Year in Review
This year was an interesting one to say the least. One that included graduation, finding a job and reaching a level of apathy I thought I would never reach.
The year started off with CUTC, which kinda sucked. Being out in Markham, Ontario meant we were in the equivalent of Richmond, BC. Close enough to Toronto for local residents to go home after conference activities but far out enough to make going anywhere a giant pain in the ass for non-residents. This meant all those that lived there buggered off around 5pm; coupled with the fact that the hotel spread all the delegates all over the hotel, there wasn’t really a chance for any post-activity interaction. Most people stayed in their hotel rooms and didn’t come out, which was pretty lame. The tech fair wasn’t much better, as most companies didn’t sound very interested in people not from Ontario. Way to dispell the “Centre of the Universe” hatred there.
The rest of the semester went fairly smoothly, aside from the End of Semester Social. I had organized the previous three and really didn’t want to do that one. Unfortunately, we had a rather PHB-like VPA which would’ve ended up, something I’m not really going to start ranting about. Suffice to say, as the semester drew to a close, my level of frustration increased exponentially, and it had nothing to do with schoolwork. I ended up organizing it again and that, combined with the end of my term as Treasurer, really sent me over the metaphorical apathy edge. I just stopped caring and, over the summer, didn’t really do a whole lot of Society-related stuff. It surprised me at how much I stopped caring, mainly because I had spent a majority of my time at SFU as an executive in the CSSS. However, that didn’t really last, as when the end of the summer drew near, I got involved with FroshWeek.
The summer was my last semester, but I still stuck around for FroshWeek, even helping out during the events. Timbo eloquently (read: obnoxiously) asked, “why the hell are you still here?” I could feel the love, but its literal interpretation still stuck. I guess despite the fact I was happy I was done my degree, facing the fact that I wouldn’t be seeing my friends every day was somewhat troubling. I suppose that was enough to erase any apathy I may have built up out of bitterness and burnout.
The weeks after FroshWeek were filled with uncertainty and doubt. The contacts I had made previously were working at companies that were looking for software testers and tech support personnel. I really wasn’t interested in either, particularly since I worked an 8 month co-op in tech support and I do tech support for my family already. That pretty much left cold-calling, or cold-applying. Interestingly enough, my second interview was the company that hired me. Pleasant surprise, and an indication of how good the job market is right now. I landed in a great company and the people make work enjoyable. The owners said they were looking for a good fit, and it looks like they’re pretty good at identifying personality because my co-workers share my brand of sarcastic humour. Plus the whole place is hockey mad, which is great.
Healthwise, I’ve gained a few pounds since the start of the year. I had a resolution for 2006 to start getting into shape. That really didn’t start going well until a gym opened where I work. I haven’t lost any appreciable weight, but I have gotten fitter at least. Then again, I don’t expect weight loss results in a couple weeks, but at least I’m not breathing hard when going up a couple flights of stairs anymore.
My sister recently obtained her master’s degree and has moved east to Peterborough to get her doctorate. She has been moved out of the house for a while now, but she was always within the local area. I’m not sure if it really has sunk in yet for me. I guess I’ll just have to harass her electronically now. I know she’ll be fine out there, and it’s good she has a fellow Canuck fan in the house she’s living in. It’s just too bad that there are two Leafs fans there too. It’s more worrying that she’ll be exposed to that filth rather than, you know, forgetting about food or something.
My parents are understandably worried. It’s the first time she’ll be out of easy driving distance. I know most parents generally don’t like to see their kids grow up. It means they become spectators. I’m still living at home, so my parents still get to play a few shifts. They can’t even watch the game with my sister in Ontario. Is it weird that I’m worrying about them worrying about my sister and me?
The new year is met with less uncertainty than if I were still unemployed. I’m still not sure about where to live, since taking the train has been quick and far less painful than doing either the 160 or Skytrain. Living downtown would get rather expensive quickly. Perhaps Port Moody, close to the train station would work. Something to think about in January I guess. I’m pretty sure things will work out okay.
Here’s to a prosperous and happy new year everyone.