The Longest Week...

Sunday night, Robb and I were talking on the way home from our Gay Christian Men's Group (that's the title...not so catchy. I kind of want to kick myself in the face every time I say it...), and he said to me, "It's gonna be a long week."

"Why?" I asked, probably arching an eyebrow.

"Avenue Q is on Friday!"

We're going to see the show this Friday! HOORAY! You may recall the "adult sesame street" videos I posted a while back...that's from the show. Amazing stuff! I'm so excited. But I didn't agree that the week would feel long. I figured it would race by like all my weeks.

Then I got the phone call that I start work on Monday! Now the week really is dragging...especially with the last Campus Ministries church service of the year tonight, summer volleyball starting tomorrow along with caramel cashew custard at Ollie's, and Mother's Day on Sunday (which I finally got a gift for at Goodwill).

It seems like the end of a chapter in my life...a short chapter, but a chapter nonetheless. I was unemployed, going to church on Wednesday nights, and not having anything to do on Thursday nights...and waiting anxiously for this show. Now, after Sunday, I'll be starting a new chapter...one of ties and shirts, of money and sales goals, of Thursday nights in the sand and Wednesday nights at home...

This, too, shall pass.

Out

Screw Feeling Whorey...

I'm feeling JUBLIANT!!!

That's right. After my gorgeous day on my bike, where I both ran into people I love AND was called hot, I came home to a quiet house. I got online. I updated my Myspace page, for some reason....and then...

Guess who got a very important phone call.

Guess who has a job!

Guess who is making money in the double digits?! For the first time EVER!!! Oh my gosh. I'm so happy I could pee a little. I think the boy and I are going out to celebrate tonight whether he wants to or not! WA-HOOO!!!! We're having Chinese tonight.

*piddles*

Out

Internet Video Tuesday: Moby Edition...

Today, after checking my email and visiting my routine Internet haunts, I don't really have much to say.  That's not a bad thing.  It happens about once a week, especially now when I'm stuck at home (ish) and pretty much doing the same thing every day.  The only news at the moment is that I'm still working on my script.  I just passed 57 pages yesterday, and although the goal as of this calendar day is ten more than that, I'm catching up.  I think the problem is that I can write three pages in fifteen minutes, so I just assume it doesn't matter if I skip a day.  And then I'm 20 pages behind and I go, "I'm never going to make it.  I should give up."  And then?  I write 14 pages in a day and realize I'm not out of the race yet.  In fact, I'm over the halfway point!

Anywho, back to not having anything to say.  I found this video yesterday, courtesy of my amigo free, a.k.a. halcyon_vesper.  It's just fun, and after all the fun is over, it's especially poignant.



I'd play that game!  I'd have an extra heaping helping of fun beating the crap out of that boss who fires him.

Catch you all tomorrow.  I've got a 3:30 interview today.

Out

This Just In: Job Update...

So, in case you've been following my job prospects with any interest at all, here's how this Monday shook out, so far:

I opened my email box to find an email from Associated, the bank that was really unprofessional. They are extending their offer to someone else. Fair enough. Maybe they didn't like that I thought they were douchebags in the interview. I'm perfectly okay with this, since I'd decided I wasn't taking the job, anyway.

Then, there's an email from another bank, which I won't name right now. I submitted an application with them after being recommended to them by a friend (thanks, Mary!!!). My name went all the way to the owner, apparently, and now they're asking about my availability, which, if you've been following, is pretty much ANY TIME, since I don't really have a life right now.

Sweet. One door closes and another one opens.

Out

I just got a call from the bank where I had that bad interview.  They want me to drive an hour tomorrow morning for another interview.  I told them I would.  And now?  I just don't want to...but that's not the point of this post!

It was almost 80 yesterday, and it's looking to be about the same today!

I would have been stupid NOT to ride my bike yesterday.  So, off I went in my black tank top and black and blue plaid shorts.  I wanted a tan.  I figured I'd burn.  I didn't really do much of either, despite being out in the sun for almost an hour.  But there's plenty more year left, and I am determined to be tan (without using a tanning bed) before Pride this year!  And I'm hoping to avoid a farmer's tan for once in my life.  We shall see.

Speaking of seeing...I met this happy lady on my ride:



She was chasing a stick thrown by her man.  I rode up and heard a big SPLASH!!!  I thought, "Gosh, I hope that wasn't what it sounded like!  It was not.



She was a good fetcher!  Her man and I chatted a little about how she was living the high life...and how she touched the Kish so she's never leaving DeKalb again.  But hey, when your whole life is get-the-stick, get-the-stick, get-the-stick, I think DeKalb is a pretty good place to be damned.

It certainly is pretty this time of year.  It almost makes me forget about winter entirely when the Violets start poking their white and purple heads up.



They're my next favorite, after Daffodils...maybe because they usually pop their heads up right after.



We were all enjoying the sun.  And today?  I think I'm going to do the same once more.  Who knows...maybe I'll see the Water Guy leaping into the Kish to fetch something...

Except...i just got a phone call from a friend who wants me to help her move.  Right.  I'd almost forgotten.  Maybe I'll just ride my bike over there.

Out

Interviews...

I've got a question for y'all.

Do you think that an interview process is not only a chance for the company to get to know you, but for you to get to know the company? And, as such, if you believe it is such, shouldn't that company be trying to make the best impression they can?

Why do I ask this question?

Well, I had an interview yesterday with a bank in town. I had slight trepidation going in, and I wasn't sure why. It just didn't feel...right. I don't normally feel this way about things, so when I get this feeling, it usually proves itself to be correct.

I walked in and told one of the tellers I was here for my appointment with the manager. She went and told him. He proceeds to go behind the teller line, ignoring me entirely, and starts chatting with the employees, leaning on a wall, just completely ignoring that I'm there. I sat for five minutes while he just let me sit...

Then, when he came over, he sprung another interviewer on me, which wasn't a big deal. In the interview, he didn't ask how I was, didn't ask me to tell him a little bit about myself, wouldn't have shaken my hand if I hadn't initiated it, and jumped right in on the reason I was fired from National City.

Now, I understand that's important. It's the big thing standing in the way of another bank job, and I know employers want to know about it. But there's a polite way to do things. He asked me questions, and then didn't wait for me to finish before he started in on another question. When I was answering the questions, he frequently was glancing out his window into the lobby or interrupting me.

The woman who was in the room with us never said anything, didn't ask me any questions, didn't respond with anything but the bare minimum when I asked her a question, and never once smiled. The man behind the desk was a pompous ass, laughing at my old bank AND making strange, hateful asides towards Chase Bank, who I have no association with.

It was generally unprofessional and completely unacceptable. If he were the interviewee, I'd have shown him the door and told him to learn some respect before he tried to apply again.

He failed his half of the interview. Brilliantly.

Why is it that I can only get job offers from sexual predators and assholes who run banks that are highly unprofessional? Does that say something about me?!

I'm taking a day off from job hunting today.

Out

Birthday Weekend...

I had a fantastic birthday!  Friday night's party was a good time filled with Moscato, homemade Sangria, and cheesecake.  I ate too much, drank too much, and generally felt great besides being really full. 

Saturday Robb and I drove around.  No, really.  We decided to go to Sonic for lunch, which was about an hour away.  Then we drove around Chicagoland just enjoying the music in the CD player and the gorgeous day.  Taking 19 around the backside of O'Hare?  So neat.

And then we chilled at home, hit the arcade later that night, and decided to have a quiet night at home.  We blasted through Contra for the NES just for kicks, and then called it a night.

And yesterday was church, writing group, and dinner with my family at Yen Ching.  My mom gave me the contents of the family change jar all wrapped up by my devious little sister, and she gave me my grandmother's antique tea (sake?) set.  It was such a sweet and thoughtful gift!  I loved that grandma so much (we called her Gramma Gramma)!  Robb got me Wario Ware D.I.Y. for my DS and Marbles got me Mario & Luigi:  Bowser's Inside Story for my DS!  Sweet gifts always make me smile!  AND!  I have so many leftovers I won't be able to finish them all, but I'm going to give it my best shot! 

And today at 2?  After I'm all bloated on leftover Chinese food?  JOB INTERVIEW! 

Yes yes.  Oh, and I discovered the funniest video of all time:



Seriously.  I don't even have to watch it and I start laughing about it...oh my gosh. You might want to actually go to YouTubeand watch it, since it won't fit here, sadly.

And with that?  Have a great day!

Out

Renege...Uncut Version...

So, I know I said yesterday that I was so sick of talking about jobs.  And I am.  But.

I applied for two bank jobs today.  A friend came through with an unexpected recommendation that went ALL THE WAY to the BANK OWNER!  So, I sent an email with my resume to one, filled out an application for another, and Ka-BAM!  I'm applied.

Let's just hope I'm employed soon...

***EDIT***

So, I applied at a different bank today thank the one I sent my resume to, because a friend of mine told me (when I ran into him and his girlfriend at Target last night--random!) that they were hiring.  So, I got an email to take a pre-recorded telephone interview...so I did.  Then HR calls me and asks about my termination from National City (ugh)!  THEN!  The bank manager calls me and asks me to interview on MONDAY!  Woot!  So...maybe something WILL work out!

***EDIT AGAIN***

And then I got a call from the bank I sent my resume to asking me to fill out an application, so I went to a branch and did just that!  It's like I hit the jackpot today...with that and yet ANOTHER Water Guy sighting (he waved at me first!).  Crazy...happy birthday to me!

***END***

In other news, it's turning out to be a lovely day!  I got my new T-shirt, and I got my prize from Club Nintendo...maybe I'll model them later.  Sweet.

***ANOTHER EDIT***

So, I got all nice and showered (second time today) and put on my cute new shirt.





Yes.  That IS Super Mario sushi.  Frog Mario on one end, Blooper on the other, and Cheep Cheeps in the middle.  Amazingly morbid and cute stuff!  Anywho...there's that.  And my Club Nintendo Prize?



It's a game/stylus holder for the DS, which is LOVE.  And the best part?



Rainbow stylus collection!  Yessirree!  And now you know what a big dork I am...if you're just joining us.  If you're a long-time reader and you didn't know that...shame on you!

***END***

And!  I think it looks nice enough outside that I might be able to slip in a bike ride.

Then?  Tonight my friend Katie is throwing a party for herself and me in celebration of our joint birthday (Sunday the 11th).  So...it's all kinds of great stuff!

OH!  And as an early birthday present, I ran into the Water Guy at Wal Mart last night.  He was browsing video games.  SCORE!!!  Did I say hello?  No...my brain went to mush and my only thought was "FLEE!!!"

Bah...I'll get it right one of these times.

Out

Vacation From My Life...

Does anyone know of a switch that exists that will let me just wipe my thoughts clean and start again? I'm so done having every conversation and every thought revolve around job hunting, applying, and not hearing anything back...seriously. I just want a vacation from my life.

Every day I get online and look for jobs. Every time I leave the house I look for help wanted signs. Every conversation I have ends with, "and if you know of anybody who is hiring, let me know."

Every day when Robb comes home we talk about jobs, and then later in the evening he gets online and starts telling me what he's finding, which I've already seen that day, and which I don't want to talk about anymore.

At Easter his dad found out that I'm unemployed, and now he keeps calling and suggesting things we could try, things I've already tried, or things I would never be qualified for.

I just want to cry...I apply for at least one job every day. I've heard back from one place. I had two interviews with them. I haven't heard back. I am calling them today.

And then, when I AM offered a job, it's on the wings of an offer for sex.

But really, it's just the constant grinding of the talk about jobs, the looking for jobs, the applying for jobs, the feeling unqualified for jobs, the arguing about jobs, the wanting of jobs...

Anyone want to switch lives for a few days?

Out

Texting Your Dad...

So...yesterday I said life wasn't that interesting lately. Well, maybe I should stop saying that. I think it invites drama.

I got a text yesterday. Here's the conversation, basically:

Stranger: Hey, I got your number from a friend and I think you're really hot. Are you gay?

So, here's where I thought, "If he's met my friend, the friend would know I was gay. There aren't any friends who don't know I'm gay. If he has a head, he'd know I was gay. So...who has a photo of me that doesn't know I'm gay?

Me: Umm...yes. Who is asking? And which friend?
Stranger: I knew it! Wanna get Chinese sometime?
Me: I don't even know you!
Stranger: Well, think about it. I think you know who this is.

And I did. The Chinese gave it away. It was an old customer of mine who always looked at me funny when he was in the drive. I thought he was gay, and then I found out he was married. So...I wasn't sure what to think. So I said:

Me: I thought you were married.
Stranger: No, that's my twin brother. We pull that trick on everyone.
Me: You must think I'm some kind of idiot! I'd rather you were straight with me than lied.
Stranger: Fine, I think you're hot and I want to give you head. Is that better?
Me: Well, at least it's more honest.
Stranger: So?
Me: I am happily partnered and have been for 4 years. But thanks...

I was bummed, honestly. My boss said she gave him my number because he told her was going to offer me a job. He didn't specify that it was a BLOW job. Hm...so it was settled. He was a creeper. And married--with children my age. And not going to offer me a job.

Stranger: Sorry. I'll leave you alone.

And that's basically where we left it. And then I didn't sleep last night because my brain wouldn't shut up about the whole situation. And it kept rendering all my memories and thoughts in tiny cubes that dropped in like sand...and it wouldn't let me SLEEP! So I'm really, really tired today. And I thought it was over.

Today, however, I get a text from him offering me a job. A REAL job. It's not what I was making, but it's a job. It's 20-30 hours a week, plus selling incentives and on-the-job perks (not sex!). He says I have "that look" with my hair and clothes and the way I carry myself, that I could sell the product to girls and interested guys without a problem. Waitwaitwait...I get offered a job because I look gay?

So...now I don't know what to think. Is he still trying to get in my pants? Is he realizing he can't have me and trying to keep me nearer for a change TO have me? Is he honestly trying to help me out, now that he knows I'm unemployed and poor?

See, this is how my life works. It's never simple. It's never a job I am SURE about. It's always this morally gray area that I'm forced to trudge through for every friggin good thing that comes into my life! What the hell?

So...yeah. This is my life.

Out

Success!

So, I was worried about my interview. I didn't sleep well. I imagined every terrible scenario, most of which involved them asking me why I'm no longer working with National City.

Turns out, I didn't really have much to worry about.

She DID ask me what happened over there, and I explained to her my situation, about the bad check and the woman who had had an account with us since the 70s and the policy for bypassing holds. And do you know what she said to me? She said, "I don't think it should be the teller's responsibility to decide whether or not to place holds on checks." Seriously. That was it. We talked about it, she said it was a raw deal and that she didn't think I did anything wrong, that I shouldn't have ever been fired for that.

She said exactly what everyone else has said every time I tell that story. Why did I assume she'd say anything different.?

We chatted. It turns out she lives in the town where I held my job before National City, that I probably know her from Sullivan's. Huh. How about that. So we have this instant rapport.

I was supposed to be in the interview with her and the branch's Assistant Manager. He had the day off unexpectedly, since he worked for a teller who was off on Tuesday. So I have another interview with HIM tomorrow. And now I'm thinking I'm worried because I don't make as great an impression on guys as I do with 40 something ladies.

But I think it went really well. I think I've got a good shot.

Out

Sew...

The party was canceled, because everyone backed out. My friend Nichole's dog is sick and she didn't feel like going out. Some other friends stayed with her for moral support. Two couldn't find a babysitter. One was in a play. So...that left three of us getting together. So we relocated the party to my house.

They brought wine. We had a Catawba pink, a moscato, a pinot grigio, and a bottle of super sweet red called Li'l Ol' Truk. It's my mom's favorite.

So, needless to say, we drank too much wine. Chips and salsa, chocolate covered raisins...it was a strange night. I saw a boob. I dated that boob in high school, middle school. I share a birthday with that boob. We talked, sat in the kitchen, perched on counters and stools, played with the cat, refilled and drained glasses.

I needed it.

The next night, we went to see a friend play the lead in Little Shop of Horrors. He was great. The rest of the cast? Eh...there were a few places where I was wincing. Harmonizing that didn't work, timing that was off, voices that couldn't be understood no matter what they said. But we had fun.

I needed it.

Last night I went home to see my mom. I picked up some jigsaw puzzles from home. I drank some wine, Port of Utica, which is like Li'l Ol' Truk on steroids. We had a huge dinner with a pork roast, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, biscuits, salad...it was wonderful.

I needed it.

And now? Who knows...currently I'm listening to Adam Lambert telling me that he's here for my entertainment. If only. Otherwise, I'm waiting for an employer to call me about a job in Sycamore. And I have to see if anybody got back to me about several jobs I applied for last week.

My standards have dropped, now that I'm not getting unemployment. Ugh. Maybe I'll have a promising interview somewhere good.

I need it.

Out

Last night hanging out with friends was awesome! Derek and I cruised through our Alma Mater, went to the mall, cruised back through, told stories, laughed, had genuine great conversation, and then met friends for pizza. It was awesome. I saw people I hadn't seen in years. My abs hurt this morning because I laughed so much yesterday. I think Derek is the funniest person I know.

And that was amazing.

And then today I get a letter in the mail from unemployment. I've been denied benefits. FML.

And tonight we're getting together for an "I have too much alcohol in my house and you all should come drink it" party at my friend Katie's house. So...it's perfect timing.

Don't wait up.

Out

Blah Rainy Fa So La Ti Do...

This is what I woke up to this morning:



Rainy day...
but that's okay, 
It means that Spring
is on its way!

Goooooo SPRING!

*ahem*

I don't know what that was...I think I was channeling my inner cheerleader.  Yikes.  I'm going to step away from the pompons, now. 

Umm...you all wanted to see the facial hair, right?  Well...here's the saga for the past few days (all photos were taken from a folder on my computer called "Beard Saga"--true story) :



This would be me (Tuesday) wearing the cutout from a box of canned cat food.  When it's torn off, it looks like a great tie!  What say I wear this to a job interview some day?  No?

Then Robb took the camera and started snapping.  "Give me skanky.  Give me annoyed.  Give me have to shit."



And apparently you can't change the photo's orientation once it is uploaded.  Pity...











So...after my impromptu, sideways photo shoot, the world righted itself.

I took these after my shower yesterday:









And then I took these this morning, not much different:







Ignore the bedhead.  So yeah,...it's not so bad.  What do you think, all?  Good?  Bad?  Ugly?

Anywho...there it is.  I'll probably keep on keepin' on until I have an interview.  Then I'll shave it.  I don't want to look like a hobo during my first impression...unless you think it would help...would it help to look like I've been living under a bridge?

Out

Another Bank?

Yes. I applied at another bank in town. This one's local (less bullshit and bureaucracy? I hope so.) and has a bunch of locations around town. They've got several teller openings, so...maybe I'll be able to get right back in where I left off, but with the competition.

I'm not ecstatic about another bank job, but I'm qualified and it would be a steady income. And in a smaller bank, the possibility for advancement seems much more likely, since they're recruiting people from inside AND not from all across the whole dang country.

So...there's that. I also checked on a few jobs yesterday. One of them turned out to be in a garage, fixing cars. That's NOT "customer service" last I checked.

And now I'm typing around the cat, who just scared the hell out of me by launching himself onto the computer desk with a yowl. It's hard to see the keyboard or the monitor around a 14 pound cat.

Okay. I guess it's time to feed his royal highness.

Out

Gar Gar Gar...

If you read my other blog, you'd be treated to my rant about change and redesigning my blog and growing a beard...but it doesn't really apply, here. So...if you'd like to see all of that, look here (click me).

Instead, you get the rest.

The boy is at a funeral today. He looked really good before he left. Funerals are hard, because on one hand, I want to be there for him. On the other hand, I never knew the person and a lot of his extended family doesn't know he's gay. So...it's awkward for both of us if I'm there. I asked him if he wanted me to come with.

I guess I'm staying home again.

But I've got an appointment with career services at 2 this afternoon, so...I won't be sitting home doing nothing ALL day.

I still haven't heard from the unemployment office. Do they just...call? Or something? I dunno. This not having an income thing is really a drag, and I got paid today! I think I've got one more paycheck coming for the two days I worked this week. And then? Nada.

Ugh. Anyone want to loan me their job?

Out

Unemployed: Day 2...

So, after a night full of dreams about zombies, I made this completely unrelated video blog. It's kind of long, so I understand if you don't watch it, as it's just another video confessional dealy-o. Forgive my absolutely terrifyingly scary paleness. It's winter in the Midwest and I don't tan for fear of getting cancer.



Now I need to shower and put on some real clothes. And eat. Eating is good.

Out

Unemployment: Day 1...

So...here's the deal. I wanted to talk without having people offer me advice, so I talked to the camera. This could be chronic.



So there.

Out