Sunday the 26th, race day. Training up until now had to pay off... or else it would be a short day ineed. The trek over to Penrith (the Olympic Regatta Centre) wasn't so bad - a nice cruise down the M4. Only took about 40 minutes in the end - a fair distance, but less than I expected.
Got there a couple of hours before the first race and found where the rest of the team were sitting. The company took over a whole area (well all of the various companies had their respective areas), so the team was easy to spot.
A nice day out in the end. People everywhere. Quite the event. Not only were there simply races, there were also a couple of announcers - chatting away all day: calling races, delivering results, and having general light hearted chat. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Fast forward to the results then. Came first in the pool stage and therefore qualified for the semi-final (1st, 2nd, then 1st in the three individual heats). We managed to get a fairly competetive time of 52.48 seconds, whereas the leaders of the tourament thus far pushed past the line at just under 51 seconds.
Unfortunately for us, it wasn't to be. We got snapped in the semis. We had a bunch of support from the announcers, yet that wasn't enough to help us over. We were royally screwed. The drummer that we borrowed was hopeless - just kept banging the drums at random intervals. Dumbass.
So anyways, i've had my first review - and i've only been at work for a month. Intense. Kind of scary, really. Didn't know what to expect first up. In the end it was quite fulfilling. Got to have a good chat at where I am and where i'd like to go - and where I was thinking was on par with both of my superiors. Mad. Maybe they were being nice to be, as it was my first review - lol. Time will tell, time will tell.
Anyways, busy week ahead of me. Arg.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Ups and Downs - Life, really
The weekend was a nice, relaxing one. Cricket season is over, and other commitments also. Haven't had one of those in yonks! So what did I do? Sleep in and watch some Commonwealth Games. Now alot of people would diss the Comm Games, but they're not too bad in the end. It can get a little one sided, but there are some good competetive races from time to time. (I'm sure those outside Australia, and some inside, are sick and tired of hearing Advance Australia Fair).
Swimming and Cycling, as always was a real treat. The golden girls ripping up their cometitors in the pool and going after eachother was fantastic to watch. Constantly chasing that World Record White Line is something that never ceases to amaze. Probably isn't the most balanced of fields, but it is quite the achievement to get gold, silver, and bronze in an event and not drop a single gold (for the women). Pure ownage. I'm a big fan of cycling at the Velidrome as well - the Keirin is quite intense and watching the guys and girls power home is nailbiting - as finishes go down to the portions of wheels. Congrats to both Ryan Bailey and Anna Meares.
Those aren't the only two things I saw - those were the highlights of Super Saturday. I managed to watch some of the Light Weightlifting. Weighlifting? You have to be kidding, right? Well.. it wasn't too bad. Alexander Turner did quite well to take it out... and there were some laughs with the Cameroon dude - Etoundi. Gym, both male and female is not bad to watch either.
Anyways, enough about the Comm Games. Onto Monday. Wow. Had a shocker at work. Tell you what - not much was going at all. It was one of those days. The shared hard drive was full and all of the work that I was doing wasn't actually saving (not that DBArtisan was telling me that it wasn't saving - stupid thing).
At least the evening was better. Had Dragonboat training and this training set felt much better. I'm all pumped up for the race - that's what. Haha. Nothing like stabbing the water after a dreadful day at work. At least the day wasn't all bad. Also had a good chat to a Dragonboat teammate on the way to the station (first leg of the journey home). Maybe I was just happy to get out of the office... lol.
Meh.
Swimming and Cycling, as always was a real treat. The golden girls ripping up their cometitors in the pool and going after eachother was fantastic to watch. Constantly chasing that World Record White Line is something that never ceases to amaze. Probably isn't the most balanced of fields, but it is quite the achievement to get gold, silver, and bronze in an event and not drop a single gold (for the women). Pure ownage. I'm a big fan of cycling at the Velidrome as well - the Keirin is quite intense and watching the guys and girls power home is nailbiting - as finishes go down to the portions of wheels. Congrats to both Ryan Bailey and Anna Meares.
Those aren't the only two things I saw - those were the highlights of Super Saturday. I managed to watch some of the Light Weightlifting. Weighlifting? You have to be kidding, right? Well.. it wasn't too bad. Alexander Turner did quite well to take it out... and there were some laughs with the Cameroon dude - Etoundi. Gym, both male and female is not bad to watch either.
Anyways, enough about the Comm Games. Onto Monday. Wow. Had a shocker at work. Tell you what - not much was going at all. It was one of those days. The shared hard drive was full and all of the work that I was doing wasn't actually saving (not that DBArtisan was telling me that it wasn't saving - stupid thing).
At least the evening was better. Had Dragonboat training and this training set felt much better. I'm all pumped up for the race - that's what. Haha. Nothing like stabbing the water after a dreadful day at work. At least the day wasn't all bad. Also had a good chat to a Dragonboat teammate on the way to the station (first leg of the journey home). Maybe I was just happy to get out of the office... lol.
Meh.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Work? Howzat
Interesting week again this week. There doesn't seem to be a week so far where nothing happens. A good sign, really - although I doubt that this run of good luck can be maintained forever. I've now got the trifecta of bigwigs, thanks to a new addition of "who did I bump into near or at work today?". Who was I in close proximity to this time? Steve Waugh. Yep, ex-Aussie cricket captain.
I didn't actually get to speak to Steve, but I we caught the same lift. Impressive. It was late afternoon and I was on my way down to grab my sports bag off my sister. Being late afternoon, I wasn't the most aware person in the world. So into the lift I go and I hear people talking about cricket - not the amazing defeat of Australia, but India v Pakistan. Fair enough. After listening to about 5 seconds of the conversation, I look up and see who is actually in the lift. Some dude, some other dude, another random, and Steve. What? Steve? Damn! What luck!
Anyhow, moving on from one random event to another. I got a Christmas present from work. Interesting. I got an email for the floor effectively saying "come and see me if you are a new starter or graduate since January 2006". I thought we were all in trouble or something. Not quite. Apparently there was a glut of Christmas presents and the company was generous enough to pass it off to the newcomers. Nice work indeed. The christmas comes early idiom doesn't quite work here - but i'll take it :D.
More random things this week:
- I got paid
- My mobile phone bill is $64
- This coming weekend is the first entirely free weekend i've had since coming back to Australia in mid-January!
I didn't actually get to speak to Steve, but I we caught the same lift. Impressive. It was late afternoon and I was on my way down to grab my sports bag off my sister. Being late afternoon, I wasn't the most aware person in the world. So into the lift I go and I hear people talking about cricket - not the amazing defeat of Australia, but India v Pakistan. Fair enough. After listening to about 5 seconds of the conversation, I look up and see who is actually in the lift. Some dude, some other dude, another random, and Steve. What? Steve? Damn! What luck!
Anyhow, moving on from one random event to another. I got a Christmas present from work. Interesting. I got an email for the floor effectively saying "come and see me if you are a new starter or graduate since January 2006". I thought we were all in trouble or something. Not quite. Apparently there was a glut of Christmas presents and the company was generous enough to pass it off to the newcomers. Nice work indeed. The christmas comes early idiom doesn't quite work here - but i'll take it :D.
More random things this week:
- I got paid
- My mobile phone bill is $64
- This coming weekend is the first entirely free weekend i've had since coming back to Australia in mid-January!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Ending 2005-6 with a Victory
Yesterday was a great day. Victory and celebration all around. Also, throughout the day I got to meet up with some old friends, which is great. Today is going to be a tough day to beat. Happiness all day, really.
The morning was spent down at the Vibe Hotel. Meetings, reports - excitement plus. I delivered a report, and it was a good sign that people didn't fall asleep. I was even heckled from some people in the room - plenty of excitement. At least heckling is a sign that people are listening- lol. Got to chat and mingle for a little while after the meeting before heading off to cricket.
Picked up Dini from Strathfield station on the way from the city to our home ground (Harold Park West Reserve). I was running late, and didn't get much of an opportunity to stop anywhere to get some lunch. We got there just on time, and I ducked out to buy something to eat. Bolted off to Carlingford Court to get some KFC, and raced back.
Half-way through eating my Zinger, the Dini-Tom partnership was broken and it was my turn to bat. I packed up the Zinger and headed out towards the pitch... without a bat. Very professional, lol. Turned back to grab a bat, and then I was all set. The bowling was rank, and my batting was worse. Out for 2. Clean bowled. At least I was playing a defensive block... but missed.
The team amassed 155 and declared, to give the opposition a chance to win the game (declaration put us 10 or so in front). As it was the last round of the season, Captain Tony decided to bring in a superior bowling attack, JB and I. We haven't bowled all season, and we definitely can not be classed as bowlers. Little did the team know how successful we would be.
I bowled the second over of the innings and my impact was felt straight away. First ball - dot ball, second ball - wide. Arg. Ball three - pitched short, down the middle of the pitch. The batsman attempts a pull shot, caught mid-on. A wicket! OMG! Who would have thought.
JB and I ripped through the opposition. The opposition declared at 5/39 (as they wanted to go home) leaving us 25 to chase. Final figures: Mark 2/12 off 2.5 overs, JB 2/20 off 3 overs (with one run-out to me). What figures, it certainly was an enjoyable innings.
The match ended with North Parramatta Cricket Club (us) winning Outright by 10 wickets. Go us!
Saturday night was also great. Celebrating 23rd birthdays of two Sydney Uni Engos. The birthday was down at Soup Plus on Margaret Street - an eatery where live Jazz music is played. It was a thorougly enjoyable night as I got to chat with mates that I haven't seen in a long, long time. Chatted away for hours! Anyhoo, there ends a thoroughly enjoyable day.
The morning was spent down at the Vibe Hotel. Meetings, reports - excitement plus. I delivered a report, and it was a good sign that people didn't fall asleep. I was even heckled from some people in the room - plenty of excitement. At least heckling is a sign that people are listening- lol. Got to chat and mingle for a little while after the meeting before heading off to cricket.
Picked up Dini from Strathfield station on the way from the city to our home ground (Harold Park West Reserve). I was running late, and didn't get much of an opportunity to stop anywhere to get some lunch. We got there just on time, and I ducked out to buy something to eat. Bolted off to Carlingford Court to get some KFC, and raced back.
Half-way through eating my Zinger, the Dini-Tom partnership was broken and it was my turn to bat. I packed up the Zinger and headed out towards the pitch... without a bat. Very professional, lol. Turned back to grab a bat, and then I was all set. The bowling was rank, and my batting was worse. Out for 2. Clean bowled. At least I was playing a defensive block... but missed.
The team amassed 155 and declared, to give the opposition a chance to win the game (declaration put us 10 or so in front). As it was the last round of the season, Captain Tony decided to bring in a superior bowling attack, JB and I. We haven't bowled all season, and we definitely can not be classed as bowlers. Little did the team know how successful we would be.
I bowled the second over of the innings and my impact was felt straight away. First ball - dot ball, second ball - wide. Arg. Ball three - pitched short, down the middle of the pitch. The batsman attempts a pull shot, caught mid-on. A wicket! OMG! Who would have thought.
JB and I ripped through the opposition. The opposition declared at 5/39 (as they wanted to go home) leaving us 25 to chase. Final figures: Mark 2/12 off 2.5 overs, JB 2/20 off 3 overs (with one run-out to me). What figures, it certainly was an enjoyable innings.
The match ended with North Parramatta Cricket Club (us) winning Outright by 10 wickets. Go us!
Saturday night was also great. Celebrating 23rd birthdays of two Sydney Uni Engos. The birthday was down at Soup Plus on Margaret Street - an eatery where live Jazz music is played. It was a thorougly enjoyable night as I got to chat with mates that I haven't seen in a long, long time. Chatted away for hours! Anyhoo, there ends a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
My First Film Appearance
The week is only half over and events continue to startle me (as i'm sure they'll startle you). This morning I got invited by my boss to participate in a company movie. Wow. How cool is that? Lucky me... three weeks in and i've made it already. Haha!
Truthfully, the film isn't going to be shown externally but oh well. I'll take it. Strange, strange indeed. I'll start from the top, the beginning of the day.
I leave the house, as per usual and hop onto the ferry. I arrive at work just before a quarter past 8. As per usual the grads Nathan and Kylie are reading the newspapers by the kitchen and I say hi. I greet the early keen beans in my team and proceed to make some breakfast (I brought in ham, how good am I?). Unfortunately for me there is only some Raisin Bread around, urgh. So what do I do? I do what the truly entrepreneurial person does.... go to another floor and poach some whitebread!
Down I go to Jesse's floor (Usyd - Engineering) and steal some whitebread. I'm spotted by some other grads in the process but everyone has a laugh. Finally I get my ham sandwich and contently sit at my desk, ready to consume my crowning achievement of the day!
Doug pops by and asks me if i'm free between 11 and 12. Yep. Interesting question. Next up there's the leading description. One of the films doing the rounds is a bit on the old side and it's time for an update. Then the question: "Are you interested in being a part of the new one?". Yes again! Although I did try to look cool, calm, and collected about it. Haha!
Turns out that 3 people from my team may feature in this new film. Quite the hit rate, considering that there are thousands and thousands of people to choose from. But I digress, back to the story.
Fast forward to 11 and I head down to the shooting location. I meet a couple of people on the floor and also meet my co-star for the day. An Associate Director. Ouch. How insignificant I am, lol. Oh well, good opportunity to meet and greet power players at work. So what do we do? We confidently walk around the lobby area and have a chat. Pretty cool. It's not often that you get to chat to a senior person at length (and we got to chat a fair bit because there were many takes from different angles, etc). Even the CEO dropped by and said hello, haha! Interesting day indeed.
Also an interesting note: The most senior person on my floor was walking past my booth to the kitchen when I was having a chat with Pritpal (last year's grad on my team) and I mentioned that this (the area that we work in) is party central. A stray look was cast my way. Once he was gone Pritpal and I couldn't stop laughing. Funny day... funny day indeed.
Stay tuned to find out whether i'm in the final cut, or if the scene(s) that include me end up on the cutting room floor. Haha!
Truthfully, the film isn't going to be shown externally but oh well. I'll take it. Strange, strange indeed. I'll start from the top, the beginning of the day.
I leave the house, as per usual and hop onto the ferry. I arrive at work just before a quarter past 8. As per usual the grads Nathan and Kylie are reading the newspapers by the kitchen and I say hi. I greet the early keen beans in my team and proceed to make some breakfast (I brought in ham, how good am I?). Unfortunately for me there is only some Raisin Bread around, urgh. So what do I do? I do what the truly entrepreneurial person does.... go to another floor and poach some whitebread!
Down I go to Jesse's floor (Usyd - Engineering) and steal some whitebread. I'm spotted by some other grads in the process but everyone has a laugh. Finally I get my ham sandwich and contently sit at my desk, ready to consume my crowning achievement of the day!
Doug pops by and asks me if i'm free between 11 and 12. Yep. Interesting question. Next up there's the leading description. One of the films doing the rounds is a bit on the old side and it's time for an update. Then the question: "Are you interested in being a part of the new one?". Yes again! Although I did try to look cool, calm, and collected about it. Haha!
Turns out that 3 people from my team may feature in this new film. Quite the hit rate, considering that there are thousands and thousands of people to choose from. But I digress, back to the story.
Fast forward to 11 and I head down to the shooting location. I meet a couple of people on the floor and also meet my co-star for the day. An Associate Director. Ouch. How insignificant I am, lol. Oh well, good opportunity to meet and greet power players at work. So what do we do? We confidently walk around the lobby area and have a chat. Pretty cool. It's not often that you get to chat to a senior person at length (and we got to chat a fair bit because there were many takes from different angles, etc). Even the CEO dropped by and said hello, haha! Interesting day indeed.
Also an interesting note: The most senior person on my floor was walking past my booth to the kitchen when I was having a chat with Pritpal (last year's grad on my team) and I mentioned that this (the area that we work in) is party central. A stray look was cast my way. Once he was gone Pritpal and I couldn't stop laughing. Funny day... funny day indeed.
Stay tuned to find out whether i'm in the final cut, or if the scene(s) that include me end up on the cutting room floor. Haha!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Aussie Big Wigs and Other Random Stuff
Work is what I had last week. No surprise there. I'll give you a brief rundown on what went on. A summary first, then some more detail afterwards:
Monday 27th - work
Tuesday 28th - work
Wednesday 1st - leave
Thursday 2nd - work
Friday 3rd - work
Saturday 4th- cricket
Sunday 5th - not much
Monday 6th- more work
Monday - first day of Dragonboating for the Corporate Games. It's been a long time since I dragonboated last and boy did I feel it. Things weren't really helped as I was placed in Row 2 from the front. No dipping for me, I actually have to paddle properly. Gah! Hopefully things will improve as training settles in.
Tuesday.... nothing but work.
Wednesday, what the? Heh. I took a day of leave. I haven't even worked up a day of leave and I got it! Woohoo! The advantages of having a great boss. I spent the day off at Sydney Uni funnily enough. Hanging out with Jess and some of the Libs at the SULC stall. Had to go dor a bit of a drive as well, but I won't really speak about that - nothing to write home about, really.
You may notice that i've spoken nothing about Aussie Big Wigs and lots about random stuff. Reason: Other Random Stuff and Aussie Big Wigs doesn't have quite the same punch as a subject. So relax.
Thursday was a big, big day. I got to see two power players in Australia - one in the realm of business and one in the realm of politics. Who are the two? Alan Moss (Macquarie Bank) and John Howard (Prime Minister of Oz). Woo! All in the space of half an hour as well. Crazy times, crazy times indeed.
Alan and John weren't at the same event. Let me make that point clear. However, they were located in the same building - the Westin Hotel. Being the lucky person that I am, I didn't actally get to chat with either of them... BUT I was able to stand almost at an arms length to both of them (at different times, obviously). Go me, and all of that.
Friday. Drinks, followed by... more drinks. Wow. Two sets of drinks in one night. I didn't go crazy - so all is good. Drinks were held for the new starters on my floor, followed by the ritual graduate drinks at Ryans on a Friday night (which seems to be a ritual for just about every other graduate in the area!). Home afterwards - late.
Saturday. March to Victory. Bold words considering we aren't the best team in the comp. I think an accurate description of our team would result in the word best not being featured anywhere. Hah! But I digress. The last round of the season is off to a good start. The opposition have been bowled out for 140-odd and we are on track with 4-80. I managed 2 catches, at first slip! Go me. I'm in next drop and the bowling attack doesn't seem too threatning. Dedication and focus shall win the day! High hopes as we March to Victory.
Seems like i've done a week. Might as well add today as well. Work again. Woohoo. I've almost finished the task that i've been given. Apparently it is "Critical" so it's a good thing that i'm almost finished. Testing, testing, testing is pretty much what i've been doing. Gotta make sure that I don't stuff things up!
Talking about stuffing things up. I'm sure i've stuffed up my body after today's marathon of a training session for Dragonboating. Not only did we have an extra long session today - I had to sit at the front with my assigned partner. The very front. Oh man. No pressure. Tired muscles is a good description of most of my body below the neck. I'm going to feel this one in the morning. Tiring on the one hand, yet refreshing on the other. Wierd. Oh and I half fell into the water. Damn boat docking - not easy when there is a current!
Anyhoo, more of the working life coming soon
Monday 27th - work
Tuesday 28th - work
Wednesday 1st - leave
Thursday 2nd - work
Friday 3rd - work
Saturday 4th- cricket
Sunday 5th - not much
Monday 6th- more work
Monday - first day of Dragonboating for the Corporate Games. It's been a long time since I dragonboated last and boy did I feel it. Things weren't really helped as I was placed in Row 2 from the front. No dipping for me, I actually have to paddle properly. Gah! Hopefully things will improve as training settles in.
Tuesday.... nothing but work.
Wednesday, what the? Heh. I took a day of leave. I haven't even worked up a day of leave and I got it! Woohoo! The advantages of having a great boss. I spent the day off at Sydney Uni funnily enough. Hanging out with Jess and some of the Libs at the SULC stall. Had to go dor a bit of a drive as well, but I won't really speak about that - nothing to write home about, really.
You may notice that i've spoken nothing about Aussie Big Wigs and lots about random stuff. Reason: Other Random Stuff and Aussie Big Wigs doesn't have quite the same punch as a subject. So relax.
Thursday was a big, big day. I got to see two power players in Australia - one in the realm of business and one in the realm of politics. Who are the two? Alan Moss (Macquarie Bank) and John Howard (Prime Minister of Oz). Woo! All in the space of half an hour as well. Crazy times, crazy times indeed.
Alan and John weren't at the same event. Let me make that point clear. However, they were located in the same building - the Westin Hotel. Being the lucky person that I am, I didn't actally get to chat with either of them... BUT I was able to stand almost at an arms length to both of them (at different times, obviously). Go me, and all of that.
Friday. Drinks, followed by... more drinks. Wow. Two sets of drinks in one night. I didn't go crazy - so all is good. Drinks were held for the new starters on my floor, followed by the ritual graduate drinks at Ryans on a Friday night (which seems to be a ritual for just about every other graduate in the area!). Home afterwards - late.
Saturday. March to Victory. Bold words considering we aren't the best team in the comp. I think an accurate description of our team would result in the word best not being featured anywhere. Hah! But I digress. The last round of the season is off to a good start. The opposition have been bowled out for 140-odd and we are on track with 4-80. I managed 2 catches, at first slip! Go me. I'm in next drop and the bowling attack doesn't seem too threatning. Dedication and focus shall win the day! High hopes as we March to Victory.
Seems like i've done a week. Might as well add today as well. Work again. Woohoo. I've almost finished the task that i've been given. Apparently it is "Critical" so it's a good thing that i'm almost finished. Testing, testing, testing is pretty much what i've been doing. Gotta make sure that I don't stuff things up!
Talking about stuffing things up. I'm sure i've stuffed up my body after today's marathon of a training session for Dragonboating. Not only did we have an extra long session today - I had to sit at the front with my assigned partner. The very front. Oh man. No pressure. Tired muscles is a good description of most of my body below the neck. I'm going to feel this one in the morning. Tiring on the one hand, yet refreshing on the other. Wierd. Oh and I half fell into the water. Damn boat docking - not easy when there is a current!
Anyhoo, more of the working life coming soon
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