Things that make you say ..... Why?

Okay, this is just a quick post because it was that kind of a day. These are the things that make me shake my head and say, "What are you thinking?".

1. Why, when there is an accident on one side of the road, does the traffic come to a dead stop on the opposite side? Does the MTO really think those cement medians will make rubbernecking less of a national sport?

2. Why would some wife let her husband leave the house wearing jean shorts, no shirt, suspenders, black socks and shoes? Maybe she was asleep.

3. Why do people in fast cars (usually sports cars, sometimes big pick-up trucks) think that they can go faster in front of you than behind you in this traffic jam?

4. Why do people own dogs if they're never going to let them out of the back yard? It's like jail for dogs. Things smell so much better on the end of a leash.

5. Why is everyone who drives a big pick-up truck an a**hole (and if you drive one, I'm sorry, but I probably mean you, too)?

6. Why would you hire Don Cherry to do a radio commercial for windows when he can't say the word? Does hockey have something to do with "windas"?

7. Why can't they design one single interchange between 400 series highways in Toronto that actually works? I can't think of one that isn't backed up for hours in rush hour?

8. Why do we always blame every violent crime on video games? Millions of people play video games yet only a few commit murder. Why don't we ever blame the parents? I have two teenagers who would never think of stabbing a guy with a broken golf club (of course, I'm referring to Barrie's first murder of the year).

9. Why is it always windy on garbage day?

10. Why can't they think of any new ideas for movies or music? Did we run out of inspiration already? Would Shakespeare have stopped writing plays or Mozart have given up on opera if they had video games?

If you're caught up on my blog, you'll know that I started a new job this week. That's why there are so many "why"s about traffic. I'm rediscovering my commuting self. 

Photos are coming in my next post. In the meantime, I'm on Twitter if you want to catch a few random thoughts (and I mean few).

Okay, I'm back!

Wow! Over a month since I've posted a blog. I feel a little guilty, like I've deserted my friends. And I guess I have. Sorry and all.

So, what happened? Well, all of a sudden my job search went ballistic. I had so many job interviews every week that I just ran out of time. For those of you who haven't done this in a while, be prepared to dedicate a good chunk of time to your search. Getting a job has become a career in itself. You need to be on all the websites, read all their newsletters, have your resume and cover letter analyzed and find out what to say (and what not to say) in job interviews. There are so many sites and agencies dedicated to placing the unemployed that it has created this huge industry. Way to profit from the recession!

I think they should turn searching for a job into a reality show. They could have people submit their resumes and an explanation of why this show should help them find a job. They would need to be out of the working world for a year and fairly desperate. It would also help all the other unemployed people out there with free advice (which you can get anyway from most sites). 

I did get a bit of a kick out of going for interviews. It was interesting to see the inside of different companies and how they tick. There were some where I walked away and thought "I'd be happy never to hear from them again", and others where I really wished I'd get an offer. I showed up for interviews (and, unfortunately, more than once) where the person I was seeing either (A) didn't know I was coming, or (B) thought I was coming another day. One guy didn't show up at all.

I have to say that one thing lacking in today's job market is rules of etiquette. A candidate is expected to show up with their research done, their responses to questions rehearsed and to be perfectly groomed and poised. The interviewer is only required to have their questions prepared and to show up on time. However, it doesn't seem to bother them to keep someone waiting in their lobby. A job seeker is also supposed to email the person after the interview and thank them. What kills me, is that the interviewer so rarely returns the favour. 

And my pet peeve? The fact that you very rarely get that call or email saying you didn't get the job. The fact that the applicant has spent time applying, researching, preparing then travelling to the interview (at some expense to themselves) doesn't seem to mean that the employer should extend that common courtesy. I paid for my gas, my parking, my transit, rearranged my schedule - the least you can do is send me an email. It's free.

Well, that's the end of my job hunting story. I start a new position on August 15 and I'm looking forward to getting back to the work force and talking to someone other than my dog. Even though she's totally going to miss it. I'll try to keep up the blog and, for those who asked what happened to it (Tracey), thanks for reading. I'll try not to desert you again!