proud of the work I accomplished while out of town. My partner, his son, and I have spent the majority of this week in Bellingham, WA visiting family. Today, we drove to Langley, British Columbia in Canada to attend a family member’s memorial service. And I realized that I have managed my time extremely well and fit work into family obligations.
Now, I haven’t been able to fully complete the travel articles I talked about in my last stop, but I have done additional research for travel articles on this trip. Once I get caught up in all my other deadlines, I’ll concentrate on making this a reality.
In fact, I’ve made the decision to freelance full-time a reality. No falling back on unemployment benefits (the extensions haven’t been passed by Congress anyway), no more spending of the tax refund, just working to make this dream of mine come true.
And so, the train just chugs along. Choo-choo!
July 11, 2010
Stop 3: Go North, Young Woman
Determined to travel last week, I hopped on a plane to Reno on Wednesday morning. My partner Ron was already in Northern Nevada for a series of client visits, having driven up there on Sunday. While he continued his work meetings, I worked away in the suite-like hotel room banging out some web articles and getting some work done for ASTD.
I was, however, momentarily distracted by the spa located inside the Grand Sierra Resort. Although expensive, I indulged in a facial, one of the best facial I’ve ever received. It was a true working vacation.
On Friday, we started our The drive back to Vegas started on Friday (it’s a holiday weekend) and we spent the night in Tonopah. While a small little town, Tonopah has some things to offer both stargazers and history buffs. We spent Saturday visiting the Tonopah Mining Park and Central Nevada Museum before making our way home.
But the adventure didn’t stop there. We visited a ghost town called Rhyolite outside of Beatty, Nevada and would have taken a detour to Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley if we weren’t so low on gas.
It’s one of the things I appreciate the most about Ron – his sense of adventure fuels and inspires my own. And it occurred to me that I should be writing travel articles about the all different places we visit if I want to break into the travel writing field. There is no reason why I can’t submit these articles for publication, absolutely none at all.
So my goal is to write several pieces about our trip last week and submit them by the end of next week. Think I can do it?
I’ll let you know on the next stop!
June 27, 2010
Stop 2: Emergency Training
This week my career train made a three day pit stop to refuel and stock up on supplies. By supplies I mean that I finally worked on my longtime goal to become certified as a CPR/AED/First Aid instructor with the American Red Cross. I am happy to report that I passed the class with flying colors, and the only thing I need to wait for is my authorized provider agreement.
After I sign the agreement, I will be authorized to teach a multitude of Red Cross Health and Safety classes through my own business. While there is not much money in this endeavor, I am excited that I will be able to train a class again. Of course the real reward is that the subject I’m teaching could help people save lives. As an adult trainer and teacher, there’s nothing more I could ask for that.
My freelance training project is going well, and I’m getting used to the particulars. Eventually, this project may develop into a performance consulting gig, so I’m very hopeful for the outcome.
Of course all this training took away from my other desires to write and to travel. About the only thing I’ve been able to write is this blog post and I’m now behind on several articles for other content sites.
In addition, I put an entire day of work on hold to assist a neighbor who lost all their belongings in a house fire. That’s the beauty of being the conductor of this train – I decide when and where to stop and where to go. My neighbors are o.k., but this experience has definitely reinforced the belief that life is short and we need to make the best of our time here on this earth.
Finally, I’m itching to travel to a destination outside of Vegas. While this internal journey is great, I know I also need to act on my desire to travel. So I booked a one way ticket to Reno on Wednesday, where I will meet my partner who is away on business. We’ll spend a couple of days working and traveling throughout northern Nevada before making the long drive home.
Can we say: Road trip! I really cannot wait for this change of scenery.
All aboard, everyone! This is going to be a great week.
After I sign the agreement, I will be authorized to teach a multitude of Red Cross Health and Safety classes through my own business. While there is not much money in this endeavor, I am excited that I will be able to train a class again. Of course the real reward is that the subject I’m teaching could help people save lives. As an adult trainer and teacher, there’s nothing more I could ask for that.
My freelance training project is going well, and I’m getting used to the particulars. Eventually, this project may develop into a performance consulting gig, so I’m very hopeful for the outcome.
Of course all this training took away from my other desires to write and to travel. About the only thing I’ve been able to write is this blog post and I’m now behind on several articles for other content sites.
In addition, I put an entire day of work on hold to assist a neighbor who lost all their belongings in a house fire. That’s the beauty of being the conductor of this train – I decide when and where to stop and where to go. My neighbors are o.k., but this experience has definitely reinforced the belief that life is short and we need to make the best of our time here on this earth.
Finally, I’m itching to travel to a destination outside of Vegas. While this internal journey is great, I know I also need to act on my desire to travel. So I booked a one way ticket to Reno on Wednesday, where I will meet my partner who is away on business. We’ll spend a couple of days working and traveling throughout northern Nevada before making the long drive home.
Can we say: Road trip! I really cannot wait for this change of scenery.
All aboard, everyone! This is going to be a great week.
June 22, 2010
Stop 1: The Little Engine That Could
Have you ever ridden on a train that gets off to a slow start, chugs along for a bit, runs out of steam, then stops with a screech? That’s kind of what my week has been like.
Ever since I came up with the name for this blog, the train analogies have run amok in my head. It’s fitting, really. I’m just starting my quest for the dream career, and I got to thinking exactly what kind of train I’m on.
While others in life have been on the bullet train or steam engine, it seems at this point in life I can only compare myself to the tiny caboose that keeps running out of steam. Because writer’s block plus procrastination plus fear plus a mild form of self-diagnosed ADD equals a poorly attended coal fueled engine.
I started the week with my key in the ignition, yelling “All aboard!” My intended destination goal was to catch up on my travel research, write at least 20 articles for online content, and figure out a training strategy.
So how did I do? In the travel area, other than being on this virtual train ride through the blogosphere, I didn’t do so hot. The farthest I got in my travel research was to put my travel newsletter emails into their specific folder. Again. Like I’ve been doing for the last six months.
And while far from reaching my goal, I actually did accomplish quite a bit of writing last week. As VP of Communications for the Las Vegas chapter of ASTD (American Society for Training & Development), I compiled, wrote articles, and distributed the bimonthly newsletter to our members. I also wrote and published two articles for Examiner.com, three really short articles for Demand Studios, and one article for Associated Content. Yeah, me.
I also started this blog post, something I’m learning to do in a “Blogging for Bucks” class at the College of Southern Nevada. While eventually I would like to make money blogging, I am content in the knowledge that this particular blog will hold me accountable during this quest.
This leads me to the progress on my training goal. The week actually led me in a different direction than I had originally planned. I came no where near to developing a strategy (also known as a business plan). However, I received an opportunity to do some contract work through an ASTD connection. The project will take 20-25 hours a week for a decent amount of money. Thank goodness for networking. Honestly, if you’re looking for work, forget the job-search engines on the Internet. Join a professional organization and make connections. I didn’t even have to interview, I was recommended. It’s a beautiful thing.
And I’m still looking for fulltime work, only for ones that seem to be in line with my career goals. It’s the never ending cycle of sending resumes and cover letters, but I’m confident that my skills will set me on the right track.
At this point I feel like the little engine that could. I’m plodding along, saying to myself, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”
Except now, the mantra really needs to be:
“I know I can!”
Ever since I came up with the name for this blog, the train analogies have run amok in my head. It’s fitting, really. I’m just starting my quest for the dream career, and I got to thinking exactly what kind of train I’m on.
While others in life have been on the bullet train or steam engine, it seems at this point in life I can only compare myself to the tiny caboose that keeps running out of steam. Because writer’s block plus procrastination plus fear plus a mild form of self-diagnosed ADD equals a poorly attended coal fueled engine.
I started the week with my key in the ignition, yelling “All aboard!” My intended destination goal was to catch up on my travel research, write at least 20 articles for online content, and figure out a training strategy.
So how did I do? In the travel area, other than being on this virtual train ride through the blogosphere, I didn’t do so hot. The farthest I got in my travel research was to put my travel newsletter emails into their specific folder. Again. Like I’ve been doing for the last six months.
And while far from reaching my goal, I actually did accomplish quite a bit of writing last week. As VP of Communications for the Las Vegas chapter of ASTD (American Society for Training & Development), I compiled, wrote articles, and distributed the bimonthly newsletter to our members. I also wrote and published two articles for Examiner.com, three really short articles for Demand Studios, and one article for Associated Content. Yeah, me.
I also started this blog post, something I’m learning to do in a “Blogging for Bucks” class at the College of Southern Nevada. While eventually I would like to make money blogging, I am content in the knowledge that this particular blog will hold me accountable during this quest.
This leads me to the progress on my training goal. The week actually led me in a different direction than I had originally planned. I came no where near to developing a strategy (also known as a business plan). However, I received an opportunity to do some contract work through an ASTD connection. The project will take 20-25 hours a week for a decent amount of money. Thank goodness for networking. Honestly, if you’re looking for work, forget the job-search engines on the Internet. Join a professional organization and make connections. I didn’t even have to interview, I was recommended. It’s a beautiful thing.
And I’m still looking for fulltime work, only for ones that seem to be in line with my career goals. It’s the never ending cycle of sending resumes and cover letters, but I’m confident that my skills will set me on the right track.
At this point I feel like the little engine that could. I’m plodding along, saying to myself, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.”
Except now, the mantra really needs to be:
“I know I can!”
June 12, 2010
The Journey Begins
In the year since I’ve been laid off, I’ve had time to conduct a lot of soul searching in order to answer the age old question: What exactly do I want to do with my life?
As it turns out, my answer is three-fold:
I want to travel.
I want to train.
I want to write.
So how exactly do I do this? Therein lies my problem.
Don’t get me wrong - the possibilities are endless. From travel writing to educational tours to training adults at the local college, I know there is a way for me to combine my three loves into the ultimate career.
However, I have a slight issue when it comes to putting plans in motion. In other words, when coming up with an action plan for myself, I’m all plan and no action.
I’ve researched my route, bought my ticket, and now I’m standing on the platform. So what’s preventing me from getting on the train?
It’s fear. Fear of failure, fear of the rejection, fear of the unknown, and fear that I don’t have the slightest clue what I’m doing.
In many ways, I feel like the character Marla in the movie A League of Their Own. I’m waiting for Jon Lovitz’s character Ernie Capadino to snap at me:
“Are you coming? See, how it works is, the train moves, not the station!”
So I decided to start this blog, in hopes that you, my dear family, friends, colleagues, and visitors, will act as Ernie Capadino for me. Each week I’ll post my progress in my quest to combine my love of travel, training & development, and writing. I promise to tell you everything, to share in my successes and commiserate in my challenges.
In return, I ask of you only one thing.
If I get off the train, tell me to get back on please.
And so off we go, the journey begins.
As it turns out, my answer is three-fold:
I want to travel.
I want to train.
I want to write.
So how exactly do I do this? Therein lies my problem.
Don’t get me wrong - the possibilities are endless. From travel writing to educational tours to training adults at the local college, I know there is a way for me to combine my three loves into the ultimate career.
However, I have a slight issue when it comes to putting plans in motion. In other words, when coming up with an action plan for myself, I’m all plan and no action.
I’ve researched my route, bought my ticket, and now I’m standing on the platform. So what’s preventing me from getting on the train?
It’s fear. Fear of failure, fear of the rejection, fear of the unknown, and fear that I don’t have the slightest clue what I’m doing.
In many ways, I feel like the character Marla in the movie A League of Their Own. I’m waiting for Jon Lovitz’s character Ernie Capadino to snap at me:
“Are you coming? See, how it works is, the train moves, not the station!”
So I decided to start this blog, in hopes that you, my dear family, friends, colleagues, and visitors, will act as Ernie Capadino for me. Each week I’ll post my progress in my quest to combine my love of travel, training & development, and writing. I promise to tell you everything, to share in my successes and commiserate in my challenges.
In return, I ask of you only one thing.
If I get off the train, tell me to get back on please.
And so off we go, the journey begins.
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