Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Blogging About Someone Else's Blog


Today at work, my manager introduced me to a very interesting blog. It's called, Stuff White People Like. I am so hooked on that blog that I saved it as a favorite at home, at work, and on my BlackJack II. If people really like to read blogs and post comments, then this is one that you should definitely read. I'm sure it's all in good fun and some people may be offended by it, but it's all about a person's self construct, how we each view things. They can either be different or similiar, but at least we can recognize both.

I wish I was that creative as a writer to post blogs, such as, Stuff White People Like or Political Blogs. I pretty much use blogging as a journal for all the world to see...ok, not the whole world since my blogs are never that interesting.

Anyways, if you are interested in reading "Stuff White People Like" then just click on the link provided or search for it on your favorite search engine.

It's getting late, so I'm off to bed.

Peace Out!

~ Abmel

Monday, February 25, 2008

Seattle - Portland Ski Trip Weekend



The pic is of my carpool buddies on this ski trip: Me (left), Travis (middle), and Kenny (right). The pic was taken on our way back to Seattle at a Dairy Queen somewhere in the sticks. Yikes!



This past weekend was the most exciting weekend I've had since my Sydney, Australia trip earlier this year.

I know Travis and Kenny from playing soccer on Ripple Effect on Sundays, but I've never hung out with them outside of soccer. It was nice getting to know them on the road while driving down to Mt. Hood. It also gave me a chance to let out a side of myself that I usually keep bottled inside. Yes, I let the queen out! Hopefully, I didn't scare Travis and Kenny. It was a nice escape from my busy life though.

It took us about 5 hours to get down to the cabin that the we rented out for the weekend. It was so beautiful. The cabin had 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a hot tub. The only bummer was it didn't have WiFi, but I only used the internet once so it really didn't matter. I was too distracted to do any studying or homework anyways. Also, I was too much of a prude to actually use the hot tub with the rest of the soccer guys.

We all went ski and snowboarding on Saturday. I haven't snowboarded in since 2001, so I took the beginners' class as a refresher. I was lucked out, because the snowboarding instructor was hot. Not only was he hot, but he seemed to have a great personality. A great personality always trumps looks in my book. I was glad he had both. I'd sign up for another beginners' class if he taught it. I still wasn't confident about leaving the bunny slope, but maybe next year I will.

Too much happened this past weekend that it makes it hard to blog the entire thing. I can say that the best part was bonding with everyone and getting to know Travis and Kenny a little more. Travis and Kenny are great guys. They are good looking, smart, and have awesome personalities. I'm glad that I as able to carpool with them.

I probably dominated majority of the conversation, but you know me...Mr. Talks-too-much. Ha! I just can't help it. I don't socialize that much anymore. All in all, I'm glad that I made the trip and I was able to make 2 new friends.

~ Abmel

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Why I Like My Co-Workers?




Yesterday I sent out an email to the folks in the team I am on stating that I will be on vacation on Friday, February 22nd. This is what I have to deal with. They are so hilarious. I love working with them.

Here's how it went down. I've pasted the email interactions below.

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My Email:
Hi Team,

With approval, I’m taking vacation this Friday, February 22nd and possibly the following Monday depending on how late I get back from my Ski/Snowboarding trip. If you need to get a hold of me, please don’t hesitate to call my cell. I will have limited email access.

Thanks,
Abmel

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Their response:

Hi Abmel,

If you're seeking my approval, your request is declined. You should not be having fun for goodness sake, you need to work! And be sure to get yourself back in the office on Monday. No calling in sick.

Dana
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My Response:

Hi Dana and Dawn,

I apologize for not seeking your approvals first, but Adam and Fredrik have already approved my request. I will strongly consider your objections the next time I decide to take a scheduled time off. I just can’t do it right because I already paid for the Cabin with the hot tub. Sorry! :(

I’ll think of the two you though while I’m having fun though. :(

Sincerely,
Abmel
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Their response:

Hi Abmel,

It's only scheduled time off when you schedule it and its approved. Since you asked for approval to the web team--a team of which we are a part--we feel obligated to let you know that when given the option, your request will be declined. We just like it better when you're here. J

Since it didn't work out this time, I guess you'll just have to have to go ahead and have a good time. Do NOT break anything skiing and/or snowboarding!

Sincerely,
Dana
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I forwarded the message to my manager and this is what he had to say:

Dana, that is hilarious!

“we feel obligated to let you know that when given the option, your request will be declined. We just like it better when you're here.”

Pure comedy gold – I love it!!

I’m totally going to steal that line to snuff out somebody’s hopes, next time I have the chance to do so! As I said to Abmel, it’s right outta Dilbert.

Bravo! :)

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Can you believe this? I can. You won't believe all the IMs I got for sending that email. I'll be sure to take lots of pics and flaunt them to my co-workers. Aren't they just awesome? This is why I love working here so much.

Ha ha ha!