titanium girl

04:18 pm - Metadata Specialist at Disney

Because I suspect some of my friends might find this interesting:

Please reply directly to mailto:Patrick.Clark@disney.com if you are interested.

Job Posting Title: Metadata Specialist

Job Description: The Disney-ABC Television Group (DATG) Metadata and Taxonomy team is seeking a Metadata Specialist to assist with managing descriptive, administrative and structural metadata to support digital media technology initiatives. The position is located in Burbank, CA.
The Metadata Specialist will assist the Manager, Metadata and Taxonomy in developing and deploying metadata and indexing systems; implementing metadata standards and best practices; and supporting metadata- and nomenclature-related initiatives across Disney-ABC Television Group business units.
In addition, this role requires an understanding of programming logic, script writing agility, excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as knowledge of the digital media landscape, including Internet and media asset management technologies.

Responsibilities:
* Create, maintain and expand metadata schemas and nomenclature taxonomies
* Research, analyze, and document company-produced terminology (including historical brands, titles, merchandise products, and other keywords and concepts)
* Reconcile issues of metadata formulation and usage between various record structures, asset management systems, and business units
* Analyze, identify and resolve errors and inconsistencies in metadata and nomenclature applied by DATG business units
* Assist colleagues and clients with implementation of nomenclature and metadata standards, tools and techniques
Basic Qualifications:
* 3 years experience in metadata or taxonomy management, digital/media asset management, or information architecture
* Experience developing controlled vocabularies and taxonomies, and thesaurus construction and maintenance
* Strong understanding of search and information seeking behavior
* Knowledge of database architecture, metadata schemas, and ontologies
* Ability to synthesize complex information concepts, protocols and standards, and communicate them into meaningful business activities and/or priorities
* Ability to collaborate with business stakeholders and facilitate diverse, global business needs with active participation and group consensus
* Excellent communication skills
* Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with fellow employees at various levels
Preferred Qualifications:
* Programming in one or more of Java, C++, Python, Scala, PHP, Perl; etc.
* Data migration and integration; ETL; ESB systems; SQL; Unix/Linux
* The ability to write scripts for formatting and moving large amounts of data and content, batch processing, and file manipulation
* Experience building/coding prototypes
* Experience with knowledge bases, especially non-relational (e.g. RDF triple-stores)
* Experience in creating or using syntactic and statistical parsers and stemmers
* Familiarity with information extraction algorithms
* Proficiency in word disambiguation
Required Education: Master's in Library Science, Information Science, or equivalent experience.

Applications to: Patrick Clark, Disney|ABC Television Group
Patrick.Clark@disney.com

05:03 pm - Look, I want you to take this seriously

On Monday, December 30 I developed a scratchy throat about mid-afternoon. By Monday night I was coughing and headachy. Over the next two days, the aches and fever appeared and worsened, along with my cough. Thursday, I saw my doctor, who prescribed Tamiflu, even though we were pushing the 48 hours from symptom onset window of efficacy. Friday morning I woke up coughing up the green gunk that indicates a secondary bacterial infection - three days into what seemed like a mild flu. And I'd had a flu shot.

Three days. Listen, it isn't the flu itself that kills you; it's the secondary bacterial infection, bronchitis or pneumonia, that the flu has stripped your lungs of their natural defenses to fight. That green gunk is what kills you. Luckily, my doctor was on board with even dormant asthma putting me in a high risk category, and immediately put me on antibiotics. I am mostly better, but my lungs are still recovering, two weeks later.

Do not ignore your illness. This flu doesn't present as obviously a flu. If you start to come down with what you think might be a nasty cold, go to the doctor anyway; that 48 hour window is critical to having help to fight the flu, or having to hope your immune system is up to the task all by itself. And from what I've been reading, most usually robustly healthy people are ending up with that secondary infection.

Make no mistake, this is an epidemic, and it is killing people. Please go to the doctor if you get sick!

06:58 pm - Maybe it's just the season?

Yesterday, I stopped off at the grocery store after taking Nanook to get his shots, to pick up just a couple of things. When I got in line behind a father and very young son, I noticed a set of light bulbs on the edge of the counter, not on the belt. I thought I saw the gentleman glance at and ignore them, so I didn't say anything, even though that extra sense was tingling very insistently.

It turns out the bulbs were his; he had intended to buy them but his son had unloaded their basket, imperfectly. So they had to wait for my purchase to be completed. It bothered me that I hadn't spoken up, thereby playing a part in delaying a father already working hard to keep an eye on and take care of his son while simultaneously taking care of life, the universe and grocery shopping. So I asked the clerk to ring the bulbs up with my purchases. I tried to be quiet about it but she was a little slow on the uptake, then outed me when the gentleman thanked her. I still don't know why I did it, other than I could, and it felt like the thing to do.

I want to create a life where I can do things for others, big and small, whenever I find it needful, or just the right thing to do in the moment. That's the giving person I want to be.

11:51 am - Tech writing gig

( Need a job? Got tech writing skills? Here"s the detailsCollapse )

12:33 pm

( Tech Writing Job leadsCollapse )

05:17 pm - Passing Along Job Opportunity

From the Tech Writing program list at DeAnza:

( Read more...Collapse )

09:45 am - Merry merry!

May you and yours make with the joy and merriment of the day.

I wish you all peace and happiness. Love!

08:25 pm - PSA

In the last two weeks, overnight, my truck's tires have been vandalized three times. In the first two instances, it is unclear if air was just let out or if actual slow leak damage was done. However, the third time my front tire went flat the repair shop found a hole in the sidewall that could only be deliberate.

I have done my due diligence and filed a police report. Given that no one else's vehicle on our street has received the same treatment, targeting seems likely. That makes the police decide to pay more attention. They will be making nighttime drive-bys as available.

At first I was really upset. I don't know of anyone who hates me enough to do something like this. As far as I know, I don't have any enemies. I do know I've never done anything to anyone to deserve this sort of malicious violence. Spending time and emotional energy focusing on why me, if this has been deliberate, is just giving the jerk(s) who did it what they want. If it was random hooliganism, I really am wasting my time. Instead, I am taking steps to monitor my vehicle at night. Also, I am not so good and forgiving a person that I don't take comfort in the knowledge that whoever did this will get theirs back, in spades.

07:34 pm - Why I didn't enjoy Brave

( SpoilersCollapse )

09:45 pm - Cycling 'round and 'round

On the way home from work, Troy and I passed an accident on 880. A motorcycle and two cars had mixed it up. The bike was under the front fender of one of the cars but we saw the rider sitting up, conscious and being attended to by paramedics. Hopefully, he will be fine. This would be a shade of my worst nightmare accident, which is hitting a motorcyclist on the freeway after they've laid their bike down in front of me. Of wry amusement to us was noting that afterwards every other rider to pass us by splitting the carpool and second lanes was doing so *very* cautiously.

Fast-forward a long commute crawl to Hayward later and I joined the ranks of BART riders, noting an unusual number of bike riders getting on the train. At every stop there were more. Today is the Bike Party Ride, and their stop? Ashby BART, also my exit point. The riders were pleasant to chat with, very concerned with trying to minimize their impact on other passengers, and clearly looking forward to a fun time. My truck was completely surrounded in the full of bicycles and riders parking lot, yet I got nothing but cooperation when I made it clear I wanted to leave, with riders clearing space around me and helping me make sure I didn't hit anyone. I was driving out with a big smile on my face, right up until the unicyclist came flying around the corner of the entrance and almost decorated my hood without my help or consent. I got over it, and I don't think he even noticed his near brush with truck.

Yay! bikes!

06:38 pm - Emo

Grad school is a highly valued and not to be failed opportunity for me. But I miss my people.

02:09 pm - Paying it forward, a bit

Jumping (back) on the Friday Five bandwagon, with:

1) A reminder to self, and everyone else who needs the same kick in the pants, that avoiding problems does NOT make them go away. Today I may not exactly be grateful, but my spine is straight, and I am dealing. Go me! Also, people, total strangers, are unexpectedly positive when I eat humble pie and ask for help.

2-5 are job opportunities I am passing along from the director of the tech writing program I took at De Anza. I hope someone can use the leads to good advantage!

2) The writing team here at Altera (www.altera.com) is looking for a summer intern. Application is through the website (see below). The job description there is very slightly different than the internal summary below.

Liz
Subject: Technical Communications Intern
Hi Everyone,
I am recruiting for a Technical Communications intern for the team. The intern will be working on creating a SharePoint taxonomy for Corporate Marketing and writing device errata during this summer.
Please encourage any qualified candidates to apply:
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA3/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=ALTERA&cws=1&rid=2506
Thank you!

3) My Name is Satish, I am a recruiter with Sun Technologies
Please find below the position with my direct client. if you are interested and available, kindly provide me with the following details and your updated resume.
Willing to Relocate:
Best # and best time to reach you:
Visa Status:
Right to represent to client:
Availability:
Pay Rate:
Pay Type (W2 or C2C):W2
Ready to take Drug test and Background Check (Yes/No): Yes
Sr Communications & Technical Editor/Writer
Sunnyvale CA
12+ months contract
$25 /hr - $28 /hr on W2 (All Inclusive)
Must have an excellent command of English grammar (spoken and written); the ability to produce accurate work quickly and juggle multiple projects under deadline pressure; advanced skills in desktop publishing, especially in creating tables, integrating art and text, and formatting documents; proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint software.
A working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, and SharePoint software is desired
10+ years working in a publications environment, with focus on science and technology disciplines, writing and editing at the Executive Level, and participating in the creation and development of Ad copy.
Must have a bachelor’s degree in English or Journalism, a Masters (or equivalent), with 10 years of professional experience in a similar field.
Thanks and Regards
Satish Kumar
Sun Technologies Inc.
| 3700 Mansell Road | Suite 125 | Alpharetta | GA 30022| Work:678-608-2224| Fax: 678-459-1068
|satishk@suntechnologies.com|www.suntechnologies.com|
http://in.linkedin.com/in/mvsatish

4) 3 months contract position
shift 1: 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.
Writes and edits complex technical documentation, including user manuals, job aids, installation instructions, technical instructions/bulletins, and other technical publications from document plans and style guides. Develops on-line help screens for company products. Researches technical and engineering information, including drawings, design and test specifications, product prototypes, and interviews with subject matter experts. Completes all phases of document development cycle, including project scope and requirements, documentation design, etc. May develop, recommend and implement technical documentation process and policy changes.
Best Regards
Candy Huang
The Norland Group
Phone: (562) 777-1130
Fax: (562) 777-7111
Email: candy@norlandgroup.com
Please visit: www.norlandgroup.com/job/ to view more jobs

5) This may be the same job as #3 from a different recruiter:
Greetings from Sun Technologies!
My name is Ashwath and I'm a Technical Recruiter at Sun Technologies Inc.
Presently, we are looking having an opening (W2) with one of our direct client. If you are looking for change of assignment, please email your resume to ashwathk@suntechnologies.com along with the expected Pay rate, availability and contact details. Feel free to call me at 404-850-9753 to discuss further regarding this job.
Technical Editor
Sunnyvale, CA
12 Month Contract
Description:
Working with deadlines and evolving priorities, the ideal candidate is creative, detail oriented, highly productive, and has excellent written and verbal communications skills. The candidate is also self motivated, but comfortable working with large, interdisciplinary teams to support targeted marketing campaigns in coordination with a Corporate Ad Agency to ensure consistent communications and messaging. The right candidate is skilled at prioritizing projects and well versed developing and or modifying existing style guides. The successful candidate is experienced in writing, editing, and laison at the Executive level. They are comfortable working across several scientific and technology disciplines. The successful candidate writes, rewrites, edits, and prepares internal and external materials, including company publications, group emails, intranet pages, training materials, employee meeting materials, technical documents, and presentations. The candidate may be called upon to support new business proposal teams. They will interview sources and research subjects to obtain information and verify facts. The candidate collaborates with graphic designers for production and final proof approval for print pages and Web pages and may be responsible for production coordination and distribution of the final product. The candidate must be available to work additional hours to meet critical deadlines.
Must have a bachelor’s degree in English or Journalism, a Masters (or equivalent)
Best regards,
Ashwath Kumar
Sun Technologies Inc.
|3700 Mansell Road | Suite 125 | Alpharetta | GA 30022| Phone: 404-850-9753| Fax: 678-436-5979| www.suntechnologies.com|

These are from forwarded email contacts with the director of the tech writing program at De Anza. This is all the information I have. I hope it helps someone!

07:05 pm - Computing the drama

This semester I have been struggling with the computer science survey course, Distributed Computing Concepts, that is a required class for my major. I am not the only one struggling. The professor returned to the school this semester after a 4 year sabbatical in Washington, DC, setting up an IT department for one of the federal agencies. It would be fair to say that she knows her stuff. However, figuring out the appropriate level this particular class should be taught at has not been her forte. Neither has hearing us tell her that we are not getting it. Nor that her frequent mistakes only confuse us non-computer science majors who don't have the foundational skill set to work past the misdirection. To say that she has been defensive and impatient would be an understatement.

Yesterday I got an email from her, informing me that I am failing the class and that I should discuss my options with the dean. After the first wave of freakout, I forwarded her email to the administrator, along with expressions of my dismay. The freakout then proceeded in full form. In the last 24 hours I have learned that I am one of 13 who are failing the class. That is over half the class. I also learned that just before Spring break, some students were accused of cheating on their homework because they worked together on the assignment. This boggles and infuriates me! But I wasn't included in that group, lucky for her.

Today I met with the administrator. The school had an emergency meeting to find resolutions; at the meeting I was given my options. It isn't pretty but I chose to drop the class, thereby avoiding an F on my transcript. However, this puts me seriously behind in units earned towards my major. Not at all clear how I will pull it off, but I'll have to take 28 units next year, in two semesters. Unless the class is offered this summer in a time slot I can fit in around my work schedule. There are no good answers, but at least the stress of that class is currently lifted and I can go about making sure I maintain the grades in my other classes.

In other news, the fall I took just before Spring break does not appear to have done anything more serious that a slight setback to surgical recovery in terms of RoM. My PT did some of those oh, so small but incredibly painful later adjustments to my upper back and lower neck. He expressed concern but not worry and I will see him again in 3 weeks, per the Plan. Icing has been achieved; an early night may be called for.

Whee!!!

05:12 pm - For those as are looking for a tech writing gig...

Disclaimer: I get these announcements from a mailing list; what you see is all the info I have. I am passing them along in the hopes it may actually help someone.

My name is Jessica Iyer and I work in University Recruiting at
salesforce.com. I received your contact information through the De Anza
College website. We are currently seeking a summer intern for our
Technical Writing team in San Francisco, and I wanted to reach out to see
if you have any potential leads. I have attached the job description for
your review. Please feel free to share my contact information with any
interested candidates.

Thank you for your help in advance!

Best wishes,
Jessica


Jessica Iyer | Campus Recruiter
(p) 415.536.5015 | (f) 205.588.6490
Find your #dreamjob<http://www.salesforce.com/company/careers/>
[cid:image003.jpg@01CD0136.977DACB0]@SalesforceU<https://twitter.com/#!/salesforceu>

Salesforce.com ranked #27 on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work
For<http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2012/snapshots/27.html>
list for 2012

12:33 pm - To me technical writing gig seeking friends

Technical Writer:
Description
* Produce high quality end-user documentation and procedures for a
highly technical audience.
* Take direction from project leads on all phases of information
development from information gathering, research, and interviewing, to
writing and editing.
* Contribute to style guide development and apply Marvell style
standards consistently.
* Produce graphics and illustrations using Visio, such as timing
diagrams, block diagrams and flow charts.
* Produce paper and electronic versions of documentation using
Adobe FrameMaker, and Adobe Acrobat.
Manage competing deadlines and prioritize projects appropriately.

Qualifications
* A Bachelor's degree. Open to all majors.
* Excellent writing skills, with up to 1 year experience in the
field with a portfolio of writing samples. School journalism or classwork
samples are acceptable.
* Some experience using Style Guides such as Chicago Manual of
Style and the Microsoft Manual of Style.
* Excellent organizational and planning skills.
* Ability to handle multiple projects and meet scheduled deadlines.
* Excellent ability to work either in a team environment or
individually when required.
* Some knowledge of desktop publishing tools, and basic style usage
within these tools.
* Some knowledge of illustration tools such as Visio or Illustrator.
* Excellent project management and communication skills.
* Excellent problem-solving skills and logical thinking skills.
* Demonstrable ability to understand basic technical information
and to learn quickly.
Preferable characteristics: A "can do" attitude with a strong desire to
get the job done well.

Regards,

Laura Chiang
Marvell Staffing Specialist
408-222-3558
Laura@marvell.com

01:13 pm - A lyrical update, of sorts

I cut my hair today/
It was getting kinda long/
Post-surgery, it was in my way/
I did and I wonder why/
Tho no matter what my freak flag will fly/
Cuz I'm not givin' in an inch to fear/
I promised myself this year/
When I finally get myself together/
Get down in some sunny Cali weather/
Re-find that place inside to laugh/
Separate the wheat from the chaff/
I feel like I owe it to someone

*Thanks to David Crosby for the original lyrics that fit better than I expected. Modifications are my own.

10:31 pm - Tomorrow I go under the knife

Troy will be updating to my twitter, LJ and FB accounts once I am out of surgery as he knows my status.

All positive thoughts for an ideal outcome appreciated.

08:28 am

I miss my people.

12:50 pm - What *you* got?!?

Between teaching workshops, and in between those moving, I have been mostly offline since Friday. The good news is I am all moved in to my new digs in Berzerkeley. The house is not as quiet as advertised but I think things will settle once classes start. I hope. Today was another teaching technology workshop but I overslept then gave myself permission to have a day off. It's the only one I'll get for the foreseeable future. Spending today unpacking and arranging.



If you posted something I must read, send me the link. No way am I catching up now.

10:27 pm

Another long, action-packed weekend. This one was internet-free, so if you wanted me to see and possibly respond to something you posted, send me a link!

June Crown was a pretty and surprisingly quick drive up to Duncan Mills in the mostly dark. The event was relaxing and fun, a timely reminder that I do love spending time with my SCA peeps. And that I need to restock the scotch! Lots of photography, and that was a good thing to get back to, too. Pics soon!

08:26 pm - Unless I get an invite to the beach today, I'm staying in bed

( Wherein I hit my wall, crash and burn on the other sideCollapse )

01:13 pm - Tears in the middle of triumph

I am moving, again. For the summer, I'll be living in Sunnyvale while I do my internship in Santa Clara. This is a good thing; 130 mile roundtrips daily from Antioch along the 680 corridor just were not going to go well. But this means I am moving next weekend, the weekend before finals. Then I do it all again in August as I look for a place close to the UC Berkeley campus. That makes three moves within six months. Oddly, I am not freaking out. I think I am too stressed for extreme responses at this point. Good things are happening but the uncertainty and lack of solid foundation has worn me down. These last three years have been a near continuous struggle just to keep afloat and moving forward. I am weary. And nowhere near done.

On the extreme upside, while I will be working an 8-5, Mon-Fri gig all summer, I will have weekends off and I will be in the South Bay. Party time! I fully expect assistance reaching this goal. ;)

10:38 pm

When I tell you I love you, I am moved by something to try to share how I feel, to open up my end of our connection to you. I don't use the words like punctuation or as a prompt for reciprocation. I try to remain clear and not merely reciprocate on reflex myself.

If I tell you I love you, I mean it, and you deserve it.

10:29 pm - Friends First, Free! Please read

GE washer & dryer, need minor repairs. Free! Dryer needs a power cord. Washer fills but does not agitate. Both should be easy fixes. They were given to me but I don't have anywhere to put them. Would make a great dying set! Please contact me to make arrangements for pickup in Hayward. If I don't get any responses by Monday, they'll get listed on FreeCycle.

09:16 pm - Do you know anything about the document mgmt or graphic communications industries?

If so, I could really use your expertise and help. I'm applying like mad for scholarships. There just aren't that many that I qualify for. Lots of scholarships for women and non-traditional students (read: old), but most have funky rider requirements involving a specific activity or region of the country, yada yada. I found one I qualify for because information management systems is an accepted major of study. But I know next to nothing about the document management and graphic communication industries. One of the essays is all about these industries. So I'm going to repost the question here and hope, hope, hope that someone will share their wisdom with me.

"Technology and society have changed the Document Management and Graphic Communications industries. Briefly describe what you think has had the most significant impact on the Document Management and/or Graphic Communications industry in the past year and why. Looking ahead one year, what innovations do you think will be most meaningful to the industry? How will business benefit from these advances?"

I've got the rest covered but this one stumps me. Thank you in hopeful advance!

x-posted to FB

06:55 pm

( It"s officially officialCollapse )

12:10 pm - I'd like to do a song of great social and political import.

*taps the mic* Is this thing on? *cough* I'd like to make an extremely important, to me, announcement.

I got into UC Berkeley! I'm going to grad school!

I'd like to formally and publicly thank Troy McKee for all his support and belief in me. This would not have happened without his insistence that I could and would succeed.

That's it. Hehehehehehe

10:14 am

One of the psychology professors, Dr. Cerutti, collapsed on campus and died Monday.

By all accounts, he was a good person and a well-loved teacher. I didn't take any classes with him, only knew him slightly through a school friend who was his RA in the animal research lab. I spent yesterday trying to get in touch with her, not wanting her to find out via the same email notification I'd gotten. However, she was contacted Monday evening by her lab co-worker and the department. She is being taken care of, I hope well. My professor last night talked briefly about Dr. Cerutti's death, had a moment of silence, then gave lecture. Today is a different experience, with professors and students visibly upset. My lab professor canceled class and stuck around to talk with anyone who needed to talk. He looked like he needed to talk himself, maybe even a hug, but that divide between students and professors stopped me from offering. I'm sad, mostly because the people around me are.

Why am I sharing? It just seems appropriate to acknowledge Dr. Cerutti's death.

10:35 pm - Let the fretting commence!

I am not sure I am going to survive waiting til mid-March to find out if I've been accepted to UCB.

10:48 am - Mostly gone, please don't forget me, I'll be back!

Several people have been musing on their LJ blogs about the merits of culling their friends lists down to those who actually post regularly themselves. I understand their reasons, but want to protest that I am special and should get an exemption. Cheeky? Uh huh.

Actually, I've effectively asked for an exemption from my entire social life while I am in school. There just aren't enough resources for anything much beyond my educational endeavors. This bothers me on a fairly frequent basis, on many levels. But they don't call it a sacrifice for nothing. Nevertheless, I am very aware that I am not holding up my end of the social contract with any of my friendships, and I regret this, deeply. I can only hope that my friends and favored acquaintances will understand and wait patiently for me to get through this multi-year project of self-improvement and advancement. I will make it up to you, I promise.

Speaking of which, it is two months off, but my birthday falls on a Friday in mid-March this year. The number feels significant, so maybe it's time to try a party again. If I had one, would you attend?

12:00 pm

Three days in a row spent with my dad. Unheard of in years and years. Thursday night was hockey, in which the Sharks kicked butt. No blood, but hey, I'll take the win over a Gordie Howe hat trick, I guess. Would have been fun to see Marleau get one of those, though. Friday night was a last-minute Christmas Eve dinner at the 'rents, fancy-style. This made me super happy, because my stepmom had been talking skipping the festive Christmas thing. I realized that I rely on them to keep those traditions going. Mom is an awesome Mrs. Clause (you know she is the power behind Santa!) and Dad is the Grinch, personified. "Bah humbug!" is his favorite holiday phrase. Yet he always comes 'round in the end. So their house was beautiful, the food was so delicious I almost made myself sick, and their friends were a lot of fun to hang out with. Then they picked me up Saturday morning to make the long trek to Folsom. I slept through most of that: have pillow, will sleep! I don't care how it looks to be nearly 45 and carrying my pillow. ;p We spent the day with my aunt and uncle. My aunt is, and has always been, my favorite person in the whole wide world, and I haven't seen her in more than two years. Too long! We did the presents thing, in which I received more loot than is reasonable. Yay! We went out to a fancy dinner that was almost as yummy as the dinner the night before. Then we got on the road, just as the rain stopped, and had a smooth, quick drive home, during which I talked to my brother on the phone.

Worth mentioning is one of my presents: my dad got me a Cal Berkeley hoodie, and as I was unwrapping it, said, "No pressure!" Heh. Yeah, the race with the application deadline is on.

12:26 pm - Happy Holidays

( No, really...Collapse )

08:24 pm - Milestones

Today I started the application process for graduate school at UC Berkeley. One of my three top choices has already agreed to write me a letter of recommendation. I don't know when I decided I was good enough to follow my dreams, but here it is, and I'll take it.

03:23 pm

On the subject of "enhanced" security measures by the TSA, I haven't read anything addressing this particular point: What does the willingness to do the invasive patdowns say about the character of the people holding these jobs? Does anyone know what screening methods are used when hiring the TSA agents? For instance, do they screen out criminals with records of sexual assault?

09:03 pm - There *is* such a thing as too much fun

I somewhat foolishly thought that despite my generally overloaded state, I could comply with all my commitments yesterday and survive to study and play another day. I managed to get through a full day of GRE prep hell (one more Saturday to go!). Between the score in the first minute, the win and 6 fights, the Sharks game really lifted my spirits. Then I went to the Heaven n Hell party as *drumroll* a Sharks fan, a quasi-costume that was more popular than I expected. At the party I got set on fire! Well, okay, there was alcohol set on fire, but it was on my skin! Then there was people soup. I didn't get home til 5am. The fun quotient was way exceeded. Today, though, I am beyond wrecked. Totally worth it.

09:01 pm - I went for a ride today

Our five-year old neighbor was hit by a car this afternoon. Junior had run out to his father's truck to give him the cell phone he had left behind. As Junior rounded the truck, another neighbor was driving past and struck him. Junior rolled several times before coming to a stop and crying.

Dany's bedroom faces the street and she heard the screams. Nothing unusual there; Junior is a screamer. But then his mother screamed and Dany was up and moving. I heard Dany and just knew, so I was not far behind her. The family is hispanic and it quickly became obvious to me that the parents didn't speak well enough to be able to advocate for their son. So I offered to translate when emergency crews arrived. And then I offered to go with them to the hospital. There was no way he wasn't going for a ride and they needed the help. Junior's leg is clearly broken at the hip, and he has contusions on his arm and chin as well as a nasty scalp wound.

If I never have to try to hold a child's leg still while he screams in pain... I could feel the squishiness where there should be firm bone... Yeah.

But wow, what a tough little kid! He speaks some English and he was using it, "Aiy! Hey doctor! (pats the paramedic's leg) Hey! Help me! I need something for my leg!" "I can give you a shot..." "A shot? No, I don't want a shot! I'm fine! I'm fine" Two minutes later, rinse, repeat.

There was a translator at the hospital when we arrived, but she was actually social services and got called away within the first 15 minutes. So I stayed and translated every half hour or so when something new happened, and also helped calm Junior every time he fought past thew morphine and cried about pain, or itchiness, or just plain wanting to get up and leave. His mother was a wreck, understandably, and she told me repeatedly that she was very glad I was there.

Then the ED nurse assigned to Junior's case mentioned healthcare interpreter certification. I just might have to go there. If I'm gonna take the ride anyway...

Junior will be okay. He was due some staples in the noggin and a choice for pins or a cast from the orthopedist when I left. I gave his parents my number and havent' heard anything from them, so I have to believe they are being well-treated. Kudos to Children's Hospital in Oakland! I've seen more than my fair share of emergency rooms, and theirs was the nicest.

Now home cuz my family is awesome and totally supported my choice to just get in the ambulance and go. Troy came and got me after work. Having dinner, trying to relax, and drinking some serious whisky sours.

Salud!

07:07 pm - Time to play

Summer quarter is finally over. Phew! I was done two weeks ago. Classes don't start again until September 22. I am free! Well, almost. I did get called up for jury duty again, reporting on the 1st. I figure since it doesn't conflict with any responsibilities, I won't try to wiggle out, even though technically I already completed my juror obligation this year. Upstanding citizen. Or something.

In the meantime, I am broke til school starts, but have lots of free time. And I really miss my peeps. If you want to play on the cheap side, lemme know.

04:43 pm - sock monster at W/AT?

A pair of red and grey long socks, the thick kind that can be gotten at some SCA events, have gone missing, along with one of the grey and white pair. I can't imagine what happened to them. They never made it back from West-AnTir War. This means I have none of the thick long socks to wear. And my boyfriend *really* likes it when I wear them.

Cranky.

In happier news, images from the war are up on my website. http://www.shuttergeek.net/SCA/West-AnTir-War-2010/12924715_hvjdg#934058243_CyvN8

07:14 pm - The Ws have it

Spent the weekend in Napa, at one of the best weddings I have ever attended. Very little cell reception and no internet activity means I am way behind on the various social networks and unlikely to try to catch up. If you posted something you want me to read, send me a link.

Tuesday I leave for West/ An Tir War. My favorite SCA event and quite possibly the only one I will attend this year. *rawr*

Right now? Tired like whoa and anxious about pictures.

12:09 pm - Our weekend's in jeopardy, baby

I am sicker than I have been in a long time. Fever, body aches, sore and swollen throat, endless snot. At least the difficulty breathing and the rapid-cycling PVCs have gone away. But for the snot, I'd lay this firmly at the pointy end of the MMR syringe. (For those who don't tweet or read FB, I had a mandatory MMR vaccine yesterday at school and seem to be having a bad reaction, I think.)

Sick is sick, and so what, but for my summer just starting and I have plans for this weekend, gorammit! Those plans are now all in jeopardy. Serious pouting is on my horizon.

06:29 pm - Save a dog!

Jacob is a 4 year old (in mid-June) unfixed male Australian Sheppard, white with a black and a grey spot on his face. His young adult owner left him with her father and he is unable to give Jacob the time and attention he needs. I am trying to help find Jacob his forever home.

Temperament description: He is a very kind dog. He is NOT food aggressive with people. He doesn’t like smaller dogs; he is fine with other large dogs and puppies. He has a lot of energy. He has gone through petsmart’s beginner training, though he already knew how to sit and simple things like that. Since he is not neutered yet he does mark things. His trainer said if he were to become an inside dog, it would simple take a squirt bottle to train him. He does not like water. At all. As a puppy he loved to play in it, but now he seems to be afraid of it.

Pictures are posted on Facebook. Please contact me if you are or someone you know is interested in adopting Jacob. I want to save him from going to the animal shelter.

05:54 pm

Becca and I have been talking about going camping for months. A month or so ago we nailed down this last weekend as a good date. Another friend was supposed to join us but he had to cancel. Maybe just as well, since we didn't look for reservations til the week before. Oops. Every campsite was full! This is May. Camping season doesn't start til June. I need all these people who are clogging up my state and taking away my resources to go away, now, plzkthxbye!

But we took a chance and drove into Big Sur anyway and found a site in Pfeiffer State Park. Yay! The drive to Scotts Valley had an amazing site: the Lexington reservoir is full! I don't remember the last time I saw it anywhere close to its original waterline, but it's there now. Can't complain about all the rain after seeing that.

Troy went with us and has proven himself to be, yet again, the Best. Boyfriend. Ever. just cuz he is so fun and easy to be with. And lots of other reasons. We spent a very mellow afternoon setting up camp, walking along the river, and even dipping our toes in. Brrr! Got the campfire going before it got dark and cooked up some amazing marinated skirt steak we picked up at the Scotts Valley Market. Nom nom! I brought my tall SCA air mattress but not all of the bedding, which proved to be amistake, as I was cold for a large part of the night.

We woke up Sunday morning and decided to break down and head out in search of yummy breakfast. Becca had things to do so we dropped her off and went to The Crepe Place. I had never been there before, wow, yummy! Then we drove to Pacific Ave and found the Sharks game on at 99 Bottles, spent the next couple of hours watching the game. It is *not* my fault that they lost just cuz I have a ticket for Game 5 and expressed a desire to actually get to use it.

Sunday didn't end on such a great note for me. I got a migraine-like headache and a very upset stomach. Today the head is better but the stomach is still unhappy. Wah.

I will be updating again soon with information about a friend's daughter's dog, who needs a forever home. The daughter has left the dog with her father, who does not want the responsibility. So I offered to try to help him find a home for the pooch. Pictures and details soon.

04:18 pm

Nanook has been acting "weird" since last week's vaccinations, but nothing obvious enough to run screaming back to the vet. Til he stopped eating his dry food three days ago. We went to the pet hospital yesterday. The vet found nothing wrong in a physical exam, and he ate up the wet food she gave him. So today, after still not touching his dry food (which he has never refused before) he got chicken & rice. I have a call into the vet to discuss options, suspecting he has sore gums or teeth, since he doesn't even want to eat his treats right away, and has been refusing to play tug-of-war, one of his favorite games. Beyond not being able to afford any of this, I am scared. He is my baby and I hate, hate, hate seeing signs that he is getting old. But he is 8, and that makes him a "senior" dog. I am not handling this very well.

12:54 pm - The social not-so niceties

I don't need regrets responses. I don't even care much about RSVPs; that's a logistical tool for the household. But if you do send regrets, you may want to make sure your reasons are in line with whatever plans for the evening you do make, and then post about online where I can see them. So you don't want to go to my last-minute party? Okay, it's all good. But lie to me and yeah, my feelings will be hurt. That's not all good, not even close.

If you aren't sure this is about you, please don't dig deep looking for evidence that it might be: it isn't, and I don't want to lay guilt trips on anyone. I'm having a party tonight, and no matter how many people show up, I am going to have fun. Whatever you are doing, I hope you have fun, too.

12:35 pm

My birthday is next Thursday. Next week is the week before finals in a quarter that has truly spawned from hell. Since I was 19 I have always done something to celebrate my natal day, usually a party. Last year's didn't go so well for me, because most of my friends weren't able to make it. But it was a shared party so I couldn't go cry and pout in my room if I wanted to. Heather made sure I had too much fun anyway, but I am clear I don't want to repeat that kind of fun now. This year, between the ennui evoked by last year's memories, finals approaching with a booming sound of doom and the classical impoverished state of being a student, I am torn between wanting to have fun with friends and just hiding in my room. I may compromise and splurge, go on one of my favorite dates with airshipjones, then enjoy the Gomez concert on the 19th with timted. A little voice in my head says I am getting too old to care about these sorts of things so much, but that sure isn't my inner child, and she pretty much has the final say on all things involving fun.

Conlicted.

11:40 pm - love me...me

The Five Love Languages

Complete set of results

04:46 pm - Love, Reign o'er me

It's Friday. You know what I want. ;)

At some point in the last couple of weeks I rediscovered the joy that can randomly overcome you for no apparent reason. Or maybe I stopped holding on so tight that it was able to slip in the side door. Whatever. My choices are taking me down some rough roads and I am barely holding myself together. So I'll take the joy, be grateful and then do what I do best: share it. Need some love?

Tell me something good.

11:40 am - It just gets better, and by better, I mean worse

The state university system has a writing skills test every newly admitted student has to take to prove minimum writing competency skills. I took the test a couple of weeks ago.

I got the results today: I did not pass.

30+ years of experience communicating in the written form of English; all AP English classes in middle and high school; more college classes than any one person should have (which is also causing me grief trying to get this degree); 2 years of writing research papers at the graduate level; ellipsis, ellipsis, ellipsis.

Furious does not begin to cover my state of mind.

Luckily, there is a third option not mentioned in the results email, beyond re-paying for and re-taking the test or taking an English skills class. There is an appeal process and I have initiated it. By luckily, I mean for them, not me.

07:13 pm - on the virtues of crowd surfing

It occurs to me to explain; a thing I rarely do. My life does not suck. My family is wonderful, I have a roof and plenty of food. The basics are covered, for now, mostly. Yes, there is lots of stress where things are not as bountiful as would make life well, not stressful.

But my biggest problems are haunting me from my past. When I went through some physiologically and emotionally harsh fertility treatments, for two years, and in the middle of that got laid off, along with the wusband (thanks randir!), then got divorced within 6 months of stopping the trying to get preggers... I think most can see where I am heading with this.

That kind of systemic and systematic loss is fairly catastrophic to one's mental health. I got over it, but am left with a much diminished ability to handle stress. As I am now discovering, extreme stress is just right out. I can't cope.

So here is me, on the raggedy edge. I am blessed, for I know, bone deep, that my friends and family love me and will not let me fall. I just have to learn to ask for the catching.

01:31 pm - Hard truths

This quarter has not been going well. Not scholastically, not financially, not health-wise. My reality is that I am just short of having enough of any one of the needed resources to be able to manage and fix my situation. It is what it is. And I will get through this. But for now, I have to make some (even more) drastic changes. The only social commitment I can keep is being Rose's engagement and wedding photographer, including the planning days that go into making that happen. Everything else is off. Well, except for Gomez. Cuz that happens right after finals and I already have my ticket.