No, you didn't just catch me out in a typo. Having discovered the Referrals page on one of my favorite casual game sites, I am here to try it out.
It's fun to combine things. So: my previous post about freelance online writing meets my love of all things piratical meets my addiction to casual games: click here and earn me some points, friends. It's fun, I promise. And if you don't find it fun, please tell me why. I'd genuinely like to know.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Taking the plunge
It might end up being only a small plunge - I have so far invested less than $20 in this venture, plus a few hours doing research on how to make money online without going into anything resembling marketing or "business." I hate business. My friend Carrie and I had a running joke in undergrad that business majors don't have souls. Since the only business major I can think of that I'm particularly close to is thinking about ditching her religion as a bunch of man-made power-grabbing foolishness, I have yet to find a reason to change our theory.
But I digress. Free Lance Home Writers is my new business partner, and hopefully between me putting in some serious time on this and it actually being a decent system, I will make enough to pay off these last couple months of student loan payments that are breathing down my neck. Last only because I will shortly be fighting my way through whatever paperwork is necessary to make the banks leave me alone until I actually graduate at the end of next semester. Also, boots. I need boots. No, really. This is not girl-talk, or retail therapy. My old ones fell apart in Japan, and I don't intend to trudge to the bus stop through snow drifts wearing sneakers.
You see how I have difficulty focusing on finding gainful employment? I think it boils down to real fear that I won't find anything and I'll end up spending the rest of my natural life hiding from big mean banks. I didn't realize going into this whole deal that grad school would be such a gamble. For the past six months, I've felt as though I were teetering on the brink of either pushing through and getting that huge piece of paper from CMU or waving goodbye to $60,000 plus interest and making the best of my life as it stands.
If you're looking for some sort of pretty shiny summary of what this post is about, sorry. Fresh out today.
But I digress. Free Lance Home Writers is my new business partner, and hopefully between me putting in some serious time on this and it actually being a decent system, I will make enough to pay off these last couple months of student loan payments that are breathing down my neck. Last only because I will shortly be fighting my way through whatever paperwork is necessary to make the banks leave me alone until I actually graduate at the end of next semester. Also, boots. I need boots. No, really. This is not girl-talk, or retail therapy. My old ones fell apart in Japan, and I don't intend to trudge to the bus stop through snow drifts wearing sneakers.
You see how I have difficulty focusing on finding gainful employment? I think it boils down to real fear that I won't find anything and I'll end up spending the rest of my natural life hiding from big mean banks. I didn't realize going into this whole deal that grad school would be such a gamble. For the past six months, I've felt as though I were teetering on the brink of either pushing through and getting that huge piece of paper from CMU or waving goodbye to $60,000 plus interest and making the best of my life as it stands.
If you're looking for some sort of pretty shiny summary of what this post is about, sorry. Fresh out today.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Short-term Employment
I worked for a subgroup of Progressive Future, called Work for Progress. We registered voters right up until the Pennsylvania deadline, mainly by walking around public areas with high foot traffic and asking everyone we saw whether they were registered to vote at their current address. My second day on the job, they told me that they had just gotten a grant (I forget from whom), so we were now the Community Voters Project and were only going to approach African Americans. So. Interesting.
I could write lots and lots about my experiences registering voters in various Pittsburgh-area neighborhoods, and tell lots of funny stories, but I'm too tired. Sadly for me, although good news for progressives, Obama made it up high enough in the polls for the organization to fold up its Pittsburgh shop and move our directors to states where the race was tighter.
I was pretty much offered a job as a career staff member if I was willing to relocate until November 4th, but didn't end up pursuing that option. Too much uncertainty, and I hate moving, even if it would only be for 6 weeks. Also, campaign workers mostly do it for the love, not the money, unless you're a professional political hack way up the food chain. I'm not sure I could actually have covered living expenses on the salary they offered, not to mention my ridiculous hope of saving up something to help pay for tuition next semester.
So now it's back to the job hunt. I am currently waiting for an email from Etcetera Edutainment about whether they do, in fact, need C++ programmers for the short term. Contract work is tricky - I admire people who can live like that, but I don't think it's the lifestyle for me.
I could write lots and lots about my experiences registering voters in various Pittsburgh-area neighborhoods, and tell lots of funny stories, but I'm too tired. Sadly for me, although good news for progressives, Obama made it up high enough in the polls for the organization to fold up its Pittsburgh shop and move our directors to states where the race was tighter.
I was pretty much offered a job as a career staff member if I was willing to relocate until November 4th, but didn't end up pursuing that option. Too much uncertainty, and I hate moving, even if it would only be for 6 weeks. Also, campaign workers mostly do it for the love, not the money, unless you're a professional political hack way up the food chain. I'm not sure I could actually have covered living expenses on the salary they offered, not to mention my ridiculous hope of saving up something to help pay for tuition next semester.
So now it's back to the job hunt. I am currently waiting for an email from Etcetera Edutainment about whether they do, in fact, need C++ programmers for the short term. Contract work is tricky - I admire people who can live like that, but I don't think it's the lifestyle for me.
Friday, September 19, 2008
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
I had a job interview this morning (more on that later), so I couldn't wear my traditional Full Pirate Regalia. I settled for wearing my much-beloved "In touch with my Inner Pirate" t-shirt under a respectable shirt. And now I am off to Cappy's, to hopefully find my friend with the eyepatch (no joke kids, no joke) and do a couple of shots with the fine folks at Cappyoke. And maybe I'll sing a Tracy Chapman song. She's been in my head lately.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
ONE Campus Challenge
I'm considering stepping up as a campus leader for this. I'm not sure I should, as I don't want to over-commit and then do a lousy job. And since I'm not sure what kind of work schedule I'll have this semester, I'm really not sure about the time commitment.
On the other hand, it's something I feel passionate about, and even a small presence on campus would be better than nothing. Plus, it would be a reason to be on main campus on a regular basis, and that would be no bad thing.
A link, for the curious.
UPDATE: I now have a job, and the hours are flexible, which means more time for ONE. I actually tried to sign up as campus leader tonight, but there's something wrong with their webform - it kept telling me a field was missing, which was patently untrue. Sigh. I'll have to try again next week.
On the other hand, it's something I feel passionate about, and even a small presence on campus would be better than nothing. Plus, it would be a reason to be on main campus on a regular basis, and that would be no bad thing.
A link, for the curious.
UPDATE: I now have a job, and the hours are flexible, which means more time for ONE. I actually tried to sign up as campus leader tonight, but there's something wrong with their webform - it kept telling me a field was missing, which was patently untrue. Sigh. I'll have to try again next week.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Settling in
I now have a place to live, and employment. Both are big improvements over last week. I am living with a woman my grandmother's age, who is renting me a big bedroom on the third floor of her house. I've always wanted to try one of those long rooms shaped almost like a triangle by the slope of the roof on both sides. Now's my chance. It feels cozy, like my own little nest where my cats and I can curl up and do our own thinking. Plus, it's in a part of Pittsburgh I haven't explored before - even the bus ride into town is eye-opening.
I meet tomorrow with my new boss. I'll be teaching high-school students about entertainment technology for six weeks. I'm kinda fuzzy on the details at present, but excited to be teaching again, and looking forward to the challenge.
Pittsburgh is lovely. Blue skies and green trees are heavenly. I have landed on my feet and look forward to what lies ahead down the path.
I meet tomorrow with my new boss. I'll be teaching high-school students about entertainment technology for six weeks. I'm kinda fuzzy on the details at present, but excited to be teaching again, and looking forward to the challenge.
Pittsburgh is lovely. Blue skies and green trees are heavenly. I have landed on my feet and look forward to what lies ahead down the path.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Japanese Fashion: A Retrospective
So, Japan is a Mecca of sorts for those interested in current fashion trends. While I am not a fashion expert by any stretch of the imagination, I do like to people-watch. Here are some tidbits of Japanese fashion that I observed in Osaka. Keep in mind, I imagine that some of these are changing now that the weather is heating up.
Top-of-head bun: Japanese women will sometimes put their hair up in a bun, but not toward the back of the head as we would do in the west. They put that sucker in the exact center of the top of their head. It looks odd.
Crazy messy hair: Japanese young women who are obviously dressed up to go out and look gorgeous will apparently attack their hair with forks and other tangle-producing objects. I didn't see this too often, but it really looked as though they had spent an hour looking for lost objects under their couch, or had recently had birds nesting in their hair. These ladies almost always had hair of that peculiar orange color that results when people with naturally black hair attempt to change their hair color.
Black socks: These were ubiquitous. The most common length is to barely above the knee, although 4 or 5 inches above the knee is also common. The socks are skin-tight and made of some synthetic substance. They can be worn with anything, although something with an extremely short hemline is most common, leaving a band of bare skin between the socks and the shorts, dress, or skirt.
Elaborate stockings: The hose/stockings available in this country now look positively boring to me. Fishnets, flower patterns, bright solid colors, accents at the ankles, stripes, you name it. We need to get on this fashion trend immediately - they are so fun!
Tiny lace footie socks: These are perfect for wearing with high heels, although it was hard at first for me to get used to seeing a patterned sock in combination with an elaborate shoe. These socks are about the same shape as a ballet slipper, and frequently have ruffles, ribbons, or extra lace around the rim.
Baggy dresses and long or baggy shirts: While Japanese women's clothing is beautiful and sexy, it tends toward the cute and feminine, and often is very loose through the torso. They like floaty, ruffly sort of shapes, rather than tight-fitting silhouettes. I often wondered if this is because the average Asian woman isn't terribly well-endowed up top, and so they don't wear clothing that shows off that part of the body. You do see low-cut shirts and tight tops or dresses occasionally, but not that often. They like things that are long and loose through the waist and then tight again at the hips, or just floaty and loose all the way down. And again with the short hemlines. Really amazingly short hemlines, whether they're wearing shorts, dresses, or skirts.
Crazy stockings with shorts: This is another fashion trend that took some getting used to. The shorts were usually incredibly short, and then combined with boldly patterned stockings. And high heels, of course. It looked awfully cold in the winter, but they soldiered bravely on.
Men's clothing: A continual sea of suits. Black, grey, pin-striped, lots of subtle variety, but still. A huge percentage of Japanese men wear suits almost every day. For casual wear, plaid shirts worn over a t-shirt are surprisingly popular. Stylishly ripped jeans are also trendy.
Enormous hair: I already mentioned the intensely tangled look, but even outside that, women like big elaborate hair styles. These are usually young women who look as though they spent 3 hours on their appearance before setting foot out the door. Men also like large hair - I remember staring at one guy on the train, trying to figure out how the people in his company could take him seriously when his hair had enough product in it that it stuck out at least 3 inches in every direction. They like it a bit long on the neck, which I am all in favor of. Some guys have it a few inches below the shoulder - and usually some shade or gradient of orange if it's that long.
Kimonos: These are not overly common, but I probably saw one every few days, and some days saw 3 or 4 in one day. They obviously take a great deal of effort and attention to detail to wear; the end result is unfailingly lovely. I saw a few male kimonos as well, but only a few.
Uniforms: The Japanese love uniforms. Some identify the wearer's profession, like the huge baggy pants that construction workers wear, or the jumpsuits and gloves that sanitation workers wear. Schoolchildren all have their particular uniforms. My favorites are the ones that resemble traditional Japanese clothing - usually restaurant workers wear these.
In general, the Japanese dress much more formally than we do here in the States. It was interesting to get in the habit of carefully considering my clothing, hair, and make-up before venturing out in public. If you're traveling to Japan, consider choosing something other than jeans and t-shirts: you'll feel like a schlub.
Top-of-head bun: Japanese women will sometimes put their hair up in a bun, but not toward the back of the head as we would do in the west. They put that sucker in the exact center of the top of their head. It looks odd.
Crazy messy hair: Japanese young women who are obviously dressed up to go out and look gorgeous will apparently attack their hair with forks and other tangle-producing objects. I didn't see this too often, but it really looked as though they had spent an hour looking for lost objects under their couch, or had recently had birds nesting in their hair. These ladies almost always had hair of that peculiar orange color that results when people with naturally black hair attempt to change their hair color.
Black socks: These were ubiquitous. The most common length is to barely above the knee, although 4 or 5 inches above the knee is also common. The socks are skin-tight and made of some synthetic substance. They can be worn with anything, although something with an extremely short hemline is most common, leaving a band of bare skin between the socks and the shorts, dress, or skirt.
Elaborate stockings: The hose/stockings available in this country now look positively boring to me. Fishnets, flower patterns, bright solid colors, accents at the ankles, stripes, you name it. We need to get on this fashion trend immediately - they are so fun!
Tiny lace footie socks: These are perfect for wearing with high heels, although it was hard at first for me to get used to seeing a patterned sock in combination with an elaborate shoe. These socks are about the same shape as a ballet slipper, and frequently have ruffles, ribbons, or extra lace around the rim.
Baggy dresses and long or baggy shirts: While Japanese women's clothing is beautiful and sexy, it tends toward the cute and feminine, and often is very loose through the torso. They like floaty, ruffly sort of shapes, rather than tight-fitting silhouettes. I often wondered if this is because the average Asian woman isn't terribly well-endowed up top, and so they don't wear clothing that shows off that part of the body. You do see low-cut shirts and tight tops or dresses occasionally, but not that often. They like things that are long and loose through the waist and then tight again at the hips, or just floaty and loose all the way down. And again with the short hemlines. Really amazingly short hemlines, whether they're wearing shorts, dresses, or skirts.
Crazy stockings with shorts: This is another fashion trend that took some getting used to. The shorts were usually incredibly short, and then combined with boldly patterned stockings. And high heels, of course. It looked awfully cold in the winter, but they soldiered bravely on.
Men's clothing: A continual sea of suits. Black, grey, pin-striped, lots of subtle variety, but still. A huge percentage of Japanese men wear suits almost every day. For casual wear, plaid shirts worn over a t-shirt are surprisingly popular. Stylishly ripped jeans are also trendy.
Enormous hair: I already mentioned the intensely tangled look, but even outside that, women like big elaborate hair styles. These are usually young women who look as though they spent 3 hours on their appearance before setting foot out the door. Men also like large hair - I remember staring at one guy on the train, trying to figure out how the people in his company could take him seriously when his hair had enough product in it that it stuck out at least 3 inches in every direction. They like it a bit long on the neck, which I am all in favor of. Some guys have it a few inches below the shoulder - and usually some shade or gradient of orange if it's that long.
Kimonos: These are not overly common, but I probably saw one every few days, and some days saw 3 or 4 in one day. They obviously take a great deal of effort and attention to detail to wear; the end result is unfailingly lovely. I saw a few male kimonos as well, but only a few.
Uniforms: The Japanese love uniforms. Some identify the wearer's profession, like the huge baggy pants that construction workers wear, or the jumpsuits and gloves that sanitation workers wear. Schoolchildren all have their particular uniforms. My favorites are the ones that resemble traditional Japanese clothing - usually restaurant workers wear these.
In general, the Japanese dress much more formally than we do here in the States. It was interesting to get in the habit of carefully considering my clothing, hair, and make-up before venturing out in public. If you're traveling to Japan, consider choosing something other than jeans and t-shirts: you'll feel like a schlub.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Time is running short
Today is the 7th, which gives me just over a week left in Japan. Hard to believe I will really be boarding a plane and leaving so soon. I have a short list of things I still want to see or buy, but even if I had another month here, it wouldn't feel like enough time. I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
Despite all the ups and downs, I have no regrets. I'm not really one of those people who thinks that every little happening in life is orchestrated by a divine hand, but I do honestly feel that everything about my trip to Japan has worked out for the best. Of course, it remains to be seen whether I can find a job in the near future, but I still have hope in that department. Other than that, my unexpected departure from academic life has allowed me to experience more of Japan than I ever would have had I remained chained to a desk for 14 hours a day. I have made one very, very good friend, met some other great people, and am in serious danger of falling in love with one adorable Indonesian. My Japanese is still pretty shaky, but hopefully I have learned enough that I will keep plugging away once I return to the Land of English.
And I definitely hope to come back. Kyoto alone is enough to draw me back here... and hopefully a few good friends will still be in the country and eager to go out for karaoke and dancing. And food! Mmmm, sashimi.
Despite all the ups and downs, I have no regrets. I'm not really one of those people who thinks that every little happening in life is orchestrated by a divine hand, but I do honestly feel that everything about my trip to Japan has worked out for the best. Of course, it remains to be seen whether I can find a job in the near future, but I still have hope in that department. Other than that, my unexpected departure from academic life has allowed me to experience more of Japan than I ever would have had I remained chained to a desk for 14 hours a day. I have made one very, very good friend, met some other great people, and am in serious danger of falling in love with one adorable Indonesian. My Japanese is still pretty shaky, but hopefully I have learned enough that I will keep plugging away once I return to the Land of English.
And I definitely hope to come back. Kyoto alone is enough to draw me back here... and hopefully a few good friends will still be in the country and eager to go out for karaoke and dancing. And food! Mmmm, sashimi.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Adjustment
I'm playing around with font colors. I think the link color is too light now, but before it wasn't standing out enough, so maybe this is an improvement.
Also, I have moved from the southern edge of Osaka to the northern edge of Osaka. I think. I'm not sure subway maps really give an accurate representation of the city. I like it up here. Went for a walk really early this morning and encountered the Japanese version of old people doing morning exercises. Tell you what, I'll expound, and compare to the Chinese version. If you're bored by cultural minutiae, feel free to move on. It won't hurt my feelings.
When I lived in China, I wanted to study tai chi, so a friend took me to a park early one morning and we asked around until we found a good teacher. I can't speak for every city in China, but in Maoming the parks are full of small groups of elderly people doing various forms of morning exercises: maybe casual marching and hand-slapping routines designed to encourage blood circulation, maybe meditating alone in front of a tree, maybe ballroom dancing, maybe tai chi. Tai chi with swords!
The park I found this morning, on the other hand, seemed to be taken up with just one huge group, and they were all doing the same movements together. I watched for awhile and figured out that the group in white ballcaps were probably the leaders - I think it was one of them that was shouting out instructions. A lot of people had the same yellow shirts on, too, although I don't know what they were for. It wasn't military precision or anything; a few people wandered in and out, or stopped to help one man find his dog. Some people seemed to be newcomers and not as familiar with the movements. Overall, kind of like a low-key aerobics class and nothing like the meditative movements of tai chi.
So. China: chaotic, but not in a bad way. Complicated. Diverse. Not a place you can understand at a glance. Japan: fond of uniforms. Systematic. Orderly. A place for everyone and everyone quietly doing what seems to be expected of them.
I can't imagine either scenario taking place in America... although for all I know, retirement communities all over the country have morning exercises every day. I think it's a great thing - socializing and continued strength and mobility, all rolled into one. Plus, it was a darn nice park. Excellent trees.
Also, I have moved from the southern edge of Osaka to the northern edge of Osaka. I think. I'm not sure subway maps really give an accurate representation of the city. I like it up here. Went for a walk really early this morning and encountered the Japanese version of old people doing morning exercises. Tell you what, I'll expound, and compare to the Chinese version. If you're bored by cultural minutiae, feel free to move on. It won't hurt my feelings.
When I lived in China, I wanted to study tai chi, so a friend took me to a park early one morning and we asked around until we found a good teacher. I can't speak for every city in China, but in Maoming the parks are full of small groups of elderly people doing various forms of morning exercises: maybe casual marching and hand-slapping routines designed to encourage blood circulation, maybe meditating alone in front of a tree, maybe ballroom dancing, maybe tai chi. Tai chi with swords!
The park I found this morning, on the other hand, seemed to be taken up with just one huge group, and they were all doing the same movements together. I watched for awhile and figured out that the group in white ballcaps were probably the leaders - I think it was one of them that was shouting out instructions. A lot of people had the same yellow shirts on, too, although I don't know what they were for. It wasn't military precision or anything; a few people wandered in and out, or stopped to help one man find his dog. Some people seemed to be newcomers and not as familiar with the movements. Overall, kind of like a low-key aerobics class and nothing like the meditative movements of tai chi.
So. China: chaotic, but not in a bad way. Complicated. Diverse. Not a place you can understand at a glance. Japan: fond of uniforms. Systematic. Orderly. A place for everyone and everyone quietly doing what seems to be expected of them.
I can't imagine either scenario taking place in America... although for all I know, retirement communities all over the country have morning exercises every day. I think it's a great thing - socializing and continued strength and mobility, all rolled into one. Plus, it was a darn nice park. Excellent trees.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Religion in Japan
An interesting article from Kansai Scene. I've enjoyed visiting Buddhist temples, a Zen Buddhist temple, and Shinto shrines. Haven't tried a Christian church yet, but Easter is coming up, so that's some encouragement to find one. There's a fairly large Shinto shrine near our apartment building, but so far I've only found time to poke my head in through the gate.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Terrible English menus in China
Overnight at the ETC
My life took a turn for the Completely Sucky this afternoon, so I'm consoling myself by spending way too much time on the Internet. Which means I didn't get my work done in time for last train, and I found this. Every now and then, Christians remind me why I love them so much, and why I still claim to be one. Christian-Daoist, mind you, if such a thing exists, but still. I love Christ, and I know so many beautiful stories that come directly from Christianity, so I'll still claim 'em.
Also, good news! The SBC has finally decided that this whole "global warming" thing might be kind of a problem after all, and maybe Christians really do have a responsibility to care for the planet. Welcome to the club, Mom and Dad.
[Links provided by the ePistle, a free publication of Evangelicals for Social Action]
Also, good news! The SBC has finally decided that this whole "global warming" thing might be kind of a problem after all, and maybe Christians really do have a responsibility to care for the planet. Welcome to the club, Mom and Dad.
[Links provided by the ePistle, a free publication of Evangelicals for Social Action]
Urban myth -- debunked!
I was telling a friend about zhongwen.com, and followed a link to an old favorite, hanzismatter. This post appeared, so I'm sharing it.
Rant about why it's still apparently ok to misunderstand at will, if not outright exploit, Chinese culture has been skipped for your convenience.
Rant about why it's still apparently ok to misunderstand at will, if not outright exploit, Chinese culture has been skipped for your convenience.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Dear Brian Evans
Because you complained that my blog has no content, I am creating more content, just for you. The gist of the content is: post your complaints in the comments, you big jerk, and then maybe I'll be more motivated to post actual content.
For the rest of my theoretical readers, I welcome any and all interaction. I promise I won't be as mean to you as I am to Brian - he knows I'm only joking.
For the rest of my theoretical readers, I welcome any and all interaction. I promise I won't be as mean to you as I am to Brian - he knows I'm only joking.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Now from Osaka
Since we've got this ETC Japan blog going, I figure I might as well link this thing to it and see how I like the whole Blogger experience.
Until I figure out how to link these up properly: http://etcosaka.blogspot.com/
Until I figure out how to link these up properly: http://etcosaka.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)