Moving Forward and Movie Viewing

[mrdreamjeans]

I am beginning to see some rays of light in my personal life after the past eight difficult months. I've consistently pursued employment and suddenly an offer's come from an unexpected direction/source ... my brother. Jeff has an Rep business, selling different lines of pumps and other industrial products. He's finishing his second full year, after two decades as a top salesman for a couple of companies. He's doing very well and the business has now expanded to the point where he will require help in support of his four salesmen ... organizing and updating his database, managing invoices, following up on quotes, creating marketing materials and managing special projects. At some point soon, he is going to need an inside sales person.

I'll work as an independent contractor for Jeff in his office in Bellville, the neighboring town. After four months, we'll sit down and discuss how it's going. It will provide me with a decent income, the potential to move out on my own again and away from 24/7 care of my folks. I've done this kind of work before and really ran with the ball, so I am excited by the challenge. It will also give me a buffer, so that if I decide on another course, I have income while I plan. I'm also going to speak to a gallery owner in Bryan/College Station who is looking for a director. I don't care what the hours might be, for my own good health and my spirit, my state of mind, I need work. I begin work with my brother's company in January.

As to movie viewing ... I just came back from seeing "Eragon" with my nephew Brennan and a college friend of his. The first question I ask myself when judging the quality of the film is, "Did it entertain me?" I found "Eragon" entertaining and thus enjoyed the couple of hours in the theater. You can always quibble with how they condense a long book into a shooting script and for the most part I didn't miss the chunks they cut out. I was a bit perturbed that the elf princess didn't have pointy ears, but was mighty relieved that the actor playing Eragon ( in his film debut) wasn't nearly as wooden as say Hayden Christiansen who ruined the last of the Star Wars movies for me. Jeremy Irons was really good and the creation of the baby Saffira was quite charming. I'll be looking forward to the sequel "Eldest". Next up ... "Charlotte's Web" and then "Dream Girls":)

Comments

[blackwingbear.livejournal.com]

Congrats on the job offer!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thank you kindly!

[blackwingbear.livejournal.com]

MOST welcome!!!
*BIG HUG*

[teddybtoronto.livejournal.com]

The opportunity with your brother sounds great, Neil. I know how articulate and service-oriented you are, so being a rep for your brother's company sounds like a natural for you. His customers will be dealing with a great rep who has terrific communication skills and is committed to making sure customers are properly looked after. You are a very quick study, so the technical aspects of the products and the customers' business requirements will come quickly to you, while making the job an interesting challenge for you.

I think this is a great break for you, and I know you are going to grab on to it, making it a big success for you and for your brother.

I'm really delighted to read this good news, buddy.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Bob! I do believe that I can be of help to Jeff. Working with him has always been a possibility, but Jeff and I wanted it to come at a time when I was truly of use to him, where and when his business warranted expansion, not as a favor. The communications training firm that I worked for (the last job that wasn't theater) asked me to do similar tasks. I am excited. I will continue to look for theater opportunities, plan to study for my insurance and series 6 licenses and make my self further attractive in the job market.

My brother and I work well together and he's mostly on the road. His wife does the books and that's who I will interact with the most.

I appreciate you being there for me. Btw, I was getting ready to send you a Christmas card and I realized I probably have an old address. Could you update for me?

HUGS!

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Glad you have the job offer - it's such a downer to be stuck in that unemployed space for so long. Go for it.
Hugs

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You are so right! I've never been unemployed for so long and yet seldom have I worked harder than I have the past 8 months. Hopefully, this year will go down in my personal history as a character builder:)

Now, if I just get good results from the ultrasound and blood work I had done last week.

I so appreciate how much moral support and kindness you've offered me in the past year. Have a Happy Holiday, my friend! HUGS!

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Your character doesn't seem like it needs much building from here ;-)

I'm glad if any of my words have been of support or comfort Neil - you have given that to me as well, and I appreciate it.

I hope the ultrasound and blood work give you something useful to work with.

Have a great time with your family and friend over the next few weeks, and I hope '07 brings you love and prosperity in abundance.
hugs

[sethlan.livejournal.com]

Miss you.. :) merry xmass

Massive Xmass Bear Hug

-sethlan

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

WOW! A comment! I'm really happy about that! Have a Merry Christmas, John! I was delighted to see your post and applaud your courage and honesty in reaching out. May there be a special someone ready to reply!

Btw ... Be ready for a package tomorrow coming via UPS for Tim. It's got fudge in it for You, John, Tim and Steve!

HUGS!

[quietdanmn.livejournal.com]

Best of luck in your new adventure!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Dan! Hope you got my Christmas greeting! Btw, Do you know if they are going to hold local (meaning Twin Cities) auditions for "Seussical"? I'd love to know the details.

Big HUGS!

[quietdanmn.livejournal.com]

I checked this afternoon, and Seussical is already fully cast.

However, we are having general adult auditions the end of January (29-31, I think). More info will be on our website in early January, was the info I got today.

I did get your card today. Thank you!

*HUGS*

[musicbearmn.livejournal.com]

this is good news!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

It is indeed!! I saw several posts that raved about your Christmas party! Sounded like a lot of fun!

Big HUGS! Hugs to Keith!

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

I've been meaning to email you about how I've been trying to get in contact with that lady who works at the Pioneer Press. I haven't had any luck yet, but haven't given up either, hence I haven't told you anything yet.

But this is great news Neil! Even if it wasn't a job you were all that interested (though it sounds like you are), it's something to get you out of that house. I wish you the best of luck with this opportunity and can't wait to hear how it works out.

**CubHugs**

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Keith! It is great news, especially since the best time to find work is when you already have a job. I don't know why that is true, but it is! Have you closed on your townhouse yet? That should be coming up!

Please continue to pursue the woman with The Pioneer Press. I definitely am considering a move to the Twin Cities in the future.

Have a wonderful Christmas! Big HUGS!

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

No problem Neil, I'll keep trying! It's be real neat having you be a local ;o)

And the closing is this Wednesday!!!

Merry Christmas back to you! Big **CubHugs**

[greggjim.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on the new opportunity!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Jim! My brother is being so generous in finding a way for me to get back out on my own. He appreciated the work I've done this year in our parents' behalf, but he also knows that the projects he needs me to tackle are ones I will do very well! It's a good match.

HUGS!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

YEAH !! Such excellent news ! It sounds like a step forward, and good for you in many ways. The funny thing is that you're probably overqualified, since you are so accustomed to exerting intelligence, paying attention to details moment to moment, and approaching the challenge with a strong sense of discipline (all stuff routine to your work as an actor) ... which means that you should shine in the new job. This also happens to be a great way to head into the new year - new prospects, new hope, new enthusiasm.

I'm with you on 'good movie' criteria ... it doesn't have to be 'Casablanca' or 'Citizen Kane'. "Entertaining" will do just fine, thanks. Besides, I sort of wolfed down the book of 'Eragon', so if the film is decent, I'm not likely to miss a lot that may have been left out. Your other films are also on my 'must see' list ... and also 'History Boys' and 'The Good German'.
It's also great to know that the movies are not just a welcome distraction, but an entertainment in addition to some other things you're looking forward to.
BIG HUGS !

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I am just happy for the employment and I know it is something that I will do well for him. We will sit down and review how it's going in March or April. It frees me to seek other opportunities in the performance and in other cities.

Wish you were around so we could hang out! Btw, I love the pictures from "Sweet Charity"! So funny that our paths didn't cross in 1985; fate made us wait until 2006!

Big HUGS! Safe Journeys!

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked the pix - fate is a funny thing, but can be marvelous.
" Wish you were around so we could hang out!" ...
that's one of the nicest things one friend could say to another =0)
Hugs back !

[pbehr.livejournal.com]

Congratulations, Neil. This is a really good idea and opportunity. Sounds like a graceful initial exit from your predicament. Adding something extra with the gallery sounds great, too.

Cheers and hugs.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Brian! Details are still being worked out, but I will start in January (good news since unemployment ends on December 31). I will follow up on the gallery tomorrow. I don't mind work long hours to establish my independence again.

How are you? Have you had the dreadful weather that's hit Seattle?

Big HUGS! Happy Holidays!

[pbehr.livejournal.com]

We've been fine but some friends have had their power out for almost a week.

Stanley Park in Vancouver has been decimated. Some sections look as though they've been clear-cut.

This has been quite the fall.

[carharttmo.livejournal.com]

Woo hoo. Congrats on the job offer! I hope it goes well - and affords you many opportunities!

Happy Holidays - and keep us posted!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks! It's great to see a shout-out from you! Hope all is well and that you're looking forward to the holidays!

Big HUGS!

[tbone1961.livejournal.com]

many congrats to you Neil!

2007 is looking good for you!!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I have a long way to go, but at least there is an indication that 2007 will be a better year than this one. I am happy just with the thought of being productive outside of this household. I've learned a lot about myself this year and one of the joys amidst the challenges has been the support and kindness granted me through true friendships.

I will be most joyful when it is my time to make music again ...

You are always in my thoughts and heart, Bubba!

Merry Christmas ....