I never imagined I'd become a blogger. Everybody is doing it. However, lately I find I need some sort of outlet for my thoughts. I've been going through a lot, and I think it would help to express myself regardless of whether anyone is reading. 

This is going to be kind of random. I'm a rather complex person, sometimes cranky and opinionated, but there's always a great deal of thought behind my words. Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy ride (I know, I'm paraphrasing).

In the past 2 years, I've lost my job, my home, and my mother. It's been very difficult to hear all the negative comments about unemployment and aid programs. Many jobless are trying very hard to find work, but it's not easy. We don't feel entitled to anything, we just want to earn a living and contribute. Try to imagine the stress and disappointment at repeatedly hearing "no" in response to applications. Eventually you start feeling that you're just not good enough. There's a stigma attached to extended unemployment, despite the fact that we're still ensconced in a dismal economy. Employers wonder why a person can't find a job after so many months. People who are employed don't understand how it undermines the esteem to have to rely on goodwill for literally everything. If it weren't for the generosity of my parents, I'd be homeless right now. Some aren't as lucky as me.

I'm proud of one thing: after about 25 years, I went back to school and earned a degree. It took me a long time to decide what I wanted, but I now have an Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design. I worked full time and went to school full time, and had to make some hard choices to keep up with both simultaneously, but the feeling of accomplishment is tremendous. I don't care whether I get a job in the field; I can pick up freelance work from time to time. I'm just glad to have something to show for my efforts. I'll keep trying different ways to build a clientele. Thus I have explained the "chic" part.

Now for the "geek." I'm a bit of a gamer, having played MMOs for more years than I care to count. From SWG to WoW, to SWTOR and possibly others in between, I find I'm more comfortable "meeting" people online. I'm a bit socially awkward and find it hard to interact in person. It could be I just haven't found many people who know how to engage me in conversation. It's really not hard: just talk about Star Wars, or Doctor Who, or Monty Python. I have a phenomenal memory and can spew random quotes from various movies. I love old cartoons. I love music, from classical to New Wave to classic rock. I'm not exactly a techie, but I do enjoy learning about new technology. I have a mind that can understand both technical and creative aspects of whatever. I'm a quick learner and very complex. I'm a very visual person, so it's sometimes hard to find the right words. Don't ever mistake that for a simple mind, though. When I'm on a roll, few can keep up. 

Enough for now. A girl can't reveal all her secrets at once. I'll do my best to keep you entertained and involved. I've got lots more to tell over time. Keep watching...