Augh. They sucked me in. And I didn't even see it coming. (I got ripped off by a little old lady in a motorized cart!)
Here we were, us cubevilleians, chatting about movies. That's a nice safe topic, right? I thought so too. Jonathan, cute girl, and their manager chatting away, me too, about Hero, The Villiage, Napolean Dynamite. I thought this conversation had some potential. Then BLAM! blindsided by The Surreal Life! I mean come on! You were thiiis close to a great conversation about humor in contemporary cinema, you could have compared Dynamite to Fockers, independent movies to studio blockbusters, you were this close! No. You ruined it. Surreal Life? The discussion turned to why ex-pro wrestler Chyna has changed her name? Because the WWE is going to sue? boo-urns. "What happened to you China, you used to be cool. What? China still cool! You pay lata! Lata!" Obviously I have not wielded my influence enough. My new year's resolution? Raise the level of debate in this workplace. And let that be our legacy.
gah.
-Tom
recommended downloads:
Cake, Satan Is My Motor
Fountains Of Wayne, Leave The Biker
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
I am now writing a series of unrelated items because I'm bored.
My back hurts. I believe this to be the fault of my mattress, and/or the support for my mattress. Lower back aches are not anything more than a distraction, and I can certainly use disctractions.
I've got a security that's been missing a rate since last week, this will be a big deal once we finally get that rate because I will have to take an adjustment on the security, and nobody likes taking adjustments. I've checked three times already this morning and sent two messages to Bloomberg, so far, no response.
My simpson's calendar has stumped me yet again. I appreciate the open-ended questions more than the multiple choice questions because they make me feel more like I'm playing a trivia game than just making an educated guess.
I've not drawn any celtic knots lately, and actually, having just written that I'm going to start again.
Hyper-manager is back from vacation, which usually means problems with the funds...it's not that he causes problems, because he doesn't, it's that he sees problems coming three weeks off, and adjusts the funds now to fix them. But we almost never understand how exactly he's adjusting the funds, which lead to problems, which he fixes. It would be easier for us to just fix them as they come up, but I don't know what HM would do with himself.
No talk radio this morning, thank goodness. Pretty soon I'm going to hook up my iPod to my computer and blast music at Jonathan until he is forced to ask me to stop. I'll start with classic rock, because everybody likes classic rock, and then move on to folk music and punk, I'm open to suggestions.
It's cold out today, really really cold. I love the cold.
Cute girl is cute, but why would today be any different.
Everyone has had their hair cut over the long weekend. Crew cuts, wiffles, high-and-tight, everybody but me. I'm bucking the trend. Who says you have to look neat and presentable to work in finance? Well, whoever it is, they're wrong. Judge me by the quality of my work, not the length or (lack-of) style of my hair.
I got some new shirts over the weekend, I'm wearing one today, and I look pretty good.
I've no idea what to do later this week for dinner. No idea. I've received some good suggestions (thanks john) but don't know if that's the way I'm goign to go (though that's probably the smart direction) I may throw out the game plan on the grounds that it's too thought out and not spontaneous enough. I'll know when the time comes. By the way, snow on thursday, I'm staging a snowball fight. Have you read the calvin and hobbes strip where calvin opens up his thermos full of snow in the cafeteria and starts making snowballs? the line is "in three minutes every kid in this lunch room is going to wish they thought of this" Now all I need is a thermos.
Ben Lee, Cigarettes Will Kill You
Matt Nathanson, Wings
No Use For A Name, Beth (Kiss Cover)
Flogging Molly, Laura
-tgme
My back hurts. I believe this to be the fault of my mattress, and/or the support for my mattress. Lower back aches are not anything more than a distraction, and I can certainly use disctractions.
I've got a security that's been missing a rate since last week, this will be a big deal once we finally get that rate because I will have to take an adjustment on the security, and nobody likes taking adjustments. I've checked three times already this morning and sent two messages to Bloomberg, so far, no response.
My simpson's calendar has stumped me yet again. I appreciate the open-ended questions more than the multiple choice questions because they make me feel more like I'm playing a trivia game than just making an educated guess.
I've not drawn any celtic knots lately, and actually, having just written that I'm going to start again.
Hyper-manager is back from vacation, which usually means problems with the funds...it's not that he causes problems, because he doesn't, it's that he sees problems coming three weeks off, and adjusts the funds now to fix them. But we almost never understand how exactly he's adjusting the funds, which lead to problems, which he fixes. It would be easier for us to just fix them as they come up, but I don't know what HM would do with himself.
No talk radio this morning, thank goodness. Pretty soon I'm going to hook up my iPod to my computer and blast music at Jonathan until he is forced to ask me to stop. I'll start with classic rock, because everybody likes classic rock, and then move on to folk music and punk, I'm open to suggestions.
It's cold out today, really really cold. I love the cold.
Cute girl is cute, but why would today be any different.
Everyone has had their hair cut over the long weekend. Crew cuts, wiffles, high-and-tight, everybody but me. I'm bucking the trend. Who says you have to look neat and presentable to work in finance? Well, whoever it is, they're wrong. Judge me by the quality of my work, not the length or (lack-of) style of my hair.
I got some new shirts over the weekend, I'm wearing one today, and I look pretty good.
I've no idea what to do later this week for dinner. No idea. I've received some good suggestions (thanks john) but don't know if that's the way I'm goign to go (though that's probably the smart direction) I may throw out the game plan on the grounds that it's too thought out and not spontaneous enough. I'll know when the time comes. By the way, snow on thursday, I'm staging a snowball fight. Have you read the calvin and hobbes strip where calvin opens up his thermos full of snow in the cafeteria and starts making snowballs? the line is "in three minutes every kid in this lunch room is going to wish they thought of this" Now all I need is a thermos.
Ben Lee, Cigarettes Will Kill You
Matt Nathanson, Wings
No Use For A Name, Beth (Kiss Cover)
Flogging Molly, Laura
-tgme
Fitting the pattern
Who the hell out there let me walk around with my hair the way it is? Honestly, I look ridiculous. Mop-top, fly-away, poofy hair. Just simply ridiculous. I feel like I really need to get it cut. On the other hand, I really don't think I should. I said earlier (december?) that I was letting it get long, real long, you may remember. But now that it's like, 2/3 the length I was going for I'm thinking about cutting it all back. What do I do? (I'll tell you what I'm going to do...let it grow, you know why? because that is the path of least resistance...it's free, I don't have to go anywhere special...) I'm lazy, so I guess I'll just look goofy.
Also, I'm not sure if this is related or not, but a few nights ago I had a dream I was going bald...ok, that I was very bald. Not that I minded, but I think what I was thinking in the dream was "oh man, I never really let my hair get super long, and now I don't have any hair left" So you know what they say...Regret haunts forever. Unless it comes down to an either-or ("Either the hair goes, or I go"), the hair stays. :)
ok, recommended downloads:
Avril Lavigne, Things I'll Never Say
Phantom Planet, Always On My Mind
and shut up about the artists. I can like avril lavigne if you can like the killers
Also, I'm not sure if this is related or not, but a few nights ago I had a dream I was going bald...ok, that I was very bald. Not that I minded, but I think what I was thinking in the dream was "oh man, I never really let my hair get super long, and now I don't have any hair left" So you know what they say...Regret haunts forever. Unless it comes down to an either-or ("Either the hair goes, or I go"), the hair stays. :)
ok, recommended downloads:
Avril Lavigne, Things I'll Never Say
Phantom Planet, Always On My Mind
and shut up about the artists. I can like avril lavigne if you can like the killers
Sunday, January 16, 2005
because I said I would
Man, I'm an idiot. Really. Let me try to explain...
Many of you who read this web log on a regular basis, or have perused the archives, are familiar with cute girl, who sits near my desk. She is no more or less cute now than she was when I first started working. She now, however, knows my name and has spoken to me on at least one occasion. What you faithful readers do not know is that there is another girl on the floor, a girl I've never mentioned here, a girl I choose to mention now, for the first time.
Her name is Ashley, she sits near the trade terminal, and the best part of my day is checking trades, because she might look over at me. I can hardly make eye-contact, I'm nervous around her, I worry that my hair looks stupid (it does) or if my belt matches my shoes (nope) and she dresses so well, and looks so good doing it, I can't match up...but, she has very pretty eyes.
I still feel like I'm new, like I've only been working a few weeks. It's not the case, I was hired in September, I've been here for months, I've just been through a year-end managerial review (and. no surprise, passed with flying colors). I'm only just now starting to feel comfortable here, it just doesn't feel like it's home turf, like I have any sort of claim here.
About three weeks ago Ashley got her hair cut and straightened. And I had to say something. Just had to. It took me all day, but I finally got up some nerve, walked over to her desk and said something like "Hi, my name is Tom, I just wanted to say I noticed you changed your hair and that it looks very nice." Well, that's what I meant to say anyway, I don't actually know, because I have very little memory of what actually happened. I was so nervous all I can remeber is stammering something about hair and then beating a hasty retreat (damn near running) to my desk in the middle of her "um, thank you...?" The hit-and-run complimenter, that's what they'd call me. But I wanted to say it, and it was said. I declare moral victory.
That was three weeks ago. Since that time I have had occassion to speak to Ashely in a professionaly capacity, as she is the PA responsible for booking trades to two of my funds. "Tom there's a problem on oh-nine, I need to rebook something" or "Ashley, can I get a copy of the trade ticket for Bear-Sterns?" No one brought up my random compliment, no one mentioned my hasty retreat. But you know what? It's been a long time since I've asked anyone out. Anyone in the same time zone anyway - but that's another story. I decided to ask her out.
To me, this was a big deal, and it's because I lack confidence. Plop me down anywhere on the four mile stretch from Kenmore square up through Harvard ave. and I'm home. Spent four years there, got drunk there, fell in love, almost failed out, broke some hearts, helped some people, had some fun. I'm home there. I can ask out any girl there anytime, no fuss, no bother, supreme and utter confidence. I lack that confidence at work....and yet, I decided to ask her out.
It took me two days, I needed two days to psych myself up to approach her. I walked by her desk three or four times, to the printer, to check trades, for no reason at all. A day and a half longer than I needed just to say I noticed her hair. But I did it. I asked her to dinner. And she didn't say no.
She's very pretty. And I don't know anything about her. She might be 27 and engaged (though if that's the case I doubt she would have agreed to dinner) But it doesn't matter. This date could go to hell. This could be the worst-case scenario first date, the date used as an example of what not to do on a date with a pretty girl. But that is immaterial. Victory. I overcame my nervousness, I asked, though I was on unfamiliar ground. I am more because of that.
Thanks for reading,
-Tom
Many of you who read this web log on a regular basis, or have perused the archives, are familiar with cute girl, who sits near my desk. She is no more or less cute now than she was when I first started working. She now, however, knows my name and has spoken to me on at least one occasion. What you faithful readers do not know is that there is another girl on the floor, a girl I've never mentioned here, a girl I choose to mention now, for the first time.
Her name is Ashley, she sits near the trade terminal, and the best part of my day is checking trades, because she might look over at me. I can hardly make eye-contact, I'm nervous around her, I worry that my hair looks stupid (it does) or if my belt matches my shoes (nope) and she dresses so well, and looks so good doing it, I can't match up...but, she has very pretty eyes.
I still feel like I'm new, like I've only been working a few weeks. It's not the case, I was hired in September, I've been here for months, I've just been through a year-end managerial review (and. no surprise, passed with flying colors). I'm only just now starting to feel comfortable here, it just doesn't feel like it's home turf, like I have any sort of claim here.
About three weeks ago Ashley got her hair cut and straightened. And I had to say something. Just had to. It took me all day, but I finally got up some nerve, walked over to her desk and said something like "Hi, my name is Tom, I just wanted to say I noticed you changed your hair and that it looks very nice." Well, that's what I meant to say anyway, I don't actually know, because I have very little memory of what actually happened. I was so nervous all I can remeber is stammering something about hair and then beating a hasty retreat (damn near running) to my desk in the middle of her "um, thank you...?" The hit-and-run complimenter, that's what they'd call me. But I wanted to say it, and it was said. I declare moral victory.
That was three weeks ago. Since that time I have had occassion to speak to Ashely in a professionaly capacity, as she is the PA responsible for booking trades to two of my funds. "Tom there's a problem on oh-nine, I need to rebook something" or "Ashley, can I get a copy of the trade ticket for Bear-Sterns?" No one brought up my random compliment, no one mentioned my hasty retreat. But you know what? It's been a long time since I've asked anyone out. Anyone in the same time zone anyway - but that's another story. I decided to ask her out.
To me, this was a big deal, and it's because I lack confidence. Plop me down anywhere on the four mile stretch from Kenmore square up through Harvard ave. and I'm home. Spent four years there, got drunk there, fell in love, almost failed out, broke some hearts, helped some people, had some fun. I'm home there. I can ask out any girl there anytime, no fuss, no bother, supreme and utter confidence. I lack that confidence at work....and yet, I decided to ask her out.
It took me two days, I needed two days to psych myself up to approach her. I walked by her desk three or four times, to the printer, to check trades, for no reason at all. A day and a half longer than I needed just to say I noticed her hair. But I did it. I asked her to dinner. And she didn't say no.
She's very pretty. And I don't know anything about her. She might be 27 and engaged (though if that's the case I doubt she would have agreed to dinner) But it doesn't matter. This date could go to hell. This could be the worst-case scenario first date, the date used as an example of what not to do on a date with a pretty girl. But that is immaterial. Victory. I overcame my nervousness, I asked, though I was on unfamiliar ground. I am more because of that.
Thanks for reading,
-Tom
Thursday, January 13, 2005
The HR overhaul
Now, maybe it's me, but I think work should be a place to meet people. You know what I mean, social interaction should not be limited to crowded bars filled with loud music, or friends of friends you met at a party (or online), or to the people who still talk to you now that you've all graduated and moved away (or home). The office should be about more than work, it should also provide the opportunity to get to know hot coworkers.
And that's where the Human Resources department steps in. First, we've gotta revamp it though. Gone are the days when HR approves year-end reviews, or puts on training seminars that really should be called "a two hour nap you get paid for," gone I say. Now we will streamline Human Resources begining with a new name. The Hook Up, or HU. This new department will have the responisibilty of providing whatever you need. Toner low? Page the Hook Up: New toner in a flash. Flat tire got you late for work? HU's got you covered: A staffer phones your manager with a prepared excuse, you cruise in at 11. Guy across from you playing his talk radio too loud? HU delivers with a boombox pre-loaded with your favorite tunes right to your desk.
But the real feature, the main attraction, of the new HU dept. is the introduction. Just starting out at a new job? Unsure if asking the cute girl near the printer out is bad office politics? HU is just a phone call away. HU is ready to explain the pervading opinions on office romance, and ready to hook you up with an introduction to the printer girl in a no stress, easy to be yourself atmosphere. HU's got you covered.
Turns out management frowns on inter-office dating? Thinking about quitting your job so your dream "if only he'd notice me" hunk manager can propose? HU's only a phone call away. Delivering the news that your dreamboat is married with two kids in a way you can handle (along with a long island iced tea or two), they're also set to introduce you to Justin, an attractive twenty-something up-and-comer who works in the Quincy office and is available: "he's already got your number, expect a call later on today, and don't make any plans for friday night."
HU: the future of Human Resources. Coming soon to an office near you.
-Tom
And that's where the Human Resources department steps in. First, we've gotta revamp it though. Gone are the days when HR approves year-end reviews, or puts on training seminars that really should be called "a two hour nap you get paid for," gone I say. Now we will streamline Human Resources begining with a new name. The Hook Up, or HU. This new department will have the responisibilty of providing whatever you need. Toner low? Page the Hook Up: New toner in a flash. Flat tire got you late for work? HU's got you covered: A staffer phones your manager with a prepared excuse, you cruise in at 11. Guy across from you playing his talk radio too loud? HU delivers with a boombox pre-loaded with your favorite tunes right to your desk.
But the real feature, the main attraction, of the new HU dept. is the introduction. Just starting out at a new job? Unsure if asking the cute girl near the printer out is bad office politics? HU is just a phone call away. HU is ready to explain the pervading opinions on office romance, and ready to hook you up with an introduction to the printer girl in a no stress, easy to be yourself atmosphere. HU's got you covered.
Turns out management frowns on inter-office dating? Thinking about quitting your job so your dream "if only he'd notice me" hunk manager can propose? HU's only a phone call away. Delivering the news that your dreamboat is married with two kids in a way you can handle (along with a long island iced tea or two), they're also set to introduce you to Justin, an attractive twenty-something up-and-comer who works in the Quincy office and is available: "he's already got your number, expect a call later on today, and don't make any plans for friday night."
HU: the future of Human Resources. Coming soon to an office near you.
-Tom
Fifty-two bucks and sixty cents
It's all about setting goals. Today's goal is to concentrate on this one knot. Just this one. I'm building it using more strings, so it's a little more difficult. It's all about algorithms, figure out what you're supposed to do at one intersection, and then repeat it for the others, then you've got your knot. So I can draw a single string in like three minutes now; nothing complex or intricate, but knotted none-the-less. This design I'm working on now isn't actually complex, but with the extra strings I've gotta concentrate and not mess up the algorithm.
So, to reiterate: today's goal is knot, repeat not, related to work. ;)
-Tom
recommended download: Oasis, Some Might Say, and Aquiesce
So, to reiterate: today's goal is knot, repeat not, related to work. ;)
-Tom
recommended download: Oasis, Some Might Say, and Aquiesce
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Lets get small
Ok, so first let me clarify something from my last post: I cannot judge height. I don't really know if 5'3" is a good estimate, I only know "tall" and "shorter than I am" and in some cases "a lot shorter than I am" but actual feet and inches? no idea.
Now, I think cute girl is shrinking. Well, I'm sure she's not, but now that I'm paying attention to her height I'm noticing things like: standing, her head is only a few inches over the top of the cubicle, and: she's shorter than my manager, who is shorter than me, and pretty short for a guy. I've never really noticed before, since everyone is about the same height when they're sitting down. If this keeps up she'll be positively tiny by the end of the day, barely able to reach up to the keyboard or converse with someone on the other side of her cube.
I'm going to try and stop paying attention to her for a little while, in the hopes that it will slow the shrinking process. If that doesn't work I'm thinking about bringing in some tools and cutting her cubicle down to size for her, so at least she won't feel dwarfed by her surroundings. And if all else fails, maybe I'll just start slouching, a lot, so I lose a few inches. Maybe I'll lose the shoes too, giving up the inch my boots give me. And if I duck my head when I talk, I might be able to drop a whole foot in height! Well, we'll see.
-Tom
ps, what does it say about me that the closer attention I pay to women the smaller they grow in my eyes? anything? larger than life before I notice them, diminishing after... oh well, something to think about.
recommended downloads:
The Who, I'm Free, and Tommy, Overture
Now, I think cute girl is shrinking. Well, I'm sure she's not, but now that I'm paying attention to her height I'm noticing things like: standing, her head is only a few inches over the top of the cubicle, and: she's shorter than my manager, who is shorter than me, and pretty short for a guy. I've never really noticed before, since everyone is about the same height when they're sitting down. If this keeps up she'll be positively tiny by the end of the day, barely able to reach up to the keyboard or converse with someone on the other side of her cube.
I'm going to try and stop paying attention to her for a little while, in the hopes that it will slow the shrinking process. If that doesn't work I'm thinking about bringing in some tools and cutting her cubicle down to size for her, so at least she won't feel dwarfed by her surroundings. And if all else fails, maybe I'll just start slouching, a lot, so I lose a few inches. Maybe I'll lose the shoes too, giving up the inch my boots give me. And if I duck my head when I talk, I might be able to drop a whole foot in height! Well, we'll see.
-Tom
ps, what does it say about me that the closer attention I pay to women the smaller they grow in my eyes? anything? larger than life before I notice them, diminishing after... oh well, something to think about.
recommended downloads:
The Who, I'm Free, and Tommy, Overture
Surprise
I am often surprised at how tall I am. I know, I know, you'd think that would be something you're used to, so why would it be surprising? I don't think about height very much, I'm always this tall, so what's there to think about? As long as I know how many stairs I can safely take at a time and how far away I can leave a drink and still be able to reach it without stretching, what's the big deal?
But I just got up from the desk at the same time that cute girl got up from her desk. And she's tiny! Not like, tiny tiny, but relative to me, and to how tall I thought she was. If asked, I'd've said 5'5" maybe 5'6" but in the side-by-side comparison she's much closer to 5'3" which is pretty small.
I don't think it's such a shock that she's short, I think it's more that I aparently tower over everybody. I wonder what people think of me... "oh, here comes tom. I hate that tall bastard."
or "jeez, here comes that freaking giant" I don't think those things, I've always been this tall. No, no, that's a lie. I was tiny. I was really small. Entering high school I was like 5 foot nothin and weighed maybe a hundred pounds. I was not a big guy. Then, the summer before junior year I grew like I'd been exposed to mutating gamma radiation. I went through three shoe sizes in one summer. All of a sudden I was 6 feet tall, (though I only gained like thirty-five pounds). But so much of my formative years had been spent as a small-(normal?)-sized kid that I still thought about myself that way. I still do most of the time. Which is why I find it so surprising when I can see the top of someone's head.
I don't think less of shorter people. I don't think highly of taller people (ok, pun intended, sorry). But man, how do you go around being so short? I can reach things on the top shelf, I can touch the ceiling standing flatfoot, I can see over a crowd! A girl I knew in college used to think about this, and observed once "if tall people keep getting with tall people, and short people keep getting with short people, pretty soon we'll have a race of giants, and a race of midgets. and then we can beat up on the midgets."
hear hear.
-Tom
recommended download:
Ben Lee, 10 ft tall
But I just got up from the desk at the same time that cute girl got up from her desk. And she's tiny! Not like, tiny tiny, but relative to me, and to how tall I thought she was. If asked, I'd've said 5'5" maybe 5'6" but in the side-by-side comparison she's much closer to 5'3" which is pretty small.
I don't think it's such a shock that she's short, I think it's more that I aparently tower over everybody. I wonder what people think of me... "oh, here comes tom. I hate that tall bastard."
or "jeez, here comes that freaking giant" I don't think those things, I've always been this tall. No, no, that's a lie. I was tiny. I was really small. Entering high school I was like 5 foot nothin and weighed maybe a hundred pounds. I was not a big guy. Then, the summer before junior year I grew like I'd been exposed to mutating gamma radiation. I went through three shoe sizes in one summer. All of a sudden I was 6 feet tall, (though I only gained like thirty-five pounds). But so much of my formative years had been spent as a small-(normal?)-sized kid that I still thought about myself that way. I still do most of the time. Which is why I find it so surprising when I can see the top of someone's head.
I don't think less of shorter people. I don't think highly of taller people (ok, pun intended, sorry). But man, how do you go around being so short? I can reach things on the top shelf, I can touch the ceiling standing flatfoot, I can see over a crowd! A girl I knew in college used to think about this, and observed once "if tall people keep getting with tall people, and short people keep getting with short people, pretty soon we'll have a race of giants, and a race of midgets. and then we can beat up on the midgets."
hear hear.
-Tom
recommended download:
Ben Lee, 10 ft tall
Gourd
Let it not be said that I did not appreciate my funds. I used to be cool, I used to be somebody, I used to have nine funds. Now? Now I've got six funds. Easy ones. Lame ones. Only one fund that ever has problems -and today? no problems.
I am bored out of my mind.
I tied out income this morning in ten minutes. I finished the budget I've been putting off for two days in another ten minutes. I don't have anything to do until rates come in an hour from now (and rates are usually late). Boooooooooooored. So thank goodness John's back. http://amazo.blogspot.com So now I'm going to just cruise around online bugging people on AIM and checking for new posts and maybe drawing some sweet celtic knots while I wait for the budget review and the rates. And try my best not to be bored. And look at cars online. And who knows, if something cool happens I might even post it here so you can read about it.
-Tom
recommended download: The Offspring, Self-Esteem
I am bored out of my mind.
I tied out income this morning in ten minutes. I finished the budget I've been putting off for two days in another ten minutes. I don't have anything to do until rates come in an hour from now (and rates are usually late). Boooooooooooored. So thank goodness John's back. http://amazo.blogspot.com So now I'm going to just cruise around online bugging people on AIM and checking for new posts and maybe drawing some sweet celtic knots while I wait for the budget review and the rates. And try my best not to be bored. And look at cars online. And who knows, if something cool happens I might even post it here so you can read about it.
-Tom
recommended download: The Offspring, Self-Esteem
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Taking Funds
So today they took two of my funds away.
I had eight. Now I have six. The other two were given to the kid who sits next to me. He had two. Now he has four. It's not like I had enough free time on my hands. Now I have less work.
This is all in preparation for the big fund switch, which I imagine will be taking place at the end of the month or so. All eight of us fund accountants are going to pile all the funds into one big stack, and then pick five out at random, and those will be our new funds. I hope I get easy ones.
In other news I'm going to continue to avoid the budget I should be working on (due end of the day today) by trying to hook my iPod up to my computer without having to pirate or download any software...well see what happens. The plan is to use the iPod as a mass storage device and link it to the computer as an external hard drive, I've got the songs on there, I've got the USB cord, the only thing to be determined is if the computer will recognize the external drive. Well, that'll be my project before lunch. Maybe I'll think about working on that budget after lunch.
Meantime, managerial review...we'll see how that goes.
-Tom
recommended downloads:
AC/DC, Stiff Upper Lip
Flogging Molly, What Made Milwaukee Famous Made A Loser Out Of Me
I had eight. Now I have six. The other two were given to the kid who sits next to me. He had two. Now he has four. It's not like I had enough free time on my hands. Now I have less work.
This is all in preparation for the big fund switch, which I imagine will be taking place at the end of the month or so. All eight of us fund accountants are going to pile all the funds into one big stack, and then pick five out at random, and those will be our new funds. I hope I get easy ones.
In other news I'm going to continue to avoid the budget I should be working on (due end of the day today) by trying to hook my iPod up to my computer without having to pirate or download any software...well see what happens. The plan is to use the iPod as a mass storage device and link it to the computer as an external hard drive, I've got the songs on there, I've got the USB cord, the only thing to be determined is if the computer will recognize the external drive. Well, that'll be my project before lunch. Maybe I'll think about working on that budget after lunch.
Meantime, managerial review...we'll see how that goes.
-Tom
recommended downloads:
AC/DC, Stiff Upper Lip
Flogging Molly, What Made Milwaukee Famous Made A Loser Out Of Me
Monday, January 10, 2005
break it down
have you ever heard a song and just broken into tears, huge uncontrollable emotional tears?
I did the other day
the song was the Gummi Bears theme song
I cried like a baby
here then, the lyrics:
Dashing and daring, courageous and caring
Faithful and friendly with stories to share
All through the forest they sing out in chorus
Marching along as their song fills the air
Gummi Bears!
Bouncing here and ther and everywhere
High adventure that's beyond compare
They are the Gummi Bears
Magic and mystery are part of their history
Along with the secret of gummi berry juice
The legend is growing they take pride in knowing
They fight for what's right in whatever they do!
[chorus]
[instrumnetal break]
Dashing and daring, courageous and caring
Faithful and friendly with stories to share
All through the forest they sing out in chorus
Marching along as their song fills the air!
Gummi Bears!
Bouncing here and there and everywhere
High adventure that's beyond compare
They are the Gummi Bears Gummi Bears
When a friend's in danger they'll be there
Lives and legends that we all can share
They are the Gummi Bears
They are the Gummi Bears
They are the Gummi Bears!
recommended download:
Cake, Open Book
I did the other day
the song was the Gummi Bears theme song
I cried like a baby
here then, the lyrics:
Dashing and daring, courageous and caring
Faithful and friendly with stories to share
All through the forest they sing out in chorus
Marching along as their song fills the air
Gummi Bears!
Bouncing here and ther and everywhere
High adventure that's beyond compare
They are the Gummi Bears
Magic and mystery are part of their history
Along with the secret of gummi berry juice
The legend is growing they take pride in knowing
They fight for what's right in whatever they do!
[chorus]
[instrumnetal break]
Dashing and daring, courageous and caring
Faithful and friendly with stories to share
All through the forest they sing out in chorus
Marching along as their song fills the air!
Gummi Bears!
Bouncing here and there and everywhere
High adventure that's beyond compare
They are the Gummi Bears Gummi Bears
When a friend's in danger they'll be there
Lives and legends that we all can share
They are the Gummi Bears
They are the Gummi Bears
They are the Gummi Bears!
recommended download:
Cake, Open Book
The new guy is starting to get on my nerves.
Have you ever gone out of your way to give somebody a hard time? Perhaps you've harped on a particular subject you know they find annoying... I've seen it before with Yankee fans, "hey red sox fan, 26 championships, where's your ring?" (thank the idiots that's over) but they just keep harping on it, keep bringing it up, just to piss you off. This new guy is like that...but unintentionally.
He's talking basketball with the two other basketball fans in the group, and it's bugging me no end. Now, I don't watch basketball, I don't follow basketball, but even I know that this kid doesn't really believe what he's saying, that he's only saying it to get a reaction, or only to hear himself speak. Shut up already.
I'm dreading the conversation that will take place later on in the morning when he raves about "his NY Jets" and starts putting down Joe, the Steelers fan. "Yeah, Big Ben's falling apart...missed a game with sore ribs, more like Big Baby...Curtis Martin's just warming up, we Jets are gonna run all over you this weekend, I can already smell superbowl" He's not even talking to me! I can't stand it. Shut up already, first of all, "your" Jets don't stand a chance against the Steelers on any day of the week, much less playoff sunday. The only way, only way, you win is if the steelers implode or every single starter gets carried off the field with a season-ending injury in the first quarter. But more to the point (second:) You're an idiot. How about instead of antagonizing your coworkers by using what I assume you think is "good natured needling" or "joshing around" you knock it the hell off?! Thanks. Maybe a conversation that doesn't involve the person you're talking to, or the six people within earshot, wanting to slap you around can be a goal for today. Go ahead and talk about your precious Jets, but after one round of "Baby Ben vs. My Man Martin" you get down to the real strengths and weaknesses of the teams? If that's the entire substance of your twenty minute schpiel then you're only going to piss everybody off. And basketball? That's fine too, if you're actually talking basketball, and not just saying "see, I knew we'd win, I told you he can shoot from the outside, I told you he'd be dangerous from the outside" when we all heard you friday saying "no way, he sucks from the outside, no outside shot, no outside shot, can't win with him on the outside" Give it up! Knock of this insincere, cry-for-attention pandering and just talk. Or maybe, better, give it up, and just shut up. At least give us all a little break from the chatter. Maybe after lunch I'll have some more engergy and we can go round for round. Cuz there's no f-ing way "your" Jets beat the Steelers, and I swear that if I hear you say one more word about the unstoppable, even-though-they-lost-seven-of-their-last-ten vikings I will beat you with an nfl regulation football and hand you over to the steelers fan.
-Tom
recommended download
Sarah Harmer, Weakened State
Have you ever gone out of your way to give somebody a hard time? Perhaps you've harped on a particular subject you know they find annoying... I've seen it before with Yankee fans, "hey red sox fan, 26 championships, where's your ring?" (thank the idiots that's over) but they just keep harping on it, keep bringing it up, just to piss you off. This new guy is like that...but unintentionally.
He's talking basketball with the two other basketball fans in the group, and it's bugging me no end. Now, I don't watch basketball, I don't follow basketball, but even I know that this kid doesn't really believe what he's saying, that he's only saying it to get a reaction, or only to hear himself speak. Shut up already.
I'm dreading the conversation that will take place later on in the morning when he raves about "his NY Jets" and starts putting down Joe, the Steelers fan. "Yeah, Big Ben's falling apart...missed a game with sore ribs, more like Big Baby...Curtis Martin's just warming up, we Jets are gonna run all over you this weekend, I can already smell superbowl" He's not even talking to me! I can't stand it. Shut up already, first of all, "your" Jets don't stand a chance against the Steelers on any day of the week, much less playoff sunday. The only way, only way, you win is if the steelers implode or every single starter gets carried off the field with a season-ending injury in the first quarter. But more to the point (second:) You're an idiot. How about instead of antagonizing your coworkers by using what I assume you think is "good natured needling" or "joshing around" you knock it the hell off?! Thanks. Maybe a conversation that doesn't involve the person you're talking to, or the six people within earshot, wanting to slap you around can be a goal for today. Go ahead and talk about your precious Jets, but after one round of "Baby Ben vs. My Man Martin" you get down to the real strengths and weaknesses of the teams? If that's the entire substance of your twenty minute schpiel then you're only going to piss everybody off. And basketball? That's fine too, if you're actually talking basketball, and not just saying "see, I knew we'd win, I told you he can shoot from the outside, I told you he'd be dangerous from the outside" when we all heard you friday saying "no way, he sucks from the outside, no outside shot, no outside shot, can't win with him on the outside" Give it up! Knock of this insincere, cry-for-attention pandering and just talk. Or maybe, better, give it up, and just shut up. At least give us all a little break from the chatter. Maybe after lunch I'll have some more engergy and we can go round for round. Cuz there's no f-ing way "your" Jets beat the Steelers, and I swear that if I hear you say one more word about the unstoppable, even-though-they-lost-seven-of-their-last-ten vikings I will beat you with an nfl regulation football and hand you over to the steelers fan.
-Tom
recommended download
Sarah Harmer, Weakened State
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Looking for this
I've been looking for this quote for a little while:
-She didn’t break up with him for you. I guarantee it. She is a fully independent woman. She’s the real thing. Stop looking at her different than you did yesterday. The next thing that happens, you find a reason to be mad at her.
-You're wrong.
-Guys like you?
-Yeah?
-I'm one of them.
It's from the West Wing. It's a good show. We're watching it now, season 3, on dvd. When I first saw this episode I thought maybe I was a guy like that. I'm not. I think everybody's different, but we're different enough in a lot of ways that we're the same in some ways. That's why it's possible to talk about "guys like you" about "types of people." Sometimes all I want is a grand romantic gesture.
But don't try it. Cuz you're really going to get your feelings hurt if I don't want it from you.... Sorry.
-Tom
recommended downloads:
Pearl Jam: Courduroy, Down, and Hitchhiker
Friday, January 07, 2005
Have you seen me lately?
I'd like you to answer that question. The majority of you will have to answer "no" and, well, I guess that's ok. It's ok if it's not going to stay that way.
But more important, I'd like you to consider asking that question to your friends, asking that question of people you'd like to have seen lately. What's the answer, and why?
Now, some people live far away, places like Milwaukee, Texas, San Diego, Casablanca and that's ok, I haven't been out to visit, even though I promised I would, I haven't sent letters or cards or gift packages, though I promised I would, I haven't called often, or at all, but I'm thinking of you often, all of you. That's why you haven't seen me lately, because I haven't stuck to the plan. Other people though, they don't live so far away, some other people, they just don't want to see me ever, it seems. I think about those people often too. I wonder why we haven't seen each other. Sometimes it prompts me to call them, say hi, sometimes I just contemplate our friendship, and the good times we used to have. I don't know why we don't have those good times anymore.
Anyway, that didn't turn out at all like I had expected, you can probably ignore it.
but don't ignore the recommended downlaods:
Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately
Weezer: The World Has Turned And Left Me Here
But more important, I'd like you to consider asking that question to your friends, asking that question of people you'd like to have seen lately. What's the answer, and why?
Now, some people live far away, places like Milwaukee, Texas, San Diego, Casablanca and that's ok, I haven't been out to visit, even though I promised I would, I haven't sent letters or cards or gift packages, though I promised I would, I haven't called often, or at all, but I'm thinking of you often, all of you. That's why you haven't seen me lately, because I haven't stuck to the plan. Other people though, they don't live so far away, some other people, they just don't want to see me ever, it seems. I think about those people often too. I wonder why we haven't seen each other. Sometimes it prompts me to call them, say hi, sometimes I just contemplate our friendship, and the good times we used to have. I don't know why we don't have those good times anymore.
Anyway, that didn't turn out at all like I had expected, you can probably ignore it.
but don't ignore the recommended downlaods:
Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately
Weezer: The World Has Turned And Left Me Here
All those yesterdays
So there are these people, you know them, the people you want to know better. All you want is to be a little more involved in their lives, to know you're important to them. I hate those people.
I mean, it's not their fault, I'd guess about a hundred percent of the time they're totally unaware of just how important they are to you. And you're not saying you'd necessarily want to be their best friend, their confidant, they're shoulder to cry on, etc...you just want to be a little more involved. You want to go from "what? they just got back from their honeymoon? you were invited to the wedding? they didn't even tell me they were engaged." to something like "they gave you a ring! congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" It's not a big change, sometimes it's the difference of a phone call, or the conversation you have at the bar when a bunch of you go out drinking with them. And that's exactly the problem. These people, they're not there when you go out, and when they go out you're not the person they call. You have to wait, or hope, for a chance encounter, sometimes you have to be the one who calls, and wish that this time they're not too busy to go out for a drink, or grab dinner someplace, or catch a movie, or this weekend they don't have a friend coming in from out of town. They'd be good friends, you'd be good friends, if only you could line up, if only you didn't keep missing each other. I hate those people. They'll never know what they're missing.
-Tom
recommended download? Pearl Jam, All Those Yesterdays
I mean, it's not their fault, I'd guess about a hundred percent of the time they're totally unaware of just how important they are to you. And you're not saying you'd necessarily want to be their best friend, their confidant, they're shoulder to cry on, etc...you just want to be a little more involved. You want to go from "what? they just got back from their honeymoon? you were invited to the wedding? they didn't even tell me they were engaged." to something like "they gave you a ring! congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" It's not a big change, sometimes it's the difference of a phone call, or the conversation you have at the bar when a bunch of you go out drinking with them. And that's exactly the problem. These people, they're not there when you go out, and when they go out you're not the person they call. You have to wait, or hope, for a chance encounter, sometimes you have to be the one who calls, and wish that this time they're not too busy to go out for a drink, or grab dinner someplace, or catch a movie, or this weekend they don't have a friend coming in from out of town. They'd be good friends, you'd be good friends, if only you could line up, if only you didn't keep missing each other. I hate those people. They'll never know what they're missing.
-Tom
recommended download? Pearl Jam, All Those Yesterdays
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
The Who
The Who are arguably the greatest rock band ever. Today's recommended download is anything by The Who. Man are they good.
I'm taking a break from budgets right now, just killing some time before jumping back into the thick of things. Audit expense, trustee expense, fee savings expense and the like. This is just a quick post to throw a shout out to all my readers. That's right, your'e mine. And I can do with you what I like. Because you'll keep coming back.
Young at heart, it's good to believe in magic. It's good to be familiar with children's stories where the kids find a secret door to a secret world much more exciting and fascinating and magical than their own. That kind of imagination can bring hope. So, back to the budget amidst the fire alarm testing.
keep an eye out for trapdoors,
Tom
I'm taking a break from budgets right now, just killing some time before jumping back into the thick of things. Audit expense, trustee expense, fee savings expense and the like. This is just a quick post to throw a shout out to all my readers. That's right, your'e mine. And I can do with you what I like. Because you'll keep coming back.
Young at heart, it's good to believe in magic. It's good to be familiar with children's stories where the kids find a secret door to a secret world much more exciting and fascinating and magical than their own. That kind of imagination can bring hope. So, back to the budget amidst the fire alarm testing.
keep an eye out for trapdoors,
Tom
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Archer
I am pumped for my ride home. First, it means I'm getting out of here. Second, I don't remember what it is, but I know I have a killer song paused lined up next no my iPod and I'm excited to hear it. Third, because tonight I'm planning on watching Hero if I get home a reasonable hour. I'm pretty pumped to leave.
-tom
-tom
We've got a lot of work to do
This week and next we're going to be busy here. So it's a good thing I'm coming out of my slump. Lately work has seemed very tiresome, boring, and unworthy of me. I'm pretty sure I haven't been the model employee this week. But no more, already I can feel myself turning away from the negative work ethic, coming up from the deep, ready to tackle newer problems with original solutions, ready to work efficiently and effectively to complete the difficult tasks assigned.
Meanwhile all I can hear is miss misery: "I'll fake it through the day, with some help from Johnny Walker Red..." ha. I think it's ironic, and not foreboding.
and for you simpson fans out there, I received a simpsons trivia calendar for christmas and it's on my desk. todays question: in "last exit to springfield" where is the union representative who Mr. Burns is waiting for?"
-Tom
and recommended download:
Oasis, Acquiesce
Pearl Jam, F*ckin Up (Neil Young cover)
Meanwhile all I can hear is miss misery: "I'll fake it through the day, with some help from Johnny Walker Red..." ha. I think it's ironic, and not foreboding.
and for you simpson fans out there, I received a simpsons trivia calendar for christmas and it's on my desk. todays question: in "last exit to springfield" where is the union representative who Mr. Burns is waiting for?"
-Tom
and recommended download:
Oasis, Acquiesce
Pearl Jam, F*ckin Up (Neil Young cover)
Monday, January 03, 2005
What's next.
Name: Tom
Born: Saturday, 07/24/1982, 1:19 PM
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Blonde
Skin: Pale
Shoe size: 12 1/2 - 13
Occupations: Lay-a-bout, ne'er-do-well, fund accountant
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Star Wars, (Episode IV A New Hope)
Interests: Reading, cartoons, comic books, video games, math, drama, comedy, action, athletics, music, art, juggling.
Pets' names: Bingo, Butch
Favorite job: Manager, Cambridge Street Photo
Talents: being tall, wearing hooded-sweatshirts, playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater, making lists, IMing, pretending to work, sleeping.
Relationship status: Single
I know. I can't believe it either.
-tom
recommended download: The Righteous Brothers, Unchained Melody
Born: Saturday, 07/24/1982, 1:19 PM
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Blonde
Skin: Pale
Shoe size: 12 1/2 - 13
Occupations: Lay-a-bout, ne'er-do-well, fund accountant
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Star Wars, (Episode IV A New Hope)
Interests: Reading, cartoons, comic books, video games, math, drama, comedy, action, athletics, music, art, juggling.
Pets' names: Bingo, Butch
Favorite job: Manager, Cambridge Street Photo
Talents: being tall, wearing hooded-sweatshirts, playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater, making lists, IMing, pretending to work, sleeping.
Relationship status: Single
I know. I can't believe it either.
-tom
recommended download: The Righteous Brothers, Unchained Melody
Back is back
I've got two things going for me: I'm vain, and I can convince myself of anything. The result is self-esteem, boatloads of it--I'm great, and I know it. I was once accused in high school of having too much self-esteem; I still don't think that's possible.
So happy new year, happy 2005. Here's what's been happening in my own little world:
Sat up friday night for the new year watching the Three Stooges marathon with Timmy Danny Billy and my mom. We toasted with rasberry gingerale at midnight. Timmy and I then stayed up to watch The Matrix Revolutions. Saturday morning we woke up, and spent the morning getting ready for Katie's wedding. It was the best wedding I have ever attended. The church was beautiful, the dress was beautiful, Katie and Adam were beaming. The reception was awesome (except when I tried to order a drink and they wouldn't serve me without ID even after my sister (my under-age sister) had just ordered a couple of drinks no problem at all.) music and dancing and party favors (which the kids loved, fake snow, just add water) and then everybody headed to the game room for ping pong and pool. We stayed up to watch Saturday Night Live (rerun with Liam Neeson, and my new favorite sketch: So, You Call This A House, Do ya?) and play poker, and then read a little. (I'm reading Dune).
Sunday morning, woke up, aunts uncles and cousins and grandma swarmed in to throw together some decorations for the groom's car, including snow tubes tied to the back bumper and origami swans strung from the antenna. We also used the morning to exchange christmas gifts, not having seen each other on christmas. I received another hooded sweatshirt (woohoo!) bringing my total to...ten, I think
Cambridge Street Photo blue hooded sweatshirt
CSP lined blue hooded sweatshirt
CSP lined blue hooded sweatshirt with developer stain
Tony Hawk blue hooded sweatshirt
BU grey hooded sweatshirt (blue logo)
BU grey hooded sweatshirt (red logo)
BUJA grey hooded sweatshirt
Aeropostale brown hooded sweatshirt
Fairfield grey hooded sweatshirt .
nine. unless I'm forgetting one.
Sunday night watched The Return of the King extended edition, then Garden State.
continued Dune.
Here we are Monday morning. Management has encouraged all employees to wear jeans to work for the first two weeks of January, the encouragement comes just after management mandate changing Jan 8th, 9th into a working weekend. They also told us they're buying the floor pizza on friday. woo.
Right now I'm avoiding looking at my funds or checking trades on bloomberg or updating rates. I've been off for four days, and I started to remember how much I like not doing anything. I like it a lot. Movies, street hockey, and cheesecake is one hell of a good time. Lets make the good times last.
back later,
Tom
recommended download:
Dispatch, Small Change
So happy new year, happy 2005. Here's what's been happening in my own little world:
Sat up friday night for the new year watching the Three Stooges marathon with Timmy Danny Billy and my mom. We toasted with rasberry gingerale at midnight. Timmy and I then stayed up to watch The Matrix Revolutions. Saturday morning we woke up, and spent the morning getting ready for Katie's wedding. It was the best wedding I have ever attended. The church was beautiful, the dress was beautiful, Katie and Adam were beaming. The reception was awesome (except when I tried to order a drink and they wouldn't serve me without ID even after my sister (my under-age sister) had just ordered a couple of drinks no problem at all.) music and dancing and party favors (which the kids loved, fake snow, just add water) and then everybody headed to the game room for ping pong and pool. We stayed up to watch Saturday Night Live (rerun with Liam Neeson, and my new favorite sketch: So, You Call This A House, Do ya?) and play poker, and then read a little. (I'm reading Dune).
Sunday morning, woke up, aunts uncles and cousins and grandma swarmed in to throw together some decorations for the groom's car, including snow tubes tied to the back bumper and origami swans strung from the antenna. We also used the morning to exchange christmas gifts, not having seen each other on christmas. I received another hooded sweatshirt (woohoo!) bringing my total to...ten, I think
Cambridge Street Photo blue hooded sweatshirt
CSP lined blue hooded sweatshirt
CSP lined blue hooded sweatshirt with developer stain
Tony Hawk blue hooded sweatshirt
BU grey hooded sweatshirt (blue logo)
BU grey hooded sweatshirt (red logo)
BUJA grey hooded sweatshirt
Aeropostale brown hooded sweatshirt
Fairfield grey hooded sweatshirt .
nine. unless I'm forgetting one.
Sunday night watched The Return of the King extended edition, then Garden State.
continued Dune.
Here we are Monday morning. Management has encouraged all employees to wear jeans to work for the first two weeks of January, the encouragement comes just after management mandate changing Jan 8th, 9th into a working weekend. They also told us they're buying the floor pizza on friday. woo.
Right now I'm avoiding looking at my funds or checking trades on bloomberg or updating rates. I've been off for four days, and I started to remember how much I like not doing anything. I like it a lot. Movies, street hockey, and cheesecake is one hell of a good time. Lets make the good times last.
back later,
Tom
recommended download:
Dispatch, Small Change
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