"Although, at the end of this ride I'm not going to say to Krista, 'lets do that again!'"
Be careful what you say, it might come true.
So I had a nice office job all lined up that was very stable and promising and I was all set to start on May 1. Problem was that the Thursday before I was set to embark on my new career in the financial industry, the phone rang; it was the industrial supply company. They had received the approval from the government and were all set to make me an offer of employment.
I was skeptical to say the least.
I mean, part of me was excited to get this job and part of me was like, hey man, you took so long to get this done, why should I work for you after you strung me along for 6 weeks?!? And I had already committed to the other company.
After some discussion with Krista, reluctantly, I accepted the offer for a couple reasons. More money, better hours, company perks, and really, I wasn't sure how well the financial job would've have gone. I had never done anything like that before and as appealing as sitting in an office all day was, I was used to going out on the road and visiting customers, not having them come to me.
What a mistake!!!
I have never worked for a company like this. So much behind closed doors and backroom communication going on, it was enough to drive a guy crazy!
Not once in 7 weeks, did my so called "direct supervisor" call me to see how I was doing. There was no training to be heard of whatsoever! Not that I needed it but whenever starting with a new company a little guidance and advice about products and services is usually given. I had no idea going in what it was that we sold. I knew we made hydraulic hoses and stocked fittings but aside from that what was the best way to market that and all the other items we sold and stocked. No direction whatsoever!
Coupled on top of that was the fact that all the communication to me was relayed by another person. This particular person always boasted how good a salesperson he was but I felt compelled to correct him, after a few weeks on the job of course, that he wasn't a salesperson but in fact just a "counter" guy. He didn't go out and look for business, he just sat his fat ass in the store and waited for people to come in. Does that classify a salesperson? I think not. This guy was a slob on top of that. He ate at the counter, played cards on the computer while talking to customers, and fell asleep almost every afternoon. This drove me crazy, especially when he thought he had the right to tell me what to do with my time whenever I was in store. The nerve of him; that fat-lazy-slob.
There was another guy that worked there that made the days more enjoyable though. On my very first day, he told me his story and I knew I recognized him from another place that was a customer of mine with one of my previous jobs.
He told me in the weeks to come, that he was looking for a job elsewhere because he too was tired of all the "shit" that went on. He and I were in agreeance that this was no way to conduct business and that the job security was limited at best. We talked at various times about the possibilites out there on the open market and we both found that there was next to none, but from my previous "forced retirement" I felt that there was more than last time.
Originally I was told that the plan was for me to not just take over while one other employee was off on sick leave, but to become the store manager in the months to come. Wow was I mislead! Not only did the person come back from sick leave (I was told that even if this person did come back that the owner was going to let her go because of some incidents that had gone down before I started) but all the clients who I had previously sold to at another job, were all taken away from me for them. I was apalled. I did manage to keep a few of my key contacts, though it wasn't easy at all. So, this person comes back from sick leave and is not let go and is given all the contacts I have made in the 6 weeks previous. Then, I'm "told" (remember I said I wasn't ever told anything directly) that this person is resuming their role as "acting" store manager and has the final say on almost everything. Some things, like pricing, were left up to the owner.
I was let go the first Friday that person was back. And even then, I was kept in the dark right up until I was handed my walking papers.
At first I was pissed! I had jumped through hoops to get that job, gave it my all with no direction or supervision, made some money in the process, re-established old relationships that this company didn't have. Then I was told that it wasn't working out due to "customer complaints," they said that I hadn't been to see them while the person was off. Horseshit! I saw 99% of the established business that this person had so I have no idea where that came from. Secondly, my dismissal letter said that there were also staff complaints. Finally, the general statement was that my performance was not enough to keep me with the company.
Cost outweighed profit.
It wouldn`t have it what I was told originally was true; that the person on sick leave was going to be let go upon their return.
I was still fuming over what was said in the letter a few days after the fact and the following Tuesday the guy I was friends with texted me and asked me what had transpired. I told him and then he replied with, "that was spoon fed to the owner because this person was threatened about losing their job. They were pretty proud of how they got rid of me." Are you kidding me?!? Oh well, petty people do petty things. All I can say now is, Good luck with your store closing sale jack-holes!!
Oh well! I was planning on leaving anyway and I had taken measures leading up to that, eventhough I didn`t know I would be let go again.
I`ve had more interviews and responses this time around than the last time but still nothing yet. I have been through quite an extensive process with a company in Ottawa thus far and I think it`s looking good to work for them. I`m not putting all my eggs in that basket though. Nothing has been offered and I am still looking for what is right for Krista and the kids.
I really hope that this next job that I get, and I will get a job, I really hope that it is a career and not just a job. I`m getting really sick of being at home all day.
DH
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Six and a Half Weeks
I lost my job back on March 1st and since then I have been riding an emotional roller coaster of job prospects.
(Preparing to leave the loading station)
At first, I was pretty upset about not having a job, naturally. With 2 small kids and a ton of other bills to pay, only having one income was pretty scary. 2 days after being let go, Krista and I travelled home to Brampton to be there for my best friend Courtney, as he got married to a wonderful woman, Ashley. I was able to forget, for the most part, that I had just lost my job and was facing the undesirable task of searching for a new one.
My dad had taught me at a young age that I should never leave a job unless I had another one lined up beforehand. Well, I was kind of blindsided by this so I wasn't prepared. I figured that through the course of the last 4 years in a sales role that I had made enough contacts with the right people that would land me employment by the end of the first week. Nope!
OK.
(Climbing the first big hill)
On day 1 of the first week I had faxed off and sent out a bunch of resumes and actually heard back from one industrial company. Good start! I was set to meet with them in the second week but I still got out there and applied for more jobs. Even going as low as applying for a job that paid just over $10 an hour. I figured I wasn't making any money at this point so even that would be an improvement. I went into that interview knowing I would get the job. I would've been offered the position but I was "over qualified" for being a call centre rep.. I totally agree with that statement. I have been in various roles throughout my working life and call centre rep was not my first choice as a job.
I am 30! Not 20!
I had never in my life been referred to another job while in an interview before but the recruiter sent me over to another local business that she knew was in need of someone and would pay what I was more suited to. To date, even though they were very eager to have me, I still haven't heard back from them.
(Heading into the first loop)
Oh well.
20 more applications and dozens of emails more I was still without a job. (This is now week 3).
(Climbing hill #2)
Krista and I had said that if I didn't have a job by the end of March that then we would start to worry. It was fast approaching.
(Down the steep slope screaming with my arms up)
I did, however, have a job lined up! With the aforementioned industrial company. They really want me to work for them. Considering I just came from an industrial supply company and had many contacts from that. Here's the thing; they are a small business. They can apply for the small business hiring credit from the Government.
First, I needed to qualify.
Was I collecting EI? No.
Had I applied for EI in the past 52 weeks? No
Great! I qualify.
Now their turn.
They do.
Awesome!
(Through the loops)
Now I need to drive back to North Bay and meet with an employment agency to get the ball rolling to be able to get this government funding. (This is twice in 2 weeks that I go up there)
Long story short, the employment agency applied for the wrong funding on the industrial company's behalf and it was denied!
Damn!
Now they will reapply under a different government program but they don't think it will be approved until early May!
You've got to be kidding me.
This company is so excited to hire me, or so I am told, that they can't wait for the funding to be approved, but they won't hire me until they hear back. They want me so bad, but they're going to wait! I have been trying to get a hold of the owner, whom I had met with each time I went up there and he said that he wants me to run the local store here in town. I have been calling and calling to get this ball rolling about getting him to hire me. He had told me previously that he had a salary figure in his head that included the funding and that we would discuss it once we heard. I wanted to talk to him and discuss it now and negotiate a salary that didn't take into account the funding. Basically, I want to get to work!
(Up and Down!)
He makes custom hydraulic hoses all day as part of the company's slogan. "Custom hoses while you wait." He must be making one hell of a hose because it has literally been 2 weeks since my last call, and he was making a hose then, and the day after that when I called again.
(Going up the last hill and seeing the horizon)
But...
I am pleased to report that I have received a job offer and have decided to take it!
**Cue fireworks and cheering!
It is with a local business in the financial industry. I had never in a million years thought that I would be working in the financial industry but hey, a job is a job!
I couldn't be more thrilled. I will get to go back to work and collect a salary and not worry (so much) about the bills.
(Down the last hill onto the long straight away)
Unlike my 2 previous jobs, I will get to go to an office and stay there all day long! To most of you you're probably thinking that that is no big deal, but to me it is amazing. You see. I have had the (mis)fortune of having to drive around all day every day for the last 4 years to see customers. Puts a big dent in the wallet. Now, a tank of gas can last me a month because my new job is only 9 km away from home.
(Return to station)
Although, at the end of this ride I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna say to Krista, "let's do that again!"
DH
(Preparing to leave the loading station)
At first, I was pretty upset about not having a job, naturally. With 2 small kids and a ton of other bills to pay, only having one income was pretty scary. 2 days after being let go, Krista and I travelled home to Brampton to be there for my best friend Courtney, as he got married to a wonderful woman, Ashley. I was able to forget, for the most part, that I had just lost my job and was facing the undesirable task of searching for a new one.
My dad had taught me at a young age that I should never leave a job unless I had another one lined up beforehand. Well, I was kind of blindsided by this so I wasn't prepared. I figured that through the course of the last 4 years in a sales role that I had made enough contacts with the right people that would land me employment by the end of the first week. Nope!
OK.
(Climbing the first big hill)
On day 1 of the first week I had faxed off and sent out a bunch of resumes and actually heard back from one industrial company. Good start! I was set to meet with them in the second week but I still got out there and applied for more jobs. Even going as low as applying for a job that paid just over $10 an hour. I figured I wasn't making any money at this point so even that would be an improvement. I went into that interview knowing I would get the job. I would've been offered the position but I was "over qualified" for being a call centre rep.. I totally agree with that statement. I have been in various roles throughout my working life and call centre rep was not my first choice as a job.
I am 30! Not 20!
I had never in my life been referred to another job while in an interview before but the recruiter sent me over to another local business that she knew was in need of someone and would pay what I was more suited to. To date, even though they were very eager to have me, I still haven't heard back from them.
(Heading into the first loop)
Oh well.
20 more applications and dozens of emails more I was still without a job. (This is now week 3).
(Climbing hill #2)
Krista and I had said that if I didn't have a job by the end of March that then we would start to worry. It was fast approaching.
(Down the steep slope screaming with my arms up)
I did, however, have a job lined up! With the aforementioned industrial company. They really want me to work for them. Considering I just came from an industrial supply company and had many contacts from that. Here's the thing; they are a small business. They can apply for the small business hiring credit from the Government.
First, I needed to qualify.
Was I collecting EI? No.
Had I applied for EI in the past 52 weeks? No
Great! I qualify.
Now their turn.
They do.
Awesome!
(Through the loops)
Now I need to drive back to North Bay and meet with an employment agency to get the ball rolling to be able to get this government funding. (This is twice in 2 weeks that I go up there)
Long story short, the employment agency applied for the wrong funding on the industrial company's behalf and it was denied!
Damn!
Now they will reapply under a different government program but they don't think it will be approved until early May!
You've got to be kidding me.
This company is so excited to hire me, or so I am told, that they can't wait for the funding to be approved, but they won't hire me until they hear back. They want me so bad, but they're going to wait! I have been trying to get a hold of the owner, whom I had met with each time I went up there and he said that he wants me to run the local store here in town. I have been calling and calling to get this ball rolling about getting him to hire me. He had told me previously that he had a salary figure in his head that included the funding and that we would discuss it once we heard. I wanted to talk to him and discuss it now and negotiate a salary that didn't take into account the funding. Basically, I want to get to work!
(Up and Down!)
He makes custom hydraulic hoses all day as part of the company's slogan. "Custom hoses while you wait." He must be making one hell of a hose because it has literally been 2 weeks since my last call, and he was making a hose then, and the day after that when I called again.
(Going up the last hill and seeing the horizon)
But...
I am pleased to report that I have received a job offer and have decided to take it!
**Cue fireworks and cheering!
It is with a local business in the financial industry. I had never in a million years thought that I would be working in the financial industry but hey, a job is a job!
I couldn't be more thrilled. I will get to go back to work and collect a salary and not worry (so much) about the bills.
(Down the last hill onto the long straight away)
Unlike my 2 previous jobs, I will get to go to an office and stay there all day long! To most of you you're probably thinking that that is no big deal, but to me it is amazing. You see. I have had the (mis)fortune of having to drive around all day every day for the last 4 years to see customers. Puts a big dent in the wallet. Now, a tank of gas can last me a month because my new job is only 9 km away from home.
(Return to station)
Although, at the end of this ride I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna say to Krista, "let's do that again!"
DH
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Vacation in D.R.
What to say about Republica Dominicana that hasn't been said already?!? It's absolutely amazing that I after I get there, I have no interest in taking my vacation is any other destination.
We first started our trip by booking a hotel in Ottawa for the night before because we found out last year that "sleeping" at home then driving to the airport at midnight really didn't work out for us because, although we were in the Dominican, our first day was pretty well a right off because we were dog tired.
So, even having a few more hours (minutes) of sleep was very helpful.
Our friends, Brian and Nicole Walters, had decided the week before we were set to leave, that they would also come to the Dominican with us; this made for a few very stressful days as we all tried to book an all inclusive for them at our resort but we were told that the Majestic Elegance was all sold out. Long story short, they were able to book into the Riu Palace Punta Cana, which Krista and I remember from last year, was being built in January 2011. So it was new and they apparently had only 1 room left, which Brian and Nicole got. We checked it out and it was very beautiful. Being such a "young" resort, the scenery wasn't grown yet, meaning there was no grass and the shrubs and palm trees were still growing and in a year or 2 it will look even more beautiful than it was when we were there.
The Majestic Elegance.
WOW!!!
As soon as we arrived at our resort, after dropping others off at theirs, we were immediately met by the bellmen and the hotel concierge who ushered us into the Elegance Club private check-in where we received our "Welcome" drink exclusive to that resort. Surprisingly it was called the "Majestic." Tasted like an orange creamsicle and we would indulge in at least one of those per day.
After the check in, we walked through the extremely large lobby that had the most amazing staircase I have ever seen. It was so nice that I immediately thought that this place was too expensive for us to be there.(The staircase is on the left).
Junior, our butler, took us on a tour of the grounds and because we had arrived 45 mins early, our room wasn't ready. So we had lunch at the See by the Sea beachfront restaurant. Now, you need to remember that we had just left frigid Ottawa about 5 hours before and now we were beachfront eating lunch. Hot by comparison. So the beer went down really well.
Lunch was over and Junior toured us a bit more. Showed us the beach, Elegance club only pools and lounge. After taking us into the air conditioned lounge he led us to our junior suite. Granite floor, dual sinks, walk in shower, fully stocked mini bar, in room jacuzzi, 4 post bed, living room, dual closets, and a flat screen plasma tv.
Heaven!?!
Last year when we visited R.D. we had such a hell of a time getting a room that we didn't get to enjoy our first day there but not this time. It was only 2:15pm and we were heading to the beach. We had said to Brian and Nicole before we left that around 3:30 we would head to the beach and turn right and start walking because their resort was down that way. They in turn would turn left and we'd meet in the middle. The looks on their faces when we met up with them was priceless. From what I understand, they had not been anywhere on a trip together besides their honeymoon. They loved it so much that after being there for only a few hours they had said that they think this could become an annual thing.
By this time I was about 10 beers deep.
Krista and I walked back to have dinner, neither of us was able to eat at the others resort so we always broke for dinner until the next day. I managed to make it back to the room and decided that at this point in time, I would become a scotch drinker as there was a bottle of Johnny Walker red Label in our room. Not such a good idea. As I was "walking" out of the room, Krista was coming back from the Elegance lounge and asked me what I was doing so I told her I was going to get some ice for my glass. Did she ever laugh at me. I sauntered back to the room and poured myself some took a sip then dumped the rest of the glass. I don't know what overcame me to think that I would like it but hey, why not try?!?
Dinner was a blur and so was the walk back. (18 beers and a sip of scotch probably helped that). I maintain it was because of not enough sleep that made me so drunk so I went to "sleep" at 8:30pm.
No hangover?!? They are not allowed in the Dominican!
The rest of the trip would be more of the same, except for the amount of booze consumed each day. We would walk up and down the beach and meet up with Brian and Nicole and we'd break for dinner. Some days we'd drink more than others, never getting as bad as that first day. The scotch experiment did not continue.
Just at our resort we must have seen 8 or 9 different weddings taking place, all of which triggered Kristas "allergies." (We say allergies when things get us choked up with emotion). The first one had the biggest "allergic reaction" to her because she immediately thought of my sister StephaniesHallihan.
The Melia Caribe Tropical will never be the same after we get there!
You would think that in a place like Punta Cana, you would never be ready to leave but since the children weren't with us, we were actually ready to leave.
All in all, a fantastic trip! We had a lot of laughs with each other, we were able to spend it with friends that we love, saw my coach from my Waterloo Twins days, and met new friends while we were there. (Krista called me "Dave", my fathers name, on more than 1 occasion, because I would talk to anybody).
Now we have time to focus on our own wedding in December of this year, then back to our home-away-from-home, Punta Cana, Domincan Republic for Steph and Mikes in 2013. Can hardly wait!
DH
We first started our trip by booking a hotel in Ottawa for the night before because we found out last year that "sleeping" at home then driving to the airport at midnight really didn't work out for us because, although we were in the Dominican, our first day was pretty well a right off because we were dog tired.
So, even having a few more hours (minutes) of sleep was very helpful.
Our friends, Brian and Nicole Walters, had decided the week before we were set to leave, that they would also come to the Dominican with us; this made for a few very stressful days as we all tried to book an all inclusive for them at our resort but we were told that the Majestic Elegance was all sold out. Long story short, they were able to book into the Riu Palace Punta Cana, which Krista and I remember from last year, was being built in January 2011. So it was new and they apparently had only 1 room left, which Brian and Nicole got. We checked it out and it was very beautiful. Being such a "young" resort, the scenery wasn't grown yet, meaning there was no grass and the shrubs and palm trees were still growing and in a year or 2 it will look even more beautiful than it was when we were there.
The Majestic Elegance.
WOW!!!
As soon as we arrived at our resort, after dropping others off at theirs, we were immediately met by the bellmen and the hotel concierge who ushered us into the Elegance Club private check-in where we received our "Welcome" drink exclusive to that resort. Surprisingly it was called the "Majestic." Tasted like an orange creamsicle and we would indulge in at least one of those per day.
After the check in, we walked through the extremely large lobby that had the most amazing staircase I have ever seen. It was so nice that I immediately thought that this place was too expensive for us to be there.(The staircase is on the left).
Junior, our butler, took us on a tour of the grounds and because we had arrived 45 mins early, our room wasn't ready. So we had lunch at the See by the Sea beachfront restaurant. Now, you need to remember that we had just left frigid Ottawa about 5 hours before and now we were beachfront eating lunch. Hot by comparison. So the beer went down really well.
Lunch was over and Junior toured us a bit more. Showed us the beach, Elegance club only pools and lounge. After taking us into the air conditioned lounge he led us to our junior suite. Granite floor, dual sinks, walk in shower, fully stocked mini bar, in room jacuzzi, 4 post bed, living room, dual closets, and a flat screen plasma tv.
Heaven!?!
Last year when we visited R.D. we had such a hell of a time getting a room that we didn't get to enjoy our first day there but not this time. It was only 2:15pm and we were heading to the beach. We had said to Brian and Nicole before we left that around 3:30 we would head to the beach and turn right and start walking because their resort was down that way. They in turn would turn left and we'd meet in the middle. The looks on their faces when we met up with them was priceless. From what I understand, they had not been anywhere on a trip together besides their honeymoon. They loved it so much that after being there for only a few hours they had said that they think this could become an annual thing.
By this time I was about 10 beers deep.
Krista and I walked back to have dinner, neither of us was able to eat at the others resort so we always broke for dinner until the next day. I managed to make it back to the room and decided that at this point in time, I would become a scotch drinker as there was a bottle of Johnny Walker red Label in our room. Not such a good idea. As I was "walking" out of the room, Krista was coming back from the Elegance lounge and asked me what I was doing so I told her I was going to get some ice for my glass. Did she ever laugh at me. I sauntered back to the room and poured myself some took a sip then dumped the rest of the glass. I don't know what overcame me to think that I would like it but hey, why not try?!?
Dinner was a blur and so was the walk back. (18 beers and a sip of scotch probably helped that). I maintain it was because of not enough sleep that made me so drunk so I went to "sleep" at 8:30pm.
No hangover?!? They are not allowed in the Dominican!
The rest of the trip would be more of the same, except for the amount of booze consumed each day. We would walk up and down the beach and meet up with Brian and Nicole and we'd break for dinner. Some days we'd drink more than others, never getting as bad as that first day. The scotch experiment did not continue.
Just at our resort we must have seen 8 or 9 different weddings taking place, all of which triggered Kristas "allergies." (We say allergies when things get us choked up with emotion). The first one had the biggest "allergic reaction" to her because she immediately thought of my sister StephaniesHallihan.
The Melia Caribe Tropical will never be the same after we get there!
You would think that in a place like Punta Cana, you would never be ready to leave but since the children weren't with us, we were actually ready to leave.
All in all, a fantastic trip! We had a lot of laughs with each other, we were able to spend it with friends that we love, saw my coach from my Waterloo Twins days, and met new friends while we were there. (Krista called me "Dave", my fathers name, on more than 1 occasion, because I would talk to anybody).
Now we have time to focus on our own wedding in December of this year, then back to our home-away-from-home, Punta Cana, Domincan Republic for Steph and Mikes in 2013. Can hardly wait!
DH
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Oilers Thoughts
While watching the Edmonton Oilers game tonight I couldn't help but ask myself how a team can be so dependant on 3 players under the age of 22 and what about getting offense from other sources.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (18) is second in points on the club and this is only his first season in the NHL. Out with a left shoulder injury, the Oilers desperately need him to get healthy and back in the lineup so he can quarterback the power play. (A lot to ask of a "kid" playing against men who, for some, have been in the "show" longer than he has been alive).
Jordan Eberle (21) is the highest point getter on the active Oilers squad. Again, they need him healthy and back in the lineup as soon as possible to quarterback, well, everything! He puts pucks in the net and dishes the puck so others can score, which Edmonton desperately needs.
Taylor Hall (19) has been the saving grace lately purely based on the fact that he is on the ice and doing what he can to help keep them in the game. Watching the game vs. the New Jersey Devils tonight, he is by far and away been the best Oiler on the ice. Creating chances with his speed and his dangling ability has had me on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion.
The management have to notice that all the years of "rebuilding" are working, but they are only working when all 3 of these guys are healthy and playing hockey night in and night out. The rest of the Oilers have got to be better or they will be consistently in the running for the first overall draft pick.
I heard a stat tonight that Eric Belanger only has 1 goal and 10 points in 41 games. I'm sorry, but your 3rd line centre needs to produce more than 0.24 points a game.
Magnus Paajarvi is having an identity crisis. He isn't sure if he is a playmaker or a scorer. I would wager that if he is paired with some other guys that already have their roles figured out, he would be much more productive.
Ales Hemsky. I find it hard to watch him play hockey. It appears that he couldn't care less if he got another shot on net, another goal, assist or shift for that matter. I'm sure that he has the "A" on his sweater because he is a good teammate and maybe a good leader in the dressing room, but if they base any of it on the play on the ice, then he should get an "F".
I was so frustrated by the lack of offensive production that I went on the Oklahoma City Barons website and searched for Linus Omark. Surely he would be able to provide some offensive production. Nope! Broken ankle. Coupled on top of the fact that he isn`t happy being in the minors and threatens to opt out of his contract and head back to Europe where he can play professional hockey in the Swedish Elite League or KHL.
Do the Oilers have a hate on for Omark because of the celebrity brought on by his shootout creativity or do they just not see that he can be an NHLer? They obviously know more than I do about the ins and outs, but when he gets healthy they should at least give him a shot.
Hell, they only had 23 tonight!
DH
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (18) is second in points on the club and this is only his first season in the NHL. Out with a left shoulder injury, the Oilers desperately need him to get healthy and back in the lineup so he can quarterback the power play. (A lot to ask of a "kid" playing against men who, for some, have been in the "show" longer than he has been alive).
Jordan Eberle (21) is the highest point getter on the active Oilers squad. Again, they need him healthy and back in the lineup as soon as possible to quarterback, well, everything! He puts pucks in the net and dishes the puck so others can score, which Edmonton desperately needs.
Taylor Hall (19) has been the saving grace lately purely based on the fact that he is on the ice and doing what he can to help keep them in the game. Watching the game vs. the New Jersey Devils tonight, he is by far and away been the best Oiler on the ice. Creating chances with his speed and his dangling ability has had me on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion.
The management have to notice that all the years of "rebuilding" are working, but they are only working when all 3 of these guys are healthy and playing hockey night in and night out. The rest of the Oilers have got to be better or they will be consistently in the running for the first overall draft pick.
I heard a stat tonight that Eric Belanger only has 1 goal and 10 points in 41 games. I'm sorry, but your 3rd line centre needs to produce more than 0.24 points a game.
Magnus Paajarvi is having an identity crisis. He isn't sure if he is a playmaker or a scorer. I would wager that if he is paired with some other guys that already have their roles figured out, he would be much more productive.
Ales Hemsky. I find it hard to watch him play hockey. It appears that he couldn't care less if he got another shot on net, another goal, assist or shift for that matter. I'm sure that he has the "A" on his sweater because he is a good teammate and maybe a good leader in the dressing room, but if they base any of it on the play on the ice, then he should get an "F".
I was so frustrated by the lack of offensive production that I went on the Oklahoma City Barons website and searched for Linus Omark. Surely he would be able to provide some offensive production. Nope! Broken ankle. Coupled on top of the fact that he isn`t happy being in the minors and threatens to opt out of his contract and head back to Europe where he can play professional hockey in the Swedish Elite League or KHL.
Do the Oilers have a hate on for Omark because of the celebrity brought on by his shootout creativity or do they just not see that he can be an NHLer? They obviously know more than I do about the ins and outs, but when he gets healthy they should at least give him a shot.
Hell, they only had 23 tonight!
DH
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Randomness
So, as I mentioned before I am a huge New Orleans Saints fan and the world pretty much stops whenever there is a Saints game on. Yesterday was no different.
Up early and waited patiently all day for the game to start. It was like I was getting ready to play the game myself when obviously, I have nothing to do with the outcome of the game.
Krista couldn't have been any more supportive with this. The game started and she knew that disrupting me wouldn't have been good for anyone.
We had a really nice saturday also.
Krista and I are heading to the sand and sun in about 2 and a half weeks and there were some things that we still needed before we left so we headed to dollarama for little presents for the maids. She/ we like to do this because the maids don't have much and they work for next to nothing. It's a nice way of saying thanks for all that they do for us while we are there. If you've ever been on vacation in the D.R. you know how poor these people are and you can appreciate the finer things that we as Canadians are afforded, so spending the money on little items that we take for granted but mean the world to them is no big deal and we are more than happy to do it.
Then some groceries were needed as Connor was due home from Florida today so we needed to get a few things to make sure we could feed him. And we got some more little things for our trip. For us this time.
A couple more stops and then we were headed home. We headed into Zellers for literally, 12 mins, and when we went into the store the roads were clear and dry the air was not warm but it was warmer than it has been lately. After our little stop we walked out and were shocked to see that it was blizzard like conditions. We were in awe of it all but we were close to home so it didn't really matter.
The game was only a few hours away and I had some time to kill so I did what any normal, fan would do; laundry. Oh yes, what a magical evening of laundry. I felt like Sheldon from the Big Bang theory. Saturday evening was spent pre-sorting and pre-soaking.
Then, finally, the game started. 8:07pm EST. The first half was pretty forgettable and I was upset about the play selection and execution but that's my problem as a fan. It wasn't like I could call Sean Payton and tell them to throw the ball because that is what their strengths are. Drew Brees didn't set all those records this year by handing the ball off. Just sayin'.
Then the second half was more like Saints football. 6 possessions and 5 touchdowns. the only reason they didn't go 6 for 6 was because they called Drew Brees' favourite play on the Detroit 2 yd line; QB Kneel. I was more than happy to see that they were classy enough not to run up the score on the Lions.
Give credit where credit is due, Matthew Stafford and Lions will be a force to reckon with in the years to come. Especially if they can keep Stafford and Megatron together and get a more efficient run game going. They will be the class of the NFC North.
I mean, the only thing I was really concerned with yesterday was if Calvin Johnson was going to score on every pass from Stafford. He ended up with 200+ yds in a losing effort. Say what you want, but that's a good day.
Now it's off to the West Coast and prepare for the SF 49ers. Should be a good game. I'll be watching that's for sure.
Who Dat!!!
Up early and waited patiently all day for the game to start. It was like I was getting ready to play the game myself when obviously, I have nothing to do with the outcome of the game.
Krista couldn't have been any more supportive with this. The game started and she knew that disrupting me wouldn't have been good for anyone.
We had a really nice saturday also.
Krista and I are heading to the sand and sun in about 2 and a half weeks and there were some things that we still needed before we left so we headed to dollarama for little presents for the maids. She/ we like to do this because the maids don't have much and they work for next to nothing. It's a nice way of saying thanks for all that they do for us while we are there. If you've ever been on vacation in the D.R. you know how poor these people are and you can appreciate the finer things that we as Canadians are afforded, so spending the money on little items that we take for granted but mean the world to them is no big deal and we are more than happy to do it.
Then some groceries were needed as Connor was due home from Florida today so we needed to get a few things to make sure we could feed him. And we got some more little things for our trip. For us this time.
A couple more stops and then we were headed home. We headed into Zellers for literally, 12 mins, and when we went into the store the roads were clear and dry the air was not warm but it was warmer than it has been lately. After our little stop we walked out and were shocked to see that it was blizzard like conditions. We were in awe of it all but we were close to home so it didn't really matter.
The game was only a few hours away and I had some time to kill so I did what any normal, fan would do; laundry. Oh yes, what a magical evening of laundry. I felt like Sheldon from the Big Bang theory. Saturday evening was spent pre-sorting and pre-soaking.
Then, finally, the game started. 8:07pm EST. The first half was pretty forgettable and I was upset about the play selection and execution but that's my problem as a fan. It wasn't like I could call Sean Payton and tell them to throw the ball because that is what their strengths are. Drew Brees didn't set all those records this year by handing the ball off. Just sayin'.
Then the second half was more like Saints football. 6 possessions and 5 touchdowns. the only reason they didn't go 6 for 6 was because they called Drew Brees' favourite play on the Detroit 2 yd line; QB Kneel. I was more than happy to see that they were classy enough not to run up the score on the Lions.
Give credit where credit is due, Matthew Stafford and Lions will be a force to reckon with in the years to come. Especially if they can keep Stafford and Megatron together and get a more efficient run game going. They will be the class of the NFC North.
I mean, the only thing I was really concerned with yesterday was if Calvin Johnson was going to score on every pass from Stafford. He ended up with 200+ yds in a losing effort. Say what you want, but that's a good day.
Now it's off to the West Coast and prepare for the SF 49ers. Should be a good game. I'll be watching that's for sure.
Who Dat!!!
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Genesis
Happy New Year!
And it should be a good one.
Many big things happening for me and my family this year; we will have 2 new "Nifty 50" year olds joining us this year as well a baby and a wedding.
So as you can imagine, big plans for some big parties for the Hathways this year.
Our first 50'er will be my Aunt in April. If I know her, and I do, this will be a booze fest at which no one will be safe. (Thank goodness that there is no 'bitch slap' initiations for this achievement).
Next up on the schedule should be the welcoming of the newest Hathway in Illinois. My older brother and his wide are expecting their third child this year and as much as we love the 2 girls that they already have, we are hoping for a boy. Don't get me wrong, if I were to be blessed with another niece I would be extremely happy; but for the sake of my brothers sanity, he needs another boy in the house. Hell, even the dog is female!
Then, Uncle Rick turns 50. I have a personal goal of making his belly button talk this year whilst feeding him a steady diet of rye and ginger. I'm positive he won't mind!
Finally, the Wedding!
As some of you may know, I was engaged previously and before I made the biggest mistake one could make in marrying the wrong person, I found my match! The one who is absolutely "it" for me. The one I could not be without. My very best friend and the person that keeps me going day in and day out.
My Krista!
She had said to me on a number of occasions that if she wanted to get married that she would be the one to ask me, something that has become more common in recent years, women proposing to men. So on one evening after which I spent the majority of the day in meetings with my boss, I was none the wiser as to what was about to happen. She walks in the house and because I was in the office working, she had to make the journey, I'm sure she was nervous about it, up the stairs and come and see me. After a few meaningless words in which nothing was really said, she popped the question. Of course I said yes, because after all, I was planning on asking her to do the same.
Anyway, long story short, we have set the date to be married on December 12, 2012 (that's 12/12/12 for those of you following at home). Mont-Tremblant, QC will never be the same.
A few other things that must be said before we continue.
I am a huge New Orleans Saints and Edmonton Oilers fan. Hopefully that doesn't skew your view of me.
I love to cook and am always thinking of new things to make for me and my family.
And finally, I say what I mean and I mean what I say. I trust that you'll be able to handle that.
Until next time,
DH
And it should be a good one.
Many big things happening for me and my family this year; we will have 2 new "Nifty 50" year olds joining us this year as well a baby and a wedding.
So as you can imagine, big plans for some big parties for the Hathways this year.
Our first 50'er will be my Aunt in April. If I know her, and I do, this will be a booze fest at which no one will be safe. (Thank goodness that there is no 'bitch slap' initiations for this achievement).
Next up on the schedule should be the welcoming of the newest Hathway in Illinois. My older brother and his wide are expecting their third child this year and as much as we love the 2 girls that they already have, we are hoping for a boy. Don't get me wrong, if I were to be blessed with another niece I would be extremely happy; but for the sake of my brothers sanity, he needs another boy in the house. Hell, even the dog is female!
Then, Uncle Rick turns 50. I have a personal goal of making his belly button talk this year whilst feeding him a steady diet of rye and ginger. I'm positive he won't mind!
Finally, the Wedding!
As some of you may know, I was engaged previously and before I made the biggest mistake one could make in marrying the wrong person, I found my match! The one who is absolutely "it" for me. The one I could not be without. My very best friend and the person that keeps me going day in and day out.
My Krista!
She had said to me on a number of occasions that if she wanted to get married that she would be the one to ask me, something that has become more common in recent years, women proposing to men. So on one evening after which I spent the majority of the day in meetings with my boss, I was none the wiser as to what was about to happen. She walks in the house and because I was in the office working, she had to make the journey, I'm sure she was nervous about it, up the stairs and come and see me. After a few meaningless words in which nothing was really said, she popped the question. Of course I said yes, because after all, I was planning on asking her to do the same.
Anyway, long story short, we have set the date to be married on December 12, 2012 (that's 12/12/12 for those of you following at home). Mont-Tremblant, QC will never be the same.
A few other things that must be said before we continue.
I am a huge New Orleans Saints and Edmonton Oilers fan. Hopefully that doesn't skew your view of me.
I love to cook and am always thinking of new things to make for me and my family.
And finally, I say what I mean and I mean what I say. I trust that you'll be able to handle that.
Until next time,
DH
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