Reading this blog I'm somewhat disturbed to see how little life has changed for me. I'm sitting in a camp room that is almost identical to the one that I originally settled myself into almost three years ago. True things have changed for the better in just about every way since then, I'm now the boss of my department, I'm making almost double what I was, I've been with my present company for just about two years, I have the trust and respect of my Managers, I've paid off my debts and have/had lots of savings (thanks economic crisis).
Yeah, the future looks, if not bright, tolerable. True I was lied to by my company to get me to come to my current location but they gave me what they thought an insurmountable task and I've completed it in less than 4 days. They can't believe how quick I turned this struggling department around. Hell even I'm a little shocked. So this will be good for my career in the long run. In the short term I'll satisfy myself with the knowledge that it'll be good for my bank account.
In exactly one weeks time I'll be jetting off to Mexico for J's wedding! While I've been bitching and moaning about this trip forever (going alone to another wedding, especially one where I was financially penalized for going alone) I'm actually starting to look forward to it now. I think it's more the prospect of laying around in the sun drinking for a week straight than anything that's making me happy.
I'm glad that I decided to come here tonight and reflect a bit. I do leave disturbed at how much things have stayed the same though...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
I'm laying in bed in Edmonton reflecting on the last 9 days. They've been good days. I have really enjoyed this turnaround. I started it off with an overnight visit in Edmonton before I jetted off to Toronto last Friday. I spent two days with a VERY pregnant Marcie and Frank. I honestly think this marked the first time that I've ever been consistently out-eaten by a friend. Overall Toronto was very relaxed which was good because I arrived there when the biggest snow storm of the year was just starting.
Monday I boarded Via rail at Union Station and took a very enjoyable trip to Ottawa where my friend Kim picked me up. She's lived in Ottawa for five years now and is very successful in her career with the Federal Government. I spent the first day there on my own so decided to check out the National Gallery where I was more amazed by the amazing building it's housed in than by the actual collections. After that I made my way over to the Chateau Laurier and enjoyed a cup of tea and some soup while I waited for Kim to get off work and meet me for dinner. We went for an amazing Italian dinner and just spent time catching up on the past number of years.
Next day Kim was able to take a flex day and we went to the Parliament buildings, which were incredibly beautiful, and to Rideau Hall which was closed but was impressive none-the-less. That night we had an awesome meal at The Keg with her boyfriend, whom she's having a house built with, and called it an early night.
The next morning I was on a West Jet flight at 730 bound back for Edmonton where I've spent the last few days with Raph and Wifey. Also went out partying with my buddy J. Took him to his first gay club where of course he ran into one of his ex-girlfriends! Entirely entertaining.
Tonight I'm heading back for work where I do the regular thing for another 20 days then I'm going home for the first time since a couple days in January. I'm hoping that I'll be able to talk my Boss into letting me switch my schedule from a 20&8 to a 15&6 soon. Having done 20&8's for the last 2 years now have pretty much been killing me.
One final point of note. During Wifey's birthday celebration the other night my former boss (little boss from my last company) called me asking me if I'd be interested in a new job. The fact that he was calling me blew me away because seriously we clashed like crazy! After listening to his proposal I declined as I'm really quite happy with my current company and am hoping to have at least another few years with them on my resume. I sincerely thanked him for thinking of me and hung up the phone. Interesting how life works sometimes isn't it.
Monday I boarded Via rail at Union Station and took a very enjoyable trip to Ottawa where my friend Kim picked me up. She's lived in Ottawa for five years now and is very successful in her career with the Federal Government. I spent the first day there on my own so decided to check out the National Gallery where I was more amazed by the amazing building it's housed in than by the actual collections. After that I made my way over to the Chateau Laurier and enjoyed a cup of tea and some soup while I waited for Kim to get off work and meet me for dinner. We went for an amazing Italian dinner and just spent time catching up on the past number of years.
Next day Kim was able to take a flex day and we went to the Parliament buildings, which were incredibly beautiful, and to Rideau Hall which was closed but was impressive none-the-less. That night we had an awesome meal at The Keg with her boyfriend, whom she's having a house built with, and called it an early night.
The next morning I was on a West Jet flight at 730 bound back for Edmonton where I've spent the last few days with Raph and Wifey. Also went out partying with my buddy J. Took him to his first gay club where of course he ran into one of his ex-girlfriends! Entirely entertaining.
Tonight I'm heading back for work where I do the regular thing for another 20 days then I'm going home for the first time since a couple days in January. I'm hoping that I'll be able to talk my Boss into letting me switch my schedule from a 20&8 to a 15&6 soon. Having done 20&8's for the last 2 years now have pretty much been killing me.
One final point of note. During Wifey's birthday celebration the other night my former boss (little boss from my last company) called me asking me if I'd be interested in a new job. The fact that he was calling me blew me away because seriously we clashed like crazy! After listening to his proposal I declined as I'm really quite happy with my current company and am hoping to have at least another few years with them on my resume. I sincerely thanked him for thinking of me and hung up the phone. Interesting how life works sometimes isn't it.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I learned something today. If you really want to seriously piss off your Father... buy your Mother a dog! Somehow I inadvertently ended up buying an adorable 6 month old Silver poodle for my Mother.
Mother is over the moon with excitement and said she probably won't sleep tonight. My Father , on the other hand, threatened to set my car on fire! He's not thrilled. It's a good thing I don't go home until April!
Currently her name is Sadie (which will be changing), she'll be getting a hair-cut and the barrette in her hair will be long gone too; but here's a first peek at the newest addition to our family.
Mother is over the moon with excitement and said she probably won't sleep tonight. My Father , on the other hand, threatened to set my car on fire! He's not thrilled. It's a good thing I don't go home until April!
Currently her name is Sadie (which will be changing), she'll be getting a hair-cut and the barrette in her hair will be long gone too; but here's a first peek at the newest addition to our family.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
So this morning my Boss asked me if I wanted to run the payroll department. He then went on about how it would be a promotion and would be good for my career. I told him that I would think about it and let him know tomorrow.
I then went back to my office and proceeded to stress out about it all day. Thing is I have ZERO desire to take over the payroll department. The position doesn't play to my strengths in any way and frankly I can think of few positions that would bore me faster. I wouldn't mind learning the position but to be stuck there responsible for it for the next 6 months or more wouldn't make any sense. So tomorrow I'm going to decline the position and cross my fingers that something better suited to me will come along soon.
I then went back to my office and proceeded to stress out about it all day. Thing is I have ZERO desire to take over the payroll department. The position doesn't play to my strengths in any way and frankly I can think of few positions that would bore me faster. I wouldn't mind learning the position but to be stuck there responsible for it for the next 6 months or more wouldn't make any sense. So tomorrow I'm going to decline the position and cross my fingers that something better suited to me will come along soon.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I had a mild revelation tonight. While I was laying in bed being frustrated with life in general I realized that I'm really no different than any of the other people here. My company is full of talented young people. We're all on somewhat the same level and while some of us are in more stressful positions than others we're essentially all in the same place.
All of us want to move onward and upward. All of us are stuck here far from friends and family. All of us are tired and run down.
Essentially we're in our late 20's and the game of life is starting to get a little scary. I know I'm not the only one that's thinking maybe I should go back to school. Did I make the right choice in choosing the "career" path that I have? Are the sacrifices now really worth it? What will come of this path I've chosen? These are the things that torment me on a day to day basis but in some small way tonight I'm comforted by the realization that I'm definitely not the only one.
I think having the patience to wait on life and see what it's going to bring you; while also aggressively pursuing the things you want is a very delicate balancing act. Learning to live with that balancing act is the real trick.
All of us want to move onward and upward. All of us are stuck here far from friends and family. All of us are tired and run down.
Essentially we're in our late 20's and the game of life is starting to get a little scary. I know I'm not the only one that's thinking maybe I should go back to school. Did I make the right choice in choosing the "career" path that I have? Are the sacrifices now really worth it? What will come of this path I've chosen? These are the things that torment me on a day to day basis but in some small way tonight I'm comforted by the realization that I'm definitely not the only one.
I think having the patience to wait on life and see what it's going to bring you; while also aggressively pursuing the things you want is a very delicate balancing act. Learning to live with that balancing act is the real trick.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I have had an awesome day. Started off this morning with lunch with one of my best friend's from high school L. She moved here from Edmonton quite some time ago and works in the area where my Sister lives. After a good bit of catching up she went back to work.
I on the other hand met up with someone and went on a date. Went for coffee, wandered around Coal Harbour talked. It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed myself.
After that I met up with my new (old) best friend who I'm going to refer to here as 'G'. We went out for a superb dinner of Italian food and then met up with my friend Chris and her BF for dessert. The whole evening was superb. Awesome conversation, amazing food and really good friends. Now I'm sitting here waiting for Sister to come home from one of the many dates she's had this week. There hasn't been one night that I've been in bed before 1AM since I've been here. I'll be glad to be back in my reality soon enough but until then I'm enjoying the fun.
I on the other hand met up with someone and went on a date. Went for coffee, wandered around Coal Harbour talked. It was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed myself.
After that I met up with my new (old) best friend who I'm going to refer to here as 'G'. We went out for a superb dinner of Italian food and then met up with my friend Chris and her BF for dessert. The whole evening was superb. Awesome conversation, amazing food and really good friends. Now I'm sitting here waiting for Sister to come home from one of the many dates she's had this week. There hasn't been one night that I've been in bed before 1AM since I've been here. I'll be glad to be back in my reality soon enough but until then I'm enjoying the fun.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Well I'm in Vancouver and as usual things are pretty good. I spent the weekend in a drunken stupor with new (old) friends and had a great time. Now I'm thinking it's time to just kick back and relax.
It's weird actually. Whenever I come to Vancouver a few days into it I start to think it's really time to go. My brain starts to repeat old patterns and my emotions take a huge hit. I saw my counselor yesterday which was good but as usual the emotions are swirling still. Gonna take a bit before I get this figured out.
It's weird actually. Whenever I come to Vancouver a few days into it I start to think it's really time to go. My brain starts to repeat old patterns and my emotions take a huge hit. I saw my counselor yesterday which was good but as usual the emotions are swirling still. Gonna take a bit before I get this figured out.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Well I'm back from my two day whirl-wind trip to Houston, TX! Every year the company puts on a District Meeting that is compulsory for all employees to attend. As I'm mentioned before this company is extremely large and they take care of their employees like I've never seen before.
For example, this meeting probably cost the company well over a million dollars. Word going round is that the hotel facilities alone were just under a million (including food, lodgings, conference facilities). Adding to that the cost of getting 330 some employees and guests from all over North America to Houston... well you can see where the Million dollar number comes from. I have honestly never been to a function that was more lavish.
I actually learned a lot during the meetings and I am considering the whole affair as somewhat of a success. The reason I'm considering it a success is because I purposely set out to find the most influential people who could help me in my quest to find a long term career with this company and I just chatted them up.
Well long story short they all seemed to think that Business Development could be a very good place for me. Business Development is essentially the marketing arm of the company. They're the one the company depends on to find us clients that need us to build them things. So essentially winning and dinning! I'm going to be setting up meetings with one of my Managers when he's back on site this week to discuss that the steps are in this. I talked to him briefly at one of the parties this week (just to get him thinking about it) and he's pretty excited about the prospect for me as well.
I'm happy to have a direction in which to work.
For example, this meeting probably cost the company well over a million dollars. Word going round is that the hotel facilities alone were just under a million (including food, lodgings, conference facilities). Adding to that the cost of getting 330 some employees and guests from all over North America to Houston... well you can see where the Million dollar number comes from. I have honestly never been to a function that was more lavish.
I actually learned a lot during the meetings and I am considering the whole affair as somewhat of a success. The reason I'm considering it a success is because I purposely set out to find the most influential people who could help me in my quest to find a long term career with this company and I just chatted them up.
Well long story short they all seemed to think that Business Development could be a very good place for me. Business Development is essentially the marketing arm of the company. They're the one the company depends on to find us clients that need us to build them things. So essentially winning and dinning! I'm going to be setting up meetings with one of my Managers when he's back on site this week to discuss that the steps are in this. I talked to him briefly at one of the parties this week (just to get him thinking about it) and he's pretty excited about the prospect for me as well.
I'm happy to have a direction in which to work.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
So today was an incredibly bizarre and terribly exciting day at the same time. Wierdly I'm living vicariously through Sister for this one. I'd been harassing Pavel for some time now to take her out for a an evening of fun. Well he finally did the other night and from the sounds of it they had an amazing time. They started off the evening at the infamous 1181 and then went to a drag show at The Majestic. While at the drag show they ended up sitting with a random assortment of guys at a table. Well Sister starts talking to one of them and wouldn't you know it he's from Vernon. So of course they start that old Okanagan game of 'do I know you?' Sure enough they went to the same elementary school. Then realizing they were a 3 or 4 years apart in age Sister says well maybe you know my Brother. Turns out the random she met at a Tranny show was my best friend in Elementary school! CRAZY!
This morning not knowing about anything she had been up to the night before I checked my e-mail only to get an e-mail from Facebook saying that buddy had sent me a message. Well I was totally excited because I'd thought about him randomly for years and had even half-heartedly tried to find him when I lived at the Coast a number of years ago. So we ended up chatting on MSN just about all day today and we're planning on meeting when I'm down there the weekend of Feb. 7th (Matthew this is your notice that I'm coming to town. You need to come hang out). So I'm SUPER excited because one of the first people I ever considered a "best friend" is now possibly back in my life. Will keep everyone updated on the happenings of this.
In other news I'm feeling terribly unsuccessful at the moment. I'm going to start looking in the company's MBA sponsorship programs. If the company wants to pay for me to get an MBA or something I'm going to let them.
One of my girls in the office and I are going to start going to the gym tomorrow morning at the ungodly hour of 445AM so I'm going to watch some TV and go to bed now.
Night!
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Now playing: Madonna - This Used To Be My Playground
via FoxyTunes
This morning not knowing about anything she had been up to the night before I checked my e-mail only to get an e-mail from Facebook saying that buddy had sent me a message. Well I was totally excited because I'd thought about him randomly for years and had even half-heartedly tried to find him when I lived at the Coast a number of years ago. So we ended up chatting on MSN just about all day today and we're planning on meeting when I'm down there the weekend of Feb. 7th (Matthew this is your notice that I'm coming to town. You need to come hang out). So I'm SUPER excited because one of the first people I ever considered a "best friend" is now possibly back in my life. Will keep everyone updated on the happenings of this.
In other news I'm feeling terribly unsuccessful at the moment. I'm going to start looking in the company's MBA sponsorship programs. If the company wants to pay for me to get an MBA or something I'm going to let them.
One of my girls in the office and I are going to start going to the gym tomorrow morning at the ungodly hour of 445AM so I'm going to watch some TV and go to bed now.
Night!
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Now playing: Madonna - This Used To Be My Playground
via FoxyTunes
Friday, January 11, 2008
I am SO tired it's ridiculous. I wish I could take Wifey's advice and take tomorrow and just sleep. I am looking forward to having a couple days off this coming week. Being home with no parents or distractions will be nice. I have a limited number of things that I have to do so I'm not going to be busy at all. I think the rest will be nice.
The few plans I have for my days off include going to Kal or Ellison park. I missed going to Ellison this year on New Years Day and somewhat regret it. I've also decided that I may have Raph's Mother and Step-father over for dinner as they often have me. I've also decided that it's time to watch Terminator as I've never seen it and figure that it could likely be a good way to waste some time. Yes, those are my plans and I plan on sticking to them!
The few plans I have for my days off include going to Kal or Ellison park. I missed going to Ellison this year on New Years Day and somewhat regret it. I've also decided that I may have Raph's Mother and Step-father over for dinner as they often have me. I've also decided that it's time to watch Terminator as I've never seen it and figure that it could likely be a good way to waste some time. Yes, those are my plans and I plan on sticking to them!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
I've been back at site for five days and things are busy. I'm sure if it's just because of all the craziness that went on in December or if it's just that it's January; but I'm having a bit of a hard time. Things are great and compared to the mess that I've been this month in years past I'm on top of the world. Thing is the thought of "I'm lonely" keeps winding it's way through my head.
Mentally I think I'm holding up pretty well. The last few weeks saw Christmas, a wedding, New Years and my 28th Birthday. Even if you aren't a part-time emotional wreck I think that combination would be hard to take. So I soldier on and keep looking forward to what's coming next.
One thing that I do know is coming next is one of "my girls" in the office is quitting. She hasn't informed me of this yet but she told my Boss, who told me. I'm sad to see her go as she's beyond excellent. I'm more scared of who I'm going to get thrown at me next. The hope that I've been carrying around with me that I'll be transferred out of here soonish rather than later don't look like they're going to bear any fruit with this new development. As my parents always say "God's timing is perfect" so I know that something will happen when it's supposed to. As usual things aren't happening fast enough for me and I always feel like I should further ahead in life's journey than I am now. All in due time.
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Now playing: k.d. lang - A Case of You
via FoxyTunes
Mentally I think I'm holding up pretty well. The last few weeks saw Christmas, a wedding, New Years and my 28th Birthday. Even if you aren't a part-time emotional wreck I think that combination would be hard to take. So I soldier on and keep looking forward to what's coming next.
One thing that I do know is coming next is one of "my girls" in the office is quitting. She hasn't informed me of this yet but she told my Boss, who told me. I'm sad to see her go as she's beyond excellent. I'm more scared of who I'm going to get thrown at me next. The hope that I've been carrying around with me that I'll be transferred out of here soonish rather than later don't look like they're going to bear any fruit with this new development. As my parents always say "God's timing is perfect" so I know that something will happen when it's supposed to. As usual things aren't happening fast enough for me and I always feel like I should further ahead in life's journey than I am now. All in due time.
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Now playing: k.d. lang - A Case of You
via FoxyTunes
Monday, December 31, 2007
Well it's almost over and done with. I think I'm going to look back at 2007 as one of those years that was entirely unremarkable and yet incredibly markable in so many ways.
I'm working on my second year in Fort McMurray and over all things have gone really well. I moved from Universal Aviation to my present company in April and it's been no where but up since. Aside from all the stress and an unpredictable boss I'm throughly enjoying my present company. I've been insanely lucky to get the team I currently have as 'my girls' are both super fun to work with and extremely good at their respective aspects of our job. The company treats their employees amazingly and I'm hoping to stay with the company for at least 2 to 5 years.
This summer my best friend J bought a house in Rutland, Raph and Wifey bought a condo in Edmonton, Sister moved to a place in Vancouver's West End and Marcia and Frank moved to Toronto. I almost bought a condo in downtown Kelowna but at the last moment decided it made more sense to remain homeless as all the people mentioned above now have lots of room and don't charge rent!
This year has been one of many memorable parties with all sort of friends. There was Matthew's super fun wedding this summer where I was given the honour of MCíng. Marcia
and I had a 'last Vancouver hurrah' together with my friend Pavel'. J and I had our "last" wine festival in Penticton. More parties in camp than I can possibly count (or remember). Time with Johnny in Edmonton and capping it all off Raph's younger brothers wedding a few days ago in Victoria. Yes, this year has seen lots of great times with friends.
I think it is possible that the most notable event this year though was the passing of my Great Uncle Frank. He was possibly one of the greatest men our family will ever have the privilege of calling our own. I learned more from him about how to treat other people and how to be a true gentleman than anyone in my life. I haven't been to Calgary for any length of time since his passing but even when I'm passing through on my way back to the Valley or wherever the city just doesn't feel the same. He will forever be missed and remembered.
This year was also notable in that I had two of the most amazing vacations I've ever had in my life. In November my friend M and I went to the Dominican and in December my friend N and I went to Las Vegas! Both vacations were beyond incredible because of the facilities we were privileged to stay in as well as the insanely gorgeous, intelligent and fabulous women I was lucky enough to have travel with me. I'm sure I'll remember these trips for a long time.
Wrapping up it's clear to me that 2007 was the year of friends and family. Every event of memory involved one or more of you, my friends and family and it's honestly because of you that everything was so amazing. I count my blessings and pray for each of you that you will be as lucky as I am. I value and treasure your place in my life more than you can possibly imagine!
Now I'm off with Pavel to ring in the New Year. Everyone stay safe and have fun. I'll see you soon!
Love,
KS
I'm working on my second year in Fort McMurray and over all things have gone really well. I moved from Universal Aviation to my present company in April and it's been no where but up since. Aside from all the stress and an unpredictable boss I'm throughly enjoying my present company. I've been insanely lucky to get the team I currently have as 'my girls' are both super fun to work with and extremely good at their respective aspects of our job. The company treats their employees amazingly and I'm hoping to stay with the company for at least 2 to 5 years.
This summer my best friend J bought a house in Rutland, Raph and Wifey bought a condo in Edmonton, Sister moved to a place in Vancouver's West End and Marcia and Frank moved to Toronto. I almost bought a condo in downtown Kelowna but at the last moment decided it made more sense to remain homeless as all the people mentioned above now have lots of room and don't charge rent!
This year has been one of many memorable parties with all sort of friends. There was Matthew's super fun wedding this summer where I was given the honour of MCíng. Marcia
and I had a 'last Vancouver hurrah' together with my friend Pavel'. J and I had our "last" wine festival in Penticton. More parties in camp than I can possibly count (or remember). Time with Johnny in Edmonton and capping it all off Raph's younger brothers wedding a few days ago in Victoria. Yes, this year has seen lots of great times with friends.
I think it is possible that the most notable event this year though was the passing of my Great Uncle Frank. He was possibly one of the greatest men our family will ever have the privilege of calling our own. I learned more from him about how to treat other people and how to be a true gentleman than anyone in my life. I haven't been to Calgary for any length of time since his passing but even when I'm passing through on my way back to the Valley or wherever the city just doesn't feel the same. He will forever be missed and remembered.
This year was also notable in that I had two of the most amazing vacations I've ever had in my life. In November my friend M and I went to the Dominican and in December my friend N and I went to Las Vegas! Both vacations were beyond incredible because of the facilities we were privileged to stay in as well as the insanely gorgeous, intelligent and fabulous women I was lucky enough to have travel with me. I'm sure I'll remember these trips for a long time.
Wrapping up it's clear to me that 2007 was the year of friends and family. Every event of memory involved one or more of you, my friends and family and it's honestly because of you that everything was so amazing. I count my blessings and pray for each of you that you will be as lucky as I am. I value and treasure your place in my life more than you can possibly imagine!
Now I'm off with Pavel to ring in the New Year. Everyone stay safe and have fun. I'll see you soon!
Love,
KS
Saturday, December 15, 2007
We traveled together wonderfully. You're everything a man could ever want. You pushed me to go places and do things I never thought I would. I learned a lot from you. Now it's over.
Despite the fact that as you put it "we were so great as friends, I think we should stay that way" it's just not going to happen. You see I'm not emotionally strong enough to do that. It hurts to be around you. The way you just went back to the way things were, seemingly without a thought, I can't do that. Not this time. My mind is too wrapped up in the things that could have been. Now they're to wrapped up in the things that I know never could have been.
Face it, we were in this journey together for completely different reasons. We want absolutely different things out of life. Our moral compasses point in completely opposite directions, they're just incompatible. Our journey's lead in different directions
The journey would have been amazing and having you would have made me the proudest, not to mention the most envied, man around but...
I'm done.
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Now playing: Jordan Sparks - Tattoo
via FoxyTunes
Despite the fact that as you put it "we were so great as friends, I think we should stay that way" it's just not going to happen. You see I'm not emotionally strong enough to do that. It hurts to be around you. The way you just went back to the way things were, seemingly without a thought, I can't do that. Not this time. My mind is too wrapped up in the things that could have been. Now they're to wrapped up in the things that I know never could have been.
Face it, we were in this journey together for completely different reasons. We want absolutely different things out of life. Our moral compasses point in completely opposite directions, they're just incompatible. Our journey's lead in different directions
The journey would have been amazing and having you would have made me the proudest, not to mention the most envied, man around but...
I'm done.
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Now playing: Jordan Sparks - Tattoo
via FoxyTunes
Monday, November 12, 2007
I think that I'm sort of crashing a bit now from all the excitement of the past week. I've finally started to catch up with my sleep that I missed and I think that going to bed early again tonight will help. The emotions I'm feeling tonight are a mixture of depression brought on by being tired and loneliness. I'm really struggling with the perceptions that people have. Who do I think I am and why does it matter what people think. The eternal question.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Holy Hell have I been busy. Tonight we carved pumpkins in the warehouse at work! It's been years since I carved pumpkins. Mine look like they were kicked in the face but my friend K's look awesome.
We're having a big Halloween bonfire at camp on Saturday night and as usual everyone's going to get tanked. The difference from a regular Saturday night though is that this time people are going to be dressed up while they're getting tanked.
Did I mention that I'm going to the Dominican in less than a week! Yep, we leave for the Dominican on the 31st and I could not be more excited. By total fluke one of the lady's that works at one of the lodges we deal with went to the exact resort that we're going to not even two weeks ago. She sent me some pictures and told me that we're going to love it. By the looks of the pictures I'm absolutely going to love it. We even saw a massage table on the beach. So as long as the natives don't mistake me for a beached white whale and try throw me back into the ocean we'll be fine!
We're having a big Halloween bonfire at camp on Saturday night and as usual everyone's going to get tanked. The difference from a regular Saturday night though is that this time people are going to be dressed up while they're getting tanked.
Did I mention that I'm going to the Dominican in less than a week! Yep, we leave for the Dominican on the 31st and I could not be more excited. By total fluke one of the lady's that works at one of the lodges we deal with went to the exact resort that we're going to not even two weeks ago. She sent me some pictures and told me that we're going to love it. By the looks of the pictures I'm absolutely going to love it. We even saw a massage table on the beach. So as long as the natives don't mistake me for a beached white whale and try throw me back into the ocean we'll be fine!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
I think that large construction companies attract a certain type of personality. Now I know what you're thinking... and you're probably right I do fit right in. That said dealing with that many strong personalities everyday is extremely challenging. I think that of all the skills I've gained while working up here learning to deal with those personalities is one of the most valuable lessons I've gained. Now as long as I can continue learning to deal with them by keeping them at arms length so they don't rattle me as much as they can I'll be doing fine.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Yesterday was possibly one of the most insane day's I've had in a long time. I had arrived back at site on Wednesday night (yes, just in time for steak night!), unpacked, watched some TV and went to bed. The next morning the shit show began.
I walked into my office and found a note from one of my girls that she would not be in until later in the afternoon as she had a Doctors appointment. No big deal. I then looked at my desk, or where I had left my desk, and all I could see was a large crested mountain of paper. My heart sank and I stood staring. Many deep breaths later I tried to get to work. The sheer volume of it all was insanely overwhelming. Had I not just been on a 10 day vacation I think I would have cried. I continued on working for about an hour and the sheer amount of work finally just got to me and I went down to my Boss's office and told him we needed to have a chat. He promised to be down in an hour before he left for his days off. An hour and a half later I went down the hall and reminded him that I was still in my office waiting.
Back in the office I continued working and getting myself more and more worked up. By the time my Boss walked in I'd had it. I let loose. How was I expected to run two departments with no Staff (one of my three girls had just been commandeered for another department) and insane expectations? There is no way I'm taking the fall for anything that happened in the future that I wasn't able to get done now because of their short sightedness. I went on and on. The essential theme of my rant was that I felt totally betrayed and let down by Management because I feel like I'm drowning and they're throwing buckets of water on me.
Boss sat looking at me frothing and said. We're not that kind of company. We know you're working extremely hard and we'll back you all the way if there are any problems. I was going to do my performance evaluation of you when I get back but be assured there is absolutely nothing wrong with anything you're doing. Then Boss's boss walked into the room said "Welcome back" looked at Boss and said did you tell him yet? Boss said no. Big Boss disappeared and comes back a few moments later with a piece of paper that he gave to me with the following words. "We'd like to inform you that you've been given a raise and your position title has been changed from Administraitive Assistant (I had no idea that's what it was) to Assistant Business Manager!" Well I tell you I was stunned.
The raise was so small it's almost an insult, but both Bosses made a big deal over the fact that this was a mid-year raise and is very rare in the company. Considering I had no idea what my job title in the company was getting the new one doesn't make any difference at all either... but the recognition of the fact that I'm working my ass off is nice. It's still not going to keep me from keeping my ears open for a job in the real world but it does mean I'll be a little calmer as a result of the fact that I know I'm pretty safe at the moment.
I walked into my office and found a note from one of my girls that she would not be in until later in the afternoon as she had a Doctors appointment. No big deal. I then looked at my desk, or where I had left my desk, and all I could see was a large crested mountain of paper. My heart sank and I stood staring. Many deep breaths later I tried to get to work. The sheer volume of it all was insanely overwhelming. Had I not just been on a 10 day vacation I think I would have cried. I continued on working for about an hour and the sheer amount of work finally just got to me and I went down to my Boss's office and told him we needed to have a chat. He promised to be down in an hour before he left for his days off. An hour and a half later I went down the hall and reminded him that I was still in my office waiting.
Back in the office I continued working and getting myself more and more worked up. By the time my Boss walked in I'd had it. I let loose. How was I expected to run two departments with no Staff (one of my three girls had just been commandeered for another department) and insane expectations? There is no way I'm taking the fall for anything that happened in the future that I wasn't able to get done now because of their short sightedness. I went on and on. The essential theme of my rant was that I felt totally betrayed and let down by Management because I feel like I'm drowning and they're throwing buckets of water on me.
Boss sat looking at me frothing and said. We're not that kind of company. We know you're working extremely hard and we'll back you all the way if there are any problems. I was going to do my performance evaluation of you when I get back but be assured there is absolutely nothing wrong with anything you're doing. Then Boss's boss walked into the room said "Welcome back" looked at Boss and said did you tell him yet? Boss said no. Big Boss disappeared and comes back a few moments later with a piece of paper that he gave to me with the following words. "We'd like to inform you that you've been given a raise and your position title has been changed from Administraitive Assistant (I had no idea that's what it was) to Assistant Business Manager!" Well I tell you I was stunned.
The raise was so small it's almost an insult, but both Bosses made a big deal over the fact that this was a mid-year raise and is very rare in the company. Considering I had no idea what my job title in the company was getting the new one doesn't make any difference at all either... but the recognition of the fact that I'm working my ass off is nice. It's still not going to keep me from keeping my ears open for a job in the real world but it does mean I'll be a little calmer as a result of the fact that I know I'm pretty safe at the moment.
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