March 1, 2013 and we've just had about 20 cms of that ugly white stuff...
Rainmaker is still under covers.
March 7, 2012 was Rainmaker's season debut albeit with the dirty white stuff still on the ground...will she get out that early this season...oh please let's do!
Better Half and I have made some informal day trip plans - she enjoys the pillion and the destinations but i don't think the off season is the same for her as for Rainmaker and I - been fighting the urge to unwrap her and "test" ride around the parking garage!
she's ready...I'm ready...come on Spring!!!
Friday, March 01, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
In the Deep of Ottawa's winter!
A whole year and no posting; it's been a bear.
It's January again - and with it another "January melt"; Mom Nature teasing us with +10 degrees, fresh spring like air - but we still have the heart of winter to survive yet. You're a mean one Ms. Nature!
As with last January, the Ottawa International Motorcycle Show was presented this past weekend; although somewhat "more", it was not all that. The Harley pavilion was great, well placed front and center, a mecca of shiny chrome, bright lights and big ass bikes. The other dealers had a presence too but they just didn't do the same job of self promotion! The usual cacophony of venders, (related and not related gear were there too) but what I liked the best was that I could easily compare the bike from Kawasaki, Harley or Honda almost side by side at the same time, (plus "shmbo" found some riding gear before we left).
Last season saw us riding "Rain Maker" from early in April until November 15th when it was an incredible +21 degrees!
"Rain Maker" is a nick name put on the bike by some smaller family members because every time I showed up on a ride, it would later rain! The name has stuck.
"Rain Maker" has just over 53000 kms logged now; it's a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and it has been mechanically flawless. Aside from general maintenance, tires, oil etc there have been zero problems with the bike. Last year I fitted a small back rest/luggage bar and a two up seat for my lady and we've been happily cruising around in town and out and even on the bigger highways. The 900 has been great, (every blog or forum will say that the following and I completely agree; the 900 could use a better seat, and one more gear in the transmission - but that said, "Rain Maker" easily keeps with anything I've asked it to do, even the mountains and curves in Mont Tremblant two up!).
Age must be catching up to me; last season numbness in my hands was a large problem - although there are no winter project works for "Rain Maker" I think some grips and end weights are in order; this will be less expensive than other options.
In the meantime, the bike is tucked away in it's hibernation, patiently waiting for the spring to break - that said, i noticed a bike parked above ground and covered in snow this weekend in the same complex where I am - I have the room, perhaps I will share the under ground parking stall with them, once I find them.
It's January again - and with it another "January melt"; Mom Nature teasing us with +10 degrees, fresh spring like air - but we still have the heart of winter to survive yet. You're a mean one Ms. Nature!
As with last January, the Ottawa International Motorcycle Show was presented this past weekend; although somewhat "more", it was not all that. The Harley pavilion was great, well placed front and center, a mecca of shiny chrome, bright lights and big ass bikes. The other dealers had a presence too but they just didn't do the same job of self promotion! The usual cacophony of venders, (related and not related gear were there too) but what I liked the best was that I could easily compare the bike from Kawasaki, Harley or Honda almost side by side at the same time, (plus "shmbo" found some riding gear before we left).
Last season saw us riding "Rain Maker" from early in April until November 15th when it was an incredible +21 degrees!
"Rain Maker" is a nick name put on the bike by some smaller family members because every time I showed up on a ride, it would later rain! The name has stuck.
"Rain Maker" has just over 53000 kms logged now; it's a 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and it has been mechanically flawless. Aside from general maintenance, tires, oil etc there have been zero problems with the bike. Last year I fitted a small back rest/luggage bar and a two up seat for my lady and we've been happily cruising around in town and out and even on the bigger highways. The 900 has been great, (every blog or forum will say that the following and I completely agree; the 900 could use a better seat, and one more gear in the transmission - but that said, "Rain Maker" easily keeps with anything I've asked it to do, even the mountains and curves in Mont Tremblant two up!).
Age must be catching up to me; last season numbness in my hands was a large problem - although there are no winter project works for "Rain Maker" I think some grips and end weights are in order; this will be less expensive than other options.
In the meantime, the bike is tucked away in it's hibernation, patiently waiting for the spring to break - that said, i noticed a bike parked above ground and covered in snow this weekend in the same complex where I am - I have the room, perhaps I will share the under ground parking stall with them, once I find them.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The "tease" of a January melt
January 24th and it was +2 degrees today; ice and snow melting down, driving the cage with window down - oh so nice...but have to temper this with the knowledge that there is still 2 months or more before the roads are fit for the "rain-maker"; after the roads are swept clean of the salt and grit from the winter road maintenance.
I've already started preparing the bike - it's more of something to do than actual prep's but in the dead of winter, one needs something to keep sane.
Saddle bags are off, (and cleaned and conditioned), and I pulled the windshield to scrub down the last remnants of bug goo that were missed before parking it.
Next will be the typical spring tune up items, plugs, filters and fluids, (i am not sure how to get away with the fluid changes in the high rise parking garage just yet but that is half the challenge) and finally a new boot for the front.
Small plans and easy tasks, only something to keep busy while waiting for the season to start!
Come on summer!
I've already started preparing the bike - it's more of something to do than actual prep's but in the dead of winter, one needs something to keep sane.
Saddle bags are off, (and cleaned and conditioned), and I pulled the windshield to scrub down the last remnants of bug goo that were missed before parking it.
Next will be the typical spring tune up items, plugs, filters and fluids, (i am not sure how to get away with the fluid changes in the high rise parking garage just yet but that is half the challenge) and finally a new boot for the front.
Small plans and easy tasks, only something to keep busy while waiting for the season to start!
Come on summer!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Motorcycle show(s) mid winter Ottawa
Motorcycle show(s) in the middle of a cold January in Ottawa, what better way to relieve the winter blues!?
Firstly, OGTC, (Ottawa Good Time Center) put off it's own "show" (kind of) for whatever reason (it doesn't really matter to me) and regardless, we went!I like OGTC, I like the bikes, i like the gear, and mostly the service department is great with me - the "show" as it was, was little more than all there same rides and gear, in the same places but, with some great price drops! Good stuff OGTC - do it again!
Also on the same weekend was the Ottawa International Motorcycle Show. Off we went again! For me, it was not impressive; mostly the same showroom stuff, some with good pricing but little stands out, or is remembered now that it has been a week or so since! Now, that said, my lady friend did pick up a nice bike jacket with a good price, (although, not enough to compensate for parking and ticket costs) and the tour information has stuck with us as we plan our summer rides. I don't think it was a waste of our time however, and I hope next year's events will be bigger, badder and better.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Noisy motorcycle exhaust
Almost everyday there is a news report related to motorcycles and riders, everything from scarey road rage incidents, riders down and accident reports and my all time favorite, noisy exhaust legislation!
It's a great country we live in - we have education, employment, health care and social assistance (such as it all is) and it is SO much more than many others can even dream to have.
Consider Libya and Muammar Gaddafi!
So with all of this, we can now focus on the important things in life, such as bikes with a loud exhaust. Sure, it's loud, offensive and sure there is always at least dumbass who will give an extra "rev", (whether they are on a Harley, a street bike or a metric cruiser - doesn't matter) but is it really worth making another law to control someone just because you don't like it?
I don't like flip flops and Crocs. I honestly think they incredibly offensive, unhygienic and the sweaty, sticky, splash flip scuff flop sound is simply disgusting! What about those ladies who marinate in artificially scented spray on deodorant, leaving an ephemeral fog behind in their travels, (think soap please)?! But this is certainly not something to make a law for!
Consider also the other vehicles and equipment used in and around our communities, city buses are freaking loud! Heavy truck engines are loud! The guy cutting the grass with a gas powered trimmer was loud this morning too! Don't forget the red neck "sport" pick up truck with a set of duallies and glasspacks, or some jap scrap "tuner" with an apple on the back end - all just pleasant sounds yes?
Come on, we have other things to more concerned about then to be offended by some guy on a bike with a loud set of pipes, time to get real.
It's a great country we live in - we have education, employment, health care and social assistance (such as it all is) and it is SO much more than many others can even dream to have.
Consider Libya and Muammar Gaddafi!
So with all of this, we can now focus on the important things in life, such as bikes with a loud exhaust. Sure, it's loud, offensive and sure there is always at least dumbass who will give an extra "rev", (whether they are on a Harley, a street bike or a metric cruiser - doesn't matter) but is it really worth making another law to control someone just because you don't like it?
I don't like flip flops and Crocs. I honestly think they incredibly offensive, unhygienic and the sweaty, sticky, splash flip scuff flop sound is simply disgusting! What about those ladies who marinate in artificially scented spray on deodorant, leaving an ephemeral fog behind in their travels, (think soap please)?! But this is certainly not something to make a law for!
Consider also the other vehicles and equipment used in and around our communities, city buses are freaking loud! Heavy truck engines are loud! The guy cutting the grass with a gas powered trimmer was loud this morning too! Don't forget the red neck "sport" pick up truck with a set of duallies and glasspacks, or some jap scrap "tuner" with an apple on the back end - all just pleasant sounds yes?
Come on, we have other things to more concerned about then to be offended by some guy on a bike with a loud set of pipes, time to get real.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
It's not every day, it's every trip...there's always a dumbass
It's much cooler in the mornings and makes the ride in to work so much the better - the Ottawa River Parkway was awesome this morning, and it was a great ride in.
I worked a little late and so rode back just after rush hour and I thought it was going to be one of those rare uneventful days. That is until some freaking dumbass decided I shouldn't have stopped at a 4 way stop! I just barely throttled ahead as the bumper was about take my saddle bags.
WTF!
No apologies, not even a fake embarrassed look, nothing!
addendum: In retrospect, this guy may be so used rolling a "stop" at an intersection and expecting everyone to do the same - everyone does right?
Not me. This season I have had so many incidents that I have backed down and gone into full defensive mode when riding, it's damn frightening to ride lately.
I worked a little late and so rode back just after rush hour and I thought it was going to be one of those rare uneventful days. That is until some freaking dumbass decided I shouldn't have stopped at a 4 way stop! I just barely throttled ahead as the bumper was about take my saddle bags.
WTF!
No apologies, not even a fake embarrassed look, nothing!
addendum: In retrospect, this guy may be so used rolling a "stop" at an intersection and expecting everyone to do the same - everyone does right?
Not me. This season I have had so many incidents that I have backed down and gone into full defensive mode when riding, it's damn frightening to ride lately.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
This season marks my third season riding a motorcycle - and with about 43000 kilometers logged I am still enjoying it very much.
This year, several friends have also picked it up so there's lots of talk and questions and even more riding! Woot
let me start something new on here with the following...taken from typical cycling enthusiast's websites...
Location: Ottawa
Ride: 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
Riding for how many years? 3
Does your significant other ride too? lol, no, but she did like the back pad while she was SHMBO
Why do you ride? Decompress.
What is your riding style? [Do you also do track?] cruising and touring. No track.
What do you like best about riding? Makes the world go away, even if only for a time.
What is your most memorable/best trip? 3 day tour around Prince Edward County, (see previous post)
What do you like least about riding [pet peeve]? driving in this city/dumbass, ignorant drivers
What was your worst trip? A scoot through downtown on Elgin street when just after an ass in an Audi decided to drive me out of the lane, some little blond biotch merged from the other side without looking - all within 5 minutes and with my happy side on the back pad!
What do you do when you’re not riding? Mountain bike, if it's got two wheels, I am game!
What is your best advice to new riders? Keep the rubber side down.
More to come!
Quick and Dirty!
just wtf is it with car drivers and the yellow light here in Ottawa? Honestly, is there anything worth running the intersections here other than your self absorbed conceit? Who are you to run me down?
Friday, November 05, 2010
Full Circle and various bitches!
It's here again - the end of the riding season, (March to November). What to do now - there's only so much wax one can put on ride and they don't make winter boots my "Rain Maker"!It's a wet fall to date, not out around much, (on either bike); my little apartment is feeling closer than ever - time for a change there me thinks.
Out with friends I work with recently, socialables! No work BS, just some good old bitching, and carrying on...and just what the hell is with that guy who has to repeat his position of authority all the time!? Freaking IDIOT! Dumbass is half the cause of the work BS, how do people like that get the lead position in ... oh wait, it's a government job! "Those who can't do, get promoted out"...at least that's my hope.
Ramones - Shock Treatment
I was feeling sick I was loosing my mind I heard about these treatments
From a good friend of mine he was always happy smile on his face
He said he had a great time at the place
Peace and love is here to stay and now I can wake up and face the day
Happy happy happy all the time shock treatment, I'm doing fine
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Things left unsaid...reprise
A little while ago I posted about missing a communication with a client when i didn't specifically state to leave the computer powered on so that I could connect remotely.
I've been working with the same client, (but another individual) and we've been joking about just that, (I need to connect remotely after hours and she's been making sure the computer is on).
Well, I still can't connect, we didn't enable remote connections...D'oh!
My bad, "Fisher Price" instruction set in the our future i think!
I've been working with the same client, (but another individual) and we've been joking about just that, (I need to connect remotely after hours and she's been making sure the computer is on).
Well, I still can't connect, we didn't enable remote connections...D'oh!
My bad, "Fisher Price" instruction set in the our future i think!
Leading Edge Technology
Considering I work with some leading edge IT/IM processes and technologies...I still program in DOS and batch files...so...how far have we really come?
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Things said, Things to be said
So, I got it again - that elusive, wide eyed spark of understanding when my client suddenly understands some far out configuration I implement. That's what I'm talking about baby! Thanks Jennie!
What is it with people on the sidewalks who don't move over!? Really. I don't care that you want to walk beside the other one and talk...simple courtesy, move over bitch.
And as I am bitching, what is it with people who stand directly in front of elevator doors blocking all who want to get out? Don't you realize you are in the way? MOVE!
Just had to get that out!
What is it with people on the sidewalks who don't move over!? Really. I don't care that you want to walk beside the other one and talk...simple courtesy, move over bitch.
And as I am bitching, what is it with people who stand directly in front of elevator doors blocking all who want to get out? Don't you realize you are in the way? MOVE!
Just had to get that out!
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Biking again
Despite the great weather we've been experiencing here lately it's not until this past Sunday that i finally got out trail riding again - I've been afraid to hit the streets, (so many killed in the recent past) and the shared use paths are not really shared use, (freaking prejudiced pedestrian!)!
First ride of season = first crash of season!
I rode in the Kanata Lakes/South March Highlands area - this is a really great area offering all the challenge I can handle and more. Aside from the physical challenge of the trails, (some of it is beyond me and I hike more than ride) but there is also the challenge of finding my way too!
There's something ... therapeutic about that kind of riding. Concentrate on keeping the rubber side down, concentrate on maneuvering the obstacles and all the while, zoning out the crap of the day to day grind. Physical pain to clear the soul!
Woot, can't wait to fix my bike and head out again, (I did mention a crash yes?!)
First ride of season = first crash of season!
I rode in the Kanata Lakes/South March Highlands area - this is a really great area offering all the challenge I can handle and more. Aside from the physical challenge of the trails, (some of it is beyond me and I hike more than ride) but there is also the challenge of finding my way too!
There's something ... therapeutic about that kind of riding. Concentrate on keeping the rubber side down, concentrate on maneuvering the obstacles and all the while, zoning out the crap of the day to day grind. Physical pain to clear the soul!
Woot, can't wait to fix my bike and head out again, (I did mention a crash yes?!)
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Splish Splash
Heat wave in Ottawa!
and with it comes the stick/splash splish/flip of sweaty flip flops.
Ew!
and with it comes the stick/splash splish/flip of sweaty flip flops.
Ew!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Stop the Spinning...
What is it that drives us to do what we do? How is it that we keep working when it's become...boring, (how do I keep myself...motivated)?
There's no reward in it anymore; I can make a computer dance and sing, configure up enterprise level applications, squeal a database and write my own program when I need it.
Yeehaw.
It used to be that there was some reward in it and that was enough to push me on to the next project and so on; and at times the money reflected the effort - but I've lost all interest.
I hung out with a friend Friday evening, (she's a cool chic and we always seem to have some really intense and revealing conversations over a bottle of red); but there's a problem with having friends that are as smart as she...they are smart - and there's no BS with her! In our conversation she hit on some of the very things that have been spinning my head, (I am not sure she realized how close she cut).
Anyway...she has an enthusiasm from her work that lights up her face when she's telling me about it! She was quite animated telling describing her latest deliverable, (and rightfully so, it was good). I had to grill her about what keeps her going at it. She understood right off but couldn't really shed any light, just share her excitement and passion.
the search continues...
There's no reward in it anymore; I can make a computer dance and sing, configure up enterprise level applications, squeal a database and write my own program when I need it.
Yeehaw.
It used to be that there was some reward in it and that was enough to push me on to the next project and so on; and at times the money reflected the effort - but I've lost all interest.
I hung out with a friend Friday evening, (she's a cool chic and we always seem to have some really intense and revealing conversations over a bottle of red); but there's a problem with having friends that are as smart as she...they are smart - and there's no BS with her! In our conversation she hit on some of the very things that have been spinning my head, (I am not sure she realized how close she cut).
Anyway...she has an enthusiasm from her work that lights up her face when she's telling me about it! She was quite animated telling describing her latest deliverable, (and rightfully so, it was good). I had to grill her about what keeps her going at it. She understood right off but couldn't really shed any light, just share her excitement and passion.
the search continues...
Saturday, May 08, 2010
up too early again
have you ever questioned your own sanity?
what about make yourself believe that food is not good to eat, (loose 30 lbs in 8 months because now you eat so little) - make yourself sick when you eat?
Believe that you are doing good work when it's all failing?
what's more tastey - Smarties or M & M's?
It's all about the salt...no really! Limit your food to only fresh foods, (veggies, fruits and dead animals) but with no salt...do this for some time, (at least a year) - it's a good way to be. Now, on a whim, add salt to a freshly baked chicken...oh baby!
"Wouldn't it be great if i was crazy! Then the world would be ok"
Did you know? "Smarties", (Nestle) are now advertising that they use no artificial colors - "prepared from natural sources". What does that mean, really? Take some color agent and mechanically work it to create...what?
"I am insane...and you are my insanity"?
I've finally figured out a "natural" method to stop the snail infestation of my aquariums...it's copper! I've tried serveral natural methods, but the best results have been realized by using using copper filings from an older penny, (current pennies are not made with copper). Using some emery clothe sand paper, i sanded several pennies and added the sanding to the filter systems and within two weeks most of the snails have been eliminated! yeay! I hate those damn things!...going to "cure" the other tank today - hopefully, i won't over does the tank though!
what about make yourself believe that food is not good to eat, (loose 30 lbs in 8 months because now you eat so little) - make yourself sick when you eat?
Believe that you are doing good work when it's all failing?
what's more tastey - Smarties or M & M's?
It's all about the salt...no really! Limit your food to only fresh foods, (veggies, fruits and dead animals) but with no salt...do this for some time, (at least a year) - it's a good way to be. Now, on a whim, add salt to a freshly baked chicken...oh baby!
"Wouldn't it be great if i was crazy! Then the world would be ok"
Did you know? "Smarties", (Nestle) are now advertising that they use no artificial colors - "prepared from natural sources". What does that mean, really? Take some color agent and mechanically work it to create...what?
"I am insane...and you are my insanity"?
I've finally figured out a "natural" method to stop the snail infestation of my aquariums...it's copper! I've tried serveral natural methods, but the best results have been realized by using using copper filings from an older penny, (current pennies are not made with copper). Using some emery clothe sand paper, i sanded several pennies and added the sanding to the filter systems and within two weeks most of the snails have been eliminated! yeay! I hate those damn things!...going to "cure" the other tank today - hopefully, i won't over does the tank though!
Saturday, May 01, 2010
04:00 hrs
what is the definition of pathetic...0400 hrs and "fishing" in an online game!
See me go to the office to work at 0600 hrs on a Saturday - Gah, i need a life!
See me go to the office to work at 0600 hrs on a Saturday - Gah, i need a life!
Junk the Bed
Insomnia has hit again!
I broke my last insomnia by moving from sleeping in my bed to sleeping on the floor and I've been there for a couple of weeks, but last night I went back to the bed. Not a good move apparently because today I am exhausted, in pain and believe it or not, not my usual "freaking beaming ray of freaking sunshine" self!
I downloaded and watch the movie "Insomnia" too. There were some interesting insights given as the Pacino portrays a 6 days battle for sleep; of note, the frustrations and hallucinations! Yeah yeah, it is only a movie, but I've been there and can attest to seeing cars on the road when driving, or being furious at the light creeping in around the windows and yes, I've taped off the windows too, (a proper tuck tape does a good job)!
Due to the distorted concept of time, the mind works over time thinking about any and everything! I had a rather large and at the time I believed in depth post to make however when I re-read the draft this morning, I've decided it was total crap!
I've decided I am going to junk the bed and set up on the floor again.
I broke my last insomnia by moving from sleeping in my bed to sleeping on the floor and I've been there for a couple of weeks, but last night I went back to the bed. Not a good move apparently because today I am exhausted, in pain and believe it or not, not my usual "freaking beaming ray of freaking sunshine" self!
I downloaded and watch the movie "Insomnia" too. There were some interesting insights given as the Pacino portrays a 6 days battle for sleep; of note, the frustrations and hallucinations! Yeah yeah, it is only a movie, but I've been there and can attest to seeing cars on the road when driving, or being furious at the light creeping in around the windows and yes, I've taped off the windows too, (a proper tuck tape does a good job)!
Due to the distorted concept of time, the mind works over time thinking about any and everything! I had a rather large and at the time I believed in depth post to make however when I re-read the draft this morning, I've decided it was total crap!
I've decided I am going to junk the bed and set up on the floor again.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Things left unsaid...
I made arrangements on Friday to telecommute in Toronto; after some discussion of both her requirements and mine we had all the plans made.
During our conversation she provided such details as the network computer identification, (so that I would connect to the correct machine), authentication credentials and a time frame - I would remotely connect to her computer examine the installations and then execute my test scripts, (informing her of the results on Monday). I expended some effort to ensure my work would have as little impact to her responsibilities and that she was comfortable with what to expect, I thought we covered all the necessities...that is until I tried to connect this morning - the one thing I did not say was the her computer had to be turned on!
Oof!
During our conversation she provided such details as the network computer identification, (so that I would connect to the correct machine), authentication credentials and a time frame - I would remotely connect to her computer examine the installations and then execute my test scripts, (informing her of the results on Monday). I expended some effort to ensure my work would have as little impact to her responsibilities and that she was comfortable with what to expect, I thought we covered all the necessities...that is until I tried to connect this morning - the one thing I did not say was the her computer had to be turned on!
Oof!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Stray thought...
It suddenly hit me that just about this time last year I was dealing with a cancer scare.
How strange that I've thought of that tonight - wth?
How strange that I've thought of that tonight - wth?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Musings
Oof, it's the morning after, the typical remorse and embarrassment after an evening of boozing it up, bull shitting and carrying on has settled in - my head should be a brick this morning but it isn't - Oh and there's a story about my missing keys - yeay me!
I finally checked those lottery tickets this morning - of the nine tickets, only two had any winnings, and those were for the smallest "prize" - won't cover the taxi fare to get back to my car, (pump it back into a dream ticket!).
I've been watching TV this morning too! Well, kind of watching it; I've turned it on and there are kids cartoons on it - it makes a noise here - kills the institutional environment of my crappy little apartment maybe?
I am kind of pissed with the contract I am working on currently , it has the feeling of a political thing for the agency to disprove the effectiveness of a certain application vendor and it is feeling like a bad place to have my name/work attached to it. The contract is finished at the end of the month and to be honest my heart isn't into it anymore - my job is to provide a solution, not to break them!
It used to be that I didn't direct my career, but rather let it direct me; and I have been somewhat successful however, (as I have stated in an earlier post) I am completely dis-satisfied with my career lately, and I've been struggling to decide on what to do about it. The speculation surrounding this last job does have one benefit; I've been obliged to look more closely at the industry within which I am working. There's many facets and a lot of politics but I believe I have an opportunity to now get ahead of the game and position my career for the near future! It is a gamble, however it will be better than wallowing in uncertainty and provides me with a challenge and finally some direction too. No play, no reward.
My kids are growing up. Being physically so far away from them emphasizes the realization of how much they are maturing when I see it. My oldest is driving a car now, (even has his own car) and this weekend he did what has been seen as a passage of rights for young people in that small town...he made the 200 km trip to "Town" on his own for the first time. I can remember my own first time! Kick me, I am getting old.
Seasonal Affective Disorder.
AKA - winter depression or winter blues. Uh huh. So, winter has finally broken! Although I suspect Momma Nature will still throw another winter storm before all is said and done, spring is here! We all are happier for it I am sure, I know I am. No snow, no - 20 degree weather, no wrapping up in so many layers just to keep warm! Woot!
I brought the "Rain Maker" out of hibernation last weekend! It was refreshing to just drive for the sake of driving...there's something freeing about being that close to ... everything! The asphalt is only inches under my feet, wind gets you everywhere like water when you're swimming, little kids point and stare, and smarter people would not be riding just yet! It's still freaking cold!
Note to self, remember the red light means stop!
I finally checked those lottery tickets this morning - of the nine tickets, only two had any winnings, and those were for the smallest "prize" - won't cover the taxi fare to get back to my car, (pump it back into a dream ticket!).
I've been watching TV this morning too! Well, kind of watching it; I've turned it on and there are kids cartoons on it - it makes a noise here - kills the institutional environment of my crappy little apartment maybe?
I am kind of pissed with the contract I am working on currently , it has the feeling of a political thing for the agency to disprove the effectiveness of a certain application vendor and it is feeling like a bad place to have my name/work attached to it. The contract is finished at the end of the month and to be honest my heart isn't into it anymore - my job is to provide a solution, not to break them!
It used to be that I didn't direct my career, but rather let it direct me; and I have been somewhat successful however, (as I have stated in an earlier post) I am completely dis-satisfied with my career lately, and I've been struggling to decide on what to do about it. The speculation surrounding this last job does have one benefit; I've been obliged to look more closely at the industry within which I am working. There's many facets and a lot of politics but I believe I have an opportunity to now get ahead of the game and position my career for the near future! It is a gamble, however it will be better than wallowing in uncertainty and provides me with a challenge and finally some direction too. No play, no reward.
My kids are growing up. Being physically so far away from them emphasizes the realization of how much they are maturing when I see it. My oldest is driving a car now, (even has his own car) and this weekend he did what has been seen as a passage of rights for young people in that small town...he made the 200 km trip to "Town" on his own for the first time. I can remember my own first time! Kick me, I am getting old.
Seasonal Affective Disorder.
AKA - winter depression or winter blues. Uh huh. So, winter has finally broken! Although I suspect Momma Nature will still throw another winter storm before all is said and done, spring is here! We all are happier for it I am sure, I know I am. No snow, no - 20 degree weather, no wrapping up in so many layers just to keep warm! Woot!
I brought the "Rain Maker" out of hibernation last weekend! It was refreshing to just drive for the sake of driving...there's something freeing about being that close to ... everything! The asphalt is only inches under my feet, wind gets you everywhere like water when you're swimming, little kids point and stare, and smarter people would not be riding just yet! It's still freaking cold!
Note to self, remember the red light means stop!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Bitching about Office Politics / Professional Suicide
I have been in Ottawa just over 5 years and I have found that there is as much politics away from the hill as there is on the hill. That shouldn't be surprising, really however considering how small the professional community I work in is, it can also be a very dangerous game to play.
It is something I work hard to stay out of, (I will leave that to someone who is good at it). The politics are usually covert statements, more whispers or hints, of allegations of some misconduct, (hint hint nudge nudge wink wink) and so one can usually keep out of the stories and games relatively easily - but these games can still catch you from behind, and sometimes, dangerously so.
On a evening out with a couple of colleagues/friends, a third came along and was introduced to me. Nice enough girl who "just happens" to be involved in the same work arena as myself and the others, (wink wink). We met again several days later in a honestly professional capacity and she is now a client for my employer, and I am out of the game again - a little innocent politicking and business moves on.
I recently met up with "her" in the office and was hit with a nasty request...
"Can I ask you a question - and keeping in mind as I ask that I am asking not as one professional to another, but as a girl with whom you've shared some drinks with ... I've heard that you are working with *insert name here* lately; did you know that he did the original set up at our office? Tell me, what is your opinion of *insert name here* work? Is he ..."
WTF!?
You don't have to be very "SMRT", (intentionally spelled SMRT) to see where she was going with this; I consider myself to be at least as SMRT as the average bear!
That was taking the office politics game to professional suicide! Therein lies my bitch - did she really think I would shred another colleague on her behave? Did she really think that little of my own professionalism, does she value her own that little?
The muse? This game is all around, all the time...and to be honest, one I am tiring of. It wears on the soul...having to watch what you say to whom, questioning what one says to you, this game of watching your back, and your front all the time...
Grr!
It is something I work hard to stay out of, (I will leave that to someone who is good at it). The politics are usually covert statements, more whispers or hints, of allegations of some misconduct, (hint hint nudge nudge wink wink) and so one can usually keep out of the stories and games relatively easily - but these games can still catch you from behind, and sometimes, dangerously so.
On a evening out with a couple of colleagues/friends, a third came along and was introduced to me. Nice enough girl who "just happens" to be involved in the same work arena as myself and the others, (wink wink). We met again several days later in a honestly professional capacity and she is now a client for my employer, and I am out of the game again - a little innocent politicking and business moves on.
I recently met up with "her" in the office and was hit with a nasty request...
"Can I ask you a question - and keeping in mind as I ask that I am asking not as one professional to another, but as a girl with whom you've shared some drinks with ... I've heard that you are working with *insert name here* lately; did you know that he did the original set up at our office? Tell me, what is your opinion of *insert name here* work? Is he ..."
WTF!?
You don't have to be very "SMRT", (intentionally spelled SMRT) to see where she was going with this; I consider myself to be at least as SMRT as the average bear!
That was taking the office politics game to professional suicide! Therein lies my bitch - did she really think I would shred another colleague on her behave? Did she really think that little of my own professionalism, does she value her own that little?
The muse? This game is all around, all the time...and to be honest, one I am tiring of. It wears on the soul...having to watch what you say to whom, questioning what one says to you, this game of watching your back, and your front all the time...
Grr!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
40 Something Sucks
Dating in my 40's sucks!
It used to be so easy - I had my ideals of what is and what should be and they were all I needed however a recent, kind of relationship destroyed my "black and white" rules of engagement.
It used to be that when in a relationship I committed to and demanded monogamy, both physical and emotional. Now, since I've been dating mostly girls who are not single, there was little need to concern myself with that! What's more, I never really knew the husbands or other "partners" so jealousy was never a concern either - like I said, it was easy, (on me especially).
So what? Well, in an effort to change things up and get on a path, I cleared house, kind of. I am not dating anyone of late and so, here I am today, (Valentines day!) not dating any one and realizing that the silence in my apartment is too loud.
I could go back to dating married girls, but that is leaving me empty, I don't trust in monogamy and that all accumulates to ... an empty apartment.
Dating in my 40's sucks!
It used to be so easy - I had my ideals of what is and what should be and they were all I needed however a recent, kind of relationship destroyed my "black and white" rules of engagement.
It used to be that when in a relationship I committed to and demanded monogamy, both physical and emotional. Now, since I've been dating mostly girls who are not single, there was little need to concern myself with that! What's more, I never really knew the husbands or other "partners" so jealousy was never a concern either - like I said, it was easy, (on me especially).
So what? Well, in an effort to change things up and get on a path, I cleared house, kind of. I am not dating anyone of late and so, here I am today, (Valentines day!) not dating any one and realizing that the silence in my apartment is too loud.
I could go back to dating married girls, but that is leaving me empty, I don't trust in monogamy and that all accumulates to ... an empty apartment.
Dating in my 40's sucks!
Keeping the Dream Alive
I have 6 lotto 6/49 tickets for various draws pinned to the wall, each one is an "instant pick" with encore.
I never check them - that way the dream stays alive; they all might be winners and I can keep on dreaming; or i can check them and know that I have to go back to work.
I never check them - that way the dream stays alive; they all might be winners and I can keep on dreaming; or i can check them and know that I have to go back to work.
40 Something Sucks
So, I turned 40 last year - yeay me; it has been a very difficult year personally, professionally and romantically.
It's probably just the the infamous "mid life crisis" but I think, more than just that. I made some life style changes, started several "projects", (work things, eating vegetarian, dropped 25 lbs) to break out of the slump that 40 put me into but nothing pulls my head out of the sand. I even went so far as to buy a motorcycle, (I just couldn't be the balding 40 year old ass in a Corvette or convertible sports car) but here I am a year later and still struggling.
I have decided that I am thoroughly unhappy with my career. Monster number 1.
It's not the people I work with, they are great but there's simply no personal reward in it anymore, (it was never big money but I stayed at it because it was mostly fun...now it isn't that either). So now I am debating a career change; I am also debating whether to move to another city to change things up. I have even been thinking I could head down to the US, or further, Australia? New Zealand, Ireland? Who knows? I certainly don't at this point, but I have concluded that I can't reasonably make such a large decision until I get my head out of the mir it's in!
to be continued...
Creed
"Wrong Way"
What makes you touch?
What makes you feel?
What makes you stop and smell the roses in an open field?
What makes you unclean?...
It's probably just the the infamous "mid life crisis" but I think, more than just that. I made some life style changes, started several "projects", (work things, eating vegetarian, dropped 25 lbs) to break out of the slump that 40 put me into but nothing pulls my head out of the sand. I even went so far as to buy a motorcycle, (I just couldn't be the balding 40 year old ass in a Corvette or convertible sports car) but here I am a year later and still struggling.
I have decided that I am thoroughly unhappy with my career. Monster number 1.
It's not the people I work with, they are great but there's simply no personal reward in it anymore, (it was never big money but I stayed at it because it was mostly fun...now it isn't that either). So now I am debating a career change; I am also debating whether to move to another city to change things up. I have even been thinking I could head down to the US, or further, Australia? New Zealand, Ireland? Who knows? I certainly don't at this point, but I have concluded that I can't reasonably make such a large decision until I get my head out of the mir it's in!
to be continued...
Creed
"Wrong Way"
What makes you touch?
What makes you feel?
What makes you stop and smell the roses in an open field?
What makes you unclean?...
Side Walk Surfing
This might just turn into a simple bitch...
What the hell is it with some people walking on the sidewalks who won't move over to make room?
Do you really think that I am going to walk out into traffic just for you?!
Grr
So yeah, this is just simply a bitch!
What the hell is it with some people walking on the sidewalks who won't move over to make room?
Do you really think that I am going to walk out into traffic just for you?!
Grr
So yeah, this is just simply a bitch!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Sometimes, it's so worth it!
"It's the simple things".
Such an easy statement to say but sometimes the results just catch me off guard...
I helped a friend this evening and now I feel ... unexpectedly good about it!
I didn't really do anything special, but judging from her reaction, and that of her family, I know they really appreciated it.
So now, I am sitting here tonight, smiling like the "Cheshire Cat", guilty that I am pleased with doing something so simple, and getting such a huge return.
Sometimes, it is so worth it.
Such an easy statement to say but sometimes the results just catch me off guard...
I helped a friend this evening and now I feel ... unexpectedly good about it!
I didn't really do anything special, but judging from her reaction, and that of her family, I know they really appreciated it.
So now, I am sitting here tonight, smiling like the "Cheshire Cat", guilty that I am pleased with doing something so simple, and getting such a huge return.
Sometimes, it is so worth it.
Friday, October 16, 2009
I am so S. M. R. T.
I am so smart,
I am so smart,
S. M. R. T. D'oh ! I mean S. M. A. R. T.
So, it was a really nice day although a little chilly and I thought it would it would be a good for a ride considering the season is pretty done - any NORMAL thinking guy would have parked the bike already... but no, not me!
October 16, at 3 degrees, 9:00 pm IS TOO FREAKING COLD to ride motorcycle in Ottawa!
Forget the brass man!
Update: Parking the bike for the season. It's a bitter sweet feeling as it's been so much fun - Come on summer!
Neil Young...
"Motorcycle Mama
Won't you lay your big spike down
I always get in trouble
when you bring it round
Motorcycle Mama
Won't you lay it down..."
I am so smart,
S. M. R. T. D'oh ! I mean S. M. A. R. T.
So, it was a really nice day although a little chilly and I thought it would it would be a good for a ride considering the season is pretty done - any NORMAL thinking guy would have parked the bike already... but no, not me!
October 16, at 3 degrees, 9:00 pm IS TOO FREAKING COLD to ride motorcycle in Ottawa!
Forget the brass man!
Update: Parking the bike for the season. It's a bitter sweet feeling as it's been so much fun - Come on summer!
Neil Young...
"Motorcycle Mama
Won't you lay your big spike down
I always get in trouble
when you bring it round
Motorcycle Mama
Won't you lay it down..."
Thursday, October 08, 2009
A Random thought - insomnia day 6!
A human touch.
This small phrase has been viral in my thoughts since I first heard it – spoken in reference to giving a homeless lady not just money but to give “a human touch”, a recognition of still being human in a decimated life. This, she tells me, is what she was given in return - a beautiful thought!
I met a homeless guy on O Conner street, who spends some afternoons wishing everyone who walks by a "very great day", and gives a genuine smile to all! I considered this as I chatted with him briefly, we all may walk together and share that sidewalk, but how rarely do we ever talk to one another? I tried this just Thursday last week - I am pretty sure the lady thought I was a freak! Now, is not this guy both giving and receiving "a human touch"?
A new friend and "blogger" , (SkiGurl) is in the midst of a break up and as one reads her blog, we share her anguish, (oh and is she pissed at you dude!). While reviewing her posts, do we not also share with her, albeit virtually, "a human touch"? I know she values the comments that get posted, and again, is this not sharing "a human touch"?
This fall season seems to have been difficult for several friends and I have made myself available to listen and offer comfort where I can, (a shoulder to cry on so to speak) - in retrospect, I am not giving "a human touch"? As well, am I not seeking my own "human touch" by posting my own thoughts here online?
Damn this sentimentality, Insomnia, how I hate the creature you make me!
Neil Young -
"Open up your eyes
See how life time flies
Open up and let the light back in.
Open up your heart
Let the lovin' start
Open up and let the light back in..."
This small phrase has been viral in my thoughts since I first heard it – spoken in reference to giving a homeless lady not just money but to give “a human touch”, a recognition of still being human in a decimated life. This, she tells me, is what she was given in return - a beautiful thought!
I met a homeless guy on O Conner street, who spends some afternoons wishing everyone who walks by a "very great day", and gives a genuine smile to all! I considered this as I chatted with him briefly, we all may walk together and share that sidewalk, but how rarely do we ever talk to one another? I tried this just Thursday last week - I am pretty sure the lady thought I was a freak! Now, is not this guy both giving and receiving "a human touch"?
A new friend and "blogger" , (SkiGurl) is in the midst of a break up and as one reads her blog, we share her anguish, (oh and is she pissed at you dude!). While reviewing her posts, do we not also share with her, albeit virtually, "a human touch"? I know she values the comments that get posted, and again, is this not sharing "a human touch"?
This fall season seems to have been difficult for several friends and I have made myself available to listen and offer comfort where I can, (a shoulder to cry on so to speak) - in retrospect, I am not giving "a human touch"? As well, am I not seeking my own "human touch" by posting my own thoughts here online?
Damn this sentimentality, Insomnia, how I hate the creature you make me!
Neil Young -
"Open up your eyes
See how life time flies
Open up and let the light back in.
Open up your heart
Let the lovin' start
Open up and let the light back in..."
Sunday, October 04, 2009
A random thought - again!
Insomnia - this can be loosely defined as "an inability to sleep; chronic sleeplessness"!
May I offer another, more...detailed definition...
Although the quoted definition is sufficient for a start it quickly develops to more of a multi-pronged nuclear daisy chain of thoughts and emotions, multi-threaded reflection of the days events, each with it's own cycloid orbit through the amygdala. A treason of logic, no beginning, no conclusion; revolving back and beyond - no resolution, no solution, only the endless progression of dynamic elements of reality, a regression of scattered shreds of reason, brilliant gyrating neon colors interspersed in the gray nether of consciousness.
02:30 hrs in Ottawa, this time of year is damn cold to ride a motorcycle!
Faithless...
"Deep in the bosom of the gentle night
Is when I search for the light
Pick up my pen and start to write
I struggle, fight dark forces
In the clear moon light
Without fear... insomnia
I can't get no sleep"
May I offer another, more...detailed definition...
Although the quoted definition is sufficient for a start it quickly develops to more of a multi-pronged nuclear daisy chain of thoughts and emotions, multi-threaded reflection of the days events, each with it's own cycloid orbit through the amygdala. A treason of logic, no beginning, no conclusion; revolving back and beyond - no resolution, no solution, only the endless progression of dynamic elements of reality, a regression of scattered shreds of reason, brilliant gyrating neon colors interspersed in the gray nether of consciousness.
02:30 hrs in Ottawa, this time of year is damn cold to ride a motorcycle!
Faithless...
"Deep in the bosom of the gentle night
Is when I search for the light
Pick up my pen and start to write
I struggle, fight dark forces
In the clear moon light
Without fear... insomnia
I can't get no sleep"
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Blow up Your TV, or...I told you so!
So, tonight it's about a TV - kind of ...I don't watch much TV - not that I don't like it when I do, (well, except for the big business commercialization and the social engineering of government imposed programming guidelines...er, yeah, OK, I digress) - Suffice to say I don't watch much TV. Most of my friends know that I don't watch much TV - and with that said, such is the inspiration for posting tonight, (aside from the Rye and Ginger hic*).
In a friendly derision from a lady friend, it has come to light that it is thought that I may not even own a TV, (or even common house hold furniture...unm WTF? What's with that?). Honestly, no, I don't own a TV, but I do have one in my apartment, (Thanks to my drinking buddy buying big ass LCD Flat screens!)
So...the whole reason for the posting tonight, is to prove this...see the picture, there's the TV baby, and notice there is a couch and everything!
LOL, it's all good!
John Prine..."Blow up your TV throw away your paper
Go to the country, build you a home
Plant a little garden, eat a lot of peaches"
BABY!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Eat the red ones last!
8.5 - Brown
4 - Green
1 - Blue
11 - Yellow
8 - Red
6 - Purple
13 - Pink
3 - Orange
54.5 individual Smarties from a box marked 56 grams
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Dissection of M&M's
8 - Brown
5 - Green
12 - Blue
9 - Yellow
5 - Red
0 - Purple
0 - Pink
18 - Orange
57 individual M&M's from a package marked 48 grams
Monday, January 08, 2007
Dissection of a box of Smarties
11 - Brown
4 - Green
4 - Blue
2 - Yellow
6 - Red
4 - Purple
10 - Pink
12 - Orange
52 individual Smarties from a box marked 56 grams
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Travelling on New Year's day!
We’ve all seen movies involving the horrors of holiday traveling, or heard stories of terrible trips. Well, here’s my own story. This year had me flying from St. John’s to Ottawa (stopping in Halifax for a 7 or 8 hour layover) at 5:30 AM on January 1st – the only flight available when the bookings were made. The next flight available wasn’t until sometime in the middle of January and my work commitments wouldn’t allow that.
As I was staying in Clarenville, I would have to drive about a 1 ½ hours to get to “town” which wasn't so bad; well except for the falling snow. I had borrowed my father’s Jeep for the holiday so I wasn’t really worried about the drive, (my 10 year old son told me to “make sure it was in 4 wheel drive” just as I left, which in hind sight would have been a good thing to do). I left “home” about 11:30 PM, and about 25 minutes outside of Clarenville the highway turned treacherous! The Jeep, (although set up with 4 new and studded snow tires) went crazy on the ice! OK, so now it really was time for 4 wheel drive! And I continued, the weather steadily deteriorating, my traveling speed with it; around an hour later there was a full 6 inches of snow on the road and the wind was picking up – about 2 hours later, I was in a full on storm, lots of snow, blowing snow and white outs, (anyone who has made this drive will know that it is open barrens for much of the way) and still barely half way there! Four hours (and a tank of gas) later, I finally made it to “town” (get me to a Tim’s!)!
At least I was on time for the flight - I checked my baggage, got my boarding pass and did the security screening, (St. John’s has a nasty screening!). Air Port security had everyone stand with our arms up, undo belts and even had some people removing footwear, even after walking through the metal detector portal! One young lady was even having her bra closures checked, (by a female agent) – she was understandably terribly embarrassed by the ordeal. An elderly couple went through ahead of me, and the security agents went through every item in their carry on luggage and took everything from toothpaste to cans of pop from them. They were simply baffled by it all. When I left Ottawa to go down to Newfoundland, it wasn’t as…involved as this!
Conspiracy or not, I checked while waiting, it costs $2.50 to get a bottle of water inside the security gate whereas it is about $1 outside the terminal!
Anyway, I digress. Pre-boarding was called and we were finally getting on the move. Almost. The ground crew stopped that; mechanical trouble, the flight will be delayed! Uh oh, now the fun begins.
There were several things happening here so bear with me. First, as we were sharing a common bad experience, several of us were making “friends” within the terminal - a few college students heading back to Nova Scotia, a military guy and his girlfriend heading to Regina, a lady heading back to Ottawa with her 9 year old daughter, an elderly lady who wasn’t sure where she was going but her daughter and son in law were going to meet her there and a very nice lady who took to helping the fore mentioned elderly lady since she was going to the same place.
Next, another flight had its capacity restrictions reduced, (reportedly because of the bad weather) and stranded about 50 other people, (now we were all getting worried)!
At my gate, another Air Canada flight was successfully boarded and gone, but we still didn’t have any information.
Over the intercom system, there were a lot of announcements trying to get people through the line up, (because security screening was taking so long) and giving little tid bits of information about the delayed flight(s).
In an effort to ward off all the increasingly upset inquiries at the boarding, the agents were giving out the Air Canada customer care phone number so people could start to make alternative plans, (it was now about 6:30 or 7:00 am) but still could not tell us whether or not we had a flight out that morning, (they were saying something about flying a part in for the plane!).
At first I thought it was funny to look around the terminal and see so many with cell phones all trying to make other arrangements but then one of my “new” friends came back he told us that there was nothing available until January 10th! With that news, I too had my cell phone out and patiently waited on hold – for 45 minutes! While I was waiting, the lady going to Ottawa was actually talking with an Air Canada CSR and was keeping us up to date on her schedule changes, (remember we were all sharing in this) and although she first had to explain to customer service that the flight was indeed delayed, (appears that no one had alerted the rest of Air Canada about the air craft failure), there were no flights available out until January 12th! She was going to have to hope for the delayed flight to go, (maybe 2:00 pm), missing the connecting flight and so stay overnight at Halifax, then on to Montreal the next day before finally getting to Ottawa. Yikes! A young couple opposite us had similar arrangements.
By the time I was talking with a CSR I was stressed and the guy told me that there was nothing available until January 15th! I talked to him explaining, (as I am sure he heard many times that day) that this was not acceptable, I had to get back for work. It must have taken some effort because it took so long but the guy somehow got me a seat on a flight heading out within a couple of hours but I probably wouldn’t meet my connection in Halifax. At this point I didn’t care, just get me to Halifax and book a seat the next day, which is how it finally was arranged. I now had to leave the secure area, get back in line to get a new boarding pass and my baggage was still on the dead plane out on the tarmac!
Getting the baggage was surprisingly easy and it was here that all we “new” friends were comparing notes and schedules. Of the people I was talking with, my new schedule was one of the best, (as far as I can tell, I got the seat because I was flying alone where most were flying as couples, and families). Getting the new boarding pass and the second trip through security is not worth the mention and my new flight from St. John’s did leave, although a little late. My original flight was now officially cancelled and there were rumors of bringing another plan to accommodate all the other stranded travelers, (I think there was about 125 or 150 people in all). My trip to Halifax was not at all comfortable; I was squat between two other upset and rather large people who did nothing but bitch about the morning’s events.
Once I landed in Halifax however things turned better, well a lot better - my original connecting flight was still there and not boarded! It too was delayed! I showed the gate agent my boarding pass but it was from before remaking the flight plans and with all the troubles in the morning in Newfoundland there were 4 other people in that same seat, (remember I was now booked for the next day) and several other seats with more than one person in them. This lady was great though – it took some doing but she arranged it so everyone got on the flight – and she passed me a new boarding pass and told me to go. The seat number was 02C. Never saw that number before so I asked her about it; she just waved her hand.
“Hurry hurry” she said.
I asked the flight attendant about the seat too.
“Oh, you’ll like that one” was all she said.
I still didn’t clue in. “Dumbass” is what a friend of mine said when I told her about this!
Seat 02C is in the second row of the plane, (aisle) and with Air Canada, that means first class!
Woot!
First Class is the way to go baby! I’ve not had such an enjoyable flight as I did that day coming from Halifax to Ottawa. Hot towels, free drinks, real food and elbow room! It would be worth the double cost to fly first class.
A first class flight would have made a great end to my holiday travel adventure, but that was not to be the case. Not surprisingly, my baggage was nowhere to be found! I pretty much expected that; I had changed schedules, jumped a flight and with all the mess ups of the day; missing baggage was pretty much a forgone conclusion.
And just to make things a little more fun, my ride was also missing! Earlier in December, (the 22nd) I lost my cell phone in my Dad’s driveway when clearing snow off of the Jeep and just couldn’t find it – well that is until I drove over it the next day, (I got another “dumbass” for that too). The screen display is smashed and it’s roughed up but the phone still worked! I needed to call my ride; is he still coming, or do I grab a cab – but I couldn’t read the numbers from the phone!
It is bit of a story and I've left out a few the details. I grabbed a taxi home, my bags have since been found, (it took 2 days), I have a new cell phone and I am back to work once again. What a way to start the New Year!
As I was staying in Clarenville, I would have to drive about a 1 ½ hours to get to “town” which wasn't so bad; well except for the falling snow. I had borrowed my father’s Jeep for the holiday so I wasn’t really worried about the drive, (my 10 year old son told me to “make sure it was in 4 wheel drive” just as I left, which in hind sight would have been a good thing to do). I left “home” about 11:30 PM, and about 25 minutes outside of Clarenville the highway turned treacherous! The Jeep, (although set up with 4 new and studded snow tires) went crazy on the ice! OK, so now it really was time for 4 wheel drive! And I continued, the weather steadily deteriorating, my traveling speed with it; around an hour later there was a full 6 inches of snow on the road and the wind was picking up – about 2 hours later, I was in a full on storm, lots of snow, blowing snow and white outs, (anyone who has made this drive will know that it is open barrens for much of the way) and still barely half way there! Four hours (and a tank of gas) later, I finally made it to “town” (get me to a Tim’s!)!
At least I was on time for the flight - I checked my baggage, got my boarding pass and did the security screening, (St. John’s has a nasty screening!). Air Port security had everyone stand with our arms up, undo belts and even had some people removing footwear, even after walking through the metal detector portal! One young lady was even having her bra closures checked, (by a female agent) – she was understandably terribly embarrassed by the ordeal. An elderly couple went through ahead of me, and the security agents went through every item in their carry on luggage and took everything from toothpaste to cans of pop from them. They were simply baffled by it all. When I left Ottawa to go down to Newfoundland, it wasn’t as…involved as this!
Conspiracy or not, I checked while waiting, it costs $2.50 to get a bottle of water inside the security gate whereas it is about $1 outside the terminal!
Anyway, I digress. Pre-boarding was called and we were finally getting on the move. Almost. The ground crew stopped that; mechanical trouble, the flight will be delayed! Uh oh, now the fun begins.
There were several things happening here so bear with me. First, as we were sharing a common bad experience, several of us were making “friends” within the terminal - a few college students heading back to Nova Scotia, a military guy and his girlfriend heading to Regina, a lady heading back to Ottawa with her 9 year old daughter, an elderly lady who wasn’t sure where she was going but her daughter and son in law were going to meet her there and a very nice lady who took to helping the fore mentioned elderly lady since she was going to the same place.
Next, another flight had its capacity restrictions reduced, (reportedly because of the bad weather) and stranded about 50 other people, (now we were all getting worried)!
At my gate, another Air Canada flight was successfully boarded and gone, but we still didn’t have any information.
Over the intercom system, there were a lot of announcements trying to get people through the line up, (because security screening was taking so long) and giving little tid bits of information about the delayed flight(s).
In an effort to ward off all the increasingly upset inquiries at the boarding, the agents were giving out the Air Canada customer care phone number so people could start to make alternative plans, (it was now about 6:30 or 7:00 am) but still could not tell us whether or not we had a flight out that morning, (they were saying something about flying a part in for the plane!).
At first I thought it was funny to look around the terminal and see so many with cell phones all trying to make other arrangements but then one of my “new” friends came back he told us that there was nothing available until January 10th! With that news, I too had my cell phone out and patiently waited on hold – for 45 minutes! While I was waiting, the lady going to Ottawa was actually talking with an Air Canada CSR and was keeping us up to date on her schedule changes, (remember we were all sharing in this) and although she first had to explain to customer service that the flight was indeed delayed, (appears that no one had alerted the rest of Air Canada about the air craft failure), there were no flights available out until January 12th! She was going to have to hope for the delayed flight to go, (maybe 2:00 pm), missing the connecting flight and so stay overnight at Halifax, then on to Montreal the next day before finally getting to Ottawa. Yikes! A young couple opposite us had similar arrangements.
By the time I was talking with a CSR I was stressed and the guy told me that there was nothing available until January 15th! I talked to him explaining, (as I am sure he heard many times that day) that this was not acceptable, I had to get back for work. It must have taken some effort because it took so long but the guy somehow got me a seat on a flight heading out within a couple of hours but I probably wouldn’t meet my connection in Halifax. At this point I didn’t care, just get me to Halifax and book a seat the next day, which is how it finally was arranged. I now had to leave the secure area, get back in line to get a new boarding pass and my baggage was still on the dead plane out on the tarmac!
Getting the baggage was surprisingly easy and it was here that all we “new” friends were comparing notes and schedules. Of the people I was talking with, my new schedule was one of the best, (as far as I can tell, I got the seat because I was flying alone where most were flying as couples, and families). Getting the new boarding pass and the second trip through security is not worth the mention and my new flight from St. John’s did leave, although a little late. My original flight was now officially cancelled and there were rumors of bringing another plan to accommodate all the other stranded travelers, (I think there was about 125 or 150 people in all). My trip to Halifax was not at all comfortable; I was squat between two other upset and rather large people who did nothing but bitch about the morning’s events.
Once I landed in Halifax however things turned better, well a lot better - my original connecting flight was still there and not boarded! It too was delayed! I showed the gate agent my boarding pass but it was from before remaking the flight plans and with all the troubles in the morning in Newfoundland there were 4 other people in that same seat, (remember I was now booked for the next day) and several other seats with more than one person in them. This lady was great though – it took some doing but she arranged it so everyone got on the flight – and she passed me a new boarding pass and told me to go. The seat number was 02C. Never saw that number before so I asked her about it; she just waved her hand.
“Hurry hurry” she said.
I asked the flight attendant about the seat too.
“Oh, you’ll like that one” was all she said.
I still didn’t clue in. “Dumbass” is what a friend of mine said when I told her about this!
Seat 02C is in the second row of the plane, (aisle) and with Air Canada, that means first class!
Woot!
First Class is the way to go baby! I’ve not had such an enjoyable flight as I did that day coming from Halifax to Ottawa. Hot towels, free drinks, real food and elbow room! It would be worth the double cost to fly first class.
A first class flight would have made a great end to my holiday travel adventure, but that was not to be the case. Not surprisingly, my baggage was nowhere to be found! I pretty much expected that; I had changed schedules, jumped a flight and with all the mess ups of the day; missing baggage was pretty much a forgone conclusion.
And just to make things a little more fun, my ride was also missing! Earlier in December, (the 22nd) I lost my cell phone in my Dad’s driveway when clearing snow off of the Jeep and just couldn’t find it – well that is until I drove over it the next day, (I got another “dumbass” for that too). The screen display is smashed and it’s roughed up but the phone still worked! I needed to call my ride; is he still coming, or do I grab a cab – but I couldn’t read the numbers from the phone!
It is bit of a story and I've left out a few the details. I grabbed a taxi home, my bags have since been found, (it took 2 days), I have a new cell phone and I am back to work once again. What a way to start the New Year!
My fridge - ain't this something!
A friend sent me a picture of her fridge contents last night...so this is the contents of my own...it's either really funny, or simply pathetic!
What's in your fridge?
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