Makin' it work.
Or rather, a distinct lack of work. Since we've last spoken, I have moved twice. This, of course is because of unemployment.
I've now been unemployed for around 9 months. This is not for lack of trying, oh no, this is because I cannot find a combination of:
A: Work I can do,
B: Work that is within travel distance, and
C: Work that is hiring.
Let me briefly explain line 'A'. 'Work I can do' is quite simply something that I am capable/qualified to do. I.E: I am a qualified Computer hardware Technician. You'd think there would be plenty of work in that line. Unfortunately for me, I am not Network Admin certified, and 99.9% of the jobs list that as a 'plus' or 'requirement'.
I would fake my way through the 'plus' ones, except I know approximately Jack Shit about networking. Especially wireless. Here's how wireless works for me:
1:Plug in modem
2:plug in router
3:A miracle occurs
4:internet.
Now, I can tear down someone's system and put it back together in near record time, I can solve damn near any hardware problem in a few minutes. (Not bragging, honestly. I used to work for Dell, remember? Or, maybe you don't, I don't remember if I mentioned it.) But if you ask me to fix your internet and it's not your NIC, I'm gonna give you REAL funny looks. I personally refuse to use a wireless connection, and this has forced my computer into some awkward locations. I'm pretty alright with solving cabled networks, I can handle Cat5 and Cat6 fairly well. But Wireless just eludes me.
Enough about that. I'm not going to go into much more of my shortcomings, as I have a laundry list. This was mostly a 'I have intarwebs again' post, and I know this place gets neglected constantly. If it were my child, it would have been taken into protective custody years ago. I'm not going anywhere else with this. Remember when I mentioned that I would create posts to hear myself talk, well, this is one of them.
~Baren
Video game music may be something for us Geeks and Nerds, but it always holds a special place for us. Game music has a special something to bring back our memories, memories of a less troubled time, a more carefree time when your biggest worries were weekend homework or who you were going to ask to the school dance. The REAL game music has that effect. Games we played as kids that HAD real music. Games like Chrono Trigger, Castlevania, Mega Man, etc...
Going back now and listening to the music brings about memories of when we first heard it, and what was going on at the time. It's a great nostalgia veil that is placed over our minds when we listen to these songs, and revel in the feelings they invoke. Some are happy songs that inspire us such as Chrono Trigger or Mega Man 3's opening themes, and others that brought serenity, like again Chrono Trigger's "Wind Scene" or "Schala's Theme". Some gave us feelings of bravery, such as Castlevania's "Bloody Tears", "Vampire Killer", or "Iron Blue Intentions". Others inspired feelings of sadness, "Aerith's Theme" from Final Fantasy VII, "Epilogue to Good Friends" from Chrono Trigger, or "Without Taking the Jewel" From Chrono Cross.
Now, I realize that I listed a lot of Chrono music, but dammit it's the most memorable for me. Chrono Trigger was the first game that I sat down to and took the time to flesh out every detail. I had learned nearly every tile in that game. It's the game that holds the most special place for me. Every gamer out there has one, regardless of age, gender, color, etc... we all have that one game that spurs our fondest (and maybe not so fond) memories.
As I type this, I'm listening to people's renditions of the Ragnarok Online music, another soundtrack that I adore.
Gaming music is everywhere, even if you don't realize it. There are many that emulate it from orchestras to Metal bands. People have even dedicated their personal time to learn how to play it on various instruments. Every one of these people had a specific game or even individual song that inspired them to do these renditions.
Long and short of it: Video game music isn't reserved for us Gamers. Take a listen, you might like what you're hearing.
~Baren.
Long forgotten
I really think this blog is like a family reunion. Doesn't show up very often, and when it does, you really don't want to be there and there's nothing important to be said. That being said:
Cheesecake.
Yeah.
As for what's going on now, I left Geek Squad, (I know. I loved it, but that love had to part ways.) to move back to Utah. Now, I work for Dell as Tech Support. I'll give you a moment to take that in.
Back? Good.
Of all things I said I would never do again, I seem to be doing one of them. Working a call center. Did I mention that I hate working call centers? Well, I do. I don't know what it is about them, maybe some unspoken taboo, but they are one of the least desirable jobs out there. Or, maybe it's that I get to talk to computer illiterates all day. I'm not sure. Either way, I make a decent wage now, so I can't complain too much.
On another note, I managed to suffer a mild concussion the other day. I love it when the ground kicks you in the head. It really messed me up, too. Broken thought processes, forgetfulness, dizzyness, it all blows. It's amazing that I can keep cognizant thou
ooh, a butterfly.
Feh, yeah. Back in Utah with brain issues. Story of life, I believe.
~Baren
Well now. What's this here?
Y'know, Sometimes I get this tingling in the back of my head like I've forgotten something. Something moderately important. Something that I used to have all the time.
Yes.
It's this blog.
I've come to realize that my life really is uber boring, and that I really have nothing to put here. Haven't played FFXI in a few months, work is still fun but tiring, and doesn't leave me much time for anything of interest.
So, I'm not dead but, I'm not entirely living either.
Purgatory's boring. Not even any postcards to mail out here.
~Baren
It's becoming a good life
You understand that your life is getting better when you come home from work, sit down to your computer or whathaveyou, and you don't think to yourself: "God I hate my job."
I love my job. A lot. I don't hate getting up in the morning to go to work, I don't hate being there, and I don't come home feeling like I don't want to go back. My days are quite enjoyable, and I have a really awesome team at Geek Squad. I'm learning new things everyday, and teaching people how to use their computers properly at the same time. Maybe for me, it's a sense of accomplishment, as not only am I expanding my knowledge, but I'm helping to fight stupidity 1 person at a time. It's a good thing.
Now, I know that not every job can be perfect, and I do have some complaints about mine, but 90% of the time it's just because customers don't pick their shit up. That's it. I would be 100% euphoric if I could get customers to pick up their stuff the day I call them to pick it up. Or even the day after, I'll accept that. But seriously: my shelves are getting overstocked from unclaimed electronics that people drop off, and then never pick back up. And I call them every other day to remind them. It's not like they don't know. Can't claim ignorance. And on that, how do you just 'forget' about a $2000 piece of hardware that you most likely just spent another $250+ on just for us to fix it? That's my gripe, and my only one.
Other than that...
It's getting better, everyday.
~Baren
But I have to make this known. This is mostly for myself though, as this blog is really the only psychiatrist I can afford. But, by following the link in the title, you will come to my artwork. You will see that I am a 'furry' artist. I want to make 1 thing clear about this:
I am NOT a furry myself.
Not.
A furry.
No.
My avatar(s) is/are, however. I don't have a problem with that. However, I feel I need to explain why I'm an anthro artist.
I draw the character the way I do, because it is the style that I learned with and expanded upon. I do try to illustrate other 'species' (I suppose), but anthropomorphic is the one that I am most proficient at. This, however, does NOT make ME a furry. By any means. I am a human being. No fur, no tail, no pointy ears. And this has nothing to do with me hating actual 'Furries'. I don't. I see them as a group with an alternate lifestyle, like being gay, or Mormon. They don't bother me, but, like being gay, I'm not one of them. I'm not better than them, either. Hell, most of them are great artists and/or costume designers. Have you seen some of those fursuits? Pretty well made if you ask me. But you won't see me IN one.
I guess what sparked this was an article (or 3) I read a little while ago that hit a little close to home. It seems that fanartists and fan-fiction writers get lumped in with the associated fanatics of whatever fandom they subscribe to. And, honestly, that's not a shocker. It's to be expected. However, it also lumps you in with the associated stereotypes from that fandom. For me, that's the sex-crazed, mentally unstable fursuit wearer that sets a wretched example for the rest of the fans. The problem is, those that don the fursuit for Con purposes are often little more than cosplayers. It's the ones that use it for everyday life that ruin it for the rest of us. I'm going to admit right here that I forgot where I was going with this. Forgive me.
I guess my big point is this: Don't judge me by my artwork. It's not really who I am.
If you know me, you know this. If you don't know me, well, try to get to know me. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Drop me a line or something. I'll make it easy for you.
gensokaiser@gmail.com
There, now you don't have an excuse to not get to know the real me. (although, I am really as bitter as I come off here, so if that turns you off [or on, god forbid], then you may happily forget that I posted that address.)
I am what I am. A human that has artistic 'talent' with a good story that I may one day finish so that you can read it.
~Baren.
It slithered out from the depths..
And arose with a tremendous cry. The sound traveled for many miles, heard by thousands. What they heard caused them not fear nor anguish, but caused rejoice. It was the cry of triumph, for the one who let out this mighty cry was none other than...
Myself.
Okay, so maybe it wasn't that extensive, but I was uber excited to get my net turned back on so I could tell you all...
Good news from Kvatch for a change:*
I gots me a job.
With Geek Squad.
Huzzah's are in order here, people.
Starting today, I took my place among the ranks of fellow Geeks. Needless to say, I'm damn proud of that fact. I am in the Counter Ops position. (For those that don't know, I'll be in charge of making sure your computer gets received, worked on, and back to you safe and sound.) I won't be working directly with the computers very often, but my role is still vital in that I make sure those persons that are supposed to be working on them are doing so in a timely fashion. Also, If your computer is an in-store pickup, I'll be calling you every day after it's finished until you come take it out of my hands. Also I get to wear the Geek Squad black Polo. Stylish and comfortable, and just in time for the winter months. Yays.
Also, friendly reminder: My Birthday is in 5 days. Send an email or something. Cash is even better, but not required. Don't bother calling me, my phone won't be operational for an undetermined amount of time.
Until I decide to post again,
~Baren
*Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion reference. I expect all of 1 of my readers to get it.
Never let it be said that I was a racist...
..but I don't agree with this shit at all.
The Gist: "Welcome to America, illegal! Here, live on my taxpayers dollars, and don't worry about back taxes. Here, sign this, and you'll be legal in 24 hours, regardless of if or how your background check comes back. Gang member? No probalo. Don't speak any English? That's fine too. Here's a lawyer for you. Nonono, my citizens were kind enough to pay for him for you."
This video is in .wmv format, so you'll need Window's Media Player or something similar to watch it. Sorry, that's just how it was sent to me.
What the Holy Christ is this bullshit?There's something seriously fucked up with our legislature. I'm seriously thinking about becoming like, a Japanese national or something. All this shit going around. I'm really not proud to be American anymore, and that's depressing coming from a guy who's served his country.
I don't know what's driven us to this, or why it's even being considered. Is our country REALLY that messed up? Just...watch the video. It pissed me off enough to put it in the post this time, instead of the title. Speaking of: I believe that people should have the right to come to America. Legally. After learning
FUCKING ENGLISH. And I feel that Illegals, having proven themselves competent
(including learning English, see a trend?), should be given the chance to become legal. But not like this. Not like this. This is just absurd. So much so that words fail me. Let it be said that this is one of the few things that has rendered me nearly speechless, and that takes alot to do, my friends.
Goddamn you, America. What are you doing to yourself? Why do you want your own people to hate you so badly?
~Baren
Never again.
Never. Never again will I live in an apartment. As I write this, my upstairs neighbor is blaring his stereo so loud it's rattling the walls. And this seems to be common in any apartment I've lived in. Some dicksuck decides he's the only motherfucker in the entire area and thinks he can just do as he pleases. Apparently, these people are also deaf. Sadly, as I live here, I am not at liberty to complain in person, as it is against apartment policy for me to even be living here. (Too many people living in the same apartment is sharply frowned upon.)
This isn't the first time they've done this, either. It's beginning to be a daily thing since school's let out. And it was daily during Christmas Vacation.
Tell me seriously. Who the fuck do you think you are? Do you only think of yourself?
ARE YOU THAT FUCKING RETARDED? Goddamn. I question every day what makes me hate people so much, and every day they give me a new answer. I try not to be a violent person, but sometime I feel the only solution is to walk up to these people and make them swallow their teeth. I just...I don't know. I want to know where in the gene-pool that we lost the abilities of rationale and common sense.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go stab this moron in the throat.
I mean, sit here and brood. I don't feel like going to prison, really.
~Baren
Just for the hell of it.
Y'know, sometimes I just post new shit so that I have something else to read when I stop by to check my messages. It's a lot like talking just to hear yourself talk.
I'm guilty of that. A lot.
I think that comes from not a fear but more of a discomfort in silence.* For example:
the power went out for about 8 hours the other day and without music or anything to break the silence, I just about went mad. So, I would try to start random conversations with Raven just to hear something going on. There are very few times I don't have some kind of mental distraction going on, be it music, movies, video games, or conversation. Anything audible. I just have a real problem with silence. I even play music when I sleep, so if you thought that was one of the few times, you'd be wrong.
So, yeah, random bullshit posts like this are for my own viewing gratification, just in case you were wondering if there was anything pertinent in this post. (No, there really isn't) And now that I've set up my playlist for the night, I'm off to bed.
~Baren
*or ADHD, I haven't ruled that out yet.
