Road Trippin'

So, as many of you know I've been spending some time in New York training for my new position. I usually enjoy the opportunity to cross the border, although considering the baby's due in the next week and a half, the timing could have been better.

I always find it funny how it sometimes feels like you have travelled across the globe when you cross over and imaginary line. Currency changes, Celcius changes to Farenheit, Kilometers change to Miles, and the news takes a more sensational approach.

Other times I feel that I have travelled to the next city within Ontario. Other than a slight accent, people are interested in the same things and have the same concerns as people at home.

But the differences are often funny. Take, for example, my lunch at Applebee's last week. As I was finishing up my Oriental Chicken Wrap, there were two loud bangs from the direction of the door. Had I been in Canada, I probably would have assumed that a couple of baloons had popped. Being in the U.S. all thoughts swung immediately to gunshots. I apparently wasn't alone as many of the other patrons gasped and some actually ducked. It was, of course, the afore-mentioned balloons.

Prior to all this on my way to Rochester, I stopped at a Rest Stop on the I-90 for a Tim Hortons (which, by the way, are quite prevalent in New York now). The sign as you enter the bulding proudly states "History Happened Here". I think it's very important to track where historical moments happened and to mark them, but I couldn't help but picture the full wording of the sign at the initial brainstorm sessions, such as:

-History Happened Here, And Now You Can Go Poop Here!
-History Happened Here, And Now So Does Coffee Drinkin'
-History Happened Here, Aaaaannnnnnddd Now It's A Fuddruckers
-History Happened Here, But They Didn'y Have Our WiFi Connection Back Then!

OK, those are pretty lame, but my brain's been pretty fired lately. Later days.

The Beast Sleeps Again

I got nothin'.

The Beast Awakens

Well, the (former) Section-9.ca crew got together for coffee last night. The four of us hadn't gotten together in recent memory. Funny how time seems to pass us all by. TheRich pointed out that we had to get together at least this one last time before I become a father and my free time becomes anything but free.

During our conversations, blogging was brought up. I haven't been blogging near as much as I have in the past and TheRich suggested maybe I had made an unannounced departure from blogging. This isn't really the case, but I very rarely do I feel any desire to post anything anymore. I think when I do post, it's more because I know it will be uploaded as a note to Facebook.

So, blogging isn't completely over for me, but if I was a part-time blogger before, I guess I'm a part-part-time blogger now. Later days.

Live Free or Die Hard: A Review

Do you like Die Hard movies? Go see this Die Hard movie. It is exactly what you'd expect from the Die Hard franchise. Yippee Kai Eh!

G???

Mingle² - Online Dating

Facebookin'

Listening to: "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns 'n Roses from the album Appetite for Destruction

You may have noticed that I'm posting here way more often than normal for me. Part of that is because all these posts are also being syndicated on my Facebook profile. Actually, maybe the only was most of you have seen these posts is through Facebook.

Yes, this means I am still Facebook's bitch. It's not quite as exciting as it was in the beginning, but every so often I connect with someone I forgot about or who I never thought I'd hear from again. It's getting invaded a bit too much by the "MySpace Crowd". What I mean by this is that there are all these apps coming out that are taking away from the reason I got into Facebook in the first place. I don't need to worry about what causes other people are believing in, what their horoscope is- nor do I need to be "SuperPoked". Despite all this though, I'm still loving it and checking it pretty much daily. Rock on, Facebook. Rock on. Later days.

Happy Father's Day

To all the fathers out there- have a happy day!

Still Livin'

Listening to: "Coax Me" by Sloan from the album Twice Removed

Call it the Summer slump... preoccupation... or just having better things to do, I haven't written in here for damn-near a month.

Things are still good. Terri is less than 3 months away from her due date and everything's progressing smoothly. I'm really looking forward to being a dad, more and more in fact as I talk to parents- especially new parents. There is still the apprehension that is normal, but I'm willing to give up whatever I have to in order to succeed, and I believe that's the first step.

Work is going awesome. I'm loving it more each day I'm there and really hoping that I get hired on permanent after my contract expires next year. I'm taking on more responsibility and learning more about the business, HR and unionized environments. Good stuff all around!

Time to finish my coffee, jump in the shower and head out for a busy, exciting weekend. Our nieces have their dance recital today, then we're going to my parents' for a BBQ, then going to Terri's sister's for dinner tomorrow. How long til the next weekend? Later days.

Heh heh

I just realized that I might have a chance to really get a leg up on Grindy in the post-frequency department, since he's off to Paris for a week... two days down already and I think he's posting while he's over there. This does not bode well.

Another Long Weekend Almost in the Books

Peaches and I were remarking to each other as we crawled into bed at 9:30 on Saturday night how much things have changed in a few short years. Long weekends were a chance to head out anywhere and be with friends, drink, and generally be stupid.

This Saturday of the long weekend found us looking after our nephew and crawling into bed, as I said, at 9:30, after working my butt of around the house Friday night and Saturday. And neither of us would change a thing.

Yesterday we didn't do a whole lot. We went out for a belated-Mothers-Day/early-Birthday dinner for my mom and sister respectively, and today is not shaping up to be much more productive. It's currently 1:42 and I have yet to shower (although I'll be jumping in when I'm finished this post).

You'll notice I don't post much anymore and part of that is due to my infatuation with Facebook, as well as the fact that it's spring and a lot needs done around the house. I love having a house. It's a lot of work, but at the end of the day you're improving your own living situation and can take pride in it. Later days.

Unsettling

Wow, is anyone else disconcerted with the fact that this is my second post since TheRich or Grindy have posted? Amazing.

So, some updates. I'm still loving my job and hoping there will be the chance to move permanent in a year when my contract is up. Sens are in the second round of the playoffs and could take series tonight with a win in New Jersey.

I no longer Twitter. I have stopped Twitterific from opening when I boot up my computer, I have taken down my Twitter status updater from this site and my last Twitter update was April 17th - "Do people still use this thing?"

Facebook on the other hand, is still like crack. I have found it an amazing way to catch up with people from high school especially. I'm heading to the movies on Tuesday to see Spiderman 3 with people I haven't seen for easily 3-4 years. God bless you Facebook! Later days.

Fire Drill

We had a fire drill here at work today. Of course today the temperature has taken a bit of a dip compared to the past few days and I neglected to bring a jacket with me. Saying that, a nice brisk fire drill has never hurt anyone, right? *sniff* *cough* I'm not feeling well, maybe I should go home.

In other news, this site makes me wish I had red hair.

Not Twitting So Much Anymore...

While I'm still Facebook's bitch, I have found less and less use for Twitter. I also, obviously have had little to blog about as of late.

Our beloved Ottawa Senators have made a big push to take this first round of playoffs away from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens are always referred to as the young team compared to the Senators, but it is Ottawa who has lower average age on their team. That being said, as Grindy pointed out, Gary Roberts really skews the average for Pittsburgh. He's proven himself as a physical player and a good leader though, so hat's off to him at 40 years of age.

Peaches' mom and dad are taking us out to The Keg for birthday (which was last Sunday). What will I have... chicken? Ribs? Yeah right! Later days.

Still Twitting

Well, it's almost 2 months later and I am still using Twitter on a somewhat regular basis! I'm not updating every 30 minutes like I was when I first signed up, but by that token, I am now gainfully employed where I was losingly unemployed at that point.

Also, much of my attention has been taken away from all else (including this blog) and redirected towards Facebook. I truly am Facebook's bitch. It has been nice though, reconnecting with people from past school, places of employment, etc. The most interesting thing I have found are my friends who know some of my other friends and I didn't even know it! Try it! I've even got Peaches hooked. Later days.

So Hungry

I am currently sitting at my desk, still loving the new job, anxiously awaiting the day (hopefully next Thursday) that I shed my employment agency shackles and begin my employment directly with the new company.

Today has been a particularly slow day, and as usually happens to me on slow days, my thoughts turn to food. I'm not really sure why this happens, but it is my curse. For lunch today I have leftovers of the awesome French Fry Casserole Peaches made last night… that could be the other reason I'm thinking about food so early, I know I've got an awesome lunch to eat.

So, as I said, work is going great. Granted I'm still in the honeymoon stage, but this is the first job I've had where the honeymoon period has lasted more than a week. Indeed, I have been here a month and 2 days and still I am pleased with the company, work, people, etc. Maybe I will actually enjoy this job… I guess there's a first time for everything! Later days.

My Life As A Circus Clown

I've been in the same funk TheRich has been in for a bit now. I have nothing to post and no real time to if I did.

Work is going really well. It's 99% confirmed that I'll be there until the end of April 2008.

Life is awesome, as we found out that Peaches is expecting.

I guess it's not that I have nothing to post about, but more of the time and initiative to do so. Might change, might not. Probably write again in another 3 weeks or so. Later days.

Yup, It's Been a While

I don't have anything more to say now than I have for the past two weeks... actually, I guess I've had stuff to say, but no time to really say it. Again, no difference now. Work is good, life is good, and a get together must be held with (in alphabetical order) Daejin, Grindy and TheRich. I'm still using Twitter from time to time... I'm as amazed as you! Later days.

A Wrinkle in Thyme

Wow, it's been a few days since I've posted. Not a strange occurrence normally, but considering my somewhat stable posting rhythm over the past few weeks, I guess it could be a little surprisingly. It's like I must have gotten a job or something... and I did! I'm on a three week contract right now helping out at a company and really really hoping I get a permanent position doing much the same duties. I love the job, the people, the hours, location- it's just great. It will be mine.

So it's Friday, I just got home from said job after the first week (well four days) and I'm looking forward to my weekend to hopefully recover from a cold that's been plaguing me since last Sunday. Right now though, my mind is on one thing- supper! Later days.

Ross Needs...

Found this over at Calamity Jen after hitting the "Next Blog" button up top. The instructions are to Google your name and the word "needs" (e.g., "Ross needs") and then to list the first ten results.

1. Ross needs a fro pick. (in reference to painter Bob Ross)
   
2. Ross needs your help!
   
3. Ross needs e-mail.
   
4. Ross needs to learn how to do research.
   
5. Ross needs you on Flickr.
   
6. Ross needs a haircut.
   
7. Ross needs some educating at least about decency, and perhaps about copyright law. (my personal fav)
   
8. Ross Needs To Floss. (in reference to soul singer Diana Ross)
   
9. Ross needs an assistant for transitioning to his new assignment.
   
10. Ross needs Madsen's knowledge of budgeting and administration.
    

Webcomics vs. Wikipedia

If you've been following the battle between members of these communities, this is an interesting article. Later days.

What're You Going To Do, Bleed On Me?

The Hunt Continues

Drove around the area today to get a different perspective on the possible job opportunities that abound in this region. I've already done the same drive through parts of Cambridge and Kitchener, as well as New Hamburg, but hadn't concentrated on Waterloo. Lot's of companies in the area, hopefully one wants me. I'm in the process of applying to all of them. "Pucks to the net" as TheRich would say.

Still hooked on Twitter after almost a week. I seriously figured I'd use it last Wednesday, maybe even Thursday but that I would be finished with it after that. I'm still enjoying it though. Good times!

When I have a bit more time I'll write about my experience ice fishing this past weekend. I'd never been before but would definitely try it again- even though we caught nothing. Later days.

CDXC2K6: Thrown Together

Here it is. Here is my explanation for my entry to the 2006 CD Exchange.

First off, here's the track listing for the CD:

1. Panic! At The Disco - The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage
   
2. Buckcherry - Crazy Bitch
   
3. Hinder - Lips of an Angel
   
4. City and Colour - Save Your Scissors
   
5. MC Hawking - All My Shootings Be Drivebys
   
6. Hieroglyphics - Cab Fare
   
7. Meat Puppets - Lake of Fire
   
8. The Postal Service - Such Great Heights
   
9. Mr. Bungle - Super Marios Bros.
   
10. The Cure - Love Cats
    
11. Primus - Wynona's Big Brown Beaver
    
12. Rush - YYZ (live)
    

Now, as you can see its a mish mash of many different genres and time periods. The story behind this CD is that I had completely forgot that we were to create the compilations until mid-January when me and the guys met up for coffee. That night I created the super mix. It would go down in history as the best-produced compilation CD of all time.

The CD burner on my computer is pooched, so I decided the best thing to do would be to transfer the tracks onto my MP3 player and burn them at Peaches' mom and dad's. When I got up there I realized that I had forgotten to transfer the tracks to my MP3 player. Thus I had to make do with the tracks I had loaded onto my (still new) device.

Above is the result of this haste. All in all I think it turned it pretty good, but I've already committed myself to spending more time on the project next year. Later days.

Water = Poo

It has been scientifically proven that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria found in feces.

In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of Poo. However, we do not run that risk when drinking wine (or rum, whiskey, beer or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.

WATER = Poo

WINE = HEALTH

Ergo: It is better to drink wine and talk stupid than to drink water and be full of crap. There is no need to thank me for this valuable information; I am doing it as a public service.

Coming Soon!

Alright, I know I'm a little slow to the draw, but I'll have an explanation of my entry to CDXC2K6 soon. I'm honestly spending too much time with Twitter, but what can I say? I love it.

I've been installing the small kitchen countertop this morning and listening to the other entries to CDXC2K6 while I'm working. Actually, I also listened to Grindy 2K5 entry as I hadn't heard it yet. Quite good entries all 'round. I said it on Twitter last night and I'll say it again, "Fidelity" by Regina Spektor is one kick-ass song. Lovin it. Later days.

Sylvester and Twitter

Alright, the post name was going to be "I'm All A-Twitter" until I realized that's what Scott Kurtz titled his post on the same subject. I just signed up for Twitter, a new online service that acts as a global status messaging system. The same way you'd put your status on MSN or AIM when you go in away mode, you can do the same here.

If you go to my page right now it states that I am blogging about signing up for Twitter. Its kind of cool, I've already sent invites to LosRicos, Grindy and Daejin and we'll see if they sign up. For that matter, we'll see how long I actually use it for. But it's one more free web gizmo, and I feel like I'm down with the kids once again. Later days.

I'm ATHF's Bitch

Hey Cliff... Boo.

Just because I thought it was funny...

Get a Job, You Bum!

Well, what can I say. After being unhappy at my position for the past 4-5 months, I guess it comes as a bit of relief. I am currently looking for my new job. This will be a position
where I can feel comfortable, not where I am thrown in at the deep end to drown, and where I can move forward within the organization in time.

I can't really say much else at this point, I have to get back to my job search.
Later days!

My Ulcer Has a First Name, It's L-L-O-Y-D!

Things are beginning to come to a head here at work. I'm beginning to
get a clearer picture of my place in life and in the workplace. I
don't want to be out in front of people all the time. I don't mind it
once in a while, but doing sales calls isn't my style.

I set up a sales call with a fairly large insurance company in the
area and was accompanied by one of our salespeople, who, although new
to our company, is seasoned in the industry. I do not want to do this
job. Plain and simple, this is not the position for me. I want out
of sales... I'd rather sit behind a computer all day tallying numbers
I think.

Just thought I'd vent. As a result of the meeting this morning I have
had an upset stomach since 8:30 and it shows no signs of weakening.
Anybody know of any good pencil-pushing jobs I'd be qualified for?
Later days.

What's The URL Again??

Not good. It's only been a few short weeks and I've already neglected
my blog like a dirty whore thrown into the gutter after a game of
autoerotic asphyxiation gone wrong. Too far? I thought so too.

Not much going on right now. Not sure if you've noticed, but here in
Southern Ontario we've had snow almost everyday for the past week or
so. Don't get me wrong, I love the snow. But seriously, give us a
huge pile, like 2 feet so it at least closes the city down for a day
or two, and then shove off so the sun can come back for a bit.

This crappy inch or less a day just becomes frustrating as I have to
clean off my car everytime I leave the house or work.

I guess I'm ranting and I didn't want to do that, so I'm going to end
this here and check back in later with something more positive. Later
days.

Vote for Pedro

I got to thinking today: What if we campaigned for our everyday jobs the same way politicians campaign for their positions. Imagine the decision makers (voters) were made up of management representatives from each department. We would campaign on a platform of increasing sales numbers and overall client base for a sales position within the company. You would be hired for the position as it made good sense.

During the course of your employment, you abandon your original promises and instead work on increasing employee moral, attendance and clearer policies. Now, while you have shunned the sales manager, every other manager is seeing the fruits of your labour through their own departments. When the time comes for contract renewal (re-election), the other managers vote for you, while the sales manager you originally came to work for doesn't want you there anymore.

I wrote that on Friday I believe… maybe Monday. Regardless, I no longer remember where I was going with it.

Met with "TheGuys" (and Sunflower) last night for coffee at the local Timmies (don't tell them, but their choice of location for coffee kicks arse! 5 minutes from my house, hells yeah!). The spoke about the unveiling of the iPhone yesterday at the Macworld Keynote yesterday. At first I wasn't very impressed, yeah yeah, a glorified Blackberry, just what the world needs. Upon my arrival at work this morning, I took the liberty of cruising over to the Apple website to see what the fuss was about. Guh? My only questions now are who's going to carry it in Canada and how can I come up with the cash for it?

Also, got a start on my compilation CD when I got home last night. I think its rockin'. Later days.

A Pizza for the Peasants

I'm currently sitting at work awaiting the arrival of pizza. It seems that we have had a great week, and management wishes to appease us by ordering a couple of pizzas. Guess what I brought for lunch today… that's right, leftover pizza. Why do companies do this? They tell you half an hour before hand that they will be ordering pizza… why not say "Hey guys, we're going to bring in pizza for lunch tomorrow, so don't bring anything"?
I can't remember if I mentioned it or not, but Peaches and I did go ahead and purchase the digital camera. It's sweet. The only thing that it's missing is image-stabilization, but it's not a big deal when you're taking your usual shots at family functions, etc.
Well… this is fun and all, but I really must be getting back to work. Later days.

The New Year Has Begun

Well, we're only 3 days into the New Year and I have already gone ahead and taken a jump into the sales responsibilities of my position that I previously shunned. I did a number of sales drops today (cold calling, dropping off literature, trying to get a contact name or- the golden banana
- actually get to speak with someone at the company and discuss their needs.

As anyone in sales knows, doing sales calls this way results in a bout a 20:1 success rate. Usually you don't get past the receptionist. That being said, receptionists often possess much more knowledge than they are given credit for. I got a great lead on a potential need one company had because the receptionist had heard of our company because her previous company used our services and she gave me information most of our competitors wouldn't be privy to.

I also had another receptionist who wanted a job and asked where she could send her resume. All in all, better than a day at the office. And look! 5 days in and still blogging! w00t!

Also, the Team Canada junior hockey team beat the USA in a thrilling shoot-out victory to proceed to the gold medal game against Russia. I say 'thrilling' although I absolutely hate shoot-outs and the team aspect they remove from the game... but I digress. Later days.

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a great night last night. All the best to you and
yours in 2007!