Suspicious Internship

May 27th, 2010

I need some advice.

At the beginning of May, I started an internship with a Web design and marketing company in the Dallas, TX area.

Ever since I started, they really haven’t been using my skills. The bosses are extremely juvenile and half the time I feel like I’m baby-sitting. They don’t have any actual employees, just interns.

Part of the terms of my internship was that I would gain experience, use my skills, and gain items to place in my portfolio. So far, none of that has happened. I haven’t learned anything aside from how to use Joomla. The boss prefers to purchase Joomla templates and do minor edits for their clients. I haven’t been allowed to design anything. Everything they do is taken from the internet. I’m shocked on a daily basis on the number of extremely basic Web design things they don’t know!

Today I confirmed they believe I can place these Web designs I didn’t make into my portfolio and claim them as my own. Being a member of the templating community for various projects, I’m not cozy with this idea one bit.

This company has been developing a specialized set of Joomla extensions / plug-ins / components for a client. They intend to exorbitantly charge people for use of this set of extensions and make anyone interested in them buy hosting/space from them too. The belief is that they’ll be dirty, stinking rich from this.

They’re promising me cars, lots of money, and other things related to being that rich and all I have to do is set up Joomla for clients. I probably don’t even have to say I’m deeply suspicious.

Since I’m a recent grad, I don’t know how “real life” Web design works. I tend to go with my gut, but I don’t have a picture of what the right way is. I’d appreciate any insights anyone might have on this.

Thanks!

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Echo and the Anal Probe

April 12th, 2010

My Siamese-mix, Echo, has been having issues with being extremely high strung lately. She’s always had a temper. It’s something I accept with her being a Siamese-mix. However, lately she’s been downright mean. She’d been having intermittent fits of hissing, spitting, sputtering, and just general fury over very little things for the past couple weeks. She’d gone after Luna a few times, but got over it.

Saturday night, I got back from a dinner party at Wally’s place. After everyone went to bed, I got back up to get a drink. I accidentally broke the glass and Echo went nuts. She went after mom and I ended up having mom go to bed while I sat in the middle of the floor with Echo in my lap. I went to bed when she was calm and thought it was over and done with.

Sunday morning, I got up and she chilled out in my lap… until she saw Kaze. She attacked Kaze and chased her into a corner of my room. I yelled to break it up and Echo turned, jumped, and sank her claws into my arm. She subsequently wound up in her carrier for a time out.

Matt’s mom and brother came over to get some of the things they had stored at Matt’s house. Luna did her usual “Bark like a maniac first and ask questions later” thing. Echo went ballistic, went after Luna, and then tore back into Kaze. When I tried to save the confused and terrified Kaze, Echo went after me.

In total, yesterday Kaze got attacked 4 – 5 times, Luna a couple, me 4 – 5, and mom several. I now have deep gouges in my left leg. Echo spent the night in the carrier.

So, it was time to go to the vets.

Since Echo detests having her butt touched right now, I wanted that end thoroughly checked. Dr. Abraham had her temperature taken and expressed her anal glands just in case. (Hence the anal probe joke) He felt her over really well and took her vitals.

As far as they can tell, Echo is a healthy kitty.

Naturally, the topic of spaying came up next. Hormonal issues could be causing this too. So, while he had her in that position — courtesy of a strategy they called the “kitty burrito” — he did a vaginal swab and had the cells mounted on a slide so he could tell where she was in her heat cycle. Basically, a cat’s vaginal cells change depending on where they are in their reproductive cycle. She has about 20% of the cells that are associated with being in heat… which end of the 20% he can’t tell me. Now we get to wait a bit in order to see if she goes into heat before we can get her in to be spayed. (He’ll do it while she’s in heat, but it’s more expensive.)

In 10 – 14 days, she gets to go back to the vet for another exam and possibly spaying. (Of course, with the caveat that she doesn’t develop other symptoms — in which case we’ll pop her back over to the vet.)

Echo is still in quarantine, since she still wants to attack Kaze and Luna. However, I’m in less of a panic now. As a bonus… my cat thinks aliens are real, she got abducted, and I ain’t half bad.

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Grandma, you’re a little late there…

April 6th, 2010

Dear Sheba
Queen of Sheba
Drama-Mama
Dame Pris de Panique
Grandma,

I am trying to come to a (grudging) kind of acceptance for your (possibly) well-intentioned, panic-stricken melodramas; because, I’m sure you’re doing this because you care on some level. (Or maybe you just enjoy hypertension and adrenaline.)

Thus, I did actually read your e-mail for the first time in months when you contacted us about a “dire” new computer virus that could “destroy our lives” if we don’t take immediate action.

I read it and laughed. No. I’m sorry, let me amend that: I lol’d. And then deleted it. (Only to regret it when I decided to share my amusement.)

Next time you decide to have a panic attack over a virus and send out urgent e-mails to everyone you know, you might want to check the date on the “proof” you’re using. The dates are all 2006. Oh, and the amended details indicating that the threat has been contained and all Operating Systems involved were patched.

What you’re circulating right now is a virus hoax chain letter with falsified details. While some details are true, it’s neither new or a major threat. It will not “destroy my life” or my computer. Actually, no virus will do that.

Please, take some deep breaths and maybe a Valium.

Sincerely,
~ Sally

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My Monitor Blues

March 12th, 2010

Back when I built my computer, Mom surprised me by buying me a super nice monitor to go with my new rig. It had excellent depth of color and an unbeatable size. It was pricey when she bought it for me, but one she happily purchased.

The one drawback was that the base couldn’t be detached from the monitor. Only the foot could be detached and not easily. It wasn’t a big deal until the move hit. I spent nearly an hour trying to detach the foot and then avoided putting it back on unless absolutely necessary.

About halfway through the move, I noticed the colors had gone washed out one morning and the colors were flaring along the top of the screen. Whites appeared a flickering pink and all sorts of other bizarre effects. It’s only gotten worse as time has gone on. Matt offered me use of his old CRT monitor, but it almost causes more eyestrain since I’m used to a 22″ widescreen.

Now I’m working on a web design project for my friend and guildmate, James, for his catering business. The black design wasn’t too bad, but the green one is much darker than I realized. On my monitor, it looks like a nice mint green with lighter stripes. Switched monitors and realized how dark it really is. >_<

I realize it has every right to die after being stuffed in the trunk for 2000 miles. I just can’t really afford to deal with this right now. On the other hand, I really want to do a good job on James’ project.

This might be the thing that gets me over this hump on the job search front.

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Do they make a Beano for Brain Farts?

March 3rd, 2010

Received a phone call just now from the human resource manager of a Dallas area company that makes VoIP security technologies as well as routers and stuff. In order to set them up, they provide a web application with their products.

It’s entry level, only basic level knowledge required. I’m giddy. Can he ask me some technical questions to test my knowledge? Absolutely!

“In Java, how would you set up two threads to count from 1 to 5 simultaneously?”

Brainfart… I stammer a basic loop structure.

“How would you do that in two threads?”

Brainfart. Ummmm….

“Have you had much experience in threads in Java?”

*whimper* Not much, I’m afraid.

“Okay, we’ll just move on. How would you hide an element in Javascript?”

Crap crap crap crap crap… I’ve DONE THIS! Several times in fact. …. brain fart.

“How would you underline an element using strictly CSS.”

text-decoration:underline

“Excellent. How would I look up a string of text inside of a text file in Unix/Linux?”

Great, big, stinking brainfart. I can’t believe my mom and pets can breathe this stench!

“I see you mention SQL on your resume, how would you look up a single line?”

SELECT FROM database… no, wait… (Thinking: SELECT geeks FROM WoW — btw, thanks! I wouldn’t have gotten that if your guild name didn’t spontaneously pop into my head. lol) SELECT fields FROM DATABASE WHERE keyfield

“Okay, great.”

Apologize for brainfarts, I know how to do this, but I just moved and all my resource books are still in storage.

“That’s fine. Do you have any questions for me?”

Recall Matt suggesting from now on asking how much experience they’re looking for.

“Not much, we’re looking for a junior member of the team. Someone who won’t need a great deal of training, but can grow with our company.”

Fantastic! Thanks so much!

*gives contact and other information* “Someone may contact you later in the week to schedule an interview. Thanks for your time and have a great day!”

Thanks again, have a nice day! Take care!

*head-desk* *head-desk* *head-desk* *head-desk* *head-desk* *head-desk*

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I wasn’t prepared…

February 9th, 2010

Everything fell into place in December, just in time for Christmas. I called it my Christmas Miracle. And it was.

I’ve started my long vacation away from my family by starting a strict “No Contact” policy with them and I haven’t broke that. My cell phone is my own once again and I haven’t allowed my number to be given out without my permission.

I’m slowly realizing how deeply the family atmosphere has become ingrained. I’ve come to expect railing, screaming, scapegoating, and assigned or predetermined blame. I’ve come to expect to be kicked out, removed, and omitted due to my mistakes.

Nothing in my life has prepared me for calm and level-headed thinking when things go wrong. I don’t expect calm, rational “Let’s get this fixed now before it gets worse” responses. The level of calm is almost alarming and definitively disturbing.

A few days after we got here, Echo jumped up onto the mantle above the fireplace and broke Matt’s beer stein from Germany… he just calmly said “I’ll enjoy going back to get another one.” He’s just calm. My heart is hammering in my chest. And he’s just calm. It was an accident and it’s done and over with. He just got a box and took down the rest of his German steins to prevent it from happening again.

Nothing in my life has prepared me for… I guess the way real people respond to problems. I’ve been having nightmares where Matt to kicks us out or we’re homeless or back in Michigan. I wake up each morning feeling like I’ve run a marathon. My back aches, my shoulders stiff.

I just don’t know how to deal with calm people! Sounds crazy, but… I don’t. And despite longing for calm for so many years, I’m really not sure how to handle it. Calm and level-headed responses only occur in the MMOGs that I play, not in my real life!

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Debating today’s job fair

January 27th, 2010

After yesterday’s job fair disappointment, I spent most of today seriously debating going to the next. For one thing, the whole “NO EXCEPTIONS” regarding experience and security clearance is kind of a deterrent.

I looked up where it is and it’s not hard to get to, but I really don’t want to waste time or gas on something I might get turned away from. I’m entry level and while I have 2 years as a hobbyist, almost no employer counts that knowledge.

I also didn’t sleep well last night. The stress of moving, job searching, etc are resulting in some really crazy dreams. I often am waking up feeling like I ran a marathon all night.

I think a nap is calling more than this job fair. Hopefully there will be others soon.

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Job Fair: Not as Advertised

January 26th, 2010

Attended the job fair today, but it was a bit of a disappointment. I arrived early and got in line, hoping to beat out most of the crowd. I pre-registered, so I could hopefully move through the line fairly quickly. There was a line that snaked around several corridors, but with this economy that wasn’t a shock. They eventually split the lines up into those who had preregistered and those who hadn’t.

About an hour into the wait, I heard a man’s voice booming across the crowd. He eventually got to my section and announced loudly: No IT, No Tech, No Professionals. There were just 5 tables. The ad for the Job Fair was wrong. There was no representation for the major IT firms, despite being in Plano.

So, between 100 – 200 people walked out, including me. With my health problems and petite size (in case you’ve missed it, I’m barely over 5 feet tall), it’s fairly useless for me to inquire about military or law-enforcement.

However, attending did bring me a few leads. One of the ladies I was standing with had some IT/tech leads for me to follow: Esurance, Broadview Security, and Televista. Still a bit irked at wasting my time, but that was a very nice silver lining.

Supposedly there’s another career fair tomorrow in Richardson that’s supposed to be all Tech and IT, so planning on making my way there.

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Job Fairs

January 23rd, 2010

In Michigan, I rarely found out about job and career fairs until the day of. Usually with only 3 hours left before the fair ended.

Bright and early Thursday morning I received an unsolicited e-mail from a local recruiter regarding a job fair. A week in advance. It contained clear and concise directions, a link to registration, and full information regarding who is attending. Among the attending companies are many that I wouldn’t mind working for.

Cue me bouncing around the house in joy.

Toto, I don’t think we’re in Michigan anymore! Texas, I like your style!

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Bank Account Cleaned Out

January 17th, 2010

We rented a car for our road trip. Our old car simply wasn’t safe and we had no money to fix it up. So we sold that one for scrap and rented a nice, little 2009 Chevy Aveo for the trip down for $159 a week from Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Grand Rapids, MI.

Seemed pretty reasonable for a really nice car.

First snag, when Matt called and offered us a place to live in Texas, we called Enterprise and asked to take the car to Texas. They wanted us to drive all the way back to Michigan, negotiate a new contract and then drive to Texas. Never mind that the car had Georgia plates, registration, and insurance. Michigan.

24 hours later, despite being told we’d get an answer before they closed, they finally relented and we left for Texas.

They decided once we were in Dallas that we could drop the car off at any local Enterprise instead of driving the car off to Michigan. Now, here’s where things get fishy. My grandparents (Poppa and Sheba) have been meddling this whole time. Despite ignoring us or downright abusing us, they’re suddenly worried. They’re apparently talking to the car rental company. I don’t know if I should blame them for what followed or not. I am angry that the car company actually talked to them in the first place. Either way, first quote was $400 to drop the car off, but when we called to arrange it, it was only $75.

We dropped the car off January 7th at the Enterprise in Wylie TX. Strangely, we didn’t have enough money in our bank account to afford the $75. Sandy, Matt’s Mom, helped us pay it. We figured we could pay her back this past Friday.

Wednesday, the 13th, we get a call from the bank saying we’re overdrawn. However, their computers are down so they can’t tell us anything else.

The 14th, we call back and find out we’re not only overdrawn, but we’re overdrawn by $800. Frustrating, but not that surprising. This has been a brutal couple months.

Friday, the 15th, Sandy calls us first thing in the morning. Her debit card was charged $400 by Enterprise without her consent. We spent most of the day on the phone trying to iron that out. They claim they can’t refund her directly but it’ll go to our account.

Sandy calls her bank to ask that they deny any further charges from Enterprise and they tell her they’ve had numerous complaints about Enterprise continuing to charge after the car has been returned.

So now we’re waiting until Monday for a manager to come in.

I transferred my payments for my WoW account to my college refund card, only to discover I only have $10 on it. I put $21 on it, but it’ll be Monday before it posts. So looks like I’ll be missing the raid tonight.

If you ever rent a vehicle from Enterprise, watch your bank or credit account closely. Make sure you get an actual receipt and get everything in writing.

On the bright side, Matt bought Dragon Age Origins yesterday and he plans to play WoW all day. So his brand new PS3 is sitting all lonely and neglected. I think I’ll fix that! ^_~

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