Karaoke Queen

The economic slowdown has altered the global landscape in ways that one never could've imagined. Industries that were once booming (e.g., manufacturing) are now heading toward irrelevance, and other professions (e.g., finance) have been hurt by massive job losses. Being unemployed is a scary position to be in ... but it's also a chance to explore other interests -- whether it's going back to school, doing community service, or indulging in acts of campiness.
I helped a former co-worker celebrate his birthday on November 14 at Winnie's. He's now employed at Condé Nast, which has seen its share of layoffs in recent weeks. Surviving a year of ups and downs with one's sense of humor intact is cause for partying ... and with its cheesy décor and potent drinks -- especially the Hawaiian Punch -- Winnie's was the perfect setting to show off my lack of singing skills.
Possessing a limited vocal range is no excuse for not putting your best foot forward. Mastering the art of karaoke begins with song selection; choose uptempo tunes that are easy to follow. Use the stage to your advantage, and don't be afraid to venture into the audience. Finally, feeding off the energy of the crowd reduces any self-consciousness about embarrassing yourself in public.
I put this theory to the test when I serenaded my ex-colleague with Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" (it was his birthday, after all) and Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" (I couldn't resist "rickrolling" him). My performance garnered such positive reviews until I added the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" to my repertoire. Singing off-key and out of sync was an unusual way to bond with acquaintances and strangers, but it served as an outlet for my angst as I deal with my bout of unemployment.
Karaoke isn't about sounding good, but having fun. As one partygoer told me, "I rocked the place because I embraced my disability." (Go figure!) The amount of effort you put into a task determines what you'll get out of it, and that philosophy applies to every aspect of life -- whether you have a job or not.

The Old Man and Me

Walking away from my journalism career was one of the hardest things I've ever done. For several months, I held out hope that the economy would rebound from its doldrums and I'd find another job in my chosen profession. When I realized that wasn't going to happen, I turned to working temporary gigs advertised through word of mouth ... and my most unusual "assignment" thus far has been being a home attendant.
From October 21 to October 24, I cared for a widowed nonagenarian residing in Chelsea. I performed various household chores, from doing his laundry to preparing his meals. He wasn't a demanding boss, for we also spent time talking about his life as a former accountant (hence, his love for CNBC) as well as doting husband (his wife was a teacher who loved fishing in Southampton). Listening to him reminisce about events that occurred before I was even born made for a great history lesson, and what I enjoyed most about the four days we spent together was his gentle spirit.
Such positive vibes come in handy for dealing with the pitfalls of being elderly, like having arthritis and osteoporosis. Seeing my boss take pills for these illnesses made me think about my future as a senior citizen, for as much as I cherish my independence, I know the day will come when I may need someone to take care of me -- if I'm fortunate enough to live that long. The thought of depending on a loved one or stranger is scary, but it didn't stop me from extending kindness to an old man in need. (The New Old Age is recommended reading for those interested in geriatric issues.)
Working as a home attendant was a good experience. I impressed a member of the opposite sex with my domestic skills and lined my pockets with some cash. This isn't the livelihood I envisioned when I graduated from New York University in 2000 ... but, in this horrible economy, I'm willing to consider any job opportunity -- as long as it's a legitimate way to make a living and it pays a decent wage.

Sweet Dreams (of Fulfillment)

The Bible says it's better to give than to receive ... but doing both simultaneously makes for the best feeling in the world.
I joined dozens of dessert lovers on September 14 for the third annual Ice Cream Run to benefit Children for Children. Individuals, pairs, and groups assembled in Washington Square Park to help the not-for-profit organization raise money for its volunteer leadership programs and enjoy what's left of summer. Participating in this "scavenger hunt" was a fun way for me to live out my motto of "stay busy and stay positive" while facing indefinite unemployment.
Like most non-working stiffs, my top priority is to find a job ... but during my ten months of idleness, I've given what time and money I can afford to causes I support -- whether it's my alma mater, New York University, or professional initiatives like UNITY: Journalists of Color. Such charitable acts keep me connected to institutions that have meaning in my life, and it also reminds me that as bad as my situation is, it could be a lot worse. (God forbid I had to deal with a foreclosure or feed a family!)
This upbeat attitude came in handy when I became "The Ice Cream Fiend" for the two-hour race. My legs -- and a MetroCard -- took me to parlors in neighborhoods as diverse as Chinatown, Alphabet City, Chelsea, and Midtown East. At Ciao Bella Gelato, I bought a cup of strawberry sorbetto, and I couldn't resist purchasing a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream at Alphabet Scoop. While these brands couldn't hold a candle to Häagen-Dazs, I still had a good time sampling their products.
After staggering back to the park, I handed in my score card and headed for the nearest empty bench. (My calves were killing me!) The event organizers tallied the results, and my third-place finish landed me a Sex and the City bath and body kit. My stomach was full and my shirt was soaked with sweat, but I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day -- even if I was receiving a paycheck.