Rookism, Round 1 - PULSE

For those of you who don't know, I'm a main character in a book series by the great Jeremy Robinson. I've known Jeremy the better part of 20 years, and through that time he and I have built a friendship few have. It's pretty awesome. But hey, I'm not here to talk about the mushy crap, let's get on to the good stuff.

Some of you have had the opportunity to meet me. A few may even consider my personality 'larger than life' (yes, I have been told that to my face. I thanked them.). He was looking for a character, and I guess I fit the bill! I don't even think I knew about it before he started writing. As much as I like to play it up, I'm still in disbelief. Surreal even.

Well, Jeremy knows me pretty well from all the time we have spent together, and has been able to get me down to a science. I was lucky enough to work with him while he was writing the first novel that was released in the series, PULSE, and he would just turn around (we worked in the same room together) and say, "Hey, 'situation-x' is going on, what statement would you make?" I would respond with something completely off the cuff, and it would get put in the book. Sure, some of it got edited out or tweaked, but it was such an amazing process.

Since starting this blog, I have been considering a section of 'Rookisms', the one-liners stated by my character. Some of these may not be for everyone, so if you are offended by profanity you may want to just hit Back. Otherwise, read on, Suckas! And hey, thanks to fans Abby and Kelly for getting this list together of their favorites. Good peeps, you are. I'm glad we got to meet at RobinsonFest 2015!

PULSE by Jeremy Robinson

1. "Talk about maximum shrinkage-it's so cold out here I might have to change my name to Susan."
2. "I have to do everything I s'pose. Bend over, ladies, here it comes."
3. "You horny rabbit. I didn't know you wanted kids."
4. "When he stops acting like a prick we'll be golden."
5. "I'm not a big fan of needles or haystacks. Put them together and I'm bound to get pissed."
6. "Ahh, save it for when your future wife sees your little pecker."

Want more context, or feel the need to read more Rookisms? Buy the book, the link is above. 

INSTINCT is next. Keep your eyes open for that within the next few weeks.

Headfirst PMP - What I'm Reading

I don't have a lot of time to read, to be honest. I work a lot, run a freelance graphic design gig, go to the gym, and most importantly have family obligations with a super 6yo kid.

Well, that whole "I work a lot" statement changed a short while ago when I got laid off my full-time job due to "restructuring".

My goal is to get back into project management, and here is the thing: I believe I am good at it. The recommendations I received on LinkedIn from the clients I worked with verify my feeling. So, I didn't waste time. I got back out there and started looking for a new PM job where I could use my hard and soft skills to bring another business success, enthusiasm, and leadership.

Easier said than done. Many employers now-a-days require (or strongly recommend) that project managers have PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification. Instead of sulking, or trying to find a lower end job, I decided to go get the cert to advance my career and knowledge base.

Small problem though... I don't have enough hours in project management to even take the test! Son of a motherless goat!

A lack of hours can't stop this man-in-motion. I enrolled in the class regardless of my shortcoming (thanks Carl and the John Mason Institute) and am now 5 classes in, with another 4 to go. I tell you though, this is as tough a course as I've had since my science courses back in college. Lots of memorization of functions and processes and PMI terminology (oh my!). If you are devoted to the craft, I suggest that you find a way to make it happen. Don't come lacking in vigor and vim, though, you will need it to survive.

So, onto the textbook, or this month's (and probably next month's) reading material. It is 850 pages of hunka-hunka-burnin'-love. I find it fairly easy to follow along while the instructor does his thing. Not a bad choice. From what I understand, at the end of the course I will be getting another piece of 'literature' ... the PMBOK. The so-called Project Mangement Bible according to PMI. Perhaps I'll let you know what I think of it after I take the test. If I pass. And I'm still conscious.

All kidding aside, I look forward to finishing up this class. While it has absorbed a ton of my time, I truly feel as though it will end up being juice worth the squeeze (right Bryan?). I'm getting a ton of knowledge, and even if I do not take the test right away I have gained so much more than I would have otherwise. Regardless of where or what my next career opportunity is, there is no doubt that I'll be using everything I am learning. Win-win.

Moral of the story: Don't let your goals be stifled by speed bumps. Make it happen, peeps.

Rook out.