Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Update ?
No news is, um, well... no news? It's only been a week, right? I'll try not to think about it.
No news is, um, well... no news? It's only been a week, right? I'll try not to think about it.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Misc.
I can't believe how long this weather is holding on! Today is a perfect day, not too hot, no humidity to speak of, delicious light breeze. Perfect for drying clothes on the line and sitting under a tree in the park with my sweet girl. We're going on vacation (including camping. Yikes!) next week, so let's hope the beautiful weather sticks around for that.
Father's day was extra special this year. Our friend threw a little brunch party for her favourite dads (including her husband, mine and one other). What a feast! Quiche, fruit galore, potato latkes (my contribution), bagels, croissants, crepes... The kids had a great time and the parents got to chat and listen to tunes. Relaxing and rewarding.
I visited my own father on Saturday, as well as my mother (they're divorced, but live in the same neighbourhood). My father is looking very old these days, older than he probably "should" for his age, a situation I attribute to a relatively reclusive and sedentary lifestyle. It's the life he wants, I'm pretty sure, but I don't think it's great for him physically. There's not much motivation to get up and go for a walk when you're alone, y'know? Problem is, you can't make people live the way you would like them to live. This might be especially true of one's parents.
I've just finished doing a whack of writing for CitizenShift, for a dossier on garbage and recycling. It's fascinating stuff, really. If you have a moment to watch some film clips, have a gander at the site. As I've said before it's a great way to become more informed. (Actually, the garbage dossier isn't up yet, so check back for that in a couple days.)
I can't believe how long this weather is holding on! Today is a perfect day, not too hot, no humidity to speak of, delicious light breeze. Perfect for drying clothes on the line and sitting under a tree in the park with my sweet girl. We're going on vacation (including camping. Yikes!) next week, so let's hope the beautiful weather sticks around for that.
Father's day was extra special this year. Our friend threw a little brunch party for her favourite dads (including her husband, mine and one other). What a feast! Quiche, fruit galore, potato latkes (my contribution), bagels, croissants, crepes... The kids had a great time and the parents got to chat and listen to tunes. Relaxing and rewarding.
I visited my own father on Saturday, as well as my mother (they're divorced, but live in the same neighbourhood). My father is looking very old these days, older than he probably "should" for his age, a situation I attribute to a relatively reclusive and sedentary lifestyle. It's the life he wants, I'm pretty sure, but I don't think it's great for him physically. There's not much motivation to get up and go for a walk when you're alone, y'know? Problem is, you can't make people live the way you would like them to live. This might be especially true of one's parents.
I've just finished doing a whack of writing for CitizenShift, for a dossier on garbage and recycling. It's fascinating stuff, really. If you have a moment to watch some film clips, have a gander at the site. As I've said before it's a great way to become more informed. (Actually, the garbage dossier isn't up yet, so check back for that in a couple days.)
Friday, June 15, 2007
This week I had the chance to ride the emotional rollercoaster that is the "Big Job Interview".
A bit of background: A few months ago I decided that I wanted to take my career in a new direction and set my sights on a certain job. It's something I've always wanted to do but have always been terrified to try. So I said to myself that I would send out applications, but as I didn't see myself as fully qualified to do it yet, I thought that I wouldn't be seriously considered and I would try to get my qualifications and reapply as necessary (getting closer to the goal bit by bit).
Well, on Sunday last I got a call from one of the A-list places I'd applied to, asking me to come in for an interview. You know, like a 5-person committee interview where you have to prepare a presentation ahead of time. A scary fucking interview.
I panicked. I freaked. Countless times I was on the verge of calling back and telling them it was all a big mistake and I have no business even thinking about doing this job. And then I called on some good friends who are already in the field and asked for their help and advice. And I worked and prepared what the potential employers wanted. In preparing I realized that maybe, just maybe, I could do this job. Then I went to the interview.
I had a new blouse and earrings on. That was good. I was on time and even went to the bathroom first. That was good. And the interview went well, maybe even really well, if my judgement can be trusted. I certainly felt that unbelievably good feeling of walking out of an interview and going "Yeee!"
I don't expect to get the job. The fact is that there were many more qualified applicants. But I didn't screw up the interview, and that's a pretty good feeling, especially after the dread and fear.
I'll let you know when I hear anything.
A bit of background: A few months ago I decided that I wanted to take my career in a new direction and set my sights on a certain job. It's something I've always wanted to do but have always been terrified to try. So I said to myself that I would send out applications, but as I didn't see myself as fully qualified to do it yet, I thought that I wouldn't be seriously considered and I would try to get my qualifications and reapply as necessary (getting closer to the goal bit by bit).
Well, on Sunday last I got a call from one of the A-list places I'd applied to, asking me to come in for an interview. You know, like a 5-person committee interview where you have to prepare a presentation ahead of time. A scary fucking interview.
I panicked. I freaked. Countless times I was on the verge of calling back and telling them it was all a big mistake and I have no business even thinking about doing this job. And then I called on some good friends who are already in the field and asked for their help and advice. And I worked and prepared what the potential employers wanted. In preparing I realized that maybe, just maybe, I could do this job. Then I went to the interview.
I had a new blouse and earrings on. That was good. I was on time and even went to the bathroom first. That was good. And the interview went well, maybe even really well, if my judgement can be trusted. I certainly felt that unbelievably good feeling of walking out of an interview and going "Yeee!"
I don't expect to get the job. The fact is that there were many more qualified applicants. But I didn't screw up the interview, and that's a pretty good feeling, especially after the dread and fear.
I'll let you know when I hear anything.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Posting for the sake of posting
We are rushing headlong into summer, with all of its child-related activity. Already the kids have started soccer (4 nights/week) and swim team (4 nights/week) and they're still at school. My older daughter is going on an overnight camping trip with her class, to a camp up north that is owned by the school. (She is doing a year-long programme in a school for children with disabilities.) It sounds like it's going to be a great bonding experience for the class, and a wonderful way to end the year. It's a shame that it's so unbelievably cold!
I went to see the film Waitress last night. I don't recommend it, but it wasn't the worst movie I've seen. I saw The Party for the first time the other night on DVD and absolutely loved it. Not just because it made me bray like a donkey (laughing); I loved the nuanced character of of Bakshi and how subtly the social dynamics were portrayed. I thought it was a very generous and open-hearted film.
Not much time to write anything today, but I thought a new post was in order. I'll get back to you soon with something you can sink your teeth into...promise!
We are rushing headlong into summer, with all of its child-related activity. Already the kids have started soccer (4 nights/week) and swim team (4 nights/week) and they're still at school. My older daughter is going on an overnight camping trip with her class, to a camp up north that is owned by the school. (She is doing a year-long programme in a school for children with disabilities.) It sounds like it's going to be a great bonding experience for the class, and a wonderful way to end the year. It's a shame that it's so unbelievably cold!
I went to see the film Waitress last night. I don't recommend it, but it wasn't the worst movie I've seen. I saw The Party for the first time the other night on DVD and absolutely loved it. Not just because it made me bray like a donkey (laughing); I loved the nuanced character of of Bakshi and how subtly the social dynamics were portrayed. I thought it was a very generous and open-hearted film.
Not much time to write anything today, but I thought a new post was in order. I'll get back to you soon with something you can sink your teeth into...promise!
