I always knew that to being a university student meant leading a sheltered existence. This truth became shockingly clear and relevant now that I am working as temp. Do I sound bitter? I hope so. Somehow I believed that employers would realize my potential and that all the hard won grades and papers would be evidence of my intellect and my ability to adapt, learn and produce. As both Jon and I have found out this is not so. Apparently they want people with "experience." "What does that even mean?!"
I don't want my first blog entry to be a complete rant though. At the same time I don't really know what else to talk about because finding a job/deciding my future is really all I have had on my mind of late. Plus it's rather discouraging to read blogs like Jules', which are much more interesting and entertaining. I will try anyway.
Good news though! I finished Kristin's blanket! For those of you who don't know, Kristin is part of the "Angus House Krew" (Eamonn's spelling) a group of people that lived in Angus House (and other places like the loverly Albany Park and "Stanley Sucks" House) in St. Andrews this past year. Unfortunately she was in a very bad car accident this past spring and has been in and out of hospitals in Scotland and Georgia. Right now shes at home recovering. Back in July my Beanscene (a local coffee shop) knitting group, consisting of myself, Jodi, Clare, Olley, Jodi's labmates and Eamonn (don't think you won't get away with not knitting....I think you should consider the following quote from Northern Exposure: "My masculinity isn't hinged on whether or not I knit" therefore knitting does not reflect upon your masculinity contrary to what Chris believes, Eamonn) decided that we, the Angus House Krew, should knit a blanket for Kristin with each person contributing one or more squares. We began with a dinner/knitting party and taught Olley, Jon, Chris and Joe how to knit. In the end we had 12 people contribute squares. And two nights ago I FINISHED IT! I will post a picture soon. I think it looks pretty sweet. You can decide for yourself. All I have left is to finish a photo album (Kristin has had some memory problems so we're hoping some pictures might cheer her up/jog her memory) and card to accompany it.
Other good news: I am going to visit my buddy Lizzie in Portland, Oregon in January. I have not seen Lizzie since June 2003 when last I was in St. Andrews as a JYA. I remember quite distinctly how we first met: in the drab dining hall of Andrew Melville during breakfast, the interior of which was brightened not by the florescent orange 70sfabulous carpeting but by the fact that we were due to move out that morning into plush New Hall (single ensuite rooms with double beds and TVs!). She has promised to take me to Powell's Bookstore, a very large used bookstore and needless to say I am very excited. Lizzie now works for the Energy Trust of Oregon, which looks like a pretty interesting operation, which you can check out here: http://www.energytrust.org/
I suppose I should now create a semblance of productivity...by reading The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I was so engrossed by the book at one point I almost forgot to answer the phone. And that would be in poor form considering that's the only thing they are paying me to do today.
More to come. This is much easier than keeping a journal. Famous last words.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
9 to 5 blows
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5 comments:
Now it's my turn to post the first comment! Or two, even. One, your blog is mighty entertaining, so quit talking smack abt. your own blog. Or else I might have to find a way to hack into it and write happy, confident thgs. in it, much as I broke into your room, stole your hoodies, and made you dress like a happy, confident girl for a wk. heh heh heh... Don't let this veneer of computer illiteracy fool you -- I know plenty of IT nerds. Two, neither I nor my blog are all that clever, but thanks for the shout out. If you would like confirmation of my distinct un-cleverness (beyond my use of that fake word, of course), feel free to contact frisbee187, who will tell you at length exactly how mediocre I am.
It's true, she's pretty lame. For instance, abbreviating "about"? I know you're a cheapskate, Jules, but you don't pay by the letter here (or for your internet at all, apparently).
And you, keep it up because I like your first post. Except the part where you were kind and generous. I don't understand that.
What about the part concerning books? Shouldn't you, you of "I hate books" fame, have found this particularly offensive? But I will not nitpick nor provoke you any further since I fully expected to cry at any comment you left on my website (yes that was me Jules was referring to). Instead I will thank you and expose you to some more of this "kindness" that seems so foreign to you. I will even offer you a delicious blueberry scone that has not even been near a freezer. My skinny cousin made some.
Allow me to explain: You see, while I indeed hate books with the fire of a thousand suns, they can be useful. To prop open a door or squash a spider (or a small child) you can hardly do better. But kindness has no practical application, and thus I find it particularly offensive. Although if it results in me getting a blueberry scone, I might have to reconsider.
Bitterness, like anger, (to paraphrase Zack de la Rocha) is a gift! Use it. I find I'm at my best when I'm ticked off. And reading is good! Maybe you can read some Eduardo Galleano (like Upside Down: a Primer for the Looking Glass World).
We do live in a world that rewards those who destroy the most, and it's not easy to make ends meet on ideas and a desire for a better world. But it is possible. Sometimes we just have to jump in somewhere to start, and the Chile plan sounds as good a place to start as any.
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