Well, I managed to ride to work 3 days out of 5 the previous week. However, last week was just downright miserable. It was raining more often than not. And if it wasn't raining, the skies certainly look like it wanted to.
Surprisingly, this past weekend was quite pleasant. The sun decided to make an appearance and the temperatures started to warm up. A lot of folks decided to take advantage of this nice weather and do some gardening. I myself managed to pot up the annuals I picked up the previous weekend!
This week started off a bit slow. I guess it's mainly due to the Memorial Day holiday in the US yesterday. Today is a bit slow too. But heck, it's a good time to catch up on some stuff and to concentrate on some work. It's nice to not have so many interruptions.
In other news, my sister is scheduled for a C-section Thursday. The twins just refuse to come out on their own. It will be quite exciting on Thursday! I'm going to be an Aunt!
No wait... Wouldn't that make me seem old? :-o
Hmmm...
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
News and updates
It's been over a month since my last posting...
The trip was great! We had a wonderful time and a few interesting adventures. I will have to relate in some detail the trip another time.
In the meantime, the first week I get back to work, I get hit with a bunch of news. Not all of it was good.
It looks like the company is going to pull out the development of one technology. I figure this was bound to happen because we never really grabbed as much of the market as hoped. Oh well...
The next piece of news was confirmation that the bulk of the work that my group was doing is being moved to Brazil. The reasoning behind this was that if we were to move on to newer technology we would need to give up something. I think it was all related to headcount and costs. In any case, it all kinda sucks.
As for good news, well, I did find out that my manager's wife is expecting their first child. Of course, a whole lot of us didn't know about it until she mentioned it during an after-work drinking session (no, I don't think she drank). She's due towards the end of July.
Also, just yesterday, information about the re-org of our group was given. It's still not really clear because it shows our team intact still. This was cause for some concern with some people. My manager did talk to some of us to give us some reassurance. It seems that it is planned that I would move to one of the other groups eventually. I hope this remains so when the transfer is completed. Nothing like being held back! :-p
Anyway, must get ready to ride into work!
The trip was great! We had a wonderful time and a few interesting adventures. I will have to relate in some detail the trip another time.
In the meantime, the first week I get back to work, I get hit with a bunch of news. Not all of it was good.
It looks like the company is going to pull out the development of one technology. I figure this was bound to happen because we never really grabbed as much of the market as hoped. Oh well...
The next piece of news was confirmation that the bulk of the work that my group was doing is being moved to Brazil. The reasoning behind this was that if we were to move on to newer technology we would need to give up something. I think it was all related to headcount and costs. In any case, it all kinda sucks.
As for good news, well, I did find out that my manager's wife is expecting their first child. Of course, a whole lot of us didn't know about it until she mentioned it during an after-work drinking session (no, I don't think she drank). She's due towards the end of July.
Also, just yesterday, information about the re-org of our group was given. It's still not really clear because it shows our team intact still. This was cause for some concern with some people. My manager did talk to some of us to give us some reassurance. It seems that it is planned that I would move to one of the other groups eventually. I hope this remains so when the transfer is completed. Nothing like being held back! :-p
Anyway, must get ready to ride into work!
Saturday, March 26, 2005
2 Days Left!
Before we're on our way to Japan again. :-)
Some things are ready. I dragged the packs out of the closet. We picked up a few more necessities. I went through the medicine cabinet for stuff but D told me not to bring the whole pharmacy. %-) So, we'll just bring some Robaxacet, Sudafed, Advil and Claritin. Definitely the Advil, since any type of medication in Japan is pretty weak by our standards.
Going out to lunch with some buddies today. Meet up with E as well before he heads back to Germany. I'm sure he'll have lots to tell to his colleagues back there. :-)
Since we will be in town, we will probably swing by the $ exchange for more Yen. I wonder if there is anything else I need.... Hmmm...
Some things are ready. I dragged the packs out of the closet. We picked up a few more necessities. I went through the medicine cabinet for stuff but D told me not to bring the whole pharmacy. %-) So, we'll just bring some Robaxacet, Sudafed, Advil and Claritin. Definitely the Advil, since any type of medication in Japan is pretty weak by our standards.
Going out to lunch with some buddies today. Meet up with E as well before he heads back to Germany. I'm sure he'll have lots to tell to his colleagues back there. :-)
Since we will be in town, we will probably swing by the $ exchange for more Yen. I wonder if there is anything else I need.... Hmmm...
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Boring Tuesdays..
How is it that television on Tuesdays is so boring? Is Tuesday some sort of blackhole for television programming? Is that why Tuesdays are cheap movie nights at the theatres around here? Maybe that's it! They've made TV so boring on Tuesday that you just HAVE to go out and catch a movie. Of course, the discounted movie tickets are also an incentive to go.
I haven't gone out on a cheapie movie night in a long time. Or for that matter, I don't think I've gone out to see a movie recently. I think the last time I went to see a movie was during the Fantasia Fest over the summer. Then I saw Cutie Honey and Porco Rosso.
Hmm.. Should see about watching a few movies this summer if possible... I wonder what they have planned as "Summer Blockbusters" this year.
How is it that television on Tuesdays is so boring? Is Tuesday some sort of blackhole for television programming? Is that why Tuesdays are cheap movie nights at the theatres around here? Maybe that's it! They've made TV so boring on Tuesday that you just HAVE to go out and catch a movie. Of course, the discounted movie tickets are also an incentive to go.
I haven't gone out on a cheapie movie night in a long time. Or for that matter, I don't think I've gone out to see a movie recently. I think the last time I went to see a movie was during the Fantasia Fest over the summer. Then I saw Cutie Honey and Porco Rosso.
Hmm.. Should see about watching a few movies this summer if possible... I wonder what they have planned as "Summer Blockbusters" this year.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Another weekend almost over...
Sunday morning. It's nice and sunny out at the moment. It's actually supposed to get up to +4 today! I think it was quite warm yesterday. It was warm enough to melt away quite ea bit of snow. But it's not all gone yet..
Got lots to do today. It seems we need to go up to the cottage just to check on things. Not sure how much snow will still be lying around up there. So I don't know if we can actually reach the cottage. Oh well.
Just another week and we'll be off to Japan! I still want to go through the guide books and web sites for more information. I would like to have at least a plan A and a Plan B (sunny day activity and rainy day activity). Maybe I am overplanning it a bit?
I stopped by one of the Kyoto tourism web sites that listed events and festivals. It looks like there will be a number of Spring Dances being held. It would be neat to catch one of those. I think they are all held by various geisha houses. It's an annual event. I think it might have even been mentioned in the book "Memoirs of a Geisha". I'll also have to check the books to see if there's any additional information there.
Sunday morning. It's nice and sunny out at the moment. It's actually supposed to get up to +4 today! I think it was quite warm yesterday. It was warm enough to melt away quite ea bit of snow. But it's not all gone yet..
Got lots to do today. It seems we need to go up to the cottage just to check on things. Not sure how much snow will still be lying around up there. So I don't know if we can actually reach the cottage. Oh well.
Just another week and we'll be off to Japan! I still want to go through the guide books and web sites for more information. I would like to have at least a plan A and a Plan B (sunny day activity and rainy day activity). Maybe I am overplanning it a bit?
I stopped by one of the Kyoto tourism web sites that listed events and festivals. It looks like there will be a number of Spring Dances being held. It would be neat to catch one of those. I think they are all held by various geisha houses. It's an annual event. I think it might have even been mentioned in the book "Memoirs of a Geisha". I'll also have to check the books to see if there's any additional information there.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Caldera, Big Island, Hawaii
View of the Caldera at Kilauea. You can see offerings to the volcano goddess Pele on the right.
More Luau!
Your traditional hula dancing at a luau. The telling of the history of Hawaii. There were no flaming batons, which are actually a Samoan thing.
Luau, Lahaina, Maui, May 2004
This is the pit where they were cooking the kalua pig (and other luau fixings) all day. This was the ceremonial "get the pig out of the pit" deal.
Maui, Hawaii, May 2004
This is what we gound at the end of a road and after a long walk. The water was incredibly clear and calm as it was protected by some reefs.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Waimea Canyon, May 2004
Since most of my photos are on the iBook, I've finally found a way to upload.. First of many to come.
Meetings, Meetings, Meetings
I guess I just seem to get enough meetings today. I had three of them to be exact. Of course, they were all spaced in such a way that it was hard for me to be productive in between! Blech! I really can't do much with an hour here and an hour there.
I really don't understand how some people spend they're entire day in meetings. When do they actually get to do any real work? If I had to go to meetings the least they could be is productive. I hate coming out of meetings feeling as if an hour has gone by and nothing to show for it.
Anyway.... And life goes on.
I guess I just seem to get enough meetings today. I had three of them to be exact. Of course, they were all spaced in such a way that it was hard for me to be productive in between! Blech! I really can't do much with an hour here and an hour there.
I really don't understand how some people spend they're entire day in meetings. When do they actually get to do any real work? If I had to go to meetings the least they could be is productive. I hate coming out of meetings feeling as if an hour has gone by and nothing to show for it.
Anyway.... And life goes on.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Countdown..
In less than two weeks time, we will be on a flight to Tokyo. It will be a slightly longer flight than last as we will be flying ANA out of IAD. Depending on what reference you use, this will be an approximately 14-15 hr flight. I think I might have to invest in a battery pack for the iPod.
I've also been making a few small purchases online. For example, this neat travel wallet from LLBean to hold all those important travel documents. It was only available in powder blue. Also, ordered a watch from LLBean since I don't want my chrome Swatch to set off the metal detectors (which it has at least once).
One of the fun things about preparing for such a long trip is figuring out if there is something you can get to make the trip easier. I like to try to shop for neat new gadgets or clothing, such as wrinkle-proof, quick-drying socks or pants. Or maybe this is just a great excuse to go shopping!
Right now I am also going through this mental phase at work where I know I will be on vacation soon and can't really think about doing much else. It's not really good, so I have to put in more effort to be more productive. I plan to login to work shortly and work on a few things. *sigh* At least I can charge the hours...
In less than two weeks time, we will be on a flight to Tokyo. It will be a slightly longer flight than last as we will be flying ANA out of IAD. Depending on what reference you use, this will be an approximately 14-15 hr flight. I think I might have to invest in a battery pack for the iPod.
I've also been making a few small purchases online. For example, this neat travel wallet from LLBean to hold all those important travel documents. It was only available in powder blue. Also, ordered a watch from LLBean since I don't want my chrome Swatch to set off the metal detectors (which it has at least once).
One of the fun things about preparing for such a long trip is figuring out if there is something you can get to make the trip easier. I like to try to shop for neat new gadgets or clothing, such as wrinkle-proof, quick-drying socks or pants. Or maybe this is just a great excuse to go shopping!
Right now I am also going through this mental phase at work where I know I will be on vacation soon and can't really think about doing much else. It's not really good, so I have to put in more effort to be more productive. I plan to login to work shortly and work on a few things. *sigh* At least I can charge the hours...
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Two more weeks.
It's two more weeks before our trip to Japan. I am really hoping for some decent weather when we get there. With Spring it's hard to say if it will be a dry Spring or a wet one. In any case, we will pack as appropriate.
In the mean time I have managed to put together a little notebook with notes about hotels and train schedules. D thinks I might be overplanning a bit, but I just want to be somewhat prepared. I guess it's good to maintain a certain amount of spontaneity as well. I dunno. I suppose I am just one of those people who do not like too many (bad) surprises.
Another thing that should get done before we leave is our taxes! :-p We're just waiting for the papers for the 1st 60 days RRSP receipts. I could get the figures online for mine and at least get it going with the QuickTax. Hopefully we won't be owing much to the government this year. Goodness knows they take enough from us. :-p
Also, managed to get a friend to take care of the cats while we're away. We will have to show him how to give Finster his daily insulin. I have to remember to prepare an info sheet for him as well.
Hmm.. The weekend is already half over. :-(
It's two more weeks before our trip to Japan. I am really hoping for some decent weather when we get there. With Spring it's hard to say if it will be a dry Spring or a wet one. In any case, we will pack as appropriate.
In the mean time I have managed to put together a little notebook with notes about hotels and train schedules. D thinks I might be overplanning a bit, but I just want to be somewhat prepared. I guess it's good to maintain a certain amount of spontaneity as well. I dunno. I suppose I am just one of those people who do not like too many (bad) surprises.
Another thing that should get done before we leave is our taxes! :-p We're just waiting for the papers for the 1st 60 days RRSP receipts. I could get the figures online for mine and at least get it going with the QuickTax. Hopefully we won't be owing much to the government this year. Goodness knows they take enough from us. :-p
Also, managed to get a friend to take care of the cats while we're away. We will have to show him how to give Finster his daily insulin. I have to remember to prepare an info sheet for him as well.
Hmm.. The weekend is already half over. :-(
Sunday, March 06, 2005
It's been a while since my last posting (re: Re-Org). As some things have changed, other things have not. While the overall work has not changed, how things are being handled has. Some of us were afraid of this happening. It's become "us" and "them". It's very unfortunate that it's become this way.
Some people definitely have not changed. A few of us have been on training courses the past couple of weeks. In one instance, G was supposed to be on this one course, but M decided not to have him away for a 2nd week. So, M decided to take the course in place of G. I wonder about the login in that as the material being taught would be lost on M. Why not another person in the section? On top of that, M had just taken another course the week before last. Again, on that course, I wonder how much use M will get out of it. It's the ol' "use it or lose it".
I had also recently lent to P, I's copy of The Office. P really found it funny and was able to associate some real life colleagues with some of the characters from The Office. I know I could! Funny series with a hint if reality thrown in. ;-)
Anyway, it's finally March! Three more weeks before vacation! Woo hoo!! Looking forward to this trip. It's M's fault if my stuff isn't covered properly. I has tried to get someone on board to learn some of my stuff. Unfortunately, V is one of those people who does what is given and nothing more. This is rather frustrating, I find. I don't understand how some people just don't bother to show initiative or some proactivity in what they do at work. Or, am I just doing too much? Honestly, I feel guilty if I don't have anything to do. The occasional down time is good, but I don't like being idle for too long.
Well, tomorrow is yet another Monday to deal with.
In other things, yesterday I had gone out with a few buddies. One of them was recently laid off. We figure it would be nice to get together for lunch and maybe a few drinks.
So we met up at a coffee place downtown. It took us a little while to decide where to grab lunch. We ended up at a food court of a nearby shopping center. At least there was some variety to choose from! There we just chatted a bit about various things.
Afterwards, we decided it was time for some beer! So we headed on over to this brewpub called Brutopia. I think we hung around there for about 3-4 hrs before we decided it was time for some dinner! For dinner we headed over to Weinstein & Gavinos. Not bad.
Overall, we had a good time. It has been a very long time since I had gone out and had a few drinks with friends. A very long time. Must make a mental note to do this again. :)
Some people definitely have not changed. A few of us have been on training courses the past couple of weeks. In one instance, G was supposed to be on this one course, but M decided not to have him away for a 2nd week. So, M decided to take the course in place of G. I wonder about the login in that as the material being taught would be lost on M. Why not another person in the section? On top of that, M had just taken another course the week before last. Again, on that course, I wonder how much use M will get out of it. It's the ol' "use it or lose it".
I had also recently lent to P, I's copy of The Office. P really found it funny and was able to associate some real life colleagues with some of the characters from The Office. I know I could! Funny series with a hint if reality thrown in. ;-)
Anyway, it's finally March! Three more weeks before vacation! Woo hoo!! Looking forward to this trip. It's M's fault if my stuff isn't covered properly. I has tried to get someone on board to learn some of my stuff. Unfortunately, V is one of those people who does what is given and nothing more. This is rather frustrating, I find. I don't understand how some people just don't bother to show initiative or some proactivity in what they do at work. Or, am I just doing too much? Honestly, I feel guilty if I don't have anything to do. The occasional down time is good, but I don't like being idle for too long.
Well, tomorrow is yet another Monday to deal with.
In other things, yesterday I had gone out with a few buddies. One of them was recently laid off. We figure it would be nice to get together for lunch and maybe a few drinks.
So we met up at a coffee place downtown. It took us a little while to decide where to grab lunch. We ended up at a food court of a nearby shopping center. At least there was some variety to choose from! There we just chatted a bit about various things.
Afterwards, we decided it was time for some beer! So we headed on over to this brewpub called Brutopia. I think we hung around there for about 3-4 hrs before we decided it was time for some dinner! For dinner we headed over to Weinstein & Gavinos. Not bad.
Overall, we had a good time. It has been a very long time since I had gone out and had a few drinks with friends. A very long time. Must make a mental note to do this again. :)
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Re-Org, yet again...
Last Friday our manager mentioned that it looks like we will have to be moved into an actual department. This is due to the "blueprint" of the organization. Our manager is not suppose to have anyone under him. Also, there is the possibility that we will be split. Sucks...
Yesterday, our manager comes into our team meeting with the directors of the other two departments to make the announcement that we were being moved. The bulk of the group was going to one and two people were going to the other. Of course we really weren't happy with the split. :-p
Other than that, it wasn't an overly hectic Friday. But there was at some point during the day when I wanted to kill someone for his sheer incompetence and lack of common sense. Thank goodness this person will be returning to his group by the end of next week.
OK, time to relax. It's the weekend. :-)
Last Friday our manager mentioned that it looks like we will have to be moved into an actual department. This is due to the "blueprint" of the organization. Our manager is not suppose to have anyone under him. Also, there is the possibility that we will be split. Sucks...
Yesterday, our manager comes into our team meeting with the directors of the other two departments to make the announcement that we were being moved. The bulk of the group was going to one and two people were going to the other. Of course we really weren't happy with the split. :-p
Other than that, it wasn't an overly hectic Friday. But there was at some point during the day when I wanted to kill someone for his sheer incompetence and lack of common sense. Thank goodness this person will be returning to his group by the end of next week.
OK, time to relax. It's the weekend. :-)
Monday, January 31, 2005
Woohoo! In less than 2 months, we'll be on our way to Japan again. I think it will be a slightly longer haul over since we will be flying ANA our of IAD. I guess I should review the itinerary. You could say I'm a little anal about planning this trip. I will say that I have not planned this trip down to the last hour! I think my boyfriend would kill me if I did that. I think more or less destination to destination planning should be a enough. I am trying to avoid day-to-day planning of the itinerary.
So.. where are we going again?
Arrive in Tokyo (and overnight). Shinkansen to Kyoto . Kyoto for 12 nights. Kanazawa for 2 nights. Takayama for 3 nights. Magome one night. Tsumago one night. Matsumoto 2 nights. Tokyo 5 nights. Then home.
Some things we plan on doing/seeing:
So.. where are we going again?
Arrive in Tokyo (and overnight). Shinkansen to Kyoto . Kyoto for 12 nights. Kanazawa for 2 nights. Takayama for 3 nights. Magome one night. Tsumago one night. Matsumoto 2 nights. Tokyo 5 nights. Then home.
Some things we plan on doing/seeing:
- Visit Expo2005 in Aichi
- Toji Shrine Flea Market
- Nakasendo Highway
- Takayama Spring Matsuri
- See Yomiuri Giants baseball game
- Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum
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