小千谷

That's "Ojiya", the city I'd be on my way to if I didn't get/pick the intermap field position. I guess they had made a placement and sent out a welcome type of letter to me before I turned them down.

Haven't looked up much about it, and probably shouldn't since I turned it down and accepted intermap, why try to find how nice a place is that I'm not going to. But from first glance of location, it's pretty near the epicentre of the big earthquake a couple weeks ago.

Electric follow up

Enmax says the electricity measurements were both real, not estimates. I think they're lying, I highly doubt they send someone out to read every time anyone moves, in addition to their regular once a month visit. Maybe I'll call again and see if I can get them to confirm they're lying. Anyways, I'm trying to get access to the meter room in the building so I can play with breakers in my unit and see if I can determine just in case something is drawing a lot of power without my knowledge. Also, once the next measurement is made, will be interested to see if the average daily use with someone living there is lower than with noone living there.

Triathlon

Yesterday morning, I decided I want to do a triathlon.

Before you get too incredulous, let me clarify: I did not say 'win' a triathlon, or even 'do well', just 'do'.

And I'm not talking like Ironman triathlon either (3.8/180/42km)... I'm thinking more like Olympic triathlon (1.5/40/10km). Yes, a meager Olympic triathlon. Again, don't expect Olympic performance, or Olympic times (unless in the second case you use 'Olympic' as a metaphor to mean incredibly large/high).

I'm not in very good shape, but I would consider myself 'above average' (reflecting my opinion that our society in general is in pretty dismal shape). I'm pretty sure I could complete a 'brick' without too much trouble (I discovered that's triathlete slang for Bike/Run). It's the swimming that I'd completely struggle with... I'm an okay swimmer, but I'll tire out after like 150 metres, a little short of the 1500 m goal.

Anyways, maybe this time next year I'll be ready for it. It's more of a passive goal, something to think about occasionally but not something I'm going to start a triathlete training program to achieve.

Nail in the coffin

I know it's completely and utterly the wrong attitude, but even knowing that, how do I control how I intrinsically feel?

I got the official job offer papers from Intermap, and I happened to be in Transcanada Tower today at lunch, so I went up and told them (JET coordinator) in person that I was withdrawing from JET. Wrote a note for them so they had it in writing. She seemed pretty shocked that I was doing such a thing, and I guess I still am too.

Gotta focus on the positives about the Field Radar Tech position. I'm gonna see a bunch of different parts of the world, living there for a month at a time (though perhaps not deeply interacting with the locals, and working every day not off doing whatever I want). I'm gonna be learning a bunch about electronics, and get to play with some hardware instead of just sitting in front of a computer all day. Being occasionally back here would allow me to keep doing some of the things I enjoy around here, like dragonboat or hiking, though to a lesser extent of course (actually, may be able to hike more if guys like Jon and David are in town, go on weekdays and such). Get to keep my condo for myself (though I am again considering renting the whole thing out and 'moving' back with my parents since I'll be away more than I'm here... hmmm...). During the breaks between work periods, I'll be able to travel, especially if it's somewhere near the work, it's like free airfare. Of course, can't spend all my money on that... Pay is still less than most new graduating engineers will make, but it's still decent, and there's opportunity to make it grow via working extra days or saving money on food while in the field. And I won't be spending money on gas and other stuff as I would here. If I'm lucky and don't have to do much Calgary work, I could qualify for OETC which would save like $8k in taxes. But maybe during some breaks I could do other meaningful things, like help a habitat for humanity project. Then there are other interesting bonuses, like perhaps I will be able to attend Sandi and Andre's wedding without spending thousands of dollars if I'm already in the area. And I'm sure there are some others that aren't popping to mind right now.

Pissed off

Got my first electricity bill today. It wasn't actually that big, but it pissed me off. It's for only 6 days, June 29-July 5, and it says I used 30 kWH during that time! I wasn't living here yet, there was nothing turned on here, how could I possibly use 30 kWH of power! That's like leaving four 60W light bulbs on 24H/day for the whole time, or using the stove and other appliances a bunch (my fridge wasn't even on during that time).

I think where it comes from it that somewhere it says meter readings are occasionally taken, and when they're not taken, a number is made up based on previous usage history. Maybe it's just me, but I'm very offended that someone is permitted to make up numbers and charge me accordingly, especially with the justification that the number was made up based on actions of someone else who I've never even met!

Oh well, maybe it'll partially work out on future bills if their actual readings are suddenly much lower than their made up numbers.

Ribbon creek/falls/lake

Finally after several weeks, got out hiking again. It was really nice. A fairly big group of 9. I spent more time hanging at the back on the way up this time. Saw several little waterfalls along the creek, then the big main one was pretty nice... very wide and flat. A few of us continued to the lake, that felt good to, do something a little more intense, and it involved using some chains. We caught up to the group that didn't do the lake exactly when I thought we would (which was probably more luck than good estimation).

One major concern though, my left ankle started hurting again, kindof like it did on the previous hike... but this time i was wearing my old boots... so I can't fully blame the ankle issue on the new boots, which means it's something internal to my ankle. Which is a concern, cause I don't want one of my favorite things to have become a painful thing. Maybe I can see a pediatrist, or orthopedic guy, or whatever it is. Though maybe I'll wait till I have some health coverage

Nomad

I was telling someone that with my job I would have somewhat of a Nomad lifestyle. "Nomad?" she said. I spontaneously explained that it comes from "mad" being an abbreviation for "mailing address", hence the term "nomad" for someone who is continuously on the move.

Ok, so it was actually one of the conversations I have in my head when lacking a real person to talk to, but I'm still proud enough of my moment of wittiness to post it here.

にほんにいきませんよ

Firstly, want to thank people for putting up with me during this instance of my phobia of making big decisions. Also thanks to people for just chatting or listening, and being understanding or helpful... whether it's friends, family, or even coworkers and supervisors, it's good to know there are plenty of people out there to talk to about important things.

Anyways, for those for whom the title appeared as a bunch of squares, or those who can't read hiragana, it says "Nihon ni ikimasen yo." For those who don't know any Japanese, that means "Not going to Japan."

Anyways, been switching my mind back and forth dozens of times per hour for the past several days. Tried doing lists of pros/cons, tried 'listening to my heart', even spent some time in my temple seeking 'divine guidance', or simply trying to meditate to clear my mind. No clear answer became apparent.

Most of yesterday I was leaning towards JET. I envisioned myself going to the manager's office and telling him I really can't turn down JET after wanting it for so long. But I wasn't able to do it until I subconsciously knew he had gone home for the day :)

Today for some reason, I was leaning towards the field position. And then when I returned from a meeting, there was a note on my monitor saying "Make up your mind yet?" so it was time for a decision. I talked a little more with a couple people around here, and then after lunch let my current supervisor and the field position's manager know that I'd take the field position.

Yay! Decision made! Like I said, if they'd have pushed yesterday, it would have been the other way. So now I've just got to keep looking forwards, don't let myself think about it too much cause I know given the opportunity, I can/will convince myself I made the wrong decision.

Really hard to turn my back on JET after pursuing it for 2 years, and having been 'dreaming' of it for a couple years prior to that... already feeling some doubts and thinking of some of the things I will miss out on. but in the end I guess I decided the field radar tech position had more to offer, at least at this time.

Feel a little empty. But also feel pretty excited!

Stan Rogers - Lock Keeper

You say, "Well-met again, Lock-keeper!
We're laden even deeper that the time before,
Oriental oils and tea brought down from Singapore."
As we wait for my lock to cycle
I say, "My wife has given me a son."
"A son!" you cry, "Is that all that you've done?"
She wears bougainvilla blossoms.
You pluck 'em from her hair and toss 'em in the tide,
Sweep her in your arms and carry her inside.
Her sighs catch on your shoulder;
Her moonlit eyes grow bold and wiser through her tears
And I say, "How could you stand to leave her for a year?"
"Then come with me" you say, "to where the Southern Cross
Rides high upon your shoulder."
"Come with me!" you cry,
"Each day you tend this lock, you're one day older,
While your blood runs colder."
But that anchor chain's a fetter
And with it you are tethered to the foam,
And I wouldn't trade your life for one hour of home.
Sure I'm stuck here on the Seaway
While you compensate for leeway through the Trades;
And you shoot the stars to see the miles you've made.
And you laugh at hearts you've riven,
But which of these has given us more love of life,
You, your tropic maids, or me, my wife.
"Then come with me" you say, "to where the Southern Cross
Rides high upon your shoulder."
"Ah come with me!" you cry,
"Each day you tend this lock, you're one day older,
While your blood runs colder."
But that anchor chain's a fetter
And with it you are tethered to the foam,
And I wouldn't trade your life for one hour of home.
Ah your anchor chain's a fetter
And with it you are tethered to the foam,
And I wouldn't trade your whole life for just one hour of home.

More talking about it

Friday evening was interesting from the job opportunity point of view too... Japanese village was all japanese-like, it kindof made me more want to go to Japan. But the person I was out with used to be in the field, so he was able to talk about the field position too, kindof made me more want to do that.

I should mention though, although it's stressful trying to decide, these are things I want to do, both are a step up from where I am now. Neither is the 'bad' choice, it's like worrying about choosing the 8/10 instead of the 9/10.

It's kindof interesting too that if I look at my situation as an outsider, I'm like "oh yeah that guy'll choose Japan" but as myself, I can't make that decision.

Early last week, I did let my supervisor and the field position manager that I did have Japan on the table. Neither had really much to say other than "yeah, you've got some good choices and a big decision to make." It's good to know people are understanding, wouldn't be upset about me ditching intermap or think I'm wasting my life for no reason or whatever. Actually, my supervisor seemed on the verge of saying in my position he'd go to japan. In a later discussion, he even said his wife thinks I should go to japan. But he then proceeded to try to sweeten the denver deal. Kindof odd. I guess if I take an intermap position it saves them having to advertise and interview externally, and save on some training, so it is pretty valuable to have an internal person sign up.

To address some comments though... yes, I could always return to intermap after a year away, but the same opportunities would not be around. I've been hoping for a position like this field position for a year or more and this is the first that it's shown up. And in a year they'd more likely be reducing the field staff. For another comment, it's interesting to hear someone suggest I make essentially the opposite choice that they made... though of course our situations are a little different. As for following my dream, I'm not sure which is my dream now, one's kindof my old but formerly strong dream, the other's kindof the newer but weaker replacement dream.

One concern... there is a worst possible turnout... both intermap positions are 100%... JET is not. There's a chance that if I turn down intermap for JET, they might not find a specific placement, and I'd be left with nothing. But that's a pretty low probability.

Transformers

It's been 5 months since I went to a movie theatre, but yesterday after work I was chatting with a coworker and got to join him and some people for dinner and to watch Transformers. Dinner was at Japanese village... kindof a neat place, they cook the stuff in front of you and try to make it entertaining. The food was pretty good, but not a large portion. And was pretty expensive (I paid $29 total and didn't even have a drink). Nice to go to once, but probably not again.

While waiting for the movie, played some Wii for the first time. It was pretty neat. Not as impressive as I expected, though that could depend a lot on the game.

Watched Transformers. I was disappointed. It was cool, but not super-cool. There was too much blatant product placement. And lots of things that just didn't make sense, even if you're trying not to think much during the movie. But the worst I found were all the super-close-ups. Seems like half the movie was just zoomed in scenes of lots of metal bits whirling around as something transformed or people fought or whatever. Halfway through the movie I was feeling sick, and after the movie I went and threw up. (could be related to the food, but I think it was more from the movie, though I don't normally get motion sickness).

Vector Shirt

Got a coupon in a ($4) box of Vector cereal for a free moisture wicking athletic shirt, "valued at $40". Wow, giving away a $40 shirt with a box of cereal. Anyways, went to the running room and picked it up. It's okay, but I highly doubt it's worth $40. but the best part of all this: it actually had a price tag on it saying $40! Except I think this shirt would only ever be given away (it had Vector on it, and he had to go to the back to get one), never actually sold. So they could put whatever price tag on they want. They could put a $30M price tag on if they want and pretend it;s worth that much. Silly.

Financial

Was thinking today about how with JET, I will be making significantly less money, especially since the yen is doing somewhat poor while canadian dollar is doing quite well. Even if I rent out the condo here, I'll still need to put a chunk of money towards it. Plus paying for living in Japan, I may be losing money, especially if I want to do anything fun in Japan. I can handle it as i still have some savings, but still don't really like the idea of spending more money than I'm making.

Denver pays well over twice as much as Japan. But is it worth it? Is $35000 (or more) and more direct 'career' experience and opportunities for advancement worth going to Denver instead of Japan?

Actually looked a little more at exchange rates, kindof neat... Against GBP and EUR, CAD gained recently, but had a fall before that, so it's around it's average over the past couple years. Against USD, CAD had some slow gains and losses, but has been rising fast in the past months. Somewhat similarly, against JPY, CAD gained some in late 2005, then stayed stable for over a year, then since march this year it's jumped over 15%. Having a strong canadian dollar is great, except if you get paid in a foreign currency.

Lethbridge

First time going to this particular out of town festival. Shortly after signing up for it, I was already regretting it, as I realised I had too much stuff to do here, started to worry more about finances, and discovered who else was going and not going. But I went anyways.

The races themselves... Kindof poorly organized. The race starter was the worst, really didn't know what he was doing, there was a fair amount of drift but he wanted you to straighten out your boat early rather than keeping it at an angle to compensate, or keeping us in paddles up position for several seconds, etc. Tried to have all teams doing a 'running start' and this was poorly done. The best start was when we were in division A, all the boats knew what they were doing and the starter pretty much let the teams set themselves up, worked much better. The second worst thing was that there were no "consolation" races which every festival normally has, so some teams were already heading home sunday morning. Thirdly, our youth team did two mixed races against adult teams, but then just did the youth division race, instead of continuing in the regular mixed divisions, which would have been nice (considering they were beating many adult teams). On the positive side, the race location is pretty nice at that lake (though lethbridge still had some manurey farm smell). And the food on site was pretty good (well there was a vietnamese place I got all my meals from) and prices weren't jacked up.

For our performance... far exceeded my expectations. First two races put us into A division, which I sortof expected though I knew we might not... Our team was 50% from the 'parents' team who's only had about 4 practices and never raced before. But we were still up there with some competitive teams. Then in our third race we did excellent, beating out some others in order to proceed to the Div A Final, meaning we were in the top 5 teams, along with a few others from calgary and a couple teams that consider themselves 'national' teams (during the calgary races they will try to qualify to represent canada). We didn't medal, but the fact we made the top division is great. The 'newbies' on our team are definitely not newbies anymore, and will have some experience to bring back to their regular rec team. Once they get more practice and experience, they should be pretty impressive. Our youth team, as I mentioned, was beating some adult teams, and took the gold in the youth division, though there was a lethbridge youth team pretty close.

For personal fun... nothing like regular out of town races. Less people I knew, less people in my age group and interest group. And not that much to do in lethbridge. Still had a lot of laughs. On first arriving, thought it was very strange that there were lots of people in lawn chairs on the side of the road watching cars drive by. Thought this was perhaps the thing to do in lethbridge. There were a LOT of people doing it. Started noticing there were a fair number of vintage cars around though, so I guess people were out to watch those. But then, saturday evening, there were still lots of people doing that, though the vintage cars didn't seem to be around anymore. Jay found it very twilight-zone-ish. We bugged Kim all weekend about people in lethbridge committing suicide from the wind. There was a cheesecake cafe across the street from the hotel and I was craving some chocolate cake friday night, then found some people who were going there anyways and joined them. Got Hamid craving it too, so we were going to share, but then discovered someone else had just ordered the last couple pieces... turned out to be some of our youth who arrived just before us! I was eating tons all weekend (esp. the breakfast included at the hotel), even Kim said (of some extra food one night) "give it to scott, he seems to be perpetually hungry." Maybe I was a substitute for Sheldon? But then after all the races, sunday dinnertime, I suddenly shut down and didn't want to eat anything at all. We even happened to go to cheesecake again for dinner before leaving, but I no longer wanted my chocolate cake. Weird. Saturday evening the hotel waterslide was actually pretty good. Sunday found Andrew (formerly on topmade) and chatted with him a while, he's still hilarious, i miss having him on my team. Sunday after the races all the kids were waterfighting, and after being completely soaked himself, arnold was getting them to target certain other teams like yahoo and CRC as they passed by. Must have enjoyed commanding his personal horde. Got to hear Hamid's keys story from regina. Joked about potential new team names, think the winner was my proposed "Lane 3" though it would also be fun to steal others names like "Pacific Reach C". That's about it.

When it rains it pours

So guess who called. The organization who could really complicate my new home and career situation further. JET. After spending all of last year in anticipation and some of this year, after getting on the alternate list again this year I'd pretty much given up hope for that and moved on. Now I know even less than ever what I'm gonna do.

Actually I know what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna go to dragonboat practice.

Denver

I'm hesitant about moving to denver for this position. Though it would be a decent position. And the pay is around 30% more than what I make right now (which partially reflects the position paying pretty well, and reflects my current position paying poorly). Also found out it may not be absolutely permanent, could plan on a year and a half or something (which is still quite some time). Anyways, they need someone down there temporarily to do this same sort of job, and the girl from Germany is having delays with her visa so they're thinking of sending me down for a couple weeks to do the work, while giving me a chance to see what the city/office/work is like. Probably heading down late next week.

Field radar tech

Did the quiz for this position, and they were pleasantly surprised. Said I did quite well, and there's actually a real possibility. Though priority might still have to be given to existing field guys. Will have an 'interview' monday though. Good news!

Ball-whacking

Tiger Woods earns over $80 million per year. But admittedly, he's really good at hitting a ball with a stick. Really really good. I hate to think what would happen to society if everyone had to rely on people like me for all their ball-whacking needs.

Also intereting, the NBA's collective bargaining agreement specifies a minimum salary for players. http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#11 If it's your first year in the NBA, the team is not allowed to pay you less than $427K. If you're in your second year, they must pay you >$687K. It doesn't make any sense to me... what are they gonna do, abuse their employees by only paying them a few hundred thousand? Are the rookie players going to take their skills elsewhere where they can make some "real money"?

Employment

Recipe for mid-life crisis?
Step 1) Buy Condo
Step 2) Furnish Condo
Step 3) Leave the country?

Boss wanted to chat a while today. My contract's coming to an end again, and I think he's tired of extending it. Doesn't think I'm being worked to my potential, and wants me to be doing something I want to do. I mentioned about applying to the field tech job, but he doesn't seem to think I'll get it (and I understand, but still have hope). He seems to feel (and I somewhat agree) that perhaps the best position for me is the preprocessing support engg position. One of the big things with this job though is that it's in Denver. So, big decision. If I hadn't just bought a condo here, it would be a bigger possibility. As it is, I knew I might go away and there's the possibility of renting out the whole place. If that's the case, maybe I shouldn't buy any furniture right now. The other thing is, do I really want to move to Denver? I think it's a nice place, pretty similar to Calgary really, but this isn't just going for a few months, or a year long internship, this is a pretty permanent thing. Well, I could always leave for something else if I wanted, though I should give it some time. But, do I really want this kind of job? I'm still not sure what I want. If I don't go for this denver job, there's a possibility of doing something else in calgary office, though nothing really sounded like something I'd want. Otherwise, probably it's approaching the end of my time with Intermap. Maybe I should try again that job I turned down last september? Maybe I should look for random jobs in calgary? (oil company big bucks?) I suck at searching for stuff, and not much seems related to my degree. And not much seems within my capabilities (to do or to learn to do). At least regardless of what happens, I'm likely to have some health benefits for a change, and be making more money (kindof tired of hearing of B.A. friends making as much as my M.Sc., not that I think I'm more capable or deserving of more than they are). Well, we'll see.

Pseudo-housewarming

Early last week, invited a bunch of people over for a house warming monday night. Though I actually intended it would turn out as a pseudo house warming. Back in undergrad, we spent most of our lunchtimes sitting on the floor in the hallway of 2nd floor E-block. Many people came to recognize us as always being there (haha undergrad office Nancy and her teasing). Then often when we'd gather at someone's house, we'd end up sitting on the floor more than on the sofas etc. I remember people joking that when we'd have our own places, we wouldn't even need furniture. So, I was planning on them showing up even though I had no furniture yet (though I had kitchen stuff to have food prepared for them)... Thought it would be funny. We'd eat, but then probably just go to kensington for ice cream or to a park for frisbee or walking or something. Well, only two people responded to the invite, a no and a maybe, so I just let the maybe know not to come and headed to dragonboat instead. Kindof disappointing. Pseudo-housewarming for pseudo-friends? Would've been at least nice to hear back from people if they were busy. Oh well. In a couple years of ownership, Jan's only had people over to her place once, Brad once, Patty/Greg once, Mark never, Dawn/Jared anticipated once... maybe I'll end up joining the ranks.

Once I have the place set up a bit better, I'll try again inviting some people over, for sure I can get a few closer friends to come.

The Brave Little Toaster Goes To Mars

Discovered this DVD when searching for "toaster" at future shop...

"Led by Toaster, the gang of appliances--plus new friends Faucet, Ceiling Fan, Microwave, Hearing Aid, Calculator, and more--blast off on an interplanetary adventure to save the family's baby."

And to make it even more amusing... Guess who voices Faucet....Farrah Fawcett!

Canada Day

Happy Canada Day!

Though, since July 1 is a sunday, I think officially canada day itself (not just talking about the day you take off work) is changed to July 2... but the official wording's a little odd, and noone actually follows it anyways.

But, didn't do anything to celebrate. This whole weekend actually has been busy with buying stuff for the condo, canceling furniture that I realise won't fit and stressing over what I should do with the room, etc. And, some review for that more electrical intermap job application/quiz.

Went for a run in the evening though (10:something). Couldn't find anyone to go with. It was a really nice evening though... need to get out and enjoy more of these. Said happy canada day to any strangers i came across. Generally haven't done much for canada day though. But for two years in a row (a few years back) I was in waterloo... seems a much bigger event down there. I remember taking folding chairs to the park with the lake where the fireworks are set off. Then jogging back to Martin's apartment as soon as it was done to escape the crowds, mocking the massive traffic jam of cars of people who parked foolishly close to event site and now would take an hour to leave. And the best part, discovering that if you're out on the balcony at his place, you can't hear the fire alarm going off inside the building!

First night

Took possession of the condo on friday. Everything seemed as it should be. I didn't have ay furniture or anything though, but decided to spend the first night there anyways. Grabbed a foamy and sleeping bag from home and headed over. Took the tiny tv and my laptop too, just curious about reception and potentially unsecured wireless points. It became quite a sad lonely night actually. First, I think the fairly empty place reminded me a bit about visiting Hua in kelowna during internship... That was a great weekend, bunch of memories still... How I forgot to bring the address but still managed to figure out which was her place on my second try. Going for a walk around the park in the evening. Laying around listening to kelly chen 'paisley galaxy'. Walking around the dragonboat festival area in the evening while the party was going on... noting how I like dance music but don't like dancing. Anyways... kindof miss those sorts of times. Almost never talk to her anymore. The main thing actually was thinking about Diep... mainly cause that little TV used to be hers when she was in Canada. Remembering someone who genuinely deeply cared about me... Anyways I was quite tired and emotions were amplified.

Sour water strippers

Went to a play on wednesday and got Julie (and her boyfriend) to come. Julie was the PhD student who was 'in charge' during my work in Ghana a couple years ago, though I hardly saw her since then. I thought it would be a good time to catch up, but not really with a third person around. Oh well. The play was really good though. Started me thinking about ghana again though, things were quite relaxing during that time, didn't have that much to worry about on the grander scale of life, like relationships and career and such.