Mon 9th Nov 09, 1.20pm
Apologies for theThe lack of postings, having one of those spells where I'm reacting to immediate needs. The most pressing need has been to update my VMWare certification. I attended the 2-day update course -- the main benefit of being a permy -- then crammed like a saddo over the weekend, before taking the exam on the quiet.
The bad news for anyone needing to take is that it's a bitch! It's the full exam, and throws a lot of troubleshooting questions at you with subtle traps to catch you out. On the sheet they give you I always set three columns - Safe, Unsure and Dodgy, and tally up how the questions go. After 6 questions I had one safe, three unsure and two dodgy, and my vSphincter was doing an impression of the Japanese flag.
Thankfully on review of all questions I felt a little safer, and on marking got 406, where 300 is the pass point. Phew! There's that feeling of massive relief when you finish these Prometric exams and get the "C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!" screen - you could just kiss the monitor!
So I can now read a novel without feeling guilty. Until December, when I'm planning to start the Windows 2008 exams and it all begins again.
Mon 9th Nov 09, 1pm
Do you ever get those days that don't pan out as you expect? I'm having one of them today.
On the train journey into Wellington I felt an increasing, inexplicable pressure on my back that got more and more painful, to the point I thought I wouldn't make it to the station. I necked some painkillers as soon as I got to work and hoped it would go away, but though the pain subsided the pressure and worry didn't, and found I just couldn't concentrate, Didn't help that this coincides with one of those Anti-Midas days when everything you touch turns to sh*t. I cut my losses and came home while I coul.
I'm now sat on the couch feeling like a right Wuss, not feeling any pain thanks to being doped up, but not looking forward to how I'm going to feel once they wear off.
Colleagues weren't helping, diagnosing me as having kidney stones and telling me in graphic detail the living hell the next few days will be. Damnit! Don't they realise I can't cope with pain?!
I'm taking to my sickbed until it passes. Literally.
Mon 2nd Nov 09, 7.30pm
Just been dozing out on the deck, enjoying the evening sunshine with a glass of Merlot. Hope those of you turning up the heating back in the UK have enjoyed your Summer - now it's our turn again! Yippee!!
Have also had confirmation that Mad Uncle Roger has reached these shores safely, no doubt recovering from the trip at Cousin Jack's place. Just hope Quiet Uncle Roger's health is OK and allows them to come over as well. I want as many family members raving about the place to the Oldies that they get over their fear of leaving the 'Shire and come visit us .... about this time next year would be lovely, ey Dad? ;-)
Mon 2nd Nov 09, 7.30pm
If you've not yet seen the new trailer for James Cameron's new movie, Avatar, then I'd recommend you go to the official website now.
My buddy Wendell's an expert when it comes to film -- he used to review films for a video chain back in SA -- and he's drooling at the prospect of seeing this film! I've not seen a really great film since Return of the King, so let's hope this pushes the envelope...
Sunday 1st Nov 09, 5.20pm
What do you get when you bring together the "joy" of ventriloquism with a choir? Erm, this, apparently. Got to at least give props for giving the dummies matching robes ...
Sun 1st Nov 09, 5pm
Oh boy, not a good week for Hull City :-
- Nil nil bore draw at home to luckless and hopeless Portsmouth.
- An audit report shows we're heavily in debt and could go under if -- when? -- we're relegated.
- Director Paul Duffen stands down to be replaced by our previous director Adam Pearson
- Investigations to be undertaken into shady dealings with the sale of Michael Turner to Sunderland.
- Lose again against new boys Burnley.
It's all going wrong in a Leeds stylie. Ah well, at least we had the good times ... plus it's not as though the useless Kiwi Sky Sports ever bother playing Hull matches :-(
Wed 28th Oct 09, 11pm
The boys in blue really look after us over here in Aotearoa ...
Mon 19th Oct 09, 10.50am
Wor Lass has told me I have to put this new advert up on the blog. As one of the few people in my social circle not succumbing to parenthood I find this quite disgusting, but I'm sure my Sis -- and cuzzie Jack, Apples et al -- will have a chuckle at this advert. Poo pockets indeed!