So it's been awhile since my last entry. After moving out to irvine, I traveled right back to Solon, OH for approx an entire month for my company's new telephony system upgrade. Thing went fairly smooth. There were a couple issues, but I supposed you're going to have issues with almost any project.
Once I finally returned back to California, I had my first visitor - mí madré. My mom flew out with me. It was the first time we've ever flown together. Quite surprising, considering I'm 26 yrs old. But I suppose that's largely in part because I don't come from a spoiled family (even tho certain family members like to think I am).
My mother is absolutely amazing. A machine, but amazing. She basically did all the unpacking & organizing and got me all situated to go. She had everything almost all situated in just under 2 days. I have no idea how she does it, but it's certainly a gift.
I felt terrible because after a few days I started getting a limitless testy. I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the parent-child relationship. I like to think that I have one of the closest relationships possible with my mom, she's not just a mother, but she's also one of my best friends. I really don't know what I would do without her love and support in my life. She definitely gives purpose to life, and a reason for wanting to succeed (so she can receive the proper praise she deserves).
I took my mom to Huntington Beach. I think she enjoyed it, but you could definitely tell she wasn't loving it. Idk... Perhaps it was my sour attitude (as I was in a hurry because it was Game 3or4 -- can't remember -- of the nba finals). I didn't tell my mom this because I knew she would let me stay home and watch it, but I wanted to make sure she had a vacation too because she did take time off to travel out here and help me move in. As we were leaving dinner walking down main street, she caught a glimpse of a tv and saw the basketball game. She asked if it was " the game " and I simply nodded my head. She immediately said " oh josh... Why didn't you tell me" and started picking up her walking pace. God bless her. She literally does anything and everything for me.
The next time we ventured out, I took her to Laguna Beach. Mother very much appreciated Laguna. I know she enjoyed it more than Huntington beach. We had a nice dinner at Las Brisas (which has an absolutely stunning view of the Pacific Ocean from it's outdoor patio).
On her last weekend, I took her to Venice beach. I knew we were in for quite a trip when every coworker that I talked to said "don't take her there... There's nothing but a bunch of weirdos and muscle heads.". Well.... They were right. The actual beach part was nice ( not very much surfing, but there was a nice sailboat race going on off the coast), and there was a pretty cool skate-park where I think I saw the next tony hawk (I swear, this kid couldn't have been more than 8 yrs old, and he was tearing it up), but the actual boardwalk was full of nothing but weirdos and a bunch of pot smoking hippy wannabes. I hated it. Oh... And there was literally a freak show house to. $5.
Mom was happy to leave as she wa totally skeaved out by the place (even tho it was her idea to go there). She said she was happy she saw it, but she likely would never go back. She said the reason she wanted to go thee was bc she watches a web cam and saw all the little street vendors and such. But she had no idea they sold all the crap they sell. It literally seemed like every fifth place was a hut where you can spend $40 to receive your medicinal marijuana card and some weed. Get a life you worthless pieces of shit!
Now... I'm all settled in. Unpacked. Life feels good once again.
I found a way to connect my iPad to my AT&T cable box. It's spectacular! I can control what I'm watching right from my iPad. Amazing. Technology truly is mind blowing.
This is getting terribly long and I'm getting extremely hungry. I hope to share my thoughts soon on the NBa Finals and Lebron James winning his first ring. Also, I just found out that MoFo has a tattoo on her inner lip. (sigh)
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A Fun (and Cheap) Guide to NYC
I spent an entire summer living in NYC. I hated it at the time, but looking back on it, you really do have the world at your finger tips. There's so much to do; so many sights to see.
My favorite place to go (by far) was Central Park. There's always a ton of people there and it really is a nice break-away from reality. [http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-see/index.jsp?page=1 | Conservatory Water, Alice, Balto, Bethesda Fountain/Terrace, Cedar Hill, Great Lawn, East Meadow]
Being a boater, my 2nd favorite thing to do in NYC was ride the Staten Island Ferry - it's actually a free ride too (or at least it was when I was there -- I looked it up for you, and yes, it is still free). I literally would ride the Ferry back & forth just simply to get on the water and feel the cool breeze (it also didn't hurt that you get pretty close to the Statue of Liberty, so you get to check that out when most of those "Tours" to do the same thing are ungodly overpriced and horrendous long hour waits.
Another "free" thing to do is to go to NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art. Perhaps the best kept secret is that the Met is actually "free." Yes, free. They advertise ridiculous admission prices, but if you look closely, they are entirely recommended prices. Because the Met is funded by the state, you can technically pay whatever you want to get in. So... technically you can "donate" $5 and receive admission as opposed to spending the recommended $25 admission fee.
It's not "free," but I do recommend going to the top of the Empire State Building. Why? Because you really do get a great view (especially on a clear day) of the entire NYC skyline. Don't fall for those guys advertising that you can "skip the long line" and "take a helicopter ride." You don't want to do that. Bide your time and you will be up to the top in no time. Besides... once you get up there, you want to take your time and take in all the sights. You do not want to be rushed or scooted out of there because it's time for the helicopter to grab a new set of tours, right? (NOTE: At the time I was in NYC, the World Trade Center Memorial was in it's infancy. There was really nothing to see. The fences 15 ft high and you really couldn't see anything (at least worth-while). By now, things have likely changed, so it might be worth-while to swing by over there and check out what the Memorial has to offer.)
I know this one is going to sound stupid / cheesy, but... seriously... ride the NYC subway. It smells and it's dirty, and you'll see some interesting characters, but really... it builds character. I promise you will come away with a deep appreciation for just how spectacular the NYC subway system truly is, and how impressive the whole "underground" (under the city and all it's buildings) truly is. (It's also a great way -- perhaps even the best, in terms of cheapest -- way to get around the city. Sure cabs are faster, but you will end up paying MUCH more if you rely on cabs, as opposed to learning & getting around the subways.
If you have even the SLIGHTEST sweet tooth, you MUST go to Magnolia Bakery. I PROMISE you they will have the best tasting cupcakes you have ever had in the world (or at least that I've had). They are a little pricey (I wanna say $4 per cupcake or so; but that's because they are THAT good and it is a famous bakery), but the frosting is simply to die for. You might ride a sugar buzz the rest of the day, but I promise you it will be worth every penny for those 5 minutes of indulging in it.
One of my favorite restaurants that we went to (granted it has sentimental value) was La Caverna. It's a little pricey, but it has a really great ambiance and some pretty tasty good food.
A nice "snack" and something that is definitely cheap & affordable, yet EXTREMELY delicious is Pommes Frites' fries & sauces. I kid you not, you are going to think, "What can be so special about fries?" but trust me... go there and you will see. They literally have EVERY kind of sauce you can imagine and it's a nice "break" / snack to stop and eat some delicious fries with amazing sauces. It's right in the middle of Hippy Town/Village, so it would be a great excuse to see some of the culture NYC has to provide. DEFINITELY recommend this place.
I know it's going to sound cheesy, but seriously... take one night and go see Times Square. It kinda is impressive and just a fun / touristy thing to do. Again... it won't cost you any money other than the transportation to get there. I would recommend doing this at night so you can see all of the bright lights. It truly is breathtaking (at least for me it was).
Finally, I never saw a Broadway show (and like I said, I spent an entire summer living in NYC), but I really wish I would have. This is definitely one thing I truly regret. I wish I would have just forked out the money and gone-and-seen one. Not quite sure what's playing out there now, but I definitely wish I would have caught the Lion King (or even Phantom of the Opera, again) out there.
Other "cool" things to check out...
My favorite place to go (by far) was Central Park. There's always a ton of people there and it really is a nice break-away from reality. [http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-see/index.jsp?page=1 | Conservatory Water, Alice, Balto, Bethesda Fountain/Terrace, Cedar Hill, Great Lawn, East Meadow]
Being a boater, my 2nd favorite thing to do in NYC was ride the Staten Island Ferry - it's actually a free ride too (or at least it was when I was there -- I looked it up for you, and yes, it is still free). I literally would ride the Ferry back & forth just simply to get on the water and feel the cool breeze (it also didn't hurt that you get pretty close to the Statue of Liberty, so you get to check that out when most of those "Tours" to do the same thing are ungodly overpriced and horrendous long hour waits.
Another "free" thing to do is to go to NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art. Perhaps the best kept secret is that the Met is actually "free." Yes, free. They advertise ridiculous admission prices, but if you look closely, they are entirely recommended prices. Because the Met is funded by the state, you can technically pay whatever you want to get in. So... technically you can "donate" $5 and receive admission as opposed to spending the recommended $25 admission fee.
It's not "free," but I do recommend going to the top of the Empire State Building. Why? Because you really do get a great view (especially on a clear day) of the entire NYC skyline. Don't fall for those guys advertising that you can "skip the long line" and "take a helicopter ride." You don't want to do that. Bide your time and you will be up to the top in no time. Besides... once you get up there, you want to take your time and take in all the sights. You do not want to be rushed or scooted out of there because it's time for the helicopter to grab a new set of tours, right? (NOTE: At the time I was in NYC, the World Trade Center Memorial was in it's infancy. There was really nothing to see. The fences 15 ft high and you really couldn't see anything (at least worth-while). By now, things have likely changed, so it might be worth-while to swing by over there and check out what the Memorial has to offer.)
I know this one is going to sound stupid / cheesy, but... seriously... ride the NYC subway. It smells and it's dirty, and you'll see some interesting characters, but really... it builds character. I promise you will come away with a deep appreciation for just how spectacular the NYC subway system truly is, and how impressive the whole "underground" (under the city and all it's buildings) truly is. (It's also a great way -- perhaps even the best, in terms of cheapest -- way to get around the city. Sure cabs are faster, but you will end up paying MUCH more if you rely on cabs, as opposed to learning & getting around the subways.
If you have even the SLIGHTEST sweet tooth, you MUST go to Magnolia Bakery. I PROMISE you they will have the best tasting cupcakes you have ever had in the world (or at least that I've had). They are a little pricey (I wanna say $4 per cupcake or so; but that's because they are THAT good and it is a famous bakery), but the frosting is simply to die for. You might ride a sugar buzz the rest of the day, but I promise you it will be worth every penny for those 5 minutes of indulging in it.
One of my favorite restaurants that we went to (granted it has sentimental value) was La Caverna. It's a little pricey, but it has a really great ambiance and some pretty tasty good food.
A nice "snack" and something that is definitely cheap & affordable, yet EXTREMELY delicious is Pommes Frites' fries & sauces. I kid you not, you are going to think, "What can be so special about fries?" but trust me... go there and you will see. They literally have EVERY kind of sauce you can imagine and it's a nice "break" / snack to stop and eat some delicious fries with amazing sauces. It's right in the middle of Hippy Town/Village, so it would be a great excuse to see some of the culture NYC has to provide. DEFINITELY recommend this place.
I know it's going to sound cheesy, but seriously... take one night and go see Times Square. It kinda is impressive and just a fun / touristy thing to do. Again... it won't cost you any money other than the transportation to get there. I would recommend doing this at night so you can see all of the bright lights. It truly is breathtaking (at least for me it was).
Finally, I never saw a Broadway show (and like I said, I spent an entire summer living in NYC), but I really wish I would have. This is definitely one thing I truly regret. I wish I would have just forked out the money and gone-and-seen one. Not quite sure what's playing out there now, but I definitely wish I would have caught the Lion King (or even Phantom of the Opera, again) out there.
Other "cool" things to check out...
- Grand Central Terminal (touristy / people)
- Madison & Fifth Avenue (shopping)
- Museum of Sex (vogue / interesting)
- Brooklyn Bridge (touristy)
- SHARK Speedboat Thrill Ride (tour)
- Chinatown (NYC) (funny / edgy)
Virtual Vacations
If you haven't seen this, you must check this out. It's a pretty cool 360 degree view of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower. I heard this a couple years back and I really think it will end up holding true... with the way technology is evolving & growing, people will go on fewer vacations. Why? Because people will be able to see the sights from technology like Google Earth or this wonderful website.
Eiffel Tower - Paris, France
http://www.gillesvidal.com/blogpano/paris.htm
Here's another one that I know has been shared before, but for kicks...
Sistine Chapel - Vatican City
http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html
Eiffel Tower - Paris, France
http://www.gillesvidal.com/blogpano/paris.htm
Here's another one that I know has been shared before, but for kicks...
Sistine Chapel - Vatican City
http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html
Memorial Weekend
Hey guys,
Just thought I would provide an update on my weekend. On Saturday, I caught dinner with Dad and then continued onto Lakeside & had a wonderful weekend with Molly. We did some wine tasting at Hermes (in Catawba) on Sunday (boy do I love Gewürztraminer; it's by far my favorite wine), went to Toft's Ice Cream Parlor in Sandusky (I had a peanut-butter cup flurry, but should have ordered one of their homemade flavors), and then Molly & I walked down to the Lakeside-Marblehead pier (it's kinda of our thing) and caught the sunset. It was quite nice. The wind was a perfect breeze and the ripples in the water were small enough to provide a tranquil lapping sound.
For some reason, I thought I was going to have to work on Memorial Day, but I just found out that our company will actually have it off. I believe Kim flies back into the States on Friday, and I think Dad is planning on putting Pogo in the water on Saturday. I told him I would help him with the boat since I wasn't able to help him last weekend. [Hopefully we can go for a nice boat-ride after she's in]. So I'll probably catch Dad and Kim Saturday (likely meet up with Molly Saturday night) and perhaps for a bit of Sunday as well.
Then, I'd like to travel home to Toledo sometime Sunday and look to catch dinner at MiMi's. Mom... I'm assuming you have Monday off too, right? I'll have to be back to work Tuesday, obviously.
Just thought I would provide an update on my weekend. On Saturday, I caught dinner with Dad and then continued onto Lakeside & had a wonderful weekend with Molly. We did some wine tasting at Hermes (in Catawba) on Sunday (boy do I love Gewürztraminer; it's by far my favorite wine), went to Toft's Ice Cream Parlor in Sandusky (I had a peanut-butter cup flurry, but should have ordered one of their homemade flavors), and then Molly & I walked down to the Lakeside-Marblehead pier (it's kinda of our thing) and caught the sunset. It was quite nice. The wind was a perfect breeze and the ripples in the water were small enough to provide a tranquil lapping sound.
For some reason, I thought I was going to have to work on Memorial Day, but I just found out that our company will actually have it off. I believe Kim flies back into the States on Friday, and I think Dad is planning on putting Pogo in the water on Saturday. I told him I would help him with the boat since I wasn't able to help him last weekend. [Hopefully we can go for a nice boat-ride after she's in
Then, I'd like to travel home to Toledo sometime Sunday and look to catch dinner at MiMi's. Mom... I'm assuming you have Monday off too, right? I'll have to be back to work Tuesday, obviously.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Finally Here, Ya'll
Well, in case you haven't heard, I have *OFFICIALLY* relocated to Irvine, CA. My last day in Ohio was April 16th. I landed in Cali the next day and have been living out of a hotel ("temporary housing") for roughly 2 weeks. I just moved into my new apartment on Monday (5/7) -- even tho I've been paying rent since April 16th :-\ -- and there's nothing but boxes, and boxes, and boxes stacked upon each other everywhere!
Inline image 1
I wasn't that crazy about the move, but with the current job market (or lack there of), and seeing some of my friends struggling to find decent jobs, I knew I wasn't in a position to pass this opportunity up. For some reason, my company really wanted me out here in Irvine -- supposedly they want to plug me into more projects out here (not quite sure why I can't do that in Solon, but whatever) and there's swirling speculation that our Solon facility might be closing over the next 5 years, etc. -- so, perhaps, those are the reasons? As for the actual relocation itself, I imagine it had to have been fairly expensive (with the temporary housing, relocating my belongings -- including my car -- and everything else). Hopefully this proves that the company is investing in me (it always feels good to be wanted, right?).
Nevertheless, it was extremely hard to make this decision. I was terribly sad to leave my friends and family behind, but one of the "enlightening" moments was when I came to the realization that I wasn't "leaving my friends and family behind" -- the lasting friendships and bonds that I've made throughout my life are now even stronger. My "ex"-roommates (and even some really close friends, family, & co-workers) have already reached out to me on several occasions to check in with me and see how things are going. I cannot even begin to express how much it all means to me. I was worried that I would be "leaving it all behind" and "missing out on the action," but thanks to some key friends checking in on me and sharing the moments with me, it's really made the transition all the more smooth.
The biggest differences so far have to be the weather (it's literally 70-something degrees out here every day and sunny) and the cost of living. Gas right now is $4.25/gal (I've seen it as high as $4.55/gal), dining out for 1 is roughly $25-35 (including tip), rent is easily 3x more, The Avengers movie ran me $15.50 (granted it was 3D, so that was probably an extra $3), and worst of all... there are only FOUR $5 footlongs at Subway! So far, the only "cheaper" thing I've come across are avacados. In Ohio, I remember paying $2 for one; here, they're $0.50 for one. I think I made the right deal, eh?
So for those of you already saying, "Well I'm sure you got a nice raise to offset the cost of living difference," let me just tell you definitely that NO, I didn't. I received a $2k FOR THE YEAR raise to "offset the cost of living difference." Personally, I think that is laughable that HR could even look me straight in the face and tell me that, but... it is what it is, I suppose. Hopefully now that I am out here, the company will do what's right and revisit this situation -- because I can tell you one thing... if they don't, my tale is going to be back on it's way to Ohio after 2 yrs if the company doesn't start ponying up. I don't see how anyone in their right mind can live out here (with the expenses the way they are) and earn what I am making. You can't At least certainly not the same standard of living. So I guess what I'm saying, is, don't expect any Christmas cards from me ;-)
To help offset some of the expenses, I decided to settle on an apartment that is 2 miles away from work >> http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=2400+Barranca+Pkwy,+Irvine,+CA&daddr=2555+Main+St,+Irvine,+CA&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=55.849851,135.263672&geocode=FfMqAgId-gv6-ClxiEsEINzcgDHRfoqUjM1Muw%3BFTL0AQIdTdv5-CnNSfT0j97cgDEKiea4isyYNw&oq=255&mra=ls&t=m&z=15. I figured I would pay the premium to live in Irvine, to be (1) closer to work, (2) in a safe area, and (3) save on variable expenses (i.e., gas). With gas being as high as it is, I decided I would ride my bike to work (thanks Dad and Uncle Kevin). I took some footage of my ride to work the first day >> http://vimeo.com/9970489.
Just kidding. My ride to work isn't that bad. I did time it, however, and I can do it in just under 13 minutes (and that's at a nice leisurely pace, of course). It's actually quite pleasant seeing as how the weather is nice and provides me with a nice opportunity to ride my bike. My only complaint so far is that usually I get to work and immediately start sweating a bit (curse you genetics). Other than that, it's actually quite refreshing; especially since my drive to work back in Cleveland was probably close to a 20 min drive -- I have no idea how people drive hours to work (and then hours back home). That has to be the worst.
I also rode my bike to the local grocery store (Ralph's) the other night. It's not very far either -- about 3 miles. I did my grocery shopping and then just placed the grocery bags on my handle-bars and rode home. My only concern is that I become too "centralized" and don't branch off enough to explore new (hopefully cheaper) areas.
What else can I share... Hmmm...
I'm currently working on upgrading our existing telephony system for our company. Right now, our Solon facility's call center is in need of an upgrade, Irvine's is dying (literally), and Houston doesn't have one. Our new call center will be able to read the inbound ANI (basically the telephone #) and execute a SOAP request to our company's CRMoD site (actually a replicated instance, but same difference) where all of our customer data is stored, and basically *POP* that callers' customer information so that our CSC agents are able to look professional when they communicate with our customers. This new phone system will also allow our users (throughout our various locations -- Solon, OH; Houston, TX; Irvine, CA; Manila, Philippines) to contact each other via the dial of a simple extension (we can't do that today), transfer calls seamlessly to one another (again, today we can't do that -- we have to have the customer hang up the phone and dial the other location), route calls to the appropriate workgroups (e.g., technical support or order entry), and provide statistical analysis of the # of calls received in various categories. My job has been to ensure that this project moves according to schedule, develop the requirements for the design, test the design, and implement the Go-Live of the new contact center (including installation of new phone units throughout the geographic locations). It's been a challenging project as I've been working on this now since probably November (i.e., roughly 7-8 months), but it's definitely had it's ups (and unfortunately downs, as well).
The good news is... our project schedule calls for a Solon Go-Live first, so that means I will actually be back in town Wed, May 16 - Sun, Jun 03 and then again Thu, Jun 07 - Fri, Jun 15. I'm going to be very busy with getting things prepped for Go-Live, but certainly I hope to see some friends whenever I can.
Well... this has turned into another long email, but I just wanted to update you all on my whereabouts and let you know what's going on. I miss you all very much, but I look forward to staying in touch with all of you.
Best regards,
Inline image 1
I wasn't that crazy about the move, but with the current job market (or lack there of), and seeing some of my friends struggling to find decent jobs, I knew I wasn't in a position to pass this opportunity up. For some reason, my company really wanted me out here in Irvine -- supposedly they want to plug me into more projects out here (not quite sure why I can't do that in Solon, but whatever) and there's swirling speculation that our Solon facility might be closing over the next 5 years, etc. -- so, perhaps, those are the reasons? As for the actual relocation itself, I imagine it had to have been fairly expensive (with the temporary housing, relocating my belongings -- including my car -- and everything else). Hopefully this proves that the company is investing in me (it always feels good to be wanted, right?).
Nevertheless, it was extremely hard to make this decision. I was terribly sad to leave my friends and family behind, but one of the "enlightening" moments was when I came to the realization that I wasn't "leaving my friends and family behind" -- the lasting friendships and bonds that I've made throughout my life are now even stronger. My "ex"-roommates (and even some really close friends, family, & co-workers) have already reached out to me on several occasions to check in with me and see how things are going. I cannot even begin to express how much it all means to me. I was worried that I would be "leaving it all behind" and "missing out on the action," but thanks to some key friends checking in on me and sharing the moments with me, it's really made the transition all the more smooth.
The biggest differences so far have to be the weather (it's literally 70-something degrees out here every day and sunny) and the cost of living. Gas right now is $4.25/gal (I've seen it as high as $4.55/gal), dining out for 1 is roughly $25-35 (including tip), rent is easily 3x more, The Avengers movie ran me $15.50 (granted it was 3D, so that was probably an extra $3), and worst of all... there are only FOUR $5 footlongs at Subway! So far, the only "cheaper" thing I've come across are avacados. In Ohio, I remember paying $2 for one; here, they're $0.50 for one. I think I made the right deal, eh?
So for those of you already saying, "Well I'm sure you got a nice raise to offset the cost of living difference," let me just tell you definitely that NO, I didn't. I received a $2k FOR THE YEAR raise to "offset the cost of living difference." Personally, I think that is laughable that HR could even look me straight in the face and tell me that, but... it is what it is, I suppose. Hopefully now that I am out here, the company will do what's right and revisit this situation -- because I can tell you one thing... if they don't, my tale is going to be back on it's way to Ohio after 2 yrs if the company doesn't start ponying up. I don't see how anyone in their right mind can live out here (with the expenses the way they are) and earn what I am making. You can't At least certainly not the same standard of living. So I guess what I'm saying, is, don't expect any Christmas cards from me ;-)
To help offset some of the expenses, I decided to settle on an apartment that is 2 miles away from work >> http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=2400+Barranca+Pkwy,+Irvine,+CA&daddr=2555+Main+St,+Irvine,+CA&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=55.849851,135.263672&geocode=FfMqAgId-gv6-ClxiEsEINzcgDHRfoqUjM1Muw%3BFTL0AQIdTdv5-CnNSfT0j97cgDEKiea4isyYNw&oq=255&mra=ls&t=m&z=15. I figured I would pay the premium to live in Irvine, to be (1) closer to work, (2) in a safe area, and (3) save on variable expenses (i.e., gas). With gas being as high as it is, I decided I would ride my bike to work (thanks Dad and Uncle Kevin). I took some footage of my ride to work the first day >> http://vimeo.com/9970489.
Just kidding. My ride to work isn't that bad. I did time it, however, and I can do it in just under 13 minutes (and that's at a nice leisurely pace, of course). It's actually quite pleasant seeing as how the weather is nice and provides me with a nice opportunity to ride my bike. My only complaint so far is that usually I get to work and immediately start sweating a bit (curse you genetics). Other than that, it's actually quite refreshing; especially since my drive to work back in Cleveland was probably close to a 20 min drive -- I have no idea how people drive hours to work (and then hours back home). That has to be the worst.
I also rode my bike to the local grocery store (Ralph's) the other night. It's not very far either -- about 3 miles. I did my grocery shopping and then just placed the grocery bags on my handle-bars and rode home. My only concern is that I become too "centralized" and don't branch off enough to explore new (hopefully cheaper) areas.
What else can I share... Hmmm...
I'm currently working on upgrading our existing telephony system for our company. Right now, our Solon facility's call center is in need of an upgrade, Irvine's is dying (literally), and Houston doesn't have one. Our new call center will be able to read the inbound ANI (basically the telephone #) and execute a SOAP request to our company's CRMoD site (actually a replicated instance, but same difference) where all of our customer data is stored, and basically *POP* that callers' customer information so that our CSC agents are able to look professional when they communicate with our customers. This new phone system will also allow our users (throughout our various locations -- Solon, OH; Houston, TX; Irvine, CA; Manila, Philippines) to contact each other via the dial of a simple extension (we can't do that today), transfer calls seamlessly to one another (again, today we can't do that -- we have to have the customer hang up the phone and dial the other location), route calls to the appropriate workgroups (e.g., technical support or order entry), and provide statistical analysis of the # of calls received in various categories. My job has been to ensure that this project moves according to schedule, develop the requirements for the design, test the design, and implement the Go-Live of the new contact center (including installation of new phone units throughout the geographic locations). It's been a challenging project as I've been working on this now since probably November (i.e., roughly 7-8 months), but it's definitely had it's ups (and unfortunately downs, as well).
The good news is... our project schedule calls for a Solon Go-Live first, so that means I will actually be back in town Wed, May 16 - Sun, Jun 03 and then again Thu, Jun 07 - Fri, Jun 15. I'm going to be very busy with getting things prepped for Go-Live, but certainly I hope to see some friends whenever I can.
Well... this has turned into another long email, but I just wanted to update you all on my whereabouts and let you know what's going on. I miss you all very much, but I look forward to staying in touch with all of you.
Best regards,
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Super moon
Last night was supposedly the super moon. The west coast was supposed to have the clearest view of it. I figured I would go to Newport Beach, catch a bite to eat, and then walk around a bit and stare at the moon. Well, $36 later (dinner and tip) at at place called the Rusty Pelican (which was not rusty at all I might add) that overlooked the Newport Bay, I decided to walk out at 8:30 (the recommended time was 8:34 supposedly) to check out the moon. It was nice (don't get me wrong), but I really thought it was overblown. I mean it was a little bit noticeably bigger, and a little bit noticeably brighter, but I really didn't think it was worth all the hype. I mean, it wasn't even that clear!
The best part of the night was meeting the waitress at the Rusty Pelican, Shea. She was a total fox and actually nice (this might be the Hooter's theory, however, where the act genuinely nice and that they care, all for you just to find out later that it was just them trying to "earn" a higher tip; can't tell you how many times my boys and I have been hoodwinked by that). Since I don't know anyone out here, I left her my Facebook (thought that would be a little less creepy than a phone #; we'll see). So far she hasn't friended me, and I doubt she ever will. How am I going to make friends out here?!?!?
The best part of the night was meeting the waitress at the Rusty Pelican, Shea. She was a total fox and actually nice (this might be the Hooter's theory, however, where the act genuinely nice and that they care, all for you just to find out later that it was just them trying to "earn" a higher tip; can't tell you how many times my boys and I have been hoodwinked by that). Since I don't know anyone out here, I left her my Facebook (thought that would be a little less creepy than a phone #; we'll see). So far she hasn't friended me, and I doubt she ever will. How am I going to make friends out here?!?!?
Monday, April 30, 2012
FaceTime date
Tonight I FaceTime'd with Molly. We both went to Panera Bread and ordered something. We then found mobile hotspots and "ate dinner together." It felt really good to see her cute smile again. I realize I really miss her, but I'm not sure I'm ready to rush things with her yet. What do I mean by that? Well, I know she's super fun to be around, and I know she makes me smile whenever I see her, and I know she's beautiful and easy to look at, I just don't know if I'm ready to move in together yet. I feel like that is a really big step and I'm not sure I'm emotionally mature/ready for that just yet. I'm not willing to give up being a guy. I like being able to hoot and holler with the guys and make cat calls. I like being able to come home at night and not have to worry about stumbling over myself and being chewed out. Not that I think Molly would do any of this; I'm just saying I'm not sure I'm ready to grow up yet. The thing I have going against me / in Molly's favor is that I'm no longer around my boys (Jason, Bryan, etc), therefore the opportunities to do these "guy things" aren't going to be as rampant. The other thing is I know she is a very special girl and I would hate to lose something wonderful like her just because I wanted another couple nights of acting like an idiot. My plan is to continue taking it slow and see where things go. I'm still young, and it's still a very important decision with significant implications, so the last thing I would certainly want to do is make a haste decision with such huge implications.
But I do like her a lot and I do think she is something special. :-/
But I do like her a lot and I do think she is something special. :-/
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday = (no) funday?
Well... What a bummer today has been. With the anarchy that was last night (the rm next to me was filled with 20+ underage Asian teenagers throwing a party - I called the front desk FIVE times and then finally the cops came to break up the ruckus), I didn't get the greatest sleep last night and was up (unfortunately) pretty early. Since I woke up so early , I decided it might be a good idea to move my rental car out of the 'reserved for checking in' car spot. Nothing spells ruining a good moment when you're paying for a towing. Fortunately for me, my car was still there and I was able to move it with no issues.
So why Sunday no funday? Well... Because I've spent the entire day in my hotel room with the sniffles, stuffy noise, and occasional sweats. So... I think I might be somehow a little sick already. I'm going to go ahead and blame that one on the air travel.
So what did I do today? Watched a hilarious Will Ferrell movie ('Everything Must Go'), NBA playoff games, and 'Mad Men' (what a great series that is by the way... It's nothing but a show about men getting what they want and women basically knowing there place... I know, wrong, but it was awesome none the less. Definitely will continue to watch that series on Netflix).
So since I wasn't feeling very well, I decided to stay in and order room service. What a crime that is! For a chicken quesadilla it was $12 and a calamari appetizer it was $10, and then there was a $3 room service charge, and then girl stood there waiting for a tip (and she was somewhat cute so I had to give her a decent tip) so I tipped $5. Boy I hope I can get that expensed because I would not have done that had I known.
Well... Time to eat it before it goes $40 cold!!!
So why Sunday no funday? Well... Because I've spent the entire day in my hotel room with the sniffles, stuffy noise, and occasional sweats. So... I think I might be somehow a little sick already. I'm going to go ahead and blame that one on the air travel.
So what did I do today? Watched a hilarious Will Ferrell movie ('Everything Must Go'), NBA playoff games, and 'Mad Men' (what a great series that is by the way... It's nothing but a show about men getting what they want and women basically knowing there place... I know, wrong, but it was awesome none the less. Definitely will continue to watch that series on Netflix).
So since I wasn't feeling very well, I decided to stay in and order room service. What a crime that is! For a chicken quesadilla it was $12 and a calamari appetizer it was $10, and then there was a $3 room service charge, and then girl stood there waiting for a tip (and she was somewhat cute so I had to give her a decent tip) so I tipped $5. Boy I hope I can get that expensed because I would not have done that had I known.
Well... Time to eat it before it goes $40 cold!!!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Day late, but a dollar more?
So yesterday I was too tired to blog, so I decided to push it off till this more and try to do two entries today.
Yesterday (Friday) was nice. I talked with my boss about expectations for the next couple weeks, and also learned a decent amount about the business and how some of the inner workings work.
I like Andy (my supervisor) a lot. He's a nice/good guy. He speaks softly, but seems to be very knowledgeable at the same time. The thing I like the most is he seems to be very easy going, flexible, and understanding.
The plan is for me to work 7-4. I decided to try to work these hours do that I only miss 2 hours off the east coast time as opposed to 3 (plus it might be nice when there's a sporting event to catch at night :-). We also talked about how it's logical for the company to pay for my dinners (since I technically don't have my belongings - pots and pans - to cook) and how if I need time (e.g., when the movers come to deliver my things) that I can take some time off.
The nfl draft is progressing. I think the Browns saved themselves with the pick of Miami (Fl) WR Travis Benjamin. I think he's a stud who can really help out this team and provide some much needed separation and big play potential on the edges. Unfortunately I still think the Steelers have had a better draft (Decastro, Mike Adams, and Sean Spence).
Today's agenda...
Find a bank that has branches both here and back home, and open a new account.
Complete the HR paperwork (I swear it's a novel's-worth).
As for tonight...??? Idk. This is definitely the part I don't like. I wish I was back home so I could rely on Jason for something to do (he always was able to find something to do --- it's easy to do when everyone likes you :-/ ), but unfortunately in out here all by myself with no one to call. I'm definitely going to have to step out of my comfort zone and break the ice.
I'm wishing Molly was out here with me. It's starting to get very lonely out here (if you know what I mean). And it's not a good sign that I'm missing her this early too already. I've only been away from her for 4 days. Not good.
Well... The bathroom is calling. Time to get in tip top shape and see what bank I can find.
Adios!
Yesterday (Friday) was nice. I talked with my boss about expectations for the next couple weeks, and also learned a decent amount about the business and how some of the inner workings work.
I like Andy (my supervisor) a lot. He's a nice/good guy. He speaks softly, but seems to be very knowledgeable at the same time. The thing I like the most is he seems to be very easy going, flexible, and understanding.
The plan is for me to work 7-4. I decided to try to work these hours do that I only miss 2 hours off the east coast time as opposed to 3 (plus it might be nice when there's a sporting event to catch at night :-). We also talked about how it's logical for the company to pay for my dinners (since I technically don't have my belongings - pots and pans - to cook) and how if I need time (e.g., when the movers come to deliver my things) that I can take some time off.
The nfl draft is progressing. I think the Browns saved themselves with the pick of Miami (Fl) WR Travis Benjamin. I think he's a stud who can really help out this team and provide some much needed separation and big play potential on the edges. Unfortunately I still think the Steelers have had a better draft (Decastro, Mike Adams, and Sean Spence).
Today's agenda...
Find a bank that has branches both here and back home, and open a new account.
Complete the HR paperwork (I swear it's a novel's-worth).
As for tonight...??? Idk. This is definitely the part I don't like. I wish I was back home so I could rely on Jason for something to do (he always was able to find something to do --- it's easy to do when everyone likes you :-/ ), but unfortunately in out here all by myself with no one to call. I'm definitely going to have to step out of my comfort zone and break the ice.
I'm wishing Molly was out here with me. It's starting to get very lonely out here (if you know what I mean). And it's not a good sign that I'm missing her this early too already. I've only been away from her for 4 days. Not good.
Well... The bathroom is calling. Time to get in tip top shape and see what bank I can find.
Adios!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Day #2
Day #2 was still filled with trying to catch up on work emails. When I woke up in the morning, I was stunned to see all the rain and puddles on the ground. If felt like I hadn't left Ohio. The only difference however was that when 10 o'clock rolled around, it was actually perfect weather by then. The sun was out. The skies were blue. And the temp was probably about 70 degrees.
After work, I stopped at the grocery store and bought some staples - peanut butter and jelly. I was lease too see that the prices weren't too extravagant. But the store layout was a little crazy.
I watched the nfl draft tonight. I was very displease with the browns. I'm borderline ready to jump off the bandwagon. While I'm happy we landed Richardson, I'm salty wetraded out ONE spot to get him and we basically forfeited the draft picks we could have used to move up more important / later picks. I would have much rather stay fit at #4, and taken our chances of landing Richardson at #4, or draft Kalil or Blackmon if Richardson was gone. We then could have taken those picks and used them to move up our 22nd pick in the first rd to go after Michael Floyd. But... We are Cleveland and we make stupid decisions.
The straw that might be breaking my back is taking 29 yr old QB Brandon Weeden with the 22nd pick. Come on Cleveland! Way to waste a 1st rd pick. Yes McCoy is not the answer, but neither is Weeden!
I'm so upset (and mostly tired) that I can't even talk about this (or anything else for that matter), so I'm going to be a bum and turn in before 930 pm. I know... I'm a girl. Thanks.
After work, I stopped at the grocery store and bought some staples - peanut butter and jelly. I was lease too see that the prices weren't too extravagant. But the store layout was a little crazy.
I watched the nfl draft tonight. I was very displease with the browns. I'm borderline ready to jump off the bandwagon. While I'm happy we landed Richardson, I'm salty wetraded out ONE spot to get him and we basically forfeited the draft picks we could have used to move up more important / later picks. I would have much rather stay fit at #4, and taken our chances of landing Richardson at #4, or draft Kalil or Blackmon if Richardson was gone. We then could have taken those picks and used them to move up our 22nd pick in the first rd to go after Michael Floyd. But... We are Cleveland and we make stupid decisions.
The straw that might be breaking my back is taking 29 yr old QB Brandon Weeden with the 22nd pick. Come on Cleveland! Way to waste a 1st rd pick. Yes McCoy is not the answer, but neither is Weeden!
I'm so upset (and mostly tired) that I can't even talk about this (or anything else for that matter), so I'm going to be a bum and turn in before 930 pm. I know... I'm a girl. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
This is the 1st day of my life...
Well folks... Here I am - Irvine, overly early a year later. I'm stunned I was able to drag this relocation out as long as I was (actually, not really. When you stop and look and think about it, I've been very successful over my life with getting things to play out the way I want.)
If you would have told me way back in my Christ the King grade school days that I would end up in California, I would have told you you were crazy. Even more so, if you would have told me in college, I would have told you #Dumb.
Whelp, here I am.
Why did I make the change? Well... The real answer is because my work forced me to move. I know they would said, "We didn't force you to do anything!" Well, when you live in the Midwest - an area that has been slowly dying for the past 8 years - and you just went thru the greatest depression since the Great Depression, it's not like there are a lot of other opportunities to turn to. Plus, who's going to look for a new job when you're already working 40 hrs a week (my friends would argue otherwise, but those Ohio State recruiting emails aren't going to write themselves) and the last thing you want to do is go home and stare at the computer some more and search for jobs in a jobless market. My favorite is when every single job requires 5 years of experience in 'said' field, yet when you just graduated college, no one has more than a year and a half of "experience."
So... Here I am... I jumped awhile on the diving board, but I finally took the one that springs you forward as opposed to just bobbing up and down. Now let's hope that I looked good and made a winning splash. Unfortunately just taking the jump itself isn't enough, I still have to put the effort in thought the dive to pull off that perfect score. As of just making it wasn't hard enough.
But I look at the most successful people in my family, and all of them seem to have one thing in common - they all took the dive and relocated when with their respective companies when the opportunity came knocking. Now hopefully I can continue that legacy and hold it true.
There was one last thing tho that finally allowed me to come to grips with the decision I was making, and that was the fear that I was leaving my friends and family behind. When I finally realized that I wasn't leaving them behind, rather, the lasting friendships I had made would always continue to g row with me, that made my decision a lot easier to swallow. Although, I will admit, ending my time with 'Killabrews,' 'Easy Company,' my 'Taylor Swift,' sailing the seas of Lake Erie, and the boys of '205' was not an easy pill to swallow. Those memories will forever be with me (even tho Mullins probably doubts that, lol).
So here I am... Sitting in Embassy Suites in Irvine typing on my iPad 3 (I refuse to call it "the new iPad"), drinking rum & coke, eating pretzels, chex-mix, and animal crackers, listening to Sirius-XM radio, and wondering where my life is going to be in 5 years. Once again, I would fail another interview question (why do they always seem to ask this question? And why can't "I don't know because I'm not fortune teller" suffice?).
I do think I'm going to wrap this up tho because I'm pretty sure it's happy hour at Ra (sushi) and I'd really like to have me some 'Las Vegas Roll'. #Delicious
If you would have told me way back in my Christ the King grade school days that I would end up in California, I would have told you you were crazy. Even more so, if you would have told me in college, I would have told you #Dumb.
Whelp, here I am.
Why did I make the change? Well... The real answer is because my work forced me to move. I know they would said, "We didn't force you to do anything!" Well, when you live in the Midwest - an area that has been slowly dying for the past 8 years - and you just went thru the greatest depression since the Great Depression, it's not like there are a lot of other opportunities to turn to. Plus, who's going to look for a new job when you're already working 40 hrs a week (my friends would argue otherwise, but those Ohio State recruiting emails aren't going to write themselves) and the last thing you want to do is go home and stare at the computer some more and search for jobs in a jobless market. My favorite is when every single job requires 5 years of experience in 'said' field, yet when you just graduated college, no one has more than a year and a half of "experience."
So... Here I am... I jumped awhile on the diving board, but I finally took the one that springs you forward as opposed to just bobbing up and down. Now let's hope that I looked good and made a winning splash. Unfortunately just taking the jump itself isn't enough, I still have to put the effort in thought the dive to pull off that perfect score. As of just making it wasn't hard enough.
But I look at the most successful people in my family, and all of them seem to have one thing in common - they all took the dive and relocated when with their respective companies when the opportunity came knocking. Now hopefully I can continue that legacy and hold it true.
There was one last thing tho that finally allowed me to come to grips with the decision I was making, and that was the fear that I was leaving my friends and family behind. When I finally realized that I wasn't leaving them behind, rather, the lasting friendships I had made would always continue to g row with me, that made my decision a lot easier to swallow. Although, I will admit, ending my time with 'Killabrews,' 'Easy Company,' my 'Taylor Swift,' sailing the seas of Lake Erie, and the boys of '205' was not an easy pill to swallow. Those memories will forever be with me (even tho Mullins probably doubts that, lol).
So here I am... Sitting in Embassy Suites in Irvine typing on my iPad 3 (I refuse to call it "the new iPad"), drinking rum & coke, eating pretzels, chex-mix, and animal crackers, listening to Sirius-XM radio, and wondering where my life is going to be in 5 years. Once again, I would fail another interview question (why do they always seem to ask this question? And why can't "I don't know because I'm not fortune teller" suffice?).
I do think I'm going to wrap this up tho because I'm pretty sure it's happy hour at Ra (sushi) and I'd really like to have me some 'Las Vegas Roll'. #Delicious
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