Today we headed to the Hawaii Volcano National Park. On the way we visited a couple of interesting spots. Our first stop was a rest stop because I had to pee. But aside from that, we stopped at the Southern Most spot in the United States. (Though there's some discussion in our family about the legitimacy of that as Mom and Dad have photos of the Southern most spot in the Florida Keys). The tip of the island was beautiful. The surf was enormous. At the point the surf was coming from the west and the east and meeting in the middle at the point. It was windy as all get out too. The water was turquoise blue and clear as anything. Crazy people were jumping off these 30 foot cliffs into the water below. Not me man.
After the Southern spot we stopped at the Black Sand Beach at Punalu'u State Park. This particular park is famous for its sea turtles that come up and bask on the beach. And as luck would have it there were two turtles bathing in the sun. Beverly almost tripped on one that was laying out. She thought the turtle was a rock.
After that we had lunch at the "Most Southern Restaurant in the US". Fantastic home made bread...yumO.
Then it was off to the volcano. Volcanoes are monuments to Earth's origin, evidence that its primordial forces are still at work. Eruptions remind us that our planet is an ever-changing environment. Of course the Hawaiians believe the Goddess Pele lives in the bottom of this volcano and consequently pay homage to her so to not evoke her anger into another eruption. The Volcano National Park displays the results of at least 70 million years of volcanism.
We took the 11 mile loop around the volcano that stops at several points around the Kilauea Crater. The stops were steam vents in which REALLY hot steam was coming out. It was kinda freaky to be standing on an active volcano. We kept reminding ourselves that we were standing on an "active" volcano. We continued our tour and stopped at the Thurston Lava Tube. The Thurston Lava Tube allows you to see what the inside of natural lava plumbing looks like. After that we headed home.
I've started to come down with a little cold...but it won't stop me from eating at Roy's tomorrow night for my birthday. Yes that's right...I turn the ripe old age of 37 tomorrow. Ugh.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Did you know cockroaches can fly?
I didn't. But that story to come.
We made it to the big island. And I'll say again, its a big island. We got in yesterday after spending Christmas with our long time friends the Dionisio's on Oahu. Christmas day we headed to some friends of theirs for another feast. Let me just tell you I almost laughed out loud when we entered their house...it was a throw back from the 70's...and not NEW retro...this was literally the original retro. Let me see if I can explain it well enough. When we entered the house the first thing I noticed was a green...um excuse me...70's olive green green. And to top it all off...it was shag. The walls were the same color olive green. It was hideous. But wait...it gets better. They literally had an ORANGE couch and orange and green wallpaper. All together I felt like I should be singing Night Fever. But the food again, was fantabulous. My god can these Filipinos friends cook.
As the night progressed out came the band. Yep, band. The family is full of talented vocal types. So the band started and individually people got up and sang. Us Washingtonian's stayed put and just clapped when the songs ended.
We landed on the big island yesterday and were immediately greeted by humidity. Got in our rental convertible and headed to our timeshare. Too funny but the condo community we're staying in is the same condo that we "visited" last time we were here. Which is cool because this place rocks. There are 8 pools and a ton of sun.
BigBro, Seattle SIL and kids joined us yesterday afternoon. We all headed to Bubba Gumps for dinner. Now...this is where the cockroach story comes into play. We were seated at a nice table on the balcony. As I was leisurely sipping my volcano punch ( sipping being the operative word because it was a tough one ) a cockroach flew and landed on my arm and scurried down my arm and across the table toward my niece who screamed as loud as I did. First off...I had no idea that cockroaches could fly. Secondly, they have NO business being on my arm. I had the heeby jeebies the rest of the night.
Today, BigBro, Seattle SIL and the girls and I headed to the Point of Refuge. The legend is that when a person was accused of a crime or something, they had to make this enormous trek through very treacherous areas. If they made it they were absolved of their sins.
Keep posted. I'll be adding more later.
We made it to the big island. And I'll say again, its a big island. We got in yesterday after spending Christmas with our long time friends the Dionisio's on Oahu. Christmas day we headed to some friends of theirs for another feast. Let me just tell you I almost laughed out loud when we entered their house...it was a throw back from the 70's...and not NEW retro...this was literally the original retro. Let me see if I can explain it well enough. When we entered the house the first thing I noticed was a green...um excuse me...70's olive green green. And to top it all off...it was shag. The walls were the same color olive green. It was hideous. But wait...it gets better. They literally had an ORANGE couch and orange and green wallpaper. All together I felt like I should be singing Night Fever. But the food again, was fantabulous. My god can these Filipinos friends cook.
As the night progressed out came the band. Yep, band. The family is full of talented vocal types. So the band started and individually people got up and sang. Us Washingtonian's stayed put and just clapped when the songs ended.
We landed on the big island yesterday and were immediately greeted by humidity. Got in our rental convertible and headed to our timeshare. Too funny but the condo community we're staying in is the same condo that we "visited" last time we were here. Which is cool because this place rocks. There are 8 pools and a ton of sun.
BigBro, Seattle SIL and kids joined us yesterday afternoon. We all headed to Bubba Gumps for dinner. Now...this is where the cockroach story comes into play. We were seated at a nice table on the balcony. As I was leisurely sipping my volcano punch ( sipping being the operative word because it was a tough one ) a cockroach flew and landed on my arm and scurried down my arm and across the table toward my niece who screamed as loud as I did. First off...I had no idea that cockroaches could fly. Secondly, they have NO business being on my arm. I had the heeby jeebies the rest of the night.
Today, BigBro, Seattle SIL and the girls and I headed to the Point of Refuge. The legend is that when a person was accused of a crime or something, they had to make this enormous trek through very treacherous areas. If they made it they were absolved of their sins.
Keep posted. I'll be adding more later.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Mele Kalekmaka
Aloha! Hello from the Island of Oahu. Wow...is it beautiful here. Oddly it doesn't feel like Christmas. My typical Christmas is rain and cold weather...snow if we're lucky. This year I have sunshine and 80 degree weather. Its beautiful here.
I had a small run in here that I haven't had in a long time. I was out witted by a shower. Many showers in Europe and Saudi outwitted me, but I got smarter. Apparently that smart-ness is gone. Willy and Nora have a shower that I just couldn't figure out. I pushed, pulled, unplugged, plugged in, all but took the shower apart and I still couldn't figure it out. At last, I came out and asked. Mom had already had her battle with the beast, so she knew what needed to be done. I could get the water on, but couldn't get the shower on. Mom pointed to the bottom of the water facet where you have to pull the bottom washer and it turns on the shower. Der. I never would have found it.
We are staying with long time family friends the Dionisio's in their BEAUTIFUL house on a hill that over looks Honolulu. We know Willy and Nora from our days in Saudi. The Dionisio's are Filipinos and thus have a HUGE family. Last night the entire family was here. Aunts, uncles, family friends, and kids everywhere. We certainly didn't lack of food either. My god, I thought the Wraspir's cooked for small armies...but the Wraspir's don't hold a candle to these people. We ate so much food...it was truly a blessing. BURP!
Today we are heading to one of the family members house for an outdoor feast again. Yum..I love Filipino food...Love it.
Yesterday, mom and I took off to see Diamond Head and to stop at our favorite burger place here in Honolulu...Teddy's Bigger Burgers. They moved this year from a small... very small restaurant to the beach of Wakiki....
Monday we head south to the Big Island. Can't wait.
So Merry Christmas everyone. I'll try to drop a line again.
I had a small run in here that I haven't had in a long time. I was out witted by a shower. Many showers in Europe and Saudi outwitted me, but I got smarter. Apparently that smart-ness is gone. Willy and Nora have a shower that I just couldn't figure out. I pushed, pulled, unplugged, plugged in, all but took the shower apart and I still couldn't figure it out. At last, I came out and asked. Mom had already had her battle with the beast, so she knew what needed to be done. I could get the water on, but couldn't get the shower on. Mom pointed to the bottom of the water facet where you have to pull the bottom washer and it turns on the shower. Der. I never would have found it.
We are staying with long time family friends the Dionisio's in their BEAUTIFUL house on a hill that over looks Honolulu. We know Willy and Nora from our days in Saudi. The Dionisio's are Filipinos and thus have a HUGE family. Last night the entire family was here. Aunts, uncles, family friends, and kids everywhere. We certainly didn't lack of food either. My god, I thought the Wraspir's cooked for small armies...but the Wraspir's don't hold a candle to these people. We ate so much food...it was truly a blessing. BURP!
Today we are heading to one of the family members house for an outdoor feast again. Yum..I love Filipino food...Love it.
Yesterday, mom and I took off to see Diamond Head and to stop at our favorite burger place here in Honolulu...Teddy's Bigger Burgers. They moved this year from a small... very small restaurant to the beach of Wakiki....
Monday we head south to the Big Island. Can't wait.
So Merry Christmas everyone. I'll try to drop a line again.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
3 Days and counting...
In three days I'll be on my way to Hawaii, bummer huh? But more importantly I won't be writing any blog stuff until after the first of the year. So you'll have to survive without me.
In the past 4 days since I've announced I'm leaving, my work environment has become a haven of stress. Trying to dump 4 and a half years of historical knowledge into documentation. Ugh. Luckily I'm a documenting girl so I do have a lot already written...but there's so much.
So until after the first of the year, happy holidays everyone...or Merry Christmas...or whatever it is you celebrate.
In the past 4 days since I've announced I'm leaving, my work environment has become a haven of stress. Trying to dump 4 and a half years of historical knowledge into documentation. Ugh. Luckily I'm a documenting girl so I do have a lot already written...but there's so much.
So until after the first of the year, happy holidays everyone...or Merry Christmas...or whatever it is you celebrate.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Northwest Harvest Food Drive
A very large THANK YOU!!!!!
Thank you everyone who contributed to the food drive competition our company had. Yesterday was a frenzy of people shopping at Safeway. At one time we were over there and 18 out of the 40 people from our company were shopping for the food drive.
Our team of 8 donated an excess of $1000 worth of food. That a tremendous effort and one I'm glad to say that was well worth it.
Overall, Northwest Harvest estimated that our little company of 40 donated over $3500 worth of food. They had TWO van/trucks here to pick up the food. We out did ourselves. Just goes to show what can happen with a little healthy competition. = )
The executives of the company decided that EVERYONE was a winner and are going to cook lunch for the entire company.
But again, we couldn't have done it without your support and donations. So thank you. And may you have a fantastic holiday, because together we made a lot of people's holiday fantastic.
Thank you everyone who contributed to the food drive competition our company had. Yesterday was a frenzy of people shopping at Safeway. At one time we were over there and 18 out of the 40 people from our company were shopping for the food drive.
Our team of 8 donated an excess of $1000 worth of food. That a tremendous effort and one I'm glad to say that was well worth it.
Overall, Northwest Harvest estimated that our little company of 40 donated over $3500 worth of food. They had TWO van/trucks here to pick up the food. We out did ourselves. Just goes to show what can happen with a little healthy competition. = )
The executives of the company decided that EVERYONE was a winner and are going to cook lunch for the entire company.
But again, we couldn't have done it without your support and donations. So thank you. And may you have a fantastic holiday, because together we made a lot of people's holiday fantastic.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
A new year and a NEW JOB...
I got a new job! I'm so very excited. I've been more than ready for a new direction and a new challenge...and that's exactly what I got.
I'll be working for Microsoft as a contractor in their Speech Server team.
What's speech server did you say? http://www.microsoft.com/speech/default.mspx Speech Server combines Web technologies, speech-processing services, and telephony capabilities into a single, integrated system. Speech Server enables companies to unify their Web and telephony infrastructure.
My job is a project management position. In this role, I will be in charge of creating strategic plans after the sale/deployment by gathering and filtering knowledge of Speech Server customers into product planning, marketing, sales, partners and other internal or external teams.
My last day of work here is Jan 6th...then its on to bigger and better things...oh and mo'money...lots mo'.
I'll be working for Microsoft as a contractor in their Speech Server team.
What's speech server did you say? http://www.microsoft.com/speech/default.mspx Speech Server combines Web technologies, speech-processing services, and telephony capabilities into a single, integrated system. Speech Server enables companies to unify their Web and telephony infrastructure.
My job is a project management position. In this role, I will be in charge of creating strategic plans after the sale/deployment by gathering and filtering knowledge of Speech Server customers into product planning, marketing, sales, partners and other internal or external teams.
My last day of work here is Jan 6th...then its on to bigger and better things...oh and mo'money...lots mo'.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
The Dreaded Interview Question
I've gone through my fair share of interviews lately. I'm starting to get a complex about not getting hired yet. But I also have enough confidence to know that the right job for ME will come around.
So far I've mastered most of the questions. But two questions came up yesterday that stumped me. I answered them, but afterwards wanted to put some more thought into them because I felt they were, aside from non standard interview questions (at least the ones I've gone through lately) but good questions to think about in general.
Question 1: Who do you look up to?
This one threw me. I hadn't really thought about people I look up to much. Politically there's no one. Spiritually there's really no one (God doesn't count). Professionally there's no one. So after pondering this question for a millisecond, I blurted out My mom. (Its really amazing how many people can pass through your grey matter in a millisecond). Then of course the follow up question was why. That was simple. She was basically me, just a bit older. We are two peas in a pod. In fact we have an internal joke about me being the apple that didn't even FALL from the tree, let alone fall far from the tree.
After I managed to get myself through the interview I thought about why I picked my mom. Why'd her name come up? And of course, she's my mom. But what about her did I admire. She was a professional woman who worked very hard for her career and managed to make her family her number one priority still. Everything she did, when growing up, the sacrifices she made, were for me and us kids. She's like the only over 50 woman I know who has more technical gadgets than me and usually keeps up with the Jones' in that arena. But overall, she's my best friend. I talk to her daily sometimes. She's my biggest fan, my biggest supporter, my biggest critic and my occasional loan officer. She's mom. She cooks like I cook. She bakes like I bake. She laughs at the same stupid jokes I do. She Some people worry about being their mom when they grown up. I don't have to worry about it....I'm already my mom. Oh crap.
Question 2: In one word describe yourself? Then why that word?
One word? Just one small little word? How on earth could I describe this person that has taken years to create? Years of work, blood, sweat (well anyone who knows me knows not that much sweat), grief, etc all into one word. Again, thousands of words passed through my mind in a millisecond. But the one that I blurted out was "Energetic". But then when I thought about how I approach project management, energetic really does describe it – er ah - me. In fact, just about any job or task I approach I do so with gusto.
When I got back to work, I asked my friend S what she would have used to describe me. She didn’t have to even think about it, she said “SelfAware”. Which is, I think actually two words, but if you put them together and not put the space between, its one word. She went on to say that she has not met someone who reflected inwardly as much as I do. I was immediately proud of the fact that not only was she accurate in her description, but that I have taken the time to reflect inward.
So how would you answer these questions? Who do you look up to? How would you describe yourself in one word?
So far I've mastered most of the questions. But two questions came up yesterday that stumped me. I answered them, but afterwards wanted to put some more thought into them because I felt they were, aside from non standard interview questions (at least the ones I've gone through lately) but good questions to think about in general.
Question 1: Who do you look up to?
This one threw me. I hadn't really thought about people I look up to much. Politically there's no one. Spiritually there's really no one (God doesn't count). Professionally there's no one. So after pondering this question for a millisecond, I blurted out My mom. (Its really amazing how many people can pass through your grey matter in a millisecond). Then of course the follow up question was why. That was simple. She was basically me, just a bit older. We are two peas in a pod. In fact we have an internal joke about me being the apple that didn't even FALL from the tree, let alone fall far from the tree.
After I managed to get myself through the interview I thought about why I picked my mom. Why'd her name come up? And of course, she's my mom. But what about her did I admire. She was a professional woman who worked very hard for her career and managed to make her family her number one priority still. Everything she did, when growing up, the sacrifices she made, were for me and us kids. She's like the only over 50 woman I know who has more technical gadgets than me and usually keeps up with the Jones' in that arena. But overall, she's my best friend. I talk to her daily sometimes. She's my biggest fan, my biggest supporter, my biggest critic and my occasional loan officer. She's mom. She cooks like I cook. She bakes like I bake. She laughs at the same stupid jokes I do. She Some people worry about being their mom when they grown up. I don't have to worry about it....I'm already my mom. Oh crap.
Question 2: In one word describe yourself? Then why that word?
One word? Just one small little word? How on earth could I describe this person that has taken years to create? Years of work, blood, sweat (well anyone who knows me knows not that much sweat), grief, etc all into one word. Again, thousands of words passed through my mind in a millisecond. But the one that I blurted out was "Energetic". But then when I thought about how I approach project management, energetic really does describe it – er ah - me. In fact, just about any job or task I approach I do so with gusto.
When I got back to work, I asked my friend S what she would have used to describe me. She didn’t have to even think about it, she said “SelfAware”. Which is, I think actually two words, but if you put them together and not put the space between, its one word. She went on to say that she has not met someone who reflected inwardly as much as I do. I was immediately proud of the fact that not only was she accurate in her description, but that I have taken the time to reflect inward.
So how would you answer these questions? Who do you look up to? How would you describe yourself in one word?
Monday, December 12, 2005
Updates to my life.
I love peanut butter. In case you didn't know that about me.
Aside from that, life in the JennW household has been anything but boring. I've been on 5 interviews this month already. My ration of interview to hire is very low. In fact, non existent. = ) But I'm sure that some job is out there just waiting for me.
Friday I interviewed for a position at Microsoft that would be a fun job. It would certainly challenge me in so many ways. I went back and forth this weekend as to whether I would take the job if it was offered. It doesn't have as much project management in it as I would prefer. But the team and the job itself would be a good time.
The interview this morning was for a company called ScreenLife. They manufacture the DVD games called SceneIt! http://www.screenlifegames.com/sceneit.aspx The job is my PERFECT job. Its exactly what I'm looking for to advance my career. The job has been opened for several months as the team is looking for "just the right person". I sincerely hope I'm just the right person.
Hawaii is coming. Just 11 days away and I'll be on my way to the Big Island. Stopping every so briefly in Phoenix AZ to change planes...yah wish me luck, I have a 45 minute turn time in Phoenix. If I make it my luggage won't. The exciting thing about the Hawaii trip this year is the volcano is erupting more than normal. They just had a 44 arce piece of land fall off into the ocean displaying more lava than normal.
This weekend was a pretty boring on. I spent most Saturday morning re-organizing my recipes. If you really know me you'll know I have over 600 recipes I've collected that aren't in cookbooks. Tired of not understanding my organizational method that currently existed, I decided to just alphabetize them. In fact, just to give you a glimpse into my freakish life, I have a bowl of small pieces of paper that have a recipe on it. Each week I pull a recipe from the bowl and that's what I try that week. So far its yielded some GREAT recipes...and has definitely yielded duds that I'll never fix again. This week was Rachel Ray's Spanish Rice and Beef. Good, but I like my dad's better.
Aside from that, life in the JennW household has been anything but boring. I've been on 5 interviews this month already. My ration of interview to hire is very low. In fact, non existent. = ) But I'm sure that some job is out there just waiting for me.
Friday I interviewed for a position at Microsoft that would be a fun job. It would certainly challenge me in so many ways. I went back and forth this weekend as to whether I would take the job if it was offered. It doesn't have as much project management in it as I would prefer. But the team and the job itself would be a good time.
The interview this morning was for a company called ScreenLife. They manufacture the DVD games called SceneIt! http://www.screenlifegames.com/sceneit.aspx The job is my PERFECT job. Its exactly what I'm looking for to advance my career. The job has been opened for several months as the team is looking for "just the right person". I sincerely hope I'm just the right person.
Hawaii is coming. Just 11 days away and I'll be on my way to the Big Island. Stopping every so briefly in Phoenix AZ to change planes...yah wish me luck, I have a 45 minute turn time in Phoenix. If I make it my luggage won't. The exciting thing about the Hawaii trip this year is the volcano is erupting more than normal. They just had a 44 arce piece of land fall off into the ocean displaying more lava than normal.
This weekend was a pretty boring on. I spent most Saturday morning re-organizing my recipes. If you really know me you'll know I have over 600 recipes I've collected that aren't in cookbooks. Tired of not understanding my organizational method that currently existed, I decided to just alphabetize them. In fact, just to give you a glimpse into my freakish life, I have a bowl of small pieces of paper that have a recipe on it. Each week I pull a recipe from the bowl and that's what I try that week. So far its yielded some GREAT recipes...and has definitely yielded duds that I'll never fix again. This week was Rachel Ray's Spanish Rice and Beef. Good, but I like my dad's better.
Monday, December 05, 2005
A Very Dudley Christmas
Hello All,
Its 20 days until Christmas... incase you can't do the math. Which means 24 days until I turn another year older.
This weekend was the "Very Dudley Christmas" show. Love these guys. They did a fantastic show at the Sunset Tavern. Aside from the boys coming out wearing Santa hats, they did sing their Christmas classics...mixed with the other good stuff.
But this show was EXTRA special. I took a photo with the lead singer. You know, the man I'm going to marry. Yah, I finally got up enough nerve to get a photo with him.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Day after the ARTIC BLAST
So first and foremost, the news people in this area should all get academy awards for drama. Man...they called our inch to 2 inches of snow we got last night (and mostly in the higher elevations) the Artic Blast. Which reminded me of one of our News personalities several years ago who was up on the main pass between Western WA and Eastern WA. It was starting to snow lightly, and it was quite beautiful. His commentary was something like this...and I'm not joking, Mike can verify he was watching the news with me..."It looks peaceful enough now, but in hours these cute little snow flakes will become FLAKES OF DEATH".
Yes, we got snow. Yes, its beautiful...but my god, do people check their intelligence at the door when it comes to driving. It should be stated that Seattle drivers (no offense to the California folk here ) but most people up here are transplants from CA and apparently don't know how to drive in the rain, sun or god forbid snow.
I get to go see my future husband tonight. The Dudley Manlove Holiday show is tonight. Can't wait to see the boys of summer do holiday.
Yes, we got snow. Yes, its beautiful...but my god, do people check their intelligence at the door when it comes to driving. It should be stated that Seattle drivers (no offense to the California folk here ) but most people up here are transplants from CA and apparently don't know how to drive in the rain, sun or god forbid snow.
I get to go see my future husband tonight. The Dudley Manlove Holiday show is tonight. Can't wait to see the boys of summer do holiday.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!
Yes, boys and girls, its snowing in Seattle. What that means really, is the city is about to shut down. We have about 1.5"s on the ground and its finally sticking. = ) Yipee....I'm about to head home to avoid the crazies on the road driving. Maybe tomorrow will be a snow day.
Its funny really how something as simple as snow can turn mature adults into giddy 12 year olds who hope for a snow day!
I'll keep you posted. Its supposed to keep falling for several more hours...of course the same weathermen who said it wasn't likely to accumulate said it will continue for several hours. So whatever.
Its funny really how something as simple as snow can turn mature adults into giddy 12 year olds who hope for a snow day!
I'll keep you posted. Its supposed to keep falling for several more hours...of course the same weathermen who said it wasn't likely to accumulate said it will continue for several hours. So whatever.
Monday, November 28, 2005
On the 28th Day of November...my true love gave to me...
Yah right. Anyone who knows me knows there's no true love. Blech! Boys...icky. Wait..not to sound as if I prefer women...because I still wika the boys.
AnyWHOOO....
So the holidays came and went. Nothing overly exciting or different happened. Other than I absolutely, positively, 100% decided to NOT BUY yet. I can't afford it just yet and REFUSE to be married to my house. I'd prefer to be married to a spouse...hahahah I'm funny today...and a poet.
"Stop rhyming and I mean it."
"Anyone want a peanut"
Know where that's from?
But I digress. Two job interviews set up for tomorrow. Two different jobs...two different locations...but all on the Microsoft campus. We shall see. Both are contract positions I'd be good in and would learn a bunch.
Finished my Christmas cards yesterday. Stop whining and caring on about how you haven't even started and stop calling me an over achiever. I HAVE to start early because I hand make my own cards. Now you can call me an over achiever. So be watching your mail for the FANTASTIC Christmas card of 2005...if you didn't get one, I'm sorry....well sorta. I'll be sending them out the end of the week...so stay tuned. And if you don't like them, no need to tell me.
AnyWHOOO....
So the holidays came and went. Nothing overly exciting or different happened. Other than I absolutely, positively, 100% decided to NOT BUY yet. I can't afford it just yet and REFUSE to be married to my house. I'd prefer to be married to a spouse...hahahah I'm funny today...and a poet.
"Stop rhyming and I mean it."
"Anyone want a peanut"
Know where that's from?
But I digress. Two job interviews set up for tomorrow. Two different jobs...two different locations...but all on the Microsoft campus. We shall see. Both are contract positions I'd be good in and would learn a bunch.
Finished my Christmas cards yesterday. Stop whining and caring on about how you haven't even started and stop calling me an over achiever. I HAVE to start early because I hand make my own cards. Now you can call me an over achiever. So be watching your mail for the FANTASTIC Christmas card of 2005...if you didn't get one, I'm sorry....well sorta. I'll be sending them out the end of the week...so stay tuned. And if you don't like them, no need to tell me.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Laughing...
Have you ever laughed so hard that 1) you couldn't stop and 2) your eyes watered and 3) you couldn't breath? That to me is the BEST laughing that you can have. That heart felt, soulful giggle. I've had several situations in my life that warrants a giggle. And I have a very vivid memory of a vast majority of them.
Let's start with the most recent...today.
Now for those of you who haven't met him, the main man in my life, is Pookie...my beloved cat. To sum up Pook in one word..."nutball". He has been the source a many a gut splitting giggle fests. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed let's say.
This morning’s giggle adventure starts with my flipping the channels and landing on Planet's Funniest Animals. The name rings oh so true now. Let me set the stage. Pookie is snoring on my lap, not really paying attention to anything, but demanding attention the way a cat would. Suddenly, as if shot from a cannon, he BOLTS. Stares with wild demon eyes at the TV. LAUNCHES off my lap and hits the TV at a dead run clocked at Mach 2. The TV (a 32" Toshiba that weighs a half a ton), is moved back by about an inch, my cat has a flat face and my two flamingos that were teetering on their one legs fell from the TV stand. Then as if shot from another cannon, the cat LEAPS into mid air - and as if he was scooby doo trying to escape a ghost, runs in mid air for 20 seconds then lands somewhere else. (You've all seen the clips of cats jumping straight in the air from being scared...yah imagine that).
So what, do you ask, caused such bizarre - or normal - behavior. Well a raccoon on the TV of course. Yes, the clip was of a raccoon coming into a house via a pet door. Pook spotted it and hit the TV. Then as he was "chirping" at the raccoon, the clip continues with a cat coming from behind something to scare the 'coon back out. Yah, well Pook didn't expect the cat coming from no where and did the "cartoon leap".
Needless to say, this all unfolded in milliseconds...but it got me giggling. And I couldn't stop. So I did what any sane person would do when confronted with lack of air...I called my mom. Had to share the story with mom.
Now Pookie has had many occasions in which he's done something equally as stupid as charging the TV. When he was just a kitten, he sat on a candle to snuff it out. Thank God he didn't fart.
Just a few years ago, he played Tarzan on my TV stand (its an armoire actually) and got his paws stuck between the doors and the top of the stand.
He's constantly a source of endless entertainment for me...Stay tuned; I'm sure he'll do something more outrageous and crazy soon.
Let's start with the most recent...today.
Now for those of you who haven't met him, the main man in my life, is Pookie...my beloved cat. To sum up Pook in one word..."nutball". He has been the source a many a gut splitting giggle fests. He's not the sharpest tool in the shed let's say.
This morning’s giggle adventure starts with my flipping the channels and landing on Planet's Funniest Animals. The name rings oh so true now. Let me set the stage. Pookie is snoring on my lap, not really paying attention to anything, but demanding attention the way a cat would. Suddenly, as if shot from a cannon, he BOLTS. Stares with wild demon eyes at the TV. LAUNCHES off my lap and hits the TV at a dead run clocked at Mach 2. The TV (a 32" Toshiba that weighs a half a ton), is moved back by about an inch, my cat has a flat face and my two flamingos that were teetering on their one legs fell from the TV stand. Then as if shot from another cannon, the cat LEAPS into mid air - and as if he was scooby doo trying to escape a ghost, runs in mid air for 20 seconds then lands somewhere else. (You've all seen the clips of cats jumping straight in the air from being scared...yah imagine that).
So what, do you ask, caused such bizarre - or normal - behavior. Well a raccoon on the TV of course. Yes, the clip was of a raccoon coming into a house via a pet door. Pook spotted it and hit the TV. Then as he was "chirping" at the raccoon, the clip continues with a cat coming from behind something to scare the 'coon back out. Yah, well Pook didn't expect the cat coming from no where and did the "cartoon leap".
Needless to say, this all unfolded in milliseconds...but it got me giggling. And I couldn't stop. So I did what any sane person would do when confronted with lack of air...I called my mom. Had to share the story with mom.
Now Pookie has had many occasions in which he's done something equally as stupid as charging the TV. When he was just a kitten, he sat on a candle to snuff it out. Thank God he didn't fart.
Just a few years ago, he played Tarzan on my TV stand (its an armoire actually) and got his paws stuck between the doors and the top of the stand.
He's constantly a source of endless entertainment for me...Stay tuned; I'm sure he'll do something more outrageous and crazy soon.
Monday, November 21, 2005
GO COUGS!!!!
This weekend was the world famous, always anticipated, never duplicated, Apple Cup. Okay, well maybe not world famous...and maybe not anticipated...but each year isn't a duplication of the last that's for sure.
This year my team, the WSU Cougars, rose victorious against the University of Washington Huskies. This is the second year in a row we've won the Apple Cup. Or as it was known this year the "Crapple Cup". See both teams SUCKED this year. The Cougs went into the game with an 0-6 in the conference record. While the Huskies went in with a 1-6 record. Impressive isn't it. But more impressive is the Cougs lost three conference games by only 3 points. And in three conference games were ahead between 17 and 21 points each time...and yet they managed to "Coug It". (For those of you not from this area, Coug'ing It means you've got the win in the bag, and you blow it...enormously.)
But who cares, right. The point is the Cougs won the Crapple Cup. But I must say its not nearly as exciting to win when you're basically going to be TIED for dead last. Its much more fun to be the spoiler...of which either team's spoils this year would have been ... well... nothing.
But the season's over and as one famous Husky friend put it... " Mercifully, another forgettable UW football season can fade into the mist."
This year my team, the WSU Cougars, rose victorious against the University of Washington Huskies. This is the second year in a row we've won the Apple Cup. Or as it was known this year the "Crapple Cup". See both teams SUCKED this year. The Cougs went into the game with an 0-6 in the conference record. While the Huskies went in with a 1-6 record. Impressive isn't it. But more impressive is the Cougs lost three conference games by only 3 points. And in three conference games were ahead between 17 and 21 points each time...and yet they managed to "Coug It". (For those of you not from this area, Coug'ing It means you've got the win in the bag, and you blow it...enormously.)
But who cares, right. The point is the Cougs won the Crapple Cup. But I must say its not nearly as exciting to win when you're basically going to be TIED for dead last. Its much more fun to be the spoiler...of which either team's spoils this year would have been ... well... nothing.
But the season's over and as one famous Husky friend put it... " Mercifully, another forgettable UW football season can fade into the mist."
To buy or Not to buy....
... that is the question.
So the pressure is on from all angles.
Angle #1: The folks, bless them, truly think I should be considering purchasing a house. I agree to some extent.
Angle #2: Friends who own. Now granted they are both Microsoft kabillionairs so for them purchasing a house is less of an issue. They have TWO incomes and my little income comes no where near either of their incomes.
Angle #3: Internal pressure. Logically I know that a house is an investment. But there are so many variables that scare the bajeesus out of me.
So I promised my folks I'd look into it. Their suggestion was to check into interest only loans. With the housing market here in Washington being what it is, their theory is I'd make $$ on the house in the end after 2 years or so and therefore not be hurt by the interest only loan. There is a risk that the bottom of the housing market will fall out, but if you've seen the housing market here, its unlikely.
The cost of houses/condos here are outrageous. Even if I could get into a house, I probably couldn't afford the month to month living. Ugh.
But I made a promise, so I'll call a realator and get back in touch with my banker. And I'll let the games begin.
Got any useful advice? I'd love to hear it.
So the pressure is on from all angles.
Angle #1: The folks, bless them, truly think I should be considering purchasing a house. I agree to some extent.
Angle #2: Friends who own. Now granted they are both Microsoft kabillionairs so for them purchasing a house is less of an issue. They have TWO incomes and my little income comes no where near either of their incomes.
Angle #3: Internal pressure. Logically I know that a house is an investment. But there are so many variables that scare the bajeesus out of me.
So I promised my folks I'd look into it. Their suggestion was to check into interest only loans. With the housing market here in Washington being what it is, their theory is I'd make $$ on the house in the end after 2 years or so and therefore not be hurt by the interest only loan. There is a risk that the bottom of the housing market will fall out, but if you've seen the housing market here, its unlikely.
The cost of houses/condos here are outrageous. Even if I could get into a house, I probably couldn't afford the month to month living. Ugh.
But I made a promise, so I'll call a realator and get back in touch with my banker. And I'll let the games begin.
Got any useful advice? I'd love to hear it.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Another one slips away...
I just got notified again, that they chose another candidate for a position I was interviewing for. Its getting a bit discouraging to keep having another candidate be a better fit. Eventually all the "better" candidates will have a job right? So they'll have to pick me.
I did get some very constructive feedback after this last round of interviews. Not sure if any of you are aware, but at Microsoft, they usually bombard you with these "theory" questions and are trying to see how your mind works. You know the type of questions, " you have this boulder you need to get up this steep hill. You have no resources, how do you do it?" Those type. Or my personal favorite, "You have twelve people on the other side of a river that you need to get over to your side with only two trips in a boat that only holds 2." That's an exageration really. But you get what I mean.
And to think, these are only questions for contract persons. Ugh.
So, we'll move on to the next round of interviews eventually. And Eventually something will come through. And maybe this is a blessing because with the holidays coming on, and going on vacation at the end of the year, maybe I should just stop looking for now. Something always happens when you stop focusing, or obsessing, on the situation.
I did get some very constructive feedback after this last round of interviews. Not sure if any of you are aware, but at Microsoft, they usually bombard you with these "theory" questions and are trying to see how your mind works. You know the type of questions, " you have this boulder you need to get up this steep hill. You have no resources, how do you do it?" Those type. Or my personal favorite, "You have twelve people on the other side of a river that you need to get over to your side with only two trips in a boat that only holds 2." That's an exageration really. But you get what I mean.
And to think, these are only questions for contract persons. Ugh.
So, we'll move on to the next round of interviews eventually. And Eventually something will come through. And maybe this is a blessing because with the holidays coming on, and going on vacation at the end of the year, maybe I should just stop looking for now. Something always happens when you stop focusing, or obsessing, on the situation.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Thought for the Day
I heard a quote this weekend I really like and will need to now consider in my every day life.
"Change how you see things, and the things you see change."
As many of you may know I'm not super happy at work. I loved this company when I started working here. Loved everything about it. The people, the dogs, the work....everything. But the company seems to be going through a change in direction....everyone seems to be leaving for better paying, more challenging, more growth jobs. I, myself, have been searching for that elusive GREAT job too.
While I'm here, I've been told by a few higher ups that I should consider my attitude and negativity at work. That if I am unhappy I should keep it to myself. Which I grossly disagree....the power people here asked us to be honest with them if we felt something was wrong in our career. I've done a pretty good job discussing this with my boss and my bosses boss and with no results.
There's a point to all this, I swear....stick with me.
I passed the PMP exam in August and expected that to launch my career within this company. Sadly, though it has not. I was told emphatically by the director of the PMs...
Actually wait, let me go back. In October of last year (2004) I met with my boss at the time, our director and our HR rep. I laid out a career plan that I felt was a path for me here. They all agreed and congratulated me on my efforts. Exactly two weeks after this great meeting, we re-organized. They created PM group...of which I was not a part. Now keep in mind I told them out right that I wanted to be a PM. So I was, to say the least, sad at this change. But I continued on with my plan. Off to school to get my certification in Project Management. Off to take the very difficult Project Management Professional exam.
Now fast forward from Oct last year to Aug of this year. After I passed my PMP I met with the Director of the PM team. He told me emphatically that I was not qualified to be a PM here. When pushed to find our more, he simply said it was because I didn't have any significant client interaction. Fair enough, except how is someone supposed to get this experience...?
So now, several month after, we've lost 11 people since August. This wouldn’t be bad if we weren’t a company of 40 people. Of those 11, 5 were PMs.
Of course, I'm a bit disgruntled because I know I can do that job, but instead am stuck doing the same job I've done here for 4 years.
Now to the point...there is one I swear.
I'm actively seeking employment elsewhere, and know its a matter of time. But this past week, I met with my boss and our Director to find out they re-wrote my job desc and took out ALL The PM aspects of it. AND then...as if that wasn't bad enough, they discussed my attitude and thought I should be more positive.
Do you know how hard it is to be positive, when everything around you is so negative?
And here's the point....
I've been unhappy for so long here that maybe if I change the way I see things here, perhaps "here" will change. Its worth a try for my remaining time here...because God willing and the creek don't rise it won't be long.
Oh and I forgot one other part. After I passed the PMP exam, a fellow working and manager approached me to ask if I'd be interested in being a PM in the internal dept here. No client interaction required. I, naturally, jumped at the opportunity. SEVERAL weeks later...like last week, this fellow colleague came to me and said, there's no way. Too many hurdles.
So you see, how can I keep positive in a negative environment? Any suggestions?
But I leave you with this, if, in fact, you can change the way things happen by changing how you see them, then maybe, just maybe, I can be seen as a valuable asset here and as someone who has a ton of PM knowledge just waiting to be used.
Got any job openings? Let me know.
"Change how you see things, and the things you see change."
As many of you may know I'm not super happy at work. I loved this company when I started working here. Loved everything about it. The people, the dogs, the work....everything. But the company seems to be going through a change in direction....everyone seems to be leaving for better paying, more challenging, more growth jobs. I, myself, have been searching for that elusive GREAT job too.
While I'm here, I've been told by a few higher ups that I should consider my attitude and negativity at work. That if I am unhappy I should keep it to myself. Which I grossly disagree....the power people here asked us to be honest with them if we felt something was wrong in our career. I've done a pretty good job discussing this with my boss and my bosses boss and with no results.
There's a point to all this, I swear....stick with me.
I passed the PMP exam in August and expected that to launch my career within this company. Sadly, though it has not. I was told emphatically by the director of the PMs...
Actually wait, let me go back. In October of last year (2004) I met with my boss at the time, our director and our HR rep. I laid out a career plan that I felt was a path for me here. They all agreed and congratulated me on my efforts. Exactly two weeks after this great meeting, we re-organized. They created PM group...of which I was not a part. Now keep in mind I told them out right that I wanted to be a PM. So I was, to say the least, sad at this change. But I continued on with my plan. Off to school to get my certification in Project Management. Off to take the very difficult Project Management Professional exam.
Now fast forward from Oct last year to Aug of this year. After I passed my PMP I met with the Director of the PM team. He told me emphatically that I was not qualified to be a PM here. When pushed to find our more, he simply said it was because I didn't have any significant client interaction. Fair enough, except how is someone supposed to get this experience...?
So now, several month after, we've lost 11 people since August. This wouldn’t be bad if we weren’t a company of 40 people. Of those 11, 5 were PMs.
Of course, I'm a bit disgruntled because I know I can do that job, but instead am stuck doing the same job I've done here for 4 years.
Now to the point...there is one I swear.
I'm actively seeking employment elsewhere, and know its a matter of time. But this past week, I met with my boss and our Director to find out they re-wrote my job desc and took out ALL The PM aspects of it. AND then...as if that wasn't bad enough, they discussed my attitude and thought I should be more positive.
Do you know how hard it is to be positive, when everything around you is so negative?
And here's the point....
I've been unhappy for so long here that maybe if I change the way I see things here, perhaps "here" will change. Its worth a try for my remaining time here...because God willing and the creek don't rise it won't be long.
Oh and I forgot one other part. After I passed the PMP exam, a fellow working and manager approached me to ask if I'd be interested in being a PM in the internal dept here. No client interaction required. I, naturally, jumped at the opportunity. SEVERAL weeks later...like last week, this fellow colleague came to me and said, there's no way. Too many hurdles.
So you see, how can I keep positive in a negative environment? Any suggestions?
But I leave you with this, if, in fact, you can change the way things happen by changing how you see them, then maybe, just maybe, I can be seen as a valuable asset here and as someone who has a ton of PM knowledge just waiting to be used.
Got any job openings? Let me know.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Ouch!
Forgive me friends, for I have sinned. Its been 10 days since my last confess - er - post. I've had unpure thoughts (thank heavens), I've thought badly of others (they deserved it) and I've cussed about 7 THOUSAND times ( I haven't found a new job).There, all absolved. Or is it obsolved...ah who cares.
So this weekend was the big Top 10 Worst songs as voted by use the fans. And bad they were. I won't post the entire witty commentary by my love Dudley, (you can read it by clicking here)but here it goes. Oh wait, before I go any further. This year the boys of DMQ surprised the world by dressing up as Culture Club (in past years they've been Spinal Tap, Duran Duran, The Go Go's, Darryl Hall and the John Oats'es, and Robert Palmer and his girls.) But DMQ had it all, right down to the funky Boy Geoge Hair. Its really hard to see in the photo, but squit a little.
Top 10 Worst10. I'm too Sexy by Right Said Fred - This was one of my songs I religiously voted on for it to make the Top 10 and it did. Dudley Manlove had their Bass player sing this song...and sadly he can't sing very well either.
9. "Hooked on a Feeling" – Blue Swede
8. "Barbie Girl" – Aqua - This was my second song I voted on religiously to see DMQ sing. Thought it would quite amusing to see the boys sing this song...and I was right. It was rather amusing.
7. "Hollaback Girl" – Gwen Stefani
6. "Never Gonna Give You Up" – Rick Astley
5. "Baby I’m a-Want You" – Bread
4. "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" – Dawn featuring Tony Orlando
3. "P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)" – Michael Jackson
2. "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing" – Leo Sayer
1. "Final Countdown" – Europe (1987, #8, #67)
Here it is, the top dog. The big kahuna. "Final Countdown" joins an impressive list of songs, including "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)," "(You’re) Having My Baby," "Footloose" and "Don’t Stop Believin’" as the Worst Song of All Time. Congratulations, boys. You’ve earned this honor.
So all in all it was a fantastic night...well except for their opening band which SUCKED. But there was a young man, of whom I think had a face, who wore a hospital gown with nothing on underneath. It was like a car accident, I couldn't stop staring. Yum-O! As you can see we didn't dress up. Well, not really. I did dress up as the Wife of Paul Jensen. But he didn't recognize me because I took off the Stalker outfit for the show.
Sherrie, Me and Mike at the DMQ show.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Oh...the weekend...happy day!
Its sad that at my age...which is only 36, that I'm excited about a weekend in which I have really nothing planned. Dinner with some friends tomorrow night, but otherwise...I get to do nothing. How exciting is that? It got me to thinking about this next weekend though in which I have a dilemna.
Next weekend, Sherrie, Mike and I have the Top 10 Worst song party with a local band that I am so in love with (okay, I'm really just in love with the lead singer. I'll tell the story sometime of the Valentine party he sang to me at...my wittle heart went pitter pat)...The Dudley Manlove Quartet. Every year, for the past 10 years, they do this show the weekend before Halloween. The idea is that these "Top 10 Worst" songs are voted on by the fans. Each year I've mad an attempt to get a REALLY bad song into the top 10. Last year I was successful with PacMan Fever. One year they did Baby Got Back, which was pretty funny seeing 6 white guys singing. Its a bad song. It deserves to be there. This year I voted religiously for Barbie Girl by Aqua and I'm Too Sexy for My Shirt by Right Said Fred. I realized I was trying to find songs I thought it would be amusing to see 6 white guys sing. Dudley Manlove also, traditionally, dresses up like some band. The first year I saw them, they dressed up as Spinal Tap, then they were The Go-Go's, Duran Duran, Darryl Hall and the John Oats'es, and my favorit Robert Palmer and his dancing girls.
They start a count down from the top 100 songs the 1st of October. They add some "historical" commentary that's spiced with sarcastic and witty commentary. So today, I thought I'd share this with you. http://www.dudleymanlove.com/column.html
The truth be told, I'm in love with the lead singer, Paul Jensen. have I mentioned that yet? I'm a groopy (or is it groupy). I admit it.
But the point of all of this is, their show next weekend starts at around 10 PM. I'm trying to figure out how the HELL I'm going to stay awake that late. They do the top 10 worst the second set, which will start around 11:30. That is SOOOOOOO past my bed time. Any suggestions for staying awake? Aside from large amounts of coffee and a nap during the day...
Next weekend, Sherrie, Mike and I have the Top 10 Worst song party with a local band that I am so in love with (okay, I'm really just in love with the lead singer. I'll tell the story sometime of the Valentine party he sang to me at...my wittle heart went pitter pat)...The Dudley Manlove Quartet. Every year, for the past 10 years, they do this show the weekend before Halloween. The idea is that these "Top 10 Worst" songs are voted on by the fans. Each year I've mad an attempt to get a REALLY bad song into the top 10. Last year I was successful with PacMan Fever. One year they did Baby Got Back, which was pretty funny seeing 6 white guys singing. Its a bad song. It deserves to be there. This year I voted religiously for Barbie Girl by Aqua and I'm Too Sexy for My Shirt by Right Said Fred. I realized I was trying to find songs I thought it would be amusing to see 6 white guys sing. Dudley Manlove also, traditionally, dresses up like some band. The first year I saw them, they dressed up as Spinal Tap, then they were The Go-Go's, Duran Duran, Darryl Hall and the John Oats'es, and my favorit Robert Palmer and his dancing girls.
They start a count down from the top 100 songs the 1st of October. They add some "historical" commentary that's spiced with sarcastic and witty commentary. So today, I thought I'd share this with you. http://www.dudleymanlove.com/column.html
The truth be told, I'm in love with the lead singer, Paul Jensen. have I mentioned that yet? I'm a groopy (or is it groupy). I admit it.
But the point of all of this is, their show next weekend starts at around 10 PM. I'm trying to figure out how the HELL I'm going to stay awake that late. They do the top 10 worst the second set, which will start around 11:30. That is SOOOOOOO past my bed time. Any suggestions for staying awake? Aside from large amounts of coffee and a nap during the day...
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Free Speech?
So, what do you think? Do you think YOU as an individual support free speech? Do you have racism thoughts? Do you have an opinion that is yours because you've researched something or was your opinion given to you by a parent or colleague?
I got to thinking about this today when I received a response to an email that was sent out by a family member. The email basically proclaims that 86% of American's are christian's and therefore we should be allowed to have "In God We trust" on money and say the pledge of
Allegiance. Then it says, that we should tell the other 14% to shut up about it.
The response I received (because I was on the thread) said that 100% of American's believe in freedom of speech and that we should practice and respect that instead of telling everyone to shut up.
Is 86% of the United States really Christian? That seems extraordinarily high. But maybe.
What I don't get is, who really cares? I'm a spiritual person. Lutheran by baptism, but not a practicing religious person (aka I don't attend church). But I don't think that this is such a big deal about saying the pledge or whether our money says In God We Trust.
The very basis of the United States is that we are a melting pot. We "accept" all cultures and embrace the differences. At least that's what I was taught. But more and more I see so much intolerance for people of different races, religions, political beliefs etc. And I have to admit, I'm as guilty as the next person sometimes with regards to thinking things about certain races that I probably shouldn't think.
I spent a lot of time outside this country. And in situations where, as an American, we weren't exactly treated greatly. And I think by spending so much time in other cultures (Saudi ARabia, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, etc) that there's a certain amount of understanding for other cultures. I like the idea of a multicultural environment. It opens your eyes to other aspects and lifestyles, etc.
With all that being said, I get frustrated about some cultures like a lot of people to. I make rash judgments about a group based on a few bad apples. But I could never imagine myself doing something against the other group just because they are different from me.
I'm not sure how I got on racism when I was talking about free speech, but just pretend I'm a politician ... and I'm talking in circles.
If you've not seen the movie Crash, I highly recommend it. It has some very eye opening situations in it that makes you stop and think about how you, and an american, or as a person who might be white, or who might be rich, etc react to situations.
I got to thinking about this today when I received a response to an email that was sent out by a family member. The email basically proclaims that 86% of American's are christian's and therefore we should be allowed to have "In God We trust" on money and say the pledge of
Allegiance. Then it says, that we should tell the other 14% to shut up about it.
The response I received (because I was on the thread) said that 100% of American's believe in freedom of speech and that we should practice and respect that instead of telling everyone to shut up.
Is 86% of the United States really Christian? That seems extraordinarily high. But maybe.
What I don't get is, who really cares? I'm a spiritual person. Lutheran by baptism, but not a practicing religious person (aka I don't attend church). But I don't think that this is such a big deal about saying the pledge or whether our money says In God We Trust.
The very basis of the United States is that we are a melting pot. We "accept" all cultures and embrace the differences. At least that's what I was taught. But more and more I see so much intolerance for people of different races, religions, political beliefs etc. And I have to admit, I'm as guilty as the next person sometimes with regards to thinking things about certain races that I probably shouldn't think.
I spent a lot of time outside this country. And in situations where, as an American, we weren't exactly treated greatly. And I think by spending so much time in other cultures (Saudi ARabia, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, etc) that there's a certain amount of understanding for other cultures. I like the idea of a multicultural environment. It opens your eyes to other aspects and lifestyles, etc.
With all that being said, I get frustrated about some cultures like a lot of people to. I make rash judgments about a group based on a few bad apples. But I could never imagine myself doing something against the other group just because they are different from me.
I'm not sure how I got on racism when I was talking about free speech, but just pretend I'm a politician ... and I'm talking in circles.
If you've not seen the movie Crash, I highly recommend it. It has some very eye opening situations in it that makes you stop and think about how you, and an american, or as a person who might be white, or who might be rich, etc react to situations.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Be Afraid!
Do you ever wonder why people send you emails with disgusting pictures on it? Or worse, why do we laugh at the disgusting pictures? Well, wonder no more. Now you'll need to wonder why I'm going to post these disgusting pictures... because they're freakin' hilarious. Enjoy!
Monday, October 17, 2005
What's in a skidmark?
So every now and then myself and a couple other smart ass types here get on an email subject that we just can't kill. This particular day, we were discussing skidmarks. Here's the email that started this conversation.
Sent: October 6, 2005
Reply 1 from SmartAss 1: Sent October 17, 2006
Skidmark Alert: Numerous micro-skids were located at 10:23A on October 17 in the downstairs bathroom by the back entrance. I was not able to identify the author, despite the unusual dispersal pattern of the micro-skid distribution. Using the color analysis swatches from my handy SIK (skidmark investigation kit), I determined the samples fell somewhere between PANTONE 19-1020 Dark Earth and PANTONE 17-1134 Brown Sugar. My color-blindness interferes with an accurate assessment, but I did the best I could. I did make the appropriate notations in my skidmark log. I’m issuing this formal BOL (be on lookout) notification for the culprit.
Reply 2 from SmartAss 1: Sent 10 minutes after Reply 1:
Skidmark Investigation Update:
Following the instructions in my skidmark field guide, I have completed the initial ballistics testing and physical analysis. First, I attempted to classify the missing pellet using evidence available from the impromptu “pro tempore” skidmark analysis. Lacking sufficient evidence to quantify shape and taper, I will loosely classify this pellet as “elliptical or oblong”. I can not rule out the very real possibility that we are dealing with an E unum pluribus (out of one, many) scenario involving multiple pellets. I have concluded that the pellet(s) in question contained mostly dark pigments, the color was mottled, and since the skidmarks themselves were so narrow, I infer that the firmness of the projectile(s) was not loose, and would be more appropriately classified at the “solid” end of the scale.
Since we are operating with imperfect and incomplete information, I was forced to move directly to more sophisticated assessment techniques. My initial objective was to uncover any “low hanging fruit” as it were, that might help to limit the scope of the investigation. I was hoping to get lucky and make a “falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus” claim (false in one, false in all), but the limited evidence did not support this effort.
Next, I searched for any unusual class characteristic parameters that might illustrate a potential mismatch between pellet and bore indicating the pellet was launched manually or by a third party. I have assumed for the time being, we are dealing with a standard delivery vehicle and bore, and will ignore non-standard (smooth bore) tests for the time being. Lacking any evidence of forced exit, I will also stipulate this pellet was induced naturally without physical or pharmaceutical assistance. In an attempt to identify evidence of unique land and groove marks in the “barrel”, I examined the skidmark patterns for any correlation to pellets launched from known striated and non-striated bores with no success. Analysis of the skidmark pattern also rules out the chance this was let loose by an abnormally undersized barrel. The possibility of release from an unusually oversized bore remains a distinct possibility. If I can find the time, I’ll look for evidence of any deceptive striations or unusual chamber marks.
I’m also going to recommend increased surveillance in case we’re dealing with a serial marker. We like to refer to multiple offenders as “taggers”, and increased surveillance greatly magnifies the chances of us catching the offender flagrante delicto (red-handed).
Response to Reply 2 from SmartAss 2:
Measurement of the macro-hardness of materials is a quick and simple method of obtaining mechanical property data for the bulk material from a small sample. It is also widely used for the quality control of surface treatments processes. However, when concerned with coatings and surface properties of importance to friction and wear processes for instance, the macro-indentation depth would be too large relative to the surface-scale features.
The End! Welcome to my world!
Sent: October 6, 2005
Reply 1 from SmartAss 1: Sent October 17, 2006
Skidmark Alert: Numerous micro-skids were located at 10:23A on October 17 in the downstairs bathroom by the back entrance. I was not able to identify the author, despite the unusual dispersal pattern of the micro-skid distribution. Using the color analysis swatches from my handy SIK (skidmark investigation kit), I determined the samples fell somewhere between PANTONE 19-1020 Dark Earth and PANTONE 17-1134 Brown Sugar. My color-blindness interferes with an accurate assessment, but I did the best I could. I did make the appropriate notations in my skidmark log. I’m issuing this formal BOL (be on lookout) notification for the culprit.
Reply 2 from SmartAss 1: Sent 10 minutes after Reply 1:
Skidmark Investigation Update:
Following the instructions in my skidmark field guide, I have completed the initial ballistics testing and physical analysis. First, I attempted to classify the missing pellet using evidence available from the impromptu “pro tempore” skidmark analysis. Lacking sufficient evidence to quantify shape and taper, I will loosely classify this pellet as “elliptical or oblong”. I can not rule out the very real possibility that we are dealing with an E unum pluribus (out of one, many) scenario involving multiple pellets. I have concluded that the pellet(s) in question contained mostly dark pigments, the color was mottled, and since the skidmarks themselves were so narrow, I infer that the firmness of the projectile(s) was not loose, and would be more appropriately classified at the “solid” end of the scale.
Since we are operating with imperfect and incomplete information, I was forced to move directly to more sophisticated assessment techniques. My initial objective was to uncover any “low hanging fruit” as it were, that might help to limit the scope of the investigation. I was hoping to get lucky and make a “falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus” claim (false in one, false in all), but the limited evidence did not support this effort.
Next, I searched for any unusual class characteristic parameters that might illustrate a potential mismatch between pellet and bore indicating the pellet was launched manually or by a third party. I have assumed for the time being, we are dealing with a standard delivery vehicle and bore, and will ignore non-standard (smooth bore) tests for the time being. Lacking any evidence of forced exit, I will also stipulate this pellet was induced naturally without physical or pharmaceutical assistance. In an attempt to identify evidence of unique land and groove marks in the “barrel”, I examined the skidmark patterns for any correlation to pellets launched from known striated and non-striated bores with no success. Analysis of the skidmark pattern also rules out the chance this was let loose by an abnormally undersized barrel. The possibility of release from an unusually oversized bore remains a distinct possibility. If I can find the time, I’ll look for evidence of any deceptive striations or unusual chamber marks.
I’m also going to recommend increased surveillance in case we’re dealing with a serial marker. We like to refer to multiple offenders as “taggers”, and increased surveillance greatly magnifies the chances of us catching the offender flagrante delicto (red-handed).
Response to Reply 2 from SmartAss 2:
Measurement of the macro-hardness of materials is a quick and simple method of obtaining mechanical property data for the bulk material from a small sample. It is also widely used for the quality control of surface treatments processes. However, when concerned with coatings and surface properties of importance to friction and wear processes for instance, the macro-indentation depth would be too large relative to the surface-scale features.
The End! Welcome to my world!
Happy Monday!
Hope everyone had a good weekend. Mom was in town so we shopped and shopped and shopped. Oh and we ate some too.
So, I sent a note to a few sarcastic friends to ask for ideas for writing. I have to say, they came through as I thought they would with interesting, a bit amusing, and down right outlandish ideas.
1. Places you've traveled that has has the most impact on you. NOT where you've drank the most.
2. Why ___ ? Nothing else, but why?
3. Why Washington is the real Washington over Washington DC
4. How much wood would a wood chuck chuck? Do the math!
5. Scientology
6. The morale delimnas of the world.
So, while all very good conversational pieces, I think I'll pass on most of them for now. Though writing about a wood chuck could be interesting.
If you've got any idea, let me hear them.
BTW - 69 more shopping days until Christmas.
PS - In case you're wondering, the deleted comments are not deleted because of the content, while amuse, but rather because its SPAM. I hate SPAM, in any way shape or form.
So, I sent a note to a few sarcastic friends to ask for ideas for writing. I have to say, they came through as I thought they would with interesting, a bit amusing, and down right outlandish ideas.
1. Places you've traveled that has has the most impact on you. NOT where you've drank the most.
2. Why ___ ? Nothing else, but why?
3. Why Washington is the real Washington over Washington DC
4. How much wood would a wood chuck chuck? Do the math!
5. Scientology
6. The morale delimnas of the world.
So, while all very good conversational pieces, I think I'll pass on most of them for now. Though writing about a wood chuck could be interesting.
If you've got any idea, let me hear them.
BTW - 69 more shopping days until Christmas.
PS - In case you're wondering, the deleted comments are not deleted because of the content, while amuse, but rather because its SPAM. I hate SPAM, in any way shape or form.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Wow...look at me....day 2
So I thought last night about what I would write about in my blog. And I realized, sadly, that there is plenty of insanity surrounding me that I may be able to fill the blog up yet. And I realized that blogs are really about random thoughts, and well, anyone who knows me knows I have plenty of them. They rarely make sense to me, so if they make sense to you, please feel free to inform me.
Today's topic: Sarcasm.
It occurred to me yesterday, in a rather painful way, that not everyone gets sarcasm. Sarcasm is after all, my daily bread. Its part of my wiring and I can't seem to stop sarcasm. It creeps into every conversation, and almost every thought at times. Let's call it my evil twin.
First, the definition according to Webster:
Sarcasm - the use of an often ironical expression of scorn or contempt.
Irony - a linguistic device or form of humour that takes its effect from stating or implying the opposite of what is the case or what is intended, eg saying 'You've made a really good job of that, haven't you', when someone has done something badly.
You really see sarcasm every where these days. Its in TV, its in music, its in almost every conversation, its in the news...let's face it....it's everywhere. Have we become so calloused and numb to our surroundings that the only way to deal with it is by sarcasm?
Top 3 Places best not to use sarcasm:
1. Work - It seems most people really don't appreciate sarcasm at work. Especially when you use sarcasm mixed with "humor" in an attempt to cover an uncomfortable situation.
2. Dates - Especially the first date. You need to first determine if the other person in the date understands and appreciates sarcasm. If they don't, then you end up looking like an idiot. I've been there...I've witnessed that look of total confusion from the other person.
3. Church - Do I really need to comment on this? I'm sure God doesn't appreciate sarcasm.
I held an official survey here at work to ask people what they thought sarcasm meant. Here are my responses:
"As if you don't know..."
"Sarcasm, that's what we have here."
"Its a form of insult...usually bad" - I couldn't bare to tell this person that insults are rarely good...that would have been sarcastic.
"Sarcasm is a word that is used to explain irony"
"Get away from me..."
"Don't you have work to do? Oh, that's right, you do Customer care."
So, the end result here is that sarcasm is, in fact, every where. Now, what was my point?
Today's topic: Sarcasm.
It occurred to me yesterday, in a rather painful way, that not everyone gets sarcasm. Sarcasm is after all, my daily bread. Its part of my wiring and I can't seem to stop sarcasm. It creeps into every conversation, and almost every thought at times. Let's call it my evil twin.
First, the definition according to Webster:
Sarcasm - the use of an often ironical expression of scorn or contempt.
Irony - a linguistic device or form of humour that takes its effect from stating or implying the opposite of what is the case or what is intended, eg saying 'You've made a really good job of that, haven't you', when someone has done something badly.
You really see sarcasm every where these days. Its in TV, its in music, its in almost every conversation, its in the news...let's face it....it's everywhere. Have we become so calloused and numb to our surroundings that the only way to deal with it is by sarcasm?
Top 3 Places best not to use sarcasm:
1. Work - It seems most people really don't appreciate sarcasm at work. Especially when you use sarcasm mixed with "humor" in an attempt to cover an uncomfortable situation.
2. Dates - Especially the first date. You need to first determine if the other person in the date understands and appreciates sarcasm. If they don't, then you end up looking like an idiot. I've been there...I've witnessed that look of total confusion from the other person.
3. Church - Do I really need to comment on this? I'm sure God doesn't appreciate sarcasm.
I held an official survey here at work to ask people what they thought sarcasm meant. Here are my responses:
"As if you don't know..."
"Sarcasm, that's what we have here."
"Its a form of insult...usually bad" - I couldn't bare to tell this person that insults are rarely good...that would have been sarcastic.
"Sarcasm is a word that is used to explain irony"
"Get away from me..."
"Don't you have work to do? Oh, that's right, you do Customer care."
So, the end result here is that sarcasm is, in fact, every where. Now, what was my point?
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
What the...?
How'd I get a blog? I'm a techy geek, but a blog? Me? Surely I dont' have enough exciting things to chat about...but I've read other blogs and well, apparently you can write about just about anything you want. So here it goes.
First and foremost, a disclaimer. I do not hold myself responsible for anything that is written in the blog, or anything that might be misspelled. Yes, I know there are spell checkers, but frankly I prefer to make it interesting.
Second, what the hell am I going to blog about? Is blog a verb, noun, adjective? So many things to think about these days.
Who am I?
My name is Jennifer. I'm a Project Manager (PMP really) in Seattle who secretly hates her job. My company is a small web marketing company who's office is in an old historic, supposedly haunted church on Capital Hill in Seattle. I've not seen the ghost, but I have seen strange things go on here.
We have dogs. Yes dogs. Every day is "Bring your dog to work" day. Jordi, Spot, Emma, Maggie, Molly and the new comer Betty. Yes, I'm still talking about the 4 legged dogs (I think their actual scientific name is Puppious Loyalius - but I could be wrong). I spend at least 30 minutes a day visiting with each dog and supplying them with treats. Of course they have to do tricks to get my treats. Yes, I'm still talking about dogs. Sheesh...where's your mind?
Outside of work I spend my days reading, watching as many episodes of Smallville as I can ( Clark Kent should be married to me...but he doesn't realize it yet), hanging with friends, doing Project Mgmt classes, etc. Nothing overly exciting, but I'm sure there should be some humor in it somehow.
Who are the players?
Main players will be Sherrie my cousin, and Mike my good friend.
Occasionally, you'll hear of Mom and Dad. Mom's crazy...and me, her daughter is an apple that didn't fall far from the tree.
Occasionally, you'll hear of people at work. I'll code name them to protect the not so innocent. My current project at work is to try to not spend as much time at the receptionist desk - oh sorry the Front Office Coordinator's desk...see we're friends....but sadly people "assume" we're gossiping when we're chatting...when really all we're doing is talking about everyone one else. (That's a joke. Get it?). Well call her, Super S.
Let's see...what have I missed? Oh yes, if you have any suggestions for me to be more creative please provide them. I'm all for creative ideas.
If you have any bad comments about my writing or my life, please keep them to yourself. This is, after all, MY blog...I don't need to hear your drivel. (check the spelling on that word).
Cheers,
Jenn