Posts Tagged ‘Life’

My Monitor Blues

Friday, 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.

Do they make a Beano for Brain Farts?

Wednesday, 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*

Adjustment

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Spent the last week adjusting to living in Texas. Poor Matt, he went from no pets to three. Echo has decided she’s Matt’s cat for now. She follows him around like a puppy, curling up in his lap, begging to be let into his room, and sleeping on his bed while he plays WoW. Luna barks like a maniac at him whenever he comes into the room.

Matt called the 22nd of December, right after my blog post. He’s letting us stay in 2 bedrooms of his 3 bedroom house rent free for 2 months. After that, we’ll negotiate rent. “Haul your asses down here!” he said. And haul ass we did.

The first catch came in the car rental company. Despite the Georgia plates, registration, and insurance they wanted us to drive all the way back to Michigan from Virginia to renegotiate the contract and then drive to Texas. They promised to get back to us on the 22nd, but never did. Mom got the oil changed on the 23rd and called them back to demand an answer. Finally given the okay, we took off for Texas.

Someday, I need to go back with cameras and time for a proper vacation. It was pouring when we went through Memphis, TN and we stopped only to get gas. Same story for Little Rock, AR. I was so frustrated with Richmond, I never did get to the cultural and historical areas.

Either way, I’m in Texas now. We arrived Christmas day and with Matt’s blessing have been relaxing so we can start attacking the job search this week. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is HUGE. By far, this is the biggest metropolitan area I’ve ever seen. But the weather beats Michigan out by miles.

I’ve had dinner twice at James’s restaurant and gotten to meet Wally and his wife, Patrick, and James’s and one of his sons. Matt’s parents also openly invited us to have Christmas at their house, which made Christmas much happier.

What my task is now is a set of New Year’s Resolutions… including finding a job. Matt says there’s some consignment shops near the upper class and extremely upper class areas of town where I might be able to find some really great used clothing. This morning I redid my resume yet again.

Right now, I’ll take most anything just to get on my feet, but I really would like to find something in my field. That being said, I did tell Matt I’d be willing to do free work in the area to build my portfolio and make my name known in the area.

Much love to you all. I’m going to make it, even if I have to turn into Supergirl to do it.

Still Nothing

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Friday night, Richmond was buried under roughly 20 inches of snow and promptly shut down for the rest of the weekend. We found ourselves trapped at the hotel for the weekend, which has put us behind… majorly behind.

We’re running out of money fast and have no jobs to show for it. We’re trying to stay positive, but it’s difficult. It’s scary!

So far, no one wants to help us. It’s either homeless shelter or find a job before any agency will.

I’m beginning to think I should have chosen Texas. Unfortunately, I know even less about Texas than I do about Virginia. At the same time, I’ve had the opportunity to apply to so many jobs and have handed out so many resumes, the laws of the universe dictate that as soon as I leave, I’ll get a call. There’s not much in Michigan to return to, but one of our old neighbors said we could live in their basement if necessary.

Either way, we’re going to have to decide within the next day or so: return to Michigan, stay put, or try another region.

Hanging On

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Pounded the pavement all yesterday, most of the mall stores aren’t going to be doing any hiring until they see what their holiday sales look like. Trying really hard not to let that bother me or the number of times I got sized up. The big box and other stores said they’d get back to us by early next week.

I don’t remember all the places I dropped applications or resumes off too. Kind of face-palming over that. So far, I’ve only heard back from Sears, who politely said I wasn’t a good fit. Tomorrow I’m going to drop my resume off with some local headhunters, see what they say.

I honestly don’t think finding employment is going to be an issue. There’s also a really neat program to help first-time home owners get a loan and everything.

It’s temporary housing that’s proving difficult.

We’ve been calling as many organizations as we can for help, but most want us to have a job first. The others offer to place us in a homeless shelter, but our girls won’t be able to come. We can’t afford to stay in this hotel indefinitely.

Luna is alternately awesome and puzzling. She’s acting up, which means she’s not too welcome despite being my assistance dog. She’s acting too much like a pet. But she panics if she’s left alone in the hotel room. I’m not sure what to do. I can’t find any visible injuries, but I can’t afford to take her to the vet either. Right now, we have to take her with us and leave her in the car. But that’s not going to work when we find jobs.

The kitties are just amazing. I can’t get over how adaptable they are. Wish they’d pass a little of that on to Luna.

I asked mom to give me a little more time, see if anything pans out next week.

Grandma is making things even more confusing. She actually talked to me over the phone and she wasn’t a witch. She’s been giving us advice and seems genuinely worried about us. I don’t know what to make of that either. We’re talking even more about continuing south and going to Florida. I can’t believe we’re considering that!

I just know I really don’t want to go back to Michigan. Poppa called our cell yesterday morning and got me instead of mom. Instant hostility. Talking with him just those few seconds sapped me of energy and confidence.

I need distance. A lot of it.

It is ON!

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Guess we couldn’t escape without Catty Karla getting one last lick in. While Craig and I were running another load of things to the storage unit, she came over to get some family paintings and stuff. She apparently lit into Mom. Mostly about my thing with Poppa over the phone, but also for us leaving.

It is ON. Karla, Poppa, Grandma, Caroline… I’m going to prove you wrong!

My fear will be a catalyst for my new life! I’ll take this leap of faith… I will succeed.

In the words of Yoda: Do, or do not. There is no try.

Gotta go. Love you all.

XOXO

Second Thoughts the Other Way

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Okay, now we have second thoughts the other way. Mom called one of the affordable apartments near us and while they’d be cool with the girls, they require all tenants to be making at least $1700 a month. Totally lets us out.

Mom called our DHS case worker to inquire about Section 8 Housing, course, the state screwed up DHS so it’ll probably be… oh, friday… before she gets back with us.

Which took us back the other way, back towards leaving again. Either way, we’re going to be homeless for a bit.

I found a few entry level web development jobs I could do, but will they take me is the question. I’m completely clueless about cover letters in the first place, let along crafting one to convince people to consider me when I’m not even there yet.

One is, awesomely enough, with the World Wildlife Federation and the other is for a yacht company. I can do everything both ask, though I’ve only dabbled with ASP. (I can make it say “Hello World” and some other basic newbie stuff.)

*eyes Echo snoozing in the armchair* I don’t think so! Mom did her best dragon impression ever last night, remember? You are sleeping tonight!

Second Thoughts

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

We’re starting to have second thoughts about going down to Richmond. Granted, we got almost no sleep last night, so this might just be exhaustion talking.

Trying to find safe, affordable, pet-friendly hotels is proving difficult and we’re realizing this isn’t going to save us as much money as we thought.

This morning, Mom actually suggested that we see if we can rent a room from Neil and his brothers. No offense Mom, but last time Neil and his brothers came over, I found them downright creepy. I know I used to be good friends with them, but that was 12 years ago.

I suggested that we just move outright, get me and the girls down there and then immediately return for our things. At this point, I could be convinced to part with everything but the essentials.

Truth be told, we’re scared. Very scared.

I started looking at Section 8 housing in the Grand Rapids, MI area, but a lot of them only allow dogs up to 25 – 35 lbs.

I know the “hows” always present themselves, but I’m starting to feel like I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. I just wish someone would tell me what to do.

Single; Not Available

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Five days ago, I posted a private entry of the same name on my Livejournal so now I think its time to post this publicly and put this to rest.

I am a single woman; that does not mean I am available.

No, I am not available to be your Fuck Stop.

No, I am not available for your Mid-life Crisis.

No, this is not a challenge for you to get with me.

No, this is not a challenge for you to set me up.

No, I am not playing hard to get.

No, I am not some angry bitch queen.

No, I do not need to be “fixed” or “repaired.”

No, my vagina does not have an “open for business” sign on it.

I shouldn’t have to explain that I’m quite content being single and why I have never married. I was complete the day I was born, I don’t need a penis between my legs to be complete. I will not be measured by the male I am able to attract. I am more than my sex.

So stop. Just stop.

This is a lifestyle choice. My choice. I would rather be happy and single than with a man and miserable.

I really don’t have the right personality for being someone’s little wife. I am so much more fulfilled by the friends I make than any man I have ever been with.

Guys get their little Male-PMS thing going and all I want is to thrash them with a rolled up newspaper. I won’t stay quiet and let them take it out on me. I’m more likely to pelt them with eggs than walk on egg-shells. I’m more likely to walk out and let him stew in an empty house for the night. I’m more likely to divorce him and be done with it.

I’ve heard that verbal and emotional abuse after marriage is so common that some marriage counselors are telling their patients its normal. That is utter bull. But yet… I have heard woman after woman tell me that she got so she could tell by the way her husband drove, walked, or whatever coming up the street to their home what kind of an evening they were going to have. He seethes with an inexplicable and generic rage. And since he’d get his ass kicked if he did it in public… he’s about to take it out on his family. And she’s having to run interference to protect the kids from the wrath of his man-tantrum.

It’s a sad and darkly funny commentary in a way. We women will share stories and information regarding our families and our own health… right now to the color, volume, and consistency of the bodily fluids involved. But do we compare notes and kick his ass like he really needs? No. Most women stay quiet, try to ignore it, and hope it gets better. All the while feeling torn. They love him deeply but resent – just as deeply – the way they are being treated. Only when they feel like they’re going to explode do they come to a close friend to let it out. But should he be confronted he either minimizes it or acts remorseful just long enough…

I’m choosing to say no. I don’t want to deal with it. My heart and my ears are still open to my friends. But I’m not interested in bringing it into my own life.

Whew. Now that I have that off my chest. It’s not easy convincing people of my choice either.

I’ve had people come right out and demand to know if I’m a lesbian because somehow I’m nearly 30 and not married and haven’t squeezed out a few kids. I guess there’s some unwritten rule that women should get married, have 2.5 kids, and perform wifely duties or else there’s something wrong with them. I’ve literally had people damn near spittle-shrieking over my decision.

It’s crazy, but so many people find it inconceivable that I could think this way.

So, here comes the endless parade of people trying to set me up.

Here’s the wolves sniffing my crotch and howling at my door. It gets so old so fast when somehow me being nice, friendly, and approachable equates to “ZOMG HAVE SEX WITH ME!”

It’s like “Me Male, you Female! We’re compatible!” They put far more effort into learning about who is servicing their car than the cunny they’re looking to plunder.

No one has actually ever come out and asked what I want.

In the end, it boils down to me making a lifestyle choice. This is my official announcement that I have made it.

Michigan Could Reach 20% Unemployment

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

They had this interview with David Littman on the news yesterday and lets just say I’m more convinced than ever that relocating is probably the best idea at this point.  (Warning, this video is fairly long.)

The Economic Impact of the Auto Crisis on Michigan from Mackinac Center on Vimeo.

In a nutshell, Michigan unemployment could reach 20% by the end of the year.  Mr. Littman also touches on some of the policies he thinks contributed to Michigan’s failing economy.

All-in-all, it’s very frightening.

I’ve had the opinion for a while that Michigan has been mismanaged for decades; certain government policy sounds more like it came out of the 1970s.

A good chunk of our manufacturing supports or supported the automotive industry.  I remember some classmates back in High School saying they were skipping college because their parents could get them into their workplace… usually a factory supporting the automotive industry.  Back a few months ago (before the bailouts and talk of Chapter 11), one local commercial for GM trucks depicted romanticized views of people working on a farm with the tagline “There’s nothing like a classic.”

Why in the world has Michigan been allowed to remain stagnant?  We’ve been allowed to be nothing but manufacturing.  Many Michigan towns and cities only have one major employer, with larger ones having maybe 2 or 3.  Didn’t they ever ask what would happen if something happened to that employer?

Some of these employers paid ridiculous amounts of money for overly simple jobs.  But yet over and over, I see people who were completely unprepared for when they couldn’t be paid that much.

Few went to college with their money and if they did, they went for degrees with very little demand or chose a popular one that now has left the market for that degree saturated.  (Really, how many daycares and preschools does a town of 7000 need?)

Yeah, I need to move.  *hops off her soapbox*