My Copy and Paste
I'm not one to normally just grab something from another blog and paste it into my own, but this was one item that I really enjoyed and found myself moving on too quickly to another blog (that 'next blog' search item in the corner can be a little adenturous on occasion).
Anyway, I'm sharing even though I'm sure it's on numerous journals, blogs and what-have-you by now:
A girl asked a boy if he thought she was pretty- he said no.
A girl asked a boy if he liked her- he said no. A girl asked a boy if she were to walk away, would he cry- he said no.
So the girl began to walk away, and the boy grabbed her by the arm and said...
"I don't think you're pretty, I think you are beautiful-
I don't like you- I love you-
and if you were to walk away, I wouldn't cry- I would die"
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
My Eerie Prediction
So, I'm doing the finishing touches on a job evaluation on Friday. It's not looking good. Too many mistakes for a fairly routine job. Not considered a dependable person and doesn't seem to have the ability to handle the details. So, yeah, doesn't look good.
I tell 'The Boy' before I leave that department for the final time that there could be another opening in the near future if he's serious about transferring soon.
I come into the office today to submit my report to find this email waiting for me:
Died of a heart attack on Saturday.
I feel really creeped out now. Oh, and do I really need to say I'm not submitting the job evaluation?
So, I'm doing the finishing touches on a job evaluation on Friday. It's not looking good. Too many mistakes for a fairly routine job. Not considered a dependable person and doesn't seem to have the ability to handle the details. So, yeah, doesn't look good.
I tell 'The Boy' before I leave that department for the final time that there could be another opening in the near future if he's serious about transferring soon.
I come into the office today to submit my report to find this email waiting for me:
Died of a heart attack on Saturday.
I feel really creeped out now. Oh, and do I really need to say I'm not submitting the job evaluation?
Saturday, October 09, 2004
My Hutch to His Starsky
After a continual parade of Co-Workers From Hell, I really didn't think I'd ever have the chance to work with someone I actually liked. But 'The Boy' came through.
We have very similar tastes in music and jokes. We also used to bug each other about "talent scouting."
If you're not aware of what "talent scouting" is, it's basically a new term for scoping (ogling) women. We were both quite good at it, I'll admit it.
Oh, and we both wanted to throttle Drama Queen on a number of occasions.
"The Boy" and I shared an office and we usually only worked in there at the same time for about 5 hours a week. despite it all, we had great communication and constantly shared stories. In fact, people started referring to us as "Starsky & Hutch." And, yes, we're both old enough to have watched the TV series. It all started with a little "Yeah... do it. DO IT" conversation...
Lulls in any day usually ended with a conversation starter like: "You know who's hot?" And off we'd go on a tangent. Drama Queen actually announced during one meeting that she felt as though she was being shut out of our work because we were constantly ignoring her and not talking around her. Well, first, she always tattle to the boss when we'd be joking about things, so we stopped talking around her. And second, we did shut her out. While we both agreed on an "open door" policy, closing the door on purpose became a new hobby. One day, she offered to share some food (I think it was a curried something or other) and I just laughed and leaned over to close the door. "If you close that door," she shouted, "I'm not going to share this with you!!" I gasped, smiled and shut the door. Not a fan of curry, but closing the door in her face was more fun than having to talk to her. And good ol' Starsky enjoyed that immensely.
Over the past 18 months, I've gotten to know a lot of 'My Kids' friends and they even came up with a new nickname (a tolerable one even) for me. I'm not sharing it here, though. Too close to home. Regardless, when it came time for me to leave the department, Starsky was quick to organize a little something for my second-to-last-night. Starsky has a pub band that he got to come down to the pub in the building.
And close to 200 people came. But Starsky "forgot" to mention it to my boss and Drama Queen until the very last minute (and neither wanted to come).
I walked in at 8:30pm with $45 in my pocket. I left at 12:45 am with $45 still in my pocket. All my food and drinks (and there were plenty) were paid for. By friends, My Kids, their friends... Hell, even the wait staff bought me a few.
Living up to our tradition of "talent scouting," just before a bunch of us headed down to the pub, this girl walked past. Now, I'm not sure who she was or where exaclt she came from, but I'm sure the snap of every man's neck was heard as we all whipped our heads to watch her walk past. One of the Kids grabbed me and pushed me forward towards her and shouted out, "This man right here! That's what the whole thing's about in the pub tonight!" She turned and smiled (gorgeous!!) and continued walking towards the pub. She was wearing a short grey skirt, a white shirt and black sweater. HOT!
She came back twice. And seriously, she looked better every time.
So, we all walk down and as I enter the pub, 'Starsky' stops the music on stage to announce that this is now officially a party for me. And the crowd goes wild.
With everything going on, songs dedicated to me (seriously, it was a very strange night for me), I just kept staring at this hot girl who's suddenly appeared. All night.
And then I got busted in the worst possible way.
As Starsky goes to sing one final song, Tupelo Honey, he cuts into the lyrics with, "We'll dedicate this one to the girl in the black sweater who [Hoser]'s been eyeing all night." Oh man, I'm under the table. He got me.
It wasn't the only time under the table. I went there again when she stepped outside for moment and took a puff from a cigar. That did me in too.
One the road to Recovery the following day, Starsky asked how much I remembered. I looked at him and smiled.
"Man, that girl was HOT!"
I'm going to miss my Starsky.
After a continual parade of Co-Workers From Hell, I really didn't think I'd ever have the chance to work with someone I actually liked. But 'The Boy' came through.
We have very similar tastes in music and jokes. We also used to bug each other about "talent scouting."
If you're not aware of what "talent scouting" is, it's basically a new term for scoping (ogling) women. We were both quite good at it, I'll admit it.
Oh, and we both wanted to throttle Drama Queen on a number of occasions.
"The Boy" and I shared an office and we usually only worked in there at the same time for about 5 hours a week. despite it all, we had great communication and constantly shared stories. In fact, people started referring to us as "Starsky & Hutch." And, yes, we're both old enough to have watched the TV series. It all started with a little "Yeah... do it. DO IT" conversation...
Lulls in any day usually ended with a conversation starter like: "You know who's hot?" And off we'd go on a tangent. Drama Queen actually announced during one meeting that she felt as though she was being shut out of our work because we were constantly ignoring her and not talking around her. Well, first, she always tattle to the boss when we'd be joking about things, so we stopped talking around her. And second, we did shut her out. While we both agreed on an "open door" policy, closing the door on purpose became a new hobby. One day, she offered to share some food (I think it was a curried something or other) and I just laughed and leaned over to close the door. "If you close that door," she shouted, "I'm not going to share this with you!!" I gasped, smiled and shut the door. Not a fan of curry, but closing the door in her face was more fun than having to talk to her. And good ol' Starsky enjoyed that immensely.
Over the past 18 months, I've gotten to know a lot of 'My Kids' friends and they even came up with a new nickname (a tolerable one even) for me. I'm not sharing it here, though. Too close to home. Regardless, when it came time for me to leave the department, Starsky was quick to organize a little something for my second-to-last-night. Starsky has a pub band that he got to come down to the pub in the building.
And close to 200 people came. But Starsky "forgot" to mention it to my boss and Drama Queen until the very last minute (and neither wanted to come).
I walked in at 8:30pm with $45 in my pocket. I left at 12:45 am with $45 still in my pocket. All my food and drinks (and there were plenty) were paid for. By friends, My Kids, their friends... Hell, even the wait staff bought me a few.
Living up to our tradition of "talent scouting," just before a bunch of us headed down to the pub, this girl walked past. Now, I'm not sure who she was or where exaclt she came from, but I'm sure the snap of every man's neck was heard as we all whipped our heads to watch her walk past. One of the Kids grabbed me and pushed me forward towards her and shouted out, "This man right here! That's what the whole thing's about in the pub tonight!" She turned and smiled (gorgeous!!) and continued walking towards the pub. She was wearing a short grey skirt, a white shirt and black sweater. HOT!
She came back twice. And seriously, she looked better every time.
So, we all walk down and as I enter the pub, 'Starsky' stops the music on stage to announce that this is now officially a party for me. And the crowd goes wild.
With everything going on, songs dedicated to me (seriously, it was a very strange night for me), I just kept staring at this hot girl who's suddenly appeared. All night.
And then I got busted in the worst possible way.
As Starsky goes to sing one final song, Tupelo Honey, he cuts into the lyrics with, "We'll dedicate this one to the girl in the black sweater who [Hoser]'s been eyeing all night." Oh man, I'm under the table. He got me.
It wasn't the only time under the table. I went there again when she stepped outside for moment and took a puff from a cigar. That did me in too.
One the road to Recovery the following day, Starsky asked how much I remembered. I looked at him and smiled.
"Man, that girl was HOT!"
I'm going to miss my Starsky.
My Finale
It's finally over for good. Today marked my last day working in the dreaded department and Tuesday everything starts anew in my new department in my old, old, old, old, old job.
But before I actually left, there was of course a few final fuck ups (sorry, I can't call them any less) by my final Co-Worker From Hell, Drama Queen.
First one:
DQ drops the bomb on another project and I'm left to pick up the slack. I coordinate and manage to get everything done just over the project deadline. It was about 10% done 2 days prior. But because it wasn't done on time, my boss is down my throat about it (hello? Not my project in the first place!) and then DQ sends out an email to the higher-ups waiting for the project that I'm behind on it. Wha?
Second one:
My goodbye lunch. Here's how difficult it is to organize a goodbye lunch:
The other way you organize a goodbye is how my (now) good friend 'The Boy' did it. But that's a tale for another post.
Let's get back to my pissed off rant, here.
So, I get to the restaurant --fashionably late by 5 minutes-- only to find that only 3 others have arrived. 3 of 'My Kids' are there, but not my boss, the man "treating" for lunch. DQ is not there. 'The Boy' is not there. The other 'Kids'? Nowhere to be seen. It's a crowded restaurant and My Kids are all standing in the entry way. I check with a waitress and discover that there isn't a reservation. So, within 5 minutes I'm on my cell phone calling people to see where they are. My boss is on the highway (why, I don't know) , 'The Boy' is making his way over from the office and arrives within 2 minutes. DQ had left 30 minutes before him and finally made it to the restaurant twenty minutes after 'The Boy.' Still no sign of my boss and we've now been standing in the entry way for half an hour.
We finally get a table a little after 1pm. Why? Most people are headed back to the office, that's why. Still no sign of 'My Boss' and it's looking more and more like I'm going to be paying for everyone's lunch because DQ (the uber-organizer) has disappeared once again to try and figure out where the boss has gotten himself to. I finally insist that everyone order as it's getting late. We order, we talk for a bit. The food arrives and 5 minutes later, so does my boss. He apologizes. He was at the other restaurant. He orders a snack (he's already eaten, get it?), turns to me and asks:
"Well, you're coming up on your last day. Are you excited to be going?"
Now, the intelligent thing here would be to say something along the lines of: "Oh well, you know... I'm excited for the new opportunities ahead of me." Or maybe "I'm leaving with mixed emotions to be honest." Nope. I actually answer before he'd even finished asking the question.
"Yes," I answer, "I'm really excited."
The rest of lunch is finished in silence. The only other comment from my boss is somethng about how hard it is to believe I've only been there for 18 months when it's like I've been there forever.
Forever. It truly has felt that way.
I don't get a card. Not even a little gift (I once did a quick "fill in" in one department when one person was suddenly hospitalized and they spent over $100 on a gift for me). Even some token of gratitude would be nice.
But all I got was a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
The Boy.... and My Kids. Now they know how to throw a goodbye party. But, as I said earlier, that's a post for another day.
It's finally over for good. Today marked my last day working in the dreaded department and Tuesday everything starts anew in my new department in my old, old, old, old, old job.
But before I actually left, there was of course a few final fuck ups (sorry, I can't call them any less) by my final Co-Worker From Hell, Drama Queen.
First one:
DQ drops the bomb on another project and I'm left to pick up the slack. I coordinate and manage to get everything done just over the project deadline. It was about 10% done 2 days prior. But because it wasn't done on time, my boss is down my throat about it (hello? Not my project in the first place!) and then DQ sends out an email to the higher-ups waiting for the project that I'm behind on it. Wha?
Second one:
My goodbye lunch. Here's how difficult it is to organize a goodbye lunch:
- Pick a restaurant.
- Call restaurant and make a reservation based on everyone you plan on inviting.
- Email or call everyone you plan on inviting.
- Tell them the place.
- Tell them the time.
- Get them to RSVP a day or two beforehand to give you an idea how many people are actually coming.
- Call the restaurant again to confirm once you have the RSVPs.
- (this is my trick) Add two seats. Just in case.
- Call and remind everyone the morning of the lunch.
The other way you organize a goodbye is how my (now) good friend 'The Boy' did it. But that's a tale for another post.
Let's get back to my pissed off rant, here.
So, I get to the restaurant --fashionably late by 5 minutes-- only to find that only 3 others have arrived. 3 of 'My Kids' are there, but not my boss, the man "treating" for lunch. DQ is not there. 'The Boy' is not there. The other 'Kids'? Nowhere to be seen. It's a crowded restaurant and My Kids are all standing in the entry way. I check with a waitress and discover that there isn't a reservation. So, within 5 minutes I'm on my cell phone calling people to see where they are. My boss is on the highway (why, I don't know) , 'The Boy' is making his way over from the office and arrives within 2 minutes. DQ had left 30 minutes before him and finally made it to the restaurant twenty minutes after 'The Boy.' Still no sign of my boss and we've now been standing in the entry way for half an hour.
We finally get a table a little after 1pm. Why? Most people are headed back to the office, that's why. Still no sign of 'My Boss' and it's looking more and more like I'm going to be paying for everyone's lunch because DQ (the uber-organizer) has disappeared once again to try and figure out where the boss has gotten himself to. I finally insist that everyone order as it's getting late. We order, we talk for a bit. The food arrives and 5 minutes later, so does my boss. He apologizes. He was at the other restaurant. He orders a snack (he's already eaten, get it?), turns to me and asks:
"Well, you're coming up on your last day. Are you excited to be going?"
Now, the intelligent thing here would be to say something along the lines of: "Oh well, you know... I'm excited for the new opportunities ahead of me." Or maybe "I'm leaving with mixed emotions to be honest." Nope. I actually answer before he'd even finished asking the question.
"Yes," I answer, "I'm really excited."
The rest of lunch is finished in silence. The only other comment from my boss is somethng about how hard it is to believe I've only been there for 18 months when it's like I've been there forever.
Forever. It truly has felt that way.
I don't get a card. Not even a little gift (I once did a quick "fill in" in one department when one person was suddenly hospitalized and they spent over $100 on a gift for me). Even some token of gratitude would be nice.
But all I got was a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
The Boy.... and My Kids. Now they know how to throw a goodbye party. But, as I said earlier, that's a post for another day.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
My Weird for the Day
The countdown to the end of this job is at 4 days now. Tuesday to Friday and then I'm outta here.
I've been sick off and on since last Wednesday though and missed work on Thursday and Monday. Had to go in on Friday as there was a problem that apparently only I could take care of and I needed to wait for an important phone call. I did spend the day in the office and suffered greatly because of it.
But now I'm feeling really weird about going into work today. I'm not entirely sure why, but it's almost like I have 4 days left to figure out all the puzzle pieces this job has thrown at me and the mess isn't going to be cleaned up. And I'm the one stuck with the mess.
Or the blame.
I'm hoping I'm being extremely paranoid right now but part of me doesn't want to go back to that office. Ever.
I think it partly has to do with the fact that my boss isn't very happy with my departure. I admit it comes at a bad time for the department (we're extremely busy), but it was the right time for me. I haven't said it to anyone at work, but I actually regret giving more than 2 weeks' notice. Had I just given the 2 weeks, then today would be my last day. Not Friday.
And I'm thinking it was a mistake to wait so long.
We'll see what happens by the end of the day.
The countdown to the end of this job is at 4 days now. Tuesday to Friday and then I'm outta here.
I've been sick off and on since last Wednesday though and missed work on Thursday and Monday. Had to go in on Friday as there was a problem that apparently only I could take care of and I needed to wait for an important phone call. I did spend the day in the office and suffered greatly because of it.
But now I'm feeling really weird about going into work today. I'm not entirely sure why, but it's almost like I have 4 days left to figure out all the puzzle pieces this job has thrown at me and the mess isn't going to be cleaned up. And I'm the one stuck with the mess.
Or the blame.
I'm hoping I'm being extremely paranoid right now but part of me doesn't want to go back to that office. Ever.
I think it partly has to do with the fact that my boss isn't very happy with my departure. I admit it comes at a bad time for the department (we're extremely busy), but it was the right time for me. I haven't said it to anyone at work, but I actually regret giving more than 2 weeks' notice. Had I just given the 2 weeks, then today would be my last day. Not Friday.
And I'm thinking it was a mistake to wait so long.
We'll see what happens by the end of the day.
Friday, October 01, 2004
My Lessons
I can't believe it's frickin' October already. Man, I swear I was just looking forward to my holidays in July and now suddenly is freakin October.
Crap.
But this is probably as good a time as any to reflect on what I've learned in the past year.
Why now? Because by December, you'll be sick of seeing these lists.
1. My Work Ethic has altered slightly. For the first time in 8 years I feel like skipping work. It's not that my work ethics have actually gotten that bad as I'm already looking forward to my new start on October 12, it's that I'm regretting having to wait that long after dealing with the primo-bozos in my current department.
2. I'll admit I love Sex Caffeine. But what I've discovered is that I love her as a friend. I'm very happy that she's found a good man, but at the same time I hope she doesn't get hurt. I just want her to be happy and I think I'm in a good spot feeling that way. So there.
3. I still love my first love too. Now that she's pregnant (not mine), I find I'm emailing her quite regularly just to see how she's doing. It's a caring love, not a passionate one.
4. I still love my wife. Probably gets the biggest sigh of relief, but it's true. I've been in a bad place for over a year now (more like 2 or 3 years, really) and have kept a "work comes first" attitude as it's what pays the bills. It still is "what pays the bills," but the raise and steady schedule make me realize more and more that my bad place turned out to be my office. We haven't argued about anything major in a few weeks now.
5. I hate my current job. I'm the "old man" in the department because I've been working there for 7 years. The others all don't add up to my experience and my "lessons" have fallen on deaf ears. I understand policies, they just don't care and I'm the one that hear about it from on high. I'm outta here.
6. I love my new job. October 12 baby! I sat down today to see if I could remember everyone in the department. Yep. Got 'em all and only mispelled one guy's name. They're getting impatient waiting for me to start. So am I.
7. I have a new addiction. Actually, 2. Maybe even 3. Recently got copies of both City of Heroes and Sims 2. Having a blast with both. #3 might be NHL 2005 which I haven't gotten around to installing quite yet.
8. I'm a bit of a pervert. I'll admit to downloading the censor-patch remover for Sims 2 and then almost immediately donwloading nude skins. Just makes the game that much more interesting...
9. I hate being sick. Can't tell if it's stress related or just a plain common cold, but I'm sniffling, coughing and hacking all through the night right now. May have to miss a few days of work next week.
10. Alcohol is my friend. I'm drinking regularly all of sudden (well, at least before this stupid cold hit). I've gone out with co-workers on 3 occasions in the past 2 weeks. And I've had a little something nearly every night too. The 2nd & 3rd times were back-to-back Friday and Saturday as part of a good-bye thing for a friend of mine in a different department. She's off to explore the world for the next year or so. She propositioned me the 2nd night and I stayed away (but oh so tempting!!) and on the 3rd night she did it again and it was really difficult to stay away. Managed to do it, though and almost literally crawled off to sleep in my car.
11. I have one week left with my Co-Workers From Hell. I'll have to get 'The Boy" to send me updates on what the CFHs are doing. The Boy's quite sad I'm leaving and I feel (a little, but very little) bad for him too. Apparently, Drama Queen has also gotten a transfer out of the department, but she's going to an even busier one where perfection is key. I hope she can step up to the plate and deliver, but something tells me she's done by Christmas. The Boy is basically left alone with the boss now and that won't be a good thing.
What do I do for stories now?
I can't believe it's frickin' October already. Man, I swear I was just looking forward to my holidays in July and now suddenly is freakin October.
Crap.
But this is probably as good a time as any to reflect on what I've learned in the past year.
Why now? Because by December, you'll be sick of seeing these lists.
1. My Work Ethic has altered slightly. For the first time in 8 years I feel like skipping work. It's not that my work ethics have actually gotten that bad as I'm already looking forward to my new start on October 12, it's that I'm regretting having to wait that long after dealing with the primo-bozos in my current department.
2. I'll admit I love Sex Caffeine. But what I've discovered is that I love her as a friend. I'm very happy that she's found a good man, but at the same time I hope she doesn't get hurt. I just want her to be happy and I think I'm in a good spot feeling that way. So there.
3. I still love my first love too. Now that she's pregnant (not mine), I find I'm emailing her quite regularly just to see how she's doing. It's a caring love, not a passionate one.
4. I still love my wife. Probably gets the biggest sigh of relief, but it's true. I've been in a bad place for over a year now (more like 2 or 3 years, really) and have kept a "work comes first" attitude as it's what pays the bills. It still is "what pays the bills," but the raise and steady schedule make me realize more and more that my bad place turned out to be my office. We haven't argued about anything major in a few weeks now.
5. I hate my current job. I'm the "old man" in the department because I've been working there for 7 years. The others all don't add up to my experience and my "lessons" have fallen on deaf ears. I understand policies, they just don't care and I'm the one that hear about it from on high. I'm outta here.
6. I love my new job. October 12 baby! I sat down today to see if I could remember everyone in the department. Yep. Got 'em all and only mispelled one guy's name. They're getting impatient waiting for me to start. So am I.
7. I have a new addiction. Actually, 2. Maybe even 3. Recently got copies of both City of Heroes and Sims 2. Having a blast with both. #3 might be NHL 2005 which I haven't gotten around to installing quite yet.
8. I'm a bit of a pervert. I'll admit to downloading the censor-patch remover for Sims 2 and then almost immediately donwloading nude skins. Just makes the game that much more interesting...
9. I hate being sick. Can't tell if it's stress related or just a plain common cold, but I'm sniffling, coughing and hacking all through the night right now. May have to miss a few days of work next week.
10. Alcohol is my friend. I'm drinking regularly all of sudden (well, at least before this stupid cold hit). I've gone out with co-workers on 3 occasions in the past 2 weeks. And I've had a little something nearly every night too. The 2nd & 3rd times were back-to-back Friday and Saturday as part of a good-bye thing for a friend of mine in a different department. She's off to explore the world for the next year or so. She propositioned me the 2nd night and I stayed away (but oh so tempting!!) and on the 3rd night she did it again and it was really difficult to stay away. Managed to do it, though and almost literally crawled off to sleep in my car.
11. I have one week left with my Co-Workers From Hell. I'll have to get 'The Boy" to send me updates on what the CFHs are doing. The Boy's quite sad I'm leaving and I feel (a little, but very little) bad for him too. Apparently, Drama Queen has also gotten a transfer out of the department, but she's going to an even busier one where perfection is key. I hope she can step up to the plate and deliver, but something tells me she's done by Christmas. The Boy is basically left alone with the boss now and that won't be a good thing.
What do I do for stories now?
My Escape
The countdown's on for real now.
I have 5 days and 6 hours to go. Sadly, that's still not fast enough. Fortunately, today I'm sans boss and Drama Queen which should make for an easier day. They can't cause problems if they're not here.
If the plan is to make me want to leave the office that much faster, it's working. I dread every day I come in right now.
Hard to believe that a year ago when I was asked to rate my job on a scale of 1 to 10, I actually said 10. It's difficult to hit a 1 right now. Maybe it's all the years I've been here and therefore know/understand why policies are in place, but that doesn't phase anyone else from not following them. Bugs me.
What stresses me out is that my boss keeps handing assignments to DQ and she passes them on to me. I've decided to ignore most of them and then pass them back to her next Friday when I leave.
I've got the bonus call display in my new office, so even if they call, they won't actually talk to me....
On that note, I have to think up a new voicemail message for the new office. I'm thinking of relating it to people down here, so my 2 choices so far are:
"Talk to the tape, girlfriend, 'cuz the man ain't gonna listen to ya."
~or~
"I'm not in right now and therefore not answering the phone. Please leave a message and I'll prioritize it and get back to you later."
My current joke around the office is that anything my boss lists as a "#1 top Priority" is currently on my list as Priority #1-A, or Priority #1-CC.
Not that that's stopped him from giving me top #1 priorities...
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
My Dust
It's going to be a difficult few weeks around the office, to be sure. I need to maintain some level of enthusiasm for my job.
Before I leave.
October 12 will be my first day at my new job --which, coincidentally, is also my old, old, old, old job.
It's the best department I've worked for in my many years here and boy am I excited about going back!
October 12. Soon,
Phew!
It's going to be a difficult few weeks around the office, to be sure. I need to maintain some level of enthusiasm for my job.
Before I leave.
October 12 will be my first day at my new job --which, coincidentally, is also my old, old, old, old job.
It's the best department I've worked for in my many years here and boy am I excited about going back!
October 12. Soon,
Phew!
Friday, September 17, 2004
My Pause For Concern
Yeah, I meant pause not cause.
I mentioned quite some time ago about running unexpectedly into my ex-girlfriend from lo those many years ago. I had quite a few people joking around with me at work because they figured we "hooked up" when we met. Yeah, we got together a couple time afterward...
I still get "Hey man, how's the ex!?" From some of the guys here and with the recent news, I had a great response:
"Pregnant."
[pause]
After it soaks in, I laugh it off. It's not my kid (unless drinking coffee can do that sort of thing --insert Sex Caffeine joke here), but the timing is eerily coincidental. She's due almost 9 months to the day that we first ran into one another. Hehe.
Yeah, I meant pause not cause.
I mentioned quite some time ago about running unexpectedly into my ex-girlfriend from lo those many years ago. I had quite a few people joking around with me at work because they figured we "hooked up" when we met. Yeah, we got together a couple time afterward...
I still get "Hey man, how's the ex!?" From some of the guys here and with the recent news, I had a great response:
"Pregnant."
[pause]
After it soaks in, I laugh it off. It's not my kid (unless drinking coffee can do that sort of thing --insert Sex Caffeine joke here), but the timing is eerily coincidental. She's due almost 9 months to the day that we first ran into one another. Hehe.
My First Cartwheel
That was quick. My interview to return to my old, old, old, old job is scheduled for Monday afternoon. The timing couldn't be better.
A little uneasy about it, just because I have so many friends over there and I'm worried that if I don't get it, they'll all think I'm mad at them --not true. Sex Caffeine and I were up for the same job a year ago in July and she got it over me. She figured I'd never talk to her again, which obviously isn't true (although the excuse would've been great, but at least we've become good friends at most since then).
I talked to SC about the potential move and how I was feeling, but she mistook my feelings to mean I felt that my co-workers here would be mad at me. "No, no! Screw them!" I replied.
Seriously, this is a much-needed opportunity and I'm hoping for the best. I need the switch and soon.
That was quick. My interview to return to my old, old, old, old job is scheduled for Monday afternoon. The timing couldn't be better.
A little uneasy about it, just because I have so many friends over there and I'm worried that if I don't get it, they'll all think I'm mad at them --not true. Sex Caffeine and I were up for the same job a year ago in July and she got it over me. She figured I'd never talk to her again, which obviously isn't true (although the excuse would've been great, but at least we've become good friends at most since then).
I talked to SC about the potential move and how I was feeling, but she mistook my feelings to mean I felt that my co-workers here would be mad at me. "No, no! Screw them!" I replied.
Seriously, this is a much-needed opportunity and I'm hoping for the best. I need the switch and soon.
My Top #1 Priorities
I just had a departmental meeting where, during the round table discussion, I requested that my boss not hand me any more "Top #1 Priorities" for at least a week. I have way too many "Top #1 Priorities" on my plate as it is and I'm losing ground on what should actually be a priority according to my job description. A week should be good, I told him, because I'm at least a week behind. He agreed, fortunately.
Unfortunately, however, before the meeting was over he'd requested 3 more items to be my "Top #1 priorities."
And apparently, "No!" is not an appropriate response.
Ugh --really starting to hate it here. Here's hoping I can do some cartwheels about a different job. And soon.
I just had a departmental meeting where, during the round table discussion, I requested that my boss not hand me any more "Top #1 Priorities" for at least a week. I have way too many "Top #1 Priorities" on my plate as it is and I'm losing ground on what should actually be a priority according to my job description. A week should be good, I told him, because I'm at least a week behind. He agreed, fortunately.
Unfortunately, however, before the meeting was over he'd requested 3 more items to be my "Top #1 priorities."
And apparently, "No!" is not an appropriate response.
Ugh --really starting to hate it here. Here's hoping I can do some cartwheels about a different job. And soon.
Monday, September 13, 2004
My Worst Fear
This is the third week of Hell at work and it wasn't like this a year ago. I recall around this time in 2003 doing a "quiz" stating on a scale of 1 to 10 how much I liked my job --and I put 10. Now, it's tough to get a 1.
Everyone's stressed and acting stupid. I'm forgetting little things because of all the big things going on. An email from a co-worker on Friday started out with "Jesus Christ, man! I told you what you needed to do already." Okay, but I was just asking for clarification.
It's not just me either. A friend in the IT department is quitting in a few weeks because he's had enough of the stress. He was balled out by one of the nicest people I know. I've known her for at least 10 years now and not once have I ever heard her talk down to anyone --and suddenly, she's off on a rant. Wow.
My boss isn't helping me either. Everything --and I do mean everything-- over the past few weeks has been a "top priority" from him. Right now I have a list of 10 top priorities and if I get 9 done in a day, then he's hounding me about #10. And I've had more than enough, thank you.
I said I'm 100% ready for a move to my old department, but that could very well be 110% now.
And that's my worst fear.
I'm so looking forward to a move (and the sooner the better) that if it doesn't happen, I'm going to lose it. Only twice in my 7+ years there have I ever been depressed. I was thinking more along the lines, today, that I'm exhausted. Not physically, no. Emotionally, though. I can't watch sad shows right now because I start getting choked up (even Wizard of Oz got to me) --and don't you dare make me watch 'Cold Case' or that'll send me over the edge.
I'm a 31 year old (I admitted it) man and I feel like I could cry at any moment just yo get over this. It's kinda crazy.
Even Sex Caffeine stated she's worried about me. She saw me on Friday and waved and I never noticed her. At all. And today, I almost forgot her real name.
I really need some good news. And soon.
This is the third week of Hell at work and it wasn't like this a year ago. I recall around this time in 2003 doing a "quiz" stating on a scale of 1 to 10 how much I liked my job --and I put 10. Now, it's tough to get a 1.
Everyone's stressed and acting stupid. I'm forgetting little things because of all the big things going on. An email from a co-worker on Friday started out with "Jesus Christ, man! I told you what you needed to do already." Okay, but I was just asking for clarification.
It's not just me either. A friend in the IT department is quitting in a few weeks because he's had enough of the stress. He was balled out by one of the nicest people I know. I've known her for at least 10 years now and not once have I ever heard her talk down to anyone --and suddenly, she's off on a rant. Wow.
My boss isn't helping me either. Everything --and I do mean everything-- over the past few weeks has been a "top priority" from him. Right now I have a list of 10 top priorities and if I get 9 done in a day, then he's hounding me about #10. And I've had more than enough, thank you.
I said I'm 100% ready for a move to my old department, but that could very well be 110% now.
And that's my worst fear.
I'm so looking forward to a move (and the sooner the better) that if it doesn't happen, I'm going to lose it. Only twice in my 7+ years there have I ever been depressed. I was thinking more along the lines, today, that I'm exhausted. Not physically, no. Emotionally, though. I can't watch sad shows right now because I start getting choked up (even Wizard of Oz got to me) --and don't you dare make me watch 'Cold Case' or that'll send me over the edge.
I'm a 31 year old (I admitted it) man and I feel like I could cry at any moment just yo get over this. It's kinda crazy.
Even Sex Caffeine stated she's worried about me. She saw me on Friday and waved and I never noticed her. At all. And today, I almost forgot her real name.
I really need some good news. And soon.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
My 5%
Apparently, a few weeks back, my boss decided to diss me in front of the other staff in the department. Not a good thing to hear when I'm waiting to hear on a promotion. The good news is I heard it from Drama Queen, so who knows if he actually said that.
Regardless, I've also applied for a position outside of the department, one of my old, old, old jobs from years ago. While this job has its perks --special events, major projects that really build character, and a strong supervisory role; my old, old, old job doesn't have any of those traits and is simply a straight-forward office job. I'm 95% convinced I'll take the job back if it's offered to me again.
So, what is the 5% that could hold me back? Well, if I'm offered the job, I want to talk to my boss before I accept the old, old, old job. I want to know if he actually did insult me in front of my co-workers. If he did --I'm gone. If he didn't, then he knows that people are putting words in his mouth which doesn't make him look good. The 5% is if my boss says I'm in for the promotion. I'm not holding out hope though.
See, after the past 2 weeks, the 5% has started to vanish. Last week saw me put in 36 hours of overtime. That's more hours of OT than I'm actually allowed to work at a regular full-time basis. 71 working hours in one week. 203% full-time work. Too much.
We were all focusing on 2 major events for the week and all other priorities (and there were plenty) fell by the wayside. We needed to focus, and DQ waiting until the last minute on several items meant that I had to pull everyone's fat out of the fire yet again. Somehow I managed to fit in hiring My New Kids too.
And then this week, I start getting dumped on for the things that didn't --COULDN'T-- get done last week. Little things --some that could wait, others that shouldn't have to. Then my boss started in on me too. "Why wasn't this done?" Why? Because it's sitting on his desk waiting for approval. Why didn't he approve it yet? Too focused on the events of last week. He wasn't the only one, but apparently he's too blind to notice. But I'm the only one who did wrong, right?
My 5% has vanished. I should know by next week whether I stay or go.
Apparently, a few weeks back, my boss decided to diss me in front of the other staff in the department. Not a good thing to hear when I'm waiting to hear on a promotion. The good news is I heard it from Drama Queen, so who knows if he actually said that.
Regardless, I've also applied for a position outside of the department, one of my old, old, old jobs from years ago. While this job has its perks --special events, major projects that really build character, and a strong supervisory role; my old, old, old job doesn't have any of those traits and is simply a straight-forward office job. I'm 95% convinced I'll take the job back if it's offered to me again.
So, what is the 5% that could hold me back? Well, if I'm offered the job, I want to talk to my boss before I accept the old, old, old job. I want to know if he actually did insult me in front of my co-workers. If he did --I'm gone. If he didn't, then he knows that people are putting words in his mouth which doesn't make him look good. The 5% is if my boss says I'm in for the promotion. I'm not holding out hope though.
See, after the past 2 weeks, the 5% has started to vanish. Last week saw me put in 36 hours of overtime. That's more hours of OT than I'm actually allowed to work at a regular full-time basis. 71 working hours in one week. 203% full-time work. Too much.
We were all focusing on 2 major events for the week and all other priorities (and there were plenty) fell by the wayside. We needed to focus, and DQ waiting until the last minute on several items meant that I had to pull everyone's fat out of the fire yet again. Somehow I managed to fit in hiring My New Kids too.
And then this week, I start getting dumped on for the things that didn't --COULDN'T-- get done last week. Little things --some that could wait, others that shouldn't have to. Then my boss started in on me too. "Why wasn't this done?" Why? Because it's sitting on his desk waiting for approval. Why didn't he approve it yet? Too focused on the events of last week. He wasn't the only one, but apparently he's too blind to notice. But I'm the only one who did wrong, right?
My 5% has vanished. I should know by next week whether I stay or go.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
My Age
When the Hell did I become the old man and why didn't I see the memo?!?!?!
I was talking to one of my kids tonight and found out he's registered for a 3rd-year history course that I did the research for nearly ten years ago.
And that's when I realized that the past 10 years have really been wasted. My degree was "just around the corner" in 1995 and the only thing that's changed about that last statement is that the '199' has been replaced by '200.'
Holy shit I've lost 10 years!
My Justice
Hey, do you think I think it' wrong/immoral to download music and movies? I don't. I have my reasons, especially when it comes to movies. I've mentioned the dread whenever I go to the movies and get stuck close to the official 'theatre idiot' and Saturday night was no different.
I saw 'Hero' on Saturday and had originally just intended to download it. A friend form work wanted to go see it, so he brought his wife and son to my house to visit my family while we went to see the movie.
It's a Chinese movie with English subtitles. The movie begins with a brief history of China, surrounding the events.
There were a few people walk out of the movie, if for no other reason than as the guy sitting in front of me said: "I didn't come to the movie so I gotsta read it." Fine. Go home.
Later in the film, one of the characters makes a momentous decision that results in a scoff from behind me and the comment: "Stupid Japanese woman." Yes, stupid Japanese woman. Although, she's not too stupid if she has such a good grasp of Chinese and comes from, oh grasping at straws here..., CHINA.
Oh man, give me the privacy of my own home to sit down (like I am right now, watching 'Lost in Translation') and watch a movie. Lost in Translation takes place in Japan. I wonder if there are any stupid Chinese women in it...
My 24-hour Labour Day Weekend
Yeah, it was a short weekend. One friggin' day. Had a major project that we just finished about 11 Sunday night, so my long weekend was today and now that I look at the clock I realize that I'm finally relaxing on my long weekend at 12:15 on the Tuesday morning.
8:45am: I'm woken up from my 5 hours' and reminded that I need to mow the lawn today. After over 9 weeks with less than a centimetre of rain, it's been raining off and on since mid-August and the grass has sprung back to life and about 5 inches in height. It's finally dry enough to cut. So, I'm into shorts and a t-shirt before a shower (why shower and then work up a sweat?).
9:00am: Circumstances saw me rushing to fax some info about the project to various places in the U.S. Had to get it done on a deadline and didn't have time last night. I tried installing a 'fax' program on my computer that's offered from my ISP "free of charge." Free of charge to me doesn't include a $12.95 set-up fee and $7.95 confirmation, plus 10 cents per page. What's "free" again? So, off to the convenience store I got and spend $5.40 (I had $6.50 in my pocket...) on the faxes. Yeesh.
9:30am: When I came home I saw that my wife's car had a flat tire. Naturally, she didn't think much of it, but I knew she wasn't going anywhere (especially to her first ay of her new job) with a tire this flat. I decided I'd put the donut on right after I mowed the lawn. The lawn is bad and a little choked in the lawnmower. It takes over a tank of gas to finish the yard. My father-in-law drops by with some wooden palettes that will be chopped up later in September to keep the house warm in the winter. Our wood situation isn't too bad this year, but it could be 'good' for a change.
10:15am: Screw the shower. It's time to get the donut on my wife's car. What's a donut, you ask? It's the piss-ant spare tires that come cars these days. Donuts are slightly bigger, so I'm actually being unfair to donuts. I know this work and heavy concentration always turns into perspiration for me. Problem is, I can't get the frickin' hubcap off. It's got a special tab hidden alongside the valve that just springs the thing off the tire. I can't get it to budge and feel if I exert any more strength I'll break the plastic (is there any metal on this vehicle????).
10:50am: Fine. I'll take it to the closest gas station and fill the tire with air before I go to Canadian Tire. As I'm backing out of the carport, my wife bangs on the window --scaring the ever-lovin' crap out me-- and says her dad can help (has an air compressor) and he's closer than the gas station. So, off I go to his place. Second time today I've seen him and it wouldn't be the last time.
11:15am: Well, if it wasn't for me, my father-in-law would've discovered at an inopportune time that his air compressor doesn't actually work. He bought it on sale at Canadian Tire and he's not impressed now. We put the spare tire on eventually.
11:50am: I head down to Canadian Tire to get the tire fixed. There's a nail in it and had probably been there for months, but of course it makes it's statement on Labour Day. I tell the guy that I need to get the tire patched and put back on the car AND if they have the time to replace the crappy valves they put on this model of car. "Sure," he says, "It'll be an hour to an hour and a half." Whatever. "Just bring it right in here," he says. I drive into the shop and he gives me a dirty look. "I thought you were just dropping off the tire." "No, that's why I asked you to put it back on the car." I should've known then, right?
12 Noon: So, I have about 90 minutes to kill and my cell phone battery is dead. I have $1.10 in my pocket , but I need to call home and let her know what's going on. She's annoyed because she figured she could take care of it later (never mentioned that before...) and I'm asking for her to come pick me up. It's that or I'll go see a movie. She's going to be 15 minutes or so, so I go for a stroll through the mall. I have a little cash on my debit card and I'd promised my daughter earlier in the week if she was a good girl I'd get her a present. She was (to the point of getting my wife water when she sat down to relax) and now I need to get her something. She started ballet last year, so I opt for a children's book about ballet. Score.
12:40pm: I sit and wait outside the mall for my wife to arrive. She doesn't but my father in law does. He's confused as to why I'd brought the car down to get the tire fixed (seems he and my wife had discussed the best scenario and neither shared it with me). Finally get home in time gather my stuff and head to the office for an hour to clean up a few things from the weekend.
1:00pm: I'm finally heading out the door and still haven't showered, eaten breakfast or had a coffee. Naturally, an hour at the office doesn't include 30 minutes to get there and another 30 back home.
2:40pm: I call my wife before I leave the office to see if Canadian Tire has called or not. "They don't call" I'm told and to just come home as my wife has enough money to pay for the costs. I was planning on putting it on my credit card, but if she's got enough cash... I'll head for home and grab the cash.
3:30pm: Finally home (Labour Day Weekend traffic...) only to find out my wife has her purse hidden under the front seat... of her car.
3:45pm: I'm at Canadian Tire, paying for the tire seal. The forgot about the valve replacement and had trouble putting the hubcap back on.
Okay, gripe time.... No valve replacement and they're confused by the hubcap and put it on wrong. You'd think a place called Canadian TIRE might know something about, oh say, TIRES????? Nope. An old high school friend owns a tire shop near work, so she gets my business from now on.
So, the car stays while I go home. I'll bring my wife down later to pick it up.
4:00pm: Finally have my breakfast coffee and hop in the shower. You'd think I'd be hungry and my headache is telling me that I am. No matter. Dinner will be soon, so I'll never hear the end of it if I have something to eat now.
4:30pm: Finally make it downstairs to get some work done on the computer. It last for nearly 30 minutes.
4:55pm: Apparently, we're having dinner at my wife's parents' place. If I'm lucky, we'll be home by 9pm.
8:10pm: Leave the In-Law's and head for Canadian Tire. There's a note on the window stating they couldn't get the hubcap on again (and they still forgot the valve replacement. The note actually says that the keys are under the seat beside her purse. I'm surprised the windows aren't smashed in.
8:20pm: We drive home and I'm following her car. I'm waiting for the hubcap to come flying off and as it is, it looks like the tire is wobbling. It's not --it's just the uneven hubcap. Idiots.
So, it's 12:15am before I get my opportunity to relax....
My holidays, ladies and gentlemen, gotta love the relaxation.
Monday, September 06, 2004
My New Kids
One of my more stressful & exhausting tasks last week was hiring my new batch of kids for the year. I had 6-8 positions to fill and interviewed 14 people.
It wasn't just people from before --there were a few of those (some have moved on, some were sick of it, some just didn't make it to the list) and they needed to be interviewed again, but there were also some new kids to meet and hire.
I needed somewhere an awful lot more private than my office area to interview and since Drama Queen was nice enough to do the schedule for me, I had 15-minute timeslots for each interview.
Shit.
Fortunately, the first 3 didn't even show. One though it was a different day and the other two (sisters) had car troubles and had forgotten to re-schedule. Still, in one of my busiest weeks, it was a little annoying to waste nearly an hour of my day.
Eventually, I got down to the interviewing of people who showed up (1 point for them) and it went great. I interviewed them in the cafeteria (believe it or not it's more private than my office). At one point, one of my old co-workers came down for coffee and saw me sitting at a table with this one candidate, a very stunning blonde (she didn't get hired, although... *sigh*). He looked up from the coffee counter and gave me a smirk. And I knew what he was going to do next. My assumption is, he went back to the office and commented on the cute blonde I was talking to in the cafeteria. There's 3 guys he could've told and sure enough, about 10 minutes later one of them came down. Problem was, I was interviewing someone else. A young redhead. Hehe. So, there he was giving me quite the inquisitive look. Why? Where was the blonde? So, he must go back to the office and call the other one an idiot for mistaking the redhead for a blonde. They argue about what she looked like and a third guy decides to check things out for himself. Only now Alberta has sat down with me and we're discussing issues for the coming year. Yep, she's blonde (and stunning), but she's not the one the first guy saw me with. So he goes back and says she's definitely blonde and that gets them all going. Guy #4 has heard enough (gets quite jealous of me and the ladies.. ;) ) and he makes his way to the cafeteria as well. Nope, no blonde and no redhead. I'm talking to a young Japanese girl (she didn't get hired either). Now the fight really starts and they decide to all come down together and finalize this argument. Alas, I'm talking to someone else when they come down --an extremely cute little brunette. She did get hired, but I really heard about from the stooges when I dropped by the next day...
One of the regular kids from last year, whom I lovingly referred to as 'Pain in the Butt' was told (by me) why she wasn't coming back. It wasn't completely my decision --my boss wasn't impressed with her last year and when she forgot when her interview time was it all but finished her chances. She also had a poor interview (hello? You went through it the year before!!) and that helped make my decision easier.
Man-Child is coming back, but I've cut his hours. I'd opted not to have him back, but my boss likes him (don't ask) so he's back but with barely any shifts. Alberta is back (of course) and I'll be working with her immediately after the long weekend. Naughty Thursdays are about to be joined by Naughty Tuesdays, but I'll manage... I did before. A few others are back too and we'll see how the new kids work out.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
My Beef with Frances
So Hurricane Frances is about to strike Florida --big time. It's a category 4 storm, which is also known as... bad.
So was Hurricane Charley that hit Florida on August 13th.
So Floridians are busy fleeing, escaping, boarding up homes and... buying wood at the local hardware store. In fact, the hardware store's are running out of wood fairly quickly.
Quick question: What did everyone do with the wood they used to board up their homes on August 13th? Do they take it back to the store?
What? No one that another hurricane was coming?
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
My Shorts
Yeah, yeah... I could come up with a better title, but... screw it. This is just a list of crap going through the noggin today. I could just continually bitch about work and family (lo and behold I do bitch about them), but there's other things going on i there as well and they're ready to spill out.
"My new network" is finally up and running. I had to sell a few things on eBay at really good prices in order to finally go out and buy the network cables. 28 feet in total. 3 feet for the modem/hub connection and 25 feet to go to the upstairs computer. The upstairs one is my oldie Celeron 300, but complete with 24x12x24 CD-RW and a DVD player. Of course, I formatted the drive and then realized that I don't have my Win98 boot disk anymore --took a bit of work, but I managed to find a version to download.
I have some new theories I'm working on. My first new theory is the Customer Service theory. I was talking to a guy at the office the other day. He was complaining because the kids at Wendy's Hamburgers screwed up his order. Cheeseburger --hold the tomatoes-- and an iced tea. He got a cheeseburger with tomatoes and a root beer. "Swear to God," he says, "This happens to me all the time." I believe him. Certain people, I'm thinking, have poor customer service happen in specific retail areas about 10-20% of the time. I get the food problem too. I went into a White Spot "Express" a few weeks back and ordered a cheeseburger, fries, & Coke. There was 1 order ahead of me and 2 behind. And somehow they lost my order. I have a friend at work who always gets the core of the lettuce plant whenever she orders a salad in a restaurant. I've been with her 4 times when it's happened. My sister has things screw up whenever she steps into a bank and talks to a teller. One time they accidentally put an extra $10 (ten!) in her account --small enough to be unnoticeable, right? She wrote a cheque, had it bounce, and got charged $35 because she was $10 overdrawn... Ugh.
My second new theory... just flew out the window. Ah! Thanks to my neighbours down the street, I just remembered it. "There's one in every neighbourhood" is a classic saying --but it's also true. There's one house in every neighbourhood that you just know is going to be the focal point of all your 'neighbourly' problems. I think the ratio is 1:8, 1 bad household for every 8 houses. That's why in my block there's 3... House #1 was a grow op, but that didn't stop them from partying it up every couple of Fridays. They had a concert (the only way to describe it --they had a band!!) start up at 11:30pm on night just after my daughter was born. Idiots. They're also the ones who had a friend drop by who forgot to set his emergency brakes when he parked on the hill. Down the hill came the Mustang, past cars, by 4 houses, across a busy street, in between our 4 rather large trees, over a 5-foot retaining wall and into both our garage doors. House #2, not to be outdone, we refer to as the MVA house. Again, police have been active there, and one guy made it to the front cover of the local paper --spread out over the hood of the squad car. Apparently, he was still supposed to be in jail... My father once backed into one of their cars on a snowy day. The car was worth maybe $500, but the bill to the insurance company was over $3000. They didn't care. There's been 6 families live there since and they're all bad drivers. They come up the hill extremely slowly (WHY do people do that?) and at the last minute signal that they're turning. There's usually a screech and occasionally, someone passes over the double-line because they think the car's slowed even more (if possible). House #3.... oh man. These guys like to party. They buy loud cars and louder stereos. They have fireside sing-alongs in the middle of super-dry (some might say 'tinder dry') summers. They also find the first firecrackers of the season --just like they did this weekend. Bang! Bang! Pop! Noon 'til midnight. Last night, there were 2 go off after midnight and I called the police --again, they don't care. They have the address memorized down there because they're always coming to break up the parties (Thursday nights were their traditional party night --go figure). One day, they had their car stereo cranked so loud that I could clearly make out the song's lyrics despite living 3 houses away. Their neighbour across the street chased after on of them with a baseball bat because it was driving him crazy. Me? I just honk my horn every morning on the way to work --it's not like they're actually awake or anything... until I honk anyway. In my old neighbourhood, 'that house' was across the street from mine. They had 2 rotten kids and the parents could care less. The kids called the police on me once because I took away the 2-litre Coke bottle they were hockey with --at 3 in the freakin' morning!! Their parents (the kids were aged 9 and 6) were at a party up the street --the neighbourhood grow op. They smashed an entire case of bottled fruit juice, which they stole out of the trunk of my father's car. We were unloading groceries and came out and caught the boy rummaging through the trunk. We scared him and he dropped the case of juice and ran home. We confronted the mother and she just laughed it off. We moved soon after. I got my revenge a few years later playing hockey. The kid still looked the same and had the same smart mouth. He called me 'fat ass' while we were playing and 'somehow' ended up needing a number of stitches.... funny, no one saw it happen despite all the friends I was playing with at the time. Oh, condos are worse. We had 'bowling for toddlers' upstairs, 'door crasher' down the hall (she used to slam the stairwell door into our bedroom wall every morning around 6:30), and 'yappy slut' downstairs for a while (she used to go out to the bars and leave her yappy dog locked in the bathroom all night) until she moved out and a 'one song says it all' family moved in. They played the same song for over 45 minutes every morning. Thumping the floor wasn't loud enough so I broke out the hammer.... don't miss living there either.
The neighbourhood thing runs in the family. My father's neighbour is a social worker and she called the police accusing my father of stealing her horse. she'd left her gate open (she does it often --I've seen her do it twice and I've only been up there for the equivalent of a month) and the horse wandered through my parents' garden and into the trees in their backyard. My father, laughed off the accusation, which riled her even more. He explained the police officer --over the phone from Wyoming where he'd been for 2 weeks-- that he didn't make a quick trip back to take the horse. Now she lets her dog loose whenever my father works in his garden. He's still a horse-thief after all.
My work thing. I'm just about ready to kill. After a lengthy meeting last Thursday, where I explained to my boss that 4 people sharing 2 offices should be able to communicate a helluva lot more efficiently than we are. Case in point: A major event this weekend, I, and my immediate co-worker were given no information on it until the newspaper advertisement arrived for my approval. That's where I got my information. Couldn't get it out of Drama Queen. For today major project, she left a number of things (naturally) to the very last minute and couldn't figure out why no one was helping her. Why should they? I was busy cleaning up her accounting mess (the girl just can't follow simple policy when filling out expense forms) and had no time to listen to her whine. So, what does my boss say on Thursday? He's going to find a way to keep her around after he contract expires at the end of the month. I had to put in 2 and a half hours of overtime today (which actually works out to 5 hours) to finish off a project she'd forgotten about and it was due today. So..... my old, old, old job has been posted and as of Friday everyone in the department has asked if I'm coming back. I've applied for the position (it is a raise in pay and 'less hours' --which means a regular schedule) and if I get it, I'll know by September 15th. I'll ask for a little while to 'discuss' things with my current boss --meaning that I'm 90% in favour of leaving for the old/new job. The 10% I don't expect to change and I'll write a few more Co-Worker From Hell comments over the next few weeks to drive that point home. Could be by the end of the next 2 weeks it's 100% towards leaving. I think they have to pay me out for all my overtime too. Right now the gross is just shy of $4000.... I could use that.
My Family thing continues as well. I wasn't sure, but decided to go to a concert last night put on my the African Children's Choir. I was finally convinced with the 'try new things' line form my wife. 3/4 of the way through the show, I suddenly realized that I'd seen them before. Now I just have to figure out why I couldn't remember. That or it's the lamest deja-vu EVER. My in-laws have 3 kids and a chaperone staying with them. My wife had to make dinner tonight and I came straight from work (thus, 2 and a half hours after I thought I'd be done). Everyone else was done and the kids were getting ready for bed already. So, I sat by myself at the kitchen table, had a Diet Coke and ate my dinner. I went on a TV remote hunt and asked my wife where it could be. She'd put it away because the TV isn't supposed to be on when the kids are around. "Oh," I said. "I guess I'll watch the news later." "Fine," says the wife, "You're not supposed to have pop around them either." Fine. I took my dinner and sat on the patio and finished it up. She got mad at me and couldn't figure out why I left the room. I didn't want to cause any problems. "But the rules don't apply to you and you're the only one eating dinner in there." So, my question was: "Why mention the pop thing, then? If the rules don't apply to me, why tell them to me. I don't care." She got mad and told me to come inside and be sociable. It was rude of me to walk out of the house like that (still hadn't seen the kids, of course). So, I went to be sociable in the living room and went in to introduce myself.... to my father in-law who was the only one upstairs. The kids were all in bed. I told him that I needed to be sociable and then my wife scolded me and told me to go home. Best idea of the evening.
I went home.
And relaxed for almost an hour.
This wasn't very short was it?
Thursday, August 26, 2004
My Argument Would Be Similar to His...
A question for Canadians
Because this is what happens when we ignore athletes for three years and 50 weeks
~by Ed Willes,
He refused to endorse any of the excuses that were being offered by the assembled newsfolk.
No, the pressure of being the pre-race favourites didn’t get to the boat. No, his crew wasn’t rattled by their second-place finish to the Americans in their first heat of the regatta, their first loss in over two years.
But just before the scrum broke, Hoskins volunteered one thing and, because his commentary was unsolicited, it was likely something he’s been thinking about for some time.
“I don’t how you get people interested in what we’re doing,” Hoskins said. “But if you want to have success, you have to be committed for more than two weeks every four years. If you’re not, this is what you can expect.”
Like most of the Canadian athletes in
If you’re looking for an explanation for
In virtually every other country participating in
Then, in the two weeks of the Olympics, everyone wants a piece of him. They want to tell his story. They want to share in his victory. When the eight failed, they wanted an explanation.
And it’s the same story all over the Canadian Olympic team. You’ve got members of the media who haven’t been near these sports for 206 weeks who are suddenly passing judgment on these athletes. You’ve got corporations who won’t go near them for three years who suddenly want to be identified with them and the Olympic brand. You’ve got politicians who are keen to show up for the photo-ops, less keen to appear when funds are needed.
It’s a ridiculous system and, over the last two Olympics, it’s produced ridiculous results. There’s also little indication it’s going to improve anytime soon. So where do we go from
Well, as Hoskins suggests, we have to answer one simple question first: Are we a sporting country? If we are, that means we have to change. The private sector has to step up and invest in the athletes when the spotlight isn’t on them. The government has to make athletics a priority and that means, among other things, stressing physical education in our schools. The media has to show up for national and world championships in non-Olympic years and treat like events.
<>Maybe that way, the athletes won’t get spooked when the hordes descend on them at the big show.Now, it could be we’ve already had that conversation and decided our priority is the Winter Olympics. That’s fine but if that’s the case, we then have to re-adjust our goals in the Summer Games and understand we are competing against countries that take these sports seriously.
In
It’s not exactly a level playing field.
Then again, you’ve probably figured that out by now.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
My Easy Choice
Around these parts most people apply for jobs quite quickly. Jobs are posted usually for about 2 weeks before they close and anyone interested on the 'inside' have declared their intentions within a day or 2 of the posting. The new job here in my area went the full 2 weeks before anyone inside made any type of move and thankfully they did because, in a union environment, it stops anyone 'outside' from getting the job.
Ask me 7 years ago how I felt about this and I'd tell you that it sucks and it's not fair to anyone on the outside not getting a chance for work. Ask me now and I'll tell you that I've spent 7 years working my ass off for the opportunity to move up to a better position so they damn well better look at me first. Why? I've earned it.
Not that it means much --trust me. I've been screwed around on a number of jobs and heard excuse-after-excuse when jobs that I'm qualified for and have the experience to apply myself fall by the wayside. It sucks. BIG TIME. But every once in a while something works in my favour.
The last department I was with before this latest one (where I've endured Co-Workers From Hell at every turn) was the usual process for an interview.
Or so I thought.
They actually didn't bother interviewing anyone else as I'd worked with them before and they'd liked the job I'd done. They were more than happy to have me come back. I kinda wished I hadn't gone through the torture of an interview (never want that again, really) just to find out later they didn't bother looking at anyone else. But it worked out for me.
Back in July, the new job in this department opened up. It's a new position. It takes a few responsibilities away from me (things I'm not supposed to be doing anyway) and takes all the responsibilities away from Drama Queen. Yep, she's out (I hope). Our goal was to make sure that DQ didn't even get the opportunity to get the job --and it seems to have worked. Goal #1 is set.
Goal #2 would be to get the job --but then nothing can be that easy can it?
Nope! I mentioned in an earlier posting that the annoying one known as Mary-Mary (Quite Contrary) was gone. Finito. Done. She had my old, old, old (aw man!) job which, embarrassingly, was only 2-and-a-half years ago. Time flies --and it hasn't exactly been fun.
Nope! the last time I can honestly say work was 'fun' was in that old, old, old job. We all got along and all had... well, FUN! And that job's now posted as well. It's les pay than the one over here, but this is the way I look at it:
1. This department has 5 people and no communication skills. Things are scheduled to happen and no one else knows about them. This, understandably, causes a great deal more stress than we need.
2. This department doesn't know how to handle working with any other department here. Which also causes stress.
3. This job is supposed to be a full-time 40-hour work week. Except I have in 14 months over 200 hours of overtime and have missed countless weekends with different projects. This has -yeah- caused stress, especially with my family and with any outside commitments I may have had.
4. This job comes with Co-Workers From Hell (CFH). While they may be good for countless hours of entertainment.... I have to work with them. More stress.
5. My boss is not an easy person to read. While he seems to show how he likes and appreciates me on one hand, the other is showing my CFH what he doesn't like about me. and could do something about it if he'd tell me what that is. A little bit of stress, but more emotional as I find myself withdrawn from some things around here.
And then there's the other job:
1. Yeah, there was stress --it's a job.
2. It's also a department with well over 30 people, all knowing what it is they're supposed to be doing and a doing a damn fine job of it. Period.
3. There may be times when things get dicey, but they know how to pull together and make it work.
4. There's no overtime. There's no demand for it.
5. The boss & I carpool semi-regularly. We get along and we're almost neighbors.
6. I've done the job before and they're all asking when I'm coming back --they didn't like they way I was forced to leave last time and I see them every week as it is.
7. They still invite me to birthday parties because I'm an 'honorary member' of the department.
8. I'm still on their pop/snack fund list. I used to be the king of the list.
9. These guys spend all day together. To the point that half the department plays volleyball together at lunch. 3 times a week.
Easy choice, huh? It may pay less, but the expense of one job over the other is insurmountable.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
My Condolences
Ever hear of 'Suicide Frogs'?
Actually, sounds like the name of a band or something.
I was at my brother-in-law's wedding on Saturday and noticed that there was a dead frog on the walkway. Normally, I could care less, but it was flattened --obviously run over. But the only thing there to run it over would be a golf cart.
How can a golf cart surprise a frog?
The next day, walking to the next building for the gift opening, there were 3 more frogs flattened on the walkway. 4 frogs in one weekend?
Oh well, they looked disgusting.
I get to work on Monday and as I walk up to the front door, what's waiting for me? Another dead frog. But we don't have golf carts here.
Weird.
My Apologies
Apparently 'Dreama' needs something to read and it's up to me to give 'er somethin to go on.
Not having a good day. Trying to find shipping rates and have a problem getting to UPS' website. Fortunately, I caught my 3rd mistake and didn't go on a detour to www.pus.com. That would've been bad, I'm sure.
My boss is my hero at the moment as he'd originally scheduled a long and boring meeting for the night of August 30th.... when Canada plays the USA in World Cup hockey. None of us would be there.... We're having the meeting on September 2nd now as the only other night that works, there's another hockey game on. Hehe.
Despite that meeting changing, there's still this bloody meeting Thursday night after work. It sucks because I was invited over to Sex Caffeine's place that night after work.
Totally innocent, mind you. she's finally having her housewarming (she moved in this past April). I just want a tour of the place so I can bug Drama Queen the next day and say, "SC's bedroom is white with a blue comforter on the bed."
Know where that's from?
Les Nessman said it (well, something similar) on 'WKRP in Cincinnati.' He told Herb that Jennifer's bed wasn't round, but square, just like everyone else's. Herb didn't know what to think of that statement (as innocent as it was).
Sorry. Can't think of anything else quite yet.
Monday, August 16, 2004
My Multitasking
Doing any type of web publishing is somewhat boring. It's nice to 'spice' things up... but not driven to distraction. So, I've started downloading horror movies and thrillers. The kind that make you want to look away every once in a while (and I'm getting pretty good at that).
This weekend's movies included 'Ghost Ship' (with close 70 people dying horribly in the first 2 minutes?) and 'Thirteen Ghosts.' I'm watching Thirteen Ghosts right now and this guy just got sliced in half --top to bottom.
Icky.
So, while people are being sliced in half, I'm also writing this blog and publishing some PDF files.
Multitasking is fun!!
Okay, one more thing while we're on the subject. Laurence Fishburne in 'Event Horizon' is (as far as I've seen) the only guy to "get it" in a horror movie. They board a ship that's mysteriously reappeared a decade (or so) after it was reported missing and no one onboard is left alive. The salvage crew finds a data disc of the captain's log and plays the last entry. Blood, guts, icky things and eyeballs greet them and then it shuts off. And what does Mr. Fishburne say?
"Alright people, get your stuff! We're leaving!"
Duh. They don't get to leave, but at least it's better than "there's ghosts in the basement. Don't go into the basement!! I said DON'T!!!!" Yep, everyone trots down into the basement.
Just asking for it.
[done for the night. back to the movie... in the dark... in my basement. AAHHH!!!]
My Evil Self & I
"The man maketh money and the wife taketh away." Thus spake.... somebody. I don't know.
What I DO know is that the money situation's getting to frustrating levels. It wouldn't be so bad if we were both working, but I'm the sole provider right now. And, naturally, the fact that I went out a got a new car was the biggest mistake I could make. Can we afford it? Yes, but barely. We were paying $3000+ a year in repairs on my old car, but suddenly paying the same $3000 a year for the car is insurmountable.
Drives me crazy.
The thing is, we're paying for everything based on my salary and as I discovered --much to my dismay-- a few weeks back, I'm making the same salary now as I was when we bought this house 6 years ago. This sucks.
I'm trying to get things on eBay and managed to get almost 70 things on in the past 2 weeks, but I'm selling a few items that I'd never intended to get rid of. Things change --and I'm doing my part.
But aren't I already doing my part? I'm working 40+ hours a week and put in 200+ hours of overtime in the past year. Yet all the money problems have become my problem. This sucks too.
When my friend fixed my computer, he gave me a network hub, meaning I could hook up my old computer and new computer to the internet via the same connection. Only problem there is that I need to buy some extra network cables to do it. My plan was to keep the newer computer downstairs (now becoming my Fortress of Solitude) and run a network cable upstairs through the ceiling. 2 cables will cost me about $20, but every time I go to get them , there's something else that needs to be taken care of first.
So I haven't reformatted the old computer, hooked it up or bothered bringing it upstairs. So you know what that means...
Yep, I'm getting pressure for not taking care of the computer thing.
My selfish act for the day was getting my haircut for the wedding on Saturday. My hairdresser is the MC for the wedding and we looked over some of the paperwork today, including the program. I'm listed as a 'friend' of the groom. Close. I'm married to his sister, so I think I'm an in-law, not just a friend. Enh, whatever. I'll take it as a sign that within the year we'll be friends --not in-laws.
So, yeah, a haircut. Last week, my wife got her hair coloured and trimmed and it came to $40. She's not in the wedding party, but insisted she not have any greys or whites showing for the wedding. Of course, I haven't had my hair cut since June and I need to look presentable standing up in front of everyone...
So, today I got my haircut (and frosted, hehe) after work. And tonight I'm paying dearly for it. How dare I spend money on myself like that. I paid for it through Paypal (of all things...) and that money comes form one thing and one thing only: eBay. My work. My time. Why should I be punished for it?
So, it's time for me to be selfish and evil. Maybe for the rest of the year.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
My Friggin' Long Quiz .:General Info:. | |
| Name:: | Hairyhoser --my real name ain't allowed on my blog |
| Age:: | 29 for 3 years now --I act 40 in the morning, 18 by lunch and usually hit the bed going 70 |
| Gender:: | Male (who else acts 18 by lunch?) |
| Height:: | Tall Scot = 5' 7" |
| Birthday:: | July (I'm a Leo) |
| Hair Color:: | Brown, blonde -a few grays coming through 'til I beat 'em into submission again |
| Describe yourself in one word:: | F*cked |
| Describe your personality in one word:: | Charming --hehe |
| .:School Life:. | |
| What grade are you in:: | At my age, grades don't count anymore --a.k.a. Grade 25 (XXV) |
| What school do you go to:: | Waterloo! |
| And where is that:: | WATERLOO!!!! |
| Do you get good grades:: | When I focus on my work --oh yeah. Got a B- for a class I did in a week and failed a class I struggled with all semester |
| Favorite Subject:: | British history |
| .:Love Life:. | |
| Sexual Preference:: | I'm a heterosexual man |
| Do you have a bf/gf:: | No, I don't like bf/gf's. I'm a hetero... and married |
| If so,what is their name:: | If I could make my own bf/gf... forget it. I'll stick with my wife |
| How long have you been dating:: | Dating my wife? Only a year. But we've been married for 8 years.. (no more dates...) |
| Do you consider yourself in love with them:: | Yup! Just don't like her all that much right now |
| If so,why:: | She's my dream girl. I'm convinced I dreamt about her when I was 15. A brunette wearing glasses, sitting with me all day reading books. I adjusted her glasses & kissed her |
| Have you had your first kiss:: | Why, yes I have (and 2 babies resulted ;o) ) |
| If so,when:: | First girlfriend kiss? When I was 12. |
| Do you have a crush:: | Sort of. Trying not to acknowlege it these days (failing tho) |
| If so,what is their name:: | 'Sex Caffeine' |
| Why do you like them:: | We'v both been trying to figure that out for 18 months now |
| Do they know you:: | Yes. |
| Do they know that you like them:: | The feeling's mutual. |
| How long have you known them:: | 2 years as of July. |
| .:Friends:. | |
| Best Friend(s):: | My best friend is EZ, but I haven't spoken to him in a year |
| How long have you been friends:: | 18 years |
| Do you consider yourself a good friend:: | As good as he gets (hehe) |
| How many friends do you think you have:: | I'm all about the love.... 2.3 million |
| Most popular:: | Alberta --nearly every guy has a crush on her |
| Most conceited:: | I'm not friends with conceited people. |
| Friendliest:: | Sunney |
| Meanest:: | Me. |
| Prettiest:: | Alberta. Definitely. |
| Craziest:: | Fluffy --he's a crazy homosexual!! ;o) |
| Oldest:: | Uhhhh... Boop admits to 54 I think |
| Youngest:: | A few of My Kids are in their late teens still. 'Minty' turned 19 in July |
| Most recent:: | When you hit your 30s friends don't come quickly. The Boy & I get along pretty good though |
| Smartest:: | Me. I scored over 140 on my IQ test. |
| .:Favorites:. | |
| Food:: | Lasagna --my wife's is the best, followed by Mom's |
| Person:: | No favorites |
| Number:: | 13 |
| Show:: | Regular: Cold Case or Nip/Tuck; Reality: Amazing Race |
| Letter:: | F. For Friday, Free Willy and Filadelphia (old joke, sorry) |
| Song:: | This week? 'More Than This' by Peter Gabriel |
| Band/Singer:: | Band: Pink Floyd / Singer: Peter Gabriel |
| Place in the world:: | London |
| Season:: | Summer |
| .:Your-:. | |
| Dream Vacation:: | Someplace where I can tan and not always burn. |
| Dream House:: | Somewhere big --and with a view |
| Dream Room:: | Home theatre |
| Location:: | BC, most likely |
| .:Last Time You:.: | I what? |
| Watched T.V.:: | Opening Ceremonies for the Olympics |
| Went to the bathroom:: | It's 12:21 am now --1 hour ago |
| Ate:: | Had dinner about 5 hours ago |
| Slept:: | 18 hours ago |
| Listened to music:: | Listening to the radio right now |
| Used the phone:: | 7:30 tonight |
| IMed someone/Got an IM:: | 2 days ago |
| Went to school:: | Last time I was in a classroom to learn was in January. For my degree --1997. |
| Played a game:: | 6 weeks? Haven't put City of Heroes on here yet |
| Took a shower:: | 11 this morning |
| Hugged someone:: | :oD Hugged Sex Caffeine about 2:30 this afternoon |
| Went on a date:: | Last Thursday --my wife & I took a day into Vancouver |
| Wrote a letter:: | WROTE, wrote? Years. Email? Maybe 25 hours. |
| Cried:: | Felt a little choked watching the opening ceremonies (great to see so many people getting along) |
| .:Last Person You:. | |
| Hugged:: | Sex Caffeine |
| Kissed:: | My Wife --an hour ago |
| Laughed at:: | Princess --for thinking Sex Caffeine & I were doing The Nasty today |
| Cried over:: | My wife again |
| IMed/Got an IM from:: | Dreama. Hey girl, you made the list!! |
| Hurt:: | Probably my wife --if not, then Sex Caffeine |
| Talked to:: | My wife |
| Spoke to on the phone:: | My wife |
| Ate with:: | Some friends at work. Shared a Diet Coke or two with Sex Caffeine too |
| Spent time with:: | Sex Caffeine (& NOT doing The Nasty!!) |
| Saw:: | My wife |
| Missed:: | No one. |
| Heard:: | Uhhh... |
| Played with:: | My son. "Wonder Twin powers!!" -he's good at it too |
| .:Have You Ever:. | |
| Been out of the country:: | Yes, but not in a week |
| Been out of state/province:: | Yes, but not in a week |
| Done drugs:: | No, but I have inhaled |
| Done anything illegal:: | Speeding counts, so 4 hours ago |
| Slapped someone:: | I slapped my son's hand today when he scratched my daughter |
| Cut yourself:: | Enough to leave a scar? 7 years ago. Minor cut? This morning |
| Played an instrument:: | Played bongo drums 'til my hands were numb at the basketball championship games in March |
| Hurt someone for no reason:: | Yes, emotionally. Never physically. |
| Hurt someone:: | Never physically, so no. or at least not since elementary school |
| Killed an insect/bug:: | Killed a spider in the hallway at work yesterday. No one would go by it. |
| Gotten stung by a bee:: | 12 years ago. I'm allergic --I found out. I stepped on it in a field. |
| Lied to your parents:: | Yep, 3 weeks ago. |
| Stole Something:: | Yes, but not for years. |
| Kissed Someone:: | Yes, numerous. |
| .:This Or That:. | |
| Rock or Rap:: | Rock |
| Singing or Songwriting:: | Songwriting (even got to go to L.A. because of it!) |
| Tennis Shoes or Sandals:: | Sandals when it's this hot --no reason for socks!!! |
| Phone or Computer:: | Computer |
| Biking or Skating:: | Biking |
| Analog or Digital:: | Digital --good Lord |
| Coke or Pepsi:: | Coke |
| Sprite or Sierra Mist:: | Sprite |
| MTV or VH1:: | I watched MTV when it first came on the air, junior! |
| R&B or Country:: | R&B --unless it's Faith Hill, then I'll sit there and drool |
| Cingular or T-Mobile:: | T-Mobile, I guess |
| Cats or Dogs:: | Leaing towards dogs these days, but it has to be a Husky |
| AIM or Yahoo:: | Neither, please |
| Bzoink or Quizilla:: | Bzoink |
| .:Word Association:. | |
| Birthday:: | Cake |
| Peanut:: | Brittle (don't even like it) |
| Good Charlotte:: | Queen Charlotte |
| Ravioli:: | Meat |
| President Bush:: | Idiot |
| T.V.:: | Sex |
| Rock:: | Drums |
| Rap:: | Guns |
| Chef:: | Julia Childs |
| Boys:: | Basketball |
| Girls:: | satin |
| Calendar:: | work |
| Fan:: | screaming |
| Evil:: | co-workers from Hell |
| .:Right Now: | |
| Eating:: | Nothing |
| Drinking:: | Ginger Ale, water... |
| Watching:: | Nothing |
| What is on your mousepad:: | No mousepad, but usually a picture of something from home |
| What are you doing:: | taking a really long quiz to waste time |
| What song are you listening to:: | One Thing by Finger Eleven |
| What's in your CD player:: | Peter Gabriel |
| Wearing:: | Shorts, no socks, no shirt |
| Time:: | 12:39 am |
| Month:: | August |
| Day of the Month:: | 14th now... |
| Year:: | 2004 |
| Day of the week:: | Saturday |
| What website are you on:: | www.bzoink.com |
| .:Random Things:. | |
| What color is your mousepad:: | Usually navy blue |
| What color is your keyboard:: | cream & navy blue |
| What is the phrase you use the most online:: | I'm all about the love |
| Did you like this survey:: | not anymore, no |
| Are you sad that it's over:: | not really |
| What are you gonna do after this survey is over:: | stretch --geez |
| Do you like pop-up ads:: | No --and one just popped up! |
| How long have you been online:: | Today? 7 hours |
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EmotionDump - 100% Anonymous Emotions and Confessions
Friday, August 13, 2004
My Strongest Weakness
Unbeknownst to me, 'Princess' had returned from holidays and dropped by his office today. I was in the office next to his when I worked in that department over a year ago now and I forgot about how well sound travels through the walls.
See, 'Sex Caffeine' and I were in that office earlier this afternoon. And I should have thought of the sound thingy --had I known he was even around.
Gratuitous sex sounds travel well.
Going back 18 months, I remember sitting in Princess' office discussing various matters of the day. I shared my office with 'Fluffy' at the time and 'Fluffy' was havig a discussion with the Queen MOB, my old boss. As Princess & I were talking we could hear voices raise in my office, followed by an 'AAHHHH!!' and a sudden big thud against the wall. I went racing over (Princess walked in later --he and the Queen don't always get along) and here the Queen had tried to sit on one of the chairs and it had rolled away from under her, hence the thud against the wall. Fortunately, we all had a good laugh over it. But I should have remembered about the sound travelling.
When rumours of an affair between SC and I first started just before Christmas 2002, it was because we'd been holed up in my office all day. We both disappeared behind the closed door and only came out for bathroom breaks the rest of the day. Otherwise, you could pretty much just hear laughing and giggling whenever you walked by. Had someone been in the other office, they would've heard the movie we were watching on the DVD player in my computer.
One of the things I've tried desperately to do over the past few months is find things SC & I don't have in common so we'll run out of things to talk about. Sadly, I've failed miserably and have only found more and more things we have in common. Favorite reality show? We both like Amazing Race and talk about it the next day. We both like working out around 4:00. We both clued in to the twist in 'The Village' at the same time. We're both addicted to Diet Coke with Lime. We both like Jerry Bruckheimer shows. She hadn't watched 'Nip/Tuck' yet, so I brought in the pilot episode.
And we watched it in her office (my old office, my old computer).
About 10 minutes in, there's a very gratuitous (for TV anyway) sex scene. We had the volume a little too high. It was very warm in the office and I was getting sweaty. When I left about 55 minutes later, I was looking quite unkempt and got called into Princess' office right away. I didn't know he was there, and looking the way I did (and his tone of voice), I knew right away he had the wrong idea, but "It's not what you think" just ain't the right response at the moment. Neither, apparently, is 15 minutes of trying to explain what was happening (and laughing about it at the same time).
He doesn't know what to believe right now.
My Dramatis Personae
I realized that my posts lately have included the numerous people around me and some may be confused as to whom I'm speaking of. So, here for your enjoyment is a list of those I talk most frequently of, and why they earned the name they have....
Hairyhoser - Me. This blog is all about me, My Year and how I'm all about the love. It's also about the stupid things I do, the opportunities I lose out on and how I maintain to be the glue that holds things together at work. My life may be falling apart around me, but I'm blindly hanging on to something.
My Wife - Well, that's pretty much it. She's my wife and things are falling apart right now. And, as I've said to her, I love her incredibly but right now I don't like her very much.
My Son & Daughter - My children. Some days the cause of all my stress and other days the only good thing in life.
My Kids - My staff at work. All but one are younger (much *sniff!* younger) than me and have their whole lives ahead of them. Sweet, somewhat innocent, and some stand out enough to be mentioned below. There are 9 of them in total. 8 are female (7 of which are under age 22) and 1 man-child.
Sex Caffeine - The other woman. The centre of all the rumoured affairs I've had recently (yes, recently) --say, the past year-and-a-half or so. Also the recipient of some 545 emails from me despite only knowing her for 2 years now. While things are mostly innocent, we've both had our share of laughs and tears over the situation. We got close to a relationship but it never actually happened. It blew up at one point when a friend told her that I was using coffee as a means to have sex, hence the Sex Caffeine nickname --shortened to 'SC.' A few people know the truth about our relationship, but the one person who thinks we're spending too much time together is...
Drama Queen - Formerly the Co-Worker From Hell known as 'F-Bomb.' My boss started calling her Drama Queen (DQ for short) because she over-reacts to every little thing and gets herself worked up over minor details when we're working on assignments. Getting worked up about the little things 99% guarantees she'll miss something major and come off like a fool --to the entertainment and detriment of everyone else in the office. DQ thinks she knows the truth about SC & I, but it's almost the exact opposite. SC & I milk it now, though, and have started making excuses to make it look like we have a heavy relationship going. DQ is supposedly leaving for good by the end of September, but it may be sooner than that --gee, I wonder what I'd prefer....
Fluffy - My former office mate from 2002 and 2003. He's a beautiful gay man (told you I was all about the love) and knows it quite well. Fun guy to be around even though we (obviously) don't see eye-to-eye on a number of things. Only the 4th openly gay man I've known well. Fluffy is his nickname, although he thought we were calling him 'Fluffer,' which apparently is just as appropriate. If you don't know what a fluffer is, try your hand at some internet research.
Princess - The 3rd openly gay man I've ever known and a trusted confidante. He's been a source of wisdom over the issue with Sex Caffeine and remains true to this day, despite seeing the mistakes I made. Princess also knows way too much about male/female relationships for his sexual orientation.
Queen Mob - My Old Boss (MOB). Rightfully called the Queen because she acts like one and a lot of people thinks she's one (although not the good queen kind of way --more like the queen from Alice in Wonderland). She & I got along for the most part until the whole Sex Caffeine thing started and I was (for different reasons) already on my way out of the department.
The Curse - My very first Co-Worker From Hell (a.k.a. CFH). It wasn't until I started working in my current job that I ended up with so many CFH's. Fortunately, they come and go.
Whiner - The 3rd CFH. I honestly can't remember the nickname I gave to #2, but she wasn't around much anyway --just a few weeks. Whiner lived up to her name as she got confused about basically everything and then whined until she could understand what everyone was explaining to her. Repetitive tasks were never done the same way when she was around, so it was always eventful.
The Boy - Despite replacing Whiner, The Boy hasn't become the 4th CFH. He's fun and we joke around often. Took him almost 3 weeks before he wanted to throw DQ out the window. He's not fond of the 'DQ' nickname, so he just refers to her as 'Bitch.' He's in his 40s, but most days acts like a horny teenager, so he's become 'The Boy.'
Frodo - One of My Kids. He looks like a Hobbit, hence the nickname --thanks to The Boy. Frodo & DQ are best buds all of a sudden, so we watch what we say and do when Frodo's nearby.
Alberta - My favourite out of all My Kids. She's 21 and extremely sexy, but has been good at policing me with the diet and exercise. She's also responsible for 'Naughty Thursdays' when we cheat on our diets and eat something inappropriate (like cream-filled chocolate chip sandwich cookies). We've gone to a couple of concerts together and some former co-workers know they don't need to ask me if I'm enjoying myself over here when they see me with her. It's true.
Sunnie - She used to be my favourite, but she changed a lot over the past few months before she left. She always had a positive outlook and earned her nickname (as in a sunny disposition) because of it. I think she decided before she left that all the guys in the office were ganging up on DQ (the only woman left) and therefore, we were too mean to be nice to anymore.
Latina Lady - The only one of My Kids older than me. She's gone now too. LL exudes sexuality and was sometimes quite 'hands on.' A favourite among other people in the office area. I did her a big favour one day (had to do with her family coming from Mexico) and she was so excited that she wanted to thank me the best way she knew how. I'm nervous about it, but I'm hopeful she's talking about food.
So, that's pretty much it. The players you see before you in my ongoing life. Now you can keep up to date... I hope.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
| MY SHEER BOREDOM
Choose a band/or artist and answer only in song TITLES by that band:: | Genesis |
| Are you female or male:: | Man on the Corner |
| Describe yourself:: | I Can't Dance |
| How do some people feel about you:: | Fly On A Windshield |
| How do you feel about yourself:: | Happy the Man |
| Describe your ex girlfriend/boyfriend:: | Anything She Does |
| Describe your current girlfriend/boyfriend:: | Duchess |
| Describe where you want to be:: | Home By The Sea |
| Describe what you want to be:: | Driving the Last Spike |
| Describe how you live:: | Living Forever |
| Describe how you love:: | Afterglow |
| Share a few words of wisdom:: | Jesus He Knows Me |
Bands // Song Titles brought to you by BZOINK!
EmotionDump - 100% Anonymous Emotions and Confessions
My Achin' Muscles
Yeah... yeah... take a few weeks off and pretty much laze around by the pool. 2 days of working out (only about 2 and a half hours though) and I'm really feeling it.
But it's a good feeling. There's nothing like combing your hair, looking in the mirror and realizing there's shape (good shape) in places where it was just round before. Things are working. Things are... looking good.
But I ache.
Monday, August 09, 2004
My Tuxedo
I don’t know if I’ve even mentioned that my brother-in-law is getting married in a few weeks. I’m in the wedding party (and most likely the only short one in the party –I know 2 others are basketball players and I’m sure I’ll get placed right next to them. What can I say? People a foot taller than me are a pet peeve.
Regardless, it was a hassle-and-a-half to get measured for my tux. First, the girl was gone for lunch when I got there. Now, I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve a lunch, but maybe she shouldn’t take it the same time everyone else is (and obviously, the other 6 guys there were thinking exactly what I thought: “I’ll go on my lunch break to get fitted”). So, I opt to come back in 30 minutes when she’s supposed to be back, but she doesn’t show up. No, no: She’s 15 minutes late and I now have 5 minutes left on my lunch break.
Actually, that’s not true. I never have time to take my coffee breaks, so I usually end up taking a 90-minute break. My boss can’t complain ‘cuz we’d just start taking our regular coffee breaks and he’d be desperately searching for us to help out with things (ah, traditions). So, I actually have 35 minutes left, but I haven’t eaten yet today and a hungry Hoser becomes a grumpy Hoser. Give me food.
Nope, I wait for the girl to show up and take my measurements. She finally gets to me (after a lecture from nearly everyone in front of me – she’s in a great mood by the time it’s my turn). Arm: fine. Legs: (whoo-hoo! Hello?) Fine. Waist: 37. What? 37? Hey, I know I’ve been on holidays, but I don’t think I ballooned 5 pant sizes in 3 weeks!! But no, she insists I’m a 37 and my disagreeing isn’t helping her mood. Like telling me I’m a 37 is helping the situation. I ask her to take it again (can she spare 3 seconds????) and I notice this time that the tape is around my waist on the left and is hanging below my pocket line on the right. No kidding it’s a 37 –I more the tape to my waist. She sighs and still says ’37.’
Fine. Didn’t want to eat again anyway.
Oh! Yeah, back at work and the idiots have been running loose. Living up to Co-Worker From Hell designation, Drama Queen sent out an email message to 900+ people about a new “work oppurtunity” in our office area. Yeah, she spells opportunity with a ‘U’. I should ask her to remind me what she majored in for her bachulur’s dugree.
Idiots: 2
Meanwhile, 180 degrees elsewhere… I’m stopped at a red light today (red lights are my friend) and look into the vehicle next to me. And there’s an office-buddy-slash-confidante-slash-friend of mine from back in ’98. I honk and get her to pull over so we can chat for the first time in close to a year (I think). I seem to have done that with a number of people, but she’s one I regret not talking to in a while. At least the guilt-factor was mutual…
Okay, I checked. Apparently the last email was in April, but a physical discussion has been years in the making. 3 years maybe? Still feeling guilty, but it was great to talk to her again.
I don’t know if I’ve even mentioned that my brother-in-law is getting married in a few weeks. I’m in the wedding party (and most likely the only short one in the party –I know 2 others are basketball players and I’m sure I’ll get placed right next to them. What can I say? People a foot taller than me are a pet peeve.
Regardless, it was a hassle-and-a-half to get measured for my tux. First, the girl was gone for lunch when I got there. Now, I’m not saying she doesn’t deserve a lunch, but maybe she shouldn’t take it the same time everyone else is (and obviously, the other 6 guys there were thinking exactly what I thought: “I’ll go on my lunch break to get fitted”). So, I opt to come back in 30 minutes when she’s supposed to be back, but she doesn’t show up. No, no: She’s 15 minutes late and I now have 5 minutes left on my lunch break.
Actually, that’s not true. I never have time to take my coffee breaks, so I usually end up taking a 90-minute break. My boss can’t complain ‘cuz we’d just start taking our regular coffee breaks and he’d be desperately searching for us to help out with things (ah, traditions). So, I actually have 35 minutes left, but I haven’t eaten yet today and a hungry Hoser becomes a grumpy Hoser. Give me food.
Nope, I wait for the girl to show up and take my measurements. She finally gets to me (after a lecture from nearly everyone in front of me – she’s in a great mood by the time it’s my turn). Arm: fine. Legs: (whoo-hoo! Hello?) Fine. Waist: 37. What? 37? Hey, I know I’ve been on holidays, but I don’t think I ballooned 5 pant sizes in 3 weeks!! But no, she insists I’m a 37 and my disagreeing isn’t helping her mood. Like telling me I’m a 37 is helping the situation. I ask her to take it again (can she spare 3 seconds????) and I notice this time that the tape is around my waist on the left and is hanging below my pocket line on the right. No kidding it’s a 37 –I more the tape to my waist. She sighs and still says ’37.’
Fine. Didn’t want to eat again anyway.
Oh! Yeah, back at work and the idiots have been running loose. Living up to Co-Worker From Hell designation, Drama Queen sent out an email message to 900+ people about a new “work oppurtunity” in our office area. Yeah, she spells opportunity with a ‘U’. I should ask her to remind me what she majored in for her bachulur’s dugree.
Idiots: 2
Meanwhile, 180 degrees elsewhere… I’m stopped at a red light today (red lights are my friend) and look into the vehicle next to me. And there’s an office-buddy-slash-confidante-slash-friend of mine from back in ’98. I honk and get her to pull over so we can chat for the first time in close to a year (I think). I seem to have done that with a number of people, but she’s one I regret not talking to in a while. At least the guilt-factor was mutual…
Okay, I checked. Apparently the last email was in April, but a physical discussion has been years in the making. 3 years maybe? Still feeling guilty, but it was great to talk to her again.
Friday, August 06, 2004
My Old Contrary Mary
In June I mentioned Mary Mary and how she's caused all sorts of problems in my old department. [see My Vote - June 28, 2004] I heard today that Mary Mary has decided not to return to work from her leave of absence and my old department is free of her evil ways. Free to get on with life as they did before. I'm sure there were tears with the news --but tears of joy. It turns out 2 of my phone calls while on vacation were about her departure. Awww, ain't that sweet?
But this is the thing. There's a new job being created in my current department. It's a job that pays nearly double what I make right now and I have all the qualifications. Will I get it? Who knows? I'd love to get it and Drama Queen thinks she could do it too (despite the Boss telling her she has no skills whatsoever). DQ leaves us September 30th, by the way. Shed another tear, yes?
Hang on. I just realize that two pieces of deadwood have/will be giving farewells officially in the past few weeks.... could this be a trend at the office? My God, it's long overdue!!
Okay, back to me. The Boy emailed and asked if I was planning on applying for this new job --DQ is dying to know. No, I replied, I am not planning on applying for this new job. Why? Because I have already applied for this new job. Planned. Past tense is beautiful.
But now there's potential of this other job looming in the near future. It's another job I could do and have the qualifications for. In fact, part of the job is 'support' for one of my old positions in that old department. No problems there!! And, I still hang out with a number of people from that department, so they may be receptive to me coming back. Oh, sweet.
So, my decision is this: Apply for both. Interview for both. Hope to God one works out in my favour. I'm already dreading heading back to the office on Monday. My holidays can't be over that quick, can they?
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
My Inappropriate Conversation
She started it, okay? While waiting for my computer to be fixed, I stopped by to say 'hi' to Sex Caffeine. Yep, it's been a few weeks since we last talked (vacations have a tendency to do that) and I wanted to hear about her vacation as I'm hoping to do the same thing before the end of October:
ME: "So, how was your trip?"
SC: "Fine."
ME: "Did you get to the museum to see the exhibit?"
SC: "... No..."
ME: "No? I thought that was supposed to be the highlight?"
SC: "Well, we got sidetracked. A lot. Get it?"
ME: "I want details."
SC: "Well, that's inappropriate!"
ME: "Screw that. You started it! Details! I promise I'll be nice!"
SC: "Yeah, right!"
ME: "Ssssooooo.... how were you?"
SC: "G-- hey!!"
I'm such a bastard.
She started it, okay? While waiting for my computer to be fixed, I stopped by to say 'hi' to Sex Caffeine. Yep, it's been a few weeks since we last talked (vacations have a tendency to do that) and I wanted to hear about her vacation as I'm hoping to do the same thing before the end of October:
ME: "So, how was your trip?"
SC: "Fine."
ME: "Did you get to the museum to see the exhibit?"
SC: "... No..."
ME: "No? I thought that was supposed to be the highlight?"
SC: "Well, we got sidetracked. A lot. Get it?"
ME: "I want details."
SC: "Well, that's inappropriate!"
ME: "Screw that. You started it! Details! I promise I'll be nice!"
SC: "Yeah, right!"
ME: "Ssssooooo.... how were you?"
SC: "G-- hey!!"
I'm such a bastard.
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