Author: Carl Setzer

After I left my magnanimous former employer, I was out access to Photoshop. Now, I suppose I could manage with the Vista built-in tool, or Picasa. But I’m not one to do things the easy way. I chose to mess with Gimp, the illustrious open source image editing tool. More specifically, especially since I have a PhotoShop background, I went with Gimpshop, which gives me a Photoshop-esque experience. Better, I suppose, than downloading CS3 from bit torrent or something. Though I’m not a power user, I find the thing quite nice. Some day, I hope that I’ll be able to turn the most grotesque face into a supermodel. We all have our dreams, eh?

Ah, this fits me sometimes.

from xkcd

Update: This clip was pulled due to terms of use violation. Thus, I’ve pulled the link

I’ve developed several plans since my layoff back in February. My first, main, plan A, whatever, has been to pursue a BA in Applied Computing at the University of Washington’s Bothell campus. Part of this was to have the State pay for this (I’ve been taking classes part-time in the evenings pursuing this). However, it doesn’t look like that’s going to work. Mainly, degree completion is NOT on of the Commissioner Approved Training options. Thus, though I still await the official answer, I’m pursuing alternative tracks.

 

Now, I’m trying to position myself as a communicator with solid “social media” skills. I’ve seen several positions for such. Sadly, no bites in this sector yet. We’ll see, though. This is where I put the lion’s share of my resume focus.

 

Lastly, I have my fall-back of administrative assistant work, which I’ve done plenty of. My resume is strong for this, and I have several opportunities lurking nearby via temping. “Contract work” is particularly tempting as I would have some additional freedom to continue my tech development. This is especially nice since I have no idea when I will get an answer from the WA Employment Security folks. Their letters say 4-6 weeks; currently, we’re at 9 (yes, I’ve reached out to them, and have been told “it’ll take more time”, they’re swamped”. Sigh…

from xkcd.com

My e-chum, Suburan Diva, has partnered with Hebrew National for Picnic with a Purpose. Ok, I don’t know how formal this arrangement is, but the idea is great. However, I’m finding bits and pieces about this around the web.

Anyway, the idea of an informal gathering, with friends and family, to raise funds, gather gifts, or otherwise pitch-in and help out the community is wonderfully gracious. This, really, is something I must try to make happen, too.

I spent a good chunk of my day, yesterday, on a skills inventory for a temp firm. Now, some would hate this. I, however, actually enjoy this. These give me some great insights into the job market’s software needs and expectations. Also, as someone who tries hard to be cutting, if not bleeding edge, I always tend to be well ahead of the curve. There were only a few areas I didn’t know strongly, particularly with the Office suite. Of course, I hold myself to a high standard here. Not knowing how to code a macro in Word 2007 bugs me. I know how to get to that screen, but it’s different enough from 2003 (where I haven’t coded a macro in years) that I was puzzled how to actually code the thing.

As much as I love the Mac OS, and Macs in general, I’m finding myself using Vista much more. Simply, it works better with everything that I need to do right now. Several employment applications are IE only. There have been several skills tests that have only worked on Windows as well. Though it makes me a little sad, at least I’m not one of the Windows bashers who has
to eat his words. *Ahem*

As I watch a History Channel production about Pickett’s Charge, I remember feeling a glorious sentiment towards these warriors in years past. Now, though, all I feel is sadness. The stunning mass destruction and pain must be considered for the immeasurable sorrow generated. Though, probably, necessary, the loss must be remembered.

Via BlackBerry