Diversify, diversify, diversify

There is a "help wanted" sign in the window of a pet store just three blocks from my house. I first saw it when I moved to Evanston and joked to myself that I should apply. Who doesn't want to play with fluffy puppies all day?

When I walked by the store tonight, I thought about my career path. Seven years ago I decided to be a journalist, and it never really occurred to me that I should do anything else, with the exception of becoming a lawyer. I enjoyed writing and was decent at it. Great, no. But good enough, and I really, really liked seeing my words under my byline.

Along the way, I never questioned my future as a journalist. Between internships, classes and eventually jobs, I didn't pause and seriously ask myself, "What else?" I didn't practice the same skepticism I do in interviews with sources.

So here I am, a month and a half into unemployment, wondering, "What else?" What else could I be doing?

Friends and former colleagues say good writing and reporting skills can apply to jobs in most industries. But my resume is filled with newspaperin', and not one employer is biting. And I'm looking in a lot of places -- universities, health associations, hospitals, public relation firms, non-profits.

We're told when investing that we should diversify. Don't have all your eggs in one basket. And I think I should have taken that same advice seven years ago when I started taking classes at the University of Minnesota.

I printed an application today for a job at a well-known running store. Diversification, right?

Wanted: Income

I am wondering at what point I pause pause the serious career search and find any job I can get. (There's a running/walking store three blocks away, and I'm so tempted to stop in and ask if there are part-time opportunities. But I'm a big chicken. I doubt the store needs more help.)

Or maybe return to school to get a degree in an in-demand industry, like nursing. Although the only science class I took during college was geology -- or rocks for jocks as I called it -- and performed miserably. Worst grade I got during college!

Or maybe become a fitness trainer, since I so firmly believe that everyone should exercise but might need a little guidance and encouragement. I've gotten many a friend to sign up for distance races. But would you pay me $25 an hour (I'm worth it!) to show you how to run on the treadmill?

Granted, I've only been searching job listings, randomly applying for jobs and cold e-mailing people who might aid my quest for income for about two weeks.

SOS: I need help in the kitchen!

Ben returns from Peru Saturday around midnight, which means we have one day together before all the craziness of school starts at 8 a.m. Monday.

My hope is for us to relax together on Sunday. He will need it -- business school is really a two-year marathon where you get few water breaks. And although you might think an unemployed gal has lots of time on her hands, it ain't true. Looking for a full-time job has turned into a full-time job. And I'm doing a little freelancing. So Ben is not the only one who needs TLC.

So I've been thinking I should cook us a wonderful meal for us on Sunday. Ben will adore me for it. And I enjoy being adored:) We'll stay in, rent a move and eat whatever I whip up for us.

Here's the thing: I haven't cooked anything new or adventurous in a long while. And I'm not sure if I remember how to cook anything beyond buttered noodles, mac-n-cheese, and...cereal.

Oh dear.

60202

Ben and I have a new zip code.

We have been residents of 60202 for almost two weeks. And it is slowly beginning to feel like home.

We have a Starbucks two blocks away. Just down the block is an adorable boutique called The Mexican Shop with cute clothes, purses and jewelry under $30. I could do some damage there -- but not until I'm employed:) Also within blocks: two grocery stores, downtown Evanston and several restaurants. We're about a mile from Northwestern University and less than a mile from Lake Michigan. And we're a mile from the Chicago border. So our new digs -- location-wise -- will definitely do.

And our apartment -- well, Ben did good. We have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. So no waiting in line to shower. And the hardwood floors and white trim work remind me of our Minneapolis pad. Most important is that we're allowed to have Indie, who is as adorable as ever. With the exception of being attacked by another dog move-in weekend, he's doing well and adjusting to his new home.

On the job front, I've made few developments. But I will keep you all posted. Prayers and any Chicago area contacts are always appreciated:)

Brooke and Tony get married

I am pleased to share a link to some of the professional wedding photos. One word: stunning.

Small-town running

I'm home in Tracy, Minn., for a few days before I leave for Italy.

I've been trying to pack in runs every day since I've been here. It's been a busy past few weeks -- between moving out of our duplex in Minneapolis, getting my sister hitched and quitting work -- and I've had little time to exercise and eat healthy.

When I go out for a job, I encounter maybe one or two bicyclists -- and they're usually kids riding downtown for candy or heading to the pool. Never a runner. And I think I've figured out why it's so rare to see a runner lapping town.

Running stinks here.

And here's why:

-The only running path is about 1.5-mile long. It takes you out to Swift Lake, a man-made lake just outside of town.

-My "long" run is a 4.4-mile loop around town. It takes me out to the Dairy Queen and the Tracy High School. I have to spend more than a mile of this route going head-to-head with semis on U.S. Highway 14.

-This is a small town, so when you're out running, everyone tends to find out about it. Not that it's a bad thing. But not a lot of people run here. So when you do, it seems either strange or heroic to the townsfolk.

-Did I mention the wind? I darn near flew into the ditch running this morning.

-You have to worry about sharing the road with huge tractors.

-There's no one to run with.

Enough said.

Headed to the Windy City

So, it's official.

Ben and I are moving to Evanston, Ill., in mid-August. Ben will attend the two-year MBA program at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.

As for me, I'm job searching. If you know of any writing gigs, let me know.

Ben's last day on the job is July 10. Then he'll go to Tanzania for a vacay. I work until July 17. After resting at home for a few days, I'll head to Italy to vacay with Ben for about 10 days.

With our global travels behind us, we'll spend some quality time with our families and move to Evanston on Aug. 12.

So a fun, but busy summer is ahead of us. The countdown to our new adventure starts...NOW.