New Blog, End of this one

Hey folks I'll make this short and sweet. Since moving my website to Dream Host, I've moved my blog there as well:

http://www.danielgranttaylor.com/tales/

Broadening Horizons

For the past few years my routine has consisted of going to work, coming home, play some games and sleep. Although this is a decent routine, really it's not very fulfilling, satisfying nor even very creative.

After putting some thought into it I started wondering what I could do to change up
my thinking style a bit, maybe improve some fine motor skills or even just have something to do if the TV is being used by someone else.

It seems that the universe has a way of prodding you in certain directions. After having pondered this for a few weeks, on the same day two distinct things happened which prompted me to take on two new hobbies.

First, at work, a comment was made about handwriting. Mine sucks, however, I remembered I used to do Calligraphy and it was an enjoyable past time. Plus it had the added bonus of being incredibly fulfilling as it was a way to improve on a major communication / work flow fault AND allows for creativity and structure at the same time.

Later that day I picked up Heavy Rain for the PS3. Inside the box came a square of paper with no instructions. During the install screen, the game showed you how to make an Origami crane. I enjoyed ths immensely because in some ways it's like a logic puzzle, but is more of a creative art which requires deft handling of the paper to not rip it and to get it into the shape you want through folding only.

I now have an Origami Kabuto Helmet and Whale at my desk at work and a practice calligraphy kit from chapters. I'll let you know how the Calligraphy goes.

A Random Thought on Athletics

Why is it that as a society, we generally treat athletes as though their, pardon the phrase, "shit don't stink"?

I mean looking at the list of newest additions to The Order of Canada, Mario Lemmieux? Seriously?? He was a great hockey player, that is undeniable (although I really didn't like watching him play). Yet, what did he do to prove he "desires a better country" other than leave Canada? If that is ALL one has to do to earn the Order of Canada, let me get a job in Philly and I'm a shoe in for the next induction.

Or is it because he brought a Stanley Cup to Pittsburgh? If so, Crosby should be inducted already, along with Malkin, etc. Hell once the Leafs finally win a cup I'll expect to see the entire team inducted.

Another gripe on this line: The RBC ads about "putting athletes first since 19??" I mean why should I keep my money in their bank then just so I can be a second class citizen to some people who happen to be good at sports?

At this rate I'd be tempted to ground my children if they touched a book instead of working on their slapshot. Except I'd rather have intelligent kids.

A Happy New Year

So here it is, the new year and the *LAST* year of the decade. So what will 2010 bring? Here's hoping that at some point many things will seem a whole lot clearer and / or go a little smoother.

Being realistic though, if some things are smoother or clearer, others become
murkier and rougher. It's just the way life is.

Given the changes at work in the last few months of 2009, I can't help but think the first few months of 2010 will be very, very interesting. With just two people on my team to start the year and four projects to design and estimate, the next few weeks are almost guaranteed to be busy as hell.

This will definitely bring the need for time management and figuring out ways to work smarter for the new year. How to do this and what will be the most efficient way to proceed, however, is what is still to be determined.

Enough about work though. I think it's time for the perennial list of new years resolutions. Why? Because it's my blog and I feel like it.

1. Spend less money on games.


2. Exercise in a consistent fashion


3. Eat at least a little healthier


4. Figure out what to do with my career

That's all for now. Happy New Year and Blessed Be.

Christmas Spirit

Just a random question / thought. At the time of year, when we are all supposed to be most caring, forgiving and understanding of one another, do people's attitudes go right to $#!@?

It's odd, going grocery shopping and a young boy with some special needs asking an older (60ish) "gentleman" if he would like to buy some chocolate, and the "man" ripping a strip off the poor boy.

Consequently, however, two women bought chocolate off the boy who might have otherwise just said no thank you and walked on by. Why did it even set the guy off though?

Why, when going into stores in the holidays is one more likely to be shoved and hit, than politely asked to move?

Just random thoughts on a random day.

To Aunt Phyl

I didn't have the privilege of knowing you for anywhere near long enough. The time I have known you, however, it was clear what a remarkable, strong, genuine and caring woman you were.

I don't think there was a time I saw you where you didn't favour me at least once with that smile that was so full of life.

I remember every visit and the stories you would tell of your family. Your pride in them was evident from our first meeting. It was also evident that you were the rock and the soul of that family.

You've just passed but you're missed dearly. In time we will find our own ways as you would have wanted. But for now there is a void left that I'd Aunt Phyl shaped but larger than life.

Thank you so much for having been a part of my family and allowing me the honour and privilege of being part of yours. I will never meet another woman like you but I will always remember you.

With love, joy at having known you, grief at your passing and happiness knowing the full life you lived,

Dan

A Day Of D&D

So today should prove to be interesting. I'm driving to London on a Sunday in order to participate in a D&D game being run by a team member from work.

The general background of my character is a dearven berserker who's on the run foul tempered and has changed his name to something that sticks out more than a sword through a Kender (yes I am a dork). My actual participation came about because Richard needed someone to stir the pot a little and liven up the group he's playing with.

It's been a long time since I've done this but lets see how it goes. It should be fun either way.