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Sea Dog Blue Paw

Posted on May 14, 2008 | Filed Under Beer

Okay, I’m still attempting to blather on about random stuff so the few people who might read my blog pay attention.

So, my topic today is tasty beer. I just had a Sea Dog Blue Paw beer, which is probably the best microbrew beer I’ve had since I first discovered Pyramid Apricot. Both are flavored beers, which might make me a bit girly, but I’m okay with that if it means I like tasty beverages.

Moving On

Posted on May 9, 2008 | Filed Under Work

Changing jobs is a tough thing. Even when you feel that it’s the correct move, the idea of leaving good teammates and coworkers behind has a semblance of death to it. I’m sure there’s probably an article out there that describes the psychological aspects of this. But I’ll just say that it’s a little sad even when it’s a voluntary move.

One thing that I read recently that made me feel slightly better was this article (http://thedailywtf.com/Articles/Up-or-Out-Solving-the-IT-Turnover-Crisis.aspx). Until I read it I had doubts that I should leave my current employer. But thinking about the Dead Sea effect, and critically thinking about whether I had moved past my “Value Apex”, I realized that regardless of internal politics and mismanagement I needed to leave. Otherwise, I risked becoming part of the Dead Sea effect.

Something all companies should pay attention to:

This point bears repeating. Indefinite retention is impossible; employees always quit. The key part is understanding why, and how to leverage this inevitability towards everyone’s advantage.

Back in Blog

Posted on April 28, 2008 | Filed Under Life in General

Okay, so I realized I haven’t posted in 10 months. That kind of stinks, so I’m going to attempt to follow a friend’s lead and post somewhat regularly even if no one reads my ramblings.

So, my first one back is going to be what not to do when you’re diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (also the implied reason I haven’t posted in 10 months):

1. Don’t quit your job 3 days prior to being diagnosed. (That one’s a toughy.)
2. Don’t expect people to have a clue how freaked out you are.
3. Profit! ….oh, wait, sorry, Underpants Gnomes.
4. If you have a blog, don’t stop writing in it during that time period. At the very least keep a journal.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
6. If you’re a guy, don’t expect everyone to catch on even when you’re bald from chemotherapy.

If anyone out there in their 20’s finds themselves in the position of having Lymphoma, feel free to contact me. I had it pretty easy, but sometimes it helps to talk about it with others who’ve gone through it.

Test Mac Journal

Posted on April 28, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized

Well, here’s an attempt to use Mac Journal connected to Word Press. Let’s see if it really works.

Woohoo, it does. That’s pretty cool–maybe even worth the $35 it costs.

Unsupervised Solo

Posted on July 2, 2007 | Filed Under Flying

Today I got to fly out to our local practice area with only my nerves as my copilot.

Again there were thunderstorms 10-20 miles away. Although they weren’t heading toward the practice area I was mildly apprehensive. As I was heading to the practice area I saw lightning in the distance. I nearly did an immediate u-turn to go back for just touch-and-go’s. However, to the south the sun was shining, and the clouds were distant.

I worked on basic ground-reference manuevers. I still suck at those which is frustrating. These should be the simplest things to do, but Mr. Wind kept messing with me. After several turns around a point I finally realized an easy trick: Pick out landmarks and fly over them to help keep the radius equidistant. Rectangular courses and s-turns I didn’t do that well, either, but I think another practice or two will get me locked in on them.

Three landings (two touch-n-go’s), and I was done. I’m not sure what the hell happened, but my landings were pretty good–a bit of floating–but, I’m proud of myself. I just need more crosswind practice now.

Flight Time: 1.4 Hours

Total Time: 26.0 Hours, 2.8 PIC

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