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CrimsonAnimus
Moderator
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Posted: 21 September 2008 05:17 am |
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Congrats, Jack! You 'da man! 
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suenos
Moderator
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Posted: 21 September 2008 06:36 am |
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That's a fabulous description...love it! I don't know which is funnier....you taking a little hung-over nap right before the race or the fact that you spent the better part of it watching a cute chicks..um...stride . Yea, you rock.
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 21 September 2008 11:38 am |
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Nick, Suenos - thanks for the encouraging words! Suenos, you know, I looked for the sweetie after the race - to say thanks for letting me stalk you, or something - but I didn't spot her.
I couldn't fall asleep last night, partially because I'd already taken a couple of naps during the day, but also because I was still trying to decide on the business or management track. I realized the problem was, in my mind, I'd say, ok, I'll take this one. But a minute later, all the reason for going the other direction would come into my mind. So, I'd keep going back and forth, it's annoying.
Then, I remembered, in this book "Think and Grow Rich", he tells a story about a ships captain who is about to attack an island with an inferior force. So, once they land on the island, he orders the ships burnt. As they men watch in horror, he tells them, ok, not that the ships are gone, there is only won way off this island, and that's by winning this battle. The battle commenced, and his men fought like demons, and win they did.
Can you imagine the since of commitment that must have taken in the captain? I realized all I needed to was make a decision, and then burn my boats.
So, I thought about, which one do I want, on my resume? Of course, it's software engineering - that's what I do, I don't manage, don't want to manage. Plus, the school has come up with this nice option where I don't even have to write a thesis, and I can still get the SE. Yeah, it's a couple of extra courses, but I will learn new stuff. One of the courses, I can just audit, so no pressure for a grade. And I've already invested some time and money into ramping up the math. I know I can do the math, because it's not so algebra-based, it's more logic oriented. The business courses, actually would be good for me, too, and interesting, but the problem is they don't help me get the SE concentration, and that's what I want, and that's what I'll get.
So, I've burnt my bridges, in my mind - all I see is a wall of flames, when I consider the management degree. I'm going to use this technique more often - it will help me to be more decisive.
So, every time I think about managment, I just picture flames. I'm done.
I realized that I have been planning for the software concentration, that's what I want, and I'll have it. I don't want any ambiguity or explanations. The school has come up with this nice option where I don't even have to write a thesis, all I have to is get a B- or better in this advanced math course next fall, and I'm home free. I don't want to look back and regret not having gone for it, when I was so close. And I don't hate the math. It's ok, it's interesting.
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 24 September 2008 11:34 am |
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oh jack?? 'ello?
is there anybody out there? just nod if you can hear me... is there anyone home?
ok, don't "just nod"... cuz i know you totally would. 
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 26 September 2008 10:59 am |
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Huh - what? Oh, I must have nodded off - thanks, Zen!
Actually, it was a pretty busy week. So, you know that big fire and brimstone post I made about going with the math, burning my bridges and all that? Err...never mind. I took another class in it and walked out with the realization that, while i can definitely do it, it's going to be a *lot* of work. Add that to the fact it adds a year to graduation, and I'm pretty much ready to go with the non-math concentration, so I can be out by fall of next year, instead of the year after. I still get a master in information technology from a reputable university, so I'll get that, then get on to my next goal - ballroom dancing. Actually, I could do that this summer - instead of studying for the fall math course!
So, I checked out this other class on Wednesday, Database Management, and for the first time in all my classes, I saw a teacher who I realized was - err, how to put it gently - not really bright. Since it's required for the IM concentration, I was wondering how I would make it through the semester without going batty. Then by luck I ran into someone who reminded my that there was another course, Oracle internals, that I could take in the spring. So, I dropped the Database Management class with a sigh of relief.
Kind of a fiasco at work - I have to make a proposal, and spend three days researching without realizing I was missing the key presentation on it. So the owner called a meeting and four or five of us went over the slides, me with the sinking feeling that these weren't just peripheral, but essential. No one yelled at me, or anything, but I felt really stupid and embarrassed. I haven't pulled a gaffe like that in many a year. I didn't get defensive though - it was my screw up - I just stayed calm and cooperative and tried to resist the tendency to complain and make excuses.
The next day we had another meeting, and they basically asked me if I had a proposal idea. I did, which I had thought up on the drive in, and it's pretty good too. I sold them on it, the owner and J the chief guru and R, the manager. So, I'm off the hook and I will make a nice proposal based on it.
I'm supposed to play 3 tennis matches this weekend, but unfortunately, it's supposed to rain all weekend. I might play one Tuesday night.
I've been eating those oatmeal packets like crazy. Despite that, I managed to drop a pound, so I'm at 161 now, although I was at 160 yesterday. But, I think part of it I haven't been doing my total gym, so I've lost a little bit of muscle. I have to get back into that.
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suenos
Moderator
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Posted: 26 September 2008 02:47 pm |
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Ha! I looved that fire and brimstone post - oh well, never mind Some decisions are just tough...and sometimes you don't realize that "A" is the better choice until you make up your mind to do "B"
Seriously love that you said this: "I didn't get defensive though - it was my screw up - I just stayed calm and cooperative and tried to resist the tendency to complain and make excuses.".....that is HARD.....I always end up having a lot more trust in and respect for people who respond to their screw ups by just owning the responsibility and moving on without getting all defensive and shart engaging in blame shifting. Huge kudos to you.
Those oatmeal packets...they are one of the "secret weight loss tools" that I was going to include in my new "Lose 50lbs in 5 Days" e-book - darn you for revealing it!!!!! Have a great week-end!
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CrimsonAnimus
Moderator
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Posted: 26 September 2008 06:43 pm |
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Ballroom dancing or math, eh? It sort of reminds me of a teacher I had in high school. I did most of his job - I graded the work and logged the grades. He did take roll call, though, LOL.
Anyway, he asked me to take Auto Mechanics the next semester, so that I could keep doing his grades, since that class was right next door to his. I gave up French 5 and decided to do it, but didn't learn a thing about cars. I don't even know how to change a flat.
My helping him, though, did help me to land my first administrative job, so it all worked out really well for me.
Ballroom dancing sounds like fun! Good luck with it.
Working in the office world definitely requires you to think on your feet, doesn't it? That especially applies when the "miracle worker" role is expected of you. I've had my share of "get these minutes done, "finish these policies", "I need production reports", and "oh, and get me some coffee, please." LOL
Great job, bud. If you lived closer, I would ask you to teach me how to play tennis. Keep up the good work!
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 27 September 2008 11:25 am |
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Suenos, yeah, it's really annoying when someone insists something isn't their fault. I once worked with a web-designer, and that's all she could say, it seemed. What the problem really was was she wasn't familiar with the tools, and sure, that wasn't her fault, but that doesn't mean we didn't need to get the job done. One thing I like about my company is nobody is really interested in playing the blame-game.
Nick, yeah that's one thing about business - if you can bring value, and have a reasonable personality, you will always have a job. Well, it definitely helps!
So, I did zero work yesterday. I will have to catch up on it today. I plan to get the three pages of the proposal written, at least in rough draft form. The owner sent me an email saying this huge company was also bidding on it. But, so what? I mean, I can only do what I can do.
What I did do yesterday was try to do some of the the reading for my networks class. i didn't get to far. I'm have trouble these days, nodding off all the time. I don't get it. I'm sure part of it has to do with just the research-oriented stuff I've been doing. I dunno. Maybe it's the stress of trying to figure out whether to take math or not?
I went in early for the networking class, and went to the school bookstore. It was really cool, I got set up at the cafe, and they have free wifi. There's nothing I like better than setting up in a cafe, with free WIFI. The Panera near me is a little noisy and beat up, and the borders is getting old and they don't have free wifi. So this was a nice little find. I'll be going in there on Fridays before class, you can be sure of it.
Class itself was a lecture, and sure enough I was nodding off again. At the break I got a large coffee, and that kept me going. But at home, I was watching the analyssis of the debate, and sure enough, I kept nodding off again.
Actually, I think I know what the problem is - I've started drinking coffee at night when I have a class. Since I've been trying out several classes, that's a lot of coffee. So, I think I may not be sleeping as deeply as I normally do?
I ran out of gum, and sure enough I had two frozen banananas and a bowl of oatmeal after dinner. I'm going to have to buck up for some gum at full-price today, or else it's back down the trail back to fat jack. Heck, I'm up two pounds since Wednesday, already, I'm at 162.
Anyway, looks like I could get some tennis in today, after all. Thank God, I need the excercise.
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 September 2008 02:41 pm |
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jackbenimble wrote: There's nothing I like better than setting up in a cafe, with free WIFI.
I also love working from different places with Wi-Fi when the nature of my work permits (like today). It's a shame to spend your entire life in the same office or at the same desk. Variety is the spice of life.
You mentioned in my diary that you switched careers for about 5 years and then switched back. Just curious about that time period, what made you switch, what did you try, and why did you switch back?
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 27 September 2008 11:32 pm |
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Hey MM! Yeah, variety *is* the spice of life. That's why I'd like a job with a little bit more traveling. Maybe, 20/30%. Nothing too strenuous, maybe doing installs, or training. That sounds good.
The career detour was into, of all things, property and casualty insurance. It's a family business. It wasn't my cup of tea. One good thing I got out of it, is I figured out the programming is a *good* career, non just monetarily, but also it's also interesting and stimulating.
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 29 September 2008 10:58 am |
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Ok, at last, my course selection is done. I can't change anything now without incurring a major financial penalty.
By now, I've taken all the courses I really wanted to take, when I first started the program - Unix Systems Programming, Software Design, Data Communications, C, Perl, Service Oriented Architecture, and Web Programming with PHP. These were all killer courses designed to drum you out of the school, except maybe Perl, but that had its tough points as well.
In the end, the desire to not be burdened with too much work won out. Now, I'm into a phase where instead of taking hard courses to learn, I'm taking relatively easy courses to graduate sooner. So, this semester, I'll be taking an Java course, which is one of the easiest courses on the cirriculum, and an Information Technology management course which uses the case method. I already know Java, so this one will be a breeze. And the management course, well, it's a requirement, and it only require 4 four-page papers (one is already done) and oral participation, which is good for me to practice.
I think it's probably good that I went the business direction instead of math. One reason is, it gets me to graduate a year and 1/2 sooner and 3 courses cheaper. Another reason is, you get out of the kind of ivory tower, and start thinking about real-world business issues. It's really about making money vs. being a propeller- head. Intellectually, I prefer the propeller-head approach, but practically, I'd like to make money. If you're financially independent, you can do whatever you want.
Anyway, it's done. The die is now cast. I chose the lowest-resistance route possible this semester while still taking two courses. I basically fell a bit of relief that I didn't overburden myself.
Ok, this weekend was a total wipeout tennis-wise due to rain. I had three matches scheduled, and none came off. I need two more victories to make the playoffs. I've got one scheduled for Sunday, which I *should* win. I just need to find one more guy to play who I can beat.
Foodwise, we had Chinese last night. Yummm. You have to have Chinese-takeout every once in a while. I know it's greasy and fried, but I love that crab rangoon, and the spring rolls.
For exercise, all I did was get in one jog, last night, after dinner. It was nice, it's been a week since I exercised, what with all the shopping of courses going on. With the free time I gained by going with Java and the management concentration, I will probably have time to exercise regularly. Nice. Last night, I tipped the scales at 161, so I'm managing to hang in there.
Finally, I worked all day Saturday on this proposal. I'm still not totally settled on the approach, but it can only be 3 pages long, and I've got 2 1/2 written. I'll finish it up in the next couple of days.
Last edited on 29 September 2008 11:04 am by jackbenimble
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 30 September 2008 03:27 am |
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jackbenimble wrote: Intellectually, I prefer the propeller-head approach, but practically, I'd like to make money.
I can relate. Its cool that you left and got back into your field. At least you aren't left wondering if the grass is greener on the other side.
And the simplified approach sounds like a nice balance. Exercise time is a good thing!
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suenos
Moderator
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Posted: 30 September 2008 04:46 pm |
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| Good luck with making the playoffs. And happy for you that you made a final decision you are comfortable with. I really, really like what you said about money. In the end, there's not much IMO that beats financial independence.
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 30 September 2008 10:14 pm |
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Thanks, MM and Suenos. I really feel relieved about the whole thing. Yeah, that's another thing, Suenos - once I get out, I can make a last ditch effort for the big money - if I really get ambitous. Hanging around school for another 3 years, it's not the fast lane.
So, I went to the business class last night, and it was pretty good. It's about IT management, and I didn't recognize anyone. I suspect there are a lot of people from the management program in there. Anyway, the teacher was very knowledgeable, and kind of funny, as in seems to enjoy life and has an interesting perspective on things. A little bit entertaining. I'm very pleased, he is the real deal.
I'm also shocked how much I don't know about business. I'm going to have to buckle down and do some serious studying. A lot of the concepts are vague, like "what is strategy", "what is data", etc. - but at least the teacher seems to have some kind of handle on pinning them down. A downside is that 35 percent of the class mark is oral participation, so I have to be prepared for class, or else I'm going to have nothing to say. That's ok - it's good practice.
I will fess up to something - I had a latte and a creme-filled doughut at dunkn doughuts this afternoon. i went for a coffee, and it turned out they had a special where you could get a latte for a buck. I was joking around with the kid at the counter about how you never really pay a buck for something that they say sells for a buck (I remember one time I went to buck-a-book, and there were like maybe 7 books in the *entire store* that cost a buck - in a tiny pile in a corner). Anyway, he brings the latte arround and it's kind of small looking, so I guess you get what you pay for, and I joked around about that, too. So kid at the counter asked me if I wanted something on the house. So, I asked him how that worked, and he said he would give me a dougnut, for free. ok, sounds good.
I never eat doughnuts, for obvious reasons, but I always kind of fantasize about getting a creme-filled doughnut. I'm not talking about the lemon-type cream. I'm talking about the stuff that is basically cake frosting. I *love* that stuff. So, I got one, and I ate it. Hopefully, it'll be another year before I do one of those again.
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 4 October 2008 12:52 am |
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Wow, today just blew by. I spend the morning trying to fend off an issue with my shareware program, then went jogging, then ate and started working. Took a while to get in gear, and next thing I know, I'm helping my wife replant a lilac bush in the yard. Back to work, then, out to buy birthday cards for a family thing tonight, then dinner, then put away the air conditioners for the winter, then sign the birthday cards. Whoof.
I have to make a note of this - Kenny Garrett, I heard on the radio, "sketches in MD". This is what I consider to be the essence of jazz. It's a primordial soup of those ethereal, timeless riffs on sax and jazz piano chords ringing out of the creative haze. This stuff is, what's the word - surreal? other-worldly?
Alright, I gotta go. Nice jog today, it's still warm. Beach. Sunny, breezy. I ran on the sand today, it wasn't bad. 158 lbs after running - 3 lbs off my college weight. Wow.
Last edited on 4 October 2008 03:39 am by jackbenimble
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CrimsonAnimus
Moderator
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Posted: 4 October 2008 02:16 am |
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A run on the beach sounds very nice, indeed. 
Good job, bud! You'll have to have a college style party once you reach your college weight. 
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 5 October 2008 01:09 am |
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nick's right on- oh for sure! man, i'd soooo come to your kegger! be warned though- i get wild!
and really- congrats on the drop. that's just nuts! you've been awesomely persistent. very cool. (latte and doughnut included )
hope your weekend is great! dig that beach and the weather while you can!
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 5 October 2008 05:47 am |
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Nick - great idea for a kegger. How about a good old-fashioned toga party?
Zen, you'll go wild huh? Whooh, hoo! Tooh-gah!
Yeah, the weathers been great. I put the shareware issue to bed, and then went to play tennis. This guy was, crazy, man, he definitely had some anger management issues. Anyway, I pulled out the victory. If I can get one more, I'm in the playoffs! It's not really that impressive, I'm in the lowest division of 6. But, still, these guys aren't awful, I mean, they can play and stuff.
Anyway, the only guy who beat me is a couple of divisions up now. My biggest problem right now is my net game. I need to practice it. I would be so much better if I got that piece of my game going on.
Then, I came home and studied this case for this business class, then ground through a couple of chapters of the textbook. I've been studying tech stuff so long, I almost don't mind getting a dose of the business stuff. It's really good to look at things from that perspective.
Then, I watched a little TV, nothing on, then went to bed, couldn't sleep, so here I am.
I went to the bookstore to study the case. Afterward, I was thumbing through a guitar magazine, the whole thing was devoted to Stevie Ray Vaughn. Stevie Ray Vaughan, man was he cool. I remember the first time I heard him, it was on the radio in the car. I mean, I just heard this amazing version of Voodoo Chile, and I thought I don't think that's Hendrix, so who could possibly be playing this thing so amazingly well. I was just totally blown away. Anyway, I didn't realize it, but he was the guitarist on Bowie's "Let's Dance". That's strange, because, while it's pretty good, it in no way fits his knock-your-socks-off Texas blues style, which is so killer.
I also found out that he played at the Monterey Blues Festival in Switzerland in 1983 (I thought Monterey was in California...). Check this out...the crowd actually booed him! The deal was, they had been hearing this kind of mellow blues all night, and then, all of a sudden, out comes SRV and Double Trouble, and they were playing LOUD. And the European crowd, they just didn't get it. They just shut it down, they weren't open to what they were hearing. But, Bowie was there, and he got it, and so did Jackson Browne. That's how SRV ended up doing "Let's Dance".
I really want to start playing guitar, again. I mean, I'll never be *good*, but I like it, and I can strum a few chords, and play along with Pink Floyd and the Stones. I just love listening to music. Time to crank up the itunes...
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 7 October 2008 03:11 am |
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Heya Jack! Good luck with that tennis - sounds like you are doing well - and also congrats on the 158. Verrrrry impressive. Dare I say To-GA To-GA
I've never been too great at guitar myself, I do know how to play but I don't know if its the short fingers or what, I've just never been so great at it. I've always wanted to pick up the mandolin and see if I'd be better at that. Anyway, I have an acoustic which in thinking about it, hasn't been out of its case in at least a year. [We have also a pair of P.O.C. electrics which we won sort of in a contest, they are not impressive, although that's my first electric so its kindof fun to dink around on it.] I'm going to make it a point to get my acoustic out in the next week, I'm in the mood I think after reading your post.
And yeah, I always assumed the Monterey festival was in California too. [oops]
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
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| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 7 October 2008 05:47 am |
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Hey MM! First, I think there is a Monterey Festival in Cal - isn't that where Jimi Hendrix burnt his guitar? But, this SRV thing was definitely in Switzerland. I should probably check my facts, but I don't feel like it right now. Ok, I checked it - it's the Montreaux Festival. Doh.
You play guitar? Wow. You never mentioned that. Well, I did finally pull mine out of the mothballs last night, and started playing the simplest song possible on guitar, "Horse with No Name". I found a you tube on it. I followed th lesson, then took the guitar downstairs for a couple of hours while I watching the Sox. After a while - the game went to extra innings - the rythm was pretty good. It's amazing what a little practice can do. Singing along with it is always where I get tripped up, though. Too much going on, I guess.
The song I have running through my head right now is "Slow Hand" by the pointer sisters (I think). I wonder if it's a remake? Anyway, there's something about that song I just like. It's got a nice grove to it. Kind of peaceful, somehow.
So, I won the tennis match, 6-2, 6-0. I don't give myself too much credit - the guy simply wasn't very good. A lot of these guys at this level, their skills aren't that great, but they can move and get the ball back, some of them. But yesterdays guy, nope. What he really need to do is practice.
Doesn't matter. I play in the playoffs this weekend - I'm sure they guy is thirsting for revenge. I will run Tuesday & Wednesday to try to get back into shape.
So, the Sox won and are going on to the ALCS. I've kind of gotten used to them winning all the time. I used to hate them, because they alwasy choked. If you don't believe, check out 1978 when they lost a 13 game lead they held in early August. Why? Becasue the manager (Don Zimmer) hated their star-left handed picture (Bill Lee) so much that he refused to play him. Bill Lee's crime? He called Zimmer a "gerbel". Well, I've been called worse than that. But Zimmer was a guy who was mediocre enough to put his own offended personal pride ahead of winning. What a gerbel.
Hmm...I'm gettins sleepy. Tvizzle Tvazzle, Tvazzle Sohn. Time for this one to come home.
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jackbenimble
New Member
| Joined: | 1 May 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 761 |
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Posted: 9 October 2008 07:49 pm |
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Soo...I've been spending a little time at work putting this list together. The top 10 aren't really my "top 10" but, they are a representative top 10. I've put a bunch of songs after it that I think warrent consideration. It's by no means complete, but I've got to get some work done So heres my list:
Ray Charles - Georgia on my Mind
Heart - Barracuda
So What - Miles Davis and John Coltrane
Three-In-One Blues - Otis Spann
Stones - Jumping Jack Flash
Marshall Tucker Band - Heart it in a Love Song
Beatles - Long and Winding Road
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Cold Shot
Led Zepplin - Ramble On
Perl Jam - EvenFlow
Stones - Sympathy for the Devil
Poison Every Rose has its thorn
Pink Floyd - Wish you were here
Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five
Clapton - Ramblin' on my mind
Yes - Roundabout
Jose Feliciano - Light My Fire
Classical Gas - Mason Williams
Gun's 'n Roses - Sweet Child o' mine
Billie Holiday - My Man
Jimi Hendrix - Red House
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
SRV - Pride and Joy
Doors - LA Woman
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Good
Jethro Tull - Bungle in the Jungle
Marshall Tucker Band - Can't you see
Wilson Pickett - Mustang Sally
Pachelbels - Canon in D major
Rossini - Willaim Tell Oveture
Hendrix - Little Wing
Egar Winter Group - Frankenstein
James Brown - I feel good
Manfred Mann - Spirits in the Night
Egar Winter Group - Frankenstein
James Brown - I feel good
Springsteen - Tenth Avenue Freezeout
Bob Marley - Red, red wine
Bob Marley - Jammin
Floyd - Crazy Diamond
Eagles - Hotel California
Duran Duran - Hungry Like a Wolf
Fats Domino - Kansas City
SRV - Vodoo Chile
Jimmy Hendrix - Voodoo Chile
xCCR - Grapevine
Marvin Gaye Grapevine
Dylan - Knockin ON Heaven's Door
G&R - Knockin on Heavens' Door
Heart - Magic Man
Who - Teenage Wasteland
Michael Jackson Thriller
Lynryd Skyrd - Sweet Home Alambama
Beethoven's 9th, 5th
Alleluia Chorus
The Lion Sleeps tonight
POD - Youth of the Nation
Blly Holiday - My Man
ZZ Top - LaGrange
Stones - Honky Tonk Woman
BB King - Stormy Monday
Black Eyed Peas - Where is the love?
ZZ Top - Black Betty
Crosby Stills Nash and Young Sweet Judy Blue Eyes
Hendrix - Hey Joe
AeroSmith - Walk this way
U2 - Bloody Sunday
Who - Won't get fooled again
Zevon - Werewolves in London
Micheal Jackson Beat it
Madonna - You must be my lucky star
Van Halen - Panama
Bad Company - Bad Company
Ode To Joy - Beethoven
Madonna - Like a Virgin
Vivaldi - Four Seasons
Stones -Sympathy for the Devil
Police - Roxanne
Stones - Angie
Zepplin - All of my love
SRV - Pride And Joy
Zepplin - Cashmere
Hendrix All along the Watchtower (Dylan)
Stones - Sympathy for the Devil
Stones - Brown Sugar
Stones - You just might get what you need
J. Geils Band - House Party
Hendrix - Hey Joe
Pink Foyd - Have a Cigar
Hendrix - All along the Watchtower
Stones - Wild Horses
Stones - You can't always get what you want
Zepplin - California
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
Jesus Christ Superstar - all songs
Beatles - She's got a ticket to Ride
Temptations - Just My Imagination
Tina Turner - What's Love got to do with it?
Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
Sam Cooke - Under the Boardwalk
Duke of Earl
Fly Robin fly
Guns 'n Roses - Welcome to the Jungle
Sister Sledge - We are Family
Last edited on 9 October 2008 08:59 pm by jackbenimble
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 10 October 2008 12:12 am |
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that list is epic. i thought mine was getting out of hand! that's cool- it's so neat when you find fellow music lovers. makes me happy
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 11 October 2008 02:50 pm |
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I was a bit surprised your list, perhaps because I expected to see more things crop up which were unknown to me from the nether-reaches of jazz or blues. I agree with Zen this is an Epic list! Nicely done. Now, "Fly Robin Fly" is playing on the jukebox in my brain.
Perhaps you missed the post but I have ditched the Cubs permanently and have now declared my allegiance to the Red Sox. This stems of course from catching Red Sox Fever when I visited Boston earlier this year, and was cemented when the Cubs went down in 3 games in the NLDS. So Baby I'll be right there celebrating with you when the Sox go ALL THE WAY.
Good luck with the tennis! You're so competitive...
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jackbenimble
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Posted: 12 October 2008 07:56 am |
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Zen, MM - thanks! MM, I must fess up - I am not a true music buff, but rather a mere dilletante. Heck - I listen to talk radio and books on tape! That said, I think the songs that I put up there, are really great.
Btw, welcome to Red Sox nation! I couldn't sleep tonight, so I came down and caught the end of the game. As soon as I saw Timlin in there, I know they were done. Poor guy, he's over the hill.
The weight is holding steady at 162/161 around there. I've lost the drive to get any furhter down. I'm getting worried about a gradual increase, but the weather's been holding up so I got out jogging this week, a couple of times.
I also played my playoff match in tennis. (Lest anyone think I'm better than I am, there are four levels for the playoffs, and mine is the lowest. You would not watch me play, and think, wow, he really is good. But, I'm all right.)
I actually pulled out a tough victory today, 7-6, 6-4. The guy I played, just returns everying - hardly ever makes an unforced errror. So, the first set was a struggle, which I won in a tiebreaker. Then, I had a letdown, and the next thing I knew I was down three games to love. Then he goes up 40-love on me, and I'm thinking, man he is killing me, what happened? This will be embarrassing.
So, I literally started praying to God, in my mind, right there on the court, to help me win the next point. I won it, and, praying away, I managed to pull out the next few points and capture the game. I continued on I actually crossed myself a few times, when he wasn't looking. I took all the rest of the games, except one. Praying really helps you focus and concentrate, if you really want what you are asking for.
Next I play a guy who is undefeated, from the division above mine. So I expect this will be the end of the run. Still, I plan to bring my A-game and my bible.
My daughter came home from college for the first time yesterday. It was really great to see her. She looks wonderful, she's in better shape physically because her dorm's on a hill, and she seems happy and content. She's made a bunch of friends at the school, in her dorm and in another dorm, and in one of her classes where she previously didn't know anyone.
That's all, folks!
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suenos
Moderator
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Posted: 13 October 2008 05:26 am |
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| Just thought I'd pop in to say "hello you hansome skinny devil"....looks like all is well...have a wonderful week!
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 13 October 2008 06:48 am |
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ok, so there are about 100 thinkg i shoud be posting, but i heard this song the other day, looked it up, and thought you would dig it.
know mark knopfler? he did this rockin song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjetn8SrxKM
song for sonny liston. i really think you would would enjoy it. hit play and let the beat carry you. and any song that has boxing refernaces is aces in my bood. but man, it such of a hip tune.
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 13 October 2008 03:06 pm |
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Suenos - thanks for stopping by!
Zen,
I do like the song Nice and mellow. It has an understated rhythm that kind of grows on you. I like Knopfler anyway - in fact, two of my favorites which I didn't put on my list are "Sultan's of Swing" and "Play the guitar on the MTV". Nice.
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jackbenimble
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Posted: 17 October 2008 11:50 pm |
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So...working from home today. I jogged on Tuesday, Thursday. Today I practiced my second serve and backhand against the wall, did a thousand of them, and definitely improved (I switched to a two-hander last year). My weight was 157 when I got back...nice.
I have an interview a week from today. They are willing to pay, and the benefits are good. I just hate to leave my current company - it's nice and small. The new company is mega-huge, a defense contractor. It will be tough to turn down, if they make me an offer. Anyway, they might not even do that, so, why worry about it?
Tennis match Sunday at 3. The guy is undefeated and from the division above me, so I don't have much chance. Anyway, I'll show up.
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 18 October 2008 12:03 am |
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heh- the guitar on the mtv ("Money for Nothing") was always a favortie of mine- reminds me of being a kid. i remember being like 2 and watching the video on MTV. Dire Straits is actually pretty popular in my household. I love the song "Julliette" and that lulliby sounding song.
Well i hope your interview goes well. My Father in Law actually works for a mega huge defense place- he's an engineer (i married into a bunch of math geeks! gah!).
heh- you may be surprised, you might totally mop the court with him. and a 1 handed backhand is impressive- i never could do that well at all.
hope you update soon! have a great weekend!
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 18 October 2008 03:41 pm |
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Hi Jack! I wanted to tell you to play your heart out on Sunday - I know you'll give it your all. How exciting. If I lived near I would love to come cheer you on.
And 157 - Wow! You must be really looking and feeling great!
Why are you considering the new job? Is it for the money? Stability in a shaky economy? Commute distance? You just slip it in there all casual.
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 19 October 2008 03:47 am |
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Hey MM Thanks for the encouragement! However, I think you would be bored if you came to some of these matches. The last match I played had these tremendously long points. My opponent's philosophy was to return everything and make zero errors, never take chances. He was pretty good at it, too. It took 3 hours to play two sets!
Speaking of tennis, M called me today and we played for like, 3 hours. He's a tennis couch, and he had given me a lesson on volleying last week. I practiced a couple of times, and was especially focusing on not gripping the racket too tightly. It really helps! He said I had improved, a lot.
So, we played three sets, and I won 2. He was g'etting really mad. He's far more skilled than I, but has bum knees and can't really move much any more. Still, he used to beat me easily. He killed me the first time we played, I almost died from exhaustion.
Then we played doubles, with this lady H, and an Italian guy. H is a Chinese-American lady, about 40, and she's kind of pretty. But the main thing is she has really nice, toned legs. And she always wears the old tennis mini-skirts. It's really great, watching her hit the ball around, with the old mini skirt riding up her legs. Mini-skirts are awesome. Awesome! I have to start thinking about all this mixed doubles stuff. I really do.
Anyway, I'm watching the Red Sox right now. They had this huge comeback last Thursday. I tuned in just in time to catch the whole thing. They came back from 7 runs down to win it, in the 7, 8th and 9th innings. They're up 4-2 right now in the sixth. Go Sox! Hope you're watching MM!
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 19 October 2008 02:54 pm |
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jackbenimble wrote: Go Sox! Hope you're watching MM!
Too awesome!
Good luck today! I am eager to hear all about it. Hope you are not too sore from yesterday.
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 22 October 2008 03:02 am |
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Well, I'm kind of sleepy. Work's been pretty easy the past couple of weeks - I'm actually doing programming - instead of configuration and testing and demos and proposals and meetings. It's fun.
The Red Sox lost. I don't mind that Tampa Bay won. Let some other long suffering fans enjoy a world series. Boston fans are over their angst. We've been washed over with success in this decade. We've had 3 championships from the Pats, two from the Rox, and one from the Celtics. We've had some exciting post-season runs on top of that, including last years 16-0 pats team and this years Sox, coming back from down 3-1, 7 runs down late in the game to take the series to seven games.
MM, I forgot to answer your question about the interview. When I get mad at something at work, one way I vent it to poke around on the job boards and see what's out there. So, I was doing that a couple of weeks ago, and I saw this job, and decided to submit a resume. Next thing I know, they're bringing me in for an interview. I've got to be careful about doing this kind of thing, because once you kick off a process it takes on a life of its own, and all of a sudden you have a situation to deal with and some choices to make. It rocks your world, changing jobs.
Ok, the tennis match. I lost. 6-3, 6-3. Here's what I would do differently next time:
1) Don't play 3 1/2 sets the day before.
2) Think faster. By the time I figured out, midway through the second set, that he was killing me off his forehand and I needed to strongly go after his backhand, it was too late.
3) Never practice a second serve, only a first
4) Don't play on Boston Common - it's too windy
5) Play on a warmer day
So, I'm done for the year. I am very interested in a rematch next year.
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 October 2008 02:45 am |
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Jack, I hope this doesn't sound condescending but I am really 'proud' of everything you've accomplished with the tennis and the weight loss among many other things. You worked hard at improving your tennis game. Kindof like me and my running. Not going to win any championships just yet, but getting better bit by bit.
Let us know what's up with the job. Sounds like you may have a decision to be making soon.
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 29 October 2008 02:20 am |
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Hey MM! Thanks for checking in :)
You're prophetic. The recruiter just called. I don't want to know - I let the answering machine take the message. He said he wanted to "share" the feedback he got from the interview. I'm guessing - I could be wrong - that means the feedback was positive. That's strange because he was telling me how tough and how selective they were. I dunno, I had more the impression they're looking for bodies. They certainly didn't put me through a wringer, or anything.
Still, what a change it would be, both good and bad. It would cut the commute by an hour - one way. Sweet! But, I just like my company and it's comfortable for me. It's even easy, right now. The new place is huge and very process-oriented. I don't know. It has good benefits, though, tuition re-imbursement, 12 holidays, some kind of schedule where you work extra hours and get every other friday off, 3+ weeks vacation starting out. They have a gym with classes and everything. None of this ever-shrinking benefits that my company does. The recruiter said they wouldn't be bringing me in unless they could top my salary, so I know I'd be making more. I would miss the people I work with, I *like* them, which means I like my job... I should find out what's going on before I spin my wheels.
Other stuff. I was proud of myself Sunday. On a nice, sunny afternoon, I resisted - just barely - the urge to watch football, and went jogging at the beach instead. Then I went to a coffee shop and did my Java homework. It was finished by 2 a.m. I felt like I had accomplished something. When you do something like, instead of watching football, you *do* somethign that's *better*, you feel much better about yourself, about life. You feel like you are rising above the pack, like you are enlightened almost. I swear, I could really get serious about not watching TV. Really, I could just say no.
The business class was ok, we had a sub, but it was good, she's the one who's going to be grading the papers, and she essentially told us what she was looking for. I'm one of the 1/3 of the class doing that paper, so I was pretty lucky.
This guy from the class, whom I had met once before, kind of a, well, a bit goofy-like, but normal enough, asked me and this woman if we wanted to get together as a group to swap ideas on the paper. Unfortunately, the woman said she couldn't. That was too bad, because for one thing, she had taken good notes, and that's what we are going to need to put in the paper. But, I agreed, why not. Plus he got another guy, who can barely speak English, but still, he seems alright. We will meet at the school maybe go to a coffee shop. I will enjoy people-watching while we discuss. It's fun to watch people going by, sometimes. It's better during the day, but at night it's ok too.
Anyway, now I have to do something else. Got to catch the Celtics on TV. Just kidding, I think.
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 October 2008 03:50 am |
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jackbenimble wrote: I swear, I could really get serious about not watching TV. Really, I could just say no.
Me too. I am ready to go through the house and 'snip snip' the cables. However that's a waste of money so I haven't done it. I decided to exit me from the house instead. There's more to life than TV. Lately I cannot stand the constant drivel-snivel-chatter-clutter that makes up 98% of TV.
I am sure you will make the right decision regarding the job. Money isn't everything...however the commute time thing is something else.
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suenos
Moderator
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Posted: 29 October 2008 05:52 pm |
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Wow on the possible job change! One the one hand the prospective new job sounds almost too good to pass up if it's offered...on the other hand there's almost nothing scarier (to me) than going into a new job and being the new kid on the block....you don't know the people, the politics, etc. and in this economy it's even scarier not having a proven track record and key relationships if budget cuts affecting your position come into play. But who wants to look back in a year or two down the line and want to kick your own butt for not taking advantage of what might have been a fabulous opportunity for personal/professional/financial growth? Tough decision. What's your wife think?
Your biz class sounds fun! I'm one of those weird people who actually loooove to write papers...it seems like you actually learn more that way. Like, you can attend class, take good notes, memorize what you need to ace the exam and then it's pretty random what facts stick with you (all, some, even none) at the end of the class. But with papers - the combination of research and thinking and putting that thought and research and your own ideas together and expressing it all in a structured written format - that knowledge becomes internalized and you own it. O/T...a friend recently asked me write a paper for him and I was all SchoolMarm: "oh, no, you won't learn anything unless you do it yourself"...sadly, his response was "I don't want to learn anything, I just want to pass the class"
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 29 October 2008 06:47 pm |
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Suenos! Great to hear from you! - great comments, btw After 6 1/2 years in this job, I'm very comfortable here. The pay is good, but the commute s**ks and drains my energy away. Also it's small company benefits and getting smaller. The big company, well, that scares me - so many people to deal with! I'm not really a people person, to be honest. anyway, I'll call the recruiter tonight and he might tell me, sorry, they weren't interested. If so, all the better - I won't have to rock my world. Either way is ok.
My theory on the learning - nobody ever wants to learn stuff if they are coming to you for help - they just want it done. If they wanted to learn, they would have done it themselves, already.
My favorite courses are computer courses. Just get the program to work, and your done (except they are always giving "extra credit" opportunities - meh).
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 30 October 2008 01:04 am |
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suenos wrote: I'm one of those weird people who actually loooove to write papers...it seems like you actually learn more that way. Like, you can attend class, take good notes, memorize what you need to ace the exam and then it's pretty random what facts stick with you (all, some, even none) at the end of the class. But with papers - the combination of research and thinking and putting that thought and research and your own ideas together and expressing it all in a structured written format - that knowledge becomes internalized and you own it.
lol- i'm a weird one, too! but then, we all knew that!
i'm dying to hear what's going on with the job change, too, jack.
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 30 October 2008 03:14 am |
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jackbenimble wrote: My theory on the learning - nobody ever wants to learn stuff if they are coming to you for help - they just want it done. If they wanted to learn, they would have done it themselves, already.
Good point. I always take it as a compliment when someone wants my help. But you're right. They are just lazy.
Anyway what's the upate on the job situation?
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jackbenimble
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Posted: 30 October 2008 03:44 am |
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Hey Zen and MM, thanks for stopping by - always a pleasure!
The job situation is a non-situation. I misread the tea-leaves, and they weren't interested. They said some nice things, but blah blah blah..bottom line, no job offer. I guess I was overconfident, because the last two times I've interviewed, I've landed the job, or at least the offer. Urk - maybe I'm getting too old? Forget it! People are going to have to work into their 70s - old will be the new young. Or something.
Anyway, it keeps my options open. I want my next move to be my last one, and I wasn't sure I was comfortable with the heavily processes oriented, big-company nature of this opening anyway. (little bit sour grapes, but there is some truth to it, too).
So, back to reality. I've gained weight recently - up to 165 this morning - I just have to get out and jog - now. Do it! Seriously.
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CrimsonAnimus
Moderator
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Posted: 30 October 2008 12:36 pm |
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I hope things work out for you with a job, bud. Don't worry - someone will realize your oodles of experience, fabulous work ethic, commitment to customer service, fantastic personality, and love of gum. I just know they will!
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 30 October 2008 12:39 pm |
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On the bright side, looking past the ego blow (no small thing for you) at least you don't have to make a difficult decision. You sound happier where you are.
I think I may play hooky from the office today. Yeah I'll still work on my work from home, but I can blow off my meetings and go for a run this afternoon. I'll be looking for your jogging report later to keep you honest.
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 1 November 2008 01:53 am |
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Nick! Thanks for the kind words...I was chewing gum when I read this
Good Golly, Miss Molly, you're very perceptive - I have always (subconsciously) prided myself on looking young - and the silver streaks in my hair are starting to belie that tendency. Still, my wife pointed out, if age was the issue, they woudn't have invited me in to the interview in the first place. Plus, I actually think I could get away with claiming I'm say, 43, or something (we all think we look younger than we actually do though).
Hope you had a good afternoon. I actually did not jog - it was too cold for moi. So, instead I went up and down my stairs 50 times. It's a much tougher workout on the legs then jogging, actually. They felt just a little sore today - but, I did go jogging as well. So, back down to 160 afterward. I'm going to try to get down to 155. Ta ta!
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 2 November 2008 01:37 pm |
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Dear Diary,
So, yesterday and Friday I spend working on a paper for my IT strategy class. It turned out to be more grueling than I expected. Part of the problem is the vague nature of some of these tools that talk about. Example, there is this thing they call the "Harvard Grid" which shows where a company is in terms of a couple of axises. For example for IT strategy, the axis's (what is the plural of axis, anyway?) are how much IT is used to support core operations, vs. how much IT is used to support core strategy. When you break it down, what is the difference between core operations and core strategy? The two are somewhat orthogonal to one another, making it more complicated. And if an IT application is part of the core strategy, then wouldn't it by definition become part of core operations? To make matters worse, they define attributes for each quadrant which describe its characteristics, such as which level of management gets involved. But this actually make things worse, because why couldn't lead management get involved in core operations?
Anyway, just a bit of a rant.
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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 2 November 2008 02:33 pm |
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Axes. And yes that means you are just too lazy to look it up. (LOL)
I would have to agree that the Harvard matrix doesn't sound very useful. Our company has a split org structure between IT strategy and IT operations. I think operations is about 90% of the resourcing. But then, we are still slowly getting all of our overseas offices onto our ERP system (that's a strategy and operations).
OK anyway, have a good day today, it seems like its going to be brilliant here and I am planning to go out for a jog. Very happy for that extra hour of sleep last night.
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 2 November 2008 09:23 pm |
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Hey MM!
"Axes. And yes that means you are just too lazy to look it up. (LOL)"
Oohh, fresh! Even if it is true. Still, *you're* the one walking around seeing psychedelic colors, not me
"I would have to agree that the Harvard matrix doesn't sound very useful. Our company has a split org structure between IT strategy and IT operations. I think operations is about 90% of the resourcing. But then, we are still slowly getting all of our overseas offices onto our ERP system (that's a strategy and operations)."
That's interesting. You work for some kind of pharmaceutical company, right? So, most of it is operations. That's a good perspective, because in this class they are constantly harping on strategy. But in the real world of production, ops is king.
I also am having are hard time seeing the value of this tool. The must be some kind of reason they draw this distinction. Maybe it's to publish more books.
"Very happy for that extra hour of sleep last night. "
Oh, yeah. Me too. Actually, for the extra hour of day
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 2 November 2008 11:06 pm |
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first. gray hair on men is hot. fact. (i tell this to hubs like every day (lol- yes, he has a lot of gray!). eh, i have a thing for older men and gray hair. what can i say? we've all got our vices)
second, you totally lost me on the matrix thing. lol. i'm seriously clueless. guess you can't win 'em all, huh?
third. it's so weird to live in a place where they don't do day light savings. i want my extra hour!!!!!!!!
 (the chicken suddenly struck me as funny. i don't know why. i'm in a mood!)
oh, did i tell you my new favorite saying? "i've got a glass full of wine and a head full of weird". ha!!! ok, i'll stop stealing your thread.
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jackbenimble
New Member
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Posted: 5 November 2008 02:57 pm |
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Zen - thanks for the kind words. As a "distinguished" guy myself, I can assure you that not much is nicer than hearing a young sweetie talk about how attractive older men are
Soo...I'm staying at home today. I'm just trying to shake off this cold that's had me snifflly and sneezy. Now the question is, what do I do with myself?
I'll probably end up doing my Java homework. This semester is turning out to be really easy so far, since I went with the management concentration.
Weightwise, I've been floating around 162 for a while now.
On Obama - I don't care what your party affiliation is, or who you voted for - there is no way you watch Obama and his family walk onto that stage last night and not feel a surge of pride in being an American. For all of it's problems, American is truly the land of opportunity. After hundreds years of mutual acrimony and mistrust, race relations have *already* been tranformed. We have elected a black president. And no matter what happens, nothing can take that away.
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 5 November 2008 05:37 pm |
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jackbenimble wrote:
On Obama - I don't care what your party affiliation is, or who you voted for - there is no way you watch Obama and his family walk onto that stage last night and not feel a surge of pride in being an American. For all of it's problems, American is truly the land of opportunity. After hundreds years of mutual acrimony and mistrust, race relations have *already* been tranformed. We have elected a black president. And no matter what happens, nothing can take that away.
amen!
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