Wow, it feels like an age since I sat down to write something for Muton's minute. I've had a few PM's from people asking what has been going on, so as for once I felt in the mood, here's what’s been happening;

Well, my company (and source of my month to month paycheck style lifestyle) began downsizing talk a couple of months ago, so that began to weigh on my mind and I started preparing for the semi-inevitable. Then along came Kaiju Kollision and an amazing weekend in SF - driving down with Turtlegod, and hangin’ with the S7 crew took my mind off it altogether. Barely did I get back from there, then 2 days later the axe finally swings and I join the ranks of the previously employed. Not a surprise, but still a surprise if you know what I mean. I immediately launched into interview offensive mode, and then along came my previously planned Coachella weekend - and another great time (even it was 117 degrees one day!) - followed by back to reality. Then this weekend its VTN, and some quality time with those ubiquitous S7 boys and the Toypunks crew.

So there you have it, the last few weeks have been split between some highs and some lows. Right now I am not missing work - but ask me in a month, and if I haven't found work I will be singing a different refrain! So, I'll put it out there, I'm an IT Project Manager by profession, with PMP certification and some good experience under my belt ...y'know, just in case anyone's a-lookin'

Plus points are that I have time on my hands. Minus points are that I have to be very careful with the money right now - so late night Yahoo Japan sessions are out, cheap dinners at home are in! I have a whole load of interesting stuff to write about, and a bunch of photos to upload, but haven’t felt in the mood, and didn't even feel much like like reading the boards – but hopefully I’ll turn that around, after all I’m here and writing this stuff.

Oh yeah, I also wanted to say that I got some cool stuff in trades and sales from board members in the last couple of weeks – I have kind of spaced on who sent what – but everything was awesome – thanks everyone (especially liked those Dehara pigs, whoever it was who included them)!

hey big C, keep your head up. you'll find something.

in the meantime, why not try to get on unemployment? I know it seems kinda like giving up, but when I had my job pulled out from under me early last year, I filed and it was honestly the best thing I could have done. it totally relieved that stressful, ever-looming curtain of worry and while I couldn't go crazy with my money, it was still some degree of income until I could get back on my feet.

Sorry to hear about the job! Keep your head up!

I've bought a few things from you in the past couple weeks, I hope it has helped!

It's situations like these were selling stuff off is pretty necessary.

I may actually be moving to LA in August as my girlfriend may be going to USC for grad school. But she is still debating NYU and USC, but she needs to make a final decision by this coming Friday. If she chooses USC I don't have a job lined up. I know nothing about the job market in LA, and if I don't find one quickly I will definitely have to sell some stuff and I am not looking forward to that.

Good luck Carl!

Good luck on the job search Carl - having been unemployed many times in the past I can say only one thing...get out there and do stuff! At the end of one's life will you remember how you worked that extra week or how you went on the greatest road trip of your life? Use the time!

Thanks guys, and Khanate you are right about what you say. Now's teh time! I'd really like to visit Tokyo, but unless I have a definite prospect when I get back, then I daren't do it.

Hey Muton, from where I'm sat employed in the UK or unemployed in LA is a close call . . . . Hope somethin' turns up soon for ya!

It ain't easy...
Good luck with the hunt!

Actually, having lived in both places - I can tell u that I'd rather be poor in the UK than over here - the weather maybe waaaaaaaaaay better, but .... On the other hand, I'd much rather be independently wealthy in sunny SoCal than blighty......

Good luck with the job search Carl.
Who knows what opportunities are around the corner for you.