06.19.09
A Triumph of Logical Persuasion
So I’ve gotta write about this, and I want to be descriptive enough to understand, so it can’t just be Tweeted.
I convinced my boyfriend to turn on his airconditioning using a very simple description of an unique tactic: “Just seal off the downstairs vents like the crazy people worried about Anthrax a few years back, use plastic wrap & duct tape!”
The two-floor apartment, when the a/c is on, will get nice & cool downstairs (even with the vents shut), but still be fairly uncomfortable upstairs. Upstairs is where the two of us typically are: the second bedroom is the computer ‘lab’.
So I’m looking forward to seeing how well my triumph in logic will work.
Bye for now!
Jett
05.26.09
Balticon 43
Hi all!
This post is about Balticon 43, which was this past weekend. I traveled to Hunt Valley with Paul Fischer & Martha Holloway, who are the head & brains (a joke!!) of the New Media track at Balticon. I was already with them for the week prior, playing nanny to their daughter.
Friday I spent most of the day caring for Darth BonBon. After 5, I was free for the weekend. I had hoped to catch Cowboy BeBop in the Anime movie room, but got waylaid by errands & preparation of the hotel room I was sharing with Susan Z & Podcasting’s Rich Sigfrit. Two awesome roommates, just let me say. Friday I had also hoped to sit in on Hard Science for Beginners, and Kamikaze Costuming, but got sidetracked again by errands and a strong need to eat. After I gave up trying to go to panels, I started drinking, and made a rum & Coke without realizing I had the incorrect proportions. There was far too much rum in my Coke. It took that single drink, an appletini that was graciously bought for me, plus (I suppose) fatigue from nannying all day to knock me on my rear. By about 2:00am Saturday morning I was kindly escorted to my room by two people who followed behind me to make sure I didn’t fall down before I got there. When I got in, I was saved embarrassment by Susan & Rich not being in the room, where I proceeded to get sick several times in the bathroom, and I may have fallen asleep for a short time. I awoke to the sound of my phone ringing beside my bed, so I crawled out of the bathroom to my phone. Yes, on hands and knees. Rich was calling, asking me where I was. I managed to grunt/mumble “room.” That’s all I remember of the conversation. If there were other questions and answers, I can’t recall. He showed up shortly after, finding me half-asleep on the floor beween the two beds. He, laughing I’m sure, picked me up and put me in bed.
Saturday
I fell asleep, and woke up around 9am to a headache. I drank water all morning, & made sure my stomach was stable enough to eat before I tried food at lunch time. I missed the Getting Started panel at noon, which I believed was getting started costuming. I made it to Calls For Cthulhu live, which is always a treat. I made it to part of But Honey, It’s for the Studio. I went to Steampunk Spectacular live, which rocked. I saw Mr. Adventure live, which was funny and awesome as always. After that was the New Media Party & costume contest. I went as the Jett star system from Nathan Lowell’s podiobook series. I didn’t win, which was ok, I didn’t expect to. I don’t remember when I went to sleep, but it was probably around 2 or 3am.
Sunday
Sunday I got up & played DS games with MA, Doug, Christiana Ellis, and Zach. We started out playing MarioKart, and then we collected about 4 younger kids who realized we were playing Pokemon games. After that we set up a mic & I hung out while MA, Doug & Zach did a recording. Was much fun, can’t wait to hear it. Sunday was also Stranger Things at noon, which was a blast. We got to see an interview of JC Hutchins, and a new episode of ST called Disconnect. After that, lunch was had and then I went to Anti-Social Media, Into the Blender live, and caught some of the live Vintage Gamer show. I was there to help Viv from crawling up the curtains from nerves at Into the Blender. It was very awesome to be able to sit & even be a little in on their show. Sunday MA & I also recorded the two of us talking about & applying our makeup. She’s got audio, I’ve got video. I should have it off my Flip by Friday night. That was fun, though I’m worried about how much you’ll actually get to see from my video.
Monday
Monday was wind-down day for the con. I went to Sci-Fi Trivia and got fourth place. I got to pick Season One of Calls for Cthulhu on DVD. I’ve got the third copy in the run, I’m so excited. After that, I parked myself in the hotel’s hot tub with Susan & Rich, then had a burger in the hotel’s restaurant while everyone milled about & said their goodbyes. I left with Paul & Martha about 5pm, and made it back to their house to prepare for more nanny duty this week.
So I think I covered everything. I met a lot of new people whose names I won’t remember until I’ve interacted with you at least three more times. I’m sorry, it’s just who I am. Twitter helps, so if you keep chatting with me I’ll remember. I also got to hang out with people I’ve already met & just can’t physically hang out with except at cons or very rare get-togethers.
I had a blast, and I can’t wait for next year!
Jett
04.13.09
Stupid Dog
Okay, so the Obamas got a dog. Good for them.
No, seriously, I’m glad they got a dog. That means he can at least keep one promise he’s made in his recent political career.
However, I really don’t think it’s all that important. It’s especially not important enough to be front-page or headline news, nor is it really necessary to be debated on whether or not he should’ve gotten that type of dog.
I’m very frustrated with how important this dog has become, when what I belive is more important is being ignored or pushed aside – how terrible our country’s economy has become, and how long I and many others have been unemployed. There’s also the troubles in the middle east, and pirates kidnapping and terrorizing tradeship sailors in the waters off Somalia.
03.19.09
Getting by with a little help from my friends
So it’s halfway through March already.
Not much has changed. I’m still unemployed. I’m still living in limbo, halfway between my own place and my boyfriend’s place.
But last month, a few amazing people – two, to be exact – stuck their heads together and did something amazing. They set up an online ‘charity’ of sorts. A chip-in page for me. It was unsolicited, unexpected, and it made me feel … incredible.
I was blown away by the idea that people, some who I have never physically met, and some I’ve never even spoken to, would actually give up their hard-earned money to me, who just can’t seem to get a leg up.
It makes me feel a little better, to know that I know some of the most caring, supportive, and generous people out there. And I want to thank everyone – those who donated, and especially the ones who set this up – from the bottom of my heart.
This was going to be a video post, but it was hard for me to even write this, and you wouldn’t want to watch me be all teary and emotional anyway.
Again, to you all, thank you.
Forever, Jett
03.05.09
February Blues
So another long gap between posts. Which isn’t too terrible, since I can condense everything that happened in February into a single post and people can just skip over all of it & move on with their lives.
February held Valentine’s Day, my birthday, and my boyfriend’s birthday, all within two weeks of each other – the 14th, the 17th, & the 24th.
So not much was done for Valentine’s, considering I’m still jobless & can’t spend money. And, he scolded me several times for even considering buying/doing something for him. So what did I do? I bought cake mix, icing, & a card to make cupcakes that individually spelled out I Love You in red icing, with mini cupcakes with X’s, O’s, & hearts on them. Sappy, yes, but they were good, and he thought it was cute. Extra bonus for me, since I had been craving cake/cupcakes for ages!
Next came my birthday, and we stayed up ’till past midnight so he could be the first to say “Happy Birthday!” and he gave me my birthday present – a Flip Mino HD video camera. The thing rocks, and it’s already been put to good use – check out my YouTube page and see for yourself! http://www.youtube.com/user/jettmicheyl
The boyfriend’s mom & her husband took us out for dinner for his (& technically my) birthday, also, on the Friday between his & my birthdays. They took us to this place called Bookbinders, and I had the best piece of steak I’ve ever had. It was really nice, and I’m sure it was really expensive. They all (’cept me) had wine, and we had just been served our desserts when the lights went out. It turns out someone had hit a power pole down the street.
The Saturday between my birthday & his, my parents & my brother came down and spent the day at my place for a birthday party. My grandmother, uncle & aunt came down, too. Mom bought a cake, and big party platters and we hung out at my apartment. The boyfriend’s mom even stopped by for a bit. She had never seen my apartment before, and she brought me flowers.
After that, we had a party at a sports bar we frequent, and invited a bunch of local friends. The guest list was about twenty or so, but less than that showed up for various reasons. We brought the leftover cake (which had only had the bottom row cut), and tried to get people to eat it, but we had very few takers.
After people started leaving the bar, a small group of us went to a friend’s place & we played Rock Band! I have a small obsession with Rock Band. My brother actually came with us, and we finally got him comfortable enough to sing! I have a video of it, he says he looks stupid, but that’s a lie. We stayed out until about 3am, I think.
By the time the boyfriend’s actual birthday rolled around, we had both partied so much that his actual day was kinda glossed over. I still had no money for gifts, but the weekend had kinda taken care of that. I had managed to hide the identities of some of the guests from him, so a few of them were a surprise for him. The boyfriend’s father & his wife took us out to dinner a few days after the boyfriend’s birthday, to a really nice Italian restaurant.
So that’s February in a blog post.
Still trying to find a job, no luck there. I’m just spending my time applying for jobs, poking the staffing agencies from time to time, and taking care of my apartment and the boyfriend’s apartment.
Fun fun.
Sayonara,
Jett
01.21.09
Been a Long Time
It truly has been quite a long time since I’ve written here. I’m wondering if my blog notifiers for Twitter will even remember how to function! Simply put, I have no excuse other than I’m lazy. I don’t make time to blog, just like I don’t make time to podcast. Which is horrible, because I keep saying I’m going to, which kindof makes me a liar. I don’t want to be a liar. And I’ve got plenty of time, since I’ve been jobless for the past two and a half weeks.
That’s right – I’m jobless. Circuit City was using me as a temp, and that contract ended on January 2. There was a possibility that they would hire me back in a different position, but since they’re going out of business, that’s not going to happen.
I do have four staffing agencies working to find me opportunities, plus I’m applying through multiple job websites. I had an interview at an attorney’s office today (1/20) and I’m very optimistic. I had a great interview, and I’m going to be considered in three different opportunities, so there are plenty of options at this office.
So that’s my recap of the last month. Things are tight, and will only get tighter until I find another job. But hopefully I can come back here at the end of the week and proclaim good news.
Until then – peace out.
10.13.08
The Ideal Partner
Is there an ideal person for everyone? Do most people find the one who is most ideal for them? Yes, I believe both questions can be answered in the affirmative, because I believe that people can change & adapt over time to another person.
I’m not talking drastic changes, like facial structure or other unnatural adjustments, but subtle things like learning to like “Always Sunny” or beginning to tolerate a genre of music you originally despised.
I believe an ideal person is someone who is a complimentary piece to your puzzle. Not necessarily a complete opposite – otherwise, how would you get anything accomplished or enjoy the other person’s company/hobbies? I think people who claim “opposites attract” only mean initially. An opposite can, and usually does, adjust to become a complimentary person. If not, then the couple obviously isn’t meant to be.
My ideal partner does exist. He’s morphed and shifted his characteristics as I’ve grown, matured, and have adjusted what I thought to be ideal as boyfriends have come and gone.
Intelligent, but never condescending. Attractive, but not a ‘pretty boy.’ Those usually either have no brains or they’re gay. Enjoys some of the same hobbies I do, but also has his own hobbies separate from mine. A willingness to try new things, even if he might feel awkward about it at first. I’m talking in all realms of a relationship – social, intimate, ect. A strong desire to take me out & show me off when I’m looking my best, not wanting to hide me away for fear of being ’stolen away.’ He has the ability to stand up to me when I’m being a bitch, but not cruelly. He knows when not to walk away and when not to follow when I walk out of the room in a rage. He enjoys sharing his family & friends with me, and is willing to associate with mine. He knows how to react to my snark, and knows how to dish out his own. He knows better than to demand a behavioral change outright, but knows how to subtly adjust it over time. But he also knows when to just let my bad habits slide.
So, with that laundry list of characteristics, is there anyone that fits my bill? Yes, I believe so. I’ve been dating him for the past two and a half months.
09.26.08
Well-adjusted
So, it’s been two weeks since I’ve moved to Richmond. I’ve been steadily getting my 2-bedroom apartment set up well, and I only have my front room, the computer/office room, to unbox and set up. Lucifer’s adjusted well, he seems to have stopped being so jumpy about noises outside my apartment.
I had an interview with Venturi Staffing Partners on Thursday, the 25th. They found me a job that – they think – is a perfect fit for me. I’ll go to work for the corporate office of Circuit City, as an Ad Tester. It seems that throughout the nation, Circuit City uses one of three different operating systems. My job will be to make sure that all of their sales offers function on all three operating systems.
I’m really glad that I worked up enough guts to get my ass down here. It’s exciting, trying to make it on my own.
09.09.08
Twitter Traitor
There is, or was, a traitor in my circle of Twitter friends. Earlier today, a screen shot of my Twitter stream was used to create a “motivational” poster and uploaded onto a website. The idea was rude, lacked judgement, and was malicious towards me. For several reasons, I find the scenario entirely inappropriate. 1) My photo was included on the photo. 2) My username was included in the photo. 3) I was not asked permission to use my photo or my Twitter stream in a photo. 4) The screen shot included some very private comments I had made that day.
I understand that some of that list I can control, like not using my real photo, and not posting private information into my Twitter stream. However, my Twitter stream is set Private. Which means that I allow myself a little more leeway when posting information. It also means that when I permit someone to follow my Twitter stream, I give them a certain amount of trust. Trust that what I post will not be used in a malicious fashion.
I have already removed the people following me who I have no idea who they were, but allowed them to follow me anyway. I plan on taking a long, hard look at the Twitter users who are following me still, and thinking very strongly about who to keep and who to turn away. Think of this as a closing of the gates. I apparently put far too much trust in the integrity of my Twitterpals. At least, one of them.
08.24.08
Massive Amounts of Frustration
With three weeks remaining until I move, I realize the extent to which I have NOT packed. I still have a fully stocked entertainment center, desk, low shelf, two dressers, an armoire, a rack of clothes, and four bookshelves to empty and pack, plus other random things from closets and hanging racks around the house. I also have at least two large stacks of boxes that have yet to be packed, and the trailer is already near to full. All that can fit in there still is the mattress set we purchased earlier today, plus possibly a stack of boxes.
What frustrates me is not only how much I still have left to pack, but also the seeming unwillingness of my mother & father to assist me. They’re more than helpful when it comes to shopping for things I still need, or load things into the trailer, but are absolutely disinterested in assisting me to box up what I still need to pack.
I’m worried my frustration will lead me to make one of several very poor choices. I will either end up not doing anything until the last minute, resulting in much headache for me and my family, or I will become so angry at the lack of assistance that I will just start throwing things away that I will regret later.
I can’t think clearly and in a linear enough fashion to compose the remainder of this post properly. Maybe tomorrow.
Feed It