There is something that will always, without fail, piss me off.
What is wrong with some people?
I'm driving from Watson to Regina this evening. It is a boring, almost completely straight road. However, there is just enough, up and down, with hills and dips that you frequently lose sight distance. It is a difficult road to pass safely on.
Now under ordinary circumstances, this doesn't matter. Its a rarely used road, relatively speaking, and its infrequent that I've ever noticed significant traffic. Thus you can set your cruise at a comfortable pace, and just settle in for a two hour drive.
But then there's Mister Wizard. The stupid-ass monkey butt that's just gotta go 200 miles per hour in his Chevy Malibu. And he is just so damn important that he's gotta pass me. No one for a hundred miles, I'm not going slow, but this genius just HAS to pass me.
The trouble is, I'm following someone myself. Like I said, its a slow, lazy, boring drive. Hilly terrain making it difficult to pass. So, I adjust my cruise down a couple notches, and just stay behind the car in front of me. But not Mr. Wizard! Going up a hill, the idiot goes around me, but because he's an impatient jack-ass, as he's halfway through his pass, someone crests the hill in the oppposite direction. Pinball Wizard quickly ducks back into the proper lane, and now he's sandwiched himself between me and the person I was following. Keep in mind I'm on cruise, and I've set a comfortable following distance. Dill weed the wonder weevil has now completely screwed that up.
Is it really so damn important that you get to Regina 10 minutes sooner? I mean REALLY! Just slow, and wait until its clear to pass. Don't pull this irritating cowboy crap.
People piss me off. Can someone explain why we're not hunting them for sport?
Friday, July 30, 2004
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Here's what I want to know.
These two nitwits, Paris and Nicole, are all about image, and beauty, makeup/hair/style and on, and on and on. So, today they are working in a beauty salon.
HOW CAN THEY F&%K THIS UP!?!?!?!?!
I don't get it. This IS their calling. They should be fantastic at this. Then again, you take a look at the pancake approach they use on their own faces, and it gives a person pause. Nevertheless, they try to promote the agenda that they are hot, and know how to create hot. So why the hatchet job?
This is the fundamental flaw with The Simple Life. Its staged. Its supposed to be reality, but its clearly not because the principles are obviously doing things that are out of character for a typical person. And that's why you can't really embrace the show. You know its all a put-on.
In conclusion, I thought this episode was stupid. Paris and Nicole can't even do a good job of working in a beauty salon? If even that is a joke then what's the point? Luckily the biker family was of just the right temperment to put up with this idiocy.
See you all again next week!!!
These two nitwits, Paris and Nicole, are all about image, and beauty, makeup/hair/style and on, and on and on. So, today they are working in a beauty salon.
HOW CAN THEY F&%K THIS UP!?!?!?!?!
I don't get it. This IS their calling. They should be fantastic at this. Then again, you take a look at the pancake approach they use on their own faces, and it gives a person pause. Nevertheless, they try to promote the agenda that they are hot, and know how to create hot. So why the hatchet job?
This is the fundamental flaw with The Simple Life. Its staged. Its supposed to be reality, but its clearly not because the principles are obviously doing things that are out of character for a typical person. And that's why you can't really embrace the show. You know its all a put-on.
In conclusion, I thought this episode was stupid. Paris and Nicole can't even do a good job of working in a beauty salon? If even that is a joke then what's the point? Luckily the biker family was of just the right temperment to put up with this idiocy.
See you all again next week!!!
Whoever is calling me from 1-800-559-8155, you should really consider giving up. I never answer my land-line phone. I know that anyone who wants to reach me, and who I want to speak to, will call my cell phone or get me on the computer. You're not going to get me to answer when I see only a phone number, and a suspicious one at that.
If you wanna talk to me, I'd better know its you or the call we be unanswered.
Toodles!
If you wanna talk to me, I'd better know its you or the call we be unanswered.
Toodles!
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
I will freely admit that I have no clue about all the intricacies involved in the BSE crisis that is ruining (or so we are told) the lives of cattle producers in Canada. However, I have some ideas.
1) Grow something else. I was reading the wall of the diner today, as I awaited the completion of my cheeseburger. They were offering a conversion to buffalo or elk burgers, for a lower price. So, I asked myself the question, why not buffalo, elk, deer? I have not heard mention of any of these animals getting mad cow disease. (and why would they, they're no cows) Perhaps we could end-run that beef embargo by selling the Americans some exotic meat.
2) Why not a BSE-resistant cow? We can build all kinds of hybridized plants, flowers, and other assorted living things, so why not a cow that can't get BSE? If the cow can't get mad cow disease, the ban on the shipping of them would have to be lifted, wouldn't it? How can you ban something because it might carry disease if genetically it can't get the disease? Makes sense to me.
Points to ponder. Toodles.
1) Grow something else. I was reading the wall of the diner today, as I awaited the completion of my cheeseburger. They were offering a conversion to buffalo or elk burgers, for a lower price. So, I asked myself the question, why not buffalo, elk, deer? I have not heard mention of any of these animals getting mad cow disease. (and why would they, they're no cows) Perhaps we could end-run that beef embargo by selling the Americans some exotic meat.
2) Why not a BSE-resistant cow? We can build all kinds of hybridized plants, flowers, and other assorted living things, so why not a cow that can't get BSE? If the cow can't get mad cow disease, the ban on the shipping of them would have to be lifted, wouldn't it? How can you ban something because it might carry disease if genetically it can't get the disease? Makes sense to me.
Points to ponder. Toodles.
Monday, July 26, 2004
Update to Friday's depressing blog.
Things needed to change. So, they did.
I had a chat with my boss this morning. I explained my point of view and how I did not appreciate the comments directed at me during last week's operations meeting. He agreed. My boss said he felt the tone of the comments directed my way was inappropriate. However, he had some vision on it that I was clouded from seeing. After a good chat, he brought me around to understanding that it was all about changing things, and making them better. So it will all work out, by the end of the game.
Those of you concerned for my state of mind, thank you for your comments. The interest you have in my predicament was appreciated. Its not to have support from the ones that care. And to answer the questions put to me, yes, there will be changes in operation at work. We're going to expand the roles of a few people, and get me some help. I am feeling relieved.
Thanks for listening and have a great day!
Things needed to change. So, they did.
I had a chat with my boss this morning. I explained my point of view and how I did not appreciate the comments directed at me during last week's operations meeting. He agreed. My boss said he felt the tone of the comments directed my way was inappropriate. However, he had some vision on it that I was clouded from seeing. After a good chat, he brought me around to understanding that it was all about changing things, and making them better. So it will all work out, by the end of the game.
Those of you concerned for my state of mind, thank you for your comments. The interest you have in my predicament was appreciated. Its not to have support from the ones that care. And to answer the questions put to me, yes, there will be changes in operation at work. We're going to expand the roles of a few people, and get me some help. I am feeling relieved.
Thanks for listening and have a great day!
Friday, July 23, 2004
I'm not quite sure what to do with this emotion. I'm going to kick it around for a couple of paragraphs and see if I can't find some kind peace.
Someone accused me of not doing my job. That stung, a lot. Lately I've been pouring myself into my work. Ten and twelve hour days, until I simply can't think anymore, and have to rest. I work on weekends. I take calls when I'm out of the office. I try to fix problems when I'm not in the same country. I am trying to do everything at once, and make everyone happy, all the time.
Increasingly I am finding that I simply haven't the resources to satisfy everyone. I am being forced to accept that some people are going to be mad at me. This is proving difficult to swallow. I lust for approval from others. Through the whole of my life, my actions have been largely based on the principle of getting people to like me. I've never really felt wanted, despite the fact that I am wanted, by many people, for many reasons. I'm just never satisfied. Its a self perpetuating cycle of getting praise or acceptance, and wanting it more with each action. Everything becomes this uncontrollable maelstrom that does not cease until I punt it in spectacular fashion, and lose everyone except the most near, and the most dear.
Am I trying to do too much? I don't know. I think I need an outside perspective on this because my inner notion is to double up my efforts, and try even harder than I am now. This will undoubtably lead to yet another breakdown, and the real possibility exists that I'll screw over my entire existence, yet again, and have to start over. I don't know if I can start over again. I've been to the end of the rope a number of times in my adult life. I'm not sure I can pick up again for attempt number seven.
So what to do? A hundred people want a thousand things from me. The barrage keeps coming, with no abatement. I'm tired now. The tremors have returned, signalling the early beginning of a slide into disaster. Its July right now. Where am I going to find the necessary time to save myself? I just acquired two new projects, and have an intriguing possibility on my desk. I need to relax, and clear my head. I need to believe. I need faith. But that portion of my mind and my soul, have been empty, for far too long a period of time.
So what to do? Mostly I'm just babbling right now, so the torments in my head, have some way of escaping, rather than churn my gut, and burn my soul. I expect no answer. I need no reply. Thank you for listening, all of you that are. To know you are out there, helps me greatly.
Later . . .
Someone accused me of not doing my job. That stung, a lot. Lately I've been pouring myself into my work. Ten and twelve hour days, until I simply can't think anymore, and have to rest. I work on weekends. I take calls when I'm out of the office. I try to fix problems when I'm not in the same country. I am trying to do everything at once, and make everyone happy, all the time.
Increasingly I am finding that I simply haven't the resources to satisfy everyone. I am being forced to accept that some people are going to be mad at me. This is proving difficult to swallow. I lust for approval from others. Through the whole of my life, my actions have been largely based on the principle of getting people to like me. I've never really felt wanted, despite the fact that I am wanted, by many people, for many reasons. I'm just never satisfied. Its a self perpetuating cycle of getting praise or acceptance, and wanting it more with each action. Everything becomes this uncontrollable maelstrom that does not cease until I punt it in spectacular fashion, and lose everyone except the most near, and the most dear.
Am I trying to do too much? I don't know. I think I need an outside perspective on this because my inner notion is to double up my efforts, and try even harder than I am now. This will undoubtably lead to yet another breakdown, and the real possibility exists that I'll screw over my entire existence, yet again, and have to start over. I don't know if I can start over again. I've been to the end of the rope a number of times in my adult life. I'm not sure I can pick up again for attempt number seven.
So what to do? A hundred people want a thousand things from me. The barrage keeps coming, with no abatement. I'm tired now. The tremors have returned, signalling the early beginning of a slide into disaster. Its July right now. Where am I going to find the necessary time to save myself? I just acquired two new projects, and have an intriguing possibility on my desk. I need to relax, and clear my head. I need to believe. I need faith. But that portion of my mind and my soul, have been empty, for far too long a period of time.
So what to do? Mostly I'm just babbling right now, so the torments in my head, have some way of escaping, rather than churn my gut, and burn my soul. I expect no answer. I need no reply. Thank you for listening, all of you that are. To know you are out there, helps me greatly.
Later . . .
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Grant's Restaurant Review:
I'm not much of one for restaurant eating. Due to my lack of social grace, it is not often that I have a companion who could go with me on a restuarant excursion. Or perhaps it is not a lack of social grace that causes my situation, but perhaps only a lack of courage. One way or the other, I don't fine dine very regularly.
Thus I find myself doing the fast food thing, more often than not. When I'm 'on the road' the easiest thing to do is get fast-food or take-out an camp out in the hotel room. Plus, when you're on the road you know you'll be alone, so fast food is the least lonely choice.
You gotta stay away from the burgers though. At least I do. Enough of that kind of food, and my stomach wages an all out civil war with me. Its not pretty. I try to mix it up, to confuse and befuddle my meddlesome purge reaction. A pizza, a sub, maybe a hamburger. Taco Bell when I can find it. The Subway sandwich (thank you Christiane and Melissa) has become a leading contender for my food purchasing dollar. I like that option. Its not grease, which aids in my digestion, and retention of the consumed food.
I don't often have restuarant food in Watson. Truthfully, I just don't trust it. All the places offering food in this town are not providing the visual cues I need to feel comfortable about making that food choice. In a word, they look 'ratty'. Especially the Quick Stop. It is this little dump of a building, directly across the street from the office. I look at it a thousand a day out my office window. I've been spending some long hours in the office this week and at the end of the effort, I'm not enthusiastic about going home and trying to find something appealing in the fridge. My bigger problem is, I'm working 10-12 hours a day, and the only thing I do that could be described as 'fun' is eating. Something out of the freezer, put in the microwave, does not stimulate my fun button.
So, I've been getting take-out from the Quick Stop. Now, the name of this establishment will trigger some smiles in those of my readers that are well versed in the lore of Jay and Silent Bob. (hi Sean) This Quick Stop is nothing like that Quick Stop. However, distinguishable about the Watson Quick Stop is the general run-down nature of the building. It looks like a greasy shack. It doesn't inspire confidence. But, my dad and I tried it, when he came to Watson to golf with me, and I have to say that it was pretty good. I kept that in mind as I wandered in there a couple times this week.
The burgers are phenomenal. I can't say enough good things about the cow sandwich. The fries may have had a bit too much seasoning salt on them. This made them tangy, which isn't bad, but seemed a little over the top. The burgers were top notch though. I would definitely recommend them. So, should the Gamefest Crew ever return to Watson, I think we should all give the Quick Stop a try, and we can compare notes.
So, this was a long entry about nothing. Sorry about that. I'm feeling social tonight, and there's no one on MSN. So I'll chat with my blog. Thanks for listening!!
Toodles!
I'm not much of one for restaurant eating. Due to my lack of social grace, it is not often that I have a companion who could go with me on a restuarant excursion. Or perhaps it is not a lack of social grace that causes my situation, but perhaps only a lack of courage. One way or the other, I don't fine dine very regularly.
Thus I find myself doing the fast food thing, more often than not. When I'm 'on the road' the easiest thing to do is get fast-food or take-out an camp out in the hotel room. Plus, when you're on the road you know you'll be alone, so fast food is the least lonely choice.
You gotta stay away from the burgers though. At least I do. Enough of that kind of food, and my stomach wages an all out civil war with me. Its not pretty. I try to mix it up, to confuse and befuddle my meddlesome purge reaction. A pizza, a sub, maybe a hamburger. Taco Bell when I can find it. The Subway sandwich (thank you Christiane and Melissa) has become a leading contender for my food purchasing dollar. I like that option. Its not grease, which aids in my digestion, and retention of the consumed food.
I don't often have restuarant food in Watson. Truthfully, I just don't trust it. All the places offering food in this town are not providing the visual cues I need to feel comfortable about making that food choice. In a word, they look 'ratty'. Especially the Quick Stop. It is this little dump of a building, directly across the street from the office. I look at it a thousand a day out my office window. I've been spending some long hours in the office this week and at the end of the effort, I'm not enthusiastic about going home and trying to find something appealing in the fridge. My bigger problem is, I'm working 10-12 hours a day, and the only thing I do that could be described as 'fun' is eating. Something out of the freezer, put in the microwave, does not stimulate my fun button.
So, I've been getting take-out from the Quick Stop. Now, the name of this establishment will trigger some smiles in those of my readers that are well versed in the lore of Jay and Silent Bob. (hi Sean) This Quick Stop is nothing like that Quick Stop. However, distinguishable about the Watson Quick Stop is the general run-down nature of the building. It looks like a greasy shack. It doesn't inspire confidence. But, my dad and I tried it, when he came to Watson to golf with me, and I have to say that it was pretty good. I kept that in mind as I wandered in there a couple times this week.
The burgers are phenomenal. I can't say enough good things about the cow sandwich. The fries may have had a bit too much seasoning salt on them. This made them tangy, which isn't bad, but seemed a little over the top. The burgers were top notch though. I would definitely recommend them. So, should the Gamefest Crew ever return to Watson, I think we should all give the Quick Stop a try, and we can compare notes.
So, this was a long entry about nothing. Sorry about that. I'm feeling social tonight, and there's no one on MSN. So I'll chat with my blog. Thanks for listening!!
Toodles!
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Okay people, we have to talk about this.
What is the deal with releasing TV shows on DVD? I'm not opposed to the concept. There are some shows that are 'classic' enough that we deserve the opportunity to acquire DVD copies of them, for future enjoyment. What is baffling me is, this trend towards releasing EVERYTHING on DVD.
For reasons I won't go into here, I happened to be looking on Future Shop site tonight for new, or soon to be released, DVD's. In my search I came across the fact that they are releasing 'Boy Meets World' on DVD.
Boy Meets World!?! Are you serious? Yes, the show had the occasional moment. And yes, Topanga was hot, but good grief! This show was hardly classic. And it certainly wasn't good, by an objective review of its merit. At best it was pandering to teenage idolatry. It does not deserve to be on DVD. Nor does Saved By The Bell, which I noticed on the Future Shop stores shelves, on one of my visits to that store. In fact, Saved By The Bell is an even more egregious travesty. That show SUCKED!!! I can say that, while fully admitting I used to watch it faithfully. But again, it was pseudo-porn for kids that couldn't get real porn. Guys could fawn of Kelly Kapowski, and then 'need a moment'. I suppose girls might have gone for Zack or A.C. God help them if Screech turned their crank. The production value was brutal, in either instance. Please, spare us from such ill advised releases.
But I suppose, its cheap revenue. The shows are not in production anymore, and the likelihood is, the principals of the show see little or no cut if more money is made in DVD sales. If you're a fat cat Hollywood type, why not release something with a cult following on DVD. The fanboys will probably buy it, and at least insure that the adventure does not lose money.
Still, I wish they'd consider these things from a cultural perspective. Do we really want future generations to find out that we were entertained by something so vacuous?
I'm out.
What is the deal with releasing TV shows on DVD? I'm not opposed to the concept. There are some shows that are 'classic' enough that we deserve the opportunity to acquire DVD copies of them, for future enjoyment. What is baffling me is, this trend towards releasing EVERYTHING on DVD.
For reasons I won't go into here, I happened to be looking on Future Shop site tonight for new, or soon to be released, DVD's. In my search I came across the fact that they are releasing 'Boy Meets World' on DVD.
Boy Meets World!?! Are you serious? Yes, the show had the occasional moment. And yes, Topanga was hot, but good grief! This show was hardly classic. And it certainly wasn't good, by an objective review of its merit. At best it was pandering to teenage idolatry. It does not deserve to be on DVD. Nor does Saved By The Bell, which I noticed on the Future Shop stores shelves, on one of my visits to that store. In fact, Saved By The Bell is an even more egregious travesty. That show SUCKED!!! I can say that, while fully admitting I used to watch it faithfully. But again, it was pseudo-porn for kids that couldn't get real porn. Guys could fawn of Kelly Kapowski, and then 'need a moment'. I suppose girls might have gone for Zack or A.C. God help them if Screech turned their crank. The production value was brutal, in either instance. Please, spare us from such ill advised releases.
But I suppose, its cheap revenue. The shows are not in production anymore, and the likelihood is, the principals of the show see little or no cut if more money is made in DVD sales. If you're a fat cat Hollywood type, why not release something with a cult following on DVD. The fanboys will probably buy it, and at least insure that the adventure does not lose money.
Still, I wish they'd consider these things from a cultural perspective. Do we really want future generations to find out that we were entertained by something so vacuous?
I'm out.
I'm pretty sure I've blogged about this before. However, it is not a situation that has rectified itself, in the fullness of time, so I'm going to blog about it, again!
What's the deal with putting the good show on at lunch, and absolutely NOTHING at 8:00 in the evening when I finally have time to watch them!?! I hate that. At the end of a day I don't have a boat load of ambition left. Frankly, most nights I don't want to do anything more than lie on my couch, and let the world entertain me. And the sick thing is, the world seems totally uninterested in providing me entertainment.
Am I asking too much? Do I need to find my own entertainment, or should life provide it to me, for free? Thoughts?
What's the deal with putting the good show on at lunch, and absolutely NOTHING at 8:00 in the evening when I finally have time to watch them!?! I hate that. At the end of a day I don't have a boat load of ambition left. Frankly, most nights I don't want to do anything more than lie on my couch, and let the world entertain me. And the sick thing is, the world seems totally uninterested in providing me entertainment.
Am I asking too much? Do I need to find my own entertainment, or should life provide it to me, for free? Thoughts?
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Another exhausting day in the life of a water treatment engineer.
On a positive note, I secured another project for the company. I feel pretty good about that. Granted, I didn't pour my heart and soul into it, like I did for the project in Manitoba, but we got it, and that's nice. Make a couple bucks and get something for our, less skilled, technicians to develop their talent. It will work nicely.
Besides that, I was managing about 6 other projects, listening to staff complaints and trying to put that back together. Its hard to get much constructive done when you spend your whole day talking to people. Which is a weird scenario for me to find myself in because I am not really a talker. But I must be doing something right, if we're making all this money.
Thanks for listening people. I appreciate this soap box to speak from.
Toodles!!
On a positive note, I secured another project for the company. I feel pretty good about that. Granted, I didn't pour my heart and soul into it, like I did for the project in Manitoba, but we got it, and that's nice. Make a couple bucks and get something for our, less skilled, technicians to develop their talent. It will work nicely.
Besides that, I was managing about 6 other projects, listening to staff complaints and trying to put that back together. Its hard to get much constructive done when you spend your whole day talking to people. Which is a weird scenario for me to find myself in because I am not really a talker. But I must be doing something right, if we're making all this money.
Thanks for listening people. I appreciate this soap box to speak from.
Toodles!!
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Here we are again, back home, safe and sound, discovering the little
questions that I am renowned for contemplating. On the block
today is the topic of the 'home page'.
What does everyone use for their 'home page'?
I have different ones on different computers. Mostly a hold-back
from previous setups of the various computers. My old, still
functioning system, has www.mysask.com as the home page. This is
a hold over from the days of SaskTel's Sympatico affiliation.
Most of the rest have the default www.msn.com selection, that you get
when you install Windows. www.msn.com is a servicable choice for
a home page. It has a nice snapshot of interesting articles to
fill a 30 second period when you start up a browser.
I go to Yahoo a lot. I don't search with it. I use Google,
like 99.98% of internet users worldwide. But Yahoo has Groups,
which provide me considerable amusement, the email system is better
than Hotmail because they give more storage. The Maps are
handy. All in all, Yahoo provides me more utility than MSN.
Does anyone else use Yahoo as their 'home page'? Should I switch?
Please, discuss.
Toodles!!!
questions that I am renowned for contemplating. On the block
today is the topic of the 'home page'.
What does everyone use for their 'home page'?
I have different ones on different computers. Mostly a hold-back
from previous setups of the various computers. My old, still
functioning system, has www.mysask.com as the home page. This is
a hold over from the days of SaskTel's Sympatico affiliation.
Most of the rest have the default www.msn.com selection, that you get
when you install Windows. www.msn.com is a servicable choice for
a home page. It has a nice snapshot of interesting articles to
fill a 30 second period when you start up a browser.
I go to Yahoo a lot. I don't search with it. I use Google,
like 99.98% of internet users worldwide. But Yahoo has Groups,
which provide me considerable amusement, the email system is better
than Hotmail because they give more storage. The Maps are
handy. All in all, Yahoo provides me more utility than MSN.
Does anyone else use Yahoo as their 'home page'? Should I switch?
Please, discuss.
Toodles!!!
Friday, July 16, 2004
Thursday, July 15, 2004
8:16 PM - Mountain Daylight Savings Time
Something happened today.
I'm sitting on an airplane right now. There is this agitated man sitting next to me. He keeps fidgeting. Not that I care really, but it would be irritating if my mind wasn't 1000 miles away.
Something happened today.
I'm sorry Melissa. I swear I didn't mean to ignore you. You deserve better than I behaved. You have my apology, and hopefully that will suffice until I can beg for forgiveness.
Something happened today.
I think about all that has happened to me. I find myself contemplating the series of events that have come before this moment. And if I judge it honestly, things are better than good. I have no cause for true dis-satisfaction.
Except for one thing . . .
Something happened today.
I wish I could stop thinking. For one hour, I wish I could sit in a moment and not have to listen to the demons and voices that haunt the great caverns in my mind. Giant spaces, that lust for stimulation and knowledge, to fill them. But as I attempt to insinuate worthwhile thoughts in these gaping chasms, I find myself deafened by thoughts of the failures of my past.
Why must I have these moments? Why can I not escape from the shrieking cacophony of wailing torments? I loathe this layer of despair that must coat my heart.
Something happened today.
What do you do when you reflect on a moment, a decision, a fork in the road where you chose the path that was paved, and well lit, as opposed to the one through the dark, uncharted, and frightening forest? How do you sleep in the night, when your eyes are wide open, and you realize that the safe, easy path you chose ended in a desolate wasteland, and not the comfortable garden you were hoping for?
I met a new friend today. Her name was Natasha. (Why did I choose the past tense? More pessimism?) It was a peculiar moment. It was not at all in context for me. A pretty, obviously younger (to a significant degree) girl sat down next to me in the Albequerque airport. And to my utter surprise, I spoke to her first.
And from there she launched in a conversation with me that did not abate until she boarded our mutual plane. We talked, we joked, we laughed, we had fun. Granted, the bulk of the exchange was her talking and me listening but it remained a shared moment.
When we disembarked in Phoenix I sought her out because I had enjoyed her company immensely and I hoped for more, should her next departure be some hours away. It was, and we shared lunch. I saw her to her gate and we discovered her plane was delayed. I got another couple hours of her company. I was elated.
The depth to which we explored amazes me still. She was smart, articulate, poised and knowledgeable, belie-ing her tender age of only 18. We talked of families, pasts, gifts and talents, points of personal liability, sex, politics, religion and faith, human behaviour. It was one of the most intoxicating verbal discourses I can ever remember having.
And it was over, gone too soon. An email address shared, she boarded her plane for Vancouver. A single serving friend? Only time will tell.
So why the allusion of misery? It made me remember the decision I made, that I regret. It is the one that haunts me in the dark night, when the room is black but the eyes are wide.
Natasha happened to be in New Mexico because she was defying the wishes of her parents (although they didn't sound that reasonable, even subtracting for teenage hyperbole) and going to a foreign country for the sake of love. She had made a wild, impetuous decision and run off to be with her 'boyfriend'. (long story to the quotation marks - please simply accept them with the dubiousness I am suggesting) The un-erasable smile, glow in her skin, and joy resonating in her voice proved to me that she was happy with the decision, despite the parental wrath that awaited her at home.
As my flight out of Phoenix was delayed 90 minutes, I had plenty of time (altogether too much, to be completely frank) to reflect on the parallel in Natasha's choice, and how I handled the similar situation.
You can't change the past. I know that. A decision made can never be un-made. I accept that, and try to move forward. Most of the time I can do that. But it never disappears.
Natasha was enchanting. She glowed, which was probably in no small part the result of a last tryst before parting with the aforementioned 'boyfriend'. The state of her unavailability did not impact at all upon the whisper she lay upon my heart. I was touched, if only for a moment.
And I remember. And it stings, the wound that lays upon my soul, never to be healed. I remember what I had and how I didn't do the impetuous, romantic thing I was supposed to do. That I needed to do. The one thing that had to be done, even though we agreed it couldn't, or shouldn't be done.
All the talk that lead away from the passionate, romantic voyage, was really just the rising action towards it being done. But I was pragmatic and not romantic. And because of that I sit in seat 3F, the painful memories of a chance that was abandoned, burning my heart, like the spray of acid on an open sore. The urge to howl, swells in my throat. The wetness of tears forms on my eyes. But I won't. Again I swallow the misery that I must accept. I chose, and it was the wrong choice.
Its still there. Like one always remembers their name, I remember that love.
Be well, my love. I hope that time will eventually re-unite us. If faith does not have that in store for us then please, be happy and enjoy life. You are my shining star and the one with a room waiting for you in my soul.
Good night.
8:16 PM - Mountain Daylight Savings Time
Something happened today.
I'm sitting on an airplane right now. There is this agitated man sitting next to me. He keeps fidgeting. Not that I care really, but it would be irritating if my mind wasn't 1000 miles away.
Something happened today.
I'm sorry Melissa. I swear I didn't mean to ignore you. You deserve better than I behaved. You have my apology, and hopefully that will suffice until I can beg for forgiveness.
Something happened today.
I think about all that has happened to me. I find myself contemplating the series of events that have come before this moment. And if I judge it honestly, things are better than good. I have no cause for true dis-satisfaction.
Except for one thing . . .
Something happened today.
I wish I could stop thinking. For one hour, I wish I could sit in a moment and not have to listen to the demons and voices that haunt the great caverns in my mind. Giant spaces, that lust for stimulation and knowledge, to fill them. But as I attempt to insinuate worthwhile thoughts in these gaping chasms, I find myself deafened by thoughts of the failures of my past.
Why must I have these moments? Why can I not escape from the shrieking cacophony of wailing torments? I loathe this layer of despair that must coat my heart.
Something happened today.
What do you do when you reflect on a moment, a decision, a fork in the road where you chose the path that was paved, and well lit, as opposed to the one through the dark, uncharted, and frightening forest? How do you sleep in the night, when your eyes are wide open, and you realize that the safe, easy path you chose ended in a desolate wasteland, and not the comfortable garden you were hoping for?
I met a new friend today. Her name was Natasha. (Why did I choose the past tense? More pessimism?) It was a peculiar moment. It was not at all in context for me. A pretty, obviously younger (to a significant degree) girl sat down next to me in the Albequerque airport. And to my utter surprise, I spoke to her first.
And from there she launched in a conversation with me that did not abate until she boarded our mutual plane. We talked, we joked, we laughed, we had fun. Granted, the bulk of the exchange was her talking and me listening but it remained a shared moment.
When we disembarked in Phoenix I sought her out because I had enjoyed her company immensely and I hoped for more, should her next departure be some hours away. It was, and we shared lunch. I saw her to her gate and we discovered her plane was delayed. I got another couple hours of her company. I was elated.
The depth to which we explored amazes me still. She was smart, articulate, poised and knowledgeable, belie-ing her tender age of only 18. We talked of families, pasts, gifts and talents, points of personal liability, sex, politics, religion and faith, human behaviour. It was one of the most intoxicating verbal discourses I can ever remember having.
And it was over, gone too soon. An email address shared, she boarded her plane for Vancouver. A single serving friend? Only time will tell.
So why the allusion of misery? It made me remember the decision I made, that I regret. It is the one that haunts me in the dark night, when the room is black but the eyes are wide.
Natasha happened to be in New Mexico because she was defying the wishes of her parents (although they didn't sound that reasonable, even subtracting for teenage hyperbole) and going to a foreign country for the sake of love. She had made a wild, impetuous decision and run off to be with her 'boyfriend'. (long story to the quotation marks - please simply accept them with the dubiousness I am suggesting) The un-erasable smile, glow in her skin, and joy resonating in her voice proved to me that she was happy with the decision, despite the parental wrath that awaited her at home.
As my flight out of Phoenix was delayed 90 minutes, I had plenty of time (altogether too much, to be completely frank) to reflect on the parallel in Natasha's choice, and how I handled the similar situation.
You can't change the past. I know that. A decision made can never be un-made. I accept that, and try to move forward. Most of the time I can do that. But it never disappears.
Natasha was enchanting. She glowed, which was probably in no small part the result of a last tryst before parting with the aforementioned 'boyfriend'. The state of her unavailability did not impact at all upon the whisper she lay upon my heart. I was touched, if only for a moment.
And I remember. And it stings, the wound that lays upon my soul, never to be healed. I remember what I had and how I didn't do the impetuous, romantic thing I was supposed to do. That I needed to do. The one thing that had to be done, even though we agreed it couldn't, or shouldn't be done.
All the talk that lead away from the passionate, romantic voyage, was really just the rising action towards it being done. But I was pragmatic and not romantic. And because of that I sit in seat 3F, the painful memories of a chance that was abandoned, burning my heart, like the spray of acid on an open sore. The urge to howl, swells in my throat. The wetness of tears forms on my eyes. But I won't. Again I swallow the misery that I must accept. I chose, and it was the wrong choice.
Its still there. Like one always remembers their name, I remember that love.
Be well, my love. I hope that time will eventually re-unite us. If faith does not have that in store for us then please, be happy and enjoy life. You are my shining star and the one with a room waiting for you in my soul.
Good night.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Most of you probably saw this picture earlier, when I emailed it off to nearly everyone that I knew.
Down a hole
I got a response from someone about it. Actually I got several responses but this one was funny for what she said, and the fact I never would have expected it from her.
> You should get that put on your business card. :o)
>
> Grant Guenther
> "Your hole specialist"
>
> Come to think of it that would be a great tag line for a proctologist.....don't ya think?
Down a hole
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I got a response from someone about it. Actually I got several responses but this one was funny for what she said, and the fact I never would have expected it from her.
> You should get that put on your business card. :o)
>
> Grant Guenther
> "Your hole specialist"
>
> Come to think of it that would be a great tag line for a proctologist.....don't ya think?
Blog Assignment Of The Day:
We have a new task people! Put on your thinking caps and let's get started!
My boss wants to rename the company. He mentioned this morning that the 'Conditioning' at the end of Central Water is somewhat old-fashioned, and not connected to what the focus of our business model now is. He thinks we should rename the company. And I agree.
The assignment presented to us is, rename it to what? He kind of likes the 'Central Water'part, but we're looking to ditch the word 'Conditioning'. The target of this assignment is to re-brand ourselves, with an eye towards what we do now (commercial/industrial/municipal membrane treatment systems) and what we could do in the future.
Please submit all entries by the usual method.
We have a new task people! Put on your thinking caps and let's get started!
My boss wants to rename the company. He mentioned this morning that the 'Conditioning' at the end of Central Water is somewhat old-fashioned, and not connected to what the focus of our business model now is. He thinks we should rename the company. And I agree.
The assignment presented to us is, rename it to what? He kind of likes the 'Central Water'part, but we're looking to ditch the word 'Conditioning'. The target of this assignment is to re-brand ourselves, with an eye towards what we do now (commercial/industrial/municipal membrane treatment systems) and what we could do in the future.
Please submit all entries by the usual method.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Again, just for the record, I want to make a proclamation. Greg AJ Schwalm, living in the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is a god damn, unbelievable freakin' genius.
I was having some trouble with my network equipment at home. I piddled around with it a bunch of times but I always got to the same point. My notebook would access the wireless network but my WiFi enabled PDA would not access it. However, when I say it wouldn't access it, I do not mean in totality. Sometimes it would. But in an hour of trying, the PDA would be online for 1 minute, and offline for the other 59 minutes. It was very frustrating. It worked, but very, very poorly, so I blamed incompatible equipment, and gave up. (until I would get a new bug in my ass about having wireless access for my PDA)
Then, I was talking to Greg about network equipment last weekend. I had just bought an SMC all-in-one and (router/switch/wireless access point) package and it worked slicker than Vaseline. From the time I opened the box, until it was fully functional, including wireless connection for my laptop AND PDA, was about 10 minutes. This contrasts with my DLink equipment in Watson, that was giving me all the grief. I told this story to Greg, glowing over how well it worked, and how well my DLink stuff did NOT work, and contemplating another SMC device for Watson, when Greg asked me a very important question.
Had I done a firmware upgrade for my network equipment?
Well no, I had not, because frankly, I didn't think of it. However, it made complete sense because my PDA was a brand spanking new model when I bought it. It was among the first batch to arrive at our supplier, so I was one of the first people in North America to have one of these Toshiba PDA's. My firmware (I know now) was from January 2003, so it wasn't as current as it could be, and was not as current as my new e750 PDA. It got all excited about having the wireless in Watson work right. Then I had to wait almost a week to try it out.
Well, it worked! Just like Greg suggested it might. I upgraded my firmware on the router, and then on the wireless access port. I pulled the PDA out of my vest pocket (where it nearly always is) and yup, without a hitch, the two started talking immediately. And its way faster than any other network I've ever connected this PDA to before.
I am super impressed. I want to send a heartfelt thank you out to my buddy Greg. Once again he has shown me his incredible genius, and calm, rational resolution of a problem. There are many times I wish I had his vision, when it comes to technical support. Thought I don't say it enough, thanks a bunch Greg. Once more you have fixed my problem. No meagre amount of words I could string together would ever convey enough, my relief at all the problems of mine that you solve. I have only this I can say.
Thank you.
I was having some trouble with my network equipment at home. I piddled around with it a bunch of times but I always got to the same point. My notebook would access the wireless network but my WiFi enabled PDA would not access it. However, when I say it wouldn't access it, I do not mean in totality. Sometimes it would. But in an hour of trying, the PDA would be online for 1 minute, and offline for the other 59 minutes. It was very frustrating. It worked, but very, very poorly, so I blamed incompatible equipment, and gave up. (until I would get a new bug in my ass about having wireless access for my PDA)
Then, I was talking to Greg about network equipment last weekend. I had just bought an SMC all-in-one and (router/switch/wireless access point) package and it worked slicker than Vaseline. From the time I opened the box, until it was fully functional, including wireless connection for my laptop AND PDA, was about 10 minutes. This contrasts with my DLink equipment in Watson, that was giving me all the grief. I told this story to Greg, glowing over how well it worked, and how well my DLink stuff did NOT work, and contemplating another SMC device for Watson, when Greg asked me a very important question.
Had I done a firmware upgrade for my network equipment?
Well no, I had not, because frankly, I didn't think of it. However, it made complete sense because my PDA was a brand spanking new model when I bought it. It was among the first batch to arrive at our supplier, so I was one of the first people in North America to have one of these Toshiba PDA's. My firmware (I know now) was from January 2003, so it wasn't as current as it could be, and was not as current as my new e750 PDA. It got all excited about having the wireless in Watson work right. Then I had to wait almost a week to try it out.
Well, it worked! Just like Greg suggested it might. I upgraded my firmware on the router, and then on the wireless access port. I pulled the PDA out of my vest pocket (where it nearly always is) and yup, without a hitch, the two started talking immediately. And its way faster than any other network I've ever connected this PDA to before.
I am super impressed. I want to send a heartfelt thank you out to my buddy Greg. Once again he has shown me his incredible genius, and calm, rational resolution of a problem. There are many times I wish I had his vision, when it comes to technical support. Thought I don't say it enough, thanks a bunch Greg. Once more you have fixed my problem. No meagre amount of words I could string together would ever convey enough, my relief at all the problems of mine that you solve. I have only this I can say.
Thank you.
For the record, I want to say that Trailer Park Boys is the most entertaining piece of television that this country has ever produced.
Yes, it looks low budget and amateurish. To the producers credit, they took a lack of abundant funding and used it to their advantage. The documentary style allows it to look rough, but completely appropriate. It may seem a little unpolished but the quality of the production does not say a thing about the level of entertainment. This show is freakin' hilarious! You can't help but laugh. I was slow to convert but now that I have, I think this show is great! I will continue to buy the DVD's.
That is all for now. Be well, and in moments of sadness, watch Trailer Park Boys.
Yes, it looks low budget and amateurish. To the producers credit, they took a lack of abundant funding and used it to their advantage. The documentary style allows it to look rough, but completely appropriate. It may seem a little unpolished but the quality of the production does not say a thing about the level of entertainment. This show is freakin' hilarious! You can't help but laugh. I was slow to convert but now that I have, I think this show is great! I will continue to buy the DVD's.
That is all for now. Be well, and in moments of sadness, watch Trailer Park Boys.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Reflections on an evening at Saskatchewan Place, serving beer to the pathetically small crowd of not fully evolved hooligans.
1) Why did I collect $35.25 in tips on a night when the crowd was at least 90% male? Do I come off as gay?
2) How can you walk up to a bar, that shows no bottles of alcohol, no soft drink dispensers, and no apparent facilities for making a mixed drink, and confidently ask for 2 rye and Cokes?
3) At what point in your personal evolution did you deviate from growing, if you can stand in front of me, and with no attempt at humor in your voice, ask me how big a 15 oz beer is?
1) Why did I collect $35.25 in tips on a night when the crowd was at least 90% male? Do I come off as gay?
2) How can you walk up to a bar, that shows no bottles of alcohol, no soft drink dispensers, and no apparent facilities for making a mixed drink, and confidently ask for 2 rye and Cokes?
3) At what point in your personal evolution did you deviate from growing, if you can stand in front of me, and with no attempt at humor in your voice, ask me how big a 15 oz beer is?
Friday, July 02, 2004
I am an idiot.
Canada day for your good buddy Telk was very slow. Slow to the point of noticing moss grow around my unmoving position on the couch in the den. My A/C unit got its first real test and performed well. There is a wicked temperature inversion as you come downstairs. I was impressed.
However, I am an idiot. I watched three movies today. Pirates of the Carribean, Die Another Day, and Lara Croft: Cradle of Life. That was my afternoon. At 8:00 the Britney Spears concert from Miami came on live on Movie Central. I thought that would be interesting to watch. I was incorrect. Somewhere in the first half an hour of the show I fell asleep.
Falling asleep during a Britney Spears concert would not, on its own, make me an idiot. There is a greater purpose beyond my idiot story.
I'm lazy. After a couple of hours of contemplation I decided to buy some food. I wanted a Quiznos sub, I further chose in my period of contemplation. I drove over and got it about 6:30. It was just before 7:00 when I got myself back into bunker mode on the downstairs couch. My dad's grass was still looking a little sickly so I chose to turn the water on again.
Now I think you can see where this is headed. I fell asleep during Britney. It was not, however, Britney's fault. The idiot part comes in where I slept through turning off the grass watering. When I awoke, it was 1:00. I still didn't remember the grass. I decided to go to bed and knowing how my mom feels about windows open while no one is awake, I took the A/C hose out of the window and closed it. I looked outside and noticed the sidewalk was wet. Oh cool, I thought. Its raining, like I predicted. Then I noticed the mall wasn't wet. I mentioned some profanity before running outside to shut the water off.
Surprisingly enough, the story doesn't end there. I went to bed. That much is true. The longer I lay there, the more awake I became. By 1:45 I was bored with lying in the dark so I got up again. Decided against A/C so I instead opened the window for some fresh air. Sat back down and listened to the sounds of nature (and traffic that was still on the streets at 2:00 AM). It didn't sound right. I sat up and sure enough, its raining. 6 hours of watering, all for little point.
I am an idiot.
Toodles!
Canada day for your good buddy Telk was very slow. Slow to the point of noticing moss grow around my unmoving position on the couch in the den. My A/C unit got its first real test and performed well. There is a wicked temperature inversion as you come downstairs. I was impressed.
However, I am an idiot. I watched three movies today. Pirates of the Carribean, Die Another Day, and Lara Croft: Cradle of Life. That was my afternoon. At 8:00 the Britney Spears concert from Miami came on live on Movie Central. I thought that would be interesting to watch. I was incorrect. Somewhere in the first half an hour of the show I fell asleep.
Falling asleep during a Britney Spears concert would not, on its own, make me an idiot. There is a greater purpose beyond my idiot story.
I'm lazy. After a couple of hours of contemplation I decided to buy some food. I wanted a Quiznos sub, I further chose in my period of contemplation. I drove over and got it about 6:30. It was just before 7:00 when I got myself back into bunker mode on the downstairs couch. My dad's grass was still looking a little sickly so I chose to turn the water on again.
Now I think you can see where this is headed. I fell asleep during Britney. It was not, however, Britney's fault. The idiot part comes in where I slept through turning off the grass watering. When I awoke, it was 1:00. I still didn't remember the grass. I decided to go to bed and knowing how my mom feels about windows open while no one is awake, I took the A/C hose out of the window and closed it. I looked outside and noticed the sidewalk was wet. Oh cool, I thought. Its raining, like I predicted. Then I noticed the mall wasn't wet. I mentioned some profanity before running outside to shut the water off.
Surprisingly enough, the story doesn't end there. I went to bed. That much is true. The longer I lay there, the more awake I became. By 1:45 I was bored with lying in the dark so I got up again. Decided against A/C so I instead opened the window for some fresh air. Sat back down and listened to the sounds of nature (and traffic that was still on the streets at 2:00 AM). It didn't sound right. I sat up and sure enough, its raining. 6 hours of watering, all for little point.
I am an idiot.
Toodles!
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
I sold another computer today.
Its kind of unexpected. I didn't get up this morning with any thought of computer sales on my mind. Frankly, it was about the furthest thing possible from my mind. I have 93 different things going on, most of them from work, and I barely concerned myself with computer sales. Except for the occasional fleeting thought of the order that is currently enroute.
My boss invited me for lunch. I bought last time so it seemed like a reciprocal thing. Plus, he mentioned some glowing praise for the completion of the units in Maple Creek. He was really impressed, which made me feel good.
I'm sitting, eating my chicken and sausage (I know, weird combination) and my bosses buddy Greg sits down with us. Murray and Greg exchange greetings, and chat idly. I continue to consume my dead animal flesh. Then, from out of nowhere Greg asks me if I could build a system for him.
I was caught off-guard. I wasn't thinking about computers! But, I'd just put together a package for Central Water, so I had a recent quote in my head. I mentioned the computer I'd just sourced for work, and its $600 price tag, and he seemed agreeable to that. The conversation opened up as I mentioned prices for things like DVD burners, and so on, but eventually everyone migrated to another topic and I was alone with my thoughts.
However, as the noon hour was winding down, and everyone was getting ready to leave, Greg asks me if I'd order that computer for him. GA-FUH!?!?! He didn't want a quote, he wanted a machine. So, I sold a computer, without doing any selling. I will order it tonight, or sometime soon, depending on availability of businesses through this holiday weekend. It is strange how some things go.
Be well my friends. Toodles!
Its kind of unexpected. I didn't get up this morning with any thought of computer sales on my mind. Frankly, it was about the furthest thing possible from my mind. I have 93 different things going on, most of them from work, and I barely concerned myself with computer sales. Except for the occasional fleeting thought of the order that is currently enroute.
My boss invited me for lunch. I bought last time so it seemed like a reciprocal thing. Plus, he mentioned some glowing praise for the completion of the units in Maple Creek. He was really impressed, which made me feel good.
I'm sitting, eating my chicken and sausage (I know, weird combination) and my bosses buddy Greg sits down with us. Murray and Greg exchange greetings, and chat idly. I continue to consume my dead animal flesh. Then, from out of nowhere Greg asks me if I could build a system for him.
I was caught off-guard. I wasn't thinking about computers! But, I'd just put together a package for Central Water, so I had a recent quote in my head. I mentioned the computer I'd just sourced for work, and its $600 price tag, and he seemed agreeable to that. The conversation opened up as I mentioned prices for things like DVD burners, and so on, but eventually everyone migrated to another topic and I was alone with my thoughts.
However, as the noon hour was winding down, and everyone was getting ready to leave, Greg asks me if I'd order that computer for him. GA-FUH!?!?! He didn't want a quote, he wanted a machine. So, I sold a computer, without doing any selling. I will order it tonight, or sometime soon, depending on availability of businesses through this holiday weekend. It is strange how some things go.
Be well my friends. Toodles!
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Monday, June 28, 2004
Did you all do your civic duty today?
I don't vote everytime. When I first got the right, I made a point of exercising it. It was new for me, and I had an opinion or two that I wanted to convey, so I voted. Its not hard at all, and we really should do it, so maybe things get done the way we'd most like to see them done. The party system we employ in our democracy is not fail-proof. But if we all vote, then the group that wins, should be the choice of the most people.
It is easy to do. The people running the show do everything. All you have to do is provide proof of identity and make an X in a box. How much easier would it need to be? I'm glad I did it. I feel a twinge of something, although I am not sure of what. Hopefully the party I voted for wins. I think they're imperfect, but our best hope, given the circumstances.
Get out and vote! Its easy, takes almost no time, and its a worthwhile thing to do. As the lame TV commercial spouts, speak when everyone is listening.
I don't vote everytime. When I first got the right, I made a point of exercising it. It was new for me, and I had an opinion or two that I wanted to convey, so I voted. Its not hard at all, and we really should do it, so maybe things get done the way we'd most like to see them done. The party system we employ in our democracy is not fail-proof. But if we all vote, then the group that wins, should be the choice of the most people.
It is easy to do. The people running the show do everything. All you have to do is provide proof of identity and make an X in a box. How much easier would it need to be? I'm glad I did it. I feel a twinge of something, although I am not sure of what. Hopefully the party I voted for wins. I think they're imperfect, but our best hope, given the circumstances.
Get out and vote! Its easy, takes almost no time, and its a worthwhile thing to do. As the lame TV commercial spouts, speak when everyone is listening.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Friday, June 25, 2004
Have you ever been in one of those bathrooms with huge mirrors? Or one of those bathrooms with mirrored shower doors? In my sister's new house, there is a bathroom off the kitchen. Its got an interesting shower (Which BTW Candace and Trevor, could use a nicer shower curtain) and a mirror that runs the length of the small room. Thus, when you're using the commode, as a guy, you can watch yourself.
Am I the only person that is creeped out by this? I'm doing some anecdotal reckoning but I would suspect that the average length of time to do one's business is 30 seconds. Its not entirely impossible to not look, but when its RIGHT THERE, I find it impossible to not glance up at least once. And then I'm watching myself do my business, and it troubles me in a vague, not easily defined, way.
Obviously girls woundn't have the EXACT same experience, in that bathroom. But how about the rest of you guys? Or girls when the shower doors are mirrored? Am I alone in this? Discuss amongst yourselves.
Toodles!
Am I the only person that is creeped out by this? I'm doing some anecdotal reckoning but I would suspect that the average length of time to do one's business is 30 seconds. Its not entirely impossible to not look, but when its RIGHT THERE, I find it impossible to not glance up at least once. And then I'm watching myself do my business, and it troubles me in a vague, not easily defined, way.
Obviously girls woundn't have the EXACT same experience, in that bathroom. But how about the rest of you guys? Or girls when the shower doors are mirrored? Am I alone in this? Discuss amongst yourselves.
Toodles!
Thursday, June 24, 2004
I guess I kind of left you all hanging, didn't I?
This morning's Word Of The Day did have a basis in life. It was not just a random choice.
Okay then, knock it off with the stupid melodrama!!!
My sister is now engaged. Last night about 8:00 or so I got a call from Candace. She was all breathless and excited. She managed to get out the part about being proposed to, and the accepting. Beyond that she seemed to dazed to make much sense. (sorry Candace, just calling them like I see them)
So that was yesterday's big news, to go on top of full tilt deer destruction. It turned out to be a momentous day.
Congratulations to Candace and Trevor. Those of you with the means, please send them well wishes. I, for one, am extremely happy for them.
Toodles!
This morning's Word Of The Day did have a basis in life. It was not just a random choice.
Okay then, knock it off with the stupid melodrama!!!
My sister is now engaged. Last night about 8:00 or so I got a call from Candace. She was all breathless and excited. She managed to get out the part about being proposed to, and the accepting. Beyond that she seemed to dazed to make much sense. (sorry Candace, just calling them like I see them)
So that was yesterday's big news, to go on top of full tilt deer destruction. It turned out to be a momentous day.
Congratulations to Candace and Trevor. Those of you with the means, please send them well wishes. I, for one, am extremely happy for them.
Toodles!
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
So, I hit a deer today.
I had just left the Gordon Indian reserve, on my way to the Muskowekwan Indian Reserve. I was in a hurry, since the meeting at Gordon ran WAY long. It was quarter to twelve before I made it back to the highway, and cell phone coverage. I started down the highway, a little irritated because I wouldn't make it to Muskowekwan before lunch. I really didn't want to hang around outside the water plant for an hour or more, waiting for operators to return after lunch.
I'm coming down the highway and this deer head pops up out of the grass. I instinctively brake, as anyone would. But the deer doesn't appear to want to come up onto the road. As I get close, it breaks into a dead run, in the same direction that I am travelling.
I don't quite understand what this deer's motivation was. A dead sprint through the tall grass in the ditch, in parallel with me. I slow down from normal highway speed, but he's staying in the ditch so I don't come to a stop. Then, as we reach the congruence of our velocities, this stupid animal decides to make the break for the opposite side of the road.
I slammed on the brakes but that was of little consequence. Squish, squish goes the deer as I pile into it, primarily with the front, driver side, quarter panel. This whole process took about 5 seconds, but the results remain imprinted into my vehicle.
Fun for me. I just LOVE dealing with SGI. Why is it we're not hunting these animals to extinction?
Toodles.
I had just left the Gordon Indian reserve, on my way to the Muskowekwan Indian Reserve. I was in a hurry, since the meeting at Gordon ran WAY long. It was quarter to twelve before I made it back to the highway, and cell phone coverage. I started down the highway, a little irritated because I wouldn't make it to Muskowekwan before lunch. I really didn't want to hang around outside the water plant for an hour or more, waiting for operators to return after lunch.
I'm coming down the highway and this deer head pops up out of the grass. I instinctively brake, as anyone would. But the deer doesn't appear to want to come up onto the road. As I get close, it breaks into a dead run, in the same direction that I am travelling.
I don't quite understand what this deer's motivation was. A dead sprint through the tall grass in the ditch, in parallel with me. I slow down from normal highway speed, but he's staying in the ditch so I don't come to a stop. Then, as we reach the congruence of our velocities, this stupid animal decides to make the break for the opposite side of the road.
I slammed on the brakes but that was of little consequence. Squish, squish goes the deer as I pile into it, primarily with the front, driver side, quarter panel. This whole process took about 5 seconds, but the results remain imprinted into my vehicle.
Fun for me. I just LOVE dealing with SGI. Why is it we're not hunting these animals to extinction?
Toodles.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
As some of you may know, I have a big yard. Before it was all conjecture when the question was posed, how big is it? Now I have a definitive answer.
Last night I yanked my GPS out of my truck. (no mean feat considering the mount I purchased for it) I reset it to zero and roamed around my backyard, taking distance measurements.
(As a sidebar I should mention that I did end up getting a kid to cut my grass. I was toiling in my front yard and this little guy comes over and offers to do it for me. $10 per cut. Its a fair price, considering the 90 square acres I have in the back.)
Back to your originally scheduled blog entry. The dimensions of my yard (when we average the discrepancies) are 28.1 meters from rear of the house to the back fence. Width between fence on either side is 12.1 meters. For those of you not keen on doing the math, I'll add that too. It gives me a back yard only size of 340 square meters, or a whopping 3660 square feet. This does not include any front yard, the driveway, or the plot the house sits on. All that excluded, my yard is still HUGE!!!
Last night I yanked my GPS out of my truck. (no mean feat considering the mount I purchased for it) I reset it to zero and roamed around my backyard, taking distance measurements.
(As a sidebar I should mention that I did end up getting a kid to cut my grass. I was toiling in my front yard and this little guy comes over and offers to do it for me. $10 per cut. Its a fair price, considering the 90 square acres I have in the back.)
Back to your originally scheduled blog entry. The dimensions of my yard (when we average the discrepancies) are 28.1 meters from rear of the house to the back fence. Width between fence on either side is 12.1 meters. For those of you not keen on doing the math, I'll add that too. It gives me a back yard only size of 340 square meters, or a whopping 3660 square feet. This does not include any front yard, the driveway, or the plot the house sits on. All that excluded, my yard is still HUGE!!!
A new survey question for my faithful readers.
My parents are on vacation right now. They are on a 3 week bus tour to Alaska. I am glad they have gone on this trip. They deserve to have more experiences than just staying home, doing chores, and earning money at their various odd jobs. (tutoring, contract sewing, etc)
This does, however, leave me with something of a question. What do I do for the weekend? Half the point of going to Saskatoon every weekend is to spend time with my family. There's no family in Saskatoon this weekend. I could stay in Watson for the weekend but, I have to be in Maple Creek on Monday, so whatever I choose to do, should take me closer to Maple Creek. It would seem that no matter what I choose, its a weekend alone. I am less than enthusiastic about this turn of events.
Does anyone have any thoughts? I would gladly entertain a plan. Contact as usual. Toodles!!
My parents are on vacation right now. They are on a 3 week bus tour to Alaska. I am glad they have gone on this trip. They deserve to have more experiences than just staying home, doing chores, and earning money at their various odd jobs. (tutoring, contract sewing, etc)
This does, however, leave me with something of a question. What do I do for the weekend? Half the point of going to Saskatoon every weekend is to spend time with my family. There's no family in Saskatoon this weekend. I could stay in Watson for the weekend but, I have to be in Maple Creek on Monday, so whatever I choose to do, should take me closer to Maple Creek. It would seem that no matter what I choose, its a weekend alone. I am less than enthusiastic about this turn of events.
Does anyone have any thoughts? I would gladly entertain a plan. Contact as usual. Toodles!!
Monday, June 21, 2004
Okay people, heads up! Its time to get serious about something.
June has now arrived, and I feel the time is at hand that we discuss the vacation situation. As you all should know, I'm going. Once my handlers from SP let me know when monster trucks are next year, we'll have the time window pinned down. That leaves us with only a few questions.
Where - I'm still voting Cuba
Resort - I've had the 'Beaches' corporation suggested to me
How much - probably critical for some people
Hotel Rating - I'm pushing for 5 star, simply because I've done everything from 3 to 5, and for the extra you pay for 5 star, its really worth it
Amenities - probably the wrong word but I'm looking for suggestions on resort services that are important - say golf, for instance
Cultural exchange - do you want a resort buried in the jungle, or something more urban, thus allowing for more immersion in the culture of a foreign country
Agenda - Do you wanna party hard on vacation? Just lie on the beach and listen to the ocean? Experience a different culture? Shop? Tour?
These are my preliminary questions, to kick off the vacation planning duties. As I have now posed the question, I will take the position of co-ordinator. I have a small staff that will be employed to research available packages, secure pricing, and help determine how much do we get for how little. Right now I'm looking for comments. What do you want from your vacation experience?
Reply as always. Toodles!
June has now arrived, and I feel the time is at hand that we discuss the vacation situation. As you all should know, I'm going. Once my handlers from SP let me know when monster trucks are next year, we'll have the time window pinned down. That leaves us with only a few questions.
Where - I'm still voting Cuba
Resort - I've had the 'Beaches' corporation suggested to me
How much - probably critical for some people
Hotel Rating - I'm pushing for 5 star, simply because I've done everything from 3 to 5, and for the extra you pay for 5 star, its really worth it
Amenities - probably the wrong word but I'm looking for suggestions on resort services that are important - say golf, for instance
Cultural exchange - do you want a resort buried in the jungle, or something more urban, thus allowing for more immersion in the culture of a foreign country
Agenda - Do you wanna party hard on vacation? Just lie on the beach and listen to the ocean? Experience a different culture? Shop? Tour?
These are my preliminary questions, to kick off the vacation planning duties. As I have now posed the question, I will take the position of co-ordinator. I have a small staff that will be employed to research available packages, secure pricing, and help determine how much do we get for how little. Right now I'm looking for comments. What do you want from your vacation experience?
Reply as always. Toodles!
Friday, June 18, 2004
I have a complaint.
I can check my MasterCard balance online, as its tied to my bank account information. (MasterCard for that bank, is attached to the account at same bank) Its a great feature. I can see when purchases I've made are attached to my account, and see what's due. My complaint is, once we hit the cut-off for billing (the 15th in my case, with this bank) they remove all the transactions that made up that billing period, and I can't see what I spend, and where, until the paper statement comes in the mail.
I hate that. I wish they'd have a button that would let you read your previous month's statement, once the cut-off day is reached.
Just something that is on my mind this morning.
I can check my MasterCard balance online, as its tied to my bank account information. (MasterCard for that bank, is attached to the account at same bank) Its a great feature. I can see when purchases I've made are attached to my account, and see what's due. My complaint is, once we hit the cut-off for billing (the 15th in my case, with this bank) they remove all the transactions that made up that billing period, and I can't see what I spend, and where, until the paper statement comes in the mail.
I hate that. I wish they'd have a button that would let you read your previous month's statement, once the cut-off day is reached.
Just something that is on my mind this morning.
Why do I always have to be the first person to do something?
I'm on site yesterday, attempting to commission the membrane treatment units. We'd been messing around with units A and B for a couple days. The bugs appeared to be tuned out of the process, and efforts were turned towards making unit C operational.
The first step in accomplishing the commissioning of a membrane unit is to fill it with water. There is a lot of piping, and feed space in the membranes themselves. It takes awhile to fill the unit up but its necessary because you can't hammer a dry system with 90 psi water. THAT=not good
So we're trickling water into the unit with a butterfly valve that's open about 10%. My technician is giving the system some casual interest as he does other things. It takes a decent length of time to fill a unit, so he was doing other things at the same time.
The unit reaches about half full when it is noticed that there is drip coming from the booster pump disconnect switch. (for those of you that don't know what that is, its a rugged electrical switch that controls the feed of electricity to an electrical device) That shouldn't be. We'd had an accident earlier that sprayed water all over the plant. So it wasn't given a whole lot of importance. Tim had a few spare moments so he investigated where this water was coming from.
He opened the disconnect box, and there was a small pool of water that had formed inside. That really shouldn't be, because the whole point of the box is to protect the electrical circuit from being disrupted, shorted, engaged/disengaged by accident, etc. Further investigation found that the water was originating from inside the box. Even more examination brought us to the realization that the water was entering the box from inside of the wires, that connected the pump motor, to the disconnect switch.
I phoned our pump supplier. The initial response was incredulity. That's not supposed to happen. The wires run from the pump motor, inside the submersion cannister, to the disconnect switch. It is supposed to be completely sealed, and impervious to penetration. As this is a submersible pump, and the entire unit, motor and all, will be completely encased by water, it is vitally important that water not be able to get into the electrical line. But it had, and the pressure of the water was sufficient to push it between the strands that make up the elctrical cable, to terminate in a pool inside my disconnect box.
Lots of incredulity, from lots of people. Which is fine but I'm wetting my pants because I'm using two other of these pumps already. And the indication I'm getting from the electricians on site is, this water in the cable situation is very, very bad. So I'm quite freaked out. Then the pump supplier phones back and tells me that they have no idea of what to do next. This has never happened before.
Which brings me back to my initial statement. I hate being first. If you're the first person with a problem, it always takes a long time to fix, because a bunch of things need to be checked, before you do anything that will work. And I'd rather not commit to a long, drawn out process.
So all of you pump/electrical people, please email me with your solutions to my problem. I have padlocked that disconnect switch so that no one can operate that pump without my supervision. Beyond that I am left with no choice beyond being highly nervous about my pumps. Stress relief suggestions would also be worth recieving.
I hope all of you are having better days that mine yesterday. I am back for awhile, so hopefully I can amuse you with my writings.
Toodles people!
I'm on site yesterday, attempting to commission the membrane treatment units. We'd been messing around with units A and B for a couple days. The bugs appeared to be tuned out of the process, and efforts were turned towards making unit C operational.
The first step in accomplishing the commissioning of a membrane unit is to fill it with water. There is a lot of piping, and feed space in the membranes themselves. It takes awhile to fill the unit up but its necessary because you can't hammer a dry system with 90 psi water. THAT=not good
So we're trickling water into the unit with a butterfly valve that's open about 10%. My technician is giving the system some casual interest as he does other things. It takes a decent length of time to fill a unit, so he was doing other things at the same time.
The unit reaches about half full when it is noticed that there is drip coming from the booster pump disconnect switch. (for those of you that don't know what that is, its a rugged electrical switch that controls the feed of electricity to an electrical device) That shouldn't be. We'd had an accident earlier that sprayed water all over the plant. So it wasn't given a whole lot of importance. Tim had a few spare moments so he investigated where this water was coming from.
He opened the disconnect box, and there was a small pool of water that had formed inside. That really shouldn't be, because the whole point of the box is to protect the electrical circuit from being disrupted, shorted, engaged/disengaged by accident, etc. Further investigation found that the water was originating from inside the box. Even more examination brought us to the realization that the water was entering the box from inside of the wires, that connected the pump motor, to the disconnect switch.
I phoned our pump supplier. The initial response was incredulity. That's not supposed to happen. The wires run from the pump motor, inside the submersion cannister, to the disconnect switch. It is supposed to be completely sealed, and impervious to penetration. As this is a submersible pump, and the entire unit, motor and all, will be completely encased by water, it is vitally important that water not be able to get into the electrical line. But it had, and the pressure of the water was sufficient to push it between the strands that make up the elctrical cable, to terminate in a pool inside my disconnect box.
Lots of incredulity, from lots of people. Which is fine but I'm wetting my pants because I'm using two other of these pumps already. And the indication I'm getting from the electricians on site is, this water in the cable situation is very, very bad. So I'm quite freaked out. Then the pump supplier phones back and tells me that they have no idea of what to do next. This has never happened before.
Which brings me back to my initial statement. I hate being first. If you're the first person with a problem, it always takes a long time to fix, because a bunch of things need to be checked, before you do anything that will work. And I'd rather not commit to a long, drawn out process.
So all of you pump/electrical people, please email me with your solutions to my problem. I have padlocked that disconnect switch so that no one can operate that pump without my supervision. Beyond that I am left with no choice beyond being highly nervous about my pumps. Stress relief suggestions would also be worth recieving.
I hope all of you are having better days that mine yesterday. I am back for awhile, so hopefully I can amuse you with my writings.
Toodles people!
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Friday, June 11, 2004
Sunday, June 06, 2004
We are going to have another contest!
Today's topic revolves around Kevin's computer. His hard drive died a couple month ago, and he needed a new one installed. Life happened, and I never got the tower to my house until it was delivered yesterday.
It is now June 6, 2004, 3:32 in the afternoon. The question being put to you is as follows:
I am installed Windows 98 Second Edition on this hard drive. On what day, and at what time, will I complete the Windows Update of this system?
Respond as always.
Today's topic revolves around Kevin's computer. His hard drive died a couple month ago, and he needed a new one installed. Life happened, and I never got the tower to my house until it was delivered yesterday.
It is now June 6, 2004, 3:32 in the afternoon. The question being put to you is as follows:
I am installed Windows 98 Second Edition on this hard drive. On what day, and at what time, will I complete the Windows Update of this system?
Respond as always.
Saturday, June 05, 2004
For the first time in the 30 year history of my participation in the Guenther family (Wayne, Colleen, Grant, Candace) there is air conditioning in the family home.
Air Conditioner
Air Conditioner
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Friday, June 04, 2004
For those of you curious about the outcome of last night's blog question, 'can I cut my grass in 45 minutes at lunch' the answer is yes. I had some trepidation about pulling this off, but it actually worked out. I think it was a shade over 45 minutes, but I got an early start and managed to wrap it up at 12 to 1:00. I was still late getting back to the office, as I hadn't done any packing yet. But overall, I accomplished a LOT, in a LITTLE time, so I'm satisfied.
And for those of you that didn't care about the blog question . . . tough cheese. That's all I'm adding right now. tee hee hee
Toodles!!!
And for those of you that didn't care about the blog question . . . tough cheese. That's all I'm adding right now. tee hee hee
Toodles!!!
Thursday, June 03, 2004
I was just reading Slashdot and a story on the front page caught my eyes. It was about HP calculators. It brings to my mind a question that will probably only be significant to Greg and I.
When I was in engineering school, the big 'cheating' issue was HP calculators, that could save text. How do they handle PDA's that have full spreadsheeting, and word processing packages?
When I was in engineering school, the big 'cheating' issue was HP calculators, that could save text. How do they handle PDA's that have full spreadsheeting, and word processing packages?
The place we do not name, may finally have exhausted itself. The beast has grappled with me, for more weeks that I care to count. I have wrestled, and fought with this monster, never gaining anything better than a stalemate.
Now, finally, it may be over. Like the sick pet that you agonize with, as it lives the last days of its life, it has finally fallen, to lie prone on its side. The last few, hollow breaths are escaping, before the husk falls silent, and the pain dies.
The place we do not name is like a cherished pet that must die. You know that it will come, eventually, but in the mean time you must live with that soul destroying sorrow of watching something you cared about, stumble and wheeze its way to the denouement.
I never loved that project, like you would your childhood pet. But it was important to me, and I had a cherished feeling about it. When it began I have visions of it being my, point of pride, project. The one I could hold up and say 'I did that'. But it dragged on so long, and would not bend, yield or give me even an inch of victory. I fought it from beginning to end. Now, as it passes into closure, I do feel a twinge at its passing. It was long past time, and I'm glad that the suffering, for everyone, is over.
Be well my friends.
Now, finally, it may be over. Like the sick pet that you agonize with, as it lives the last days of its life, it has finally fallen, to lie prone on its side. The last few, hollow breaths are escaping, before the husk falls silent, and the pain dies.
The place we do not name is like a cherished pet that must die. You know that it will come, eventually, but in the mean time you must live with that soul destroying sorrow of watching something you cared about, stumble and wheeze its way to the denouement.
I never loved that project, like you would your childhood pet. But it was important to me, and I had a cherished feeling about it. When it began I have visions of it being my, point of pride, project. The one I could hold up and say 'I did that'. But it dragged on so long, and would not bend, yield or give me even an inch of victory. I fought it from beginning to end. Now, as it passes into closure, I do feel a twinge at its passing. It was long past time, and I'm glad that the suffering, for everyone, is over.
Be well my friends.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
I usually like the rain. When its not tied up in some big storm, its almost peaceful. The dim, grey sky, drops of water falling from the heavens. The affirmation of life, as all living things that the rain touches, reach up and embrace the giving water.
Usually I like the rain. However, in recent times I have lost my zest for rain. The reason? My grass. Somewhere between where I was, and here, I ended up with a landing strip sized amount of grass to cut. Its freakin' huge. What complicates this chore even more is, my allergies. If its green, I sneeze. That's the rule. And there's lots of dust in the air when you cut grass. If I do the chore, I've resigned myself to an evening of snorting and blowing. It's fairly unpleasant.
So the lush green-ness of my front yard does not impress me. It actually depresses me. Anyone for an asphalt front lawn?
Toodles.
Usually I like the rain. However, in recent times I have lost my zest for rain. The reason? My grass. Somewhere between where I was, and here, I ended up with a landing strip sized amount of grass to cut. Its freakin' huge. What complicates this chore even more is, my allergies. If its green, I sneeze. That's the rule. And there's lots of dust in the air when you cut grass. If I do the chore, I've resigned myself to an evening of snorting and blowing. It's fairly unpleasant.
So the lush green-ness of my front yard does not impress me. It actually depresses me. Anyone for an asphalt front lawn?
Toodles.
Monday, May 31, 2004
Well, I'm going to New Mexico!
I sometimes wonder if maybe I shouldn't be the boss, and my actual boss shouldn't be the employee. Then again, maybe he indulges me because it is me, and he wants to keep my happy. Nonetheless, I just spent about $15,000 of his money, essentially to appease a couple of my whims.
Whim one is a trip to New Mexico for a membrane cleaning course. I'm fairly happy about this. Everyday I take on more and more responsibility for the safety and good performance of our membrane treatment systems. Any additional knowledge I can acquire just makes me more, and more comfortable in my role. My assistant is working on my flight, hotel and car rental needs for this excursion. About all I have to do is get on the airplane.
The second whim is my desire to build a pilot unit that more accurately reflects the conditions likely to be encountered on full implementation on a large scale system (something in the 100+ gpm range). That'll be a $6000 or $7000 touch. But once we have it, the machine will be incredibly valuable, as a method of acquiring new, high profile projects, and doing proper pilot testing, before implementation of a full system. Yes its a lot of money, but its money well spent.
So I guess, despite it being a lot of money, its all going to a good purpose. Now that I've talked my way around it, maybe Murray does know what he's going with these things. I guess I just need to believe my ideas are good, and not be so concerned with things being foolish, or ill-concieved. Have faith! I guess that's the phrase of the day.
This is G%, sounding off from the rain forest of Saskatchewan.
I sometimes wonder if maybe I shouldn't be the boss, and my actual boss shouldn't be the employee. Then again, maybe he indulges me because it is me, and he wants to keep my happy. Nonetheless, I just spent about $15,000 of his money, essentially to appease a couple of my whims.
Whim one is a trip to New Mexico for a membrane cleaning course. I'm fairly happy about this. Everyday I take on more and more responsibility for the safety and good performance of our membrane treatment systems. Any additional knowledge I can acquire just makes me more, and more comfortable in my role. My assistant is working on my flight, hotel and car rental needs for this excursion. About all I have to do is get on the airplane.
The second whim is my desire to build a pilot unit that more accurately reflects the conditions likely to be encountered on full implementation on a large scale system (something in the 100+ gpm range). That'll be a $6000 or $7000 touch. But once we have it, the machine will be incredibly valuable, as a method of acquiring new, high profile projects, and doing proper pilot testing, before implementation of a full system. Yes its a lot of money, but its money well spent.
So I guess, despite it being a lot of money, its all going to a good purpose. Now that I've talked my way around it, maybe Murray does know what he's going with these things. I guess I just need to believe my ideas are good, and not be so concerned with things being foolish, or ill-concieved. Have faith! I guess that's the phrase of the day.
This is G%, sounding off from the rain forest of Saskatchewan.
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Blog Question of the Day:
(This is a non-rhetorical, serious one. I would like some opinions.)
Should I buy a Porsche?
(Red, 1972 Porsche 914 convertible)
(This is a non-rhetorical, serious one. I would like some opinions.)
Should I buy a Porsche?
(Red, 1972 Porsche 914 convertible)
Okay, someone knew just made 'The List'!!!
I suppose I can't really complain all that much. Its not like I paid for the song. Nonetheless there is still a sensation of indignance, raising itself from the depths of my insides.
I'm listening to this song. The one in question is Usher - Burn. Everything is good and then I hear something, faintly in the background, about half way through the song. Some soothing voice bastard, breathes quietly into the background of the song, "AOL Music, First Listen"
I suppose I can't really fault them for doing it. Downloading music for free on the internet is very hard on their business model, such that it is. Still, I don't think its uncommon for me, or anyone else for that matter, to get annoyed by this stupid ploy. Whether you paid or didn't pay, you don't want your song marred by this stupid corporate branding. Can we please find a fair model between gouge the consumer, and making a reasonable profit?
Just my one thought for the evening.
I suppose I can't really complain all that much. Its not like I paid for the song. Nonetheless there is still a sensation of indignance, raising itself from the depths of my insides.
I'm listening to this song. The one in question is Usher - Burn. Everything is good and then I hear something, faintly in the background, about half way through the song. Some soothing voice bastard, breathes quietly into the background of the song, "AOL Music, First Listen"
I suppose I can't really fault them for doing it. Downloading music for free on the internet is very hard on their business model, such that it is. Still, I don't think its uncommon for me, or anyone else for that matter, to get annoyed by this stupid ploy. Whether you paid or didn't pay, you don't want your song marred by this stupid corporate branding. Can we please find a fair model between gouge the consumer, and making a reasonable profit?
Just my one thought for the evening.
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Okay, I'm sitting here watching the Stanlet Cup Finals, and I've got a damn question!!
They just did the national anthems. I'm watching my TV, and this girl comes on the ice for the anthems, in a red, Calgary Flames jersey. Much like the other 18,000 people in the building, who all appear to be wearing Calgary Flames home jerseys. CBC does the obligatory (but in this case necessary) graphic with the singer's name.
Who in the HELL is Heather Liscano!?!
They go on, and on, and ON about how its been 10 years. Which is true, and a heart-wrenching crime. But, I do have to ask the following question. If its been TEN YEARS sinec a Canadian team has been in the Stanley Cup Finals, then WHY can't they bring in a big name celebrity to since the anthem? Its the Stanley Cup Final, for Christ sake! Where's the Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morrissette, and so on. God, Jann Arden is from Calgary!!! She can't possibly be so busy that they couldn't bring her in. (However, now that I think it, didn't she butcher the anthem a series or two ago?) Just make a damn effort! Please!?!
They just did the national anthems. I'm watching my TV, and this girl comes on the ice for the anthems, in a red, Calgary Flames jersey. Much like the other 18,000 people in the building, who all appear to be wearing Calgary Flames home jerseys. CBC does the obligatory (but in this case necessary) graphic with the singer's name.
Who in the HELL is Heather Liscano!?!
They go on, and on, and ON about how its been 10 years. Which is true, and a heart-wrenching crime. But, I do have to ask the following question. If its been TEN YEARS sinec a Canadian team has been in the Stanley Cup Finals, then WHY can't they bring in a big name celebrity to since the anthem? Its the Stanley Cup Final, for Christ sake! Where's the Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morrissette, and so on. God, Jann Arden is from Calgary!!! She can't possibly be so busy that they couldn't bring her in. (However, now that I think it, didn't she butcher the anthem a series or two ago?) Just make a damn effort! Please!?!
Friday, May 28, 2004
Haven't we had enough Shrek already?
I really didn't mind the idea of a Shrek 2. The first one was decent. I liked it. My question however, is did we really need this much hype for the sequel?
I mean, come on! People know who and what Shrek is. How many hundred million did the first one make? The concept of Shrek is not lost on us. The saturation bombing of TV commercials, product placement, and promotional tie-ins was not necessary. Really not necessary. Its so bad that, I've actually turned again the movie. I don't even want to see it now. I'm too pissed off at all the irritating commercials.
Just a thought I've had.
I really didn't mind the idea of a Shrek 2. The first one was decent. I liked it. My question however, is did we really need this much hype for the sequel?
I mean, come on! People know who and what Shrek is. How many hundred million did the first one make? The concept of Shrek is not lost on us. The saturation bombing of TV commercials, product placement, and promotional tie-ins was not necessary. Really not necessary. Its so bad that, I've actually turned again the movie. I don't even want to see it now. I'm too pissed off at all the irritating commercials.
Just a thought I've had.
Thursday, May 27, 2004
I need to get something off my chest.
Who decided that pop-up ads right inside the web page itself, was a good idea? The marketing guru's didn't get the message that pop-up advertising pisses us off, by the fact that the dot-com industry went out with a flaming glory? We HATE pop-ups! I doesn't matter how craftily you weave them into our internet experience. We hate them, we hate them, we hate them!!!
And what's the deal with eBay? Is there even a competitor to eBay? Isn't it one of those things like Coke or gasoline, where you're gonna buy it whether they advertise or not? So why all the irritating pop-ups ads?
And how about Viagra? Have we not heard enough about his stupid crap? Okay, my dick is broke. I'll go to the physician and ask him for Viagra, or Cialis, or that P-starting brand. We all know what the penis pills do, and where to get them. I don't need to see a 70 year old guy in the steam bath, belting out a 50's standard at top volume. I'll keep my sexual dysfunctions discreetly to myself, thank you very much.
And how about the penis enlargement pills. Isn't that like the worst sucker bet of all time? Who actually believes this is going to work? You take a PILL and your schwanz is gonna get bigger. How the hell is that supposed to happen!?! Smarten up people!!!
That's enough bile for now. Enjoy your evening!
Who decided that pop-up ads right inside the web page itself, was a good idea? The marketing guru's didn't get the message that pop-up advertising pisses us off, by the fact that the dot-com industry went out with a flaming glory? We HATE pop-ups! I doesn't matter how craftily you weave them into our internet experience. We hate them, we hate them, we hate them!!!
And what's the deal with eBay? Is there even a competitor to eBay? Isn't it one of those things like Coke or gasoline, where you're gonna buy it whether they advertise or not? So why all the irritating pop-ups ads?
And how about Viagra? Have we not heard enough about his stupid crap? Okay, my dick is broke. I'll go to the physician and ask him for Viagra, or Cialis, or that P-starting brand. We all know what the penis pills do, and where to get them. I don't need to see a 70 year old guy in the steam bath, belting out a 50's standard at top volume. I'll keep my sexual dysfunctions discreetly to myself, thank you very much.
And how about the penis enlargement pills. Isn't that like the worst sucker bet of all time? Who actually believes this is going to work? You take a PILL and your schwanz is gonna get bigger. How the hell is that supposed to happen!?! Smarten up people!!!
That's enough bile for now. Enjoy your evening!
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
I'm watching this Calgary vs. Tampa Bay Stanley Cup Final game. Calgary scored the first goal. They gave credit to Gelinas because it hit his skate.
Should you really get credit for a goal if your only contribution to it is that it hit you in the skate? What effort did you expend to get the goal? I would like to suggest that, credit for a goal should involve using your stick in a legal manner. If you touch the puck with your stick, you can have credit for a goal. If it hits you in the skate, you're no more important to goal scoring than the boards, the crosspost, or the guy in row six eating a hot dog.
Should you really get credit for a goal if your only contribution to it is that it hit you in the skate? What effort did you expend to get the goal? I would like to suggest that, credit for a goal should involve using your stick in a legal manner. If you touch the puck with your stick, you can have credit for a goal. If it hits you in the skate, you're no more important to goal scoring than the boards, the crosspost, or the guy in row six eating a hot dog.
Monday, May 24, 2004
Okay, I have a question!
What is the deal with public restrooms? It would seem that (and rightly so) those damn air blower, hand dryers have gone out of fashion. I do not recall the last time I saw one. At least not exclusively. Also what you don't see much anymore is the linen type. That was kinda nasty. This grunge-y looking thing that a million people had used before you. The most popular equipment for the drying of the hands seems to be the brown paper dispenser.
But what is with the new innovation that has come along with this? An infra-red sensor that you put your hand in front of, and it advances a measured amount of paper. What the hell is up with that!?! You can't tell me that the difference between profitably, and financial ruin is a couple feet of brown paper. Its not like its highly processed. Its never soft, or in any way desireable. Are we really concerned about a couple feet of paper? I feel cheated when I go into the washroom and this thing gives me an A4 sized piece of paper to dry my hands on. I have big hands, I need a big sheet of paper towel!
That's just me. I could be wrong.
What is the deal with public restrooms? It would seem that (and rightly so) those damn air blower, hand dryers have gone out of fashion. I do not recall the last time I saw one. At least not exclusively. Also what you don't see much anymore is the linen type. That was kinda nasty. This grunge-y looking thing that a million people had used before you. The most popular equipment for the drying of the hands seems to be the brown paper dispenser.
But what is with the new innovation that has come along with this? An infra-red sensor that you put your hand in front of, and it advances a measured amount of paper. What the hell is up with that!?! You can't tell me that the difference between profitably, and financial ruin is a couple feet of brown paper. Its not like its highly processed. Its never soft, or in any way desireable. Are we really concerned about a couple feet of paper? I feel cheated when I go into the washroom and this thing gives me an A4 sized piece of paper to dry my hands on. I have big hands, I need a big sheet of paper towel!
That's just me. I could be wrong.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Well THAT was easy!
I had this spare computer at my house. During my first year in Watson, we didn't get SaskTel high speed internet. (Not that its rock-solid now that we do have it) So if I wanted accelerated speed on my dial-up connection, I had to have satellite internet. And, if I wanted to network it in my house, I needed a server (loose interpretation of the word) from which to share the internet connection.
I got high speed internet last January. (by that I mean January 2003) This computer became redundant so it was disconnected, and stashed under a table in my 'office' at my home in Watson. (What I call my 'office' is really more of a huge closet, as I just pile stuff in there, and rarely do anything with it) I ended up lending it to my friend Greg, for some event he needed computers for. I think it was a mine safety contest, or something like that. He hooked it up and it didn't do what he wanted it too. I got it back from him, agreed that it wasn't right, and again shelved it. I took it out one more time, a couple months ago, and again it did not snap to attention right away, so it was stowed once more.
My buddy Sean and I developed a plan that would ideally include using this computer again. I remembered it was broken, so I brought it with me, to Saskatoon, to attempt to fix it. I began the attempt this afternoon.
Funny thing happened on the way to fixing the computer. It didn't need to be fixed. I plugged it into my setup here, and it booted on the first try. It had no issues. So I find myself relieved that I'm not tech support-ing my own equipment again. However, I am disappointed that I have not figured out what its problem was the last couple times I tried it.
This is probably one of those 'gift horse' situation. So, to follow the standard instructions for recieving one of these, I will not check any mouths.
Toodles folks!!!
I had this spare computer at my house. During my first year in Watson, we didn't get SaskTel high speed internet. (Not that its rock-solid now that we do have it) So if I wanted accelerated speed on my dial-up connection, I had to have satellite internet. And, if I wanted to network it in my house, I needed a server (loose interpretation of the word) from which to share the internet connection.
I got high speed internet last January. (by that I mean January 2003) This computer became redundant so it was disconnected, and stashed under a table in my 'office' at my home in Watson. (What I call my 'office' is really more of a huge closet, as I just pile stuff in there, and rarely do anything with it) I ended up lending it to my friend Greg, for some event he needed computers for. I think it was a mine safety contest, or something like that. He hooked it up and it didn't do what he wanted it too. I got it back from him, agreed that it wasn't right, and again shelved it. I took it out one more time, a couple months ago, and again it did not snap to attention right away, so it was stowed once more.
My buddy Sean and I developed a plan that would ideally include using this computer again. I remembered it was broken, so I brought it with me, to Saskatoon, to attempt to fix it. I began the attempt this afternoon.
Funny thing happened on the way to fixing the computer. It didn't need to be fixed. I plugged it into my setup here, and it booted on the first try. It had no issues. So I find myself relieved that I'm not tech support-ing my own equipment again. However, I am disappointed that I have not figured out what its problem was the last couple times I tried it.
This is probably one of those 'gift horse' situation. So, to follow the standard instructions for recieving one of these, I will not check any mouths.
Toodles folks!!!
Friday, May 21, 2004
My pants have fallen down.
Please submit your engineering proposals on how to remedy this situation to the following email address.
Grant's Pants
This contract will be conducted in a cost-plus arrangement. All due haste is required as there is a critical, public decency, crisis surrounding the current 'down' position of my pants.
Bonuses will be available for proposals of an inventive, or ingenious manner.
Please submit your engineering proposals on how to remedy this situation to the following email address.
Grant's Pants
This contract will be conducted in a cost-plus arrangement. All due haste is required as there is a critical, public decency, crisis surrounding the current 'down' position of my pants.
Bonuses will be available for proposals of an inventive, or ingenious manner.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
How do you thank someone that has done you a wonderful favor, but you're really not in contact with anymore?
In my last job, I worked in a very traditional, business environment. Suits, ties, formal and stuffy. In this company we had a front line administrative assistant. Her name was Amanda. It was a daily affirmation to walk through the front doors in the morning, and get the sunny 'good morning' that she always gave freely. I liked her, but was always intimidated by her. She had that effortless beauty and grace that has always left me befuddled and nervous. Eventually I left that company, and embarked on a new career direction. Which, I would like to take the opportunity to say, I love with enormous passion. Amanda and I exchanged a few emails, but not long after I left, that fizzled out to no communication at all.
However, destiny is a funny thing. What I learned, as it turned out, was that the company I move to, was one that Amanda's father had owned. Amanda's father was no longer a partner in the company I move to, but her uncle remained the silent partner, to my boss, who was running the show. This piece of information came my way when Amanda took her trip to India. I was on her list of people to mail with her Indian exploits. I loved reading about her adventures, and must confess I was a little sad when the endeavour was over. At her request I printed copies of her exploits, so that her aunt and uncle could read about her trip.
I had a long talk with my boss this afternoon. It was the first time we'd crossed paths in the office in awhile, so there was a lot to be said. One thing led into the next and we ended up sitting there until 6:30. Towards the end, as we were talking about the company, its financial standing, and the ownership situation, Murray told me that Amanda had provided to her uncle a very glowing recommendation about me. I have to confess, I was a little shocked to hear that. I knew Amanda was a wonderful person, and I am infinitely glad to have met her. But, I did not know that I'd made any kind of impression on her, in the year and a half that we knew each other. I find myself in a place where, I'd like to thank her somehow, for the kind words, but I'm not sure how to do that.
Amanda, if by some miracle you end up reading my words, thank you. Your words, a simple act of kindness, are a deed I can think of no way to properly repay. Thank you Amanda, and know that anything good you could ever have said about me, is magnified tenfold, in my opinion of you.
In my last job, I worked in a very traditional, business environment. Suits, ties, formal and stuffy. In this company we had a front line administrative assistant. Her name was Amanda. It was a daily affirmation to walk through the front doors in the morning, and get the sunny 'good morning' that she always gave freely. I liked her, but was always intimidated by her. She had that effortless beauty and grace that has always left me befuddled and nervous. Eventually I left that company, and embarked on a new career direction. Which, I would like to take the opportunity to say, I love with enormous passion. Amanda and I exchanged a few emails, but not long after I left, that fizzled out to no communication at all.
However, destiny is a funny thing. What I learned, as it turned out, was that the company I move to, was one that Amanda's father had owned. Amanda's father was no longer a partner in the company I move to, but her uncle remained the silent partner, to my boss, who was running the show. This piece of information came my way when Amanda took her trip to India. I was on her list of people to mail with her Indian exploits. I loved reading about her adventures, and must confess I was a little sad when the endeavour was over. At her request I printed copies of her exploits, so that her aunt and uncle could read about her trip.
I had a long talk with my boss this afternoon. It was the first time we'd crossed paths in the office in awhile, so there was a lot to be said. One thing led into the next and we ended up sitting there until 6:30. Towards the end, as we were talking about the company, its financial standing, and the ownership situation, Murray told me that Amanda had provided to her uncle a very glowing recommendation about me. I have to confess, I was a little shocked to hear that. I knew Amanda was a wonderful person, and I am infinitely glad to have met her. But, I did not know that I'd made any kind of impression on her, in the year and a half that we knew each other. I find myself in a place where, I'd like to thank her somehow, for the kind words, but I'm not sure how to do that.
Amanda, if by some miracle you end up reading my words, thank you. Your words, a simple act of kindness, are a deed I can think of no way to properly repay. Thank you Amanda, and know that anything good you could ever have said about me, is magnified tenfold, in my opinion of you.
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Wednesday, May 19, 2004
I sit here tonight, cautiously optimistic about the future course of my working life.
I was in Maple Creek today. That project is coming along wonderfully. It does not look very complete, in any of the pictures I could show (which I won't because they won't really mean anything to anyone else) but we're real close. By the end of next week, with two guys working, we will have 3 units complete, and ready to make water. In six weeks. 6 weeks and I've gotten the capacity for 650 USgpm of bottled water to be produced by a water treatment plant. I am taking a considerable amount of professional pride in that achievement.
And from 'The Place We Do Not Name' there is also positive news. The 'loan' membranes have come out, and the original membranes (each one having been individually, chemically cleaned) have gone back in. Performance on Day 1 from the original (but cleaned) membranes is slightly better than what we had from the loaned (new) membranes. This is an exciting turn of events as all previous attempts have been rather dismal failures. I have hope again, that maybe that project will finally, mercifully, go to sleep.
So I am happy, and full of hope tonight. Thanks for listening. Your support is more valued than I can say.
Toodles!
I was in Maple Creek today. That project is coming along wonderfully. It does not look very complete, in any of the pictures I could show (which I won't because they won't really mean anything to anyone else) but we're real close. By the end of next week, with two guys working, we will have 3 units complete, and ready to make water. In six weeks. 6 weeks and I've gotten the capacity for 650 USgpm of bottled water to be produced by a water treatment plant. I am taking a considerable amount of professional pride in that achievement.
And from 'The Place We Do Not Name' there is also positive news. The 'loan' membranes have come out, and the original membranes (each one having been individually, chemically cleaned) have gone back in. Performance on Day 1 from the original (but cleaned) membranes is slightly better than what we had from the loaned (new) membranes. This is an exciting turn of events as all previous attempts have been rather dismal failures. I have hope again, that maybe that project will finally, mercifully, go to sleep.
So I am happy, and full of hope tonight. Thanks for listening. Your support is more valued than I can say.
Toodles!
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
One more day of tribulations.
My #1 technician turned in his hat this morning. Well, he won't officially be gone until June 11. Thank god for that much. He will stay on long enough to get Maple Creek complete, to the stage of mechanical completion. There is other stuff to be installed, connected, and made work. Most of this being process instrumentation and devices not critical to installation. Still, my #1 guy will be out of the company, before we go to turn the switch on.
I can't fault him for trying to get a step up in life. He's moving on to a government position which, with his hands-on experience, should turn into a significant raise. However, this leaves me with the problem of, more work than staff. We were just trying to get a new technician trained, so we'd have three field agents instead of two. Now, instead of that, I have one trained technician, and an apprentice that is of little use to me yet. The strain is going to be significant for the next little while. The situation I was bemoaning a few weeks ago, where we had no projects, is now a sense of relief, as we're too committed for what we have on the go now.
Sorry for such a boring blog entry from my life. The staffing question has been plaguing me all day today, and thus weighing heavily on my mind. I thank you for listening. Toodles!
My #1 technician turned in his hat this morning. Well, he won't officially be gone until June 11. Thank god for that much. He will stay on long enough to get Maple Creek complete, to the stage of mechanical completion. There is other stuff to be installed, connected, and made work. Most of this being process instrumentation and devices not critical to installation. Still, my #1 guy will be out of the company, before we go to turn the switch on.
I can't fault him for trying to get a step up in life. He's moving on to a government position which, with his hands-on experience, should turn into a significant raise. However, this leaves me with the problem of, more work than staff. We were just trying to get a new technician trained, so we'd have three field agents instead of two. Now, instead of that, I have one trained technician, and an apprentice that is of little use to me yet. The strain is going to be significant for the next little while. The situation I was bemoaning a few weeks ago, where we had no projects, is now a sense of relief, as we're too committed for what we have on the go now.
Sorry for such a boring blog entry from my life. The staffing question has been plaguing me all day today, and thus weighing heavily on my mind. I thank you for listening. Toodles!
Monday, May 17, 2004
Sunday, May 16, 2004
A few comments that I feel need to be made, after working another concert.
Why do people care so much about when the bars will close? Let's be honest, even if you know the time that bars are going to close, when the ticks on the clock reach the appointed time, you'll be too drunk to remember. In many circumstances you'll be too drunk to remember you're wearing a watch.
And why is it you can't know? Some yahoo will ask a front line person when the bars will close. Why can't you just tell the idiot, you don't know. Because you don't! Then you'll turn around and ask someone else, and of course the won't know either. Because no one knows! It hasn't been decided. Accept it and move on. Also, don't be so damn accomodating to the yahoos. They aren't going to remember anyway.
And why is it that so many concert-goers can be stupid enough to walk up to a completely darkened bar, and still want to buy a drink? Yes, I know they're stupified by alcohol, and aren't thinking clearly. But you'd think the frigid darkness that surrounds the bar counter would be signal enough that there will be no more liquor. Nope, the idiots still have to ask, can I get a drink? You're already drunk. Stick yourself with a pin and drink your blood. Its probably 2% more alcohol than you'd get from a beer.
And why do we gotta be SO, DAMN, ANAL about the bloody tips!?! This is a concept that I do not fathom. To watch people ferret through the quarters and loonies they've collected in a cup over the night, you'd assume they were homeless people we'd pulled off 1st Avenue. They scrap and forage through a collection of coins like they haven't seen hard currency in two years. Its a few, measly dollars. Relax people. Its just money.
Why do people care so much about when the bars will close? Let's be honest, even if you know the time that bars are going to close, when the ticks on the clock reach the appointed time, you'll be too drunk to remember. In many circumstances you'll be too drunk to remember you're wearing a watch.
And why is it you can't know? Some yahoo will ask a front line person when the bars will close. Why can't you just tell the idiot, you don't know. Because you don't! Then you'll turn around and ask someone else, and of course the won't know either. Because no one knows! It hasn't been decided. Accept it and move on. Also, don't be so damn accomodating to the yahoos. They aren't going to remember anyway.
And why is it that so many concert-goers can be stupid enough to walk up to a completely darkened bar, and still want to buy a drink? Yes, I know they're stupified by alcohol, and aren't thinking clearly. But you'd think the frigid darkness that surrounds the bar counter would be signal enough that there will be no more liquor. Nope, the idiots still have to ask, can I get a drink? You're already drunk. Stick yourself with a pin and drink your blood. Its probably 2% more alcohol than you'd get from a beer.
And why do we gotta be SO, DAMN, ANAL about the bloody tips!?! This is a concept that I do not fathom. To watch people ferret through the quarters and loonies they've collected in a cup over the night, you'd assume they were homeless people we'd pulled off 1st Avenue. They scrap and forage through a collection of coins like they haven't seen hard currency in two years. Its a few, measly dollars. Relax people. Its just money.