Campus Maps

Today I needed to find a map of the buildings on the various Microsoft campuses. You'd think this type of thing would be easier to find. A little google, and I was off to some random fellows blog (http://www.jeff-barr.com/?p=200) for links to the maps.

Now, I'm extremely grateful to this gentleman for posting the links. It was very helpful. The thing that annoyed me is why I have to bounce through some random blog to find the data that is actually hosted by Microsoft itself.

Apparently, they haven't properly tagged or linked or whatever their own content so that a Google (or Live) search for Microsoft Campus Maps returns the page with the maps on it. Why is that?

I suppose there is some ambiguous security thing or some such for making it less accessible, but puh-leez. If it is accessible at all then it is accessible! So you might as well make it easy and win some points for the legit users instead of trying to confound the supposedly inept illegitimate users.

Alternatively, they might just be lazy or incompetent. They are a fairly large organization, and Occam's Razor is still sharp.

Whirlwind

This past week has just been a ridiculous whirlwind of experiences. Here's a quick recap:

• Sick on Tuesday.
  
• Vegas on Wednesday.
• Airline canceled the flight, then re-routed through Phoenix on Thursday.
• Sick on Friday.
• Seattle for SeaFair on Saturday.
• Pikes Place Market, ferry ride, and flight to Newport Beach on Sunday.
• Still sick on Monday.

There are many pictures, even more great stories, and some new friends. The best are the great stories which resulted in new friends.

Next up...healing.

That Freakin' Fish!

So it's Monday (again!) and yet again I have to accept the fact that I am just too busy. In an entire weekend, I couldn't find even the small amount of time to go check out the new Finding Nemo ride at Disneyland.

Okay, so that might strike you as an odd way to measure the success of a weekend, but it works for me.

You see, it isn't just that I am busy, it is the times in which I find myself occupied. If you're out late, you get up late. You get up late, you workout late, and so on. Until finally, you realize it is monday and even the simple things you set out in your mind todo you've completely glossed over.

Surely, I'm not the only one with an unrealized short-term goal? How the heck are the rest of you figuring this out?

Rant over. Back to work. Have a great week, everyone.

Party People

Back in Mumbai again. Lots of work to do and it is easy to do nothing but work here.

Before I left California, I went out with my buddy. It was great to watch him work the room. In this episode he spent 40 minutes chatting up a duet. Inspirational!

After the trip over here, we immediately got down to business under the watchful eyes of management.

Some of us just read the paper.

I missed several days of posting on the blog. But I have written some new topics so check 'em out when you get a chance.

Almost Mediocre Again

These last couple days have been kind of a blur. Too much work, random sleep schedule, cold shivers, sweaty fevers, all around physical grossness, it was just a little much. Not entirely, but partially, I am out of the woods.

Now that I can think more or less with lucidity I will resume my less than stellar ramblings.

Thanks for the support (and the Cipro). ;-)

Mayhem in Mumbai

The whirlwind that is my travel schedule these days found its way to Mumbai in India today. For most of you from the west coast of the United States it will be the middle of the morning when this post goes out. Here in Mumbai it's 3:30 in the afternoon following a wicked flight schedule.

To get things started, our plane was delayed about an hour leaving LAX. Considering that we only had a 70 minute window for our connection in Singapore, this was not boding well for us. We made the connection (barely) but that meant no showers, or downtime at all. We walked off one plane, skipped down 5 gates and jumped on the next one. The first leg is 18 hours, the second leg only 6.

Upon reaching Mumbai we learned that my traveling companion had his bags misplaced by the airline. They were nice enough about it, but that doesn't give you clean clothes to wear now does it?

After finally leaving customs we looked for our customary hotel driver (funny how familiar it all felt this time around) who was nowhere to be found. It turns out there was a mix-up in the schedule and we weren't booked into the hotel until tomorrow. And tonight they were completely full up. Ugh.

We managed to find the Marriott rep and got booked into another Marriott (very sweet). After a much needed bath I'm catching up on my email. It seems like an eternity since I've used my computer. And by computer I mean the internet.

Hopefully tomorrow our driver will locate us, the missing luggage will surface, and we can get down to work. Sure. Whatever happens, it'll be exciting.

Back in the Rain

The last few weeks (months!) I've been blessed to spend my time in very temperate climates...India, Hawaii, Southern California.  This week I'm back in Seattle and loving it.  It was interesting to me how much I brightened up at the idea of coming back to the land of grunge and rain.

Of course, having spent so much time in warmer tempatures I was caught a little by surprise by the volume of rain when I got on the ground.  It wasn't that I didn't remember to bring a jacket.  I actually reminded myself to pull it out of the closet.  Then I promptly left it on the couch in the apartment.

So now, I've been running around in the rain freezing my little tush.

Speaking of which, I saw the movie Babel last night which was possibly the worst movie I have seen since the Thin Red Line.  I wanted to poke my eyes out just to stay awake.  Even the gratuitous use of full frontal nudity (something I would normally applaud) was unable to quell my desire to intellectually vomit.  See this movie at your own risk.

Companionably Alone

Somehow I find myself still on India time.  Not entirely sure if it is the lack of any sleeping schedule this week, the changing timezones enroute to Hawaii, or just my internal clock in mild rebellion.  In any case, even though I am tired and want to sleep, I find myself and watching the Hawaiian sunrise.  Perhaps I don't want to be asleep surrounded by all this? It is very beautiful here. (duh?)

Dawn stretches, yawns, breathes deeply.
Companionably alone I
soak in the sights and sounds of the
seascape surrounding me.
Light illuminates clouds
etches trees and rocks in stark relief.
Thoughts of yesterday, before, and then, are gone,
yielding to the yearning of oceans echo.
There floats a fish,
there sails a ship,
now washes a wave against my mind.

Such a place needs no together.
Meanderingly I arise and alight,
facing the full of day,
companionably alone, content.

I am not sure exactly what made me wax pathetically poetic today.  Perhaps just that overblown sense of appropriate behavior when faced with the magnificence that is such a flagrant vacation destination.  Man, did I ever need this place.  And I needed it even more once I realized that the internet works great from this beach...

The Agra Adventure

Things have been very busy here on the other side of my normal world.  Not only has work been very busy, but I've been managing to get out and enjoy myself a bit as well.

My recent adventure was a trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.  Yes, I was there.  I touched it.  It touched me.

The trip was an interesting excursion across the country driving 5 hours from Dehli with two friends and a driver who didn't speak english.  Our driver tried hard, but it was an uphill battle.  We fell into every tourist trap, but it paid off when our "guide" got us past a two-hour line with a well placed bribe.

I took tons of photos, but more I just looked and looked and soaked it in.  Truly remarkable.

Horn Ok Please

Did you know there is a Hard Rock Cafe in Mumbai?  I didn't before yesterday.  But as of now, I can say I've seen it.

Flying while your sinuses are congested is just a gross way to travel.  For three days I hadn't been able to hear out of my left ear and everything I could hear was only via a weird echo.  That is finally letting up, thanks in no small part to several medications and heaps of self-abuse.

Traveling in this boisterous city continues to be a stew-pot of possibilities and scenarios.  Walking around doing some shopping in the metropolitan area with some friends, some kids tried to hijack my buddy and get his wallet.  One youth grabbed his legs while the other went for the wallet.  There were like four of them and they almost succeeded. I was very amazed at how calmly my friend reacted.  He just pushed them away and kept walking.  This fascinated me.  My own response was very indignant at being acosted in such a manner, and it wasn't even me, I was just watching!  Which doesn't say much for my skills accompanying others does it?  The whole thing took about 5 seconds, but I think I couldn't believe it was happening for the first 3 and during the last three all I could do was glare.  Not much use, am I?

We have definitely seen the happy, festive aspects as well; with beautiful lush trees and greenery, intimidating stone architecture, and the most colorful clothing and attire.  I can't wait to how this place can get more riotous during Diwali. My friend purchased a nice long Kurta (shirt) for me so that I can experience Diwali (the Festival of Lights) more fully.  It was very gracious.

The adventures of the weekend are complete and now it is back to work again.

A Plow-mule for Mumbai

Time was ticking away and I was being a team player.  Never one to gloat I had thoroughly resisted temptation to wave "I told you so" as we morosely rearranged the deck chairs on this Titanic of a project I've been assigned.  Months ago when I was first raising the alarm and doing my best to not be ignored by the management team this exact situation was just a speck on the horizon.  Having a keen sense of weather when it comes to technology I was quick express exactly how big this storm would become.  Deaf ears all around, thank you kindly and please take a seat in the back of the bus.

So I smiled politely and toiled away alongside my compatriots all the while knowing there was little to no chance this particular hurricane would just pass us by.  Now we are in the midst of the storm again.  No rest in sight, but somehow they expect it will all work out.  Were I the vindictive sort or one to hold a grudge all hope would sure be lost.  Good thing for them my intentions are honorable and my heart is bigger than my brain sometimes.

As it stands, I must away to India to bring basic skills and common sense in a hopefully not wasted attempt to triage this sickly, near-death patient.  All the while straining my forbearance as I struggle surrounded by fair-weather friends and forked-tongue deceivers who are neither as clever nor as competent as they presume.  Leadership is about partnership and trust, not control and submission; a sad lesson apparently foreign to the forest in which I now find myself foraging.

The work horse is being trotted out again.  If only I were more to look at I might one day aspire to be misused as a show-pony instead of plow-mule.  The only difference would be the perks afforded me as again advantage is taken which I allow.

Doing something proper always feels nice.  And I sleep soundly.

The India Pictures

At long last the India pictures got posted.  You can find them on tempusfugate.com/img if you want to check them out.

I'll do the best I can to get this weekends pictures posted with all due speed.

Headache in the House

In spending some quiet time to get my head screwed back on after a whirlwind weekend, a quote came to mind from my early catechism training.

God is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in His being, wisdom, power, justice, holiness, goodness and truth.

Enduring a headache, trying to let the stress of the world pass into the void around me, I found an odd comfort in these words.  After some reflection it is not hard to see why they would give me (a God-follower) a sense of peace.  Throughout my day, my biggest stresses come from handling the unknown, from relying on the fickleness of those with whom my life is intwined.

When you're a perfectionist, the rough edges and lack of discipline evident in the every day just grates on you from early until late.  Having to actually be dependant on others to deliver something with an ounce of polish becomes an exercise in futility.

Don't get me wrong, I am acutely aware of the foulness of my own aromas.  It is not the flaws that I see and stress about, it is my stark reliance on such obvious imperfections that threaten to make my own performance suffer greater still.  It is exactly the flaws in my own execution that bring angst to my brain when compounded with the haphazard happenstance surrounding me.

At some point, you'd think I'd learn to suffer fools, ignorants, and slothfulness surrounding me.  Today is just not the day.  My headache and 10 miles in the gym attest to that...

Pulling Me Back In

In another life (okay, quite a few years ago) I functioned quite a bit differently than I do now.  The crowd I ran with was different, the skills I utilized where different, my value system was different.  Over the past couple of years I've been laying low, trying to get a handle on things.  Trying to figure out the right balance of things I want in my life, the right way to utilize gifts and contribute.  It seems I've waited long enough and the world has decided my passivity won't stand any longer.

The last several months it's been necessary to step back into shoes I'd long forgotten.  Just when I was really enjoying the quiet anonymity of the worker drone, the world bursts in my solitude in the form of floundering around me.  It seems I have a weakness for imperfection.  (Okay, like we didn't already know about my absolutist tendencies!)

Seeing people I genuinely like struggling to better themselves and perform at a level beyond their current ability always makes me want to jump into the ditch and help.  I just can't seem to pass by an opportunity to support the struggling.

Actually, I've been trying to practice that particular skill for some time now.  The quiet aloofness, the ability to turn a blind-eye to ignorance or incompentence.  Drowning out the obvious cries for help with the excuse that my life is already full enough and I just can't add any value.  I tell myself that they are better off without me because look at the disaster that is me.  Usually if I tell myself that long enough I pretend to believe it.  As least until my faith slaps me silly for my unwillingness to share. I guess I'll just have to chalk my inability to be careless and fancy-free up as yet another failing. ;-)

So now, I'm gradually moving back. Investing in others, being open to responsibility. Allowing my former self to be fully realized from the shadow I've become.  Letting myself fall over the cliff of opportunity (or at least be pushed).

In some ways, it's like living again.  Not the happy, fun, party-time kind of living necessarily.  More of the nitty-gritty, down and dirty, willing to care, I'll-take-responsibility-for-that sort of way.  And frankly, I blame all those darn people I let get to me.  If I wanted to be a functioning member of society again, I wouldn't have spent all this time and energy hiding myself away.  Freakin' friends! They just sneak up on you when you aren't looking.  Before you know it, you care what happens to them.  What a messy way to live...

A Cure for Jet Lag?

Trying to get back on a regular schedule when your body still thinks it's on the other side of the world can be tricky.  I found that exhausting myself at the gym, watching movies, and doing it over again a few times seemed to help.    I'll have some India pics and maybe a video or two in a few days.

By the way, X-Men is a fun ride with some excellent effects and a solid storyline (as far as comics go).

If you don't mind, take the Sententia Vestrum (Your Opinion Poll) when you get a chance you can find it on the right.  I'll change it every couple days or more frequently as good questions arise.  If you have a particular survey you'd like to see, let me know.

Cows in the street

India continues to be a frenetic and interesting place.  On my way to work every morning I pass the cows browsing in the trash on the side of the road.  We narrowly avoid being pummeled by lorries and cabs, and pass the bicycles and pedestrians with just a hairs breadth of room.  I have tremendous respect for anyone who can drive in this city; our driver is amazing!

Last night was a small moment of downtime (at about 10pm, mind you) where I was able to enjoy some quiet conversation in nice restaurant watching the skyline across the lake.  In the day time it looks pretty swampy and you can't miss the shanty-towns, garbage, and chaos.  But at night, the skyline looks peaceful and pretty.  It reminded me a little of dinner at Salty's on Alki.

Though tired I am, the luxurious opulence that is my life at home is missed. Sometimes as a stink in my nostrils, other times with sadness and longing.  Disparity is a constant friend.

Oddly enough, I don't mind the food.  Perhaps maturity is upon me at last?  Say it isn't so.

Make It Do What It Do, Baby

One thing you can say for sure about overseas hotels is that when they do something, they generally do it right.  An example of this is the way they use your card key to keep the lights on while you are in the room.

If you've never been in a European-style hotel they have a slot on the wall inside the door of your room next to the light switch. When you walk in the room, you put your card key into the slot and leave it there. This activates the lights and whatnot automatically. There are many reasons why this is cool.

 - It saves energy because when you leave and take your card with you, the lights can all go out no motion sensors needed.

-  When you are getting ready to leave, your card key is always in the same place, so it's harder to forget.

- When you leave the room, it turns on a signal so that the staff knows you've left your room.  This way there is no annoying knock from housekeeping at "Oh-Heavens-It's-Way-To-Early" in the morning if you forget to put the Do-Not-Disturb sign out.

- There are handy indicator buttons that light up inside and outside so that you can tell in a glance if your room is in Do-Not-Disturb mode or not and adjust accordingly.  This is great if like me, you head to the gym first thing in the morning and don't want someone in your cleaning before you get back.

It sounds trivial, but this kind of sound thinking is way overdue for the US market.  As someone who travels full-time, you learn how valuable the little things are pretty fast.

India is Far Away

Eight hour lay-overs suck.  Even if they are in cool Business Class Lounges with amenities and whatnot.  Trying to stay awake after 18 hours of flying is tough.  I did get to walk around buy some presents and stuff.  Ready to find a bed and crash.

Happy Mom's Day you guys.

The Vegas Quotes from Day One

Steve: Vegas, baby.
Joshu: I'm in love man.  In love.
Geniveve: She doesn't really drink.  I don't think she has sex. What is she thinking?
Lane: We're going to the jacuzzi at 4 in the morning.
Joshu: I'm drawing you a bath.  You are getting in the bath.
Steve: We are getting boy-band status tonight.
Joshu: I'm spooning you until you come down with us. And I'm just going to keep saying spoon so you know what's happening.
Steve: You are a pessimistic guy.  But that's beside the point.
Geniveve: Prague girls are hot.  I almost went lesbian for just a minute. I mean hot.
Lane: You are obsessing over this girl and we all just say 'F'-that.  And we mean it both ways.

Beautiful Sunset

Phoenix is always so amazing this time of year. It was an AMAZING week. this closed it nicely.

Concert Update

Kutless, Falling Up, Disciple, and Stellar Kart are coming to Seattle!

They are coming with the Hearts of the Innocent Tour.

Saturday, March 18th at 7pm

Christian Faith Center
21024 24th Avenue South
Seattle WA 98198

Are you going to be there?

Oh Canada!

This weekend I was able to spend some much needed quality time with some great friends in lovely Vancouver, Canada. We partied hard, rested well, and ate some Amazing food. I'll have the picture sets put together soon so check back.

I also had the opportunity to check in with Mort and do some midnight bowling at the notorious Kenmore lanes. The lanes were all screwed up and wouldn't score properly and stuff, so we bailed.

Before I forget, I want to send out some mad props to me buddy Zac at Veritas Clothes.