SuperWhoLock: What the Hell?

I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes. I've read all the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I own them as well, I was a big fan of House, I love the Robert Downey Jr. movies, Disney's The Great Mouse Detective, and of course, THIS:

As a fan of the BBC Sherlock, I follow several blogs on Tumblr that specialize in Sherlock-related posts. The only odd thing is that at least 50% of them also frequently post Dr.Who and Supernatural (the show, not the basic phenomenon) stuff. And what's more, they frequently cross the three over into one ubermench show.

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate either of these shows. I've just never seen them. I just don't get why people want to combine the three. Dr. Who and Sherlock, okay, both British, both Stephen Moffat. But how the hell does Supernatural fit in there?

This is akin to making Superman fight Wolverine and Paul Chadwick's Concrete. Two are superheros from two separate universes that have existed for decades and share a basic fandom. One is a LITERAL Dark Horse that was abducted by aliens, put into an artificial body, and lives in an otherwise normal world and just happens to be a graphic novel. In other words, zero connection outside medium.

Though he does seem a bit like The Thing, I'll give you that.

So, why put these three radically different shows together? Just because teen girls to twenty somethings enjoy all of them? That argument never made the Buffy, Sex in the City, and Sailor Moon crossover popular, did it?

Wait, gotta check Google.

Okay, nope. We're good.

So...it's just weird. And as someone who tries to shine a light into the deep recesses of nerd-dom and report back, I may have to start watching these shows and get an idea of why people think they'd mesh well.

Right after Series 4 comes out. Heh.

People are Dying to get out

I just found out that they went through 4 people in a year in my position at work.

Eep.

Now, it's not an easy job. There's a LOT to learn, especially about how to properly document things. Last night I was at work for an extra hour and a half (paid) putting in a late contract. I had no plans, so I was just very tired and hungry when I got home.

But I learned how to do it properly.

Today is my day off. Sucks because it's the only day this week Bahamute works for sure (he got called in last night, and was gone before I got home).

All in all, still really excited about the job. But tired. But hopeful.

Also, small side note, I LEARNED HOW TO USE A WORD PROCESSOR. It's awesome. I might get to type up death certificates!

In other news, going to go spend an hour on the phone so I can prove I'm me and get healthcare. Yaaaaay.

Achievement Unlocked: First Week at New Job Completed!

So, it's official: I work at several local funeral homes.

And it is kinda awesome.

For those of you who regularly read my blog, you'll know I was out of work for about two months prior to this, so even a part time job is a step up. Now, I find myself an office Manager for a small funeral home literally TWO MINUTES from my house (and a fill in for two others,slightly farther away).



As for the actual job, let me answer your big questions:

NO, I don't do anything with bodies. It takes years of training to do anything with them. The closest I've come to a body was going down to the supply room, which is next to where they store/work on bodies. Perhaps slightly creepy, but it doesn't bother me.

YES, part of my job is working funeral services, if they need me. This will involve showing people where to hang up coats, and answering simple questions. More like being a hostess than anything yes.

NO, it's not creepy. My office is upstairs, and used to be a house. It has PLUS PINK CARPET for Pete's sake!

Pictured: Office Cuteness Level

So, what do I actually do, you ask. Well, A LOT. I take payments, enter payments, enter bills, put in contract info/change contract info, take checks to the banks, do the mail, and about a hundred other things for which I'm training on the computer. So, general office manager stuff, with a VERY sharp learning curve. My supervisor says I'm doing really well, but at the end of some days I can't even think straight. I feel kinda dumb.

But not this dumb.

The people are all really nice, and very upbeat. No dour old undertakes in my offices. One of the Funeral Directors, let's call him Art, is about my age, and pretty much the least serious individual I've ever met. It took me aback, but they're all dead professional (ha ha, pun) with the families.

A few little oddities have abounded. I'm apparently the only one with an English degree (not surprising, it's not field related), but have not become known for using big words that have to be explained. Words like 'Preemptive' and 'Jubilant'.  I'm also the comma and apostrophe editor, and have been asked about minor wording issues on service materials, like obituaries and programs.

All in all, I like the job, but I wish I could go six months into the future and pluck all the knowledge and experience out of my head, and bring it back here. I understand how to do things: now just comes memorization.

On an unrelated topic, pretty sure the house ghost/presence is acting up again, as a music box that quite literally hasn't been touched in years went off while Bahamute and I played Minecraft last night (among other things). Cheers!

And sweet dreams.

Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared (of the internet)

Some of you may not be familiar with the puppetry phenomenon taking the internet by storm. If not, check out these two videos. Warning, they are CREEPY and a bit gory. Probably not safe for work, depending on if your boss is around or not.

Go ahead, watch 'em. I'll wait, and they're less than 8 minutes put together.

 The two videos are very interesting, and personal favorites of mine. Childlike whimsy mixed with puppets and creepiness: sign me up!

Of course, with popularity, comes fandom. And with fandom, comes people  who will recreate your characters in their own image. Just have a look at some of the art the two DHMIS's has inspired.


(From this artist)

Yep, that's the notepad and the clock. One artist on Tumblr drew humanized versions of the characters, and now the fandom has exploded with art.

And cue the ridiculous hate storm.

On Tumblr (the source of most of the art) people are complaining about the drawings. 'Why is it a herto couple?' 'Why do they 'look white'?' 'Why is their only one set design?'

These are drawings created by a fan that other people recreated of INHUMAN (but not inanimate) objects.  And other fans are offended by this. Instead of creating their own designs, they're just bitching and complaining. Kind of a microcosm of actual societal problems.

By the way, the puppets are voiced by a woman and man, respectively, which is why they are drawn that way.

For my part, I'm just boggled by the depth and creativity of some of these things. And for the record, there needs to be more art of the Red Guy (nicknamed Harry by the fans for obvious reasons). He's become an unofficial mascot of being done with weird stuff.

 



(the artist)

(this artist)

(original post)






So, you can understand why I might identify with Red.

The (Job) Hunter Games: The first Day is Nigh

Monday I officially start my new job at a local funeral home. Extremely local. Literally 2 minutes from my home (unless I'm at one of the other two locations). And not a bit two soon. My greenback stack is getting kinda slack, to borrow a Flanders-ism.

Wise words.

So, what does this mean for the future? Well, my free time will be back to pre-unemployment levels, and I'm okay with that. Just the prospect of getting a job got me working on my manuscripts and Wedding stuff. So actually having less time will make me more motivated. Or so the past has shown.

Other than that...Well, I don't know yet. I'll know more after Monday; how things work, what I'm expected to do daily, all that good stuff. I'm super excited.

In other news, I'm in day five of the week long separation from my fiancee, AKA his Florida vacation. In coming years when my employment situation is solid, I'll be able to join him. For now, just slogging through the last few cold days. At least I've been busy addressing invitation. Super fun.

Well, gotta go: I'm heading out for a brief visit with an apparently adorable bulldog. :D PUPPY!

Just a quickie

As I'm getting ready to go fill in paperwork for my new job, this blog will just be a quickie. But here are some things I'll cover in the future (and soon, Job, weather, and writing permitting):

Tumblr: I'm hooked. More on the story as it develops.

Sherlock Series 3: Waiting for the apparently trauma-inducing 'His Last Vow' to air before writing this.

Insidious 2: I don't own it yet, but I will soon. Review to follow.

Life and death and money: once I've worked a shift or two at the funeral homes, I'll have more info.

Teaching acting: Gonna propose this as a side job to a local theater owner I have an in with. Much discussion of business plans and models and tax codes and curriculum to follow. If I can make it interesting.

And about a thousand other things. Lately, my creative side has bounced back big-time. Guess I need the pressure of knowing I have a job and structured times where I can or cannot write and be creative. But until then, I'm sorry for the lack of real blogs and updates.

Well, gotta go put my face on and edit another manuscript chapter. Ahh, manic stages. Eases the pain.

Polar Vortex

I hate being cold.

Now, for those who know me, this will come as no surprise. I'm usually the one shivering, and trying to go inside when everyone else is enjoying their second (or first) hand smoke.

Which is not to say I don't enjoy winter, or snow, or things that come with being cold. It's mostly about shivering in a friend's house who prefers a cooler temperature, or mine where we're trying to save money. I generally find it easier to cool down than to warm up. I'll take being overheated any day.

Cue the POLAR VORTEX currently bearing down on us. 

Nope, I didn't make up the term. That is an honest-to-God (psuedo)scientific name for what the hell's going on in Canada and the Midwest USA. I've seen it on several website, and every time I've mentioned it, I've been accused of making it up. I'm flattered, but nothing I've made up is that good. Although the phrase 'The Netflix' is catching on among my friends.

But I digress.

Yesterday, Bahamute and I braved the crowds and went to Meijer for supplies, should the power fail. My future brother in law Grizz, a Kroger employee, has warned us in the past that storms make people crazy, and that everyone buys milk. Well, we needed milk, so to the back of the store we went, expecting the worst.

One hour later we left with milk, salt, Duraflame logs, and a tentative respect for our fellow man. Yes, it had been busy beyond belief, but nobody was shouting, or pushing, or complaining about long lines as far as we heard. There were a lot of  'pleases' and 'thank yous' and 'excuse mes' going about. It was nice that everyone realized the storm was the cause of the massive crowd, and that being a jerk wouldn't help anything.

However, I don't envy anyone who has to shop today, or even leave their house. Bahamute has a shift at GameStop in two hours, which will probably be slow beyond reason. That or a storm-maddened crowd will take the place over. Extremes are fun!

EXTREME!

My new job starts later this week, so the worst will be over by the time I have to leave the comfort of my green bloggin' chair. So to those of you who have to brave the cold: Godspeed.

The (Job) Hunger Games: the odds were in my favor.

I'm employed.

Next week I'll be working part-time two days a week, and on call for 6, at three local funeral homes.

If you read my last blog, you'll already know my feelings on working at a funeral home. 

I'm so happy to be employed again, even if it is part time. Essentially, it depends on how many people need their services. So, here's hoping for booming business!

Not that I want more people to die.

Practically, it means a few life-style changes. No more going to sleep at 2am. Not as much time to mess around Tumblr and Tickled. I won't be able to cook and clean like I (mostly) have been.

But I think this is just what I need to get writing again. I'd always feel the drive to write when I was at work, ideas flying into my head. Then, I'd go home and sort them out. This might just get me motivated again.

And if not, at least I'll have some money coming in. Even part-time is better than nothing.

So, next week, it starts. Thank you to everyone who helped me, and wished me luck over the last month and a half. And don't expect these blogs to stop: it's only part time, after all.

For now.

The (Job) Hunter Games: DoA?

Well Maria, you always said I'd wind up working at that funeral home in Keego. And now, it may be coming true.

Let me back up a bit.

A long time ago, when proto-hominids walked the earth, and my friend Maria lived 10 minutes away, I was in high school.

I'm not that old. I'm not even as old as this poster!

Well, near my home there's a small funeral home. None of my relations were ever memorialized there, and I've never been in the place. But I pass it every day. It's literally a half-hour walk from my home, and even closer to where my friend Maria used to live. We saw it every day in high school.

And with my fascination with all things dead and dreary, Maria would joke "You should work there!"

I only have 122 horror movies on this shelf ALONE (the tall one).

I would laugh and smile, but didn't take it seriously. I was going to college. I was going to be a teacher. I didn't need to work so close to home!

Now I've applied for a part time job there. My teaching aspirations are long since tucked away (no regrets there, not in this job market), and a part-time position with on-call possibilities sounds like a great way to get back into being employed.

I'm an approachable person, I'd like to think. The kind somebody would feel free to talk to if they have a question or an issue. I think that would translate well to the memorial industry. I've been to enough of them: I know the atmosphere of quiet dignity and grace. I think I could do that.

I think I could help.

I'm not gonna bring you down much longer, promise.

That's what it really comes down to, in all the positions I've had. Help. Help answering questions, approaching hard to approach people, finding a table, finding a file, getting drinks, getting figures, getting the right info to the right people. I can help. I am a good helper. I am a person to ask for help.

I miss that. I've been unemployed long enough to miss things besides the money. I miss people. I miss getting them answers and hearing 'thank you'. I miss being helpful.

I don't know if being helpful is 'What God put me on this earth to do', or anything that lofty/pretentious. But there are a lot worse ways I could spend my time here.

So. I'm off to seek jobs, post silly pictures, and clean the house. Maybe it'll help someone, maybe not. 

Maybe it'll just help me.

Post-Christmas Non Hangover

Usually after Christmas I'm a wreck, just coming off all the joy and adrenaline and stress and awfulness and wonderfulness that's wrapped up in the holiday.

This year, everything is moving at a glacial pace, and I'm ecstatic.

So far I've spent my days hanging at Grizz's house with his family, watching TV, eating pizza rolls, and playing World of Darkness (like D&D, more vampires and faeries). This is what we all should get after the holidays: time to recover. A vacation from the vacation. I know I'm not the first to say it, but it's still a great idea.

If I could just stop having nightmares about not being prepared for the wedding, it'd be perfect. That and the end of the world. But that's pretty normal for me. Zombies. Nameless monsters with yellow eyes and my friends faces. Normal. For me.

So, back to blogging, applying for jobs (a few interviews and such are coming up, hooray!) and writing. Started the morning with a rejection letter from a flash-fiction site. Well. At least I submitted something. It's a step forwards. 

What's on the agenda for today? Maybe seeing The Hobbit with the family. Maybe more. Maybe something worth writing about that doesn't make me sound lazy and spoiled. Well. Besides my in-character notes from gaming last night. That felt good. Very good.

I'll keep this short, as most people besides me are busy. Happy holiday hangover. Hope this helps: