Saturday- Building Toys, then watching Toy

Computer is back up and running, so its time to catch up on the blog.

Arionna and her Snowman

Alora and her Snowman

 This last weekend was a busy one.  The girls and I headed to Lowes for Build and Grow clinic, then over to Home Depot for their clinic. Lowe's had the second portion of their train and both Arionna and Alora hammered it out.  For Arionna, being one-handed, I held the train.  This became a game of nerves as I held the train steady while she whacked it with all her might.  Fortunately, her aim was true and I still have all my fingers intact.

Home Depot had a snowman napkin holder.  This one was incredibly simple to put together: four screws and it was done in 5 minutes.  Home Depot did have some paints for the snowman.  Both girls did a really great job and now the two snowmen napkin holders adorn our dinner table, doing their job.

Lowes and Home Depot gives patches and pins after completing the project.  Since they are also provided safety goggles, my girls decided to do their version of "Johnny Depp visits Lowes".  Yep, below are my two little "Build and Grow Pirates".  They are funny little girls.

Barbie and Ken: Great Skating

Buzz and the Aliens

That evening we went to Disney On Ice Toy Story 3 courtesy of Marie's Macaroni Kid.  I've attended several Disney On Ice shows and I must admit this was the best one to date.  Normally the shows don't get very risky with regards to the skating portion, but during the Ken and Barbie section they did several jumps, spins and other elements which were very good.  The show itself was a typical fast overview of the Toy Story plot.  Still, it was well done.

The Potato head couple

There is no Toy Story without THE CLAW!

And it this was just Saturday!  Tomorrow was Arionna's Birthday...

My favorite: Slinky Dog!

Saturday continues-Arionna's Birthday Party

The weekend review continues!  Before heading to Disney On Ice Toy Story, Arionna had her eighth birthday party.  It was a busy one.  Marie arranged some good activities for the kids.

The first activity was decorating gingerbread houses.  Marie and I spent most of the night Friday putting together these little gingerbread houses.  There were three different styles of houses.  The kids put their candy decorations on the houses and had a good time.

Snowmen line one side of the house

The Tree held all the candles

After that came the cake.  Arionna wanted a cake decorated with Christmas lights and a tree.  Marie, using her incredible skill, created a masterpiece.  After the cake came the normal opening of presents.

Santa landed just outside the house

The Tree

Blog delayed.

I went to create the blog to post for Sunday, as promised, but the computer died.  Will blog when it is back from shop.

Weekend Wonders in Winter Wonderland

I really need to start posting to the blog on a regular schedule!  Tomorrow (Thursday), is Arionna's 8th birthday.  But, before we can get to that, we need to talk about last weekend.

Arionna: Future Birthday Girl, with her snowman Napkin holder

Saturday Arionna, Alora, Marie and I all went to breakfast at the Broomfield Community Center.  The girls got to visit Santa at the same time.  Breakfast consisted of doughnuts, fruit, and coffee (milk for the kiddos).  It was a good start to the day.  Kaylee didn't join us on account of:

A) It was early (8:00 am), and

b) It was cold (snowing when we left)

Afterwards we dropped Marie off at home and the girls and I headed over to Lowe's for their Build and Grow clinic where they put together the Caboose for a Christmas train.  This was an adventure as Arionna has only one good arm to pound away at the nails.  My job was to hold the nail....and pray.  She did good, and I walked away with my hand still functioning.

My beautiful Alora, with her Napkin Holder

After this, we headed across the street to Home Depot where the girls made Snowman Napkin holders.  These were really nice...no nails!  Just four screws, two dowels and Home Depot even had paint for them to paint the holders.  The girls loved it...and my fingers gave thanks too. 

So, that was the weekend.  Arionna's arm is slowly getting better.  She heads to the doctor on Monday to make sure everything is healing well.

I'm still looking on the Job Front.  I have a few opportunities still out there, so here is hoping one of them comes to fruition!

Fleece Navidad

Christmas Family Funny

Kaylee was 4 and a cute as a button. My wife, Kaylee and I were riding in the car and I decided I tell a real old (and very poor) joke.

Me: "Kaylee, what does a spanish sheep say at Christmas time?"

Kaylee: "I don't know."

Me: "Fleece Navidad."

She laughed and my wife merely shook her head. A few minutes went by.

Kaylee: "Dad, what does a spanish cow say?"

Me: "I don't know what a spanish cow says, honey."

Kaylee: "Moo Navidad."

Thats my girl!

Chance, Put your shoes on...oh, already on...good

Yep, youngest daughter did it again.  After last weekend's 'broken elbow' scare, the youngest decided to try again.  She sure is persistent.

Wearing a one piece 'slip-slidey' pajamas, she tripped over the Cookie, the smaller of our dogs (45 pounds).  Landed face first on our tile floor and started crying.  Off to the hospital we rushed.  Yep, snapped that left arm just underneath the joint like a tree branch.  Now she is upstairs sitting in her chair, watching cartoons, and is in a boatload of pain.

For a short time the doctors were preparing to stick an IV in her to start a morphine drip in case orthopedics decided they needed surgery.  Yes, it was that bad.  Fortunately, it didn't come to that.  Ortho said a sling to hold the bone in place is all that is necessary.

Unfortunately, the children's hospital was quite busy.  Appears some form of flu is going around up here and the place was packed with kids having "The Linda Blair Experience".  Pleasant it was not.

So, after getting back around 1100 I headed up to the 24 hour pharmacy (not exactly nearby, but relatively close) and had her pain meds filled.  Now, it is mid-day Tuesday.  Marie and I are both tired, and the little one is still in pain.  Not much we can do, just weather it through...poor thing.

Terminator Origins!

T-101

It is a force of destruction with one goal: the destruction of all human life on earth.  They are the Terminators: robotic juggernauts of devastation, and they are coming for us.  To the right is the metal skeleton of the more famous of these models: The T-800.

But, and this is the ultimate question regarding Terminators: "Where did they originate?"  Well, after this weekend, it was finally discovered the very first Terminator, the soulless killing machine, was formed on the kitchen table of the Folmar Household.

Behold, in terror, the might of the T-1!

T-1 Rampages through house inflicting wanton 

destruction on unsuspecting household

I, for one, welcome the oppressive regime of our evil robot overlords.

So, this weekend the girls and I had a good time.  First, Arionna, Alora and I headed to Lowes for a Build and Grow clinic.  They built Santa's sleigh.  That afternoon, we built the T-1!  

Marie, being the technology teacher, has lots of material to work with at the school.  One of these was a Lego "Mindstorms" robot.  However, it takes time to learn to build, program and catalog all the tools she has available.  She brought the robot home to learn how it works and determine the best way to incorporate a lesson plan around it.  The girls and I separated out all the parts, built the robot, and then programmed it.  I quickly dubbed it the 'T-1', and its first victims were Kaylee, Arionna, and Blackie the dog.

Marie has all kinds of neat technologies to play with at her work.  Besides the standard computers, she also has the Smart Table and our little robotic friend above.  It is now a month into her work, and she loves it.  One of the things she has begun doing is creating an inventory of all the items available to her.  As time progresses she will get more organized with regards to lesson plans and coordinating with the other teachers to demonstrate technology's uses for her students.

"Chance, put your shoes on..."

Those words were uttered by my wife to me on Saturday night.  After putting my shoes on I asked, "Which one is it?"

"Arionna," she replied.

I had dropped the youngest off at a birthday party earlier that afternoon.  They were doing a dance party and Arionna fell and hurt her elbow.  At least it was the left one.  So, we picked her up and off to the urgent care we go for x-rays.

It didn't appear broken, which is the good news.  However, it could take a few days for it to show up.  Right now it is wrapped in an Ace Bandage.  She still complains it hurts, and if it continues for another day it will be to revisit the emergency room and make sure it is not fractured or broken.

So far there have been 6 broken bones from my girls: 

Alora: Collarbone and both arms (all at different times),

Kaylee: Jaw and ankle,

Arionna: Right elbow.

My mother raised 3 boys and she always said we were "rough".  I admit we made many more trips to the hospital than my girls have, but we had fewer broken bones. My brothers and I did have more hyper-extensions, dislocated joints, severe sprains.  But, in the broken bone's category, my girls rule the roost.

Now, here is hoping it isn't really broken...

DBA in Space

Working with databases is a job I fell into, I'm the classic 'accidental dba'.  My training is in Aeronautical Engineering (minor in math) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  My odds of going into space were astronomical (pun intended).

Then Redgate Software started a DBA in Space contest.  It was a series of questions, and I answered them all correctly.  Now, I just need votes.  So, in a shameless plug for me, I'm asking everyone to please click on the following link to vote for me: http://www.launchbuddi.es/5u0Yu

Odds are still against me, but you can't win if you don't play!  Thank you all very much.

Volunteer Work

This week is 'Volunteer Week' at the Folmar household!

First, Marie had the PTA Fall Festival today (Friday) where she was responsible for the food.  everything went well and the food costs were dropped dramatically.  There was still food left over, but only about 1.5 roasters full rather than the 5 from last year.  Poor Marie was running herself ragged trying to work her school job, send out the MacaroniKid newsletter, and prepare for the Fall Festival.  This on top of Halloween.  She survived and the festival was a success.

Tomorrow (Saturday) I'm volunteering at the DaVinci Institute.  They are having their Inventor's Showcase and I'll be there from 7:00 am till noon.  It will be a good time and I'll enjoy it.  Mostly I'm helping to sett up the exhibitors and doing whatever job needs doing.  Keep me busy and out of trouble.

In other news, it snowed again Wednesday!  I didn't get to shoveling it off the driveway till today, but it wasn't too bad.  Most of the snow on the roads, sidewalks and driveways is melted.  The lawns, having been cooled off by last Wednesday's snow, still has snow on it.  So, the ground is hardening.  No new snow is predicted for the week.

That is all to report for this week.  I'm off to bed early tonight as I have to be up early tomorrow to make it to the showcase on time.

Halloween Weekend (Wii party take 2)

Blackjack Pizza's "Pirates of the Pizzeria"
(Erie "Trunk or Treat")

Last week was a busy one.  Marie returned from her convention (it is good to have her back!).  However, she immediately had to start work on Monday, 30 hours a week as a Technology Teacher.  In addition, she had her first regular appearance on the news that Friday.

Wednesday the Denver area received their first snow!  It was in the mid-to-high 70's Monday, and we woke Wednesday morning to about 7 inches of snow.  Usually we get the 'light, fluffy, dry' snow...the kind which doesn't stick to form snowballs or snowmen.  However, this snow was wet, but not heavy.  By the third day most of the snow melted.

This couple cracked me up with
their Cardinals/Rangers costumes
(Erie "Trunk or Treat")

Trees did not fare so well this year.  With the late warm summer, almost all the trees kept their leaves.  Several branches and trees were laden down with snow and cracked under the pressure.  Normally there is a preceding cold snap which forewarns the trees winder is coming and the leaves fall.  This year they weren't so lucky.

At least we had the weekend to rest up...Not so much.  

'Wrestlers' in the back of their truck
at Custom Ink Tatoo
(Erie "Trunk or Treat")

Friday night I took the younger two girls to a Halloween party at a friend's house.  Arionna and Alora were downstairs dancing and watching television with the rest of the kids their age.  I was upstairs with the adults playing games and making small talk  (and eating cookies).  Marie stayed home, took a hot bath, and then promptly collapsed on the bed.

Kaylee's 'Grim Reaper"
The detail on this is awesome!

Saturday afternoon we attended a Wii party at a friend's house.  It was loads of fun and we all had a good time.  After, we hit the Erie "Trunk or Treat".  Erie is a smaller community which is very spread out to the northeast of us.  They are so spread out, it is easier for them to organize a community trick or treating at the local community center.  Local businesses decorate their cars and trucks and pass out candy.  All of them were creative and I did manage to get some pictures which I've included above.

Sunday was pumpkin carving day.  Pumpkin carving has become a competitive sport in our household...at least it seems like it.  This year I was going to say Kaylee would win, except Marie trumped her with some cool special effects.  I tagged along on the theme with Marie's pumpkin, creating a Knight to battle her Dragon. 

So, of the pumpkins below, which do you like the best?  Leave a comment let me know!  

The Dragon and the Slayer do battle

Kaylee: The Grim Reaper

All pumpkin carving, now holes.  The amount of detail she did on this was amazing.  I like how the cloak billows out.  The full idea was to have another pumpkin below this one to serve as a "cauldron" from which the Reaper was rising.  However, this Reaper stands by himself as a work of art.

Marie: Dragon (Chance is the Dragon Slayer)

Despite an awesome job, my vote has to go to my wife's idea.  She created the dragon to the right.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  However, whereas Kaylee's has incredible detail, the Dragon uses FX to make it shine.  It can't be seen in the picture, but the lower right portion is a whole where the dragon is breathing fire.  From that whole a bit of Dry Ice in water is added and the Dragon "steams".

Chance: When Marie announced plans for a Dragon, I had to make a Dragon Slayer.  Placed side-by-side, the two pumpkins tell a story, but who will prevail?  The picture doesn't display the details, it is just possible to see where the Knight's leg and arm is, but the picture of the two together was just so much nicer.

Alora went with a creepy, screaming spirit ghost.  After hearing Mom was going to use dry ice, Alora wanted to as well.  So she created this spectral like ghost with holes at the mouth and eyes.  The picture to the left doesn't capture the details well, but it does show the effect the dry ice had on the light emanating from within the pumpkin.  For the dragon the ice came across as "wispy", like steam billowing out from the edge of it's flame.  But Alora's ghost had this odd spectral quality which adds a degree of creepiness.

I do not have a picture of Arionna's yet.  I need to get it transferred.  Her pumpkins is still a good one, and she gets better every year.  I'll edit this post if I find a good pic of it.

I already have plans for next year.  I will use the dry ice next year for an effect, but I can already visualize what I want to do with it.  What is it?  Just have to wait to next year

Home Alone 2...Fewer Kiddoes

No, one of them didn't die of starvation from my cooking!  Marie and the middle child left to visit a local camp for their sixth grade school trip.  Alora really wanted her mother to go and, despite being exhausted, Marie agreed to go with her.  Right now they are somewhere in the mountains living life without mobile phones.

As for me and the other two, we are doing fine.  Plenty of lasagna and chicken left over from earlier in the week is holding starvation at bay!

Today was  particularly busy around the home for me.  First, I replaced a leaky faucet with a brand new faucet in the kitchen.  I managed this in just two hours and with only one annoying 'paper cut' on the finger. Hopefully the leaking has stopped, although I still need to caulk around the sink in a few places.  Water damage from the leak is fairly bad in the cabinet.  Here is hoping the Damp-Rid will remove the problem

Second, Arionna came home from school and wanted to 'rake leaves'.  So, I finished off my work, completed my phone calls, and we raked up the leaves.  The result of our efforts is found to the above left, and below.  (NOTE: The below video may appear "sideways" for a little while.  I edited it at youtube and am testing to see when/if the change takes effect.  Yes...I look for things like this to try out).

Home Alone (with the kiddoes)

This week the wife flew off to Florida for the Macaroni Kid conference.  She is having a good time.  She also met up with some family and friends while she was out there.

This means I am here alone with the kids.  For the most part this is a good thing.  We have played Dixit Odyssey nearly every night.  I read stories every night to Arionna, and I greet them when the get home from school.  I rather enjoy being a "stay at home dad".

There is only one drawback to all of this staying at home with the kids....my cooking.  I don't cook, so much as 'burn'.  I'm the only person I know capable of burning cereal by pouring milk over it.  It is so bad I butter bread and end up with toast.  The wife was kind enough to leave food for most of the week, but in an effort to extend the 'good food' (as the kids put it), I made hamburgers the other day.

I was happy they didn't turn out charcoal, but they did have a nice 'crispy' outer coating.  Oh well.

Tomorrow the girls and I will clean the hamsters' cage (both girls have a dwarf hamster...females, of course).  Then we will go gaming at a friend of mine's house.  Back in time for dinner, showers, and bed.

Marie returns Tuesday, but she will leave again for a few days with Arionna to a school camp.  After that, it should calm down.

Employable Wife!

Congratulations to my wife, Marie.  She was offered, and accepted, a 30-hour a week teaching position at the Broomfield Academy as a technology teacher.  Given my wife' penchant for technology (she is a social media wizard), and her love of children, this is a perfect fit.  This job even fits into her busy schedule, especially on Fridays where she will have her TV segment on Channel 2 Daybreak.

This woman continues to amaze me.

Pics from a Successful Costume Swap

Mine!

As mentioned in earlier posts, my wife held a costume swap on Friday, October 7th at Sill-Terhar Motors.  It was a great success, with over 65 costumes being dropped off. Some of them cam complete with "props".  One, a 'press' outfit came complete with an old Polaroid camera, you know, the kind that developed the pictures a few minutes after taking the picture.  Another was a chef outfit with spatulas.

My wife, child, and my witch organizing costumes

I never knew Sill-Terhar had such a large community room.  There was ample space, and the costumes were evenly distributed across the tables.  Only one person couldn't find a costume for his boy, just didn't have one in his size.  But, everyone else found something they were looking for, and that is what it is about.  A few of the girls, upon trying on the costume, wouldn't take them off.  So some kids arrived normally and left Princesses!

A few of the costumes available

All of the remaining costumes were dropped off at A Precious Child, I know because I dropped them off myself just yesterday.  Along with the costumes, some people donated diapers and clean underwear for A Precious Child.

To everyone that participated, thank you.  My wife is already planning the next big project.  I'll keep everyone posted as that one forms up, but it should be a great event.  Marie will do another costume swap next year, so let's make next years turn out even better!

Overview of the room - One table has been cleaned out!

Do the Wii (loco) Motion

My wife arranged a Wii Motion Plus party with Nintendo last Sunday.  We had a blast!  Nintendo provided ice cream, ice cream scoops, ice cream bowls, Wii+ controllers and two copies of the Wii Motion game.    What fun!

A few more than ten people showed up, including the kids.  Four of us, names drawn at random, would grab the remotes and play a round, then the next four.  One of the best, and most original, games is Spooky Search (aka. 'the Ghostbusters' game as we call it).  The Wii keeps tracks of a 'ghosts' somewhere in the room, invisible to us, of course.  As you point the remote around the room it begins to beep as you get closer to the ghost.  Upon finding the ghost, you have to push the button down and drag him to the ghost chest on the screen.  Some ghosts are easy, but others are stronger and require teamwork to beat.

This is almost as fun to watch as it is to play.  Everyone yelling "to the left, to the left" while the poor searchers try to lock in on the ghost.  I can only hope Nintendo releases a full version of this game with some more challenges/puzzles aspects. By itself, this was worth it.

We have to do this again someday!

Family Circus

Largest land Mammal alive lying down

Through my wife's work with MacaroniKid, my family and I were invited The Greatest Show On Earth.  Yep, we went to the circus.

It was nice.  We were able to visit the animals on a semi-guided tour, talk to the animal handlers and a few of the performers.  Then we headed to the show itself.  It has been a long time since I went to the circus, and the two youngest had never been before.  Their eyes were wide watching all the various acts and stunts.  The girls loved the horses, of course, but they also enjoyed many of the other shows, especially those with the tigers.

All the girls loved the cats

Overall, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey still put on a decent show.  In today's world of hi-tech computer graphics, it is nice to see real-life performers.  It adds an element of suspense watching real people act out what is now seen mostly on movie screens.

TV Update

Quick update with great news!

First, Costume Swap: It was a success.  Over 65 costumes and over thirty people.  For a first year all volunteer event, that is a resounding success!


Second, my wife and youngest two appeared on Daybreak, which can be found here: http://www.kwgn.com/news/daybreak/.  Aren't they cute?

Anyhow, my wife did such a great job they asked her to come do a segment every Friday!  Naturally, my wife accepted.

She also took her teaching trial today for a teaching position.  It went very well and, after they check a few things (background check and such), she will have that job as well.  Nice thing is, the two don't interfere as Daybreak is in the morning and teaching is in the afternoon.

I'm very proud of my wife!

Congratulations, Marie!  I always said you were amazing special.  (Should listen to me more often.)

Newsworthy Family

Today my wife and youngest two will be on the morning news show: Daybreak.  My wife organized the first MacaroniKid Broomfield Costume Swap, and she partnered with A Precious Child. So, what does that mean and how is it newsworthy?

First, the deal is for people to bring in last year's costumes for their kids.  Then, they can trade it for a 'new to them' costume.  The cost is free, so it is basically 'trading up' last year's costume.  No guarantees there will be a costume in your kid's size, but any left over costumes will go to A Precious Child.  The swap is happening at Sill-Terhar Motors this afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00.

Second, if people bring in new diapers or a new package of underwear for A Precious Child, they will enter into a raffle.  Prizes include 4 tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba Live and free meals at Chick-Fil-A in Broomfield.  I think there is one or two others, but not sure.

The Broomfield Enterprise heard about it and made it a front page story.  Yes, that is a picture of my girls goofing around in their costumes.  After that my wife received a call from the Colorado Morning News Daybreak, and she was asked to appear "with models".  So, the kids will miss the first few hours of school tomorrow, but they will be on the news station and are pretty excited about it.

Kaylee, the 17 year old, will NOT be going to model.  She had enough issues with the picture in the paper.  I'm sure I will hear all about it when they return.  I will miss it, however, as I will be attending the Caffeinated Careers Club, hosted by the indomitable Tracy Laswell Valdez, in an effort to find new employment.

T-Rex Adventures at DMNS

I'm smiling because it's one less mouth to feed!
Way to take one for the team, Kaylee!

The American West is famous for dinosaur discoveries.  Wyoming, for example, is littered with ancient fossils.  Trilobite fossils are everywhere.  So many in fact, much of the roads consist of ground up 'stones' which are trilobite fossils.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science contains nearly two floors of dinosaur skeletons.  You are even greeted by a T-Rex skeleton in the entrance.  Last week Marie and the family were invited to the VIP premiere of "T-Rex Encounters" for her MacaroniKid newsletter.  The exhibit consists of 4 life-size robotic dinosaurs (2 raptors, 1 Triceratops, and 1 T-Rex) tied in with facial recognition software.  The dinosaurs react to the people's faces.

Nothing like having a Velociraptor stalking you while you walk past.  Get enough people near the Triceratops nest and 'Mom' start's having conniptions!  And nothing beats having a Tyrannosaur holler at you.  Crouch down in front of the T-Rex, and it will lean way forward and sniff at you, trying to determine if your edible or not.

Alora was the next to go, have to cut back on those
expenses so sacrifices must be made.

Pictures weren't permitted, but they do provide an auto-upload photo booth accessible via flickr.com, which is where these two pictures were downloaded.  I recommend going and bringing the family.  DMNS is a great way to spend the day anyways, and the T-Rex encounters was worth the visit.  One word of caution if you have smaller kids, these dinosaurs are lifelike, large, and loud, so have your younger children bring a stuffed toy in case they get scared.  As can be seen in the second picture, Arionna brought her stuffed snake.

And FYI, this isn't an advertisement for DMNS.  We had a blast and I wanted to share it.  I love DMNS and many things in Denver, there is so much to do.

What I'm Looking for...

To keep this short, I'm looking for new employment.  My previous post focused on me, but if I'm to get help finding that perfect position I do need to tell you what I'm seeking.

In short, I'm really seeking (at least currently), a Director of Engineering or Director of IT role.  A Manager role would also suffice.  I'd like to aim for the medium-size businesses, say from 100+ people, but honestly, any company with the correct culture would fit me well.

I have experience working on computers from the Mainframe to the Web, from Databases to User Interfaces, from System Architecture to Disaster Recovery.  And I have dozens of stories to go along with exemplifying my experiences in each.

It is cliche for a candidate to say "I have the ability to explain complex technical issues to non-technical business users and vice versa".   I'm going to avoid saying that, as everyone says it.  And they believe it to be true.  Instead, I'll say this:

I've worked in Sales and in Information Technologies.  Now, I don't mean I worked in one field alongside an expert in the other, as is often the case (although I have done that as well).  No, I mean I worked in both fields as a career.  

When I worked in Sales I was a salesman.  I visited customers.  I was physically at a customer site, giving sales presentations, and actively working to close deals.  I reported to the Vice President of Marketing and Sales directly, not through a dotted line or as support.  I had a sales pipeline which I was responsible for maintaining and nurturing.

When I worked in Development, I was a developer.  I wrote code.  I built software diagrams.  I provided software support.  I directed, guided, and coordinated the actions of others to build software.  When disasters struck, I was in the thick of it working to reconstruct data.  I reported to IT Managers, Engineering Directors and the CIO.

Where does that leave me?  Simple, I've lived both these careers.  I know what Engineers want because I am an Engineer.  I know what Sales People want because I am a Salesman.  I don't have to speak 'sales' or 'techie'...my experiences make me fluent in both.

That is what I bring to an organization: the combined experience of having lived both Sales and Development.  Now, where is the organization that doesn't want someone like me?  If you know of one, please leave it in the comments below and help me get in touch with them.

Who I Am

Ok, I mentioned I'd post about the position I'm looking for, but in fact I've thought about it and am going to change it up.  Instead, I'm going to tell you what I can do and what I've done.  Then you may decide if I'm the right type of person for a position.  I have LinkedIn, Career Builder, and a dozen other places to tell you 'what I'm looking for", but this blog is about me.  So, this is blog will be about what I do.

First, I'm a leader.  Actually, make that Leader, with a capital 'L'.  When everyone around me is panicking or worrying, I'm finding the direction to go and start guiding people to safety.  I'm the person everyone asks "what do you think about....", "How do you believe we should....", "What are the possible outcomes of....".  This isn't because I'm smarter than anyone, its because people need a direction, and I provide it.

Second, I'm a risk taker.  It is my belief we can't make change without taking risks.  Many people won't volunteer out of fear of being unsuccessful.  I have no fear of failure.  I've experienced failure on multiple occasions. However, I can say I've never failed in the same way twice. If the saying "You learn more from your mistakes than you do from your success" is true, then give me a doctorate and call me Einstein!   It is those failures in my past which permit me to avoid making them in the future.

Third, I don't 'shake things up for the heck of it'.  If something is stable and functioning, then it is fine and not to be bothered with while we work on more important objectives.  Focus on what is important, and make it right. Sometimes it is simple cosmetic changes that make drastic improvements.  Sometimes, it requires deep invasive surgery.  The trick is knowing which is needed when.

Lastly, I'm an open book.  My knowledge, skills and talents are all "Intellectual Property" which I'm willing to share with others.  Everyone has their own set of "IP".  Many keep it hidden and don't share it because it provides "security", whether in their job or their ego.  I often say I have "no ego", and as for job security, I've discovered you can't move up until someone below you learns 'what you do'.  One of my first duties in any job is to find my replacement.  Not only does it help to share the work load and create teams, it also means more opportunities for me and for them to enjoy ourselves, share our workloads, and get promoted.

I guess I should now tell everyone 'What I'm looking for'.  Well, that is a blog for tomorrow....this one was just all about me.

Digital Badge of Courage (Company going under)

We received word on September 2nd that the company I work at will be shutting down.  We let most of the people go, keeping just a few people around in order to keep the lights on.  It all comes down  to the willingness of the investors to maintain operations, and they are just tired of it.  So, they are going to bundle the company up and either sell it for parts.

We are not sure what will happen next.  Most likely another company will purchase the software and IP for a low ball price.  This could be good for some of us, and possibly better for the software overall.  The software is solid and does what we say it does; nothing more, nothing less.  Certain aspects of some components could be better, but some of that is more aesthetics than functional changes.

I'm not going to dwell on 'what went wrong' or 'what could have been done differently'.  I feel that is a discussion for another time and place.  I have my own analysis and opinions, but I'm going to keep them to myself for awhile longer.  The brief story is: sales were not where the investors wanted it to be, and that is all there is to it.

In the meantime, I'm reviewing the resume once again.  I always had a resume which was, at most, a few months old.  However, I've been so busy what I have is good....but not the one I 'really want'. I will also be touching base with some colleagues of mine to let them know my employment status has changed.

Many would be upset, or even depressed about the situation, but that is not me.  I'm more upbeat.  I've experienced worse low points in my career and in my life.  I know how unproductive wallowing in self-pity can be, and I know that isn't what I need or want.  I picked myself up then, I'll do so again.

I will be sure to follow up with my (ex-)coworkers and ensure they are doing alright.  They are good people, and I want to make sure they land on their feet and take care of themselves.  I always lead by example, and so I'll help to guide them through these rough times and steer them where they need to go as they enter this transition, just as I have steered and directed them during our time together.

After all, these people have become more than just my coworkers...they have become my friends.  And friends look out for each other when possible.

I'll post more this weekend about what I'm seeking for a new position in case anyone reading this blog knows of a position.


[Edit] This  post is actually almost 2 weeks old now.  With the posting issue earlier in the month, it has taken this long to get through all the vacation posts.  However, I wanted it all to be in chronological order, so although  this is big news, it isn't mentioned until now.  Otherwise, it would look like the company entered into problems and then I went on vacation!]

Vacation - Day 7/8 - Return Home

The return trip was not nearly as exciting as the trip to CA.  We stayed the night in Richfield, Utah, about a 10 drive from San Diego.  Traffic was not a problem returning, so we had no problems travelling the distance.  The hotel did have a pool and jacuzzi, so while the youngest two went swimming, I let the jacuzzi work out the knots.

Next day we traveled back to home.  Our big stop on the way home was in Palisade, CO, the Peach Capital of Colorado.  We picked up a box of peaches and they were mighty nice!  After that, just an uneventful trip home.  Considering how our trip started, we were thankful for uneventful and safe return.

While in Utah we did stop at a restaurant, a little diner in Beaver, birthplace of Butch Cassidy.  The food was wonderful, but on the table they had little books for people to read while they waited.  On the back of one of them was the following, which I dedicate to my mother:
  

Vacation - Extra Pics

Before we discuss the trip back home, I wanted to post these stained glass pictures.  A person along the street of the condo had these as windows in their garage.  Marie can make stained glass, she has a nice one above the Master bedroom window, but these were very well done and worth showing.

Vacation Beach Visits

California has the beach, and so I have here some pictures of the girls enjoying the beach.

Arionna and Kaylee Watching the Surf

Unlike most of the beaches in Florida, which the girls are used to, the beaches in CA are more rocky. The condo overlooked this particular spot and it was a nice walk down.

Perhaps one of the most memorable moments was our resident 'expert' (Kaylee) trying to teach the girls to boogie board.  The wave came rolling in and Kaylee showed them how to jump just ahead of the wave to "catch it".

Arionna Abandoning the Elder Sister to the Surf

Now, our resident 'expert' (who never surfed before) happened to have the wave roll back on her just enough for Kaylee to throw her timing off.  Instead of hitting the front of the wave, she belly flopped onto the now receding water, pushing the board and herself into the sand.  This, of course, meant the following wave, which was just behind the first one, rolled over top of her covering her in water, seaweed, and sand.

Only complaint about the beaches in CA is the lack of "swimming" areas.  Unlike FL, the rocks and quickly receding shelf means only good, strong swimmers should attempt it.  Still, we had a wonderful time.

Vacation - Day Six and Seven

Thursday and Friday, days 6 and 7 of our vacation trip, were spent at the San Diego Zoo.  We only stayed a half day each day, with time at the beach or along the pier the rest of the day.  On Thursday, we met up with one of Marie's online friends at a restaurant in downtown San Diego.  After lunch we drove along the coast and saw (from a distance) the carrier CVN-70 Carl Vinson.  We didn't get a photo of her, the mists and distance put an end to those hopes.

Rhinoceros
It is a shame there are only a few of these creatures left.  They are impressive creatures.  This was taken on our bus ride through the park.  Alora and I rode in the first bus, Marie and the remaining girls rode in the second bus.

This guy was Alora and Arionna's favorite little animal.  They loved the big ears, and he just sat there so calmly.

The best part about visiting the zoo is seeing the diversity of life that exists.  There are so many different variations on common adaptations.

Isn't he cute?

Otter
I remember writing a paper when I was in primary school on Otters, since then they have been a favorite of mine.  So, we are going to end our visit to the zoo with a picture of this little guy.

Vacation - Day Four/Five - Sea World

Beluga Whale

Day 4 of the vacation was spent at Sea World.  We rode the rides, saw animals, and watched shows.

The nice thing about all of the attractions is they were not far from where we were staying.  It was maybe a 15 minute drive (without traffic).  Nice and comforting.  Any case, we did manage to get some photos of the animals.

I included only on the photos which I took with my phone, and I only took a few of my favorite animals.

More Beluga

Beluga Whales

I find Beluga Whales fascinating creatures.  Found in the arcitic and sub-arctic conditions, the Beluga Whale has interesting adaptations to its environment.  The lack of a dorsal fin permits it to travel close to floating ice packs, and the white color acts as camouflage.

Perhaps most interesting is the ability of the Beluga to 'turn' its head from side-to-side because the neck vertebrae are not fused, as is found in other whale species.




Penguins

Check out the Penguin

Penguins are my favorite of animals.  The flightless birds are found in the Southern Hemisphere and are excellent hunters in the water.  The penguin family consists of 17 different types of birds, each with unique adaptations.

Normally, birds are the most colorful of all the animal species, with penguins being the possible exception.  I say 'possible exception' because they still maintain some distinctive plumage in some types, but for the most part they do not exhibit the wide range of colors found in other birds species.

He stood up just to show off

These particular pictures are of the Magellianic Penguins.  Overall, they are just really cool birds (pun intended).














Orca (Killer Whale)

Big Momma

When at Sea World, one has to see the Apex Predator of the sea, the Killer Whale.  The girls and I got into a little dispute when I called it a 'big dolphin', and we had to settle it by going on the Internet to verify it.  Dad was right, it is a dolphin.  Interesting note: dolphins, porpoises, and whales are all different classifications of animals, although they are related to each other.  'Dolphin' usually refers to true oceanic dolphins and porpoises, while 'whale' refers to whales and the larger dolphins.

Full View of the Big Female Swimming Around

Final Verdict
After the long trip to get here, Day 4 and 5 were relaxing.  We needed it.  It was nice to have more than one day at the park so we could take our time visiting the animals and the rides.

One animal the girls enjoy. which I don't have a photo of, is the polar bear.  Arionna is tall enough to ride all the rides, which was great, and many times we got soaked.  We did bring plenty of sunscreen, but even so we had a little bit of red showing by the end of day 5.  Nothing painful, but it was easy to tell we had been outside in the California sun.

I'll finish this entry with a few more shots of Kasatka, the big female at the park.

Diving to the Bottom

'Standing' on Her Tail