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I dunno, 2013 was an all around good year for me. Got engaged to the woman of my dreams who gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. It all definitely raised the bar high for future years to come.
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yours is one of the rarer rays of sunshine.
And you think 2014 will be better, Star?
yes. there were many tales of woe this last year.
I hope you're right. *crosses fingers*
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on December 30, 2013, 05:26:40 PM
I dunno, 2013 was an all around good year for me. Got engaged to the woman of my dreams who gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. It all definitely raised the bar high for future years to come.
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As with every year some things go well and some do not.
That is a great year, JH. I hope 2014 is even better for you!
2013 was a pretty decent year for me, too. Year Two with the(Future)Mrs., got a new car, made more money than any year before. Pretty good stuff.
Im happy that stripping has been so profitable for ya!
Since I lost the weight it has been quite lucrative, yes.
Quote from: MetalDog on December 30, 2013, 07:42:34 PM
2013 was a pretty decent year for me, too. Year Two with the(Future)Mrs., got a new car, made more money than any year before. Pretty good stuff.
Glad to hear it.
Thanks, fellas. I pray each of us and our families and friends find peace, prosperity and wisdom this year.
lol, me too - i have a new promotion and a new business venture to contend with - my fingers are crossed
I'm glad for the successes a few of us have enjoyed this past year - especially those who welcomed new kids to the world. Personally, 2013 was a deep festering pile of shit that I can't wait to put in the rearview mirror.
On a related note, I'm going to have pay stubs from about 11 different companies with my taxes this year.
Quote from: Jarhead0331 on December 30, 2013, 05:26:40 PM
I dunno, 2013 was an all around good year for me. Got engaged to the woman of my dreams who gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. It all definitely raised the bar high for future years to come.
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Congrats on a happy, memorable year!
Quote from: MetalDog on December 30, 2013, 07:42:34 PM
2013 was a pretty decent year for me, too. Year Two with the(Future)Mrs., got a new car, made more money than any year before. Pretty good stuff.
Congrats to you MetalDog - even though you are a "bammer"
For me 2013 was mixed. I got another term on my academic management job. This is a real mixed blessing. Much more stress, more money, less free time.
My side businesses went very well. The equities markets were up massively which was a big plus. Auburn is going to the BCS which makes all of the students, all of the local merchants, and most of the faculty very happy. Had an excellent two week trip of a lifetime to Southern England.
Quote from: airboy on December 31, 2013, 12:05:43 AM
Quote from: MetalDog on December 30, 2013, 07:42:34 PM
2013 was a pretty decent year for me, too. Year Two with the(Future)Mrs., got a new car, made more money than any year before. Pretty good stuff.
Congrats to you MetalDog - even though you are a "bammer"
Thank you, sir! Don't tell anyone, but, I'll be showing SEC solidarity and rooting for them Tiggers in the National Championship game. ;)
Sorry Gentlemen. It'll be Florida State National Champs for 2013 even though the game'll be played 2014. Jar-- what a great looking kid! It makes me almost wish all attorneys didn't go to Hell. I've managed to survive another year of the cut-throat competiveness of the Retirement Professional. I've actually gotten more raises since I've been retired than I ever got working-- that probably says a lot about my job performance. Anyway, Happiest of 2014 for Grogs everywhere and may the IRS forget who we are, for one year anyway. 8) 8)
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No complaints here re 2013. My Mom and Dad are still going strong even though both are in their 80s and have significant health issues. My wife is healthy and happy, as are all our pets. Work has been more stressful with cutbacks in research funding and the university budget but I remain employed unlike many colleagues at the National Research Council. All in all 2013 has been good to me.
I can't complain about 2013 either and am very thankful for what I have..happy healthy family, decent job (definitely better than no job) and good friends. And I may be living in my in-laws basement, but at least there are windows to look out at the frozen wastes.
Quote from: mirth on December 31, 2013, 10:34:21 AM
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LOL
Some hottie catch your eye in a bar this weekend?
We dare not assume that. He very likely had his beer-goggles on, so any hawtness is going to be more than a little subjective on his part. ;)
Subjective even! ;)
2013 was, on the whole, pretty decent. The family is all healthy, including the grumpy old fart aka my Dad.
Work brought with it progress on many fronts - except proper delegation and leadership by the most upper senior management - elected and otherwise. But I completed 3 huge projects related to public agencies and relational databases with some risk management tool development.
Fiscally it was a stellar year. Precious metals are almost too easy these days to predict when the institutional speculators want to shake the tree and let the small guys take a big hit... makes me worried. Pension plan/retirement planning was the only question mark, but because I got over 25 years in it's a relatively small bump.
Personally,..... hell yeah! 2013 is ending well. Going back to finish my masters degree thesis on capital investment in ecological goods and services vs. infrastructure (I will send you a copy AB & LB... ;D) AND my SLCG is working again in a good stable job with a oilsands construction/service company.
Bring on 2014!!!
Quote from: Windigo on December 31, 2013, 07:21:52 PM
Pension plan/retirement planning was the only question mark, but because I got over 2325 years in it's a relatively small bump.
fixed.
I have to agree that 2013 was one of those years that witnessed back to back mishaps and unfortunate events. Whether affecting my family or myself. Piss off 2013! Here's to the new year, it can't be worse than 2013. I hope anyway...
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on December 31, 2013, 07:36:08 PM
Quote from: Windigo on December 31, 2013, 07:21:52 PM
Pension plan/retirement planning was the only question mark, but because I got over 2325 years in it's a relatively small bump.
fixed.
I don't count the total years, when I am recycled I start over.
You know... I liked you better about 4-500 years ago when we were beating back the hoards around Moldova... :o
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Just sayin' 8)
Nice find
Steelie! I suspect that one speaks to/for a lot of us. ;)
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on December 31, 2013, 02:56:53 PM
Subjective even! ;)
Dammit, I've gotten too reliant on Firefox's spell-checker... >:(
Quote from: W8taminute on December 31, 2013, 08:06:26 PM
I have to agree that 2013 was one of those years that witnessed back to back mishaps and unfortunate events. Whether affecting my family or myself. Piss off 2013! Here's to the new year, it can't be worse than 2013. I hope anyway...
How are you doing, by the way? Any possible hits yet, or shouldn't I ask?
Quote from: Martok on January 01, 2014, 02:08:48 PM
How are you doing, by the way? Any possible hits yet, or shouldn't I ask?
I got one hit during the past 2 weeks. A phone interview but later found out that they selected some other candidates for an in person interview. I also went to a job fair but haven't heard anything from the people I spoke to there. Been sort of just hangin' out waiting to resume my job search in earnest next week. ;)
Getting a lot of gaming time in though and that's kind of helping me cope with the situation as well. Mrs. W8 is maintaining a good front but I know deep down she must be as worried as I am.
Any good headhunters in your area? How relocatable are you?
Hang in there W8. I pray something comes along that both timely and fulfilling.
@bayo
One of the perks my company gave me before giving me the boot was a choice between $3000 to re-educate myself in something or to attend some job finding strategy classes with some consulting company. Still haven't made up my mind yet on which way to go.
I'd rather not relocate if at all possible but I guess if I'm forced to as time runs out I'd start looking in the north east region first. I kind of don't see myself living anywhere else in the country nor would my wife be too happy if we move to say the west coast far away from her side of the family.
@Stagger
Thanks for your prayers. I'm a firm believer in the power of prayer!
What kind of work are you looking for?
I've got a BSEE but my last 10 years of experience is centered more in the Quality Systems/Operations side of things. I'm not really a circuit designer nor do I have a desire to do that either.
^Hang in there, man.
Come kill bugs with me, W8!
Quote from: MetalDog on January 01, 2014, 11:31:16 PM
Come kill bugs with me, W8!
Now that sounds like a good plan to me. I bet we'd have tons of fun on the road together. I'm kind of a bad influence you know. I'd probably convince you to stop off at the pub for lunch for some liquid lunch!
There's only one way to find out :) You're going to take a bit of a pay cut though :( And before you ask, 'How do you know?,' I say, 'Trust me. I know.'
I can sympathize with you W8. After working for the state of Florida for 35+ years, I was given my pink slip 6 months prior to retirement-- on April 1st of all days. Numerous times I've had to change jobs and take some pay cuts. And every time it hurt and made me angry. But often after a few months on a new job I began to see some advantages and things I liked and thought how lucky it turned-out that I wasn't still at the "Old Place" anymore. One advantage was a whole new bunch of co-workers to BS that I was actually somebody important. Just trust that a year from now things will be a world better and people who know you will talk about how brilliantly you've turned a crisis into a paradise. And then sign autographs.
Quote from: MetalDog on January 02, 2014, 07:12:31 AM
There's only one way to find out :) You're going to take a bit of a pay cut though :( And before you ask, 'How do you know?,' I say, 'Trust me. I know.'
I know engineers.... W8 will build you a better mousetrap
I hear you MetalDog and I believe you. :)
This is my third time getting laid off in my life Sir Slash but you are right. Your experiences are similar to what I've been through. Still though, this process is the cause for some anger and grief and I admit that. I'm keeping the faith however that something good will turn up eventually.
Windy you're right about us engineers. We see things much differently than most people. If I can build that better bug trap for MetalDog he will only have to work half as hard as he does now. :D
You're a god man, W8 and I wish there was something I could do for you immediately. You're not secretly a front of the house manager for a busy restaurant...are you?
^Dude...I wish I was the owner of a busy restaurant! ;D
Quote from: W8taminute on January 02, 2014, 03:37:40 PM
I hear you MetalDog and I believe you. :)
This is my third time getting laid off in my life Sir Slash but you are right. Your experiences are similar to what I've been through. Still though, this process is the cause for some anger and grief and I admit that. I'm keeping the faith however that something good will turn up eventually.
Windy you're right about us engineers. We see things much differently than most people. If I can build that better bug trap for MetalDog he will only have to work half as hard as he does now. :D
I was in engineering at university for a term, looked at my marks and decided I'd rather be an all-star watershed hydrology/management major, than a mediocre engineer. looking back, the marks weren't that bad, could of gotten into mech ... they just pissed all over 1st year engineers.
I tend to look at all things the engineering way.... everything can be made better, or done better... everything
Quote from: Windigo on January 03, 2014, 12:12:11 AM
I tend to look at all things the engineering way.... everything can be made better, or done better... everything
Yes. Yes you do understand. That's how I look at everything as well.
Now consider if you have an engineering background coupled with Quality Operations/Systems experience you become a formidable analytical force to be reckoned with. All you'd need then is knowledge of law and you could become a one man business.
Or you could be an evil genius with an automated humanoid-soldier factory hidden in an ancient volcano.
2013 for me was a mixed blessing I think. I can't complain too much but I started with Academy Sports in August 2012 as a media developer then got promoted to instructional designer. I absolutely loved the team I worked with, but was heavily recruited for the job I'm at now by an old colleague. And it paid much better. I've not regretted it from a financial standpoint as it's much more money, but I'm not seeing a penny of it as my son started private high school this year and poof goes the greenbacks. Now we're behind on everything trying to keep up to ensure both my kids get a good education in the private school system. (Public schools here are terrible except in the neighborhoods that are way out of our reach.)
Hang in there, W8, it'll come. I had gone through two layoffs in a six-month period at one point, being the new man on the totem pole both times. I've had plenty of job issues in the past, some of which stemmed from the fact that I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career until about 2000 and finally got on that path in 2003.
$3k doesn't sound like a lot for learning a new trade. Do you like doing the BSEE thing? What is there about the offer that you're considering?
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Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 03, 2014, 08:03:39 PM
2013 for me was a mixed blessing I think. I can't complain too much but I started with Academy Sports in August 2012 as a media developer then got promoted to instructional designer. I absolutely loved the team I worked with, but was heavily recruited for the job I'm at now by an old colleague. And it paid much better. I've not regretted it from a financial standpoint as it's much more money, but I'm not seeing a penny of it as my son started private high school this year and poof goes the greenbacks. Now we're behind on everything trying to keep up to ensure both my kids get a good education in the private school system. (Public schools here are terrible except in the neighborhoods that are way out of our reach.)
Hang in there, W8, it'll come. I had gone through two layoffs in a six-month period at one point, being the new man on the totem pole both times. I've had plenty of job issues in the past, some of which stemmed from the fact that I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career until about 2000 and finally got on that path in 2003.
$3k doesn't sound like a lot for learning a new trade. Do you like doing the BSEE thing? What is there about the offer that you're considering?
Thanks Banzai! The only thing about the 3k I'm considering is that it would buy me two certificates I'm looking at from the American Society of Quality (ASQ). But now I'm thinking that job consulting agency is the better choice since they will give you the skills needed to land a job in the first place.
As for being a BSEE. If I could go back in time and change things I would not study Engineering. Most companies these days are outsourcing the engineering type work to india or china. There really isn't much out there that I can find as a straight up electrical engineer.
I'm also in the same boat as you as far as sending the kids to private school. It costs a lot but the hope is that our children will turn out to be better adults than if they went to public school. That mixed blessing you got last year was clearly for the very reason of enabling you to send your son to a good school. ;)
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 03, 2014, 11:39:41 PM
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Hmmm. I need to make some money....I bet I could strap one of those on my....
For you private school people, just a bit of information, I went to private school for a while. And we all see how I turned out ;) Good luck with your kids :)
what about electrical contracting work W8?
Quote from: MetalDog on January 04, 2014, 10:19:08 AM
For you private school people, just a bit of information, I went to private school for a while. And we all see how I turned out ;) Good luck with your kids :)
I went to a private high school for a few years.
Hmmm... Probably explains a lot ???
My son and my daughter both are doing private school.
God help me, them, and my finances. ::)
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 04, 2014, 10:25:22 AM
what about electrical contracting work W8?
I've been thinking about that actually. I have a friend who is an electrician and owns his own shop. Basically it's a van that he travels around in doing odd jobs here and there. It might be something I can do to keep me busy for a while. I'm also going to look into the area for any filming or tv stations that need electrical kind of guys. That idea you gave me a while ago still seems like a good one as well.
The market has been pretty slow but let's see what happens when I take the job hunting up again on Monday.
What about hospitals or large office buildings? Some of them may keep their own folks on staff for repairs, upgrades rather than contract out.
Quote from: W8taminute on January 04, 2014, 01:49:00 PM
I'm also going to look into the area for any filming or tv stations that need electrical kind of guys. That idea you gave me a while ago still seems like a good one as well.
any film/radio/tv stuff will require you joining a union with a $1200 entrance fee. however when you start at $35 to $40 and start making triple time on set its not so bad.
^ +1
And believe me, film WILL go over. I've never worked with a director that's actually been on time on anything.
Ive never had an 8 hour day when I was doing set design. commercial shoots mostly went smooth. tv or film.... BWAHAHAHAHA! cha CHING for the day and craft services feeding you. back then I had to actually work because of the field I was in. electricians pretty much set up and break down and their done for the day once the rigging is set. moving lights around is the DP's problem that gets pushed onto his minions.
I've not had a good experience with commercial shoots. They're usually on time and have their crap together, but they tell talent their call time is 7 or 8 a.m. and then don't call them to the set until later in the afternoon. At least there's free food. And it's pretty easy to get paid while sitting and reading a book or shooting the schiesse with the other actors.
IIRC based on a $35 union hour
1-8 hours was either hourly or your day rate $280
8 - 10 time and a half $105
10 - 12 double time $140
12 - 14 triple time $210
14 on your quadruple golden time @ 2 hrs $280
$1015 for a long 16 hour day. thats based of basic union wages and a huge reason why modern movies and tv cost a fortune. say you have a 100 man crew working in Chicago shooting a Transformers movie, between crew, cast, permits and all the rest your blowing over half a million dollars a day easy. probably more like a million +.
a rally good friend, after 15+ years in, does best boy electric and his starting pay is $70.
Crew make a hell of a lot more money than I ever have, then. ;)
while Florida is a right to work state the amount of production work here has kind of forced it to base pay on California union wages. this was due to number of California based crew that would have to come here for work with the remainder being local. equal wage and all that. its really cause a huge number of problems.
Well, 2014 is off to a shitty start. Suffered an attempted mugging on the way home from the pub tonight. Fortunately they didn't get anything and all I suffered was a ruined jacket and a few stitches.
I have to wonder just how bad the Canuck economy really is as I've never had to deal with this kind of situation since i and young and stupid in college. The weird thing was, before I left my place to go to the pub, I had the urge to grab my canister of pepper spray. I looked around for it but couldn't find it so I left without it. Could definitely have used it tonight against a gang of Sikh thugs. Got to listen to the gut more often, I reckon.
Jesus..... hope you're ok sdr!
^As Geek said - it must have been a scary experience, but as long as you are safe and well.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 05, 2014, 03:39:56 AM
Well, 2014 is off to a shitty start. Suffered an attempted mugging on the way home from the pub tonight. Fortunately they didn't get anything and all I suffered was a ruined jacket and a few stitches.
FWIW, I"d find the nearest police station, and vocally disapprove
Quote from: bayonetbrant on January 05, 2014, 09:12:54 AM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 05, 2014, 03:39:56 AM
Well, 2014 is off to a shitty start. Suffered an attempted mugging on the way home from the pub tonight. Fortunately they didn't get anything and all I suffered was a ruined jacket and a few stitches.
FWIW, I"d find the nearest police station, and vocally disapprove
+1 to all of the above.
Glad you're OK. Sorry to hear of the experience. Hopefully you left the idiot muggers with a couple of stitches, too.
Did they have any street cameras there? If so you can ask the police to review it and report it. What part of bc are you in btw??
You got stitches SDR? What'd they do to you?
And this is the first time I've read the phrase 'Gang of Sikh thugs'...I always think of 'peaceloving' when I think of Sikhs.
I'm good. Just some bumps and a cut on my leg from the corner of a brick wall. My buddy dropped me off at my house after we left the pub but I decided to walk up to the corner store to get something non alcoholic to drink. Couple punks jumped me and slammed me into said wall but then took off almost immediately when a couple stopped their car and caught them in the lights. Nothing overly dramatic, just annoyed that it happened and thankful they didn't use any weapons.
glad to hear your ok.
SDR I'm glad to hear you're ok. It could have been a lot worse.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 05, 2014, 01:24:07 PM
I'm good. Just some bumps and a cut on my leg from the corner of a brick wall. My buddy dropped me off at my house after we left the pub but I decided to walk up to the corner store to get something non alcoholic to drink. Couple punks jumped me and slammed me into said wall but then took off almost immediately when a couple stopped their car and caught them in the lights. Nothing overly dramatic, just annoyed that it happened and thankful they didn't use any weapons.
Sounds like a horrid experience...glad to hear that you were not seriously injured.
Quote from: Gusington on January 05, 2014, 01:03:49 PM
You got stitches SDR? What'd they do to you?
And this is the first time I've read the phrase 'Gang of Sikh thugs'...I always think of 'peaceloving' when I think of Sikhs.
T - urban criminals
It's good to hear that you are doing alright. I also suggest filing a report. It may not amount to much but it's better to take some kind of action as part of eventual closure to the event.
BTW, how did you know they were Sikhs? Turbans and beards? Or is that the majority minority in the area?
Holy crap, SDR. Glad you're all right.
Quote
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on January 03, 2014, 12:13:40 PM
he should have asked in Klingon.
Klingons don't "ask" exist. 8)
Fixed that for ya.
QuoteDon't make me come over there.
Coincidence maybe!Sure they weren't Klingons instead of Sikhs. ;D :P
Sorry to make fun of your episode and glad it wasn't worse with only a minor injury to show for it.
Glad to hear you are ok, SDR. I'll second filing a report. May be what makes something stick on them if they keep doing this in the future.
Good to know you're okay. You ever find your pepper spray?
Damn, glad you're okay SDR.
Thanks everyone. I'm fine. Talked with the cops. They were courteous but I got the impression that they were just going through the motions.
@Stagger: One had a beard and head cover with the bobble thing on top. Not the full turban but the covering that the younger Sikhs wear.
@Endfire, I'm in Coquitlam, BC. Not too many Sikhs in this part of town. The biggest minority here by far would be the Koreans.
@banzai. Nope, never did find my spray.