Edmonton to Calgary.
To be updated
Friday, May 19, 2006
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!
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 wingsAfter 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
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.
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.
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!
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
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)