Work extended

I found out on Monday that I have been extended to May 31st, which is great. I wouldn't be surprised if go beyond that after hearing what's coming down the pipe later in the year due to this.

Tuesday: Four seasons, one day

I was at Dunsmuir Lodge (located up the peninsula close to the airport) this past Tuesday for an all day workshop. While the workshop was a complete waste of time, the lunch and view from the lodge were good.

The weather was incredibly crazy.. it literally was four seasons in one day! Here's a few pictures I took while I was there. You can see a weather front rolling in.

40 Things You'd Love to Say Out Loud at Work

1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of shit.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to publicly humiliate yourself.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
7. I'm out of my mind at the moment, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here - I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I don't understand a damn word you're saying.
10. Ahhh. I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision - I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualising the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of karma to burn off.
22 Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your cry-baby whiny assed opinion would be?
24. Do I look like a f..ing people person to you?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. Oh, I get it. Like humor. Only different.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without the door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door number 1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume, but must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is finally done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun.
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. I'll try being nicer if you try being smarter.
40. Wait a minute - I'm just trying to imagine you with a personality.

More studio time booked

Yes, Inez, you're first in line and have been from the beginning of the project! That's after the Banquo members get their copies, of course. :-)

So... I have another 4 hours booked in the studio on Sunday. More percussion tracks and some jaw harpin' for me.

Eric laid down some tracks last week. I'm looking forward to hearing what he did. I understand that a lot of droning on bagpipes was going on.. I feel sorry for Jude's wife who had to listen to it all at 5-10 minute stretches.*

*There's an urban myth about a man who went crazy listening to the note A440 played constantly on a piano. I can see this happening - it'd be torture!

Back in the studio!

About to record a bodhran track!

Well, we're finally getting back into the studio to finish off the recording for our new CD. I spent four hours yesterday recording percussion tracks. Both Jude and I managed to get a lot of things laid down and the new tracks are sounding great. I have to go in for another percussion session (including jaw harps) and then the rest of the folks can start scheduling their time in the studio. :)

And yes, I am still employed.

I forgot to mention that my work term has been extended to March 31, which is the end of fiscal. I will likely be extended beyond that, it just depends on the budget for the next year. (crosses fingers)

I've been engaged in more challenging work lately. It's good, but some days it just a little too challenging; whether it's dealing with bad data, broken software, or the two training manuals I am currently in the midst of writing. It can all be very wearying, especially this past week, but it sure beats doing the same thing everyday.

I got a raise in November which certainly makes the work a little more tolerable.. nearly $18/hr now. Woot! (Why am I always broke, though??)

To their credit, our office is finally making some effort to treat us pathetic long-term temps better. They gave us "Established Time Off" - we can work longer hours to bank a day off with pay. I haven't taken advantage of it yet, but I see it being useful for the times when the band has an out of town gig (and yes, we're starting to line 'em up!).

If you blog and nobody reads it,did you really blog at all?

A fabulous day here in Victoria. We had our first full day of sunshine since August. But it was still a bit chilly.. but who cares? It wasn't gray!

Given the occasion, I crawled out of my cave.. I know it might be shocking for some of you who know me all too well! This afternoon I went to Willows Beach with my friend Stephen and his dog, Woody. We had a nice time hanging out.. it was great. Here's a few photos. :-)

Woody playing fetch in the water.. he was having a blast!

Sailboats and a clear view across the Georgia Strait to the mainland.
That's Mt Baker in the distance.*

*For some reason, whenever I shoot landscapes, they're always crooked.