Month: February 2007

bookmark_borderA bicycle built for two

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The past few weeks have been one of learning. Obviously this is largely due to starting a new job, which entails learning all about the culture of the office, the processes, the working practises, as well as the software which we create and the marketplace we operate within. It also includes learning basic things, the location of the toilets, the ‘coffee etiquette’, and other pieces of information that are classed as ‘minor’ but are probably more important than most.

My brain has been working overtime with all this new information that I’m trying to process, but seems to be relishing the task. In fact it’s demanding more and more everyday, like some weird sort of insatiable monster, gorging itself on this wonderful new bounty. Of course it’s not like I haven’t offered to feed it before, I’ve tried tempting it with all sorts of new information, offered it countless books, magazines, days out… hell I’ve even tried to bribe it on occasion (my brain will do pretty much ANYTHING if you promise it a few minutes of a Hitchcock movie), but all to no avail.

But now? Now it’s consuming like a chav on a shopping spree, maxing out my intellectual credit cards left, right and centre. I’ve tried questioning some of the items it’s acquiring but all I get is a sullen stare, a roll of the eyes and the stomping of feet up stairs. Thankfully there have been no doors slammed yet, as I’m not entirely sure what will happen when we reach that point. What DO you do if your brain goes in the huff?

For now, the books pile higher, the plans unfold and my brain pushes me onwards, demanding my time, and trying to tell me that I don’t really need to sleep. Thankfully I’ve found an over-ride switch, although that only works at the weekend, but it’s enough to give me some respite, some quiet time, and that’s enough to get me through to Monday, ready to feed the monster once again.

Hmmm, that sounds like a particularly nasty euphemism. Moving on.

Of course all of this helps keep my brain focussed, and my mind free from the less fun things that are going on. The broken fence that is going to cost a few hundred (at least) to fix. The treatment my father-in-law will be receiving soon, and the fact that Louise is off to see him next week. The ongoing struggles of life which we all have to deal with in one form or another.

So yes, I’m quite glad my brain is keeping itself busy, keeping me occupied. As long as it doesn’t forget who runs the show around here, everything will be fine.

Because, if it should forget, well then we have a problem and drastic measures may be required.

Daisy, Daaii sss yyyyyyy

bookmark_borderNike+ Challenge

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Calling all joggers!

I’ve had the Nike+ system for a while now, and I have to admit that it’s become a key part of my jogging. Being able to track how far I’ve run, and the average pace I run at has been a huge help. Sure the site is a bit big and clunky but with a nice fat broadband connection it’s fairly slick. Mind you I’m still duplicating my run data over on Fetch, as that lets me track other factors (temperature, shoes used, and any comments).

Whilst the Nike+ ‘community’ could do with a lot of work – they seem to be missing the boat when it comes to the social networking side of things – it does have some features and has really helped to keep me motivated.

But it’s time to move things on, there are only so many goals you can set yourself before you realise what you really need is… competition! I know a couple of you have the Nike+ system so how about a challenge? Let’s see who has the highest mileage after 30 days.

Interested?

Leave a comment with your Nike+ id (or email address), or contact me separately. Once I’ve got a list or participants I’ll kick off a new challenge sometime next week.

Let the racing begin!

bookmark_borderGoogle Mail question

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Early this year I started using Google Mail to monitor my three busiest email addresses. It’s a system that has been working well, allowing me to respond to emails during the day if required. Essentially I’m using Google Mail as a temporary “email checker”.

This system has a downside though.

I’ve got Google Mail set to leave the emails on the server, as there are some emails I want to be able to store on my home PC, but there are many others that will just be deleted.

So, what I really want is to be able to delete emails in Google Mail, and have the deletions reflected on the mail server. That way, when I go home at night, I only need to download the emails I want to store.

Make sense? If it does make sense, is it possible?

Of course the easiest thing would be for me to just use Google Mail fulltime. I could easily setup a new mailbox for any emails that simply HAVE to be stored locally (things like House Insurance claims and whatnot, I’d want them locally so I can still access them if I lose my internet connection), so there is a workable solution there.

I fear I may have answered my own question, but any other thoughts, suggestions or considerations are, as ever, more than welcomed.

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The fact that Google has just opened access to Google Mail for everyone (no more invites required) is purely coincidental.

bookmark_borderLinkedIn

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Anyone else using LinkedIn?

I’ve spoken briefly of my plans for this year, and without going into huge detail it’s fair to say that the underlying ethos is one of “increasing my professionality”. Yes, it’s a clunky term and yes it would be easy to get slightly “corporate” and “up my own arse” about this, but I’m at a point in my life that if I don’t do it now I’ll end up “just working” until I either retire or drop dead.

I don’t fancy the latter option much, and as I’ve always harboured a desire to retire early I guess I’d better get my finger out!

I’ve touched the whole “networking” thing before and whilst I realise LinkedIn is no golden chalice, I do think it could be very useful and hey, you don’t know until you try, right?

So, if you have a LinkedIn profile, look me up and let’s get connected (baby!).