Transition

I usually have a nifty anchor image. But I haven't been doing "real" photography for years. Well, I have been using my phone. And, occasionally, the big camera comes out for those that I give a shit about. An ever shrinking group. But yeah...

I usually have a nice opening statement, positive and forward-looking. But I am not feeling that.

This will be a year of transition. I have already found that my PC (politically correct) bucket is pretty dry. I have been saying things that I never thought I would say, out loud. And it will get worse.

I think the velvet gloves have come off. No more nice, everyone is a fucking adult. Fucking handle it.

Work-wise, moving away from the work I've been doing for the last 20 years. Back to office work. Dealing with people. With unique issues. Unique personalities. And, unlike machines, I can't yell, scream, cuss at, or kick them. That would be bad. So I need to learn how to deal with humans.

Humans. You know, I expressly avoided retail, just so I could avoid them. But, at least, there is a degree of anonymity. You are the non-person tasked with catering to the customers wishes. Process them through. They walk away happy. Next.

Not so much with back-office work. You see the same humans, in an endless circle. When you get a call from them, the autonomous thought is, "Now what?". You have to develop relationships, cater to the individual, be their go-to answer guy, sounding board, leash puller, wall to stand behind when they have to give answers they don't understand. To be sure, there are a few bright lights out there, but they are few, and disappearing quickly.

On the other hand, I need to be the "expert." They are looking for pat answers. Which I really loathe. I am attempting to lead them through the thought process, whether it is just to be a sounding board so they can hear themselves think (I can very much deal with those!), or those that need direction and/or hand-holding (I am concerned about those). Rather old school; we all had access to the same shit, we should all be thinking the same way. I am very concerned, And rather stressed.

I really hope that I can fulfill the duties I need to due, beyond the fucking job description. Because a loved one's sanity is involved. Major reputations.

On top of all of this, a certain dumbass (been designated DA, by agreement) is making life very complicated.

A bright spot. My drinking levels having dropped. A lot. On the other hand, my blood pressure is cranking pretty hard. Body happy, head explodes. So much for that. Hopefully, not at a "bottle a week" rate.

You find out who you actually give a fuck about. Who you love. By the amount the blood pressure rises when you see them in distress. And I have found out I have a very small group. And they have been under stress. Under attack, actually. And I have been turning purple. And I will love these people no less. I will be there for them. Hell or fucking high water.

I don't know if I will make it out of this year alive.

In any case, those that in that small circle.... I LOVE YOU. I will die before critical mass happens to you.

Escaped!

No longer doing I.T. for this employer!

Well, sort of. Transitioning back to my former existence. Like in 20 years ago. Damn, wonder if I can find that part of the brain in the back of the freezer. And I have to work with...people. *Shudder* Actually have some doubts on whether or not I can do this.

Still got lots of baggage to drag around for the next year. And it will be painful to sit back if situations arise that could have easily dealt with in the now prior life. Have to learn to let go.

And it's not like no technology is used in the office. It's how I fell into I.T. in the first place. "Show aptitude and die," as a now-retired co-worker used to say. And I actually enjoyed the work. Spreading the gospel of technology, and enabling co-workers. Felt like I was contributing where I could do the most good. Then the darkness came...

But, moving forward! Fresh attitude! 6 more years! I need to requisition a new brain!

Holidays, stresses, glimmer of hope

The holidays. A time for celebration. Fellowship. Friends & Family. I do hope you are all doing well, out there.

I. Am stressing. Wake up to 148/94. And I haven't even gotten out of bed, yet.

You see. We are in "project mode." It's constantly in the forefront of my mind. The deadline is all we are seeing in our vision. End of calendar year. Because of politics. It's okay. We'll make it. I trust my project manager, and she says we will.

Still. Me being the type that obsesses over all the "what ifs" and "oh shits." Over-thinking all the ways things could go wrong. I think I've done all I can to prepare us for foreseeable contingencies. It's the unknowns that have me tied up in knots. The unpleasant surprises. Finding out that those we thought we could trust to get it done, bailed. We've had enough of those to know more are coming. And the pleasant surprises, those that were questionable stepping up. And, of course, those we knew we couldn't depend on, but were hoping against hope, didn't disappoint. Through all, we've been able to deal, so far. Scrambled. Lots. But we hit our marks. 

Makes for a very bad rollercoaster ride. Which is why I believe I need to get out. Move on. Soon. Not yet sure how this will happen. There are some plans. But they are as set as hot Jell-O.

To be sure. I am grateful to be involved with the team I am currently slogging through the muck with. Everyone knows what they are doing, I really only have to be concerned with my areas of responsibility. Sad that this will be the last time through with this group. We are breaking up after this. Because reasons.

Looking forward. More projects. Hope there will be a little downtime, before hurling myself unto the breach, once again.

I keep telling myself that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Just hope it's not the oft-mentioned oncoming train. Wait. Need to stay positive. That is the light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, it is.

Purpose

You ever find yourself in those "project from hell" moments. Where you wonder why you are even involved? Because all logic tells you this is doomed from the outset?

I am in one of those. But I am in it for the long haul. To the end. Because I believe so much in the lead. I would go to to war for this person. That good. That deserving of my loyalty. Damn the torpedoes!

I have worked with this person for over 20 years. We are pretty much work siblings. Onboarded months apart. Always admired. Tenacious. Brilliant. Complete. No stone unturned. And we've always clicked at work.

Now, in a really bad place. As project manager for something that, for all intents and purposes, is earmarked for failure. Covering someone else's undeserving ass. Not happening. Failure is not an option. This person that I admire so much will not let it happen.

It is the one thing that is keeping me going. If it is possible to love someone for the work they do, For the value they bring, For the example they set. This is the person. This is going to suck so bad. I may not survive this project. But I will try. For loyalty. For this person. Fuck everything else.

Semper Fi 

Oh, by the way...

In that state of inebriation where there mind is fully aware, but the body is, frankly, pretty floppy. Thanks to mobile technology, I can do this while prone. Haha. C'mon, thumb, don't fail me now...

Thanks to a valued member of my personal support circle, I announced to my employer my egress intentions, including the possibility of leaving said employer. It was difficult, given my age and service. Granted, those plans could change as conditions change. But, at this time, I committed myself to those points that I feel obligated to complete, before moving on. And, I  have yet to determine my career/life path beyond that. 

I promised I would tell my employer the rest of my plans as they solidify, starting with mulling over some offered options, this weekend. Yes, there is some stress involved. I am not yet of retirement age or service, so I am leaving things on the table. 

I have always considered myself a loyal employee. However, I have come to realize I am the beaten dog that keeps returning to its master, and master is is abusing that behavior. No more.

No matter what happens, I have to mention appreciation for those that have given me the strength to take this step. Thank you, very much. At the very least, no matter what happens, I am hoping there will be a shakeup of the way things are being done at this time.

I am but a mote. Yet, even a pebble can make an impression when tossed into a quiet pond. We'll see what happens.

Lucky Belly

Asked the lunch partner where she wanted to go for lunch; food is always a pleasant distraction from work. She mentioned NonStop Honolulu's column on Lucky Belly, and that she wanted to go back. Okay, but I figured it will probably crowded if we go during her regular time...

She checked. We left early. By the time we got there around 11:45, it was already filling up. But we got seated right away, as we accepted counter seats. Good thing we both like counter seats.

For those that don't know, Lucky Belly occupies the space where Mini-Garden used to be, on the corner of Hotel and Smith Sts. Door is on the Smith St side.

Took a look around. Remembering what the old Mini-Garden was like, they definitely changed the place. Remember the back wall? Gone; more seating back there.

The artwork was...interesting. Girls with phones was the motif, I guess.

The menu. Lunch menu was rather sparse; assuming it was built for speed of delivery. The blog post said the portions were large, so we decided to share. Picked the Duck Lumpia from the appetizer menu.

Geez, I need to learn how to take better pictures of menus...

  From the Plate menu, I/we picked the Ku Chu Jung Braised Brisket Tartine. Mostly because I didn't feel like chicken or shrimp. Next time, whenever that is, looking at the Karaage Chicken Sandwich. And maybe the Shrimp Kim Chee Bowl. The Tempura Shrimp Tacos looked good, too.

By the way, the bowls they use for the Ramen are HUGE! Like, stick your head in it and feel like Alice Down the Rabbit Hole huge. The portion is somewhere at the bottom; it was kind of amusing watching the lady next to me on the counter having to wave her elbow in the air to get down into the bowl. Almost chin-high...

Since we were sharing, they gave us plates. Square plates. I guess they have a problem with dishes rolling away on them...

Duck Lumpia. With Orange Sesame sauce. Menu said Bing Cherry. She forgot to tell us they were out. Pity; I think the cherry sauce would have made a difference. The lumpia was hefty, the duck was very nice. Good crunch. The orange sauce was... okay. Almost forgot to take a picture; her hand was almost in the frame, haha.

The Tartine came out in a very large serving bowl. Couldn't turn it on the counter, so I had to maneuver around to find something. This was the best I could get before getting slapped for being too slow. I kid; she's a sweetie.

It is a sandwich; there is another piece of toast underneath. Don't try to eat it like a sandwich, though. Too large, too messy. I tore it apart, and we made it a knife and fork lunch. Well, I used that to get it to the plate, then switched to chopsticks. The hands were getting quite confused, uncoordinated person that I am.

Flavor. It was there. Just not enough of it. Needed a boost. Salt would do it, but then, it is salt. I don't know. And then, there was the lack of zing; with Ku Chu Jun in the name, you have expectations. We found it as the bottom of the bowl, at the very end, still a little weak. And then there was the serving temperature. It was not hot. Rather disappointed, could have made a big difference in the reception. But the portion is very large, the meat was tender, and maybe we need to go in forearmed with some knowledge on how to attack this beforehand to help the experience along.

---

We talked about the meal as we returned to work. Agreed that the temperature needed a bump. The Tartine needed work, as mentioned. But we also agreed that there is promise, and would like to go back in a few months. And then we got distracted by a certain t-shirt shop...

All photos taken with an Apple iPhone 4s. Noise Reduction with the Noise Master app, processed with the Nik Snapseed app.

Chicken Gumbo and Cornbread @ Soul Patrol

(Note: I skipped a menu item I tried last week. I have my reasons)

Chicken Gumbo. Options were Rice or Cornbread. Knowing cornbread people tend to be proud of their product, I went with that. I held off on the sauce, so I could taste the base product. Got it with their Sweet Tea.

Chicken and what I assume is andouille sausage. A fairly mild version; just a bit of heat. Still, maybe not quite child-safe. Teens, maybe. Good overall flavor, even if the chicken gets a little lost. Which is fine, considering it is a relatively bland flavor on it's own. A little light on the salt; that is a good and bad thing. Something to keep in mind for the future.

Cornbread was unsweetened, as I think is should be. Soft, nice crumb, moist. Drizzled with honey which, when paired with a kicked-up gumbo, would be a good counterpoint. Very good.

Sweet tea is really sweet, but not sickly sweet. Cooked-in sweetness, very smooth flavor. You call.

Overall, definitely good stuff! I suppose I need to get down to gumbo country to compare, but this works for me. Having tried it "straight up," I can safely add more "flavor" (hehe!).

Oh, side note: don't put this on your lap. Recycled containers are environment-friendly, but they don't do too well with liquids, you know? I mean, not like it was leaking, but there was a lot of sweating. Just saying.

Soul Patrol is now Downtown

Soul Patrol has come to Downtown Honolulu, at least for the time being. They are occupying the space on the corner of Beretania and Alakea Sts., in that corner parking stall.

Been awhile since I tried anything from the truck, so I started with the basic Chicken and Waffle. The chicken is really good; flavorful and crunchy. The waffle is a little thin, especially with the availability of Belgian Waffles. However, this does not come from Belgium, so I dispensed with that prejudice. It is served with syrup, which kinda grossed out a co-worker; don't know why. Sweet and salty; what a killer combo!

Hope to work my way down the menu in the coming weeks/months. :)


http://pacificsoulhawaii.com/

What I see...

...is often not even close to reality. Possibly to the point of the surreal. And no drugs are involved.

Click through to follow the image, and see what "reality" was. Then tell me, is something not right with my head?

I will enjoy this moment of unreality while I can, since reality rather bites at this time. I guess it doesn't help that I enjoy the old Chinese and Japanese brush paintings, with the mountain receding into the mist... A discussion with a co-worker reinforced that thought, so here it is, my unphotography moment.

So the news is out...

Our new boss has been selected. Interesting to have someone that has some background in the field; been awhile.

Look Ma, no clouds!

Ah, crazy Monday. Don't know why, other than it being a Monday.

It wasn't a difficult day. Well, except maybe for one incident, that I am rather unhappy at myself about. But nonetheless, just a flurry of little fires. And apparently, I wasn't alone; maybe the organization needs a blessing. Been awhile since we did one of those.

Otherwise, just been wanting to shoot. Nothing, and everything, in particular. Have this one shot that I have been working out in my head; need to get the materials together to get it done. I have seen something like it on Flickr, so I am pretty confident it can happen.

Very few clouds today; probably even less tomorrow. Got some good glow out of it, at least.

Thank you for being open at 5 in the morning!

One more time. I hope.

Early wake-up, so I can wake up the metal and silicone beasties before the hordes get in. Ms. Alice recommended chugging some coffee; I took the advice.

Didn't work, by the way. Having things ready before the hordes, I mean. Damn cooling was still tripping-out, couldn't chance it. Oh well. I did get some catch up processes run, so that was a good thing.

Finally got a basic system released for use around 0900. Didn't get the workhorse portion approved for release until 1600. Waiting for a message that says we need to shut it down again; all it takes is a few hours of fairly high heat, and POOF! All gone.

Wow, hadn't realize how long I hadn't stepped foot in a Starbucks...

Was out yesterday. Came in to find the server has still not recovered, either; the HVACs were down, and the servers were screaming, if not already dead.

Spent most of the day monitoring the server room, waiting for it to die. Come close of business, *BANG*, there is it. Run down to the server room floor; step out into the hallway ready to run to the room, when out of the corner of my eye,

Oh! Gotta get this! CLICK! Ooh, bonus!

Okay back to it. Kicked the breaker back on, let the boss'es know what's going on. Dreading an overnight shutdown, hoping the A/C works.

Hell, no. Kicks off 2 more times, 50 minutes apart. Amazing, like there's a little timer in there. We are down for the night, so I repeat the Monday morning early wake-up again.

Maybe another "zoom zoom" shot is in the offing? Or maybe this time, I will actually take out the big camera and point it at something interesting...

At least I got a dirty picture out of it.

Lunch Downtown, alone

Ran out for a late lunch at Brasserie Du Vin, in the downtown arts district. Been awhile since I've been here, it's a bit of a walk.

Had the Flat-iron Steak sandwich, pomme frites and salad. Did takeout; should have stayed, in retrospect. Especially if it is this unbusy the next time.

Oinkish Lunch

Ali'i Burger Deluxe, with (deep-fried) bacon and an over-medium egg, with a side of crinkle fries.

Sorry, consumer (me) totaled the package before the shooter (me) got a shot off. Trying not to fall asleep...

Spring 2010

It's raining. I guess we should count our blessings. Just came out of a high-wind stretch, with red-flag fire warnings; the rain should help, just a little.

Now, if only our elected officials (Executive, Legislative, School Board) can get it together...

Furloughed!

We start twice-monthly "Furlough Fridays" this week. Look at this as a good and bad thing.

- We need the break; finding time for vacations has been tough.
- I may be able to do some maintenance now.

We'll see how this works out.

Touching base...

Ah, haven't even looked for too long.

Um, work is getting even worse; "reality" has hit some people in the worst way, and I am not talking about lay-offs. It's amazing how stress can "unmask" the real person, and that can be really ugly. On top of that, once all that "fluff" is blown away, some people get really, um, "stupider" (is that a word?).

Others that wear their hearts and thoughts on their sleeves are actually doing better; nothing unexpected, what you see is what you get. I can only guess that they are really torn up inside, though. Those are the ones I worry about and feel most sorry for.

Head down, ears up, push forward...

Will the axeman cometh?

Waiting for the big budget axe to fall, and us little people have no idea where. Frozen into a no-buy mode until I know I will still have a job in the near-future. In a time when the economy needs people to spend, this is stupid.

Arggh!

Crap has been breaking left and right... but I still have a job, be as it may.

Think happy thoughts...!!!!