Thursday, June 22, 2006

MY COMPANION: COFFEE







Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Random ME


Vista House

One of the many water falls

Angela and Boringfish

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Wunder Week

I'm slow... it just hit me that after my second relief foreman shift, I now realize that I am expected to be a process engineer, junior mentor to a summer intern, active on safety committees and still be a foreman. On top of that, a maintenance foreman commented that they could do well without me or Horace. I am working hard, and trying to be the best employee I can be, but the put-downs don't really help much. I hate to vent, but at least I am containing my frustration here. I need to learn to say "no" at work. I just keep getting swamped. "We'll handle it" "We'll deal with it" and "We'll get it done" have been my motto since joining the PM, but it's just not realistic. I'm not prepared to devote every waking hour to the machine - I need weekends, even if the mill runs 24/7.

With this weekend in mind, for the last two days off, I devoted more than half my time off to working at the mill. Once I switch to night shift in July, that simply will not be possible. I will be sleeping all day, and working 14 hour nights. I had a pretty good time out of town this weekend, went to the Gorge and did some whining and hiking. I was accompanied by a farmer from Illinois. You all know who that is, right? Anyway, in between I made a quick stop at Fry's looking for a surveillance cam - not too much luck.

Home Depot is next stop for a security light. I also had a chance to stop by Sheri's house to congratulate Angela on her graduation. She will soon be starting grad school at Lewis and Clark to be a public servant in the schools. She should be taking on her first class in about 15 months. She was a big part of my college experience, and seeing her and her scrapbook brought back a lot of memories from my school days. I also got a chance to let my cousin know that I am proud of him for graduating.

With all those things out of the way, I still got some bar time and had a really good trip to P-town. Now I am back to my other rotation this coming week. How wunderful!!!

I have been thinking of Coffee quite a bit for the last year - I miss him a lot. My heart is hurting, and I am getting a little sadder each minute as the one-year mark approaches.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

SAD

A friend asked- where did the free-spirited BoringFish go?

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Sunday, June 11, 2006

3 things today

Today at work I had a relatively bad day - safety issues, paper break, and long hours. Safety issues can be tough to address when people take things personally. It is hard to communicate with someone who doesn't wish to consider the responsibilities that we all have for safety.

My tenant is moving out, too. Time to look for a new roommate. Not easy in the summer, so I will have to make some extra effort at recruiting a new person - and everyone is trying to rent their spaces right now. Would have been nice to get more warning, but this is the wonderful life of the landlord.

On a positive note, the Beaver baseball team won two straight against Stanford, and will be facing Florida or Ole Miss in the next round. Would be great to see them go all the way, and after thumping Stanford 15-0, it seems like it could happen.

That's all in the land of the boringfish tonight. Sleepy time for grumpy fish.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

X-men: The Last Stand

It's a cool movie. Never saw the first one, caught pieces of the second on TV, but went to the theater to see this one. Kind of a big deal for little miss Netflix. I thought it was cool, and I really liked blue furball and all the fun mutants. I am one myself, you know.

I am mentally preparing for my second shift rotation, checking my email and keeping track of the battles to come: export, felt mark, fine tanks, water usage reduction, shipping, waste recycling and bander repair. Many things to keep my head swimming. Not to mention safety - I just hope to have low cull and NO breaks. No upsets or crises, cross your fingers.

I miss my family after the Canada trip - lots of mixed emotions, not to mention my birthday - kind of a chance to re-evaluate and imagine what lies ahead. I thought a lot about the sacrifice that my ancestors have made to bring me where I am today. The trip brought up a lot of emotions from my past, and not to be a party pooper, but it is a little disturbing.

June and July will be tough, marking the anniversaries of my two biggest losses. I am trying not to be too sad, and I think of them both every day.

My fence is getting more vandalized each day - I complained to the police, but they really could care less. Unfortunately, Thirsty Thursday seems to be taking its toll on my picket fence and lawn. May need to find an alternative solution this summer.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Happy Birthday to myself!

May, 2006

Jan, 2006

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Foreman Duties: Day 2

White top run went well, both machines were running with no breaks, and very little cull. I have been learning the other side of the foreman job - scheduling, administrative, and representing management. Our safety performance is not really standing out in comparison to other mills, and several incidents over the last few weeks have not helped matters. Everyone is accountable for their own safety, and for the first time, I saw a superintendent suspended over injuries in his department. In addition, big wigs from the top said they have suspended all capital projects until we get our selves in line. This is a painful lesson to learn as a new foreman, and a big challenge for me to address. My job is to continue to motivate people and put the best possible spin on things, in spite of people being down on the mill over safety issues.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Back to work....

Foreman duty: Day 1. Life is pretty peachy.

Monday, May 29, 2006

Burnaby, BC

They got me an appointment at a hair salon tomorrow at Richmond. I gotta a hair cut coming.

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Time to refurn home: Fort Mac to Edmonton

Edmonton Oilers going to Stanley Cup Final!
Wish I can go to Whyte to see the riots and party with Vivian... hm she is at work.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Part VI: Fort Mac

Wanted: Pontiac Mini-van with Alberta license plate xxx-xxx.

RCMP was on our behind. Technically, it's my uncle, Ray's rear that they are going after. He forgot to pay at the gas station at Grassland on the way to Fort Mac. Yeah sure, I will tell you more. It's funny. On the way to Fort Mac, his cell phone rang, with a cop on the other end explaining that they got his license plate at the station. In the middle of the call, his phone died. Panic - until I saved the day and used my phone to call the station and pay by phone. For a moment, I thought I was being chased and stopped by RCMP on HWY 63, with the opening line like this. "Hands up, step out of the vehicle NOW!"

The other major highlight in Fort Mac was visiting the good old Canton restaurant - same old same old, but older. Reminded me of my early days in Fort Mac. Memories.

Got to take Grandma on a tour of town, Oil Sands center, and the few other highlights, such as WalMart and the SuperCenter. We were just looking for the mosquito mug - everyone in town remembers it, but nobody seemed to know where to find one. The final highlight was a drive out to visit the open mine where the oil sands are unearthed - Grandma was sure we would be attacked by bears, moose and more. She appreciated my fascination, but once she saw the big hole, she appeared unimpressed. I was eager to see more of the facility, but there was no time. Didn't see much wildlife at the viewpoint - but did bring back memories.

I am packed & ready to go to Fort Mac.

hm.....to be updated. I will be driving.

TOP TEN REASONS TO DATE AN ENGINEER

I got the following list from Matt D.
1. Complimentary Tutoring
2. Large Earning Potential
3. Can handle stress and strain in relationships
4. Know all the dynamics of relative motion
5. Learn about the benefits of friction and viscosity
6. FREE body diagrams
7. Always back up their hard drives
8. Trained to do it right the first time
9. Specialized in experimentation
10. Can go all night with no hint of fatigue .
SOCIAL SKILLS Engineers have different objectives when it comes to social interaction. "Normal" people expect to accomplish several unrealistic things from social interaction: *Stimulating and thought-provoking conversation *Important social contacts *A feeling of connectedness with other humans In contrast to "normal" people, engineers have rational objectives for social interactions: *Get it over with as soon as possible. *Avoid getting invited to something unpleasant. *Demonstrate mental superiority and mastery of all subjects.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Part V: Edmonton!

I am back at Edmonton! Chilling with Mike & Patrick for ZERO minute, instead I spent some quality time with my uncle, Andy. Tomorrow is a mystery day as Grandma & Boringfish may travel to the world capital of misquito! Fort Mac

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

BoringFish in China last August

The lovely puppy that I wanted so bad to bring home last August was killed by a hit & run. Here is us together.

Oilers is going to Stanley Cup Final if they win on Thursday!

Part IV: Calgary, Mode: Frustrated!

I lost my clip-on sun glasses, I am so upset!

Monday, May 22, 2006

Part III: the mountains, Banff & Lake Louise!

To be updated.

Trip to the mountains!

Check out the tonuge! Where did I see this before?
Hint: Mary's Peak Mikster Emily
& Boringfish's Mug shot



Check out the trend-setters! GO Oilers! Wait a minute, go Ducks! Anaheim Mighty Ducks that is!

My fave pic of the whole trip.
The family's treasure----see the Oilers Cap.


Lake Louise - Group pic, I was so alone, the only NON-WONG!


Banff Upper Hot Spring: the swim suit models/participants!

Sunday, May 21, 2006

The BIG day! 5.20.2006

The Banquet






The Wedding




The Tea Ceremony










Saturday, May 20, 2006

The Wongs, and the many more little Wongs

Three generation of Wongs continues. The great grand children are in progress.









To be updated

Friday, May 19, 2006

Part II, The voyage to Calgary

Edmonton to Calgary.
To be updated

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Getting Crazy at Edmonton

The Bank was where I went clubbing downtown last night at Edmonton with Vivan, Mike & many others cool folk!

Oilers won the game, playing against the San Jose Sharks. Crazy Albertans! The Oilers will be playing the Ducks, Mighty Ducks in the round for the western Conference in semi-final NHL.

We are going to the MALL! West ED, shopping!

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Iron Chef at Edmonton

Honey glazed chicken wings
After eating out 3 meals a day, it was nice to have some of Grandma's finest home cooking, including my lifetime favorite chicken wings. I remember when I used to have chicken wing eating contests with my cousin - I can still beat him. And this time I learned a few of Grandma's tricks. Some day I may need to learn the way.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Rockies mountain, Part I

BC to AB.
To be updated.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Pre-Vacation update

My vacation started with breaking news from Taipei - my grandpa's brother's wife (my grand aunt) passed away. She was 98 years old, but it was still very sudden and upsetting. Some of my family and relatives are flying over there, and Grandma would have been there too if she had not been visiting here.

On another note I am still very obsessed with Northern Exposure and Eastern Adventure. No news so far, but at least Northern Exposure appears to be giving some feedback - Eastern Adventure is just a fantasy for now.

I am very pleased that I got to parade Grandma around to my friends; Todd got the honor of a family dinner at legin. It was an interesting night, to see them interact - a little awkward, since they don't speak any common language. I still like the idea of introducing good people to my Grandmother, though.

Secret Asian Plan

There are two secret developments - Eastern adventures, and Northern Exposure. Not much news on either front, but developments are ongoing. Will keep you posted as soon as declassified. Out.

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers

Three generation of Wongs.

My mommies having a yummy Mother's Day.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Iron Chef Hong Kong


Touring Kitchen Stadium.

Ever since she arrived, my grandma has been cooking all the time - I think I've been fattening up for insulation on my Canada trip all week. But it's already spring there - I doubt we'll see much snow. No special wings yet - I think she may be saving the best for last. She has been a powerhouse in the kitchen, making fresh meals every day. My culinary hero.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Grandma has arrived!



Yes, Grandma is finally here. So happy to see her! I miss her so much, it will be great to have a few weeks to simply be together. She takes such good care of me.. here we are having a yummy dinner - though not nearly as yummy as the one she cooked for us the following night. Nothing beats Fujian Won Tons! I love you grandma!

Sweet Times at W High

Cost reductions are continual - paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, paper towels and kleenex are no longer on the supply list. Time to bring our own plates and hankies. Still waiting for word on toilet paper.

People reductions are occuring on a voluntary basis - one per week for a few months. After the state of the mill meeting we can see we are making money, and a new emphasis on rules and regulations. Should end up being for the best.

My projects include night shift training, which I am trying to get completed before my foreman schedule kicks into high gear. My first duty will be May 31 - but I have some nice supervisors giving me the sweet shift, working days only for all of June. It has benefits, but it also means I will be in the spotlight, with a lot of folks to keep track of.

Almost grandma time!

Monday, May 01, 2006

另一個心灰意冷的昨天

2.2.6 Down-ward Spiral

I am a sucker!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Hot Pot Craving!

Monday, April 24, 2006

June 2003


Ting, Wing & Ching(AKA Boringfish) June 2003 BBQ at Avery Park! OMG!

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Cost Reductio Ad Absurdum

This week, we lost our tall paper cups - we are all going to be using our own toilet paper soon. Four people are leaving in April, for various reasons, leaving a vacuum in a few positions. All are critical and there are no people in the pipeline to replace them right now. Should be interesting. Chad and I are now relief foremen, while still remaining on call as technical folks. What a bummer.

What brand of TP should we bring?

Rotation on relief is kicking my butt this month, with too many days in a row, and not enough time to recover. At least I have some vacation lined up - and by June I will be on D crew. My first relief crew assignment. Let's hope the summer goes smoothly with no injuries or incidents, and some record production days/months.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

TMO is over!

The TMO is over- with me reconnecting to my passion for ice cream after a winter break. I have a date with Ben & Jerry every night after TMO duties. Thank heavens for Cherry Garcia. I did a good ($$$$) job, and gave myself a pat on the shoulder, but I felt like I was on the spot the whole time, with everyone looking over my shoulder. Folks could tell I was working hard because my name was very popular on the radio every day. I also have been crowned PPE fashion queen - a title I am proud to bear. On a sad note, one worker in a contractor group was injured - nothing serious, but a little chemical burn is still no fun. On a lighter note, Horace has been pushing me in a stock competition, and has been kicking my rear.

I am waiting for news on the secret development, and pursuing other options as well.

My foreman schedule is shaping up (today is my first), and I will probably get to see a lot of Grandma while she is here - a bonus for all my hard work.

I helped Horace out by reminding him of a high-priority meeting that he was ready to sleep through. He got a little frustrated by a fellow alum, and I got to add to my vocabulary.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Happy Birthday to Eric & Peggy!

Happy B-day to Eric!
Happy B-Day to Peggy!

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Pre-TMO madness

Work has just been very busy this week. I won't go into detail, but here are some of the highlights.

No more intern supervision - yippee - I can be myself, as well as mini-Horace. I had a good week standing in Horace's shoes, and prepping for white top. Checking on clay, blue dye and pulp supplies.

I learned the perfect term for chemical shortages - dilution is the solution. Water is amazing. The TMO has been keeping me very busy - stress and depression waiting for all the shoes to drop. Meanwhile, it feels like I will be stuck in recovery and pulp and kiln, missing all the fun on the machine side. The senior engineer from OK is now going to be in rotation for pulp foreman relief, and Eric H got a promotion to be 2ndary fiber superintendent. Douggie is retiring from the machine, leaving room for me as relief foreman - a follow up to my December training.

On the personal side, I will give you the condensed version. Fell in love with james the cat, from CHS. I can't have him, though - too much catnip, doggie trouble, and allergies. Next up is Ting's wedding. I went there and learned that it is now my turn - not. Adam & I went to Coos Bay/North Bend. Other than the mill closing, the town seems just like it was when I left. Gloria finally left us, after suffering for a long time. David went to New York, saw some family and a broadway musical.

Austina finally moved in about three weeks ago, and I managed to get the place in shape - now she can help me pay for it. Secret developments on the horizon in WA... more details if developments merit.

I had a chance to talk to Grandma and Fiona - it was good for me, and I miss them both a lot. I had not been keeping in touch as I should.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Bragging Right!

The beautiful skyline:

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Super Fly

I was the safety monitor - looking sharp in my safety gear and baggy small-size overalls. My pants legs still dragged on the ground even after some trimming, and I got some good comments and a yummy snicker bar. I've made the big time now. I sure do look funny in my large size reflective jacket. People are now talking about the motivator becoming fear more than love, and although it has not made too big an impact on me, I can see how they feel. Still, this kind of tough love is what will keep us in business. A difficult transition, but the outcome should be worth it.

I didn't do much for St. Pat's day - just waiting for the drunken hordes to pull out my fence and poop in my yard. The usual festivites (r-mates). I made the sacrifice to come to Portland and subject myself to motherly love for a day. Happy B-day momma. I am looking forward to my Canada trip, but a little apprehensive about a car-trip with mom and grandma. I may have to drive for my own safety.

Mrs. Rachel Lane is now an international super fly.
Fiona, I miss ya!

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

6-22-05


Coffee was lost on June 22nd, 2005. Almost nine months ago - we miss you coffee. Hoping you are happy and chubby whereever you are! Come home as soon as you can, my bon-bon.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Crazy Times for the Paper Crew

Finally I have been recognized as the DAF assistant superintendant. I've been hard at work prepping for my first big project - TMO is keeping me busy covering all the bases, while still keeping things moving on Parcview. Lots of juggling to keep up the progress on multiple fronts. I feel like I'm in charge of janitorial with all the clean-up details I've been arranging.

Emily took off this week, and I was craving her belly all week - I will get my fix on the weekend.

Next to the DAF we have our new dry strength storage - hambyville/lambyville is taking off. Our efforts to perfect our think tank has been sidetracked by jealousy over our monitors - can't we all just get along? We're going to end up running from room to room just to keep track of our own systems. What a waste of time.

I have busy weekend duties again, with yard work, a new tenant and babysitting mom. Being on call for the weekend, my only excitement was an italian dinner courtesy of the OSU faculty - unfortunately I was not feeling well, so I really did not get to enjoy it. On sunday Adam & I went to cascadia park - nice drive, but the walk was nothing special. Apparently I am a popular partner with my friends - I'm the #1 marriage option, under the name "Rachel Lane". My name is Rachel, pleased to meet you. TMO countdown is running - T-minus four weeks. Lots more to do to make this run smoothly.

Changes at the mill are getting to be pretty unfortunate - first we lost our foodservice of fifty years, then we lost our free soda-pop, and now are candy is gone - even muffins and bagels are gone. You can have my cookies when you pry them from my cold, dead hands.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Boringfish at Hoodoo

Boringfish had fun at Hoodoo with Dave, riding the Easy Rider and the Manzanita until her butt could take no more. Here I am showing off my smile.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Week of Work and Puppy Love

I never thought I smelled all that bad after working at the mill, but a coworker made a comment that made me think about the smells of the paper mill... apparently my perfume is foul condensate - and I thought I smelled so good! Emily has been giving me a long face, and making a mess. We can't really blame her - a doggie can only wait so long. Now we have a lifetime supply of pet stain remover.

The career fair was fun, plenty of visitors and stories to share with them. I even had a picture taken, which reminded me of the last time I visited the career fair. Good times. It is official - Grandma is going to be coming to America in May!

Two projects that I have been getting some help with - DS and DAF. DS is making progress, but we had some major trouble with DAF - serious frustration, but it seems to have subsided for now. Commander has it under control, I guess.

Weather and schedule have not been favorable for doggie park - Sunday will be the big play day. Work was a killer. My TMO project and parcview are keeping me busy, and I am making some progress.

Last weekend I went to a string concert (Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms) on Saturday while I was on call. Mostly hanging around the house - with a few visitors. I was assigned a helper for TMO who has a large amount of experience to share - it is wonderful to pick the brain of true experts.

I'm physically worn out from all the duties at work, combined with doggy duties - she sure does keep me going.

I saw Pink Martini on Thursday, and spent too much time watching the pledge drive. Next time I will have to see them live - that is my favorite.

Looks like the house will be a little bit more busy soon - my secret tenant is moving in soon. It will be nice to have another friendly face to come home to - and to keep an eye on the place. I think we will get along well, and now I can stop worrying about placing ads.