Jumping through the hoops. 07/09/03
Yesterday I applied for a job as a production artist. It was offered through a placement/contract agency which usually only provides temp work, so I was surprised to find them listing this full time, REAL job position. I guess I have a new category of places to look into for my job search.
So I went to the temp agency and they tested me on Microsoft Excel. Now, I had never used Excel before I took the test, but I scored a 79% on it! It turns out to be a lot like Powerpoint. The agency lady said, "Looks like you know your way around the program fairly well." I didn't get to see my scores on the non-computer skills tests. I would guess that I got a 90-something on the spelling and grammar part, but no clue how I did on the math skills assessment. I felt like such a retard, sitting in the lobby with a clipboard full of papers balanced on my lap, while I furiously scribbled calculations on scratch paper and counted on my fingers. Apparently all the "times tables" drilled into my head and recited repeatedly from 3rd to 6th grade are no longer residing in a part of my brain that is easily accessible. And I can't even add or subtract without concentrating so hard that my chin juts out determinedly as I muddle through. Well, after jumping through all those hoops, I sure hope I get to go to an interview for the production artist job.
At the event, on Saturday, I wore my aqua-blue tight-bodiced Irish dress and low-cut chemise. I now have a sunburn from my collarbone to my cleavage, which by today has finally faded from bright red. My face is more tan than red, and I like the contrast between darker skin and the white of my eyes and teeth. I feel as if I look pretty good today. An everyday, natural, low-maintenance sort of pretty. California Girl, Summer Girl. Unlike my full-on "painstakingly done makeup, precisely styled hair, elaborate outfit with lots of jewelry" SCA appearance. I think a lot of girls like to look the very best they can for a party, a wedding, a special date with their guy, or the school prom. SCA events are my opportunity to go all-out.
We have been going to fighter practices again. This is one of the small/gradual changes that have improved life recently, that I alluded to a few entries ago. I like hanging out with our friends there, watching the fighting and sipping cocoa while sitting on the warm concrete of the parking garage. A pity we don't have a park to hold practices in, and it would be great if I could get off work earlier and not miss the first bit of fighting, but it is still very cool to have this part of our social life back on our schedule. About a year ago I used to come down by myself to watch the combat while Steve was out gaming. I don't socialize much without him around, so it was strange but interesting to be out with people as just me, not as part of a couple. But now Steve has gotten back into practicing and we have a fun activity to go to together every Thursday night.
