Playing holiday catchup
Got a little lazy trying to blog while at home for the holidays, so it's time to open up the notebook ...
• Not a whole lot to report from my trip home, although I did make a couple of trips to New York to see some friends. I did finally see the World Trade Center site. It was very eerie pulling into the reopened PATH train station at the site and realizing where you are when you see this giant concrete canyon where there's constant construction. There was a lot museum-like displays on the fences surrounding the site, otherwise you might think it was just a huge construction project in lower Manhattan, as strange as that sounds. Of course, there were all the requisite tourists around, although thankfully there weren't a lot of people mugging for the camera in the area (as one of my colleagues told me she saw).
• One thing I realize I miss during my trips to New York is the mentality that walking can actually get you from place to place. It doesn't seem like a chore to walk about 15-20 blocks, especially in good weather, yet a similar trip by foot in Atlanta (in similar weather) seems like the Bataan Death March. I think I'm more spoiled here with a car, and it does skew your vision of how far things can be.
• Is there a rule that the airlines want you to wait at the airport as long as your flight is supposed to take? It was somewhat bizarre to see about 15-20 people (including myself) on my flight back to Newark waiting in line 2 1/2 hours before a flight because AirTran wasn't ready to check them in (they had to process an earlier flight first). So much for getting to the airport three hours early. And to add insult to injury, our flight out was delayed nearly an hour because of a chain of events that links back to too much air traffic from small planes in Florida.
• I was happy to see Northwestern keep up with Bowling Green in the Motor City, and I suppose it felt inevitable Josh Harris would pull out the victory, guaranteeing his wife would get the Brenda Warner/Sarah Wood/Elisabeth Hasselbeck TV treatment. Plus, trying to win the game on Brett Basanez's arm was just asking for trouble.
• OK, I understand I'm one of about five people who cared about the Motor City (but not enough to go to Detroit), but I guess that's what makes bowl season interesting -- nearly half of the Division I-A teams have at least one more game to care about. Also, the inner gambler in me comes out at this time thanks to the bowl pools/contests I'm in, even if there is no money on the line. Why else would I still be up caring about the Silicon Valley Classic?
• That Cardinals-Vikings ending was one of the craziest I've ever seen. Our reaction in the office after it happened was priceless, especially from the Packers fan sitting next to me. Props to former NU star Damien Anderson for recovering the onside kick to set up the winning score.
• Why do I feel like I'll be much happier when the holiday season is over and it's back to business as usual? Christmas was nice and all with the family, but very low-key. And New Year's looks to be the same, except that it seems like I will be spending it with me, myself and I. Seems fitting, I think.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Friday, December 19, 2003
Floor plans include the Andruw, the Ewing and the Kaplan
I knew they'd eventually sell the Gold Club, and I figured some type of condo development would've worked there, given the proximity to the Lindbergh MARTA station. I wonder if I'll be around or just have the money to get a place there?
However, the thought of the old infamous building housing a church at least temporarily is very amusing, and just seems very fraught.
I knew they'd eventually sell the Gold Club, and I figured some type of condo development would've worked there, given the proximity to the Lindbergh MARTA station. I wonder if I'll be around or just have the money to get a place there?
However, the thought of the old infamous building housing a church at least temporarily is very amusing, and just seems very fraught.
Christmas, already?
OK, so it's actually a little less than a week away, but I'm flying home to New Jersey this afternoon, and I've been scrambling the past week to get stuff done -- Christmas shopping for people here (although they won't get the gifts until after I get back, go figure), cards for everyone and all the assorted errands associated with travel.
With the calendar seemingly packed together, I lost a sense of timing and some time to get my holiday chores done. Thanksgiving was so late, and thus Trashmasters was also way late, and then there was just one weekend between that and my going home for Christmas. I passed on doing the Christmas lights and my meager tree. And sorta related to all of that, I haven't done any NU alumni admissions interviews yet -- although I just got the list last week (usually those come right after Thanksgiving).
Of course, the recent work situation also knocked me out of the Christmas loop, although I think I'll get back into it once I get back home. Time to do the touristy thing and see the tree in Rockefeller Center, etc.
OK, so it's actually a little less than a week away, but I'm flying home to New Jersey this afternoon, and I've been scrambling the past week to get stuff done -- Christmas shopping for people here (although they won't get the gifts until after I get back, go figure), cards for everyone and all the assorted errands associated with travel.
With the calendar seemingly packed together, I lost a sense of timing and some time to get my holiday chores done. Thanksgiving was so late, and thus Trashmasters was also way late, and then there was just one weekend between that and my going home for Christmas. I passed on doing the Christmas lights and my meager tree. And sorta related to all of that, I haven't done any NU alumni admissions interviews yet -- although I just got the list last week (usually those come right after Thanksgiving).
Of course, the recent work situation also knocked me out of the Christmas loop, although I think I'll get back into it once I get back home. Time to do the touristy thing and see the tree in Rockefeller Center, etc.
Thursday, December 11, 2003
Reprieve
I will still be employed after February 6 after all. A few more people opted for the New York position, opening up a spot for me and two others to stay. It's a nights-and-weekends schedule and the workload could be tough with a shorter staff, but I'm still employed with few other changes, so I've got that going for me, which is nice. Although most of us feel it's a stay of execution, and we're probably all polishing our resumes as we speak.
I think yesterday and today were tougher than Tuesday because at least then, there was this feeling that a whole bunch of us were going to go down with the ship. But as more people took the New York option, things were opening up for more people. Instead of six people competing for one spot, it ended up being five for three (one of the limbo six learned his fate yesterday). Better odds, for sure, but there's a different mindset with the results. As one co-worker put it, instead of having one winner, there are two losers.
In the end, we're losing six people as of February 6, maybe sooner. Unfortunately, Alyson is one of the six (and she didn't even have the limbo option). I feel so horrible for her, and now that I've been retained, things could get even more awkward than they already are. With the multitude of issues popping up thanks to the events of the past few days, that's going be one of the toughest to handle.
I will still be employed after February 6 after all. A few more people opted for the New York position, opening up a spot for me and two others to stay. It's a nights-and-weekends schedule and the workload could be tough with a shorter staff, but I'm still employed with few other changes, so I've got that going for me, which is nice. Although most of us feel it's a stay of execution, and we're probably all polishing our resumes as we speak.
I think yesterday and today were tougher than Tuesday because at least then, there was this feeling that a whole bunch of us were going to go down with the ship. But as more people took the New York option, things were opening up for more people. Instead of six people competing for one spot, it ended up being five for three (one of the limbo six learned his fate yesterday). Better odds, for sure, but there's a different mindset with the results. As one co-worker put it, instead of having one winner, there are two losers.
In the end, we're losing six people as of February 6, maybe sooner. Unfortunately, Alyson is one of the six (and she didn't even have the limbo option). I feel so horrible for her, and now that I've been retained, things could get even more awkward than they already are. With the multitude of issues popping up thanks to the events of the past few days, that's going be one of the toughest to handle.
The final countdown
I think it's D-Day, or it could be tomorrow, it all depends on the decisions of some of other co-workers. I'm feeling more nervous now (hence the early blogging) than I did when all of this hit us in the face on Tuesday. It's been a roller-coaster ride so far: first, the news that most of us are moving, then that most of us would still have jobs somewhere (either in Atlanta or New York), then the fact that only half of us may have jobs, and now the possibility that about 70% of us may be retained after all.
I should feel better about my prospects here, but I'm not going to. And this whole ordeal is a good excuse to begin the process of looking elsewhere, no matter how it turns out.
I think it's D-Day, or it could be tomorrow, it all depends on the decisions of some of other co-workers. I'm feeling more nervous now (hence the early blogging) than I did when all of this hit us in the face on Tuesday. It's been a roller-coaster ride so far: first, the news that most of us are moving, then that most of us would still have jobs somewhere (either in Atlanta or New York), then the fact that only half of us may have jobs, and now the possibility that about 70% of us may be retained after all.
I should feel better about my prospects here, but I'm not going to. And this whole ordeal is a good excuse to begin the process of looking elsewhere, no matter how it turns out.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Still in limbo
Right now, I could have a position with the company in Atlanta, but only if a few people they offered the New York/Atlanta option pick NYC. We'll find out Thursday or Friday. And there are about 6-7 of us all in the same position. I'm not optimistic about being retained. No matter what, it's time to really milk those contacts.
With some of the wait, all I can think of is that damn digital clock and Jack Bauer running wild all over the place trying to save someone's job.
Right now, I could have a position with the company in Atlanta, but only if a few people they offered the New York/Atlanta option pick NYC. We'll find out Thursday or Friday. And there are about 6-7 of us all in the same position. I'm not optimistic about being retained. No matter what, it's time to really milk those contacts.
With some of the wait, all I can think of is that damn digital clock and Jack Bauer running wild all over the place trying to save someone's job.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Monday, December 08, 2003
You take the good, you take the bad ...
The annual Trashmasters trip was fun as usual since it's one of the few times to see everyone while only having to worry about playing and not running a tournament. My team finished third, losing only to the first- and second-place teams, going a total of 12-3 (if you count the playoff match). The questions were solid, save one packet written by a very inexperienced team, and the competition was superb (it was great to see some of the West Coast folks come out to do a dry run before TRASHionals).
I had my moments playing, but I think I may have been a step slow on the buzzer, but maybe that's because I've got JD as a teammate. That may have cost me in my unsuccessful defense of the K-Tel Hell crown as well. Still, I finished tied for ninth with DEK, so that has to count for something.
One plus about having everyone in town is that it's a good excuse to take people out to eat, and I made sure to show everyone the wonder that is Ted's Montana Grill. I think everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and thankfully most were daring enough to try the bison.
Speaking of Ted, maybe it's a good thing he's worried more about bison burgers than CNN. We've got a staff meeting coming up in the morning, and well, it doesn't sound good. We're hearing rumors of different things, but my usual line about my long tenure at work, "They haven't found a way to get rid of me," may not be true soon. Who knows, though? If anything, it will make my co-worker's annual holiday party this weekend a lot more interesting. I suppose it should be a Festivus party at this point. We'll definitely have the airing of grievances.
The annual Trashmasters trip was fun as usual since it's one of the few times to see everyone while only having to worry about playing and not running a tournament. My team finished third, losing only to the first- and second-place teams, going a total of 12-3 (if you count the playoff match). The questions were solid, save one packet written by a very inexperienced team, and the competition was superb (it was great to see some of the West Coast folks come out to do a dry run before TRASHionals).
I had my moments playing, but I think I may have been a step slow on the buzzer, but maybe that's because I've got JD as a teammate. That may have cost me in my unsuccessful defense of the K-Tel Hell crown as well. Still, I finished tied for ninth with DEK, so that has to count for something.
One plus about having everyone in town is that it's a good excuse to take people out to eat, and I made sure to show everyone the wonder that is Ted's Montana Grill. I think everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and thankfully most were daring enough to try the bison.
Speaking of Ted, maybe it's a good thing he's worried more about bison burgers than CNN. We've got a staff meeting coming up in the morning, and well, it doesn't sound good. We're hearing rumors of different things, but my usual line about my long tenure at work, "They haven't found a way to get rid of me," may not be true soon. Who knows, though? If anything, it will make my co-worker's annual holiday party this weekend a lot more interesting. I suppose it should be a Festivus party at this point. We'll definitely have the airing of grievances.
Friday, December 05, 2003
Now up for rookie of the year -- Jesse Orosco
It's a bad sign for the Grammys when a band featured on the lunchtime retro show is nominated for Best New Artist. On the plus side, it was cool to hear this song on the radio since I missed it when it first came out.
It's a bad sign for the Grammys when a band featured on the lunchtime retro show is nominated for Best New Artist. On the plus side, it was cool to hear this song on the radio since I missed it when it first came out.
Thursday, December 04, 2003
T-W-E-A-K
Mark has already touched on the new season of Lingo, and I think the show looks and feels even more foreign than when it was taped in Amsterdam. The set, the somewhat dulled out picture and the blonde co-host (complete with accent) all contribute to this. Also, Chuck Woolery looks a lot slimmer and isn't as quick with the quips as before. Maybe that separation took a lot out of him.
Mark has already touched on the new season of Lingo, and I think the show looks and feels even more foreign than when it was taped in Amsterdam. The set, the somewhat dulled out picture and the blonde co-host (complete with accent) all contribute to this. Also, Chuck Woolery looks a lot slimmer and isn't as quick with the quips as before. Maybe that separation took a lot out of him.
Coming up lemons
Now it looks like Northwestern may not go bowling (or get blown out by Bowling Green) after all. The SEC may get the second BCS berth no matter what, especially when you consider Florida is going to the Outback instead of the long-rumored Peach Bowl berth. With that move, it looks like Tennessee moves into the BCS, the Georgia-LSU loser going to the Capital One (nee Citrus) against Ohio State (instead of the BCS). And with the Buckeyes not in the BCS, there won't be enough Big Ten bowl spots and the 'Cats stay home.
I'm not really disappointed if it doesn't happen since 6-6 only made it a technicality to qualify for a bowl, and it's not necessarily indicative of a good season. It was a decent season, given everything, but is it bowl worthy? I'm not sure. The one potential positive is that 10-2 Northern Illinois may go bowling after all since two SEC teams in the BCS would free up the Independence Bowl to take an at-large team.
What's really strange is while it's fun to figure out who goes where, a lot of the matchups already announced do little for me. Many of them look like those very average Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night ESPN games where average teams hog the national spotlight because it's the only thing on. Sure, I'll watch, but only because of a couple of bowl pools. Ah, the joys of gambling (or pseudo-gambling)!
Now it looks like Northwestern may not go bowling (or get blown out by Bowling Green) after all. The SEC may get the second BCS berth no matter what, especially when you consider Florida is going to the Outback instead of the long-rumored Peach Bowl berth. With that move, it looks like Tennessee moves into the BCS, the Georgia-LSU loser going to the Capital One (nee Citrus) against Ohio State (instead of the BCS). And with the Buckeyes not in the BCS, there won't be enough Big Ten bowl spots and the 'Cats stay home.
I'm not really disappointed if it doesn't happen since 6-6 only made it a technicality to qualify for a bowl, and it's not necessarily indicative of a good season. It was a decent season, given everything, but is it bowl worthy? I'm not sure. The one potential positive is that 10-2 Northern Illinois may go bowling after all since two SEC teams in the BCS would free up the Independence Bowl to take an at-large team.
What's really strange is while it's fun to figure out who goes where, a lot of the matchups already announced do little for me. Many of them look like those very average Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night ESPN games where average teams hog the national spotlight because it's the only thing on. Sure, I'll watch, but only because of a couple of bowl pools. Ah, the joys of gambling (or pseudo-gambling)!
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