With all the People Skills of a Badger
Fuzzy Thoughts

Rogue Hank of Hair Strikes Again

So once again I dye my hair. Mostly spurred on by-time-to-cover-the-gray, my desire to use all the dye and Nami, I wandered around a beauty supply store until I came across Auburn Black and a pot of Red Wyne Punk.

Now red based dye and I don’t really get along. It doesn’t stick around. But hey, I wasn’t so happy of the fade value of the green based dye I used a few weeks ago.

So after making my bathroom look like a slaughter house I have auburn black hair. Except for the this rogue hank of hair, which I always miss…and I’m sure has never been dyed. Bastard.

K, gotta go. Ragnar is whining at the oven for holding chicken.


Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom

I got an Ashford Rigid Heddle loom for Christmas. I got it all together I have the math figured out for how much yarn I need for projects.

Next I shall lace the thing.

Putting it together was the hardest part. The stand directions weren’t all that great, as they lacked full sentences. But I got it together. For others in the same plight, CHECK! means make sure the holes line up on both sides.

I’m excited. I’ve wanted a loom since forever. Everyone asks what I’m going to make on it. The answer is stuff. :)


I Finished a Novel

On Friday, I finished line edits on my novel and I set it out to be read one more time. I’m pretty confident it will be one more time. A person could come back and tell me it makes no sense at all or my characters all suck. That could happen, but I don’t think it will. Okay, I really hope it won’t.

So now, it’s synopsis and query writing time. And more active market research. Oh my.


Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

Doctor Zhivago follows Yuri and Lara as they grow up, marry, and live through the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the civil war afterward. Their life goes from one of privilege and opportunity to running for their lives through the Russian wilderness. Like most books in this genre, people disappear, and everyone dies alone.

It’s a lesson in realizing that people cannot be held up to altruism. History shows that no matter the intent, a group in power rarely stays with the ideals they start with.


Who? Huh.

INFJ – “Author”. Strong drive and enjoyment to help others. Complex personality. 1.5% of total population.

Take Free Jung Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Jung Explorer Test
Actualized type: ENTP
(who you are)

ENTP – “Inventor”. Enthusiastic interest in everything and always sensitive to possibilities. Non-conformist and innovative. 3.2% of the total population.

Preferred type: ENFP
(who you prefer to be)

ENFP – “Journalist”. Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Attraction type: ENFP

 

(who you are attracted to)

ENFP – “Journalist”. Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Take Jung Explorer Test
personality tests by similarminds.com


Check Fraud Scam Masquerading as Job Listing on Craig’s List

The Modem I was to buy with the check Mr. Scott would send me.

I woke up this morning to find a job offer in my email. It looked funky, but I’ve had job offers and legitimate interviews over Yahoo Messenger for real paying jobs, some of which I were hired for. It didn’t take long to find out that this was check fraud scam. I’ve reported it to Google, Yahoo and the US gov as well as a few scam watch sites. Part of the reason I’m posting this is because I want this information to be found if some one else is contacted by this scam. The information that they asked for was in the email I sent applying for the job so that was the first flag in the email itself, which Mr. Scott reiterated in the YIM conversation. He repeated questions asked in the email and once I started asking questions, either ignored them or answered them strangely (meaning he no longer had a script to copy and past from). Eventually He logged off YIM completely.

So here’s the email. Headers included:

Received: by 10.236.70.167 with SMTP id p27cs21912yhd;
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:27:37 -0800 (PST)
Return-Path:
Received-SPF: pass (google.com: domain of teamemploy411@gmail.com designates 10.216.4.208 as permitted sender) client-ip=10.216.4.208;
Authentication-Results: mr.google.com; spf=pass (google.com: domain of teamemploy411@gmail.com designates 10.216.4.208 as permitted sender) smtp.mail=teamemploy411@gmail.com; dkim=pass header.i=teamemploy411@gmail.com
Received: from mr.google.com ([10.216.4.208])
by 10.216.4.208 with SMTP id 58mr43121wej.8.1322580455280 (num_hops = 1);
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:27:35 -0800 (PST)
DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed;
d=gmail.com; s=gamma;
h=mime-version:in-reply-to:references:date:message-id:subject:from:to
:content-type;
bh=U1qGeancbAeTBCOcXmmZG80oMtVennlYdEYqpy+77Pg=;
b=vR9LVNOfUsRBQgTMqaUlEVqoT28Ck/JsZcXasFhqzVdrPIPoOtcaKD/pyA7rdRe2+n
iyHA/NqZFvsU6FMgHAC03Ifk+yrSHt8TdByepW3XhpZZsCmSHdcAhEyMHI0VCbh7ykC7
pTBSACdKemR3qI+iQB14eN380ThxuFQoClw8o=
X-Google-DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed;
d=google.com; s=beta;
h=mime-version:in-reply-to:references:date:message-id:subject:from:to
:content-type;
bh=U1qGeancbAeTBCOcXmmZG80oMtVennlYdEYqpy+77Pg=;
b=JzPnDmhbXry+55TZTEh10vbrHXTWkJuqcjKQvwQYnSnKPDi8nKK04UswCrlNwA964T
fCIa/5gDbQVLJz2l+5ew==
MIME-Version: 1.0
Received: by 10.216.4.208 with SMTP id 58mr43121wej.8.1322580455274; Tue, 29
Nov 2011 07:27:35 -0800 (PST)
Received: by 10.216.121.194 with HTTP; Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:27:35 -0800 (PST)
In-Reply-To:
References:

Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:27:35 -0800
Message-ID:
Subject: Re: Customer Service Postition
From: HR Team
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=00163646db7039385404b2e142e6

–00163646db7039385404b2e142e6
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

We have approved your resume posted to us by(Craigslist.com) and think that
you are appropriate for the job.

You are required to perform the following tasks:* Provide responsive
and competent customer support and service within a call center
environment. Ensure that all customer issues are resolved at the first
instance.* Continuously work for exceptional customer experience, resulting
in high customer satisfaction scores.* Deliver and exceed
customer-specified service levels for handle time.* Learn, understand,
retain and regularly update and demonstrate product/process knowledge.*
Track, document and retrieve information in call tracking database.* Adhere
to shift schedules and maintain acceptable attendance. Provide required
notification of absence according to company policy.* Extend contact to
promote and sell products or services as required by assigned queue.Your
work is supervised by the personnel wing.You may work as a:Bookkeeper who
maintains and reconciles records of financial transactions(such as sales,
wages and petty cash) and prepares regular statements showing receipts,
payments and balances of accounts.

Name of Hiring Company (T.Mobile)PAYROLL & WORKING SCHEDULE
You are requested to send in an Email Subject ** Duration & Payroll **This
would contain answers to the Following:1. How many hours are you willing to
Work per day? ( 8 Maximum )2. What time range? ( Morning Section 8am-12noon
or Afternoon section3pm-6pm )3. Payroll Interval? ( Weekly or Bi-weekly )4.
Payroll Method? ( Bank transfer or cheque )5. Full time Or a Part time
Job?Basic Duties Include:- Book keeping- Data Entry- Outbound calling-
Making payment arrangements on past due accounts Salary commensurate with
experience SALARY for this job starts at $20 per hr for 8 hrs a day; 5days
a wk. The benefits include Holidays, Vacation, Work leave and other that
would be discussed after employment.
Benefits / Health Plans:* Medical insurance, dental coverage and life
insurance* Flexible spending account allows employees to pay for certain
health care expenses with pre-tax dollars* will match 50% of employee
401(k) contributions up to 4% each year* Employees are 100% immediately
vested for both the employee and employer 401(k)contributions* Holidays and
personal days: 12 paid days* Vacation : 2 weeks starting year one* Weekly
pay periods

REQUIREMENTS: You need a PC (vital as this is an online job), and a
printer.You would also need to setup a yahoo instant messenger ID (this is
very important and this would be the major means of communication) You need
to have adequate knowledge of your calculator; micro soft access, Excel
Spreed sheet; Microsoft word. As soon as you have fulfilled all the
requirements, We would setup you up for an interview. If you are cleared we
start the training process.

This is a work from home job opening and your location do not matter.
Whatever is spent for the setup of your mini Office (PC, printer and a fax
machine).
We have set you up for an interview today. If you have setup the yahoo
instant messenger ID, I would like you to Instant Message (IM) me with your
yahoo instant messenger at this ID (franksscottplace@yahoo.com). I will
provide you with the time for the interview and all the necessary details
you would like to know about the company.

Frank Scott.
Personnel Manager
T.Mobile

And here’s our YIM Conversation (I’m Jasdyn):

Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:24:42 AM): Hello
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:24:47 AM): Hello
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:25:59 AM): How you doing today?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:26:19 AM): I am doing well today. How are you doing?
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:26:31 AM): Great
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:26:35 AM): Are you for the interview?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:27:06 AM): Yes, I would love to set up an interview.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:27:29 AM): 1)Tell me about yourself(including your name and location) 2)Have you ever worked as a customer service specialist? 3)Are you aware that this is a work from home job offer? 4)Do you know your clerical/office speed? 5)How good are you in multi-tasking? 6)Are you a team player? 7)Briefly explain the meaning of “Confidentiality Code of Practice”how does it apply to customer service ethic?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:33:59 AM): My name is Michelle Norton. I have background, in reception, administrative services, customer and technical support, and web design. I have worked from my home for the past year and a half. I have worked as a customer service specialist. Most recently, for Alpine Access as a Customer Service Professional providing support for Microsoft Xbox, including billing, software, hardware and networking. I am aware that this is a work from home offer and I do have a home office. My speed is prompt, I type over 50 words a minute, answer all calls immediately and I am very good at multitasking. I love working with a team. Confidentiality Code of Practice means that work practice, data, or any other type of information provided for or by a company is
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:34:41 AM): confidential and may not be shared with anyone. I may be provided with customer information which may not be shared by an means.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:35:28 AM): Let me know when you are done
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:36:00 AM): It is integral to the customer service ethic as both the company and customer may provide me with sensitive personal information which must not be shared or kept in any unlawful manner. I am done. (NOTE: All of this was in the initial email I sent which included my resume).
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:38:05 AM): Okay
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:38:13 AM): Are you comfortable with the salary?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:38:54 AM): It was listed, I am comfortable with that amount.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:39:04 AM): Okay
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:39:15 AM): Can you work 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:39:24 AM): Yes, I can.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:39:40 AM): Do you have criminal Record?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:39:51 AM): No, I do not.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:40:50 AM): For you to get started with this job,firstly you have to get connected to our secured network
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:41:26 AM): Geting connected to our secured network will give you access to our database and on our database you will be able to carry out your daily tasks perfectly
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:42:07 AM): Okay.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:43:05 AM): Also there will be a three days paid training that will be held on our secured network also
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:43:15 AM): Alright.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:46:54 AM): Also for you to get started with the whole process,you will be needing a specific secured modem
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:47:11 AM): this modem will link you up to our secured network
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:47:43 AM): Okay.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:47:55 AM): let me send you an image of the secured modem
You have received 1 photo from Frank Scott.
Lead City.jpg
Open (Alt+Shift+O)
34 Share
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:48:51 AM): you there?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:49:21 AM): Yes, I have just downloaded the picture.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:49:56 AM): The Company will be sending you payment that will enable you purchase the secured modem
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:50:00 AM): is that okay
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:50:46 AM): So, I would purchase this modem with the funds the Company sends me. Okay, I can do that.
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:50:54 AM): Very Good
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:51:24 AM): The Company will be sending you a payment in form of a check
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:51:43 AM): Can i have your full names,contact address and your direct phone number including email address
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:52:51 AM): May I have some more information about the company please? Where is it based? Is this for Tmobile or for a company contracted by Tmobile?
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:54:21 AM): The Company will be sending you a payment in form of a check
Frank Scott: Can i have your full names,contact address and your direct phone number including email address
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:55:57 AM): That information was sent in both emails I sent. May I ask some questions about the company before I commit to this?
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:56:09 AM): Okay you can
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:56:52 AM): Is this position is for Tmobile or is a company contracted by Tmobile to perform customer service?
Frank Scott (11/29/2011 10:57:19 AM): Exactly you will be working with Paul Smith Computers
Last message received on 11/29 at 10:57 AM
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 10:58:25 AM): Okay, and will I be filling i-9 information or have any phone interview before I am sent this check?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 11:02:33 AM): Is there a link where I can read about the company?
Jasdyn (11/29/2011 11:08:35 AM): The only Paul Smith Computers I am finding is based in the UK and does not outsource to other companies. I live in the US and cannot accept foreign payment for services without documentation.

Whee! So that’s how I spend my morning. Now to apply for real jobs, and clean the house.


Salted Caramel Butter Cream

J. had some extra molasses laying around and I though we should use it up. He bought different types of molasses (not different brands, different types), so I couldn’t combine the bottles. The interwebs brought me this:

Always With Butter

The cake is okay. It really is a molasses cake. Tastes better after being refrigerated. Makes it kind of like a black forest cake except more molasses. If you don’t like molasses, avoid this cake. If you like molasses and it’s too much for you, try pouring some unsweetened cream over it.

But the buttercream? OH DEAR LORD I WOULD EAT THIS WITHOUT CAKE. DO I NEED CAKE FOR THIS? According to the website it either came from chow.com or Martha Stuart’s Cup Cake book. I found a similar recipe at Chow.com. Also I didn’t have powered sugar, so I substituted it with sifted granulated sugar and some tapioca powder. Trust me, it didn’t matter as far as the flavor goes, but it makes the frosting crunch, like putting regular sugar in whipping cream. I really like that but if you want it totally creamy, use powder sugar.

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 12 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 tsp sea salt (experiment with different types of seal salt)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

 Step 1 Make Caramel

Stir regular sugar and water together in small saucepan. Once mixed, turn the burner on medium/high and let it come to a boil. DO NOT STIR. Let it boil until it turns a DARK AMBER color. Take it off the heat and stir in cream, and vanilla. Let it sit until it is completely cool. Warning: if you taste it will taste burnt. THAT IS OKAY. Trust me here, this will work.

 Step 2 Make butter cream

Cream the butter salt and powdered sugar together. When the caramel is cool, slowly pour it into the mixture as it’s being beaten and beat until thoroughly mixed. Chill until set. Or eat with spoons. If you’re all alone, just lick the damn bowl. I won’t tell.


Seeking Employment

So I went from ‘an extra job will get me out of debt sooner’ to ‘I need this job to pay sudden expenses’ to ‘I need this job to pay my bills’ to ‘I am unemployed’ in what seems like a heartbeat. November 17th was not a good day. Everything dropped on that day and I’m down to 1 client, and out of two jobs.

So now? I’m not sure. I feel like I’m starting all over again. I can make all my bills, but that’s it, nothing else. And I don’t feel worried, but it’s a weird unhinged feeling.

What do I want to do when I grow up?


More Pretty Pictures

Over the WaterYay! Site redesign! NaNo Procrastination!

I bent the 2011 theme to my needs. I wanted a new header picture to base the color scheme around, so I made one in Vue 9. I’ve gotten more of the render settings down and spent a lot of time sculpting each mountain and rock. Last, I sculpted some wake to trigger the shore effect in vue and give some more disturbance to the water. I also created a aurora but took it out because it bumped the render time from 6 hours to 58 hours. I added the trailing red in Painter 12.

Themes in WordPress have gotten more versatile. I like the on-the-fly formats and easy settings. I still mucked with the code to get what I wanted out of it. It really has evolved and for me, the best solution for most website needs.

I got an invite to Glitch, an in browser mmo, where you learn a trade, and take care of the world. That game sucked an hour out of me today.

And it’s NaNo. I still have revisions to finish but I’ll get my word count up there!


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