| "Remember The Alamo..." (San Antonio - ETG Press) "What a difference a year makes." 2004 was a year full of new, exciting life and career challenges. During early 2004, I found myself employed at an I.T. company in Houston, Texas. Yet, the change from management consulting to an entirely different industry and work culture had its own share of suprises and challenges. I was excited in May 2003 to find a job as an I.T. project manager, on the very day my unemployment benefits ended. God was very gracious. In late 2003, i started receiving lots of calls and emails from various companies interested in interviewing me for project manager positions. I think I averaged an interview each week from November 2003 through April 2004. In January 2004, my employer restructured their I.T. operations and outsourced 25% of their workforce to offshore resources. Luckily, my team was spared from job layoffs. Speculation concerning the future of the team and additional restructuring rumors continued. I was flown to Richmond, VA, and Chicago, IL, for various job interviews. Yet, they were not a mutual fit. After a busy Summer/Fall season and amid job uncertainties, I decided it was time for a break. I was able to cash in some air miles and spend a week with my friends Diego and Mary Utreras (and kids) in Quito, Ecuador. During vacation, I sensed a need to get refocused on working more diligently. Oh, yes...God really dealt with me graciously through His Word - particularly the book of Colossians...it was a real-world, literally 'on-the-job' learning that my work ultimately is 'unto the Lord - not men'...man, was it a lesson...! Upon returning to the US, I inherited a severe head cold. During a random monster.com search while at home sick, I ran across an ad for a project manager opening with USAA, a financial services company based in San Antonio, Texas. I saw the posting and applied...not thinking it would amount to anything... There were multiple phone interviews in March and April. Over Easter weekend, I drove to San Antonio for a final job interview for the position. Yet, after a two-week waiting period, I discovered that I had been declined for the position. At the same time, the HR rep informed me that I was not extended a job offer, she asked me to apply for another project management position. So, the process started again with USAA. (Continued on next column) Hopefully, in early 2005, I should have my low-tech, high-dork website up with new stuff (new photos, etc.. Email: [email protected] |
| Merry Christmas 2004 |
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| In April, I had a couple of phone interviews for the different position and then traveled to San Antonio for a final interview over Mother's Day weekend. I thought that the interview did not go well. I had lowered my expectations. Famous last words. After spending Easter weekend with the family in San Antonio, I returned to Houston. That following Monday, I called the HR recruiter and asked her for feedback so I could learn from the interview. She stopped me and made me an offer on the spot. All the necessary forms and background checks were cleared and USAA made me a very generous offer, including buying-out remaining months on my lease and full relocation to San Antonio on their dime. God truly blessed. This past June, I packed up and moved in with my parents for a couple of months to save money on rent. In August, I settled into my new apartment. The Electropad v 2.0 is now in effect... I've been living away from San Antonio for 15 years...it's good to be back...just a crazy ride... New info: Jeff Smith 11300 Expo Blvd. # 1314 San Antonio, TX 78230 New Happenings in 2004 Kick it. Something must be in the water in San Antonio, because I have ventured to learn how to do the 2-Step dance properly. I took a country dancing class with some new work friends. Who would have thought Jeff would have ever learned the 2-step...or listened to country music... Rekindling of U2 Superfan status. Since U2 began their recent media blitz, I have relapsed into my U2 Superfan status. Symptoms include purchase of the new U2 Limited Edition iPod, The Complete U2 iTunes catalog, and savings for the 2005 tour. Warning: I may try to recruit some friends to join me for a show this summer/fall. Renewing friendships. Through some travels this summer and fall, I have seen some far-away friends. This even includes running into Baylor-days friends on the streets of NYC. God is Providential! I'm plotting his 2005 America Tour to swing by and see old friends thoroughout the US and beyond.... Impact. I am beginning to work with my father's organization which basically does construction projects in the third-world for needy communities. I have volunteered to develop the communication strategy and approach for the organization. Christmas Blessings 2004 I wish you and your's a Merry Christmas. It's such a great reason to celebrate the incarnation of the very God of the Universe as a man - a gift to us. The paradox of Him coming to the earth, laying a manager. Rights to everything and giving it up to seek us out. Amazing... "[Christ] came that you might have life and have it abundantly..." John 10:10 "...that though [Christ ] was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9 Have a Merry Christmas! |
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| "Jive Turkey" Costume for Work Party last year |
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| The Ecuador trip was a lot of fun and a good break from the stress at work. The Utreras family and me spent a couple of days touring sites in Quito, Ecuador, where Diego and his family live. I think it was a great break for Diego too. He had not taken a proper vacation in a long while. |
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| Photos from Ecuador Vacation |
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