there were lots of adult costumes at the "Roadhouse" last night a few doors down from Audrey's. The usual suspects were there, Storm Troopers, clowns, Batman, etc. I wonder if Audrey's books ever cringes when the adult Halloween party goers stagger out of the Roadhouse at 3am. They might fear the morning after to find their front window smashed. By the time I'm down that way to notice, wont be until this Friday anyway.
I still hope to finish reading "Space Vulture" in November. It's not a bad read. Its my 8th book in my 10 book 2016 Goodreads book challenge. I might get to book 10 if I pick up a couple of Westerns and I can breeze through November and December if I'm without any drama in my life. I've been so busy struggling with 2 jobs, lodge, getting pension sorted out, Doctors appointments, that type of thing. Life in general.
I've got today and tomorrow night off but tonight, I'm missing the Sens/Oilers game at 7pm because I'll be at lodge leaving out of here at 6pm. I catch the #8 at Rexall to Abbottsfield and double back to get off just at lodge for 7pm. Its practice for step up night Thursday. I'll also be paying the balance of my 2016 lodge dues as well. Maybe I can get one of the brothers to give me a lift in tonight. I'm on his way. Nathan also a Oilers fan will have his cell with him and I'll get updates through out the night. I could work tomorrow at my market research job but I'd also like a night off. I might decide at the last minute to go in anyway. The only thing on tomorrow night is wrestling and I'm usually home in time to catch that after work. Otherwise its Tuesday, Wednesday at my South-side job. Thursday, I'm at lodge, Friday (if the project isn't done by then) I'll be at my market research job. If Saturday looks like its a short shift, I'll go to the South side job. I just might go into the West end job tomorrow for 5 hours and cancel Saturday there and do the South side job instead. Anne's making our Sunday brunch and its lodge tonight. I'll be out of here at 6pm tonight. That's my week ahead. Anyway, that's all for now.
Welcome to my Blog. Anne and I live here in Clareview Edmonton Alberta, with our 2 cats etc. This blog is about my life, rants, politics, books, music production, Sports, some gaming, Freemasonry and some WTF-ish moments that give me pause. Feel free to contact me on my Twitter feed or YouTube channel Shannon on Sounds. Thanks for dropping by
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
We have been getting a few days this week that are
a rain and fog mix bag. Its weather that sets the mood for Halloween weekend. All our snow from last weekend has melted off the ground but we're still getting temperatures of about +3 to +6C. Its the humidity that makes it feel warmer. Its still hoodie and sneaker weather but the Sun now sets by 6pm. At the moment I'm having my first coffee just waking up. I don't have to be out of here until about 3pm this afternoon anyway. Its a shorter commute.
Last night after work Anne brought home a really nice personal 10" Royal pizza for me and her own. The pizza place is a few side steps away from where she catches the train for home. I ate half of it last night and I have the other half for my lunch today.
The Oilers are still first in the West but that stat wont hold up for after tonight's game. The team is in Vancouver and the Canucks seldom lose at home. If we can beat these guys at home, its another test for the Oilers. Also tonight is the Eskimo's/Hamilton CFL game. I think its the last week in the regular season. The Eskimo's have crossed over to the East by virtue of where they ended up in the regular season. Because Calgary is first place in the West, during the playoffs we could face Calgary with the Esks representing the East. In other words we could have a Edmonton/Calgary match up for the Grey Cup. Instead of a winner take all,I wish the CFL in the Grey Cup finale would adapt a best of 7 like in hockey or baseball, to make the playoff season last a bit longer.
This afternoon I'm at my West end job from 4-9:30pm. I haven't worked there all month. So, I'll be following both games tonight. Its times like this where I need internet on the go. By this time next year I'm going to have it. By the time I'm out of the office tonight, the Oiler game will be in its 2nd period. I'll catch the scores at Corona station and the Eskimo results as well.Tomorrow I'm in the West end office again from but from10-6pm. Its a long day but we could be out early if there are no age quotas or cell phones. Last night I found out the project is at the half way mark. After work tonight I'm getting a iTunes gift card for Samplr. Its a cool iPad app. Looking forward to playing around with it Saturday after work. I've got Lodge practice Sunday and I'm paying the balance of my lodge dues, so that's good. I'll be missing the Oilers game but someone there will have a internet. Nathan usually does. Then I'll have Monday off as we're not working Halloween night. My West end job might be working that night but I doubt it and I'll know more tonight and I can plan for my availability for November on my break. Anne says if there is work, I'll have that for myself. I could have enough for Korg Gadget. Anyway, that's all for now.
Last night after work Anne brought home a really nice personal 10" Royal pizza for me and her own. The pizza place is a few side steps away from where she catches the train for home. I ate half of it last night and I have the other half for my lunch today.
The Oilers are still first in the West but that stat wont hold up for after tonight's game. The team is in Vancouver and the Canucks seldom lose at home. If we can beat these guys at home, its another test for the Oilers. Also tonight is the Eskimo's/Hamilton CFL game. I think its the last week in the regular season. The Eskimo's have crossed over to the East by virtue of where they ended up in the regular season. Because Calgary is first place in the West, during the playoffs we could face Calgary with the Esks representing the East. In other words we could have a Edmonton/Calgary match up for the Grey Cup. Instead of a winner take all,I wish the CFL in the Grey Cup finale would adapt a best of 7 like in hockey or baseball, to make the playoff season last a bit longer.
This afternoon I'm at my West end job from 4-9:30pm. I haven't worked there all month. So, I'll be following both games tonight. Its times like this where I need internet on the go. By this time next year I'm going to have it. By the time I'm out of the office tonight, the Oiler game will be in its 2nd period. I'll catch the scores at Corona station and the Eskimo results as well.Tomorrow I'm in the West end office again from but from10-6pm. Its a long day but we could be out early if there are no age quotas or cell phones. Last night I found out the project is at the half way mark. After work tonight I'm getting a iTunes gift card for Samplr. Its a cool iPad app. Looking forward to playing around with it Saturday after work. I've got Lodge practice Sunday and I'm paying the balance of my lodge dues, so that's good. I'll be missing the Oilers game but someone there will have a internet. Nathan usually does. Then I'll have Monday off as we're not working Halloween night. My West end job might be working that night but I doubt it and I'll know more tonight and I can plan for my availability for November on my break. Anne says if there is work, I'll have that for myself. I could have enough for Korg Gadget. Anyway, that's all for now.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Not that I mind a fog rain type day that we had
had yesterday but Its nice to have like we have now a sunny day for a change. Best part is there's very little wind out there. I like days like these because after Halloween, we're back to daylight savings time. The first half of November temperatures is usually above zero. The 2nd half is solid winter, shorter days, its all good.
The Rogers place arena experience is having a mild impact on our household. Not so much me but Anne. When she gets off work at 10pm Bay station is underneath her building. That's a block away from the arena. Patrons of the arena that are not taking their vehicles have to other areas to leave: MacEwan lrt station directly adjacent to the arena, or Bay station lrt. When the Oilers play (like tonight) Anne gets the security police and the fans clogging her commute at Bay station. She's not too happy game night. Then if there isn't a game there's a concert, or some other event going on. When the Valley line comes online in 4 years patrons can then use that because phase 1 of the last stop will be on 102nd and 104th about equal distance away to the arena. Most patrons of Rogers Place arena will still use Mac or Bay station.
On my commute to the job yesterday I decided with my last $2 to get another Blackjack scratch and win ticket. I do more buying and scratching then winning lately. I've only been able to win at the store where I first began playing last Spring. I tried almost half a dozen ticket outlets and nothing. I won $50, $7 and a handful of $2 and free tickets at the "original" store. I got into the office shortly before 4pm and played the ticket. The curse is broken: I won $2! That put me in a good mood I got 3 prospects to agree to sign up online. Even while the big boss from Calgary was within ear shot of me. I had a change of address but there was no phone number. I'll get that when I get in latter today, and cash in for another Blackjack ticket.
I hope to leave out of here by 2:25pm so I can get that early train. I like to be at Southgate by 3pm. I'll cash in that ticket board my #52, get off behind the Toyota dealership there, work my way around the "Spirit of Halloween" building, to the crosswalk and into my building. The lady that sits beside me (I save her a spot) always lets me in on game scores from her phone. We're out by 8:25 anyway. The first period is done by then. If I catch the connections, I'm usually home 9:30pm, which is pretty good timing and if the train stays long enough at the station, I can usually refresh my iPod Touch web page (above ground) to get the scores update. Tonight, I'm thinking about taking the #52 into Southgate this evening, to see if that makes sense. Anyway, that's all for now.
The Rogers place arena experience is having a mild impact on our household. Not so much me but Anne. When she gets off work at 10pm Bay station is underneath her building. That's a block away from the arena. Patrons of the arena that are not taking their vehicles have to other areas to leave: MacEwan lrt station directly adjacent to the arena, or Bay station lrt. When the Oilers play (like tonight) Anne gets the security police and the fans clogging her commute at Bay station. She's not too happy game night. Then if there isn't a game there's a concert, or some other event going on. When the Valley line comes online in 4 years patrons can then use that because phase 1 of the last stop will be on 102nd and 104th about equal distance away to the arena. Most patrons of Rogers Place arena will still use Mac or Bay station.
On my commute to the job yesterday I decided with my last $2 to get another Blackjack scratch and win ticket. I do more buying and scratching then winning lately. I've only been able to win at the store where I first began playing last Spring. I tried almost half a dozen ticket outlets and nothing. I won $50, $7 and a handful of $2 and free tickets at the "original" store. I got into the office shortly before 4pm and played the ticket. The curse is broken: I won $2! That put me in a good mood I got 3 prospects to agree to sign up online. Even while the big boss from Calgary was within ear shot of me. I had a change of address but there was no phone number. I'll get that when I get in latter today, and cash in for another Blackjack ticket.
I hope to leave out of here by 2:25pm so I can get that early train. I like to be at Southgate by 3pm. I'll cash in that ticket board my #52, get off behind the Toyota dealership there, work my way around the "Spirit of Halloween" building, to the crosswalk and into my building. The lady that sits beside me (I save her a spot) always lets me in on game scores from her phone. We're out by 8:25 anyway. The first period is done by then. If I catch the connections, I'm usually home 9:30pm, which is pretty good timing and if the train stays long enough at the station, I can usually refresh my iPod Touch web page (above ground) to get the scores update. Tonight, I'm thinking about taking the #52 into Southgate this evening, to see if that makes sense. Anyway, that's all for now.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Last nights chili isn't sitting with me that well
this morning. Note to self: No spicy food before bed on a Friday night. Especially when I have a 5 hour window for sleep. But I'm ok now (more or less) and its only a 4 hour shift today.
Yesterday's East Coast DNS hack attack shut down the Internet for much of the day. I was able to get through and do some FB messaging this morning. Apparently the DNS was a very costly day. Internet security experts know the code, they just don't know (or are not saying) where it originated from. Some speculate this was an attempt to compromise the US election. This is DNS attack was on a massive scale. Personally I believe this is an effort to shut down Wikileaks because of the major announcements that might have a serious implications on the US election, November 8th.
Later today is the Oilers/Jets alumni hockey game. Its a outdoor winter game in Winnipeg. It isn't like the original heritage classic that occurred in 2003 13 years ago here in Edmonton. There was something special about that game. That was the NHL's (in the modern era) first outdoor hockey game. This game is an exception to all of the heritage classics of the past. The Edmonton/Winnipeg rivalry runs deep. Now its becoming a (in my opinion) a bit of a joke. These guys like Gretzky are getting old. They can still skate and all but by their own admission, its getting harder and harder to play the game like even half of what they used to. And then the NHL has these "winter classics" that are outside of "traditional" winter cities, and that aren't even original 6 teams. However, I'm talking about 2 different events: The "Heritage Classic" and the "Winter Classic." At least the Oilers/Montreal Canadians had an original 6 team rivalry. I can see Boston/New York Rangers in a outdoor game. Those are two original six teams. Where they would have it, is another story. This afternoon is mostly for the fans. It doesn't mean anything but the regular season game will be tomorrow afternoon and its also an outdoor game. Watching a NHL regulation game outdoors is why I watch the heritage classic.
After work this afternoon, I'm meeting Anne at Clareview again, so she gets the bus pass for tonight. Then I'm getting a bag of chips for my CFL game: Its Eskimo's at BC lions. I think there are 3 games left in the season and the Esks want to win in the West for that finale play off birth. This way we avoid a cross over. But if it happens there's a strong possibility that if we get to the finale it could be a Edmonton/Calgary match up. The Oilers are playing at 1pm this afternoon in Winnipeg. I'll be at work or on my way home for most of this one. My "wing man" sits beside me. She's been with the organization for a lot of years and does some important work for the company. She's almost like the 2nd in command of the Super and she usually gets the games up for me on her phone, and I can access open city wifi (if this gets posted) and get the scores at Southgate and along my way home. The third period might be underway by the time I meet my wife at Clareview. Then I get a day off tomorrow. Anyway, that's all for now.
Yesterday's East Coast DNS hack attack shut down the Internet for much of the day. I was able to get through and do some FB messaging this morning. Apparently the DNS was a very costly day. Internet security experts know the code, they just don't know (or are not saying) where it originated from. Some speculate this was an attempt to compromise the US election. This is DNS attack was on a massive scale. Personally I believe this is an effort to shut down Wikileaks because of the major announcements that might have a serious implications on the US election, November 8th.
Later today is the Oilers/Jets alumni hockey game. Its a outdoor winter game in Winnipeg. It isn't like the original heritage classic that occurred in 2003 13 years ago here in Edmonton. There was something special about that game. That was the NHL's (in the modern era) first outdoor hockey game. This game is an exception to all of the heritage classics of the past. The Edmonton/Winnipeg rivalry runs deep. Now its becoming a (in my opinion) a bit of a joke. These guys like Gretzky are getting old. They can still skate and all but by their own admission, its getting harder and harder to play the game like even half of what they used to. And then the NHL has these "winter classics" that are outside of "traditional" winter cities, and that aren't even original 6 teams. However, I'm talking about 2 different events: The "Heritage Classic" and the "Winter Classic." At least the Oilers/Montreal Canadians had an original 6 team rivalry. I can see Boston/New York Rangers in a outdoor game. Those are two original six teams. Where they would have it, is another story. This afternoon is mostly for the fans. It doesn't mean anything but the regular season game will be tomorrow afternoon and its also an outdoor game. Watching a NHL regulation game outdoors is why I watch the heritage classic.
After work this afternoon, I'm meeting Anne at Clareview again, so she gets the bus pass for tonight. Then I'm getting a bag of chips for my CFL game: Its Eskimo's at BC lions. I think there are 3 games left in the season and the Esks want to win in the West for that finale play off birth. This way we avoid a cross over. But if it happens there's a strong possibility that if we get to the finale it could be a Edmonton/Calgary match up. The Oilers are playing at 1pm this afternoon in Winnipeg. I'll be at work or on my way home for most of this one. My "wing man" sits beside me. She's been with the organization for a lot of years and does some important work for the company. She's almost like the 2nd in command of the Super and she usually gets the games up for me on her phone, and I can access open city wifi (if this gets posted) and get the scores at Southgate and along my way home. The third period might be underway by the time I meet my wife at Clareview. Then I get a day off tomorrow. Anyway, that's all for now.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
My so called
Facebook Live experiment yesterday didn't do very much. It worked and that was the main thing. I played around with it for a bit. I was concerned that it might eat into my data usage monthly cycle. I'm tapped out at 200Gb and I might go unlimited in the New Year. At least I know that Facebook Live works on my iPod. At the moment though I have no use for FB Live.
I'll be happy when baseball season is over because its affecting me at work. Mr. Jones is on the phone and even though I'm not asking for money, his attention is on the ballgame. Lots of people when they hear the name of the cause I'm representing think I'm asking for money over the phone. We don't do that. I've got seconds to get the word "Volunteer" out and once I've got that out of the way I slow down. I still get the hang ups before the word volunteer comes out because of the ballgame. I'm not a baseball fan, but Mr. Jone's attention is on the game. I'm calling into Grand Prairie and its the 2nd round calling missed calls. Its like pulling teeth. I make about 200 calls a night. If the calls were done automatically for me, I'd make a lot more. When I got home last night about 9pm, I got a call on my display from my other job. I called in this morning and they have a couple of projects beginning next week. "Can you put me down for next Friday and Saturday?" "Perfect, see you then." by then the Bluejays could be out of the series.
A lot of our weekend snow has melted off the ground. I'm back to wearing runners again. Much more comfortable and I get a ride home for tonight. I should be back before 9pm. Anyway, that's all for now.
I'll be happy when baseball season is over because its affecting me at work. Mr. Jones is on the phone and even though I'm not asking for money, his attention is on the ballgame. Lots of people when they hear the name of the cause I'm representing think I'm asking for money over the phone. We don't do that. I've got seconds to get the word "Volunteer" out and once I've got that out of the way I slow down. I still get the hang ups before the word volunteer comes out because of the ballgame. I'm not a baseball fan, but Mr. Jone's attention is on the game. I'm calling into Grand Prairie and its the 2nd round calling missed calls. Its like pulling teeth. I make about 200 calls a night. If the calls were done automatically for me, I'd make a lot more. When I got home last night about 9pm, I got a call on my display from my other job. I called in this morning and they have a couple of projects beginning next week. "Can you put me down for next Friday and Saturday?" "Perfect, see you then." by then the Bluejays could be out of the series.
A lot of our weekend snow has melted off the ground. I'm back to wearing runners again. Much more comfortable and I get a ride home for tonight. I should be back before 9pm. Anyway, that's all for now.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
When the score at Rogers
place arena was tied at 2 with Buffalo in town, I thought we might win this game. Then Talbot let in a stinker early in the 2nd. It was all downhill for the Oilers from there. McDavid hadn't even a shot on goal little alone a goal. Talbot was obviously having a tough night losing to the Sabres 6-2. There was even a goal tender change but Larson fell on our relief goaltender already with a history of concussions and he was pulled and Talbot returned. We'll regroup and host Carolina Tuesday and say Hello to the returning Nail Yakapov. Next Sunday we're in Winnipeg. Our first loss in Rogers Place arena.
I'm not a environmentalist but I have to give a nod of approval to Canada's position on the recent Kigali deal. Its going to cost billions of dollars but by slowly eliminating the use of HFC's (hydro fluoro carbon gases) its going to make the planet cooler, eventually. HFC's are found in air conditioners and refrigerators. HFC's are hundreds of times more powerful then CFC green house gasses. By phasing out the use of HFC's will help to make the planet a bit cooler but not by much. I'm on board with this.
Earlier today I was working from a list of Horus Heresy order of reading. This list includes all of the 31 novels in the series I have to date. In this reading order (suggested by The Black Library) includes short stories, audio books and novellas. There's been a lot of short stories before the novel series I haven't got yet but most of the already published and will be re published in an anthology format in latter editions of the series. Most likely in my format in a couple of years. I have all the way up book #31 in paperback.
Anne's doing the vacuuming and I'm just winding out my evening. This week is just a working the week at the job. I've got nothing planned. We still have a lot of snow on the ground. Kind of reminds me of mid March out there. Anyway, that's all for now.
I'm not a environmentalist but I have to give a nod of approval to Canada's position on the recent Kigali deal. Its going to cost billions of dollars but by slowly eliminating the use of HFC's (hydro fluoro carbon gases) its going to make the planet cooler, eventually. HFC's are found in air conditioners and refrigerators. HFC's are hundreds of times more powerful then CFC green house gasses. By phasing out the use of HFC's will help to make the planet a bit cooler but not by much. I'm on board with this.
Earlier today I was working from a list of Horus Heresy order of reading. This list includes all of the 31 novels in the series I have to date. In this reading order (suggested by The Black Library) includes short stories, audio books and novellas. There's been a lot of short stories before the novel series I haven't got yet but most of the already published and will be re published in an anthology format in latter editions of the series. Most likely in my format in a couple of years. I have all the way up book #31 in paperback.
Anne's doing the vacuuming and I'm just winding out my evening. This week is just a working the week at the job. I've got nothing planned. We still have a lot of snow on the ground. Kind of reminds me of mid March out there. Anyway, that's all for now.
Friday, October 14, 2016
I'm out of here at 1:30pm this afternoon
on my way to pick up a couple of small pay cheques. Its enough to pay the balance of a bill, get a haircut Saturday and my book on my way to work this afternoon. I'll have a bit left over for breakfast tomorrow morning.
From the "Yeesh department:" The Clinton campaign is ramping up. Mud slinging at its finest. This whole smear campaign against Trump is Hillary grasping at straws. Kind of reminds me of the Bill Cosby women coming out of the wood work years latter. Those women wouldn't come out before the Cosby case became public. Now the case has eased off a bit. So the Clinton campaign is using the Cosby approach against Trump. Its high stakes political theatre. Mrs. Obama comes on camera to vilify Trump as some ogre out to grope every woman in his circle for some events that happened 10 years ago (notice they are not saying that) People are not that gullible. I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago. People grow and change adapt new beliefs new points of view and react to the world around them in different ways. Also, I'm sure these women coming forward are paid to come out to "testify" against Trump. The Clinton campaign would want their audience to think that these women are some kind of victims. By using this approach shows that Clinton is talking down to her audience, yeesh. I'd hope most people are savvy enough to see this current Clinton tactic for what it is: Political theatre and its going to backfire on her.
The Oilers won their first regulation game Wednesday, opening night at Rogers place arena 7-4. McDavid scored 2 goals. Its not like Auston Mathews scoring 4 goals in his opening night in regulation play. His team (the Leafs) lost the game in Ottawa the same night. But those 4 goals Mathew's scored were on the road. This is going to be a interesting year watching the Mathews and McDavid show. Tonight its payback time for the Flames in Calgary. I'll be at work as that's going down, and it'll be all but over by the time I get home. At least I'll catch the scores on my evening commute home. The Flames aren't going to lose tonight, that's for sure. I'm expecting different results from the Oilers tonight. I'd love to see both Edmonton and Toronto in the Stanley Cup finale with a healthy McDavid/Mathews on the ice playing in early June. From Bill Ross FB page:
I got out of bed with the usual aches and pains about 10am this morning. We're getting a blizzard out there now. Its not that cold at -1 degree. However I have to go out in this take a bus to Clareview, then the train to Central and get up to street level to get a bus to 107th &124th street. Spend some time in the office then cross the street to get the #5 back towards downtown Corona station, into Scotia hoping I can cash the cheques at Scotia without them putting a hold on them. I have my bank card and ID. That's plan A. Otherwise plan B: If they need to hold it for 7 days, then I'm back to Corona station, underground to get any train to Central and go to my street level RBC branch, then the lrt back to Corona station upstairs to Audrey's downstairs to Corona and the train to Southgate. After all that its the #6 bus to 51st Ave and Gateway Blvd. All in this weather. Sigh its not easy being me. I'll compose a Tweet later to let you know what option I took A or B. Anyway, that's all for now.
From the "Yeesh department:" The Clinton campaign is ramping up. Mud slinging at its finest. This whole smear campaign against Trump is Hillary grasping at straws. Kind of reminds me of the Bill Cosby women coming out of the wood work years latter. Those women wouldn't come out before the Cosby case became public. Now the case has eased off a bit. So the Clinton campaign is using the Cosby approach against Trump. Its high stakes political theatre. Mrs. Obama comes on camera to vilify Trump as some ogre out to grope every woman in his circle for some events that happened 10 years ago (notice they are not saying that) People are not that gullible. I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago. People grow and change adapt new beliefs new points of view and react to the world around them in different ways. Also, I'm sure these women coming forward are paid to come out to "testify" against Trump. The Clinton campaign would want their audience to think that these women are some kind of victims. By using this approach shows that Clinton is talking down to her audience, yeesh. I'd hope most people are savvy enough to see this current Clinton tactic for what it is: Political theatre and its going to backfire on her.
The Oilers won their first regulation game Wednesday, opening night at Rogers place arena 7-4. McDavid scored 2 goals. Its not like Auston Mathews scoring 4 goals in his opening night in regulation play. His team (the Leafs) lost the game in Ottawa the same night. But those 4 goals Mathew's scored were on the road. This is going to be a interesting year watching the Mathews and McDavid show. Tonight its payback time for the Flames in Calgary. I'll be at work as that's going down, and it'll be all but over by the time I get home. At least I'll catch the scores on my evening commute home. The Flames aren't going to lose tonight, that's for sure. I'm expecting different results from the Oilers tonight. I'd love to see both Edmonton and Toronto in the Stanley Cup finale with a healthy McDavid/Mathews on the ice playing in early June. From Bill Ross FB page:
I got out of bed with the usual aches and pains about 10am this morning. We're getting a blizzard out there now. Its not that cold at -1 degree. However I have to go out in this take a bus to Clareview, then the train to Central and get up to street level to get a bus to 107th &124th street. Spend some time in the office then cross the street to get the #5 back towards downtown Corona station, into Scotia hoping I can cash the cheques at Scotia without them putting a hold on them. I have my bank card and ID. That's plan A. Otherwise plan B: If they need to hold it for 7 days, then I'm back to Corona station, underground to get any train to Central and go to my street level RBC branch, then the lrt back to Corona station upstairs to Audrey's downstairs to Corona and the train to Southgate. After all that its the #6 bus to 51st Ave and Gateway Blvd. All in this weather. Sigh its not easy being me. I'll compose a Tweet later to let you know what option I took A or B. Anyway, that's all for now.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Its great having a 3 day weekend again
Its great having a 3 day weekend again and in just 11 months, all my weekends will be 3 days. Well, that's the plan. Having these 3 days off just stumbled into my lap basically. I was scheduled to go into work yesterday for the optional Saturday shift. However the gst cheque came in and Anne ordered us pizza. Monday is a paid stat holiday which I will be getting paid for and this is a new pay period. Anne said, take Saturday off. My market research job has nothing going on and I doubt they will this week as well. I'll call in and ask. I've got 2 cheques to pick up for about 18 hours from Keith Graham's FB page.
It started snowing Friday night and hasn't stopped. We're just now getting snow flurries. This batch of snow won't stay on the ground. Its like snow in April. At least its not cold. We're supposed to get into the high single digit temperature numbers this week.
Last night I finally got to see a Oilers game at the new Rogers Place arena. McDavid's top corner shelf goal was a beaut. Our goalie sucked and should not have let that late tie breaker in so late in the 3rd period. The Canucks won 3-2. No complaints about officiating. Our first and second line did the goal scoring. McDavid's face off numbers were 10/17, which is over 60% plus he saved a goal when the puck was in the blue paint by batting it out of the air. The pre season ended up 5-3 and that's a pretty good pre season. The real season begins Wednesday when Calgary comes to town. The Oilers need to get out of the gate hard and put a couple of W's on the board asap.
Not a lot happening today. I'm doing some lodge memory work and reading, answering email when it comes in that sort of thing. The Esks play in Montreal tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that one, then back to work. Can't wait for full pension. Just 11 months to go. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Anyway, that's all for now.
It started snowing Friday night and hasn't stopped. We're just now getting snow flurries. This batch of snow won't stay on the ground. Its like snow in April. At least its not cold. We're supposed to get into the high single digit temperature numbers this week.
Last night I finally got to see a Oilers game at the new Rogers Place arena. McDavid's top corner shelf goal was a beaut. Our goalie sucked and should not have let that late tie breaker in so late in the 3rd period. The Canucks won 3-2. No complaints about officiating. Our first and second line did the goal scoring. McDavid's face off numbers were 10/17, which is over 60% plus he saved a goal when the puck was in the blue paint by batting it out of the air. The pre season ended up 5-3 and that's a pretty good pre season. The real season begins Wednesday when Calgary comes to town. The Oilers need to get out of the gate hard and put a couple of W's on the board asap.
Not a lot happening today. I'm doing some lodge memory work and reading, answering email when it comes in that sort of thing. The Esks play in Montreal tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that one, then back to work. Can't wait for full pension. Just 11 months to go. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Anyway, that's all for now.
Friday, October 7, 2016
With no projects going on at my
market research job apparently the boss is there until about now and leaves for the balance of the day. I'm wearing my winter parka now. Its cold but not arctic cold. There's no coding, or focus groups to justify the boss to stay in the office. I should have called yesterday before I headed out at 1:30 but he would have left by then. There could be a site survey, which he and a few others do. When I got to the office the office was closed. No lights on inside, no note on the front door "gone for lunch," nothing. I hung around outside as there are a few benches to sit until 2:30 and went back upstairs. This is on me then as I walked away empty handed. No lodge dues paid tonight.
So I'm at Clareview station about 3:30 knowing I'd meat up with Anne if I hung around, and there she was recognizing me from the bottom of the escalator. I explained what happened I don't need the cheque that badly. I'm kind of worn out from holding down 2 jobs and all the running around over the past few days. I kind of don't want to go into lodge. There's the Oilers game on tv. She said take the night off. I've got $3 left, I can buy a bag of chips at the Dollar store. I gave her my bus pass and I got her keys. She went to work, "Call me on your break," I said as she boarded the train. There was no time for me to get to my other job as it was and I wasn't expected to be there anyway. So I boarded the #183 bus to my stop just outside here. I got my chips and headed into the apartment. After I got settled I called the boss to see if he was still there and got the answering machine. I called our lodge master saying I wouldn't be in today and I mentioned I'd resume with the Junior Stewards chair for next year. He said he has me at the Chaplin post. Oh, ok. We're just rotating officers until other non qualified brethren catch up and take chairs. So I've got to learn the opening and closing prayer. Its substantial memory work but I can do it. I might not be ready for step up night though. Having done all of that I tried looking for the Jets/Oilers game on TV. I couldn't find it in the on screen guide but because its an exhibition/training camp game, it might not be televised. I could follow the scores posted online in another tab on my computer. I called one of the employees that I've known for a long time and it was confirmed when there are no projects the boss is just there for the mornings. We had a long talk. Her husband has a glazing company, nice guy. I lucked out all the way around. I'm kind of hoping there aren't any projects for October so I can focus on just the one job that pays better. Anne called me on her break. The Oilers ended up winning that game 5-2. McDavid scored 2 goals. If this kid stays healthy he's going to be in the playoff conversation for sure.
Tonight its a short 3 hour shift because HR wants to respect our Thanksgiving Friday night. We're calling for 3 hours instead of 4 add the kick off and the break it'll seem like a 2 and a half hour shift. If I can get that 7:30 bus or if Joyce is there instead I can get home before 8:30pm either way. I'm in on Saturday but that's optional. I might leave a little early get some breakfast at McDonald's or something on my way in. There's no problem with seating for Saturdays anyway. Then I get 2 days off. Anyway, have a great long weekend everyone, that's all for now.
So I'm at Clareview station about 3:30 knowing I'd meat up with Anne if I hung around, and there she was recognizing me from the bottom of the escalator. I explained what happened I don't need the cheque that badly. I'm kind of worn out from holding down 2 jobs and all the running around over the past few days. I kind of don't want to go into lodge. There's the Oilers game on tv. She said take the night off. I've got $3 left, I can buy a bag of chips at the Dollar store. I gave her my bus pass and I got her keys. She went to work, "Call me on your break," I said as she boarded the train. There was no time for me to get to my other job as it was and I wasn't expected to be there anyway. So I boarded the #183 bus to my stop just outside here. I got my chips and headed into the apartment. After I got settled I called the boss to see if he was still there and got the answering machine. I called our lodge master saying I wouldn't be in today and I mentioned I'd resume with the Junior Stewards chair for next year. He said he has me at the Chaplin post. Oh, ok. We're just rotating officers until other non qualified brethren catch up and take chairs. So I've got to learn the opening and closing prayer. Its substantial memory work but I can do it. I might not be ready for step up night though. Having done all of that I tried looking for the Jets/Oilers game on TV. I couldn't find it in the on screen guide but because its an exhibition/training camp game, it might not be televised. I could follow the scores posted online in another tab on my computer. I called one of the employees that I've known for a long time and it was confirmed when there are no projects the boss is just there for the mornings. We had a long talk. Her husband has a glazing company, nice guy. I lucked out all the way around. I'm kind of hoping there aren't any projects for October so I can focus on just the one job that pays better. Anne called me on her break. The Oilers ended up winning that game 5-2. McDavid scored 2 goals. If this kid stays healthy he's going to be in the playoff conversation for sure.
Tonight its a short 3 hour shift because HR wants to respect our Thanksgiving Friday night. We're calling for 3 hours instead of 4 add the kick off and the break it'll seem like a 2 and a half hour shift. If I can get that 7:30 bus or if Joyce is there instead I can get home before 8:30pm either way. I'm in on Saturday but that's optional. I might leave a little early get some breakfast at McDonald's or something on my way in. There's no problem with seating for Saturdays anyway. Then I get 2 days off. Anyway, have a great long weekend everyone, that's all for now.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Its no state secret that I'm not a morning person
but running low on insulin prompted me to keep a 10:30am appointment to my Northgate mall PCN. It was cold out there for early October. We usually see temps around 13 +16 in early October. This is mid November weather before the snow flies.
Update: Forgot to mention this but the Edmonton Oilers named Connor McDavid their team Captain. McDavid is the youngest team Captain ever in NHL history. That's why its so significant. Not quite as dramatic as tossing a beer can in baseball but noteworthy for this blog.
Earlier this month our Alberta NDP in keeping with its campaign promise to raise the minimum rage. I could have worked Xentel by home last summer but Notley raised the minimum wage from $10.20 to $11.20. There were unhappy stirrings in the small business community and Xentel pulled the plug on Alberta, laying off anyone working from home. Then this month the minimum wage increased to $12.20/ hour and the small business community is responding accordingly. For restaurants, they will be cutting shifts, retailers will need to raise their prices and lay off staff. This is all because the NDP wants to raise the minimum wage here in Alberta to $15/hour. Thanks to Dan Mullet's FB page for this one
This will have a negative ripple affect as it will lose jobs and further kill the economy already in a depressed state because of low oil prices. This could impact my market research job making it harder to bid for contracts. No contracts no job for me. My job I'm heading to later this afternoon could also be at risk as more and more people outside of this industry test the waters. I had trouble finding a seat last night. I'm $1 more then the minimum wage but next year when the minimum wage goes to $13 then what? I'm just thankful I'll be on full pension a year from now. Then there is the Provincial carbon tax. Hey newcomers, welcome to Alberta.
The other part of today was after my PCN, I wanted to head out to my market research job to pick up a small pay cheque but my pharmy guy was running late and I'd never make it back in time for lunch and head into the job. As it is, I've got enough time to eat a small snack and head out to work. I'll be making that trip tomorrow afternoon in my suite, bank a bite to eat and lodge. Anyway, that's all for now.
Update: Forgot to mention this but the Edmonton Oilers named Connor McDavid their team Captain. McDavid is the youngest team Captain ever in NHL history. That's why its so significant. Not quite as dramatic as tossing a beer can in baseball but noteworthy for this blog.
Earlier this month our Alberta NDP in keeping with its campaign promise to raise the minimum rage. I could have worked Xentel by home last summer but Notley raised the minimum wage from $10.20 to $11.20. There were unhappy stirrings in the small business community and Xentel pulled the plug on Alberta, laying off anyone working from home. Then this month the minimum wage increased to $12.20/ hour and the small business community is responding accordingly. For restaurants, they will be cutting shifts, retailers will need to raise their prices and lay off staff. This is all because the NDP wants to raise the minimum wage here in Alberta to $15/hour. Thanks to Dan Mullet's FB page for this one
This will have a negative ripple affect as it will lose jobs and further kill the economy already in a depressed state because of low oil prices. This could impact my market research job making it harder to bid for contracts. No contracts no job for me. My job I'm heading to later this afternoon could also be at risk as more and more people outside of this industry test the waters. I had trouble finding a seat last night. I'm $1 more then the minimum wage but next year when the minimum wage goes to $13 then what? I'm just thankful I'll be on full pension a year from now. Then there is the Provincial carbon tax. Hey newcomers, welcome to Alberta.
The other part of today was after my PCN, I wanted to head out to my market research job to pick up a small pay cheque but my pharmy guy was running late and I'd never make it back in time for lunch and head into the job. As it is, I've got enough time to eat a small snack and head out to work. I'll be making that trip tomorrow afternoon in my suite, bank a bite to eat and lodge. Anyway, that's all for now.
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