Yesterday I had my first interview in well over a year. Since coming back from overseas I've been specialising my job search a little, focusing on getting into the travel/tourism industry. Hey, it's what I know, right?
Anyway, I managed to secure an interview with a company called GAP Adventures, and it's an amazing company that shares many of the same values as I have when it comes to travel. You know -- sustainable tourism, environmentally friendly travel, adventurous and independant travel. I think the interview actually went pretty well. I know that I messed up on a couple questions, but I'm not entirely worried about those. My lack of sales experience is the thing that's going to bring me down a notch, so I wouldn't be entirely surprised if I didn't get offered the position.
To be honest, I won't be surprised either way if I get offered a job or not. For sure it would be great to be working again, but this was my first interview, and I can't press anything. Something will come along, even if I have to expand my search a little. Maybe my move out west will come a little sooner than predicted. Who knows...
26 January 2006
24 January 2006
A second dark age descends...
Some of you may know, some of you may be clueless, and some of you might have followed it with vim and vigour. I'm here to break the bad news...
Canada now has a new Conservative Prime Minister in StePHen Harper. Over the past eight weeks the political trail has pointed towards a Conservative near-landslide, but I'm happy to announce that they only gained a minority government. The previously-in-power Liberals had run, in my mind, a poor campaign to try and stay in office, and the Conservatives didn't really look like they were going to have any trouble come yesterday. However, it's a tale of the power of Liberal supporters that the Tories only managed a minority government, even after all the scandals and rip-roarin' good times the Liberals had during their twelve year tenure.
Personally I think the next four years of Conservative power will be an interesting one. I'm not a conservative, and there's a fat chance that hell will freeze over before I'm dead, but this might just kick Canada back into the forefront of world politics. Actually, let me revise that: AFTER the tories get voted out at the next election in four years Canada might be back at the forefront of world politics.
There's a pretty good chance that StePHen Harper and the Conservatives will turn back Canada's clock and try to ban gay marriage again, they'll probably turn their backs on the Kyoto Treaty, they will surely try to fix relations with G-Dub's American Machine, and the argument for medicinal marijuana use will be put even further on the back-burner.
..."Oh Canada, our home and native lan"... Have a great four years!
Canada now has a new Conservative Prime Minister in StePHen Harper. Over the past eight weeks the political trail has pointed towards a Conservative near-landslide, but I'm happy to announce that they only gained a minority government. The previously-in-power Liberals had run, in my mind, a poor campaign to try and stay in office, and the Conservatives didn't really look like they were going to have any trouble come yesterday. However, it's a tale of the power of Liberal supporters that the Tories only managed a minority government, even after all the scandals and rip-roarin' good times the Liberals had during their twelve year tenure.
Personally I think the next four years of Conservative power will be an interesting one. I'm not a conservative, and there's a fat chance that hell will freeze over before I'm dead, but this might just kick Canada back into the forefront of world politics. Actually, let me revise that: AFTER the tories get voted out at the next election in four years Canada might be back at the forefront of world politics.
There's a pretty good chance that StePHen Harper and the Conservatives will turn back Canada's clock and try to ban gay marriage again, they'll probably turn their backs on the Kyoto Treaty, they will surely try to fix relations with G-Dub's American Machine, and the argument for medicinal marijuana use will be put even further on the back-burner.
..."Oh Canada, our home and native lan"... Have a great four years!
21 January 2006
7-3, Lights out!
What a Friday. How much fun did I have? Well, probably more than I will allow myself to write here, so I'll just have you know that the whole day, entirely, was enjoyable. I'll fast forward to the events of the evening...
I had briefly returned home in the early afternoon after running chores when Geoff declared that he had a present for me: a ticket to the London Knights home game against Toronto-St. Mikes. Excellent, I thought, I don't have to make any other plans! My night was set. Without much hassle I was able to convince my friend Vanessa to come along as well. We popped down to get her a ticket to the game, and in early evening we parted ways to get some solo chores done, eat food, and prepare.
Fast forward a little to the game, where we had managed to sneak in some alcohol that we had all picked up moments before. I just have to say that I have not had a proper night out in a while, so this was a bit of a treat for me. Anyway, the game was great, the Knights won 7-3, and we retired to one of Geoff's friends' house to reconvene the group and decide where we were off to next. While we were inside deciding (well, the others did most of the deciding) the heavens opened up and it started to rain.
Vanessa had a couple friends going to a local institute called Joe Kool's, so I offered her my hat and we trudged through the deluge to find them. They weren't there. We got a drink each and people watched for a bit until the others from the group got there. During this time I had an epiphany, which was very funny to me at the time. Oh the wonders of alcohol...
As time passed it (obviously!) got later, and what with Vanessa teaching a 0930 violin class, she had to away. We put her in a cab and Geoff and I attempted to go to another bar. However, not wanting to wait in line for a bar that didn't give me an interview, we caught a taxi home and crashed out after a well fought game of Mario Party 7 on the Gamecube.
I'd have to say that it was a great night, a perfect ending to a perfect day. Thanks to all those involved, especially those extra special people that know who they are!
I had briefly returned home in the early afternoon after running chores when Geoff declared that he had a present for me: a ticket to the London Knights home game against Toronto-St. Mikes. Excellent, I thought, I don't have to make any other plans! My night was set. Without much hassle I was able to convince my friend Vanessa to come along as well. We popped down to get her a ticket to the game, and in early evening we parted ways to get some solo chores done, eat food, and prepare.
Fast forward a little to the game, where we had managed to sneak in some alcohol that we had all picked up moments before. I just have to say that I have not had a proper night out in a while, so this was a bit of a treat for me. Anyway, the game was great, the Knights won 7-3, and we retired to one of Geoff's friends' house to reconvene the group and decide where we were off to next. While we were inside deciding (well, the others did most of the deciding) the heavens opened up and it started to rain.
Vanessa had a couple friends going to a local institute called Joe Kool's, so I offered her my hat and we trudged through the deluge to find them. They weren't there. We got a drink each and people watched for a bit until the others from the group got there. During this time I had an epiphany, which was very funny to me at the time. Oh the wonders of alcohol...
As time passed it (obviously!) got later, and what with Vanessa teaching a 0930 violin class, she had to away. We put her in a cab and Geoff and I attempted to go to another bar. However, not wanting to wait in line for a bar that didn't give me an interview, we caught a taxi home and crashed out after a well fought game of Mario Party 7 on the Gamecube.
I'd have to say that it was a great night, a perfect ending to a perfect day. Thanks to all those involved, especially those extra special people that know who they are!
18 January 2006
One down...
...One to go.
Well my chances are getting slimmer by the day. Yesterday I managed to finally get my short telephone interview with Flight Centre for a position in Toronto. An hour after that call I received a call from GAP Adventures, where I had applied over the Xmas holidays. I had thought that both interviews (actually, they were more like conversations I suppose) went fairly well, with my answering their questions quickly and (I thought) concisely and to the best of my ability. I had actually thought that the Flight Centre call had gone a little bit better than GAP Adventures.
Low and behold I just checked my email and received one from Flight Centre saying that they thanked me for my application but they would not be pursuing it any further. Which leaves me with that one last chance in GAP Adventures. If this one doesn't work out I'm going to have to start slumming it... However:
I WILL NEVER BE A TIM-BITCH AGAIN!!!
Well my chances are getting slimmer by the day. Yesterday I managed to finally get my short telephone interview with Flight Centre for a position in Toronto. An hour after that call I received a call from GAP Adventures, where I had applied over the Xmas holidays. I had thought that both interviews (actually, they were more like conversations I suppose) went fairly well, with my answering their questions quickly and (I thought) concisely and to the best of my ability. I had actually thought that the Flight Centre call had gone a little bit better than GAP Adventures.
Low and behold I just checked my email and received one from Flight Centre saying that they thanked me for my application but they would not be pursuing it any further. Which leaves me with that one last chance in GAP Adventures. If this one doesn't work out I'm going to have to start slumming it... However:
I WILL NEVER BE A TIM-BITCH AGAIN!!!
16 January 2006
Two goals, a scotch, and a couple naps...
After a fairly unproductive week, the weekend just passed didn't have to try very hard to cheer me up. I didn't hear back from the pseudo-Irish pub, which I had (apparently unfounded) high hopes for. I did, however, apply for a job with a travel company called Flight Centre over the internet last week, and heard back from them straight away (in email form -- doesn't anyone just telephone anymore?) saying they wanted me to call THEM to arrange a "short telephone interview". I have been playing phone tag with them ever since...
So saturday rolls around, which means road hockey! It was a bit of a smaller crowd this time round, which meant a half-court game was in order. Four hours later, and with two goals in hand (a third was debatable, so I let Scott W. have it), I called it a day and went home for a cup of tea.
That evening my friend Vanessa came over and we had dinner together then went to a couple classy joints for a drink and dessert. We had decided that it would be fun to dress up all smart-like and pretend that we were P.O.P.... "People Of Importance". So we got all dolled-up and headed for Maggies Jazz Bar. After enjoying a 15 year old scotch (Glenwhinnie, if you're interested) we crossed the street to The Tasting Room, where we shared a piece of chocolate cheesecake. I also enjoyed a pot of Earl Grey tea, which was sub-par. All-in-all a very enjoyable evening. Thanks Vanessa, you're the greatest!
Sunday was spent in the car driving for a brunch to celebrate my Grandma Joan's birthday. On the way there I slept most of the way, which made the drive fly by. Brunch was good, and the omelette I had was lovely. It was good to see my older brother Jamie, and the rest of the family as well. I'll post a few photos on my photo page later.
So it was a good weekend all around. Hopefully the goodness that the weekend offered continues on this week. I've got badminton club tonight with my brother Geoff, so that should be great. Always good to go out and get some exercise...
So saturday rolls around, which means road hockey! It was a bit of a smaller crowd this time round, which meant a half-court game was in order. Four hours later, and with two goals in hand (a third was debatable, so I let Scott W. have it), I called it a day and went home for a cup of tea.
That evening my friend Vanessa came over and we had dinner together then went to a couple classy joints for a drink and dessert. We had decided that it would be fun to dress up all smart-like and pretend that we were P.O.P.... "People Of Importance". So we got all dolled-up and headed for Maggies Jazz Bar. After enjoying a 15 year old scotch (Glenwhinnie, if you're interested) we crossed the street to The Tasting Room, where we shared a piece of chocolate cheesecake. I also enjoyed a pot of Earl Grey tea, which was sub-par. All-in-all a very enjoyable evening. Thanks Vanessa, you're the greatest!
Sunday was spent in the car driving for a brunch to celebrate my Grandma Joan's birthday. On the way there I slept most of the way, which made the drive fly by. Brunch was good, and the omelette I had was lovely. It was good to see my older brother Jamie, and the rest of the family as well. I'll post a few photos on my photo page later.
So it was a good weekend all around. Hopefully the goodness that the weekend offered continues on this week. I've got badminton club tonight with my brother Geoff, so that should be great. Always good to go out and get some exercise...
08 January 2006
Back in the Swing!
Well what an eventful weekend I've had. It all started on friday, when I applied for the job I wrote about earlier. I honestly think I have a better chance than most, so hopefully I'll hear back from them. I was told that they would be looking over resumés today (sunday) and calling for interviews this week coming, so fingers crossed for me, people!
Saturday was where the action really was. I was up late-ish the night before, so I slept a little later than I wanted. At noon I was off to a local park to play a pick up game of road hockey atop the freshly fallen snow. It was great, because I got to meet up with a couple people I hadn't seen in a long time, I got a little much needed exercise, and I also got to participate in National Hockey Day In Canada. Oh, and I scored a goal! I was pretty close to being the worst player out there, but through shear determination I somehow got my stick on the ball and poked it in the net. Man, was I ever proud!
That night I went to a friend's place and had a quiet night playing video games. It was good to just have a quiet night, but also to get out and spend time with friends. A great combination.
Today has been pretty quiet as well, basically because my entire body is sore from the hockey yesterday. I watched "Miami Ink" for a couple hours (there was a marathon going on) and hung out with my brother. Then the folks rang with news of the incoming scooter they were picking up, I took the dog to the park, and have been relaxing ever since. Isn't that what sundays are for?
Speaking of which, I'd better get back to some much needed relaxing!
Saturday was where the action really was. I was up late-ish the night before, so I slept a little later than I wanted. At noon I was off to a local park to play a pick up game of road hockey atop the freshly fallen snow. It was great, because I got to meet up with a couple people I hadn't seen in a long time, I got a little much needed exercise, and I also got to participate in National Hockey Day In Canada. Oh, and I scored a goal! I was pretty close to being the worst player out there, but through shear determination I somehow got my stick on the ball and poked it in the net. Man, was I ever proud!
That night I went to a friend's place and had a quiet night playing video games. It was good to just have a quiet night, but also to get out and spend time with friends. A great combination.
Today has been pretty quiet as well, basically because my entire body is sore from the hockey yesterday. I watched "Miami Ink" for a couple hours (there was a marathon going on) and hung out with my brother. Then the folks rang with news of the incoming scooter they were picking up, I took the dog to the park, and have been relaxing ever since. Isn't that what sundays are for?
Speaking of which, I'd better get back to some much needed relaxing!
06 January 2006
I'm furckin' sexy!
Well, I'm just about to head out the door in my newly purchased outfit to go apply for a lowly entry level bar job. I hope my months at the St. Albans Shirley Club will put me in good stead...
I purchased, as stated in a previous entry, some nice slacks and a beautiful shirt, and yesterday I found a belt that I had purchased some years ago. It consists of a brown belt and a wonderfully playful belt buckle that reads "Scooter Power" surrounding a picture of three colourful Vespa-style scooters. I'm hoping that this combination will not only get me the entry-level bar job at one of the many pseudo-Irish pubs here in Londontown, but that it will also attract a good deal of ladies my way. Why?
Because I'm furckin' sexy, that's why!
I purchased, as stated in a previous entry, some nice slacks and a beautiful shirt, and yesterday I found a belt that I had purchased some years ago. It consists of a brown belt and a wonderfully playful belt buckle that reads "Scooter Power" surrounding a picture of three colourful Vespa-style scooters. I'm hoping that this combination will not only get me the entry-level bar job at one of the many pseudo-Irish pubs here in Londontown, but that it will also attract a good deal of ladies my way. Why?
Because I'm furckin' sexy, that's why!
04 January 2006
Happy 2nd Xmas!
Just wanted to say thanks to my older brother Jamie for his gift this holiday season. I finally managed to get out and spend your gift certificate, which I used to purchase a pair of nice slacks and a nice button-up shirt. With any luck my new look will land me a job soon. I've also got $2.odd left on the gift card! How exciting!
Things are going well back here in Canadia. I've been hanging out with friends, prepping myself for the upcoming serious job hunt, relaxing and enjoying being back in my homeland... Over-all it's been good. I'm eager to get working and making some money, but I've been making some contacts with people that are in the fields that I'm looking, so you never know what might happen.
In other exciting news, tomorrow night is the weekly meeting of the London Camera Club, which I am going to attend all by my lonesome (or so it looks at the moment). I'm trying to cover all bases as I attempt to build a career as a photographer (eventually), or at least I'll be able to get in the habit and desire of wanting to go out and photograph.
Sweet as, bro! Churr!
Things are going well back here in Canadia. I've been hanging out with friends, prepping myself for the upcoming serious job hunt, relaxing and enjoying being back in my homeland... Over-all it's been good. I'm eager to get working and making some money, but I've been making some contacts with people that are in the fields that I'm looking, so you never know what might happen.
In other exciting news, tomorrow night is the weekly meeting of the London Camera Club, which I am going to attend all by my lonesome (or so it looks at the moment). I'm trying to cover all bases as I attempt to build a career as a photographer (eventually), or at least I'll be able to get in the habit and desire of wanting to go out and photograph.
Sweet as, bro! Churr!
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