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.

mmmmmm... Butter Chicken

A few months ago I was given a fabulous cookbook of Indian food (about the only good that came out of that dating fiasco), and finally got around to trying this recipe. It is so good! The dish is savoury, but not spicy.



In place of the Indian yoghurt I used store-bought plain yogurt. I had used boneless chicken breasts, but I think they may have been too dry and there wasn't much sauce (so use the thighs as recommended in the recipe). If you make it, let me know how it turns out for you! :)

Myers-Briggs personality type quiz

Our office recently had a communications workshop (actually, I didn't get to go as *someone* needed to be at the office!), and one of the key pieces of the workshop was learning what personality types everyone was. I was pretty skeptical about it, but after doing the test and reading about what I was... it's pretty nifty!

I have made the quiz available online here. Print it off and have a go at it! The test should take no longer than 15 minutes to finish - answer the questions as fast as possible - do not spend time analyzing them... off the cuff answers are the key here.

After you determine your codes, visit this site to get a synopsis of your personality type.

I'm an ISFJ, btw. ;-)

Harper declares same-sex issue closed after Commons defeats motion

© Graeme MacKay / artizans.com

OTTAWA (CP) - The last major threat to same-sex marriage rights in Canada was soundly defeated in the House of Commons on Thursday, with MPs sending the message they don't want to revisit the emotional, divisive debate. Read the full story

The matter should never have been re-opened in the first place!

Brrrrr... Van Isle gets hit with snowstorm

Between yesterday and today we got a HUGE dump of snow - over 40cm of the stuff. The city has come to a virtual standstill; roads are a disaster and it's pretty cold (for us, anyhow). No buses were running this morning and our office was closed (yay!). Here's a few pics:



The view in the backyard at about 6:30am.. this was about the time I decided there was no way I was going to attempt to walk to work in James Bay (about 40mins in normal weather)!



Of course, the weather is fun for kids and cats alike! Here's a picture of Freja having a rest after bouncing through snowdrifts. :)




A view down Gladstone Ave towards Fernwood Village


brrrrrrrrr......