Busy, busy, busy
So whilst I continue to be jobless (which is a real fucking downer), I have been keeping myself pretty busy.
For one, I completed all the layout changes for my fanlistings which I’d started over a year ago (or at least 8-9 months ago) and never finished. Unfortunately, I did use tables as a means of putting my layouts in order, but if I’d spent the time fucking around with divs, I’d have never got them done and it doesn’t bother me much since they’re only fanlistings – they’ll survive.
Secondly, I’ve updated my whole network of fanlisting (owned and joined – http://love.inspirata.org) with Enthusiast 3. I’ve heard that it’s a more secure script than PHPFanList, which is what I was using, and so far I’ve had two people join a fanlisting that hasn’t had activity in months, so maybe visitors like that added security too (?).
Along with this update came re-adding my 500+ joined fanlistings. I couldn’t find a converter from the script I was using (PHPFanBase, I think?) to Enthusiast, so I had to do them all by hand. It really turned into a blessing in disguise because it gives me the opportunity to see which are still valid links and which are leading to 404s. I’ve got up to ‘G’ in link-checking so far, so we’ll see how that goes.
One thing that really gets me pissed off is when people lose their fanlisting (or adopt it out, whatever) and don’t take it down. I then believe it’s right, and I don’t double-check TFL.org to see if it’s still the ‘approved’ fanlisting (because I’m not going to check every link on TFL!). Anyway, for the few of you who read this, maybe you’ll agree 
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After I get through all this checking, I’ll then need to go to the members list of all my owned fanlistings and code check *le sigh*. It’s a big job, but it’s something you take on as a responsibility when you’re a fanlisting owner, I guess. I’m grateful I don’t have one of these fanlistings with 50,000+ members (although they probably have volunteers who code check).
Speaking of checking for linkbacks, I’ve also updated Inspirata Listings with a new layout. I loved the old one but it was time for a change and now seemed like a good time. I am, however, looking for a better, more secure script to use. If you know of one, please let me know. I tried ‘Link Up’ but it was too difficult to customise – I just couldn’t work it out, so I left it with SimpleDir 3.2 for the time being. So yeah, let me know if you know of a better script!
Lastly, I “redesigned” Inspirata Designs, and bought a domain name for it so it’s easier to find. I’m gradually building clientele, which is great and it means I can get at least some money coming in (although it’s not a reliable or steady income), and so I thought a more streamlined and creative layout was in order. I’d completely forgotten about my portfolio, which I’d linked off there, so I moved the layout that I was using for my portfolio and integrated the whole site into it (so that’s what I mean by “redesigned”, since the design already existed, but just in another place!). I eventually would also like to buy a reseller account and offer hosting, as well as other local computer services (building PCs, etc.) but at the moment it’s not an option because of the fact I’d need certification in hardware installation, and the money situation cancels that out. If you want to check it out, please do – I’d love to just hear what you think about the site 
Anywho, I think that’s about it for now. I’m looking forward to tomorrow – going to head down to the library and renew my card, since I haven’t used it in over 2 years, and get my head into some good books. I miss reading and really want to get back into it.
Until next time…
The epitome of frustration
That’s my life right now. I cannot get a job anywhere I apply – no-one is even giving me a chance by at least giving me an interview. It’s like, even if you’ve decided on someone, at least give me the opportunity of an interview to get to know me, and maybe – just maybe – you could give me something, or help me out. Sheesh.
So I’ve just updated the layout on my site again. Hope you all like it. As much as I loved the last layout, it took *forever* to load on my parent’s internet connection, so it was just getting beyond ridiculous waiting for my own site to load, so I changed it to something a little less graphic-intense.
My current obsession is cooking. I’m making things that I’ve never tried before, and I’m not being frightened about it. My most recent meals have been Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas and my first loaf of banana bread. At SEXMB, we were talking about getting a recipe blog up and running, so I thought I might use Cada Momento (my old photoblog) for it, since I wasn’t using it for anything anymore. So you can find our recipe blog at http://foodfor.cada-momento.com (or just cada-momento.com will get you there). My recipes for the enchiladas and banana bread are there too.
Last night I made a chicken stirfry, using up leftover chicken. It turned out really, really nice so I might add a recipe for the stirfry sauce as well – although it was totally just thrown together and I don’t have exact measurements.
So my parents are away for an unannounced amount of time (I’m not saying how long they’re gone for or when they’re coming back, etc. for our safety) and we’re looking after the house. I love the slight independence, but it’s difficult cooking for an extra person (my brother) and also getting him to help out around the house, etc. since all he wants to do is go to parties, drink and be with his girlfriend. I love him to bits, but he needs to start taking some responsibility. I’m really looking forward to having mum and dad home again – I’m going to ensure that the house is as clean as possible and I’ll cook dinner for them that night so that they don’t need to walk in and think about the mess they’ll have to clean up.
So I think that’s a long enough post for today (!) – I’m going to go get some lunch. BAI!
The Blogger
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Ad-Free Site
Whilst I have done paid blogging in the past, I find it’s not productive enough to make any amount of money unless you’re constantly doing it, which can in turn piss off your readers. So I’ve made the decision to go ad-free. If I mention products or services at all, they’ll be my genuine opinions on things I actually utilise, and I will not be paid for them.
