I spent the last 5 years
working with an e-commerce company that is providing an e-commerce marketplace
for the printing industy [that factoid updated in 2005]. For more info, go to Printable.com.
This job WAS a big career change for me, since previously I was teaching special ed in
a non-public school for 12 to 20 year olds, most of whom lived in group homes
run by the same business as the school. That really turned out to not be such a
great place. I suppose that isn't really a big surprise considering the
environment and the management. It really sux to think about all the kids out
there who need help, and many times the help falls short, or does more damage.
I always enjoyed the kids I worked with, most of them were pretty cool.
I was injured April 20, 1999 while teaching though, and the stress
and politics just got to be too much. My injury was an orbital blowout fracture
of the left eye orbit, sustained from being punched by a student.
Interests?
Buddhism is not as well understood by many Americans as it could be. I recommend Buddha Net as an excellent online answer source.
I am also into Stone Carving, Origami, reading,
One of my many interests is Native American Studies, which my fiance David
actually studies in depth. I have been told I am part Cherokee (isn't everyone
*smile*). I can't prove any Native heritage, I don't claim it, and I am not
really concerned about proving it but strangely, many would scorn me, simply
because of those choices. That is OK with me, I do enjoy learning about this
wonderful tribe (and other tribes) as much as I enjoy many other things. I like
to study the Cherokee language when time permits and use Cherokee words for
things like my nick on IRC. Hence I go by Golanv there, and many other places,
which is Cherokee for Raven.
Try my Tsalagi Site, for more information about
Cherokee and links to other sites on the subject.
I do Native
American style beadwork, specifically peyote or gourd stitch, lane stitching on
leather or cloth items, edging (ie on pipe bag edge, etc.), and loom work. I
also make various other items, such as painted rawhide parfleches.
