Business or Pleasure?

Working at a client who makes games. Famous one too. Infamous. Whatever. To be honest, they don't really develop any games where I'm at, it's more of a central services site. But they've still got those iPod lookalikes known as the XBox 360 on display, along with the games their company publishes of course.

The controller's smaller than the Xbox one, but I thought its predecessor was too big anyway. Now it feels more like a PS2 controller: snug.

Still, I couldn't really get much play time on it... had to work. Too much work. I'd rather play the Xbox 360. :: Sulk ::

Problem with this client is, it's too frickin FAR. 2 Hours each way... FOUR hours of commuting... What a waste of my time. I'd rather be playing the Xbox 360. :: SULK ::

Good thing is, I'm having a day off tomorrow. A day at another client, sharing knowledge, experience, etc... and free food and drink! Still... I'd rather be... you guessed it... playing the Xbox 360. :: SULK ::

Reputation

Another week at work eh. Only thing is, i'm now sick. It's the flu, caught it from a colleague. Oh well, hope it's not the BIRD FLU!

Short post: working with a first year right, and she was in some meeting this morning. Apparently, they talked about one of the clients I'm on, and they heard one guy there is good, and it turned out to be me. Cool! My efforts are being recognized!

Anyway, tired. I think this cold is gonna peak at around the weekend. Bleh. I think fate is conspiring to prevent me from rock climbing!

Oh another thing. A sign from above! A music shop is opening near where i lived. I was so excited I went to speak with the people putting up the sign, and asked if a studio will eventually be built there. The answer was yes. Awesome. The band may just be back again! This place will help me find a new drummer!

Terrible Coach

That's me. So I was the "chosen one" but I was really put in my place today... by a FIRST year! Here I was, plodding along with my "advanced" questions, trying to show off my knowledge and experience to the new girl, and in front of the client, the first year plonks in a few VERY valid comments and questions that forces me to adjust my position. Ouch. Talk about humiliation. I almost went red. I could feel my ears burning, thinking "Why the heck didn't I think of that, I'm the friggin' in charge." Worse, it happened about 2-3 times throughout the day...

Oh, the shame. She's gonna go round telling her fellow first years what a terrible 2nd year I am. Can't even cover the basics. Sigh. Lesson I've learned: think CAREFULLY before I conclude or speak out. This girl is SHARP. Then again, that'd be why she's in the firm I guess.

Yes, my ego has been thoroughly shattered. I was so ashamed I went to get my hair cut after... what does that have to do with anything? Well, samurai were known to cut off their hair when they have been shamed, so... the Sheep is sheared. I needed a damned cut anyway. Good thing I went, coz there was this hot girl in the hairdresser's...

And as therapy to recover my fragile confidence, I had some sushi, some chicken pie, and learned a couple of Snow Patrol songs (Run and Chocolate). I've had their album for ages, but only recently began to like their songs. Must be age. And shame.

Chosen One

"You will be pleased to know," he began, "that you have been specially picked for the assignment." The Sheep's manager paused, and the Sheep let out a nervous laugh and attempted a lame joke about losing the weekend to deflect the mounting pressure that was sinking in. "We needed someone of experience and intelligence," he continued, "and you're it." Not even a chance of avoiding that one, not even a CHOICE, as those were the Man's words. And the Man's words are golden.

"Your mission, should you choose to accept it..." Ok this last line is made up. But basically, the Man could not find any other fool to do this job on a Saturday at 7 friggin 30 am in the friggin morning, in friggin -3 degrees celcius, so the poor Sheep was selected. And being young, impressionable, and career minded, how could he say no?

At least I'm working with a first year. Wonder if she's hot. Not that it really matters, I guess, considering my luck with the opposite sex. Bah. Better get to bed or I might get even grumpier in the morning. G'bye bloggers. G'bye weekend. Now if only those weekend revellers would shut up so I can sleep. Some people have no life, they oughta know...

Good things...

... come to those who wait. But if you wait too long, it'll come and go. In case you haven't figured it out now, the Sheep is not good with women. He doesn't know why, and often he doesn't like to admit it. It's not like he's a complete failure with women. There have been many times that women have been attracted to him, but unfortunately, the feeling was never mutual.

It's all because of a break-up with his first love. First cut, they say, is the deepest. I don't have the energy to elaborate now. Maybe some other day. But since then, he has never had the right "mood" for love. He decided to take a year out of relationships, partying, meeting new people, but never committing. It was fun in university, because everyone was also willing to play along.

Then I took a gal out on Val's, she was hot, but I found I couldn't pick up attraction cues anymore! Argh! Worse, I couldn't find the guts to "close" the deal anymore, maybe coz she was about 4 years younger than I... but still!

And now, it's worse. My professional and personal personalities are getting all muddled up! I can't pick up girls in the office coz it feels "unprofessional" and I can't pick up girls outside the office coz it feels "too professional." Argh! I thought client facing jobs would improve my pickup abilities, not hinder it!

Suffice to say, the Sheep is sad and lonely. He waited too long. And now he has is attempting to "rebrand" himself through the Tango/Rock-Climbing/Sports/Gym thing. The music thing just ain't cutting it anymore. Damn.

Really Far and The Tiny Red Car

Cor, woke up at 6am this morn, left home at 7am bleary eyed and tired... then arrived at the client at 10am! 3 frickin hours of journey time door to door, switching between 4 trains, a 10 minute walk, and in FREEZING weather conditions! Madness! I can't see myself doing this the whole 2 weeks... ack!

Client was... not v helpful either. But we get that once in awhile, we just have to remind them who's ultimately paying the bill... them! No point wasting the time and money of both parties...

Anyway, i've come full circle. About a year ago, this girl gave me a lift to work every morn. Haven't worked with her since... until today! And she's giving me a lift to and from work again, bless her, in her tiny little red car. I should REALLY learn to drive tho. This is getting quite inconvenient.

Fitness Last

Youch, the slim sheep has transmogrified into the slobby sheep. Played football yesterday for about 80 mins. Had to take breaks every 10 or so minutes! Was out of breath REAL quick, just tackling, kicking, heading, running in general... man, did I feel sheepish having to bail out on my team mates for the 5th or so time to catch my breath.

Ok, so I've not played football in, what, my lifetime? Yes, I'm sad, I'm no sportsman because I had, for about 20 years of my life, a God given ability to stay slim. Now, with my frickin' job, and the increased intake of food that comes with a salary, I realized I am a in trenches, battling the bulge like most of my peer groups. Ah, I remember the days when I could scoff at my mates for having to try so hard to stay in shape...

So here I am, hurting all over from yesterday's game. I even got a cramp in my right shin! I feel 50 years older, wincing every time I lift my legs to go down a step (down hurts more than up, for some inexplicable reason!)... I need that rock climbing for more than ever, sod that tango for now...

Sheep Among Wolves

Whoa, the Sheep almost got mugged last night. Was walking to the train station, should have noticed the three juveniles behind me, but ignored them. My music was blasting in my ears when they surrounded me and asked me for money. At first, I pretended not to notice and walked on, but they stopped me and asked me for money again. I could tell, from the aggressor's close proximity, that they'd been under the influence of alcohol. 2 were taller than me, the other slightly shorter, and they couldn't have been older than 15.

So I calmly took off my earphones and said I had no cash on me, and was heading to the cash machine to draw some out. That was a bait I was hoping they'd take, I'd be able to slip into a pub on the way. But they didn't take it at first. I proceeded to walk on, then one of them pushed me and asked me for my phone instead.

Now, I've done martial arts (taekwondo... wouldn't have been to useful here if they were faster than me), and I knew that my best bet was to de-escalate the situation. 1-1, I could probably walk off with minimal injuries, but 3 v 1, if I get knocked on to the floor, chances are I'd be dead or seriously injured. Especially if my aggressors are drunk kids with domestic issues.

I wanted to strike first, as my chances of escaping with light injuries would be highter if I did but: 1. I feared prosecution. UK laws are strangely bent against the victim. 2. I was wearing my £500 Oakley prescription glasses and couldn't afford to break em. Damned paycheck's all spent!

So I told them I'd get them some drinks at a nearby pub. They were having none of it. I persisted, and one guy said "We'll walk you to the cash machine." One of the guys was losing his patience and told his friends "Enough of this let's go." I was getting confident that I could walk out of this fight, and insisted on getting them drinks at the pub. As I proceeded to walk them toward the pub, one guy pushed me hard, and I lost balance and fell to the ground.

I expected to get kicked, mugged and hospitalized.

I got seriously pissed off, and quickly got back on my feet. Staying on the ground is fatal. Irrational thoughts like "I'm gonna take these bastards down" flooded my mind. Once up, I assumed my stance on harder ground (i was pushed onto mud, not good for defense), took off glasses and prepared to flank the group... but they ran off. I was angry, frustrated and confused. They were 3 on 1! Why'd they run???

Still, I'm thankful though. No injuries, just some dirty jeans, and my knuckles are not busted. A part of me still wished that I could have taken them down like in the movies! I want some vengeance! Some ass kicked! Chances are though, I would have had my butt handed to me on a plate...

Anyway, kids these days are in need of some serious physical discipline. Parents, if you're not ready to teach your kids some respect, DON'T have kids. Use condoms. Get a friggin' abortion. Keep scum off the streets.

Climbing or Tango-ing Sheep

Argh. The Sheep can't decide! In an attempt to add a bit more variety to his weekends, the Sheep is torn between signing up for Tango or signing up for indoor climbing. He has ruled out the gym because sign up costs are wayyy too high, and monthly membership rates hurt. So cheaper, "funner" alternatives were looked at.

Climbing should be interesting, as it is a natural progression into outdoor rock climbing, which also sounds pretty interesting. It builds strength, stamina, and is an intensive form of cardio at the same time. But... it's climbing right? Won't I get bored eventually? How much fun is it really to press up against a wall and pull yourself up another handhold?

Tango is fun. Experienced it at uni, and def want to continue. Thing is though, I don't have a partner now... what if most people there bring partners? Will I pay all that cash just to have no one to dance with? Or worse, what if my partner doesn't like dancing with me? Can I bear having my fragile ego shattered by total stranger? I'd ask a certain colleague out... but people may get the wrong idea... er... the right idea... whatever.

So. Tango or Climbing. Climbing or Tango.

...

Maybe I'll just go play football on Sunday.

Late Sheep

Oops, the Sheep got blasted by his in charge today for being late the 4th day in a row. Entirely unprofessional, I admit, but there were mitigating circumstances!

The first day, there was a stupid fire alert somewhere causing my train to be delayed.

The second day, I was actually caught up in a fire alert... smoke was pouring out of Bond Street station as I stepped off the train. So the station got closed, I got stuck without a train again.

Wednesday, I was only 10 mins late! After going through a 1.5 hour journey, I think it wasn't that bad!

And today, my friggin' alarm clock batteries died, and the damned thing stopped at 3.25am! I woke up at 8.30 and still managed to get in at 10.05am!

I decided it wasn't worth explaining and just sighed and said "Right" to her nagging. When a woman gets worked up, there's no reasoning with her. I wonder if it's "that time of month" for her or something...

I'm not the only one in trouble today. Blair faced his first commons defeat on a very sensible proposal. His party is ripping its credibility apart. People will forgive them for the Iraq war if the national economy is doing well. But rebel votes like this only serve to highlight what an undisciplined party they are. Blair goes, so does my vote.

I'm already leaning towards the Conservatives now, whether Davis or Cameron gets elected. Lower taxes, freer market, smaller govt. I liked Blair because he struck a good balance between social needs and business needs. Now that the left are revealing their unionized, militant selves, they are quickly losing my vote. Good luck Labour. I doubt you'll survive without Blair.

Random Rants

I'm beat. Got an early start tomorrow, with a senior manager review to look forward to first thing in the morning, and a 1.5 hour journey through London's fire, bomb, strike, and signal-failure prone underground system. And I just got home about an hour ago. And now I'm blogging when I really should be sleeping. Sigh.

Was doing a recruitment thingy for the big firm. Yes, playing the soulless corporate recruiter. With a little bit of soul. Sure, I did the whole corporate spiel, but I added bits of my own experiences in. What I like about the job. What I didn't. Even manage to get at least 3/4 of the people I spoke to decide to apply to my regional office instead of the HQ where the event was being held.

Got asked a stumper of a question by one of the undergrads. "Isn't that an independence issue?" Had to mull over it, wasn't sure about the technicalities, but I think I managed to blag a half-decent answer. "Er, no." Cool.

Funny, I can clearly remember attending some of these events about 2 years ago. Didn't bother asking questions, I was just there for the goodie bags... Tonight though, I was stuck with answering questions the whole night, so I couldn't grab hold of a bag... however, I managed to charm the recruitment lady into whipping out two corporate memory sticks from her hand bag and hand em over to me! Wahey! Bonus! Worth wayyy more than those bags! And they look pretty flash too!

Sigh, if only I'm this lucky in my personal relationships. Anyway, that's another story...

Jason Mraz is coming to town in Feb! He is one fantabulous guitarist/singer/songwriter, and I've been hoping to play in the London bars like he does in the bars in NYC. I can play his songs, sing half-decently, but I don't have his gift with the wordplay... And I need a bongo player/singer too! Dreams eh? Depressing when you can't realize them, depressing when u don't have them. Maybe I should write a song about that...

(The) Netherlands Revisited

Why the name change indeed? There has never been a name change, only foreigner ignorance. As demonstrated by my last post. Holland, according to the ever informative Wikipedia, is actually a west-central region of the Netherlands. So where I'm currently working at is actually called the Netherlands. How did we ever live without the internet eh?

Well, at some point in the past, particularly around 200-300 years ago, people lived on game. Deer, wild boar, rabbit, etc... I've read about their use enough times in books (particularly the "Ice and Fire" books), and ordered peasants to hunt down these critters for food enough times in games (particularly the "Age of Empires" series) to have wondered what these things taste like. So I finally found out in a little place here called the "de Watervogel" or something.

Hare meat is a little on the course side, a bit like pig's liver. Don't really like it. Boar is, obviously, similar to pork, though it seemed to have a slightly tougher texture... but that may be because of the way the dish was cooked. Still, it tasted pretty good! The deer though, was sweet and tender. My favourite of the three. It beats beef and pork in my opinion... no wonder deer hunting is still going strong in the States!

Well, other than that... the Sheep is ashamed to say that he has put on weight. Damn this job, I'm avoiding lifts and taking stairs, taking walking breaks, carrying folders to and from work, etc... but the pounds keep on piling! Argh! Gotta sign up for the gym before it's too late! Or is it... ALREADY TOO LATE???