Well, I heard from Delta on Friday. The Exec. Director will not be making a decision on the position until September. Apparently, they are still concerned about the workload, i.e. is there enough work in their carbon portfolio to justify a full-time associate. From the extent of the questions during my interview, I got the impression that there was a lot of carbon-related work to be done. Apparently not. Furthermore, if Delta decides that there is enough work to be done, then a decision needs to be made about where this position would be based (Chicago or Michigan). So, I wait for Delta to make two decisions – 1) is a full-time associate needed? 2) where will a full-time associate reside, if needed?

In the meantime, I’m going to apply some of my persuasive writing skills (learned in Prof. Bartrum’s class) and respond to the email with several reasons why there is a need for a full-time position. I’m going to focus on carbon markets and Delta’s other environmental programs. In other words, I want to show that I can contribute to all of Delta’s programs. Plus, I think a persausive letter will also demonstration my determination and desire to work for Delta.

Interestingly, I met a woman at Lisa’s party this weekend, who has a background in biofuels and energy efficiency. She knew of Delta and reaffirmed the value of a career with Delta. Always nice to hear.

So, my work around Lisa’s house is mostly done. Sometime this week, I’m going to take a whole bunch of crap to the dump. Lisa is also talking about hanging dryway in her three season room. I’m not sure if this is just talk or something that will occur this fall. But if it does happen, I’m sure to be the lead “contractor” for the job. Meanwhile, there are several projects that I’d like to take care of around my house, now that it appears I’ll be in Lansing for at least another month. I’ve decided to hold off on the landscape improvements until fall, when I can cut-down all the perennial vegetation and work with clean beds. I also want to sand my floors upstairs. I’d like to do it myself, but I’m afraid of ruining my pine floors. And although it is far more expensive to hire a contractor, they would be able to do the entire upstairs and stairwell within a week (it would probably take me two weeks to do it myself). So, I may just bite the bullet and hire someone.

You may be wondering why I’m willing to spend all this money on my house when I don’t have a job. Good question.. Well, here is how I see it. Most likely, I’ll be leaving this house. While I’m hopeful that Delta will hire me, it’s unlikely that they will allow me to live in Lansing. If Delta doesn’t hire me, then I’ll probably find work somewhere outside of Lansing. It just doesn’t seem likely that I’ll be able to find work in the Lansing-area. So, if I spend money now, I’ll only add value to my house when I (presumably) put it up for sale this fall. And believe me, nice hardwood floors will add value. Furthermore, I’m also going to have a tree removed so I can completely fence-in my yard. Right now, there are fences on both sides, so I just need a fence along the rear boundary and gates on each side of the house. I’d like to have this done within the next six weeks. Again, this adds value to my house.

So, there are my plans during my time of unemployment. Lisa and I have been hanging out alot. Actually, I’ve been sponging alot of food from her frig. In fact, I haven’t even visited the grocery store in the 2 weeks that I’ve been home. Hehehehe.. Yup. Living the good life!

Orientation week has started for all the incoming students. Lots of fun during the week, with lots of parties and free alcohol. I’m still waiting for my summer grades, which haven’t been posted yet. Supposedly, the registrar is posting the grades within the campus web as soon as Profs submit grades. But from the looks of it, my summer profs grade papers very slowly! Ugh. I don’t know the final date when grades must actually be submitted to the registrar, but I hope it is soon. It’s frustrating to be finished without actually knowing your grades.

Alright, time to work on my persuasive email. wish me luck..

tp