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March 24th, 2006
06:45 pm
I have the best job ever. Thanks Regina for making this possible.
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January 20th, 2006
06:53 pm - Happenings
Not a whole lot going on lately; been waiting on Purdue to inform me of my employment status; on Friday I'll know for sure, so hopefully I will get a positive response. Nothing else seems all that great, with regard to the job front. Today, for example, I could be a line cook, drive a truck, or do laundry for old people... Or get a nursing degree and work wherever I want. Purdue also had a few secretarial positions open, but I feel like they haven't even been forwarding my resume for those, even though I'd be more than capable as a secretary.
On Tuesday I got dinner with Veronica and Richard, and I had the good fortune of meeting Richard's wife, Susan. We talked about Wabash Valley drama, and a variety of other things. Susan mentioned that, despite her degree in anthropology, she has been working as a custodian at Purdue. She mentioned that she'd been applying to nearly every position at Purdue, and had not received a single response. I suppose I should consider myself lucky to have had an interview, but it makes me even more nervous, should I not be offered a job. Thus far I have not resorted to applying for janitorial positions, and I hope very hard that it will never come to that. Worst case scenario, I go and randomly introduce myself to people at Purdue's library or wherever else is hiring, and schmooze with everyone I can until I get a job doing something...
Ugh. I hate this not being entirely qualified for many positions. I know I could learn how to be a manager (for example) rather quickly, but nobody will even look at my resume. It's annoying, but understandable, I guess.
I think my hatred and resentment of the person that helped to put me in this position is subsiding. I know it is mostly my fault that I have no job, but negativity occupied a frightening proportion of my thoughts last week and the weeks before. Ever since my interview at Purdue, it's been a little bit better, and should I get that job, I will probably be thankful.
Other things going on:
Yesterday I hung out with Dana during the afternoon; we got Shawerma at the Blue Nile (she'd never been before, but plans on returning), then played Super Monkey Ball on the gamecube. It was not all that interesting, but it was good to see her. It's kindof interesting that college kids have more free time during the 9-5 hours than they do at night (I think procrastination is a part of this). Anyway, it will be nice to be on campus, if I get the job at Purdue, because I'll be able to get lunch with Dana and other people I know at school. Actually, getting a lunch at all (where I'm not still working) will be nice.
Today I have been making sauce for pasta. It's tomato-based, but I added four bell peppers to the mix, and spiced it a little more than I would marinara. It's looking pretty good thus far.
Current Mood:  good
Current Music: Cake - Satan is my Motor
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January 18th, 2006
10:08 pm - An Evening with Spike Lee
Dan and I went to see Spike Lee speak at Purdue's Loeb Playhouse. We left at approximately 6pm, arriving at 6:15. The line extended all the way from the doors to Loeb, throughout Stewart Center, and down the stairs, winding around and down yet another hallway. Fortunately, we [barely] got into the theater, up in the nosebleed seats.
Before Lee's speech, Purdue's Black Cultural Center's Jahari Dance Troupe performed a number from Spike Lee's 1988 film, School Daze, called "Straight And Nappy - Jigaboos & Wannabees Chorus." My photographs do little justice to the number, which was well done.
After the dancers left, Spike entered wearing his trademarked Yankees hat, and an orange rugby shirt for (I assume) some sports team (I don't really follow sports, but it had a logo on it. If anyone knows, please comment away :). Immediately, Mr. Lee discussed the "dark cloud" over Indianapolis (as opposed to the sunshine in Pittsburgh).
He went on to discuss his career in film, emphasizing the vast amount of work he had to put into making his first film. He stated that after obtaining an MFA and winning a student acadamy award from NYU, he expected people to be lining up to call him. So he sat in his apartment in New York, waiting by the phone for days, until a funny thing happened... the phone was turned off. It was good advice for students and recent grads, as handouts do not come easily. Spike Lee had quite a bit of excellent advice for students, some practical, some political (Mr. Lee told the audience not to vote for Condi Rice; that we needed to look past her skin tone and see her for the person she is). All in all, it was a good speech, albeit a bit disorganized.
Following the speech, he took questions. Here we got to see some more of Spike Lee's personality, as he cut off a few of the students (perhaps to avoid endless, fruitless debating) and spoke pointedly about issues that incite him. There was an interesting response to a question about the use of the "N" word in an episode of The Boondocks. The inquisitor stated that Lee often did "the same thing" in his films (using the common, albeit offensive language to make a statement about culture). Lee emphatically stated that he did not do the same thing that "The Boondocks" did, as he would never put such words in such an important figure's mouth, even for artistic purposes. He compared "The Boondocks" to BarberShop where Cedric the Entertainer states that Rosa Parks was just lazy.
Lee's last question was whether he had any political aspirations. "No," he stated, "I'm a filmmaker."
Here are pictures
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January 11th, 2006
05:48 pm - Stuff
I haven't updated this thing in awhile, and there's no excuse... It's not like I've been busy.
Looking for a job for the second time in a year is often disheartening. For the past month, I've slowly been broadening my horizons with regard to where I'll work and what I'd be willing to do. Recently, I've applied at car dealerships, fast-food restaurants (in managerial positions), banks, and secretarial positions. In a sense I'm lucky; I have the skills necessary to work in such a wide variety of establishments. But my B.A. in Psych leaves something to be desired with most people... I'm acceptable to most, but nobody's top candidate.
I was just starting to get really depressed; my feelings of despair (not to mention anger) were growing. I also had (have) a terrible headache, and just wanted to sleep. So I slept for a little while, then woke up to check my e-mail.
A Purdue Psych Lab is interested in interviewing me! This is one of like... 4 jobs that I've applied for that I'd really like to get. The lab is studying eating disorders and obesity. My interview is on Friday (lucky 13th...). Wish me luck!
Current Mood:  hopeful
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December 30th, 2005
02:27 pm - Rest in Peace, Elizabeth Birt
My little sister's best friend's mother just died in a car accident. Their family was close with ours, and they are all wonderful people with a lot to deal with. Elizabeth and her ex-husband, Maurice Lopez have three children, the eldest is Sarah, Jenny's friend. The middle son, Matthew is autistic, and Elizabeth was a leading advocate for people suffering from Autism and other disabilities, in an attempt to get them fair medical treatment, as well as more respect. Hopefully their family will be able to cope with the tragedy, and the added stress in their lives.
I wish there was something I could do to help them out.
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December 12th, 2005
11:00 pm - Update
Not employed anymore. Extremely upset at one of my ex-coworkers.
I have an exit interview tomorrow.
If anyone knows of any job openings, please let me know. I need a job ASAP.
UPDATE: Got to resign. Am somewhat less upset about the situation. Not any less upset at the ex-coworker though.
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December 2nd, 2005
07:21 pm - update
Von's books and music are open again.
(photo courtesy of ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.2) lostambitions)
Comics/Beads/Cards/Gifts/etc. are opening in a few months, when they've cleaned up, replaced the floorboards and roof, etc.
The whole place smells rank, but I'm amazed at how quick the recovery has been. I bought a book to show support.
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November 30th, 2005
12:29 am - Von's is burning.
For all the Purdue people out there, Von's much beloved book/music/etc. store (and possibly Harry's chocolate shop, but this is unlikely) is ablaze. I'm sad, because now I have nowhere to buy cool beads to make Christmas presents for people. While I mourn,
( here are pictures: )
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October 8th, 2005
08:56 pm - Cornish Game Hens
So I learned to make a new dish. I am so awesome.
I remember back in like... August or something, Dan and Brad were discussing the etiquette (or lack thereof) when eating a Cornish Game Hen. Even in high-society situations, you're allowed to use your fingers when eating these tiny birds.
We thought this was cool, and had been meaning to cook them, but never did.
Today, Dan and I were supposed to meet my sister, Katie, in Indianapolis. Sadly, Katie and her boyfriend? were going to the symphony at 5ish, so it would not be worth it for us to meet up. (We're meeting up tomorrow though). I was a little put out that Katie didn't tell me that the plans had changed, so I started thinking stupid depressed thoughts. Dan tried to make me feel better, but he had to leave to type this paper for work, so I was left alone to try and pull myself out of this funk. I was thinking about painting, but when I'm not feeling happy, my painting suffers. This would be fine, but the painting I'm working on right now is pretty important, and I don't want it to be fucked up. So I thought to myself: what could I do to increase my self-esteem?
I decided cooking a somewhat elaborate meal would be the ticket. So I found a recipe for Cornish Game Hens on epicurious.com (the best web site ever for recipes). They turned out well. I paired it with a 2002 Schmitt Söhne Classic Riesling, which was alright, but slightly tart for a Riesling. Dan thinks it might be on the verge of turning. I still thought it tasted alright, but have had better Rieslings in my day.
Anyway, the game hens were good, Dan was pleased, and I feel like a real chef now that I've put my hands under the skin of a bird.
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September 27th, 2005
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