Marty's Mumblings: October 2023

Greetings, everyone! It's been a while since I've checked in, and the sports world is in full swing. The MLB playoffs are underway, with the ALDS and NLDS heating up. Before we know it, the World Series will be over, football will be nearing the Super Bowl, and hockey will be in full force.

I haven't watched much baseball this year, though. I feel like the players have lost touch with the common fan. So, I'm shifting my focus to college and high school sports, where the passion and connection to the community still shine through.

Enough about sports, let's talk about the beautiful fall unfolding here in Wisconsin. The leaves are changing, and the air is crisper, although it's been an unusually warm autumn. I haven't had as many opportunities as I'd like to enjoy a cozy campfire in my backyard. Still, winter is on its way, and I hope it won't be too harsh. I'm looking forward to snow and winter activities, especially the St. Paul Winter Carnival, always a highlight of the season.

On the work front, I'm settling into my new role in higher education as an LMS administrator and point of contact for instructors' technology needs. It's been eight months, and I'm enjoying my colleagues immensely. It's been a long time since I've felt part of a team, and I'm grateful to my trainer and co-workers for making the transition so smooth.

So, until next time, here's to skating away on the thin ice of a new day!

I used Google's Bard to refine this post. Try it out here - https://bard.google.com/chat. 

April's Mumblings

We missed March’s Mumblings. So, what’s new in my world. Well, when I last updated you all I was in the process of losing my position at Comar, Pitchers, and Catchers were getting ready to report. I am happy to say that spring training went off without a hitch Baseball’s new rules seem to be speeding up the game and the boys of summer are setting into the long season. I can’t wait to see how the Minnesota Twins fair this year. 

As for my job, I did find something new. I spoke of Elatia Abate’s LinkedIn Learning course Build a Career You Love No Matter the Market last time. Well going through that class made me take a look at where I was and where I wanted to go. She has been an inspiration to me and to the way I look at myself professionally. Elatia has also completed and released a workbook. I would highly recommend going through her course no matter where you are in your career path. She has great insight. Be the “Captain of your destiny” as she says in the course. You can watch a short live talk from Elatia where she covers some of the high points of the class with Ashley Kennedy during a live LinkedIn session with Elatia and Ashley. As you watch pay close attention at 21:52. Yes, I was watching this live!

Where did this all lead me to? Well, I have moved into higher education. I am working as an internal consultant for learning technology. Elatia’s class gave me the confidence to apply for the position and I received it. I was off work for a total of two weeks. I was never without health insurance for myself or my family. 

Until next time. ‘Play Ball”

February Mumblings

 When we are in February and winter is slowly starting to turn to spring. The first sign of this is that spring training has begun. Pitchers and Catchers have reported, and we will so be having games. Summer is just around the corner and before we know it the World Series will be starting.

 

Closer to home I have just learned that my position at work is ending soon, and I am on the job hunt again. This can be an excellent time to take personal stock and see where I am right now and where it is I want to go. I enjoy being able to work with others and help them on the first days of their new jobs. I know how difficult it is to start anew. 

 

To help with this process I have been listening to Elatia Abate talks (Tedx - https://youtu.be/KBRlUzzYfLc). She is a futurist and owns The Future of Now (https://elatiaabate.com). She just released a great LinkedIn learning course Build a Career You Love No Matter the Market. She gives some great tools for self-evaluation and looking at what and where you want to be professional. 

 

On to the job search and find the next opportunity. Let’s hope it goes well and I am able to find that that will all me to become the best version of myself.