Disjointed
You know it's really funny when you review referral logs. Originally created to keep in touch with my immediate friends, I find the most random connections of other bloggers linking back to me. What, exactly, am I doing that deems me "a must read"? (Not that I mind at all.) I know I don't post regularly enough, nor do I share the entire story (partially because I'm creeped out about anyone actually finding me). I wonder what kind of persona someone from outside the goils paints. (shudder).
Note: I do not drink whiskey all the time.
(A comment, which taken completely out of context, can mean many things. So what if I enjoy the more than occassional nip? Hmm??)
Beer = Bad
Sometimes, that is.
For pics from Durkin's visit out east a few weeks back, check out the fools in all their glory. If you're curious who all the strangers are - we are too. Found them on the street. And for some unexplainable reason all wanted to be photographed.
Things to try (one day)
Ok, before you automatically start laughing, have you ever considered renting an RV? For fun? And before you're 50?
cruiseamerica.com offers some reasonable rates as does el monte rv. They even run one-way specials. This is what happens when you read Time magazine. You find yourself checking out links you would otherwise never have previously considered.
After last summer's summer expeditions, I am a fan of semi-camping. (By that I mean walls are a necessity.) I do not own, nor have I ever, operated a tent.) Yes, there is a pool out in LI. But what about brainstorming some other adult field trips?
Hmmmmmm???
Alright, and my only other cool find today is the pay-per-license earthviewer.
part street map, part aerial and satellite photos--is available as a subscription service (with free evaluation) delivered to your PC via the Internet. In effect, the EarthViewer3D client gives you control of your own personal satellite in orbit. It instantly delivers a (not-live) satellite or aerial photo of most points you specify on the globe
You can 'go' somewhere before you decide to buy a plane ticket. Or drag your bike out to a trail. Neat-o.
Check
- PayPal funds flowing in and out
- 1/2 of secretive eBay purchase completed
- Credit card #3 paid off
- All other bills paid
(love the online world vs. finding stamps at the last minute)
- New vanilla and hanging folders purchased and used to finish organizing mountain of paper
- Desk removed from big living space upstairs
(mini project on the horizon)
- Photos transferred from digi camera to computer
- Curtain replaces sliding closet doors
(schwanky and much easier to gain access)
- Marketplace purchases safely arrived - fun! New picture books.
- Larger monitor reclaimed (hurray!)
- As a result of the previous item I couldn't continue using the desk rise. So now it's in the closet helping my many (many) sweaters stay upright.
- Half of craft/sewing/packing area organized
- To-do list posted in a pestering location (& growing exponentially somehow)
- ... and best of all - I have new fancy sandals!
Now I'll be able to hear what everyone saying to me at the bar without requiring them to bend halfway over to speak to me.
sigh.
Yep. I'm vertically challenged.
But I do enjoy seeing progress - even if it's baby steps. Tue/Wed should be the 2nd round with the banking folk. (eyeroll)
Crap. I forgot to make my weekend catch up calls to a few people I had planned to buzz.
(And I have now officially written off ever seeing my SD Jones New York purse ever again. I am miffed, but at a loss as to what to do. It's just plain rude the way some people behave. grrr.)
Erg
Ok, so this thingamajig to hold a laptop while laying in bed makes sense to me...but using it to do hold a book strikes me as ... too lazy.
My question: Can such a thing ever exist?
Where does one draw the line around languid behavior?
To add to the We-Know-There-Something-Wrong-With-Her-File, a concern that immediately popped into my head was the inevitable invitation to nap with said device. See where my priorities lay?
Ahem;)
Recent Read
Drinking: A Love Story, by Caroline Knapp.
I started reading it nearly two years ago, and I have to say I'm glad I finally finished it.
Sports UnAuthority
Sucks.
I hate them.
I've now been to two and am convinced complete morons work there.
No, wait. I almost forgot. We purchased our bikes in SD from Sports Idiots....and they had one of the absolute rudest sales people ever. (The guy dumped as soon as he saw an asian family thinking he smelled a nice commission. Dumas didn't realize we were ready - and armed- to spend $500 a piece. Instead the bro purchased a bike which they proceeded to ring up using an incorrect model number. Uh, two hundred dollars in his favor. Suckers. I opted to wait for another store.)
Anyhoo - I hate Sports Idiots b/c they are *so* not helpful if you're looking for merchandise sold on the .com version of their company.
At first I chalked the "I dunno" responses to lower paid staff employees.
But then I met the managers.
Oof.
Words that came out of their mouths:
- "We don't sell the same stuff as Sports Authority online. Plus you can't return anything you buy there here, so there's no point in talking to us."
- "Why do you want to buy that stuff? There's no where to use it around here."
- "If you can't find it on a shelf, than we don't have it. And there's no point in asking us, because we're not going to look in the back."
- "We don't have a master database to compare stock inventory across stores. And no - we won't call other stores for you. Like I said before, go look on the shelf."
AS IF. Freaking morons.
And just because I am a lemming
I want you to be too. Please go to 80s.com so they can translate any site for you into valley girl speak.
Like, oh my gawd! It's totally funny. Totally.
snicker.
(so what if everyone passed this around early into the week. I'm a late bloomer.)
Are You Fighting A Losing Battle?
Are You Sick, Depressed,
Going Through A Divorce,
On Drugs, Lonely?
TRY JESUS
HE HAS THE ONLY ANSWER
Call Us
222-2222
333-3333
444-4444
The question I have is .... who exactly is going to answer the phone?
(Not the same caliber of top-notch English speaking telemarketers who call me promptly when I'm thinking, eating, or attempting a nap, right? Or - gasp - is there a phone tree? tee hee. Even G. has had to consider automated messaging.)
I was flipping through our local Yankee Trader and noticed a preponderance of pizza coupons, liquor sales, and apparently a calling to a higher being. Included in this quarter page advert was a little pudgy man desperately pulling on a rope. I dunno. It struck me as funny, which is probably not the outcome they were hoping for. I'm not exactly a non believer in the big G, but have yet to find the perfect equilibrium where I understand the purpose of things. I scratch my head at how any established Church would resort to placing such a lousy ad in the first place. Unless, of course, they didn't. But since I'm not about to call, I guess that one will have to bother me.
Random thought: Did you realize how the folks up North abstain, for the most part, from bundling religion into the everyday? And that "in god we trust" is not a phrase uttered in national ceremonies or printed on currency? The devout brethen have less influence in politics than they do here. And! That,"...the state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation," said former prime minister Pierre Trudeau in 1968 when, as justice minister, he introduced reforms to divorce, homosexuality, and abortion laws.
(Ok, so I went to the library tonight. Thank you World Book. "Devout brethen" were words straight out of the mouth of the Reference Guy. & Never you mind that I somehow overlooked the slippers I was wearing with pants until I was standing in the front doorway. sigh. Such a slippery slope.)
Hey, anyone try the ebay of the travel world yet?
skyauction.com? I decided to poke around after reading about it in the wsj. (Some guy picked up a cruise to Italy for $11.) It's different from hotwire, priceline, etc. in that the prices start from a buck...leaving plenty of room to bid upwards. And! you can bid for other people.
BTW I picked up another super duper low price gift certificate today on eBay. Five bucks for a 25 GC isn't too bad. Take that furry, ugly past blind date! (Trust me, it's a long story. But he really was beat with the ugly stick, as my brother used to say.)
Null
I am officially worth zero. Tee hee.
Oversight
NOW I know what I've been doing wrong: Not using hypnosis to take control of an interview.
No, really. This little gem was brought to my attention by Bernardo's list.
You too, should consider attending "How to Find a Job in NYC, Using Hypnosis - Free Workshop".
snort.
Free, but is it harmless?
And why is there a suggested minimum salary of 50K to participate?
Prying Eyes
I received this from an email group, and am posting it in case anyone wants to opt out of Yahoo's web beacons.
Yahoo is now using something called "Web Beacons" to track Yahoo Group users around the net and see what you're doing - similar to cookies. Take a look at their updated privacy statement
About half-way down the page, in the section "Outside the Yahoo! Network", you'll see a little "click here" link that will let you opt-out of their new method of snooping.
Once you have clicked that link, you are opted out.
Notice the "Success" message at the top of the next page. Be careful because on that page there is a "Cancel Opt-
out" button that, if clicked, will *undo* the opt-out.
Sneaky bastards.
Yada yada yada
For the DJ conference goers and the Key West crowd - I hope it's not raining where you are.
eep.
Tomorrow I head to Riverhead; shopping with the fam. Partially for entertainment, and partly to redress myself for a mini interview Tuesday. I'm meeting with a different recruiter Monday and not-exactly-hr-at-a-financial-services-firm Tuesday. Neither of which I'm enthused about, but since the entertainment industry woman has not been diligent in returning my phone call (how irritating) I'm seeking fast income. Short term it is. Hopefully. To prepare myself I am planting my sorry ass in Queens Sunday night to watch the Simpsons. Yes, even I, can have goals:) I'll be away for a few days and back home midweek.
Book Recommendation for E.
Don't know anything about the book yet, but this seems like something the Big-Borderline-Mean-A would enjoy.
The Joy Of Funerals
She can come in and meet the author in May when she holds a discussion and signing at B&N.
Work vs. Prison
Care of my college roommate, Boop, I have to post this:
Just in case you ever got the two mixed up, this should make things little bit more clear.
IN PRISON . . . you spend the majority of your time in an 8X10 cell.
AT WORK . . . you spend the majority of your time in a 6X8 cubicle.
IN PRISON . . . you get three meals a day.
AT WORK . . You only get a break for one meal and you have to pay for it.
IN PRISON . . . you get time off for good behavior.
AT WORK . . . you get more work for good behavior.
IN PRISON . . . the guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you.
AT WORK . . . you must carry around a security card and open all the doors for yourself.
IN PRISON . . . you can watch TV and play games.
AT WORK . . . you get fired for watching TV and playing games.
IN PRISON . . . you get your own toilet.
AT WORK . . . you have to share with some idiot who pees on the seat.
IN PRISON . . . they allow your family and friends to visit.
AT WORK. . . . You can't even speak to your family.
IN PRISON . . . all expenses are paid by the taxpayer with no work required.
AT WORK . . . you get to pay all the expenses to go to work and then they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners.
IN PRISON . . . you spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out.
AT WORK . . . you spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars.
IN PRISON . . . you must deal with sadistic wardens.
AT WORK . . . they are called managers.
snicker.
Now my only other dilemna for the morning
Which officially ended a minute ago, is whether to preorder the hardcover Harry Potter (at $17.99 with the Amazon discount) or pick up a softcover when offered in bookstores. 1) I don't know how they'll retail. Is the price spread even worth considering? 2) who wants to deal with the hoardes at the store? and 3) I really want my own collection of the hard cover books. What did everyone else decide?
Late night reading
Against better judgement, I began reading Fashionista yesterday when my computer repeatedly crashed as I was attempting to burn a CD. (So annoying.) One of the reviews I had read said the book had short chapters which were perfect for mindless beach reading or any spare moments that cropped up (say on a subway ride). I picked the book up back at the Shecky's event (read: drinking and shopping girl's night out). I opted to not trade up and had it tossed to the side.
Well, to my surprise, I finished last night. It was hysterical. And I don't think I'm going to sell it! Shocking. Funny. And very much a writing style to my own.Yes, yes, there's the love interest that unexpectedly presents itself with an perceived adversary. And yes, the cliche happy ending, but hey, fantasy is sometimes called for. The main character's name, Vig, reminds me of my adult crush on Viggo. Ahem, which just reminded me of two things: the sexaccesory woman I need to call and the other book that came in my goody bag The Best American Erotica. I wonder if it's any good?
Our Men
Blatantly lifting the following two URLs from gigglechick I share two enlisted men:
LT Smash
the primary main objective
The LT is funny.
Life as an Experiment
I broke one of my own rules, and forgot to remember that life is optimized for viewing under the lens of a social experiment.
When you stop and ask yourself why something is happening, it's easier if you can brush it off as an experiment. This is something an Xceeder boy told, actually, one of my dear friends (before or after the first kiss I don't know;)
On the thread of social experimentation, I had forgotten about stanley milgram's experiments in socialized group behavior until his name came up in an enlightening email discussion. But what I enjoyed most in reviewing his site (stanleymilgram.com) were the posted quotes. I think there's something to be said for academia, even if it only allows focused thought. Aside from succeeding in tenure, blahblahblah, and extending your list of publications, what do you do all day? But think? (Well, unless you were a character in a movie/movie for tv plot where students and professors frolic in private. An option, I must admit, given the correct players - of consenting age only - has some merit...um. never mind my deviant mind.)
The more I research programs that exist on the market for my own edification (a word that used to annoy me to no end while in college) and growth, I realize I'm getting closer to doing that every day. Thinking. And Studying subjects of my own choosing. (Which, shockingly, I want to 'pay' for. Loans, loans, and PT crappy jobs:)
Ever work with a bulloney artist?
I say bulloney in lieu of bullpoo b/c I hate when people pull that kind of crap.
(d'ya enjoy my moral dilemas over foul linguistic choices? crap is ok, whereas sh1te is not. the referrals that come up are just scary. shoo perverted minds, go elsewhere. I read my stats log and don't like seeing you in here.)
And all I have to say is that I luv LUV yahoo groups. They keep track of email correspondance without you, and your personal inbox, suffering a deluge of file sharing allocation. MSN you can kiss my tukuss b/c I will never part with another dollar so I can 'keep' email. Ha.
What irked me just now was reading an email where the other person says (basically),"I've been doing this, this, this and this. AND (implies) yeah, so I'm late, and will probably be late but what's the big deal? You're sitting around waiting for me right?"
Uh, no.
Don't think so. There are some things I like doing over the weekend, but not for the procrastinators of the world. Sorry. Especially, when it's essentially a non-income-generating activity.
Ta-ta fool. And I am not going to bat for you.
Left and Right
They come. And they all want me as an advisor!
tee hee.
Morning Ironies
Two images which the gov't probably outsourced to a pretty bundle of cash.
titaniumcounter makes delirious fun of ready.gov's attempt to visually present information.
The subjects for the previous photos?
-- A one-inch thick piece of plywood should be sufficient protection against radiation.
-- If you are trapped under falling debris, conserve oxygen by not farting.
Alright, alright. Numbers people.
9 Million The amount lost per day last quarter by a struggling airline
5 Million The amount projected per week by bloomie to protect new york city
20 Billion The projected operative amount per year the US will spend on war
ugh.
Where's my subsidization? I fully support our troops, but am a bit confused how the expenses we incur will be recovered. What? With my tax dollars? And what about the smaller cities? Are we not thinking Al Quaeda would consider Holtsville biochemical worthy? Or that, perhaps, the homeless families my father shlepps around Long Island might be in need of, say, permanent housing, or clothing for their children? Has anyone paid any attention to the firesales going on in retail? Ok, what about the staple of fine dining for middle america? (Not just the Red Lobsters, Chilis, and Houlihans, but the Chuck E Cheeses and Friendly's.) When families feel the pinch and can no longer afford a 'big night out' even with coupons galore, then what? The next time you're out and about during a work day just stop at a Wendy's to see how packed it is with the elderly. Then explain to me why they balance their pensions, social security and savings to the last penny in order to afford not health insurance but prescription drugs.
And then tell me where the money to stop the axis of evil is planning to show a return on investment.
Will it stop terrorism here?
Will we erase the fringe crazies who may (unfortunately) use the pandamonium to their own advantage?
I want a future, complete with children and grandchildren. I know that. But I'm not ready for it now. But I'd like the choice down the road, know what I mean?
Ugh. Technojargon
In reading about monitors this gives me a headache. blahblahblahdoireallyneedtoreadthis? On the other hand, the last thing I was after I've made a purchasing decision, lugged a box home, unpacked, hooked up, etc. is to find that my video card isn't compatable with my video interface. gah. I want someone else to think for me.
Oh No!
Magnolia Bakery was overrated by Time Out New York!
(lines are too long - but so what - it's close)
As a suggested replacement, TONY offers Jon Vie
Owner Nat Prusack proudly displays his homemade creations behind the glass-encased counter at Jon Vie (492 Sixth Ave between 12th and 13th Sts; 212-242-4440): rugalach, buttery cookies, savory cheese sticks and more. He offers free samples and gracious service. Best of all, the spacious setting, complete with café tables and chairs, gives you plenty of room to indulge your sweet tooth.
Hrm. Something to consider in the future.
I can't do it
No matter how hard I try, I can't bring myself to finish Lorrie Moore's Birds of America . A book highly recommended to me by a friend which, unfortunatley, programs me to yawn. And sleep. Seriously, any time I've experienced difficulty finding some zzzzzzzzz's out comes the book. I don't understand what's wrong with me. The reviewers love it. My friend loveeeess it. So?
But now, stop a sec, and consider the price point spread on Amazon between new and used books. Why is it, do you think, that reselling the book is commanding a buck forty-five vs. the eleven bucks for a new one? And that there are at least ten resellers at the low end of the spectrum? If you consider that Amazon only reimburses a shipping credit of $2.26, and that you'd be paying a 15% commission fee of $1.21 why bother? You still need to factor in the packing material (an bubble-wrapped envelope which is let's say $.50 if you scrounge around) AND the effort of trucking to a post office. In the end, the profit margin you're potentially walking away is two bucks. Is it worth it? I dunno. BUT lowball prices for used books will make me think twice before purchasing a book new.
So how many hours do we have left?
Am I the only one unsure how to proceed these days? Where do you plan, for example, to be when the 48 hour ultimatum ends? snort. Like it matters. What a mess we're in. But gosh darn, the Academy Awards will go on! "Emphasis on today vs. hoop and holler of today."
And I'm up early hoping to kick start the day with a morning filled with efficiency. Or at least, quiet.
Bush Squared
From a mailing list of past coworkers something I missed last week:
Bush Sr. Disagreeing with Son Over War
I'll keep that in mind as the count down to war continues in the corner of my television.
Knowledge
Amazon, eBay, and my ISP know more about me than I care to think about. It's alarming. I forget why I've put items in my wish list, but they sit there until they're rediscovered. Sometimes I laugh b/c I meant to purchase the book for someone else but 'saved' it for later.
Today I giggled when I saw that The Vagina Monologue (paperback ed.) was most popular in Pullman, WA and Malden, MA. (Two hotbeds of sin.) I never noticed Amazon was slicing and dicing user shopping behavior so closely. (The listing comes up under product detail.) "Purchase Circles" are automatically assigned to your Amazon profile. As of today, I'm not only in the "New York, NY" circle, but the "Hotmail Corporation". And since I've been adding items to my wishlist willy nilly this afternoon, I suppose "v@gina", "c*nt", "0rgasm", and "g-spot" are close to follow?
Alright, alright. A bit of background. I met the infamous Safina. Interesting crowd with an even better suggested reading list. And so I looked online. (I had been meaning to compare the price point of the spanish review book I picked up last week anyway) Safina sells 'sex-ories' which obviously implies a certain level of openness on personal behavior. Although Purchase Circles are primarily geographic, they do utilize category groupings (education, companies, government, organizations). It irks me (tangential thought: remind me to tell you about being called 'Irkku' some othertime) that my purchase habits are being used. Yes, it's my fault for not reading the privacy policy. And yes, I can opt-out. Check out your own "Recommendation List" some time and see if the book listed there is one you've even read. No, really. Creepy.
Ha.
Weight Watcher Cards from 1974
Funny for many reasons, but the timing is impeccable. Last night I promised myself and my phone buddy I was going to check it out today. Instead I've watched the US withdraw the voting option to war from the UN, cleaned a bathroom, and spoken to the sex goddess again. (Er, and I may be starting some free classes soon. No, sorry. That's not clear. Attending.)
What person in their right mind
would have dermabrasion done at Bloomie Nails?
This I contemplated on my walk around town Friday. Seriously. Walk slow enough and you'll see logic defied everywhere.
Then I started reading Steven Cojocaru's book.
Dear me. It's actually funny. How can someone who annoys me on the TV so much rest so comfortably in my hands?
The book was lifted from a friend's apartment on the way in from picking up her mail. Ok, ok, so I fessed up as I originally borrowed it on behalf of my mother...but started reading it while on the LIRR treck today. (Which, by the way, actually had me in LI an hour and fifteen minutes late.) My upper east side connection got it as a freebie in her goodie bag, whereas I upgraded my feng shui for decorating to water erotica. (I kept the book on fashionistas b/c I like the word. No other selection criteria.) In unpacking my heavier than physics should allow suitcase I lovingly fondled the the amstel light tshirt I bartered for on behalf of my father (way too small) and the Ohm towel which was tied with a neat blue ribbon. Why did I want more than my goody bag originally provided? I don't know. But the heavier it got the more pleased I was. I think. But maybe that had something to do with never ending beverages crossing my lips.
Anyway, I digress. Last night I clashed forks over a six dollar piece of ravioli and guzzled a sufficient amount of espresso to plop myself on the local bar scene. Which kind of fizzled the minute the pasta hit everyone else's stomach. (They all ran out of steam.) But yet we visited the Cubby Hole. (And I still claim future brownie points in the next bar we select. Of course it was too crowded inside.)_But then E. went home leaving me with C & company...who then left immediately. What did I do?
I picked up the phone and met up with the drunken-64-ounce-beer-mug-toting-basketball-fanatics. (photos to follow later). I should have said enough is enough when the dyed blond showed who kept frolicking with stupid number one. (A name coined after they were ostracized from the Corner Bistro....ya just can't bring your own beer to a bar no matter how much you paid for it.) But no. I stuck around long enough to see the White Horse Tavern. And then have Stupid One and Two wake up the four adults (plus one dog) in E's apartment. (oops. but it wasn't me ringing the doorbell. I swear.)
I have a new found respect for my waistline. I do not want to focus my entertainment around fermented drinks. I miss shows. I miss movies. I miss shopping. I miss talking. I like the talking and the arguing. And most importantly, I miss thinking. You need people to bounce ideas off of. Which is what I enjoyed the most out of all my recent escapades. I have an idea percolating for my pitch next week that I can't wait to propose and research. And I want to enjoy tomorrow. So I'm going to bed early.
Night people.
Third Rail
Never take an eastbound train with a heavy suitcase on a day when you feel slightly hungover and the third rail stops working.
....because you will sit on a locked train for a very long time waiting for an announcement.
...and then you'll arrive at your destination over an hour late.
Taste Test Says
that I prefer Diet Coke with Lemon over Diet Vaniila Coke.
This I know for a fact after stopping at the corner deli.
Good for removing the last traces of last night's festivities.
Sex
We are having one of these.
Seriously people.
Someone with the space must host this.
Fancy Parties
This is why you never see me on page six, or listed as 'friend' or 'guest' of a famous person at events. The ticket price kills me. Two hundred bucks??
Sorry. I'm sitting on the upper east side handling my class from a very fancy set up. LOVE the computer and how much quiet I have. However, the reason I'm up here (to conduct class) never happened because I'm a freaking idiot. I forgot my headset. Duh. Class cannot happen without it and so...never mind.
As I was going through email I had a very tantalizing propostion: Come to the aforementioned party and meet famous people for a cause. Ok, so that's me paraphrasing. And since it was being held in the same space I went to last night I thoght," Hey! Why not?" I'm up for more open bars and goody bags. But not for a stack of ten twenties. Ouch.
Last night was my rock star night. Not only did I collect oodles of goodies, but I hung out with the goils and drank irresponsibly. Geez. I'm too old to drink that much and feel the way I did this morning. After getting rid of the shakes (ok, not that extreme but my head felt cloudy) I trucked over to my interview. (The one where I was interupted midprocess and sent packing.) Well, I totally kicked @ss and impressed my interviewer. Loved my portfolio. LOVED it. Great casual conversation. Yadayadayada. forty five minutes into the process you'll never guess what happened. Yup, I got the boot. And I would have kicked me out too if the president of the company wanted a demo ASAP. So now I have a reason to call her first thing Monday. I also need to come up with some creative ideas before then to pitch. We're *this* close. So if you are any sort of a popular music fan, I need to talk to you for fifteen/twenty minutes. Email/call if you watch music videos. Please. Thanks!
So after the interview I has planned to stop at Sephora and Chase to get and give. I called teh mom to tell her about my autographing session with the soap opera star from last night and walked entirely the wrong way towards Chase. Well, I went uptown b/c I didn't see it when in reality I was standing underneath it and didn't realize. Yes, I'm stupid. Anyhoo...walk back towards Chase and realize the entire surrounding block is filled with police activity. The street was corded off with yellow tape....which pretty much meant no Chase. (I think it's the JP morgan building) It kind of freaked me out since the police man firmly (but gently) guided me away from the corner I was standing on and said it wasn't in my best interest to be around. WTF?? So hello subway. Once on the train I realized I forgot about Sephora. How sad is it that I'd risk safety to pick up a freebie bag? snort.
And sitting here I realize how much I use the word 'So' to introduce my thoughts.Oh well. I'm going to stay local tonight and then head back to Long Island Saturday morning. Fun, fun, fun for ME!
One more before I hit the road
How could anyone complain about the opportunity to visit Japan?
I don't know. But you can ask my brother. He's going for work. Poor baby.
WTF
I'm sorry, but when blogger isn't up for any explainable reason I become irritated. This morning I was feeling particularly witty (or perhaps frisky, who knows) but couldn't access this blasted admin feature. Grrr.
I have apparently packed rocks for the two and half days I'll be away from home.
- Mini purse
- Computer bag
- Small small wheely bag
How?
Well, I need to return some borrowed items. AND I need to bring my school work with me. AND I 3 heavy file folders to review.
Meanwhile my clothing options are slimmer than they normally are. I literally have exactly what I need.
Sigh.
Smart
I am overjoyed by the unbelievable return of Elizabeth Smart.
I am saddened that Richard Ricci died in jail accused and presumed guilty. As recently as Feb 3 of this year people still associated an innocent man with Elizabeth's disappearance. (see elizabethsmart.com). Can you imagine dying away from your family in a jail cell? When something like this happens it makes me question the uneducated, the mentally ill, and so on, who are incarcerated every year either b/c the police need a quick fix (not that I know anything about detective work outside of TV) or...actually, I don't know why. But it troubles me.
So it's been a while
I don't know what was wrong with me, but I slept like a log the last three nights. Down for the count and entirely devoid of thought process for a minimum of 8 hours at a shot. By the time I'd be organized enough to do anything, it felt like the day was gone. Between wrapping up class, looking for the next 'thing' and running errands - poof!
I think I've been trying to do too much at once. I found a few type of courses that I'd be interested in taking...this is kind of confusing. But part of my weakness in the SD gig was my lack of product development knowledge. A combo of industrial design, manufacturing and quality management. Even though I poo pooed the opportunity (largely b/c I like New York and don't want to move away from everything that's here) I would have gotten a kick out of an offer. The job itself was a dream job within a dream company. Fine.
Sensing that applying and investing in an MBA program right now doesn't make sense, I was sussing out one year masters locally and in europe. Europe being more interesting b/c of the lower cost. (Not thinking abou tliving - just the tuition). Leaning more towards an MBa type I found a product design program in Umea. Sweden that's free for the few non EU students they accept. Same deal in Copenhagen. Actually, Copenhagen had a 2% admission rate for non EU. When I first saw that number (when I was in Finland and doing research) I said," Yeah, right. Slim to none." BUT here's what I'm thinking. Slim to none were the odds I had for the SD gig. And you don't know if you're going to fail until you do. AND the associated application costs for EU schools are significantly lower than they are in teh states. (The application fee for the Copenhagen school is 20 euros.) The paperwork is different and I need to demonstrate a skill in another language besides English.
Got that?
Hence the desire to test out of Spanish. But I've never had a formalized course in grammar. I have fantastic reading and listening comprehension, but need to work on the other stuff. Good. Bad thing is the DELE exams are offered only a few times a year. There are three levels: Intro, Basic, Superior. There are five sections. If your fail one section you fail the entire exam. So it makes sense to only take it when you know you're ready to pass. Fine. BUT Passing an Intro course isn't worth anything to me. I need a level III. The cost for taking level one is $87, level two $107 and level three $127. Feh. So now I have a workbook at home to study from.
Going back to the MBA thing, I still want to take the GMAT to see where I'd place. The other thing that would potentially have been part of the SD job would have been marketing research. Although not directly responsible for standard deviations, the job would have required a working understanding of the subject. Which I had years ago. I can't tell you what a p- factor is right now. which is why I want to enroll in a stats class. I was good at it, and enjoyed it, so hallo, let's sign up. Plus it'll help me practice math for the GMat. Have I found where I want to take the class? And how much it will cost? or when I need to register? No. The spanish I plan to handle at home with the family. Seems logical.
The product design is where I'm stumbling. If I shoot for a manhattan based math, then i'm committing myself to travel from the island. Which is good and bad. Yes, you all heard about fare hikes. That will make a difference. But if I stay local and find some kind of PT work then low/to no rent makes sense with a local class. Are you following me here? This is what's going on in my head right now and I'm not sure what I'm doing. (Obviously)_Another option is to find a menial job with this big company that's literally a stone's throw away from my house. They handle product design of lots of 'stuff'. They also have 'real' jobs that are similar to the SD job. Concern: I know noone who works there. Intimidated by sending the resume throught hte regular HR channel online. Bleh. Procrastinating there. I had planned to do that tomorrow morning. BUT now I have to worry about something else.
An interview Friday for freelance work that's specifically wireless. Yay. Cool. But the first interview was AGES ago. Right around the time I had the first phone screen for the SD gig. Blah blah blah. We like you. We need to finish b/c we have a meeting now. We'll call. They didn't. Then I did. Then they sounded sincere in saying the budget was kind of on hold. Whatever. Then there was the interlude to gambling. Ahem.
In the mean time the class has been busy. And I had this j@ck@ss who wanted an extension. Then the lazy thesis student reappeared, as well as the smarter engineering student. Great. But at the same time the director of the program asked for "Vintage" me. That is, please be as mean asyou have been with prior criticisms to another FT faculty member's student's thesis. How funny is that? They need ME to be honest b/c everyone else is afraid to contradict the big dude. Since I have no day to day interactions wtih him I'm the perfect guinea pig. Wonder what the next meeting will be like? Snicker.
I'm excited to see the girls tomorrow night. We're combining drinking, credit cards, and shopping. Oy. But I'm geared to go. Last year I was all excited and forgot to buy the tickets to Shecky's Spring Fling in time. They sold out. But not this year. E was on top of htings and we all purchased tickets in time. Anyhoo. Fun. Lots of the goils doing something everyone loves to do. Yippee!
AND then Friday is still there. more socialization. Which brings me to the normalization of sex toy shopping. I laughed my butt off reading how a woman by the name of Shannon Mullen is attempting to create the "ann taylor of sex" with her Sex-Ed Salons.
Alison: I told you should have jumped on your idea of becoming an expert on sex....where it's not deemed sleezy. Look at this article from last year
.... opening up career opportunities for women in the sex industry, roles that steer clear of the illegal and only occasionally veer into sleazy. Among the jobs are the staff at the new Museum of Sex in Manhattan, sex columnists and sex educators who work way beyond the classroom. In the past year or so, Tamara Kreinin, president of the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (**Did YOU know this council existed???***), says she's been hearing from an increasing number of young women interested in careers in sexuality education, therapy, counseling and public policy. There are no revenue figures for the educational part of the industry, though adult entertainment rakes in an estimated $10 billion to $12 billion a year. (Those billions exclude proceeds from the oldest profession!)
But before I read the naked city, I read this disheartening tale of
wall streeters suffering PULEeze. Do I feel bad you can no longer afford 20K vacations? Or the lavish summer house rentals? Or the multimillion dollar apartment you have on Park? Uh, no. Kind of an interesting mix of stories in this month's new york, but right on the money that jobs are tight as is money and security. So having interview offers (regardless whether I land them) is still a remarkable thing. And that's all I have to say.
Language Proficiency Tests
Does anyone know/remember if there's a standardized test you can take to demonstrate understanding of a foreign language?
Actually, anyone familiar with the DELE Basico?
Tub-coopering
Yes, that is precisely what piqued my curiousity this morning. Tub-coopering was in the subject line of an email from a very clever spammer marketer. Cassidy Devans, who I've apparently never met but still felt compelled by her unique subject line, got me.
grrr. Spam is getting smarter. And now I know where to get ink cartridges for 85 percent off. In bold.! yay. (sarcasm people)
Geography
You know, I have so little concept about highways north of here. I can drive west to Manhattan, slightly further into Jersey, and can swerve when honked at over bridges tunnels that snake out of the city. I didn't realize there were parts of Massachusetts that were four-ish hours away (by car). Or so Mapquest likes to believe. Hmm.
For the Record, Drinking is Bad
Friday I consumed sufficient alcohol to start a bonfire. Maybe it had somehting to do with the teeny bag of pretzels I deemed a 'meal'. (The only meal until 11pm.) Or the 16 oz. vodka tonics we were tossing back with mc'd sized straws. Or the apparent like of ice in them. Or, perhaps, the bar crawl that ensued after starting at a place appropriately called "No Idea". Or, sigh, the late late night visit to the Greek deli for a delicious turkey sandwich.
And no, I was not drinking alone.
I was with my friend, the self-proclaimed dart champion of queens.
Boy, did we make a mess. But hey, so what. Gotta burn some steam sometimes. And wearing pajamas all of the following day should not be considered an utter waste of time considering how much education was transferred c/o Time Warner.
heh.
Do you know
anyone who:
- studied industrial engineering
- studied industrial design
- who knows the difference? :)
Here's the most interesting job description I've seen today:
... Typically (*who* is 'typical' these days anymore?) requires a minimum of a BS Degree in Engineering and/or BA Degree in Marketing, MS/MBA in Engineering or Business Administration (marketing major) preferred, and ... experience in PDA product marketing, sales or business development. · (Uh, huh. Uh, huh.) Demonstrated ability to multi-task, manage complex programs and persuade others is required. (Right, anyone who has managed to turn multiple projects in on time.) · Qualified candidates must have excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, verbal and oral presentation skills. (Right. Cromagna-need not apply. Don't drool during the interview. Uh, huh.) A writing sample and PowerPoint presentation sample will be requested. (That's new for me.) blahblahblahblah....· Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally (Oh, yeah. I could do that.)
So, let's try. Why not? I have this new methodology to test. (Which was largely gained watching a special on how to save money in Vegas. Go, digital tele.) Yes? Point? Right. If you think positively, you're more likely to win. And win I should. So, step aside. I'm also asking for every semi-related piece of academic paper to be thrown my way. Weird. And I think I shouldn't drink espresso after 5pm. (Blame the men in my family.)
eBay
So has the job hunting process for everyone been reduced to a posting on ebay?
Ick.
So even though the fancy company in California recruits 90% of employees by direct referrral (the top 5 'C' level guys are handled differently - headhunters, etc.) which leaves only 5% to filter through the online process...
And even though I made the 'approved' list of 200 resumes (which required essay responses)..
And even though I was included in the 25 person phone screen...
And flown in for final rounds (of which 5 people were invited)...
... I got bumpkis.
Yep. Checked the email and I got the ding.
Oh, so poetic was the hr crony. (OK, not really.) But moving is not a consideration in the near future. But money sure is! Ick again. So I'll be around trying to peddle my wares and assorted services:) But not on eBay.
And certainly not with a blinking banner.
(*shudder* I was looking for some books on mba programs and happyjoy, I found a handful of the desperately unemployed who are neither clever, witty or exceptionally talented in html. )
OK, so the slowness is killing me
No idea what's up with my connection speed, but it's slow and annoying. Which is dampening my enthusiasm to sit in front of this computer. Ugh.
List of priorities
Start new blog design asap so that I can write in complete anonymity.
The business services person I met today so happens to be a director level dude at a fairly large consulting company. Aside from the borderline shoulder rub (we were outside and it was admitedly cold) what could have been a boring furlough usingthe computer was really interesting. Plus I rec'd some interview coaching for free. AND went to dinner in Old Town (which we equally split the bill). So what if he's an old geezer, he seems pretty harmless. When I know the outcome of tomorrow's mtg. I'm supposed ot email him asap....either so he can laugh or who knows.
Feh.
Tired and retiring to my room now. My interview is not that early, but I"m going to leave early just in case. Monday night I'm supposed to meet with a PA transplant and fly back Tuesday really really f*cking early. 6.45 am departure...but remember, i need to return the rental car first...which Hertz suggests I allow a complete hour for. Ugh. That's not going to be fun.
Among the living
post feeding time. You'd know what I was talking about if I called you. Otherwise I'll save the story for later. (but it's good)
Moolah
I forgot, and the powers that be were actually efficient this time around, but my paycheck for the teaching gig is in the mail. Booyah!. I'm feeling flush. Ok, less destitute. Point being, I can do "things". Go ahead, invite me:)
