Gimp

For anybody out there that likes to play around in Photoshop but can't come up with the thousands of dollars for the license, download the completely free program: Gimp. I'm not sure if it can do everything that Photoshop does, but I also don't know everything that Photoshop can do. As far as I can tell, it is basically the same program but 100% free. Best part about it is that it's not one of those free trials where you get to use it for a certain period of time and then they start bothering you every time you try to open it to ask you to buy the full license. Here is a picture I was just playing around with to try to figure out how to do some of the basic actions that I learned in my photography class a few semesters ago.

Photography Challenge

I was reading through a friend's blog today who does photography and she is doing the 52 week challenge with Paint the Moon. Basically, they give a theme every week (actually 2 themes and you can pick one) and you take a photograph that fits the theme for you. You can post your pictures to a Flickr account and join their group. It's for any type of photographer with any type of camera just to get people to take their cameras out and play with them a little bit. (And of course, it's to get people to hopefully purchase the Paint the Moon products, but that's not what I'm promoting!)

So anyway, I figure since I have some time I will try to do this. Plus it's a good way for me to practice with my camera (since Austin says I need to get faster before the safari or I will miss all of the animals!). I'm sure I will miss some weeks and things will happen, but that's just life. But if you want to do this with me go to the Paint the Moon site and find out how!

I'll post the photos that I take on here so you can see how I interpreted the theme for the week.

Worst Interview Ever!

Austin and I just recently moved out to Washington DC because Austin got a job as a government contractor. We've now been here for a month and I've spent most of that time watching TV and perusing Craigslist. I really have no idea what I want to do out here and as far as I can tell, I am not qualified for any "real jobs" anyway.

A while back I applied at the Starbucks just a couple blocks away from our apartment thinking that would be fine for a little while at least (until my family and I go on the safari this summer). So finally, they called me back and wanted to interview me yesterday.

I showed up for my interview that was scheduled at 10 a.m. at about 9:50. When I walked inside, I asked one of the employees if Robin was there and she told me she wasn't in yet and offered me a coffee while I waited. Robin walked in the door at 10:06 then went into the back room. I waited a while longer thinking she was just putting her stuff down and getting ready. At 10:20 the same employee I talked to earlier went to the back to make sure Robin knew I was there waiting for her. I continued to wait for another 30 minutes!...

At 10:50 she finally came out and introduced herself and only half apologized for making me wait. Then the interview took all of 5 minutes after the long buildup! She asked me questions directly from the form that I assume Starbucks gives out for every interview that they do. The way she conducted the interview was bad enough but the worst part was when she told me how horrible her current employees are and how she wants to fire them all and bring in new people. This is after I have watched her employees literally provide the best customer service I have ever seen at a Starbucks in my life!

And the worst thing: I probably won't even be offered the job because I think I just sat there and stared at her with a dumbfounded look on my face!

A Lesson in Economics

Since I am studying economics at the University of Utah, everyone that I come into contact with wants to talk about "the Economy." First of all, I hate this about my major. Economics is a very politically charged topic so naturally there are different opinions about how to deal with it and in Utah, rarely do I agree with the people that ask my opinion. Therefore, I can do one of two things: either pretend like I don't really know much about the situation which makes me look like an idiot who's not getting much out of her education, or I can give a watered down answer that will be less likely to offend anyone no matter which side they are on (complaints about a do-nothing Congress work well here.) But here it is...here is my true opinion: we, as Americans who like to complain about the "bad Economy" (with a capital "E" which puts it up there with God in the scale regarding things that are out of our hands) need to take responsibility and do something about it. We all need to support local businesses, now. Maybe this means buying a little bit less at higher prices, but when it comes down to it we can't keep relying on China to bail us out of our problems while simultaneously providing us with goods that are literally poisoning us...as long as it's a bargain though right?! I know this is a little late since I just missed posting this before the biggest consumerist holiday of the year but since only some members of my family read this anyway, it shouldn't make much difference.

I for one am getting really tired of everyone complaining about the Economy while they aren't willing to do anything about it. I am not denying that there needs to be serious restructuring of our corporations as well as our Government while they're at it, but Americans pride themselves on independence, so it seems to me like we need to start doing something long overdue, independently of the Government. On the Rippleffect blog I read about a woman who has started a project to educate people on the importance of buying local and buying from small businesses, so look at it, take it to heart and try to the best of your means to do your part. (3/50 Project)

College Athletics

I've been noticing lately more than ever for unknown reasons, that collegiate sportsmen and women must have a rule (I'm not sure if it's written or not) that does not allow them to wear clothing that utilizes buttons, snaps, or zippers except under rare occasions (think: zip-up hoodies). Granted, I myself like to wear comfortable clothing but I do manage the 3 inch zipper and button at the top of my jeans every morning. Beyond gym shorts, T-shirts, sweatshirts and beanies, I have discovered that nothing will make it onto the body of a college athlete.

Barry the Giant Sea Worm

There is a blog that I like to stalk because the author just seems completely normal and extremely interesting. She posted a link to Barry the Sea Worm the other day and I just had to pass it on. If you get a chance, you should check out her site, especially if you're a knitter too. Her patterns are simple and unlike most knitting patterns, they aren't geared towards 80-year-old women!

No Snow in November?

There are a couple of things that happen when there is no snow in November.

1. I'm behind on my knitting projects...I had lots of big plans but am feeling a little uninspired since the weather is too nice to sit inside with a ball of yarn and law and order reruns.
2. Austin and I have been able to get in some really good climbing and meeting a bunch of new people while we are out. We are merging into the Salt Lake climbing community!

So anyway, I don't have any pictures of new creations to post, but I will put up the best of the climbing photos from the last three weekends (in Bell Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and American Fork).

Baby rattlesnake on the trail!