Grazing Rites

My son was born at 12:19am this morning.

People have been asking what we need. We’re pretty good for now but we could use Charmin TP at home. At the hospital if someone wants to spring for professional baby photos that would be cool otherwise cash for the cafeteria that doesn’t take debit half the time and change for the vending machines would be nice. We don’t exactly have time to run to a proper ATM.

More to follow but I need to get back to the hospital.

Otherwise known as Pizza Night, Monday evenings have become a rather nice way to start the week. Now that I have a position with more standard hours I’m discovering why people hate Mondays, it’s hard to adjust your sleep schedule thus you’re tired and less able to face the day which coincidentally is likely to be your busiest of the week as you deal with the backlog from the weekend.

Prior to this job I wasn’t even aware of Mondays. Those were good times.

So I get home from work around 6pm and try to place my order around 7:30pm. Why not wait until later so I can have my food with the show? Well for one thing I’m too damn hungry. But more than that 24 is too intense to attempt eating. Even if your stomach could handle it you’d be hard pressed to tear your eyes away from the screen for even a second, you’d end up with pizza in your nose or something.

Second attempt at Dream Job complete. I don’t think I got it but I think I made excellent use of the opportunity, which is what playing the long game is all about. I left them with a better impression of me than they had before. I totally screwed up on one question (and naturally came up with the perfect answer 10 minutes after the interview had concluded) but I still consider it knocked out of the park.

It was a home run, but not a grand slam. To beat out my former boss I would have needed a Grand Slam…and then some. So I’m more than satisfied with how things went. I’m still king of the interviews. I never met an interview I didn’t like, with the exception of my former boss’s former boss.

Hold on, baseball metaphors? That interview must have shaken me up more than I thought. Okay, it’s like when you’re down 5-0 and score a goal in the last three minutes. You still lost but you made an effort that makes the team feel a bit better and might just get you noticed.

But here’s why I know it was a success: I made them laugh. They all laughed at least once. And that’s no easy feat, in 10 years I think I’ve seen one of them laugh maybe 4 times.

Why was that so critical? Since getting the job at this point was never my goal it was all about making a good impression. The laughs tell me we connected on some level of mutual respect but more than that they’ll have positive memories of my futile attempt.

Much like a coach in hockey (that’s better, getting back to being myself now) I decided I needed to neutralize the enemy’s strongest advantage. In this case it was one eccentric person’s ability to intimidate. I made a choice not to let him, no matter what happened. But how do you defeat a superior player in a better position? One trick I’ve used to great success in the past is to change objectives. How does that work? Here’s 3 examples:

Needing a minimum 75% to stay in the honours program I made 80% my goal.

Handling an angry guest my goal would be to do something nice that would surprise them, whether it related to the problem or not - whether I could solve the problem or not.

Not being intimidated in an interview? Forget getting the job and make it my goal to get some laughs.

Eccentric may be many things but one thing I’ve been forced to admit recently is that we have a similar sense of humour.

And Burton was right, I DO over think things. If I thought about breathing too much I’d probably suffocate. So, not quite like Kirk, I changed the rules. More like Data going for the stalemate in stratagema. But more than that I set my overactive mind on a bonus goal so that I didn’t focus on my primary objective. The fact is I suck up quite well on autopilot, it may be genetic or just habit but thankfully I remembered to trust in my inherently brown nosing nature.

But things got pretty personal. Facing off against them I quickly had to give up playing the interview game and just honestly speak from the heart.

So now they know what I’m all about, where I come from, and where I’m headed.

I figure the end result of all this was them liking and respecting me a bit more but at the end of the day saying something like “we’ve got a True Believer on our hands; we’re lucky to have him but he’s just not ready for this yet“.

I’ll find out Wednesday.

Have you ever waited for something for an entire decade? Somehow I doubt many of my contemporaries have.

I didn’t sleep well last night, I got maybe five and a half hours but it was broken. Bad dreams.

How does one prepare for such a day?

I bought pants.

Ralph Lauren, very nice. Half price even.

I plan to listen to some Oasis and Keith Sweat to psych myself up.

As Sisko once said, “everything’s been building to this“.

Perhaps it’s best not to think of it too much, it makes me a bit nauseous.

Burton says I’m over thinking things, he’s most assuredly correct.

I truly am risking next to nothing. Worst case scenario I say something stupid and go back to my current job. As concession prizes go, that’s not bad. And the likelihood of me getting the position, or even being a serious candidate, is remote in the extreme.

I spoke to another coworker last night who easily saw my point of view. He saw another reason my former boss may not even accept the position if it’s offered so that lends credence to my position. He also said something about how panel interviews are usually concerned mostly with “not skills but competencies“. I mentioned how I’ve already performed most of the duties of this new position and he said competencies were things like truthfulness and integrity.

I don’t get it. I would call those values or virtues, not competencies. Isn’t competence the ability to do something correctly? He works in law enforcement though, at a courthouse specifically, so perhaps I should chalk it up to different industries having different jargon.

The induction has been moved back to early Friday morning. So it looks like Jon will have a better chance of being there for the big moment. Apparently he has my nose. Poor bastard.

What?

bas·tard [bas-terd]
–noun
1. a person born of unmarried parents

We’re gonna have a bastard.

Okay, I got that out of my system, I’m done now.

Hopefully he won’t be poor though but with my nose I don’t see any modeling contracts in his future…so…so much the better.

Somehow knowing the gender is making me much more excited/anxious. I want to meet him, begin to discover what he’s all about. Hopefully it’ll pass. The anxiety I mean.

Interesting, a couple days ago I couldn’t imagine anything more stressful than my interview, but now…I need to lay down.

FYI: Interview blogs are not being posted in real time, I had the interview yesterday. More to come on this later.

More people are coming out of the woodwork to comment on my pending interview.

One person said “you gotta do what you gotta do“.

What the hell does that mean?!

Does he think I’m undercutting my former boss by applying when I know she has also applied?

How do I express my intentions in a conversation that only lasts seconds?

“Well I don’t think I’ll get it but I want to show them I’m interested” I say. He takes his leave of me and I have no idea how to interpret the exchange. Do they think I would step on my former boss, a person I respect who I readily agree deserves the job more than I and is more qualified in almost every category? I’ve made it clear to my mom and my girlfriend’s mom why she should get it and despite initially taking the you-should-get-it stance both came to agree with my assessment.

Am I worried over nothing?

Despite the ban I ran into my former boss today and she made it clear “everyone knows, everybody’s talking“. Thoroughly creeped out I mentioned my blog suspicions, thankfully this seemed unlikely to her and she expressed surprise at the notion. Granted she’s not plugged in to everything and isn’t that technologically savvy but I think that concern may have been born of coincidence.

But seriously, what the hell is going on? It’s been so long since I’ve been to an Ops meeting, I feel very disconnected from Playland…I’m very concerned that people will/have/are misinterpreted my actions, goals, and motivations.

This is what it all boils down to: having one more applicant who has worked in the department before lowers the chance that they’ll hire from outside the department or, worse yet, outside the company. Discussions of ambition, money, and the rest are all secondary to that. Despite possible misconceptions this is all about loyalty to the staff that is and and protecting and honouring the hard work and vision of people that came before.

It is so odd that an act inspired by loyalty might be interpreted as disloyal. I sincerely hope this is not the case.

As I mentioned my former boss dropped by today. The layout of where I work puts me on one side of a counter and visitors on the other. At one point she wished me good luck and I said “more-so to you“. This wasn’t two adversaries staring each other down, this was two former coworkers wishing collectively for the same outcome.

Thinking back over my time with her I recall a certain proclivity for doubting herself, perhaps that’s all this is. She always seemed to undervalue herself and overvalue me. I wish I could help remind her of her worth but she’s made her wishes regarding pre-interview discussion clear and I both understand and respect her decision. This is clearly hard on both of us but with me risking so much less I fear it’s much harder on her.

It’s such a whirlwind these days. Nothing is certain. And yet again, this is what I predicted. I said the Olympics would create so many opportunities it would cause a lot of movement. And I said a bold and well timed move, or even just careful patience, could result in careers advancing by leaps and bounds. I didn’t however consider there would be victims.

I certainly don’t think my former boss could become a victim of me, that’s not my intention or what I want. By if they go with someone who has never worked in the department or worse the company then the whole team, the front line staff and others, the whole company and potentially our guests would be the victims. That I cannot allow if it is within my power to prevent. That’s why I’m doing this.

Perhaps it’s a good thing I’m putting this all down now, so that there will be a record. So that, in a worst case scenario if the incredibly unlikely occurs and we end up in hell, people will know my intentions were good.

I never asked for this. 11 years ago Jon set me on this path. My experiences and personality determined what shape this path would take. To quote Morpheus, “what happened happened and couldn’t have happened any other way“.

Definitely Keith Sweat to harness the chi. Confidence and an important reminder of where this all began.

I think some people at work are reading my blog. I received an e-mail from someone I had not shared my blog with answering a question I posed only here. An accidental canary trap as it were. As such I think I should cease discussing my upcoming interview any further in the interests of professionalism. I had hoped to solicit some input from my readers but I think we should take those conversations ‘offline’ as they say.

I don’t mean off the Internet completely, feel free to e-mail, PM, or IM me. Taking a topic ‘offline’ is business-speak for deciding to discuss a topic in a different venue, such as privately after a meeting.

And to clarify, I don’t mind people from work reading my blog but with the rumour mill already at full tilt I’d rather not fan the flames however unintentionally. If one person at work was reading my blog without my knowledge I can’t know who, or at how high a level, is scrutinizing what is essentially my diary. In such uncertain times of flux perhaps it’s best to play it a little closer to the vest.

Rumours are running rampant. Some people knew about my interview within 2 hours of it being scheduled. People who didn’t need to know. It’s not that I mind but clearly people are talking. What are they saying I wonder? There could be a lot of incorrect assumptions out there. What could they be thinking…?

Does he honestly think he has a chance?
Not really, no. But I could be runner up. Salutatorian if you will. Close doesn’t really mean much but it lets them know I still want it.

Is he unhappy where he is?
No, very comfortable thank you, next question.

Is he doing this because a certain someone left?
No. Granted that person’s departure brought about this turn of events but it was by no means my motivation or inspiration. I know I said I would return if he left but financially I have more responsibilities than I did when I said that. Ultimately I’m doing this for me and for the family I left behind.

Will he go back to his old job (not his current job, the one from over a year ago) if he doesn’t get this one?
Sadly that would come done to a question of if the pay was right.

Does he think he can do this?
Yes, but in the unlikely circumstances that I get it I recommend you buy stock in Red Bull.

Does he really want this?
My heart and mind do, my body has objections.

Didn’t he apply for this once before?
A lesser version of the position, yes.

How many times can they get away with saying no to this guy?
Sadly that number probably only exists theoretically (think of a number 8 that’s fallen down). Just so long as I get a raise each year I don’t see me giving up any time soon, or ever really. Slow and steady progress is all I need, although giant leaps will be accepted.

But isn’t he going to be a dad?
I’ve gotten ignoring my family down to a science. But seriously I can prioritize, compartmentalize, and multitask with the best of them. I’m Jack Bauer, b*tch.

Besides the significant increase in income isn’t likely to hurt anyone.

What about his other jobs?
I have something white and hairy they can kiss. Sears recently determined I was “dissatisfied with working conditions“, the rest can figure it out just as easily. I have yet to regret that departure.

What if they give it to someone who has never worked in the department before?
Anyone know where you can get pitchforks cheap? We can buy in bulk…

So my interview for the position I have no chance at getting is set for Monday afternoon. Why are they bothering I wonder? Why weren’t internal applicants pre-screened? I figured I’d get a pre-screen to humour me and then a polite if awkward conversation explaining why my application wouldn’t be forwarded. But this, this is totally different.

A panel interview.

I knew one day this would happen. In fact I foresaw much of recent events YEARS ago. A full-time year-round version of the job I always wanted, a panel interview in the boardroom…exactly as I foresaw. Well, maybe not exactly. The cast of characters is completely different. The likelihood of me getting the position is drastically lower than I predicted all those years ago.

Every important interview I’ve gone for I prepped as if it were a panel, thus I was always relieved when it wasn’t. But not this time.

My inner 16-year-old is having a heart attack.

The rest of me is struggling to see this in pragmatic terms.

I’m not going to get it and part of me, a very small part, doesn’t want it. That said if it’s offered I don’t care who I have to step on, disappoint, or betray to get it. Good thing it won’t come to that. But how do I play this? Nothing’s a one shot deal with a company you’ve spent over a decade at and see no reason to ever leave. You have to play the long game.

For example what do I say if they ask “What makes you think you’re the best candidate for the job?” Do I try the unconventional honesty thing or do I play the interview game?

What do I listen to in order to focus and harness the chi?

Why do I subject myself to this?

My lack of inspiration has lead to a lifting of the hockey ban.

Sorry Jon.

Eastern Conference
Buffalo vs. New York Islanders - Buffalo (I let Mindi pick this one)
New Jersey vs. Tampa Bay - New Jersey
Atlanta vs. New York Rangers - New York
Ottawa vs. Pittsburgh - Ottawa
Western Conference
Detroit vs. Calgary - Detroit*
Anaheim vs. Minnesota - Anaheim
Vancouver vs. Dallas - Vancouver
Nashville vs. San Jose - San Jose

*I would normally go for the Canadian team but Calgary has made my job more difficult and I would like to see Burt have a chance at redemption, so suck it Flames.

So that would make the following matchups for Round 2 (Conference Semifinals)
Eastern Conference
Buffalo vs. New York - New York
New Jersey vs. Ottawa - Ottawa
Western Conference
Detroit vs. San Jose - Detroit
Vancouver vs. Anaheim - Vancouver

Thus Round 3 (Conference Finals) could look like…
Eastern Conference
New York vs. Ottawa - Ottawa
Western Conference
Detroit vs. Vancouver - Vancouver

So in conclusion I predict Vancouver will win the cup in a contest with Ottawa.

It’s not Da Colbert Code but it’ll do. I may revise at the end of Round 1.

So I have at last purged the queue. Problem is, with nothing in the pipeline and no inspiration I have nothing to post. I have been toying with the idea of posting a list of my favorite Subway subs but I think quality should prevail over quantity. On the other hand I fear if I do not post the world will think I’m in the hospital or something and sound the alarm. So, um, Of Gods And Men has posted a bit of new content over at http://www.startrekofgodsandmen.com/ so, enjoy that.

In the 11th year of our fair a wish from years passed was granted. An evil man was cut down in a way I predicted leaving a vacuum and leading to the creation of a position I had always wished for. But of course, every rose has it’s thorns and few wishes are what they seem.

For one it appears the evil man had been in the midst of reforming his ways. Not that it forgives past crimes but it makes the victory a little less sweet. What’s worse, it appears he was cut down in much the same way he used to cut down others.

How can I celebrate a positive outcome achieved using methods I abhor?

But the story can’t end there. For one the entire cause of recent events is still largely unknown. But more than that the void must be filled.

A position I have wanted since I was 16. I owe it to myself, myself of the past and multiple versions of myself throughout the years. But what of now? Do I really want a position with longer hours, more stress, and greater responsibility that would take me away from my family?

Who am I kidding, the answer to that question has always been yes.

Well, so long as the cause is just.

Perhaps fortunately there is in fact no decision to be made. Another person more qualified, with greater experience, whom I respect has also applied. It would be lunacy for her not to get it.

So why bother applying? For one if I didn’t my 16 year old self, through sheer force of will, would travel through time and kick my ass. There’s also that old saying about bewaring contentment. By applying I am sending a sign to higher ups that my ambition has not been quenched.

Will it ever? I leave that discussion for another day.

I advised my current boss before applying, partly out of courtesy and respect but mostly to make it clear that I am in no way unhappy with my current position. But every time I think about just staying where I am I hear Admiral Hansen’s voice in my head…

“There are a lot of young hotshots like Shelby on their way up. Riker could suddenly look like he’s standing still next to them. He’s hurting his career by staying put. If I were you, I’d kick him in the rear end for his own good.”

Where would I be if that episode had never been written?

Poor Michael Pillar, the world is a darker place now that you’ve left it.

But practical matters aside I was given pause when upon being informed of my intention to apply my current boss came back with “I know GS is where your heart is”

How can I argue with that? 9 years and an adopted family how can that not be true? Calvin and Elisa were at my university graduation for god’s sake! I dated Eleana for 2 years. The list goes on.

I hope no one thinks that I don’t think of myself as a part of my new-ish team and department, I certainly do. I wouldn’t dare compare the two but that said, there is a lot of history in GS.

Kenneth Cole shirt and belt, Claiborne pants, Gold Toe socks, and Rockport shoes I was unapologetically feeling like quite the brand whore when I was walking to lunch on a sunny day just recently. Along the way was an…odd fellow. He had headphones on but otherwise looked homeless and seemed to be speaking to anyone within 15 meters…or perhaps himself.

As I walked past he said “hey Mr. Charisma! Would you believe I have that same shirt?” he continued to mutter semi-coherently as I continued on my way.

Mr. Charisma, I like that. Although isn’t the first nice thing people tend to say about horrible dictators is that they were/are charismatic? And when the Decepticons were having a power struggle a fight broke out because someone call Soundwave uncharismatic. Hmmm, a mixed bag I guess.

Oh well, I have no guilt; other than my shoes nothing I was wearing cost more than $15 USD. I don’t see anything wrong with getting a little ego boost from wearing finely made clothes. A little artificial confidence as we used to call it back in my GS days. An ex of mine once said the only source of attractiveness was confidence, a statement I don’t entirely agree with but has it’s merits.

And if your confidence comes from a piece of clothing or the insane rantings of a homeless person, it can only serve to enhance your day.

“Too much of anything, even love, isn’t necessarily a good thing” -James T. Kirk

One of the things that seemed crazy to me, and indeed one of the expecting mothers as well, at our prenatal classes was this idea that the fathers-to-be would PLAN to constantly tell their partners that they were beautiful throughout the third trimester. One guy went so far as to suggest writing a list of compliments and then just rotate through them! Another suggested using MS Outlook to schedule calls home to check on their partners every 2 hours when the fathers-to-be are at work.

At what point does that cease being thoughtful and become patronizing? Rather early on I should think. Even if they were to keep this plan a secret from their partners, none of which were going to as they were all too proud of their idea to stay quiet, if the mothers-to-be had half a brain they’d figure it out. What’s more if such behaviour was so foreign to the men that they’d need to write instructions for themselves and put it on a timetable the behaviour should stick out even more.

So not only are these gents behaving in a way that is completely forced and false to themselves but they’re doing so on the premise their partners are stupid!

Perhaps this is one of those it’s-the-thought-that-counts moments but if you ask me upon deeper reflection those thoughts stink. At least they’re preparing to be a parent, practicing treating their partners like children and all. I recommend these fellas look up the word ‘paternal’.

My girlfriend knows I think she’s beautiful. She doesn’t need to be reminded from a script every 2 hours. Granted I could probably express that thought more often than I do but saying it only when it specifically occurs to me and the spirit moves me makes it more special and respectful.

They say “keep it real“, which is a laudable goal but I suggest we also keep it rare. Regimented, regulated sincere thoughts repeated too often lose their power.

If I told her she looked great every day, out of some sort of habit, then what would I say when she looks exceptional?

So, yes, I COULD lavish everyone with an unending stream of compliments but I think I’d rather keep it real and rare, so that when I DO have something to say, you’ll know I mean it. And in turn I’d like to think it’ll mean more.

In a bank awash in orange light…

Customer: I need to make a withdrawal
Horatio: You have no idea
Customer: Uh, what?
Horatio: *takes off glasses and looks at them* You need to feed your little habit don’t you?
Customer: Why do you wear sunglasses indoors?
Horatio: You have a thing for little girls don’t you?
Customer: Well actually yes, I’m taking my 2 daughters to Disneyworld.
Horatio: But this time it went too far, didn’t it?
Customer: Well, I guess I do spoil them. Look, are you going to give me my money or do I have to speak to your manager?
Horatio: My people thrive on consequences
Customer: What?
Horatio: *takes out wallet* Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of your little “trip”…but this has to be the last time. You have a chance to get your life back, are you going to blow it?
Customer: Um, no?

At another wicket a customer approaches a male teller in a stylish dress shirt with the top 3 buttons undone…

Customer: I think someone is writing cheques in my name
Teller: Really… *dons a lab coat as Horatio walks by*
Horatio: What do we have here?
Teller: The Vic says someone’s passing bad cheques on her account
Customer: Excuse me, my name isn’t Vic, it’s Sam.
Horatio: *intensely* Your story better check out.
Customer: Is that supposed to be a joke? Look this cheque bounced, the note on the returned cheque says it was for a chess set.
Teller: *grabs the cheque with tongs* don’t disturb my crime scene *shows Horatio the cheque*
Horatio: $300 for a chess set? Looks like someone’s living like a King in a Castle with you the unknowing Pawn
Customer: *unimpressed* very droll. Look can we just find out who tried to cash this? I have my cousin’s Bar Mitzvah this evening.
Horatio: So we only have until Knight? Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Maybe you wrote the cheque!
Customer: *snaps fingers* you’re right! I did! The chess set was for my cousin! I remember now. How could I have forgotten?
Horatio: How indeed. You’re living like a Queen but now even the Bishop can’t help you.
Customer: Look, I get it, the chess puns, but I’m clearly Jewish, we don’t have Bishops.
Horatio: Checkmate.
Customer: *to Teller* Has he suffered a stroke lately or something?
Horatio: Rook.
Customer: Oookay. I’m leaving now.

In a back room of the bank with blue lighting an African woman and a blonde woman with a southern accent are arguing…

African: Look for the last time, I’ve never worked at a radio station, okay?
Blonde: Alright, if you say so. *takes out a half-eaten ham sandwich and hands it to her* Can you tell me what happened to this?
African: Well it looks like someone ate it.
Blonde: Huh. Hey did you ever live in New York?
African: *slams sandwich down on the counter* No! I’m telling you I NEVER worked at a radio station in New York.
Horatio: *walking in on the argument looks at the sandwich* Food fight?

On the eve of my tax refund I thought I would take a quick look at how I was doing. Playing around with some numbers I realized I should make about a thousand dollars this year for doing absolutely nothing - and three-quarters of it is tax-free! In my Feb. 7th blog entry ‘Tax Season’ I remarked on how I had made $800 in interest on my RRSP since 2003 but crunching the numbers I stand to make almost that much this year alone!

In that same blog entry of just 2 months past I remarked on how I was earning $60 a month in interest on my RRSP but thanks to some help from my mommy and the miracle of compound interest that’s up to $65 a month, just 2 months later! And I haven’t even begun my contributions for this year yet!

(Students note: if you’re still in school I DON’T recommend contributing to your RRSP at this time despite how exciting this may all sound, it’s just not the right play in your situation. I’m talking to you, Burton)

Okay, great, I’m earning some serious interest and dodging the tax man, that’s great, but what about the flip side? I’ve wondered for a while how much I spend each year on my mainstay foodstuffs.

So some rough estimates and calculations later and I figure I spend about $1,300 a year on pizza - that’s assuming I order once a week all year with an average order of $25, I think this exaggerates the situation somewhat as I don’t order it every week except when 24 is in first-run broadcasts. Now Subway is somewhat more accurate, I would place my annual Subway expenditures at about $900 - that’s assuming I have Subway only when I work but every day when I do and an average meal cost of $6.50.

So yea, I’m smart with my money and generally frugal so yay me but I also like other people to make my food so I’m not without my irresponsible extravagance.

This is what I do for fun.

The other day I was talking to someone and they mentioned how fresh snow on a fresh sunburn was an odd sensation. I asked what circumstances had given rise to that particular event. It seems they got up early one morning not long ago, last week I think, and noticed the sun was out so they laid out in their back yard to get a suntan and inadvertently fell asleep. Several hours later, something on the order of 4 hours I believe, she awoke when a snowflake fell on her.

She woke up to discover she had gotten a sunburn and that the weather had changed so drastically that it had begun to snow. All within a few hours.

So, it’s official, we’re living on the Genesis Planet.

After the Giants game Burton asked me what I felt like doing, I figured I’d throw out one practical and one fun suggestion so I found myself saying “bowling or grocery shopping“.

He was less than thrilled with my suggestions saying that this is one of my last chances to go out and have fun before becoming a father. Now granted had I known this would come up I would have been better prepared both in terms of ideas as well as clothing and supplies. But given the limitations of the spontaneous nature of our adventure we decided on TheatreSports.

However the next show was over an hour away so we slowly headed towards our destination. Along the way Burton had the idea of going to the Planetarium. I said I doubted it would be open in the traditional sense but if we were lucky we may catch a laser show that is NOT Pink Floyd. Upon arrival we discover a bunch of stoners buying tickets.

Something about becoming a father makes me share Cartman’s views on hippies.

Turns out, yes, it is indeed laser Floyd. This has been running regularly for over a decade now, don’t they ever get tired of it?

Burton suggests we follow the most clean looking couple leaving the building. I think this a very bad idea but decide to go along with it. Turns out they were heading to an observatory where between 8pm and midnight you can use the telescope to look at nearby celestial objects. We got a pretty good look at both Saturn and the moon. We got so caught up in it we totally forgot about TheatreSports.

It was cool, I highly recommend it - just remember to go on a clear night.

Another delayed post, this from shortly after the baby shower. Things are much better now but I had nothing else completed to post today.

I am strange, this really shouldn’t be news to anyone. I don’t always do things the normal way. I’m outside the box and wacky but never before has it been such a problem as it has since news of the baby broke. People want constant updates, they expect me to go on about it at length, they nearly demand I chat about the whole thing for hours on the phone.

What is there to update everyone on? Yes, she’s still pregnant. Knowledge of gender and due date hasn’t changed nor has name selection. It’s not quite the page turner people seem to think it is. Everyone’s healthy if a little sleep deprived. The baby, like most, has a penchant for kicking as there isn’t much else for it to do. Really, what does everyone want to know that isn’t in my blog?

Do you want me to bare my soul over the experience on command? Well for one I won’t be your monkey. But more than that if I were to do so what would you hear about? How when I encounter people who do nothing but tell me what to do all I want to do is strangle them until dead? First, which sadists out there really want a performance of that and second have I not yet made that point abundantly clear here on my blog?

I don’t get it. My blog is full of me complaining about people forcing baby advice down my throat and then folks get annoyed at my lack of discussing it. Am I really so unforgivably obtuse in my desire for some freaking peace and quiet? When did the prospect of a child remove one’s right to privacy? Even the privacy of my own thoughts and feelings seems to be too much to ask. Somehow I’m being unacceptably weird.

Well I’m tired of it. My silence is my choice. My choice is my right. Therefore my silence is my right. Or so says my 124 IQ.

So how exactly am I wrong? What information am I missing or what mistake have I made in my figuring that makes my right to privacy a crime?

I just wanted to take a moment to publicly thank everyone who attended the baby shower. In particular I would like to thank my family for coming, some of whom came a fair distance to attend. As well both of our parents for putting it on and Burton for helping with transporting the items afterwards. We both really appreciated everyone being there and thank you all for your kind gifts, they did a lot to ease our minds with regards to preparedness. Thanks again.

It’s done. The cancer removed, the slow one eaten, the viper removed from the den. Letting someone go is never easy but sometimes they make it simple.

So a year after taking command I finally have the team I want. Granted it’s not the dream team of former GSers like Alvin, George, Alastair, and Edward I had envisioned but it’s better this way. Ringers would have brought bitterness in the old guard and had the tone of trying to recapture past glories. Not that the door isn’t still open to my former comrades in arms, I’d love the opportunity to serve together again but I am tremendously proud of the team I have now.

Mom - Can’t beat the original. Blame her for all my mistakes and virtues. Best homemade pizza anywhere ever.

Professional Mom - A source of advice, commiseration, and most importantly a good swift kick in my complacency when needed. Accepts and provides help in equally selfless measure.

Sears Mom - Hugs, support, and adventures in Indian Food; the last with mixed results. Closest in age so hopefully won’t resent the association.

Not-Quite-In-Law Mom - Sunday dinner and support, has a habit of calling me on smart assed, tongue-in-cheek, or pretentious statements. Not that I mind, good for a reality check.

It is with mixed emotions that I announce the end of publication of my person schedule. With Sears no longer a consideration, my GM schedule publicly viewable at canucks.com/staff, and the fluid nature of my hours at my primary job it just no longer seems practical.

Everyone thought my schedule would die when I got my PDA but I wasn’t fond of the programs or formatting available and I don’t take my PDA everywhere. But given the infrequency of updates and even myself hardly ever consulting it…well it just seems my work life isn’t so complicated any more.

Under the title of When & Where To Moo my schedule was born around late 1995, early 1996. Around 1998 it was shortened to When & Where with a moo? added at the bottom. Sometime around the millenium it was slightly revamped and rechristened Hoofin’ It although the filename remained the same so it was just as often referred to as either name.

The distribution list changed over time, with Jon having a shortcut to it on his desktop. The list generally was composed of my mom, Jon, Burton, Warren, and any girlfriend I may have had at the time.

It’s served it’s purpose but it’s time to move on.

If a bomb went off at Main and Hastings at 4am on a Tuesday with a blast radius of one block, what would the overall long term effect on society be?

I abhor violence but I can’t help but ask myself that question everyday I pass there on my way to work.