Mexico aka LA County Fair

So our 2nd anniversary is coming up and I figured we'd spare no expense this year, even given the bad economy, and me being without a job for 6 months. I figured we'd go somewhere we'd never been before, together. Aha....how about the LA County Fair? I haven't been there in years, Monica, has never been there, and I'd figure she was long overdue for throwing stuffed animals back at carnie folk. (Ask her about that one)
So we get in the car, drive down to the fairplex. General parking is 10 bucks, VIP parking is 17. We were corralled through like cattle to get into the parking lot. General parking was routed right down the drag strip, where they hold the winternationals every year. We couldn't believe how close the stands were to the actual strip. I could only imagine what could happen if those cars blew up or lost control and careened into the stands, at that range. If only that could happen when the Blue Collar Comedy guys were present.....(definitely not a fan). Can you imagine? In lane #1 Hick Du Jour, bear with me, he's French-Arkansasnian. Top fuel dragtser/funny car and double wide champion. Pedal to the metal.....careening down the strip, wipes out the good ol boys and the, "you might be a redneck", guy.

Anyway, pass the drag strip and park about 1/2 mile form the entry......no joke. They had trams, much like Disneyland going through the parking lot taking people to and from the fair. We parked in section 20. Great job by the way to the guys directing traffic. Nothing better than a mass of listless drivers wandering around aimlessly through the parking, speeding to the next closest spot, which in reality may have been maybe 20-30 yards from where we were.

The tram sucks. We couldn't get on it to the fair, and we couldn't get on it from the fair, go figure. By the way, judging by the makeup of the crowd, the word "tram" is just a nice way of saying, "fat freighter". Why not just call it, by it's real name, "The Rascal", mass transit edition.

Last time I went to the fair it was a few bucks, I think like 5 or so. It's 17 f'n bucks to get in. This isn't Disneyland, nor even Knott's Berry Farm, this is the f'n fair. Ok whatever. We get the tickets, proceed to the gate. The lady takes a quick look into Monica's purse. Yeah like, we're really going to throw down at the fair. Gimme a break.

We got in on the side with all the games and rides. Being that it was already nighttime when we got there, I was all spun around. It's not like going back to the hood after years of living in the burbs, and recognizing all the old places. They switched everything around. The map wasn't too helpful either. We wandered around like a bunch of drunks.....like everybody else, and ended up in kiddie land, or "Wilderness Ridge", as they named it. We saw a bunch of animals that they brought in from Australia. Kangaroos, wallabees, an emu, a binturong, porcupines, etc. It was a nice display. Would've been better had it been lit up, so we could see most of the animals.

We then wandered down to an area where they had a bunch of dog show booths. I didn't notice it right away, but the Pit Boss guys were there. We had just missed seeing Shorty and the girl from the show. Ronald was there, for those who are familiar with the show. That was cool. It was 10 bucks to have a picture taken with Shorty. Too bad he wasn't there, I would've wanted to see him and talk to him. Oh well.

Next stop....off to find the elusive fried "anything you can think of" stand. We found one. I had never tried any of the stuff, because I've got the picture and the feeling in the back of my throat, of guzzling down all the grease and oil that they use. We got the deep fried Klondike bar. It wasn't too bad. The batter tasted like a mix of beer batter and pancake mix. Not quite worth all the hype. We had to navigate through the crowd, off to the side of the human body exhibit in order to eat it. We both attacked it like a pair of crazed raccoons. Neither of us had eaten much during the day.

After we finished with the ice cream, we decide we'd check out the human body exhibit. We had been to one of these before, over at the Museum of Science and History a couple years back. It's interesting how they cam plastinate the human body and carve it up into sections, strip away the skin, nerves, organs, etc. Overall though it was a little disappointing. We've seen what I would consider the cadillac of exhibitions, this one seemed kinda cheesy. I don't know whether it was the way some of the pieces looked, but some of them looked fake. I can appreciate the realism of the show, but c'mon do you really need to paint parts of the heart blue? And another thing, how about a little dignity for the male and female specimens. They're already up there exposing themselves to the public. You couldn't take the time to shave ass hair off the guy whose pelvis was sectioned in half for everyone to see? How about taking a section through my sense of disappointment? The female specimen? I'm sorry ladies, but either it's a practical joke or the donor had something goin on. This was in the reproductive organ section, where they show the outer bits and how they relate to the innards. Put it this way, the outer bits,(lips) looked like they came off a Clydesdale horse, without the nostrils....turned sidewise.... not even joking. I'm completely turned on at this point.

All in all I was both intrigued and disappointed. Now I know what happens to the Chinese teams that lose out in the olympics, they're plastinated and put on display. It's a display of shame in China. Over here it's scientific and groundbreaking.
C'mon you know they're of Asian decent. None of those specimens male nor female had any ass, nor boobs for that matter. They're all toned up and short. The men have small dongs, the women are small, except for the one with the lip issue. I'm thinking she was Korean, her name was Heeyoo J. Lyp. It's a stretch I know.

One last thing then I'll move on. They took the time to strip away the skin, nerves, etc. They still left the patch of skin where the eyebrows were, with a 5 o' clock shadow of an eyebrow on there. I don't know that I need to be concerned about what their expression is/was. That's a little creepy, but if you're going to leave it on, here's a tip. How about changing the moods of the specimens. We could have a happy, a sad, an angry, an excited, and an "Oh shit! I'm about to be plastinated", look.

Onwards. We walked around looking through the exhibition halls. I used to like doing that with my parents when we were younger. You'd get to see new and upcoming products that you could buy really cheap, before they hit the big time. Now that I'm older and wiser, it's essentially a gathering place for people looking to buy shitty stuff. Everything from assorted cheeses, dips, to electronic muscle massagers, yes I fell victim to that one. 150 bucks for a p.o.s. that supposedly massages you by shocking you. Here's a shocker....I'm not buying it buddy. All sorts of knick knacks that you'll never be able to get your money back from, because the seller used it to feed his/her, meth/alcohol addiction. On top of that it's a great place for pyramid schemers to pick up new clients, or stepping stones. We walked through a few of the halls and then went looking for food.

I haven't been to the fair in a while, and I knew things back then were expensive. Things have not changed, shocker. We ended up settling on hotdogs for dinner. 8 bucks each, plain. At least mine was plain. Monica had them throw on some grilled veggies. I should've followed suit, but I'm more of a purist, ketchup only, this time around.

The hotdogs looked good when we passed them the first time. They were fresh off the grill, but we went to the exhibit halls first. When we finally found the place afterwards, I was expecting a fresh dog off the grill. Instead we got the ones that had been overcooked and had been sitting around for awhile. They looked like old pieces of rope, or better yet a well worn, broken in, brown leather shoe,and they were salty. Disappointing.

We decided to head out. We were well on the other side of the venue, so it was going to be along walk back, unless we could find/get on the tram. Yeah.....that didn't happen. So that ended our fair experience for the day.

Open letter to FUNemployment

Dear Funemployment,

I wanted to do this in person, but you're always unavailable. Your 800 number only sent me to an automated message that went nowhere. I've tried to text you, email you, and got nothing. I tried to make things work but my time is up.

Please don't take this seriously. We've had some good times. I've given up a lot and you gave me a sense of security. You've given me plenty of time and space to discover new things and hang out with old friends, but at the same time you've pushed me into a dark place. You made me feel unmotivated and isolated.

I didn't feel like I could accomplish much with you around, and everyone/everything else paid for it. I blame myself for compromising and I'm now in the process of repairing the damage.

You've humbled me by realizing that it's not always about money, but about those around you. I've gotten to know people better, and I've got a fresh perspective.

A new door has opened for me and I'm walking through it and not looking back.

Sincerely,
Yours truly

The year of Fail

Haven't touched this in a while, been a lil busy watching everything else fall apart. Yup. I carried over a thing from an old high school friend. Every year we used to give the year a name. You know...things like the Year of Achievement, Year of Growth, Year of hoping I don't get caught beating off to my buddy's girlfriend while she's.........wait a minute....that was years ago.
Anyway I wished I would've had that German world cup octopus to give me a quarterly prediction of this year. I've got less than 5 months left, maybe I can snatch him up on ebay, or better yet, wait till he hits the fish market.
7 months into this year and it's stumbling block over stumbling block....kinda like a fat kid trying to do the hurdles. I'm just about to clear it then one of my rolls knicks the top bar and I eat shit trying to recover for the next one. Okay, okay..enough with the bullshit.
I lost my job in January due to an owner who didn't know much about architecture and how to run a successful firm that had been in business for well over 20 years. I've been on unemployment for 6 months now with no positive leads in the architecture industry. My home that I bought back in 2006 is now up for short sale, after a 15 month plus bullshit loan mod process that went nowhere. I made my payments on time everytime when I was employed. The least I could expect is some help from the bank. Instead I get a dizzying maze of phone numbers and different departments with different people to talk to, and no one knows what's going on. I stopped making payments after I was laid off. Just couldn't afford it. It was either try to save a dead horse by pumping money into it, or take care or the other things. Not to mention that because of the economy I'm well over 200k underwater on the home. It surely hasn't helped other areas in my life either.
I've managed to push passed the stress part of it, and for some reason it all became clearer after I was laid off. The day that I stopped paying on the house, felt like a weight had been lifted off the shoulders, I could breathe again. It wasn't that I couldn't make the payment, it was because I never knew when I was going to get paid from work. I couldn't count on my own job to make any bills on time, that was very stressful.
I thought it was going to be easy after being let go. Notsomuch. I filed unemployment immediately, and it was delayed because the owner of the company reported that I had quit my job. I wish I would've had a camera so you could see what a Mexican blood boil looks like. Not good. Not only does it not look good but the smell.
That was another battle that was taken care of with a phone interview and an in person interview. Lo and behold 6 weeks later uncle sam delivers the long awaited government cheese. Alright! I'm f'n rich.........not. This shit's not even a quarter of what I was bringing home.....wtf. Thanks Sam. Remember that old Uncle Sam poster that read "I Want You"? I've made a response poster that reads "I Want You To Kiss My Ass." And on top of that you expect me to pay taxes on this? Fuck off.....your'e not my uncle.
So I've been on the payroll, just about the 6 month mark now. Might even make it to my first extension, if there's anything left in the system.
It has been my daily routine to look for work, and I've gotten a few interviews within the last 6 months....4 to be exact, spread quite far apart, with nothing positive, at all, which brings me to this.
I have a professional degree in architecture and have been working in the field for the last 10 years. Now I'm in a situation where there is no work to be found in architecture. Tomorrow I have an interview for a new entry level opportunity in the IT field. Yes, I'm excited, yes I'm a little apprehensive as to what technical questions will be asked of me at the panel interview. The pay isn't quite there yet, but will be once I get some certifications...A+, MCSE, etc.
The thing that bothers me is I feel like all that time and hard earned money has been wasted. I was a double major, Architecture and Computer Science in college. I dropped the Computer Science major, after I was accepted into Architecture. 1 of 5 spots open for new students left that year. I did well, and I excelled afterwards.
I don't feel like I got a chance to realize my potential. At times there was a lot of room for creativity. Now there is no opportunity and the money is gone.
I know people that have switched careers midstream. They either weren't happy, or the pay or opportunity wasn't there. This is different I realize all the time and money that went into it, and I feel like I've failed in some sense.
What do I do with my architecture degree now? Do I make a patch, add it to my jacket? I was asked to bring in a resume for tomorrow. It's going to show 10+ years in architecture with a hint of common experience in computers.
Yes...it's the dim light at the end of the tunnel. I'm not entirely sure that I'm done with design. I was going to register for LEED and a Revit seminar, now it's going to have to wait, for the time being.
Wish me luck on this new path. Architecture.....I haven't quite broken up with you yet, though I may start dating your friend down the street. She's got a nice set of peripherals, and a hard drive that won't quit.

Trade

Unemployed for 4 months now, and am thinking about learning a trade.

I've been thinking about welding and building tube guitar amps. I've looked into welding and taking classes at the local jc. The thing about that, is that sure it would pay well if I got certified, but you've got to join a union ....f that, and the construction industry for welders isn't doing too well either.

If I had the skills to weld there's other possibilities. I've been talking to other friends of mine that have been tinkering around with repainting/ restoring old road bicycles. I could easily design a jig for a bike frame and build bikes out of the garage. I dunno about that yet. The equipment would be expensive.

The other option that I've been thinking about is building tube guitar amps. I have been working on and off with a tube amp of my own, with little success. By that I mean, I've fried an amp transformer, blew an electrical outlet in the process. It's coming along pretty well, I'd say, but it keeps me interested.

I've fired off three introductory emails, inquiring about the possibility of an internship or apprenticeship. Let's see if I get any kind of response.

One of the guys is a very well known tech/amp guru to the rockstars. He has done work for people like Van Halen. The other company is Bad Cat amplification. They make some really nice equipment. The third place is the Fender shop in Corona. That's a long shot.

All I need is to get my foot in the door, that's it.

Finally

After weeks of doodling, sketching, I finally put up a test page for my site, Onionskn.com.

The initial purpose of the site was to act as my online portfolio. I want to be able to go to an interview, tell them a little about myself, then point them to my site, where they can view past and current projects. I'm not limiting myself to just architecture. I'm going to be dabbling in graphics, 3d visualization, and animation.

Architecture is not a great industry to be in right now, and I'm finding that I need to reach out and take on other related design disciplines in order to move forward. Most of the job postings that I've seen lately look for candidates who have experience in 3d and graphics.

What to do...what to do

Going on 8 weeks now folks. No luck whatsoever on the job front. I had long started to take matters into my own hands and start working on my website. I have gone back and forth with different domain names and trying to figure out how to approach the design. I'm getting closer to purchasing the domain and the hosting service, as we speak. I just finished working on a couple logos for the site, and it looks good. I think I'm happy with it, so far.

The site will act as my digital portfolio, as well as showcasing my skill set in 3d visualization, graphics, and possibly animation.

Till then, I'm contemplating a career change, possibly the IT field, because at the end of the day unemployment checks don't cut it, and I'm not one to sit idle for too long. Money needs to start rolling in.

Cabin Fever

6 weeks out. Finally got the gubment cheese rolling in, and cabin fever is starting to rear its head. It's getting hard to stay motivated when your in the house all day. It's not like I can't get out of the house, but gubment cheese isn't quite enough to go out and do a whole lot of stuff.

What do unemployed people do besides watch tv, search for jobs, work on side jobs at home?

I feel like I've got a whole lot of hindsight reflection going on, wishing I would've done things different.

6 weeks and counting

Today is my 6 week anniversary of unemployment. Yippee? Been too busy especially last week with my birthday, photo shoot, Adam Carolla podcast show, 2 new side jobs. I'll recap in the next day or so.
Time to break up the day with some winter olympics. I think it's half-pipe wednesday....sweet. I miss snowboarding. I wish I could pack up and watch all the stuff live, in Vancouver.

The Modern Gangster

Earlier this week I stepped outside to check the mail. I've been anxiously awaiting my very first unemployment check. I've been out of work now for three weeks, and this is the first time that I've actually had to use the system. I want to make sure that it works.

So, anyway I'm on my way to the mailbox and on my way I pass by, "the gangster corner." Now these guys/gals aren't gangsters per say but they maintain the look and the lifestyle of the gangster. By this I mean, heavy set latinos with the baggy clothes, wife beaters, and the asshole attitude. I've never spoken a word to any of these guys, but that's how they come off given their behavior. They look tough.....and that's about it.

There's one particular home where one of these roaches lives and wouldn't you know it, he has a token pitbull for a dog. Typical pitbull with the docked tail and ears. Looks like the dog could've been on one of those shirts you could get at the swap meet with the pitbull and the padlock gold chain around its neck. I feel bad for the dog because there is no yard for it. The owner keeps it penned up in the garage with the garage door cocked open enough to get air in.

So on my way to the mailbox, I notice said tubby gangster in a wifebeater and baggy shorts talking to a AAA service guy, that's.....CHANGING HIS TIRE. Can you believe that? Mr. Macho Nacho candyass can't even change his own tire. What a puss. I wanted to laugh in disgust. The guy drives a Lexus.....whoopty doo. How much weed or blow did he sell to buy that? Better yet how much money did he pay off his fellow roaches to allow him to dress up like a gangster. I don't think he knows that Halloween comes once a year, and it's free.

I wonder what kind of work the guy does? I should've taken a picture.

The last couple weeks

For those that didn't know. I was laid off January 6th, 2010. I have since joined the ranks of the unemployed. It was probably the best thing to happen, considering the financial situations at my old office.

In summation...labor board had been contacted for wage violations and tax fraud. We'll see what happens from that.

Anyhow, in my spare time I have been learning/relearning some new programs to keep myself up to speed with the technology. Most offices don't utilize software to its potential, thus leaving employees to fall behind when they re-enter the job market.

Every year since high school, I've given a name to the new year. This year, is the year of reinvention. Now that I'm unemployed, I am enthusiastic and motivated to get things underway.

The last couple weeks I've been immersed in programs like Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and Revit. I'm looking to take my design background and branch out into 3d visualization, and graphic design.

I have had a domain name for a couple years now, but have not done anything with it. As soon as it gets off the ground, it will showcase my previous and current works, and it will serve as my portfolio, so please stay tuned.