Long shot?

Just sent this cover letter with an application for a UW position of managing editor for a public health publication:

"Dear Hiring Manager,

Thank you for considering my application for the position of Managing Editor for Northwest Public Health.

My resume lists my extensive experience in technical writing and editing for local software companies, which may not be the most likely or obvious background when applying for a managing editor position. I still believe that I am a qualified candidate.

As my work history shows, I am focused on and passionate about excellent publication. Whether writing and editing marketing copy, proofing instructional materials, or drafting newsletter articles, I am a stickler for quality writing and editing. Regardless of the medium (online or print) or subject matter, I will always read everything with two perspectives: the reader's and the editor's.

A "content manager" is in many ways a managing editor for corporate publications. I work with the director of marketing to determine what written or online materials are needed, then produce them with the help of subject-matter experts. I have always been a successful team player, working with designers, writers, programmers, and managers, to produce the final product and meet strict publication deadlines.

I have worked with software developers for years, yet I am hardly an expert on the subject. What makes me a good writer and editor, though, is my curiosity and eagerness to learn. I think from the readers' perspective and ask the right questions, to make sure the final article is accurate and accessible to everyone. I am certain that, although having little previous knowledge of public health, this same skill will serve me well with your publication.

Thank you for your consideration, and best wishes!

Dina Trageser"

May update

Where did May go?? Oh, I remember...

• I visited my mom in Eugene for Mother's Day, and stayed a couple days. Had such a great time -- I crashed her symphony rehearsal for Verdi's Requiem (oh.my.god.), hung out with my grandpa (he's 93!), and visited with my mom's good friend Worth (who is also in his 80s). It was so nice to catch up with the elders; I'm really happy I don't live that far away.
• Immediately afterwards, I flew out to New York to watch Rusty play with Ottmar Liebert at the Blue Note. They had a week-long run there, two shows a night, twelve shows in all. I caught about six of those. Wow! I used to be a big Ottmar fan when I first discovered him 20 or so years ago; it was great and amazing to catch him live. His new stuff is equally as good as, if not better than, his old classics. The whole band (Ottmar plus another guitarist, bass, trap set, and hand percussion) was super tight and polished, and Rusty (hand percussion) fit in perfectly. I had no problem watching their set six times! (Photos are uploaded...)
• And when we came home, it was time to pack up and move! Ack, moving. Well, the move itself got done in record time -- we had plenty of help, and it took just under four hours to load the truck, drive over to the school, and unload. Yay! But now: everything is in boxes. I still need to finish painting, the kitchen still needs some wiring, there's lots to do... only the bedroom is functional right now. (Thank god for that!) It'll be so great when it's all done... yes, I'll post some pictures (as soon as I find that USB cable...!) (and get a desk again... right now I'm on a folding chair in the half-painted living room, balancing the laptop on my lap).

I'm still job hunting in the midst of everything. While I can't take any Microsoft contracts just now, I've applied for some long-shots like marketing writer for Sur La Table (how fun would that be!), International Student Advisor, and News Publisher/Editor for KOMO TV.com. Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get a response from someone...

Back on UI

My contract with Microsoft ended officially last week. It was kind of anticlimactic... I had completed and submitted my rewrite of the content two weeks prior, and was waiting for the publishers to come back with feedback and suggestions. They never did, so I spent several days waiting and checking e-mail... and then my time was up. I hope it all turned out ok!

So I reopened my unemployment claim, and am back scouring the Internets. News arrived this morning that Microsoft laid off 3000 more people...that hurts the neighborhood, it does.

But it's a busy month, already. Rusty and I will be moving into "the principal's office" -- the office rooms of an elementary school that is being leased to local artists for studio and living space. We'll have both -- living space and a music studio. Rusty is on tour with Ottmar Liebert again, so my job is to pack up the old apartment and paint the new. Next week I'll be visiting mom for Mother's Day, and flying out to New York to see Rusty play at the Blue Note (!!), and when we both return, it'll be time to move!