What I Learned From… Odd Jobs
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Howdy, folks, and welcome to the 11th dodecannual running of the bulls What I Learned From… group writing project! Yep; that’s where you get to tell us about something you learned from that ubiquitous teacher we all have to face: life!
For those of you who might not know, every first Monday of the month we host a group writing project here at the Middle Zone. What we’re looking for are things you’ve learned from whatever the topic happens to be. And in the past we’ve had some seriously interesting topics, too.
Better yet, this month’s project is something of a special edition in that there’s an added twist (sound of thousands of heads being scratched)! Don’t worry; I’ll ‘splain it all in a minute, but first, I have a question to ask:
What’s the strangest, most unusual job ever had? Inquiring minds want to know!
Hey, even if you held the job for a day or less (something I’ve done - twice!), it still counts, so rack those brains (sound of grinding gears) and dig it up for us. Was it, by any chance… short-order cook in a SPAM-only diner? Bowling pin-polisher at the local lanes? Counting chickens before they hatched? What?
OK, here’s that “extra special something” I promised. It just so happens that even as we speak, Marcus Goodyear over at High Callings Blog is running a meme called “Odd Jobs”, in which he pretty much asked the same thing I just did - name your strangest job, and tell what you learned from it. So, in an attempt to take over the world the spirit of cooperation, we decided to combine our two projects (Sound of more cheering)!
How does that work, you ask? Well, it’s simple: Your entry here at the Zone can get you an automatic entry at High Callings as well! (Just do one or two extra little things - see the details below.)
See? Hey, I said it was special! That’s right - you’re entering two writing projects for the price of one this month! Why, it’s the greatest thing since someone decided to pickle pig’s feet, I’ll tell ya!
As usual, you can pretty much write anything you like, as long as it illustrates a lesson (or lessons) learned. Be specific. Be non-specific. And, since I never impose a restriction on length, be as eloquent as you like (or go the other way and be brief - we’ve even had one- and two-word entries, if you can believe it.)
But most of all, be yourself - and write something! And don’t forget the details…
As is customary, this project here at the Zone will be open to contributions for only one week - from now thru next Sunday night, April 13. (However, the meme at High Callings Blog has no real end date, so drop by anytime.)
[Let's not forget the disclaimer, though: As usual, should you or any of your team be caught or killed, or, you know, break a fingernail or something during the execution of this project, the Secretary will disavow all knowledge of your existence.]
To participate, here’s all you have to do:
- Write a new post on your blog with a link to THIS POST (uh, the one you’re reading now). As I said, feel free to be as eloquent (or concise) as you like. C’mon; show off for us!
- Include in the title the phrase: “What I Learned From _____” (or something similar)
- Send me an email (rhruzek@sbcglobal.net) containing your name, the title of your post, and the permalink of the post. (To make sure I don’t miss it.)
Here’s a few extra requests from the High Callings Blog:
- Read his kickoff post for all the details, and then don’t forget to link to this post, too!
- Tag your post “lessons from odd jobs” if you use Technorati or other forms of meta-tags.
- Send an email to Marcus (marcus@highcallingblogs.com) and let him know you’re in!
That’s all there is to it! Next Monday, April 13, I will post the entire list of entries right here at the Middle Zone, and shortly after that, Marcus will add them to his collection at High Callings Blogs, too - so be sure and drop by to check ‘em all out.
As always, we have just two simple rules:
- For the sake of the general blogging audience, please keep it G-Rated. (Also please note: this is a request, not a demand, since after all it’s your blog and you can do what you want. Fair warning: we can choose to link to you or not.)
- Be nice.
All right, ladies and gentlemen; you know what to do! Grab the writing instrument of your choice and start writing!
[Note from the Proprietor - I realize it takes a little time to write your entries, but would you mind too terribly not waiting until midnight, Sunday night to notify me? Sometimes it can be difficult to get them all compiled by Monday's 6 am post time! I appreciate it, and what the heck - have yourself a cookie!]
You know, it would just be absolutely finer than a frogs hair if you would subscribe to my RSS feed!
34 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Great topic idea, maybe your best yet. I can’t wait to read every entry!
Me too, Brad. When I saw Marcus’ topic, I just knew it was the one!
[...] What I Learned From Odd Jobs Group Writing Project Submit your entry until 2008-04-13 here [...]
[...] post is part of Robert Hruzek’s latest What I Learned from … [...]
[...] a fun group writing project, Robert Hruzek at Middle Zone Musings wants to know about your odd job experiences… weird jobs, strange jobs, unusual [...]
Robert, thanks for doing this, man!
Brad, thanks for the kind words.
Hey, no problem, Marcus! I’m just glad we could do something together.
Sounds like fun, Bob. I’ll think on this awhile and see what perks!
By the way, how does my picture appear in my comment rather than a question mark?
Hi Robyn! I don’t know what the deal is with that image thingie. Sometimes it works, but sometimes… not so much. However, since WP has an upgrade now with built-in gravatars, I may solve it once it’s upgraded. Bear with me!
[...] a tip o’ the hat to ya![Note from the proprietor: This here post is my entry for this month’s What I Learned From… writing project. This month’s topic is “Odd Jobs”, and if you’d care to [...]
Since I’m not in Word Press, Bob, I’d have to know how to get my image there. That’s the trick. Thanks for answering my question.
Robert,
This one is even more interesting than usual–with your (and Marcus’s) unique new twist! Now, I’ll just have to see whether I can manage to find the time to join the ranks of your illustrious entrants! Time will tell! Wish me luck juggling all my other writing responsibilities. I’ll need it!
Just know it’ll be a lot of fun–as always!
Jeanne
[...] in today. You can find links to other entries at goodwordediting.com. There’s more info at Middle Zone Musings.com. At any rate, with no further ado, here’s my [...]
Jeanne, I know what you mean - I’m busier than an octopus at a switchboard, myself!
Robert….this was a fun project and brought up many old memories for me and I am sure for your readers. I am anxious to read the results and ideas.
best, GL HOFFMAN
[...] from my odd job. Want more? Two blogs are talking about lessons learned from odd jobs this week — Middle Zone Musings and Good Word Editing. Check ‘em out! Social [...]
Howdy, GL! Yes, this one seemed to bring up a bit more nostalgia than usual, for a lot of folks. It’s been fun, though. Can’t wait to see the finished list - what with the Higher Calling bunch and ours together, it’ll be quite a few to read.
Robert:
I’m going to give it a try. Thanks for the idea sparker!
Chris
[...] over at Middle Zone Musings is having another Group Writing Project. This time it is about what we learned from odd jobs. The same group writing project is being held [...]
Okay Robert, you win. I just couldn’t resit the WILF challenge. Here’s mine.
http://www.confidentwriting.com/2008/04/what-i-learned.html
Thanks for another great project
Joanna
Chris, great to have you join us, my friend! Oh, and welcome to the Middle Zone!
Joanna, I knew you couldn’t resist! Thanks for the contribution!
What a great topic! My contribution is at http://stresstopower.com/blog/2008/04/13/what-i-learned-from-being-a-listening-post/
[...] month the topic for Robert Hruzek’s group writing project is What I Learned From…Odd Jobs. Robert wants to hear about the strangest, most unusual job [...]
[...] is an entry in the Odds Jobs Group Writing Project at Middle Zone Musings and High [...]
[...] article is part of the What I Learned From Odd Jobs group writing project (started by HighCallingBlogs) that I heard about on Group Writing [...]
Hi Robert,
Hmm, hate to disappoint you my turtle friend - so here’s my non-entry
http://woodyoulike.typepad.com/stopstart/2008/04/my-non-entry-to.html
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
[...] is the oddest job you’ve ever had? What lessons did you learn from it? [...]
Phew, just made it! Here’s my post on What I Learned From Being A Pregnant Usherette.
Enjoy
[...] This month, the topic for the What I Learned From … Group Writing Project at Middle Zone Musings is What I Learned from Odd Jobs. [...]
@ Jean - Great entry, and thanks for the contribution to WILF!
@ Amy - ya made it with flying colors! Or is that “colours”?
[...] A big giant round of applause and a big ol’ Yee-Haw! for all the folks who decided to participate in this month’s What I Learned From… group writing project: What I Learned From… Odd Jobs! [...]
[...] month the topic for Robert Hruzek’s group writing project is What I Learned From…Odd Jobs. Robert wants to hear about the strangest, most unusual job [...]