Review Necessary

Well as Caitlin so lovingly pointed out there were a number of mistakes made with the Clackamas River cleansing. First it is necessary to read Caitlin's entry "The Good Times and the Bad Times" below posted 9/13 so you understand what I am going to say. First she is in graduate school therefore quoting an REI calendar event should be done so without falsifying information. There was no mention of Preregistration. Anywhere. Also she had full opportunity to figure things out, so Danny's fault I think not. Unfortunately I was also very surprised by the activities taken for the day: sign up, payment, rafts, splitting up, # of people, etc. but I was willing and happy to deal with it. Others, on the other hand, were less accepting.

So, lets begin by saying my inability to research the process did have negative effects on my Karma. When we were placed in separate rafts I believed it would be a blessing since Caitlin was not in a Danny accepting mood. The only way to help was stay away and look more miserable than she did. Luckily for her my raft situation fixed that for me. While she was in a raft with a bunch of people our age who are there by themselves to have fun and meet people I was stuck with a group I titled the Family Blue. Each person in this family of four was wearing athletic shorts and a bright blue shirt and just seemed like one of those families who would have family game night playing charades and making sock puppets all the while saying corny jokes and cheesy compliments. Keep in mind I was in a bitter mood also so my world view at the time was far from optimistic. I was the person in the depression commercials with a rain cloud over my head while someone playing happily with their dog runs by and I think 'what a stupid dog chasing that ball like that.' Well turns out the family blue definitely has different characteristics than what my family does. I attempted small talk "so do you play any sports?" to their senior aged son Chris. "No, but I'm on the debate and speech teams!" he said enthusiastically. I hesitated and looked over the water and then gave a theatrical nod "Well those sure will come in handy some day, won't they." slightly in disbelief what I just heard.

The Family Blue actually turned out to be a very nice group of people and very interesting it just took them a long long time to warm up to the single young male intruding on their family outing. Like Caitlin said it was a very successful day. We picked up trash like no one's business. We actually found a number of homeless campsites where we were cleaning. Near the tent in a bush I thought 'hey look at this a balloon.' Well I guess you know the rest of the story. A flail of the arms, shrill shriek, and a small but nonetheless gag and I moved on. Here is a news article from the event if you are interested.

http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2011/09/trash_collected_during_clackam.html

Now then we move onto the job search. It is really funny how businesses train their HR reps to talk very passionately about businesses and the positions they are seeking to fill, because I could go to an interview thinking 'wow this job would be terrible' and then at the end 'why can't I be more qualified to work as a customer service rep for Netflix the epitome of such positions.' Which I doubt it is but after going to the interview I leave feeling very down on myself believing I "did not fit the position they are looking for." I don't know this for sure, but I believe the sneaky HR person removed me from the group interview very incognito thinking it was the end, but I know the truth she didn't like me. Funny interview though. We sat around a table and we pretended she was a caller and we were customer service. Really weird if you've never done it before, and lets just say I probably did not put my best foot forward. I may have failed the role playing (I'm not sure, but I have a bad feeling) but I blew away the skills test which asked, "what does PC mean?" and "how do you minimize your web browser?" So I am a competent and qualified individual I just need some simple job requirements such as those.

Today. Yes today... Oh boy. This one hurts because it just shows how big of a sucker I am. I knew the company I applied for was a scam company. Their add "Want to make 75k with no experience? Well apply at Archetype!" Oh boy I say. Really I don't remember applying, but they called and asked if I wanted an interview. Mom says "you should go to interviews just for the experience." "OK MOM." Red flags should go up when I go and they never discuss my qualifications, education, or experience. All they talked about was the job fitting me. Oh and it is a 3 part interview. Alright! "and guess what you made it to round 2 when can you come in" "Tomorrow! SCORE one for Danny!" Did I mention they described the job as managing a sales account and meeting with your clients about increasing productivity in your account. I want to point blame to Eric Evans for describing his job he really enjoys to me with similar key words, not your fault, because I knew what this job was, but they reminded me of what he did so I thought it may have been that.. So I was sold only thing the 2nd interview was working and job shadowing an account rep for a day. DUH ok I'll do that. WELL after a 7 hour carefree, no expense paid workday this isn't the position for me.

Before my mom encouraged interviews I said "It's a kirby vacuum salesman scam." I am usually pretty humble, but wow do I know what I am talking about. 7 hours today I followed a sales rep and his trainee all over South East Portland into every shop and business in the area to ask "so, how about your office supplies?" AAAARRGH I'm so stupid! And I know it is a scam because there is no one at the entire office over 30, even the management is probably 25. Also they had 4 other suckers doing the exact same thing I did today. And the poor trainee in my group! You are going to be free advertising for this company, because people are paid strictly on 28% commission and some BS bonuses, and he couldn't sell water in the Sahara desert. No offense, he was a really nice guy, but he can't sell anything. But to slam home my case about very likely scam. I had nearly a job offer, 28% commission, you drive your own car where gas is only reimbursed $50 after making 8 accounts in one week, accounts have pretty strict rules on what kind of companies can apply (Size, # employees) You only get commission on opening account sales nothing after you leave, and you only get certain "territories" that they assign kind of like the poor run down neighborhood where we were today and sold twice for a total of $70 including shipping. So tell me my 5 readers scam, or position my super sly salesman mentality could rake in huge sums of money?

Sorry about the ranting, but I'm a little worked up. Morale of the story, don't apply at places that don't say what they are. So Clackamas River Cleanup, and Archetype "Review Necessary." I need to look into what I do. So all the hugs, kisses, love, and joy I do not receive for my recent exploits out to all of you! Thanks for reading and keep in touch.