Now That's What I Call Justice

This morning on the way to work some idiot in a white Dodge pickup went racing by us like we were standing still. I shrugged it off knowing full well most of the time folks like that get away with their speeding and don't get caught.

About 10 miles down the road, what do you know...he was pulled over by one of our state patrol. Go CSP! I couldn't help but laugh out loud at his demise.

Frustrations

I've been working for the last few weeks on a quilt called a September Sun. The pattern is awesome but a little more complex than anything I have completed in the past. I am on a deadline to get this done so the quilter I have asked to finish it can have it.

This pattern has been very frustrating. Once I take the time to ask and learn the techniques that are proven to work for the issue at hand it goes smoothly again until I hit upon another area where I need help. The quilt has been like that from the start.

Most recently I am finishing up one of the final blocks for the quilt and hit upon yet another road block. This time it sounds like my block has come out too big even though I followed the instructions and used the templates for it.

Being this close to done is hugely frustrating to me. The thought of having to tear apart that block and start over is nothing short of heart breaking. I'm not sure I can bear it. Alas I will have to wait until Saturday to find out if it is really a problem or not.

Keep your fingers crossed! I would like to get this thing sewn together and borders started this weekend but that won't happen if I have to tear it all apart and redo it.

Things You Don't Know

Below are 5 things you may not know about me.

I am a published author. Back in high school I wrote a poem which I later dedicated to my grandfather who died that year. I don't share it with many people as the feelings within it are very private.

I used to play piano competatively. I took lessons for 10+ years and competed against local people earning high marks in every competition I attended.

I enjoy showing cats. We have five, and all but one of them have been in the show ring at any given time. Three are retired, but my youngest - an ocicat by the name of Picasso is still very active in the show circuit and doing quite well.

I am a perfectionist to the Nth degree. I will be focusing on something completely unrelated to a given subject and suddenly freak out because I did something incorrectly on a task I completed hours ago. I find this attribute shines in my quilting as well. I will rip out a seam over and over until I am happy with it. They say we are our own worst critics and that certainly is true for me.

I don't talk about it much, but sometimes I have premonitions about things. Typically they are not about me, but about others around me that I like or care about. Any time I experience said premonitions they have been 100% accurate - to the point that it even gives me chills to recollect. They come to me in a similar way to dreams - it's hard to explain how I tell the difference. It's more vivid, more real somehow.

I had one once about the daughter of a coworker - one day she walked into the shop and I knew that she wouldn't be around in a few months. It wasn't anything she did or said, just a feeling that crept up my spine. Sure enough, a month later she was in a car accident and was killed.

More recently I had one about a friend of mine who was being stalked. I suddenly had a premonition that the man who was stalking her would go into the hotel she was staying at, pull the fire alarm to get her to come out and the time would be around 4:30 AM (I think, it was a while ago, I may have the time wrong now). Days later that exact thing happened, but since I told her she didn't come out of the room until they were certain that it was a fire. Wouldn't you know the hotel staff saw the man drive away quickly in his car after most of the hotel occupants had been safely evacuated and he saw no sign of her.

Freaky huh?

Fear of the Unknown

Sadly, I find myself disappointed in humanity today. Today was voting day and one of the issues on the ballot was to grant recognition to domestic partnerships for gay folks. Another was to add an ammendment to the constition that marriage is only between "one man and one woman".

I will state for the record I am not gay, but I have always felt passionately about issues around the gay population. I have gay friends, a number of them in fact, so that may influence me some, but not much as I felt this way before I met them.

One of the biggest problems I have with Colorado Springs is Focus on the Family (or Poke Us In The Fanny as Beosig likes to call it) is the influence they have over the general population. One of the things Focus on the Family has pushed (and hard!) is how gay people don't deserve any recognition, voice, or other rights granted to all humans on the face of this earth. Unfortunately you can see this view echoed in the general population in Colorado Springs, and I truely feel a large part of the reason for that is that people are afraid of standing up to Focus on the Family. I on the other hand have always said I'd like to work for them and corrupt them from the inside out. How fun!

Pardon me, but aren't gay people human too? Am I wrong? Being gay is NOT contagious, there is no reason to discriminate against them. I think maybe the reason I feel so strongly about this is because it rings of the same battle that women went through (and are still fighting) to be seen as equals in the world. How is it different when the subject is about sexual preference rather than gender? Same battle, years later.

Just now I am hearing that the two issues that would help gay folk out have been shot down. What are we afraid of people? I am sorely disappointed in the fact that people just can't seem to open their eyes and see the big picture. Grow a backbone for heaven's sake! We can't keep sweeping this under a rug like it never happened. Eventually it will get out and we'll have to deal with it. I'm opting for sooner rather than later.

I could dedicate pages upon pages to my point of view on sexual preferences and discrimination but I will save my breath for now. Perhaps another time.

Rock the Boat

Turns out I was right. Erik (my boss) put in his two weeks notice. His last day will be the 17th. Apparently he had been planning on leaving this year prior to Ty's departure anyway. That doesn't make it any less sad though.

I'm two for two in this respect. Joe has also put in his two weeks notice and will be leaving on the 17th as well. Go figure. Can I pick 'em or what?

In light of the newest change, I started thinking about if I would be interested in taking over his role. The more I think about it, the more I like the thought. I told our CFO I was interested after our meeting with management. The meeting was scheduled to be a task update and overview of things that needed done but turned out to be more a pep talk - and an effective one at that. I set up an appointment to chat with the CEO in detail about this.

Understand, I know nothing about managing people, but I get along well with everyone and I feel I could represent us without problems. I have done training and assigned tasks to others in the past though, so it can't be a huge stretch from what I have done in the past.

Today I discussed my interest in one of the team lead positions with the CEO. He was rather surprised to hear of my interest, and glad to hear what I had to say. However, he was frank with me (as I was with him) that with all we have coming down the pipe basically Jason would be the option they're leaning towards at the moment. I'm ok with that, but I have to admit the idea of putting managing team members on my resume (especially after only one year at this job) is rather appealing.

Turmoil at Work

I must be making up for days I haven't posted this month because I sure have plenty to say. Bear with me at any rate.

Recently events have transpired at my work that have made me somewhat nervous. You must understand that the environment I came from previously has made me somewhat gun-shy. There we were told nothing about why various people left, no effort was made to fill positions, rather the extra load was pushed on to someone who was already overloaded. It is difficult, but I do try to look at things from the outside point of view or at least make sure I've got the big picture before reacting.

Yesterday I came into work only to find that two very important people had left, of which one of them was a founding member of the company. Naturally I went straight to the source for the full story - I will not beat around the bush with excuses etc when I need to know if the well-being of the company I work for is at stake. The outcome was favorable for both sides - the company and the former employees. I was willing to accept the answer I received until yesterday evening. Just as we were winding things down for the day, CEO came over to our office and he and the VP of IT had an out and out fight. There was yelling and finger pointing and curse words everywhere. The fact his door was closed did next to nothing to keep things out of public ears. The outcome - our VP of IT quit (or so we were told), he couldn't deal with the changes that had transpired.

Today the CFO and CEO addressed our group to tell us why and how they planned to fill the gap. I appreciate the efforts and their honesty but I still have to wonder if others will soon be following his footsteps and leaving as well. Everyone left in our group has a very important role and I feel they all do it well. If one left, I hate to think of how long and hard it would be to find someone to fill those shoes. I have a feeling that I have pegged a few people for who will be leaving if there will be any leaving going on. Listed in no particular order:

Eric, a team member who I have heard mention some gripes about the place in the past.

Erik, my boss, but only if he doesn't step up to take the position that Ty had. I seriously hope this doesn't happen.

Joe, who has been there for years, and has it made with his work at home situation. Of course that's changing now that Ty has left and they are asking him to come in more frequently to keep things running smoothly. I can't imagine he is thrilled about that so hopefully they are offering some sort of compensation to keep him on.

Cassie, a web developer, I see as a mild flight risk, but knowing she doesn't like to be BS'd or walked all over I could see it happening. Especially if Joe is put in charge as she doesn't seem to like him much but rather grins and bears it when she has to.

As mentioned before I do hope I am wrong and especially hope that not all of them run off to greener pastures as that takes care of almost 1/3 of the team. We will see what the weeks to come brings us. Hope for the best.

Gripes

Within the last 6 months or so, all of the people I was used to spending time with have suddenly become inordinately busy, or otherwise obsessed with their lives. Over the years, I have become one of the only couples without children, putting a serious dent in my social life.

I'm not one to complain generally, but sometimes you just need a night out with the girls to cut loose. Something I haven't had in ages it seems. Spud is seemingly afraid to leave her child with her husband for fear he can't handle it, and all I can think about is how badly I want to tell her that if she doesn't do it he'll never learn and he'll never have a reason to try! I feel a bit selfish for that, but she is one of my closest friends, and now she lives incredibly close by. I have tried many times over to talk her into going out for the night - even something cheap as they are on a tight budget, but usually the answer is no.

Linda well...let's face it, she's a flake. Yes, she got me the concert tickets and I appreciate that, but the last time I actually set up an event with her and she followed through was so long ago I can't remember. There's always a new excuse. I like Linda, I really do, our personalities complement each other so well, but it's hard to get around the fact that she tends to blow people off on a frequent basis.

Rogue, well, I rarely see her anymore. Either it's family time with her and the hubby and kids or she's working. Seems like there's never social time. I feel like I hardly know her any longer.

It's hard for me to admit, but I need new friends. Ones without neverending family commitments and that have the ability to break away to go do something fun.

When I get bored and feel the desire to go out but can't I have been trying to bury myself in work or in quilting or something along those lines to keep my mind off it lest I let it drag me down. Thing is, I have a tough time meeting people and those I know and like at work either live in Denver or I have an issue with taking a work relationship and turning it into anything else outside work. My reason for that is if things go sour in the friendship suddenly it becomes difficult if not impossible to work together..doesn't it? Maybe I'm wrong. People wonder where to go find their soulmate, well I wonder where to go meet new friends. Suggestions?

I have changed quite a bit since college, but I really find I am missing my old college buds lately too. What I wouldn't give just to be able to have one of them come stay here for a long weekend or something. Alas, they too are victims of the same trap - family commitments or work. Doesn't anyone have fun anymore?

Snowbound

I was told earlier this summer by our new neighbors that when it snowed out here we would get the brunt of the storm. At the time I didn't give that a second thought, simply taking the words with a grain of salt and putting them out of my mind. Recently though, mother nature has decided to show me that my neighbor knew what she was talking about.

Last Thursday we had a big storm here. It blew in over night and dropped (according to the weather guy) 18 inches. Strong winds blew said snow everywhere causing some heavy drifting. Just getting the dogs into the back yard was a huge chore as drifts had developed against both gates. It took quite the effort on my part just to make a path into the yard. To give you a better idea, it is 5 days since the storm ended and we still have significant snowdrifts in the yard that have not yet melted. Wow.

Once the 40MPH winds stopped, a world of white revealed itself. 4.5 foot drifts in places, and just forget trying to go anywhere. Our neighbor at the end of the block was properly equipped with a John Deere tractor/backhoe kind of thing and he was coaxed into digging us out. Not that it helped much seeing as there was still a huge drift in the road that he couldn't manage with his tractor either.

After speaking with Lois, our other neighbor, I learned that the city has downgraded us to a Class C subdivision meaning we are the very last to be plowed if we get plowed at all. I got the number from her and had Beosig call them and beg to have them come by anyway. By 3:30 Saturday afternoon they were here working on the road.

Talk about your serious case of cabin fever! I was very happy about this as I had recently come by some tickets to a James Blunt concert that a former coworker won and then couldn't go to. How happy was I to be the recipient of said tickets! I haven't been to a concert since 2001 (or maybe 2000) when I went to the Eagle's concert.

I managed to talk Spud, a good friend into leaving her child and husband behind for the evening and going with me. The concert was great, and lived up to my expectations. However, in leaving I discovered I had suffered some hearing loss. Two days later Beosig was consistently telling me he had called my name and I heard nothing. I still wonder if he was messing with my head. Still, what a great ending to a very long two (almost three) days.

Behold the Power

I came from a job where I had ultimate trust. After 8 years, why not? It was earned and well deserved. I never did anything to make them think twice about having given me that trust. I had access to anything I wanted.

Fast forward to November last year, when I started the job I am now at. In at the ground level, having to prove that I am worthy of trust with an all-access account. I am no longer used to that - having to ask others to do the things I do not have permissions or rights to do is a bothersome thing, and as much of what I do requires that extra power I feel like a pest. Well no more!

Yesterday I finally was granted the POWER to do whatever I need to do. We had some issues testing it - the OS we use is flaky that way. Until today I did not know and was unable to use the full extent of my POWER. What a relief to have that back and not have to run to the boss every couple hours to ask to have various things run, scheduled or released. It took almost a year, but I have it at long last.

I must admit it is kind of scary in a way, because if I'm not paying attention I can cause some serious damage, but I am willing to accept the repercussions that come with that POWER. I take extra steps to ensure I don't leave my computer unlocked or other careless things to prevent abuse. Not that I think my coworkers are not trustable, but should the wrong person get in there...I shudder to think at the possibilities.

I guess this solidifies things - they must be planning to keep me around for a while. I'm all for that. Unlike my husband I do not enjoy moving around every few months to a new job. Yes, good experience, but I'll pass on the stress that goes with learning the new territory.

Horse Nut

Yes, that's me. A horse nut since I was a girl. Well now that my husband and I have moved to the country and have land, I want to explore the option of getting a horse.

I am not one to take things such as that lightly, so I am learning about them first before taking the big plunge. Besides, we have a while to wait before we can afford one. So today I met up with someone who owns a stable to learn a few things. And learn I did.

1. Horses weigh far too much to allow them to step on your feet. Ok, that wasn't their fault, I did learn how to prevent that, but it happened before they told me. It isn't fun at any rate.

2. Given the chance, any horse will push you around if you don't take the lead and are not consistent about enforcing the rules. It is important to not let them get away with things they know are not permitted. Seems like they are always testing the waters and pushing to see what they can get to sneak by without notice.

3. It really is possible to walk behind a horse and not get kicked.

4. Getting the horse to focus on you before beginning to work with them is supremely important. A few laps around the arena on a lead does seem to help calm a slightly distracted and anxious horse.

5. Grooming and hoof cleaning is very important. I was taught the use of the tools of the trade and a few tricks for a horse that doesn't want to cooperate.

You know it's funny, but until today I don't remember horses seeming so big. I know they are, but maybe it's because I'm not used to standing in front of them or next to them, simply being on their backs. Riding is the ONLY thing I have ever done with a horse prior to today. I have to admit it was a bit intimidating until they taught me a little about how to control him.

I'm looking forward to my next lesson which is going to focus more on nutrition and things to watch for that could call for a vet visit. Behavioral problems will also be touched on. Should be fun.

House Sold?

For two months now we have had two houses. We moved in the middle of July into our new house not having sold the old one yet. The market was peaking when we bought our house but has died off in a horrible way since. I was beginning to think we would be saddled with two houses (and thus two mortages) for the winter.

Today I got a call from our realtor. "I'm calling with good news. We don't have an offer in hand yet but...", that was all I needed to hear to make my day. Turns out we have at least two prospects from showings today that could turn into serious potential buyers. I have my fingers crossed on this one. The idea of running down there to check on things in the dead of winter is not an appealing thought.

About a month ago I got desperate, and laugh if you will, but I bought a small peweter statue of St. Joseph and buried him at the old house. Rumor has it that will help to sell your house sometimes. I figured for $15 how can you go wrong? If it doesn't work, oh well, but if it does, great!

Apparently I am not the only one out there with that idea. Christian stores I called were saying how they can't keep them in stock - most are on order and they are out. I got lucky and found a store around the corner from my part time job who had them.

The problem is that there are varying opinions out there on which direction St. Joseph should face to be effective. Some day face up with his head towards the house, others say face down, other say he needs to have his head towards the curb...no two people agree on this matter.

I put him in one of my flower pots face up with his head pointed towards the house. Left him for 2 weeks like that and nothing. Just Wednesday I was in town so I turned him face down in the same position and now on the first two showings since we have potential. Coincidence? Who can say. We'll find out when we see how the scenario pans out. In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

Good Day

I'm not one to brag much about my skills, abilities or acomplishments, but once in a while something just asks to be bragged about. I'm a perfectionist by nature. Many times I'm just so critical about the outcome that I don't give myself the credit I deserve. But, sometimes, like today, things just fall into place and go better than could be expected.

My career of choice is SQL Developer at the moment. For those of you who don't know what that is we'll just say I do database design and development and leave it at that since most people know what a database is.

Recently I'd been given a rather complex modification to make to keep up with some changes a client is doing. I had put off doing this task until almost the last minute. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow right? I had put plenty of thought into how to tackle said project and just felt in my gut the solution I had arrived at would not work without putting any effort into it yet.

Perfectionist that I am, I asked the programmers I know, and the one I'm married to, what approach they would take with the given scenario. The answers they arrived at were exactly the same as mine. So, off I went, putting my solution into action and testing. As it turns out my gut feeling was right. Things are never as easy as you might think at first.

Always listen to that little voice in the back of your head. I should have known that by now.

Frustrated, I went off to think of a plan B and take a break from the screen. I quickly arrived at another solution to try. Sometimes things just click like magic. This was one of those times. I put my plan B into action and presto! It worked on the first time out! Sometimes you just gotta say, "damn I'm good". That made me feel good to get that out of the way, even if it did take all day when I expected only a couple of hours.

One of the top reasons I left my last job was due to lack of acknowledgement and thanks. I don't expect to have someone acknowledge every little thing I do or thank me for everything, but a nod in my general direction once in a while is a good thing. I hate it when people think that they can just get by without you and you don't contribute much to their little world. Usually I do much more than they know because things run so smoothly that it's seamless to them. The difference with the job I'm at now is that they know these things and they do take the time to notice and comment on them.

So today my boss's boss, who just happens to be the VP of IT asks for an update on a particular project. I reply it is done and we are ready when they are and he tells me what a great job I did getting it cranked out in such short time. What he doesn't know is how hard I busted my ass last week preparing said project, but why dwell on it when it's in the past. At least I got the kudos in the first place. The fact it comes from the big man just makes it feel even better. Let's just hope when that client is ready to roll out it goes smoothly.

Blogging

I've never tried this blogging thing before, and I'm more of the type to keep my thoughts to myself. Change is a good thing though, right? We'll see what happens as things develop.

No promises to post daily, just whenever I feel the urge. Maybe this will help my creative juices to flow freely again.