Archive for the ‘Shameless Plug’ Category

So a little under year ago my wife and I began doing what I refer to as job math. We did the math and figured out that a web designer with the amount of experience that Janice has (lots) can earn a lot more than a low-mid range level designer. And so I became the primary care giver for the kids while my wife became the bread winner. We did more math and realized that we could make the same amount, or possibly more, by working freelance at part-time hours. Plus no boss, and we get to stay home with the kids.

Heck, we had ’em, we might as well raise ’em.

And so we set out to turn her part-time business, into our primary source of income. And we set a small financial goal for ourselves. While we understand that it is unlikely that we will build our way up to our full earning potential in our first year, we did set a milestone.

“If we can earn at least “X” in one year, then we are doing good enough to keep it going. Otherwise we should stop and try for conventional employment again.

Well we have reached that number. And now we have have joined the ranks of the self-employed.

My wife handles web design and coding, while I do graphics. Between us, and a few subcontractors we employ, we’re capable of handling just about any website needs.

So if you, or someone you know is in thinking about giving somebody money to design a web site, please remember that I want that money, in a very deep and spiritual way.

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So I have this little project I have been working on for a while, and I have reached a snag.

The title.

(more…)

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One of my readers sent me a link to to a site that is having a contest for humorous counseling statements. I’m not sure if I should enter this contest, although I am tempted to post everything from my list that was actually used in a counseling statement.

But it’s a funny read, and if any of you have anything to add, they might give you a free t-shirt.

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I met these people at a job fair for veterans. If you, generic or someone you know could use their services it would probably be worth checking them out.

The Vet Center offers free readjustment counseling for combat veterans and their families. A service of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Vet Centers are located outside the hospital in a storefront community environment and are openly accessible without an appointment through the VA system. Vet Centers also offer counseling for bereavement and sexual trauma.

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Around a year ago I got a great job offer to go and work on an MMO based off a well known property.  I accepted the offer, and moved to Arizona.  The company was great, the people have been awesome, and I found that I really enjoy living in the Phoenix area.  Except for the heat of course. (Most places have four seasons.  Arizona has two.  Hot, and Sun-Blasted Hellscape.)

But me and my wife are expecting two children.  We don’t have the built-in support network of friends and family that you tend to build up when you’ve spent a long time in one place and had a chance to set down roots.

And as much as I like the place where I live, and I like what I do, I don’t get to make decisions based on what I like any more.  I make decisions based on what’s best for my family.

My wife and I have decided that under the circumstances we need to live closer to our relatives.  And so we are moving back to the Dallas area.  We are doing this soon, as we would like to get it done before she get’s too big to travel.

As much as I’d like to remain in the video game industry that is probably not feasible given the state of it in the area that we are moving to.  Both my wife and I have already started to look for work in the area.  But one thing I have learned about looking for work is that knowing people in the right place can get a lot of opportunities.  Since I have a whole bunch of people who look at this site on a regular basis, I figured I’d ask here.  Do any of you know of any places hiring in the Dallas area?

I’m primarily looking for Graphic Design, and my wife is primarily looking for Web Design.  But we’ll take anything with health insurance.

Janice has 10 years of professional web and graphic design experience. You can view her site, including her portfolio and business blog, here.

I have over 10 years of experience using 2D graphics software, such as Adobe, and Corel products.  I spent 6 years doing graphic design work, and have worked in some seriously high stress environments with high standards for the final product, such as the Military and the game industry.  I was working on a graphic design portfolio when my power supply burned out.  I should be able to get a few work samples up within a week or so.  I also know most of the basics with MS Office, and I can be an office monkey do some clerical work too.   Also I can evidently write funny blog posts.  I’m not sure how many paying positions there are for that, but I’m willing to listen to any ideas.

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So a little while ago my wife notices that we were getting significant traffic from my ranking at The Heart Attack Grill. And since she has a web design business going we figure the extra traffic could hep her out too.

So if it’s not too much trouble would you mind clicking on the other link for her?  I mean it is her birthday and all. (And now I can get a free burger too.)

Also, if you are in the market for web design, try checking out GeekArtist Web Solutions.  She pretty much does everything here, except for the writing.  And presumably you think this site is pretty good, since you are reading this and all.

T-minus 2 hours to bovine induced cardiac implosion.  Yeeehaw!

That’s right, I said “yeehaw”.  Deal with it.

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