Friday, March 23, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Whew
Well, apparently it's been over a month since my last post. Since being sick, I've been pretty lethargic, trying to avoid having to do much of anything. Not sure why, but that's how it's been, and hopefully as the weather improves that will go away.
So, the last month and a bit. Now I have to try to remember what's been going on. Work first. Apparently we've decided to shake things up a bit. Our group has been split in two to allow each half to focus better on what they're supposed to do. This means I have a new director (my manager two levels up). When my direct manager goes away on mat leave later this year, he'll be my boss full time, at least for the year following that. He seems like a nice guy, total new to in-situ oil sands work, but lots of experience in plants and oil and gas in general, so I'm sure he'll pick it all up really quickly. Otherwise, the company has also decided to shake things up a little. All they've really done is move a bunch of VP's around, and create a few new ones. It also looks like they're grooming the next CEO, though it's hard to be completely sure. We'll have to wait and see, but I don't think any of that is going to change anything. Things have been crazy busy at work, and show no sign of slowing down any time soon, so I'm getting used to the busy. I like it better when I have lots to do, but this is pushing even that a little far. 6-9 months and things should calm down a little. I'll just have to wait it out.
Outside of work, well, lots of hanging out at home. A few geocaching trips, trying to get to 200 finds before spring/summer hits and that slows down due to better things to do outside. I'm enjoying discovering all the cool little parks in and around town. It's amazing how much of the city I didn't know about at all. Speaking of the outdoors, ultimate season is beginning to sneak up on us. I'm looking forward to the 2 teams this year. Playing 3 time a week last year was just a little too much, didn't enjoy it any more. I think only twice a week should help, and will keep my knees in better shape. Right now, teams are getting worked out, registration is coming up next month and then a month and a bit later, we get to play!
What else... Well, our hot water heater decided that it didn't like working properly. We ended up replacing a temperature/pressure valve, which seems to have solved the problem. Now we just need to figure out how to replace the anode and we should be good to run it for another 5-10 years. I was just glad we didn't have to replace another appliance this year. Between the fridge breaking, and the furnace trying too, I've had enough. Hopefully nothing else breaks soon.
Think, think, think. I finally got a new bicycle about a month ago. Even though it's just gray (I've wanted a pink bike since I was like 4, maybe next time...), it's a Kona Fire Mountain. It's a lot nicer to ride than my old one (lighter, better breaks, easier gear changing). Unfortunately, the day after I bought it, the big Calgary snowstorm started. I've only gotten to go out a couple times. Soon they should be cleaning up the gravel, then I can ride to work every day!!! Maybe we'll go out for a ride this weekend, if the nice weather holds. I've been missing my bike, so I can't wait to get out again regularly.
We also got a Roomba Scheduler recently. This little guy is basically a robot vacuum. You set him up to clean on certain days at certain times, then he does it. Our floors have never been so clean. I thought at first that he was just going to be a silly gadget, but he actually works really well. I love him very much. His name is Roger.
Otherwise, I've been to a hockey game. It was nice to actually be in the Saddledome for a Flames win. I have a tendency to only see games where they lose (usually to Vancouver, funnily enough). Still doing pilates. I'm signed up for an intermediate-advanced class starting next month. It's amazing how much your body improves at this stuff the more you do it. Hopefully this'll help with the injuries due to ultimate this summer. It's supposed to, but I'll have to wait and see. Well that's all I can think of for now. I'll try to keep up with this thing a little better from now on.
So, the last month and a bit. Now I have to try to remember what's been going on. Work first. Apparently we've decided to shake things up a bit. Our group has been split in two to allow each half to focus better on what they're supposed to do. This means I have a new director (my manager two levels up). When my direct manager goes away on mat leave later this year, he'll be my boss full time, at least for the year following that. He seems like a nice guy, total new to in-situ oil sands work, but lots of experience in plants and oil and gas in general, so I'm sure he'll pick it all up really quickly. Otherwise, the company has also decided to shake things up a little. All they've really done is move a bunch of VP's around, and create a few new ones. It also looks like they're grooming the next CEO, though it's hard to be completely sure. We'll have to wait and see, but I don't think any of that is going to change anything. Things have been crazy busy at work, and show no sign of slowing down any time soon, so I'm getting used to the busy. I like it better when I have lots to do, but this is pushing even that a little far. 6-9 months and things should calm down a little. I'll just have to wait it out.
Outside of work, well, lots of hanging out at home. A few geocaching trips, trying to get to 200 finds before spring/summer hits and that slows down due to better things to do outside. I'm enjoying discovering all the cool little parks in and around town. It's amazing how much of the city I didn't know about at all. Speaking of the outdoors, ultimate season is beginning to sneak up on us. I'm looking forward to the 2 teams this year. Playing 3 time a week last year was just a little too much, didn't enjoy it any more. I think only twice a week should help, and will keep my knees in better shape. Right now, teams are getting worked out, registration is coming up next month and then a month and a bit later, we get to play!
What else... Well, our hot water heater decided that it didn't like working properly. We ended up replacing a temperature/pressure valve, which seems to have solved the problem. Now we just need to figure out how to replace the anode and we should be good to run it for another 5-10 years. I was just glad we didn't have to replace another appliance this year. Between the fridge breaking, and the furnace trying too, I've had enough. Hopefully nothing else breaks soon.
Think, think, think. I finally got a new bicycle about a month ago. Even though it's just gray (I've wanted a pink bike since I was like 4, maybe next time...), it's a Kona Fire Mountain. It's a lot nicer to ride than my old one (lighter, better breaks, easier gear changing). Unfortunately, the day after I bought it, the big Calgary snowstorm started. I've only gotten to go out a couple times. Soon they should be cleaning up the gravel, then I can ride to work every day!!! Maybe we'll go out for a ride this weekend, if the nice weather holds. I've been missing my bike, so I can't wait to get out again regularly.
We also got a Roomba Scheduler recently. This little guy is basically a robot vacuum. You set him up to clean on certain days at certain times, then he does it. Our floors have never been so clean. I thought at first that he was just going to be a silly gadget, but he actually works really well. I love him very much. His name is Roger.
Otherwise, I've been to a hockey game. It was nice to actually be in the Saddledome for a Flames win. I have a tendency to only see games where they lose (usually to Vancouver, funnily enough). Still doing pilates. I'm signed up for an intermediate-advanced class starting next month. It's amazing how much your body improves at this stuff the more you do it. Hopefully this'll help with the injuries due to ultimate this summer. It's supposed to, but I'll have to wait and see. Well that's all I can think of for now. I'll try to keep up with this thing a little better from now on.
