Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Revolution anyone?
Have you ever heard of this newish game called Gunbound Revolution? Originally created by Softnyx (Makers of Radeon), ijji.com is now hosting the North American service. This game has been is similiar to the classic game Worms, but with a few twists. First off, this game is an MMO. At any given time, you can be playing with anyone across the US, Canada, Mexico and occasionally further abroad. Next is the avatar system. Generally used to refer to your in-game persona, avatar here refers to the special clothing and items that you can purchase using the in-game gold currency that you can win (of course, there is also the option of purchasing GCoins using real-life cash, but this is not required as Gunbound is a free game to play). Then there's the ranking system. You start out as a beginner at the "Little Chick" rank, but can quickly progress through the ranks, all the while winning free prizes just for ranking up!If this sounds interesting at all, please check out their site at www.gunbound.ijji.com. By signing up for a free account at ijji, you also gain access to any of the other games they host, all free to play as well. Hope to see you there!
Admission Essay
This was the essay I wrote for my re-admission to college.
[In looking at my educational background, you will find
that many teachers have enjoyed having me as a student.
However, my grades show a lack of focus, a lack of
passion, for the material. Throughout my high school
years, I struggled to find a balance for my creativity and
imagination while trying to overachieve and take on work,
advanced studies, and still tried to find time for
friends. I never achieved this balance, and my grades
tended to reflect this.
After high school, I made the faulty decision to move
straightly into college. I was overconfident in my
independence, and attempted to complete an accelerated
degree program in Computer Programming/Computer
Engineering. I wrongfully chose to overburden myself with
classes that I wasn't fully prepared for. I gave up, and
my grades suffered.
Moving forward, I made many bad choices with my life, but
eventually ended up finding the balance for love, family,
and friends. For the past five years, I have worked as a
devoted employee on the office of a local furniture
retailer, where I was responsible for day-to-day business
as well as marketing and graphic design. In this, I
managed to re-awaken my love for all things creative and
rediscovered my enjoyment of the challenges of coding
(though mainly vicariously through our own web designer
and lightly through the exploitation of the Microsoft
Excel program).
I have now moved on from my job, in the hopes of finding
freelance graphic design work while I pursue a degree in
Wed Design; which I feel will combine my graphic
creativity with my natural knack for the logical
progression of computer coding.
I don't truly feel that my work and educational history
provide the best snapshot of who I have become, though.
Over the years, I have managed to mature, grow, and have
found my limitations. I know now that I cannot overburden
myself with excess courses, or take on too many projects,
because, in the end, everything will end up suffering.
This is why I chose the Champlain Online CPS program,
which allows me make my own schedule and work at my own
pace, allowing me to maintain the fragile balance of my
life, and successfully achieve my goals.
[In looking at my educational background, you will find
that many teachers have enjoyed having me as a student.
However, my grades show a lack of focus, a lack of
passion, for the material. Throughout my high school
years, I struggled to find a balance for my creativity and
imagination while trying to overachieve and take on work,
advanced studies, and still tried to find time for
friends. I never achieved this balance, and my grades
tended to reflect this.
After high school, I made the faulty decision to move
straightly into college. I was overconfident in my
independence, and attempted to complete an accelerated
degree program in Computer Programming/Computer
Engineering. I wrongfully chose to overburden myself with
classes that I wasn't fully prepared for. I gave up, and
my grades suffered.
Moving forward, I made many bad choices with my life, but
eventually ended up finding the balance for love, family,
and friends. For the past five years, I have worked as a
devoted employee on the office of a local furniture
retailer, where I was responsible for day-to-day business
as well as marketing and graphic design. In this, I
managed to re-awaken my love for all things creative and
rediscovered my enjoyment of the challenges of coding
(though mainly vicariously through our own web designer
and lightly through the exploitation of the Microsoft
Excel program).
I have now moved on from my job, in the hopes of finding
freelance graphic design work while I pursue a degree in
Wed Design; which I feel will combine my graphic
creativity with my natural knack for the logical
progression of computer coding.
I don't truly feel that my work and educational history
provide the best snapshot of who I have become, though.
Over the years, I have managed to mature, grow, and have
found my limitations. I know now that I cannot overburden
myself with excess courses, or take on too many projects,
because, in the end, everything will end up suffering.
This is why I chose the Champlain Online CPS program,
which allows me make my own schedule and work at my own
pace, allowing me to maintain the fragile balance of my
life, and successfully achieve my goals.
Letter of Resignation
This is a letter I wrote to my former boss when I was getting ready to leave the company.
Marc,
I want you to know that I have enjoyed working for you and for Burlington Bedrooms. I have come to a point in my life, however, that I need to begin searching for the job that will be my career. I feel that I have hit a ceiling here and that this is no longer the job that suits me, nor am I the employee that best suits it.
I want to emphasize that I don’t want to leave you high and dry. I have no timeline for leaving. I will not be leaving tomorrow, or next week. I am simply beginning to look. But, I want to make sure that you have enough time to get things in order for when I do leave, and that you and I can coordinate to make sure that everything is in order and understandable for whomever takes this position over from me.
This decision isn’t about the money, or about the co-workers. You offer fair and generous compensation and benefits, and our team is outstanding. I enjoy working with everyone here. I am not upset with this company in any way. I am simply at a crossroad in my life, where I need to weigh out the all the aspects of my life and choose a new path. I have become restless here. I am not home enough for my family. I feel at times that I am underutilizing aspects of my talents that I would like to nourish. I have fallen into the quintessential “rut” that many before me have.
I also want to reassure you that, even after I have left, I will make myself available to you for select parts of this job, if you desire. I would willingly continue to voice the ads, as well as add any creative feedback that you might want. I would still be available to maintain and modify any of the office documents and spreadsheets that I have created. I would still be able to create graphic art, logo, or print ads that you may need.
I appreciate everything that you have done for me and exposed me to. I have learned a lot while I’ve been here. I have obtained skills here that will carry me for years to come. In the same vein, I hope that I have provided you with services that will help you shape this company into the proper machine you envision it to be.
Marc,
I want you to know that I have enjoyed working for you and for Burlington Bedrooms. I have come to a point in my life, however, that I need to begin searching for the job that will be my career. I feel that I have hit a ceiling here and that this is no longer the job that suits me, nor am I the employee that best suits it.
I want to emphasize that I don’t want to leave you high and dry. I have no timeline for leaving. I will not be leaving tomorrow, or next week. I am simply beginning to look. But, I want to make sure that you have enough time to get things in order for when I do leave, and that you and I can coordinate to make sure that everything is in order and understandable for whomever takes this position over from me.
This decision isn’t about the money, or about the co-workers. You offer fair and generous compensation and benefits, and our team is outstanding. I enjoy working with everyone here. I am not upset with this company in any way. I am simply at a crossroad in my life, where I need to weigh out the all the aspects of my life and choose a new path. I have become restless here. I am not home enough for my family. I feel at times that I am underutilizing aspects of my talents that I would like to nourish. I have fallen into the quintessential “rut” that many before me have.
I also want to reassure you that, even after I have left, I will make myself available to you for select parts of this job, if you desire. I would willingly continue to voice the ads, as well as add any creative feedback that you might want. I would still be available to maintain and modify any of the office documents and spreadsheets that I have created. I would still be able to create graphic art, logo, or print ads that you may need.
I appreciate everything that you have done for me and exposed me to. I have learned a lot while I’ve been here. I have obtained skills here that will carry me for years to come. In the same vein, I hope that I have provided you with services that will help you shape this company into the proper machine you envision it to be.
Introduction letter
This is an introduction for a freelance venture that I was thinking about trying.
To whom it may concern;
Thank you for taking the time to look over my resume and graphic samples. I am local resident with a flair for the creative. I am a fast learner, eager to please, and always offer the best work possible.
For the past five years, I have been working with Burlington Bedrooms, a local bedroom furniture retailer, to help create a cohesive branding image. Over these years, I have reclaimed skills and talents that I had long let lie dormant. I truly love working with the creative process, across the media platforms, and am now branching out on my own in an attempt to market these skills to other companies.
My hope is that either you, or someone you know, may be looking for a freelance graphic artist with a background in marketing. In this vein, I have included several samples of my work, some artistic, others strictly advertising. I would love to meet with you to help find your media focus, and to begin the process of creating a new branded image for your company. Of course, I am new to the scene, so I can’t expect everything at once. Perhaps you have been working on something or with someone, but are unable to find the time to complete the task, or simply are at a roadblock. Let me help! Let me bring my fresh point of view as an outsider, to the equation. With a little bit of time, and a small bit of your input, I could bring your dream image to life, ready to publish in any media, from print to TV right on to the web!
Perhaps you want to get into marketing, or feel that your current marketing isn’t working up to its full potential. I have experience working with tight advertising budgets and finding ways to stretch and maximize those dollars, and, after working in marketing, I have many contacts at the various media outlets. Let me relieve you of the unwanted stress of media buying.
One final thing I think you’ll enjoy – Since I am just getting going, I think you’ll find that my freelance rates are very reasonable, ranging from $18 to $25 an hour depending on the project, and my media buying rates are fully negotiable. Once again, thank you for taking the time to look over my qualifications. I hope to hear from you soon!
To whom it may concern;
Thank you for taking the time to look over my resume and graphic samples. I am local resident with a flair for the creative. I am a fast learner, eager to please, and always offer the best work possible.
For the past five years, I have been working with Burlington Bedrooms, a local bedroom furniture retailer, to help create a cohesive branding image. Over these years, I have reclaimed skills and talents that I had long let lie dormant. I truly love working with the creative process, across the media platforms, and am now branching out on my own in an attempt to market these skills to other companies.
My hope is that either you, or someone you know, may be looking for a freelance graphic artist with a background in marketing. In this vein, I have included several samples of my work, some artistic, others strictly advertising. I would love to meet with you to help find your media focus, and to begin the process of creating a new branded image for your company. Of course, I am new to the scene, so I can’t expect everything at once. Perhaps you have been working on something or with someone, but are unable to find the time to complete the task, or simply are at a roadblock. Let me help! Let me bring my fresh point of view as an outsider, to the equation. With a little bit of time, and a small bit of your input, I could bring your dream image to life, ready to publish in any media, from print to TV right on to the web!
Perhaps you want to get into marketing, or feel that your current marketing isn’t working up to its full potential. I have experience working with tight advertising budgets and finding ways to stretch and maximize those dollars, and, after working in marketing, I have many contacts at the various media outlets. Let me relieve you of the unwanted stress of media buying.
One final thing I think you’ll enjoy – Since I am just getting going, I think you’ll find that my freelance rates are very reasonable, ranging from $18 to $25 an hour depending on the project, and my media buying rates are fully negotiable. Once again, thank you for taking the time to look over my qualifications. I hope to hear from you soon!
For grandpa
My grandfather recently passed away. I wrote this to help me understand my feelings.
The Long Journey Home
You’re born, the sunrise glints from the waves as life unfurls before you Like an ocean, uncharted and untamed.
Your body’s your ship; your family joins you as your fleet;
Love guides you as your compass.
Through crystal clear waters you sail,
Memories reflecting up from the dancing waves.
Though times may bring rough waters,
And the ships of your family may yet depart,
The beauty of the journey brings joy to your heart.
Then, one day, you come upon another ship,
Bouncing on the waves of life,
And you know that this one must join you.
You abandon your ships, and join together as one.
As the noon approaches, the sun lights your way,
And you can see for miles.
Life is beautiful.
You grow your fleet, first by one, then by more,
Until you have eight shining ships that have joined you.
You teach them and nurture them, set their courses straight,
And share your own love to guide them.
Though you may reach the dark clouds of storms,
And your fleet may wander,
And the waves of waters may threaten to overwhelm and overcome,
You yet chart your path, ride out the hardships, and all will end well.
The glassy waters calm, the fleet of your family returns.
As the sunset begins to glint from the waves,
You feel your compass begin to pull you away.
Though your fleet knows not why, your path alters,
And you begin to sail away.
They may try to follow.
But you wave to them. You tell them of your love.
You allow them their goodbyes.
You travel forth into the mist, a journey through the darkness,
But filled with the vivid reflections of memories,
Until a new sunrise begins, lighting your way on.
For the first time, you can see the shores.
There He stands .
As your soul leaves it’s ship,
Your journey has ended.
He welcomes you home.
The Long Journey Home
You’re born, the sunrise glints from the waves as life unfurls before you Like an ocean, uncharted and untamed.
Your body’s your ship; your family joins you as your fleet;
Love guides you as your compass.
Through crystal clear waters you sail,
Memories reflecting up from the dancing waves.
Though times may bring rough waters,
And the ships of your family may yet depart,
The beauty of the journey brings joy to your heart.
Then, one day, you come upon another ship,
Bouncing on the waves of life,
And you know that this one must join you.
You abandon your ships, and join together as one.
As the noon approaches, the sun lights your way,
And you can see for miles.
Life is beautiful.
You grow your fleet, first by one, then by more,
Until you have eight shining ships that have joined you.
You teach them and nurture them, set their courses straight,
And share your own love to guide them.
Though you may reach the dark clouds of storms,
And your fleet may wander,
And the waves of waters may threaten to overwhelm and overcome,
You yet chart your path, ride out the hardships, and all will end well.
The glassy waters calm, the fleet of your family returns.
As the sunset begins to glint from the waves,
You feel your compass begin to pull you away.
Though your fleet knows not why, your path alters,
And you begin to sail away.
They may try to follow.
But you wave to them. You tell them of your love.
You allow them their goodbyes.
You travel forth into the mist, a journey through the darkness,
But filled with the vivid reflections of memories,
Until a new sunrise begins, lighting your way on.
For the first time, you can see the shores.
There He stands .
As your soul leaves it’s ship,
Your journey has ended.
He welcomes you home.
Post for Dad
A couple of years ago, my dad killed himself by overdose. At the time, I wrote this for him. Maybe it can help someone else understand their feelings as well...
The Pain of Loss
Denial, Anger, Pleading, Depression, Acceptance
You were there. I heard you, I saw you. I found out today that you have left. I wonder where you have gone. Shortly ago, I know you were there. I heard you, I saw you. I think perhaps you still are. I still hear you, but can't see you.Where have you gone?
Why didn't you say you were leaving? Maybe I could have helped! Why did you leave so soon? I wasn't ready for you to go! You must come back. This isn't real. I know you are there.
I heard you. I saw you!
Why Did You Leave?
You didn't have to go. Why don't you come back? I promise I'll see you now. I'm sorry. Come back!
I never meant to push you away… You can come back now! I'll stay with you. You didn't have to go…
I worry now. I can't hear you. I can't see you. I can't hear you, can't see you. I worry now. Where have you gone? Why have you gone? Why have you left me here? I cry now. I can't hear you. I can't seeyou. Ever. Please come back…
I understand now. I can't hear you. I can't see you. I accept now. You left us here to end your pain. I miss you now, I want you here. I wish you hadn't left.
I will see you.
I will hear you.
Again…
in the end…
I miss you.
The Pain of Loss
Denial, Anger, Pleading, Depression, Acceptance
You were there. I heard you, I saw you. I found out today that you have left. I wonder where you have gone. Shortly ago, I know you were there. I heard you, I saw you. I think perhaps you still are. I still hear you, but can't see you.Where have you gone?
Why didn't you say you were leaving? Maybe I could have helped! Why did you leave so soon? I wasn't ready for you to go! You must come back. This isn't real. I know you are there.
I heard you. I saw you!
Why Did You Leave?
You didn't have to go. Why don't you come back? I promise I'll see you now. I'm sorry. Come back!
I never meant to push you away… You can come back now! I'll stay with you. You didn't have to go…
I worry now. I can't hear you. I can't see you. I can't hear you, can't see you. I worry now. Where have you gone? Why have you gone? Why have you left me here? I cry now. I can't hear you. I can't seeyou. Ever. Please come back…
I understand now. I can't hear you. I can't see you. I accept now. You left us here to end your pain. I miss you now, I want you here. I wish you hadn't left.
I will see you.
I will hear you.
Again…
in the end…
I miss you.
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