Don't you all just love it when you are still in bed half asleep, slowly waking yourself up and getting that "why didn't I set the coffee maker to brew automatically?" feeling and you get a phone call from your boss and let it go to voicemail?
*dial into voicemail* (once coffee is brewed and have downed 3 cups)
"You have ONE new message"
*play message*
"Hi darling I know it's early and I was hoping to get to talk to you about this and you are probably asleep or in the shower..." (I always get phonecalls when I am in the shower from everyone!!!)"...but I really do need to talk to you about something. No don't worry it's nothing bad, fairly good I think, but could you give me a call when you get this on my direct line, (number)?"
*groggilly dial*
"Hi sweety, it's me, and no I was not in the shower or still asleep I was waking up and chugging the coffee. So you have something GOOD to talk to me about?"
"Figures it was the coffee. You work this afternoon right?"
"Yes"
"Call me when you are ready and I will pick you up and we can talk on the way back here"
"Sure thing"
So at this point in time my mind is racing a little bit with possibilities. Have we gotten full control of the design process? Have we all been deemed seriously underpaid and are getting a drastic pay increase?
*call her back and get in the SUV when she arrives*
"So what is this about?"
"Your brain ain't freaking is it? Cause it isn't a bad thing."
"Then spill it"
Long story made short the owner had asked my boss about who on the desk might be wanting/ready for a change into something more than what they do now.
As everyone here at the hotel knows I have been trying to get into a more manager position for years and everytime it basically comes around to happening it gets yanked away from me. She automatically thought of me for whatever the owner had in mind.
One of his other properties has been without a front office manager for a while now and as the busy season approaches it is going to need to be filled, and I mean soon. I was thought of for this.
What does this mean? Well I will basically be doing more day shifts, be getting recognition through a title for all that I do, have a staff, and do all the reports that I basically know how to do from my many years here. It is at a new property in town, a little less of a walk to work for me but that doesn't mean anything big there at all, and it will also be a bit more money hopefully.
It would also mean that I would be leaving the people around here that have become close to me over the years, but I would have their continued support in everything that I need.
What else? Well I would be bringing in some much needed customer service skills to that property through the front desk staff which is currently lacking any personability whatsoever.
There are pro's and cons to it yes and I do need to think it through a bit more but at this time I can honestly say that I am thinking of saying to my boss that yes I am interested in it.
Fun isn't it?
***
On another note...
OMFG!
Could Rogers cable be more retarded? I wrote a lovely formal, yet again, complaint to them last week about services I still do not have associated with my account. They did respond saying that techs will be on their way Jan 28, and apologized for the lack of customer service on their end etc.
The techs came however they were issued several wrong work orders for my place, of which I was the one who had to get it all straightened out with customer service. What is more is that while replacing my cable line, which was one of the actual things they needed to do, they broke my television by way of a swinging 5/8" wrench hanging off one of their tool belts. I have no t.v. now. Yeah. Great. They also hooked the wireless router for my internet, of which they did not replace the phone modem with the proper one.
So... I am now still without the internet at home, have the wireless router but no adapter modem , full digital cable services attached to a now defunct television which I can't afford to replace and that is not being acknowledged by Rogers as a problem.
All I can say is thank god I am housesitting for the folks over the next two weeks.
-D
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thoughts...
To a designer thoughts can be both an asset as well as a detriment. The last two days they have been both to me.
Why?
I've been thinking more on the prospect of a future TFCD shoot and trying to come up with new designs. The problem that I am having is eveything I am thinking of and putting down on paper in sketches has been done in one way or another. Honestly, how many highwaisted Elizabethan inspired skirts with over sized quartz bead neck peices can be made? I know I can always do the construction with a different spin but honestly the overall outcome will be the same no matter how it is cut, sewn, tacked, worn, etc.
The other side of the problem is I am having an overall vision of how the shoot could be done, which is not completely up to me. Add on the fact that it isnt set in stone yet to be done and I am in a pickle.
Creative inspiration and direction is there as I have finally settled down somewhat in my design aesthetic for my work (a slight fusion of asian meets classic for my high fashion designs). Keeping my design aesthetic in mind I am not truly doing anything unique when I put thoughts down on paper. There is so much being done in the design world that is fused from different eras, countries and cultures at this time that an original vision is hard to come up with.
I also do want to try to go as green as possible in my designs as well which doesnt help things out in terms of materials for high end designs. Yes I can luck out and obtain fabulous vintage fabrics, notions, and supplies but let's face it the bulk of a peice would be new everything. That being said if I look back to my OAC final project for my visual art thesis I have done some pretty green peices already. How much more green can one get than reconstructing an Egyptian crown and neck peice from spices and glue? Or a living necklace of moss and ivy?
Ok so maybe the thoughts I am having are only a part of the real issue and maybe I have to delve into my artistic history a bit more.
Either way, the thoughts are coming which is good but not as forward as I am wanting them to be. Hopefully they will start to be what I am wanting.
Why?
I've been thinking more on the prospect of a future TFCD shoot and trying to come up with new designs. The problem that I am having is eveything I am thinking of and putting down on paper in sketches has been done in one way or another. Honestly, how many highwaisted Elizabethan inspired skirts with over sized quartz bead neck peices can be made? I know I can always do the construction with a different spin but honestly the overall outcome will be the same no matter how it is cut, sewn, tacked, worn, etc.
The other side of the problem is I am having an overall vision of how the shoot could be done, which is not completely up to me. Add on the fact that it isnt set in stone yet to be done and I am in a pickle.
Creative inspiration and direction is there as I have finally settled down somewhat in my design aesthetic for my work (a slight fusion of asian meets classic for my high fashion designs). Keeping my design aesthetic in mind I am not truly doing anything unique when I put thoughts down on paper. There is so much being done in the design world that is fused from different eras, countries and cultures at this time that an original vision is hard to come up with.
I also do want to try to go as green as possible in my designs as well which doesnt help things out in terms of materials for high end designs. Yes I can luck out and obtain fabulous vintage fabrics, notions, and supplies but let's face it the bulk of a peice would be new everything. That being said if I look back to my OAC final project for my visual art thesis I have done some pretty green peices already. How much more green can one get than reconstructing an Egyptian crown and neck peice from spices and glue? Or a living necklace of moss and ivy?
Ok so maybe the thoughts I am having are only a part of the real issue and maybe I have to delve into my artistic history a bit more.
Either way, the thoughts are coming which is good but not as forward as I am wanting them to be. Hopefully they will start to be what I am wanting.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A 26 hour day...
Call me crazy, but I thoroughly enjoyed this past Thursday. Yes even with it being a 26 hour day for me. 26 hours??? Yes. Why?? I was getting back into the realm of fashion by helping a good friend of mine style a TFCD (trade for cd) photoshoot starting right after finishing a night shift at work. Crazy. Yep that is me.
I just can't get over how great it is to work with people that have compatible energies, which was the case on Thursday. The model, hair and makeup, and photographer all synched well with myself and my friend the lead stylist. (I was just there more for assistance as some of the clothing pieces were rather large and heavy, as well as helping out with my perspective on things as a designer)
I also love the fact that the photographer works with only available light. And knew what he was doing! Too many times have I had the honour of working with a photographer that said they knew what they were doing when it came to available light use and the resulting images were horrible. Erwin Loewen however knows what he is doing.
The model, Kylie, was a gem to work with. A beautiful fresh face with the Ford agency, and who has done some pretty major campaign work, was a real delight to work with. Even if the shoot did include working with horses and longhorn cattle, she kept her cool.
Both Kylie and Erwin are wanting to work on some shoots more high fashion which is right up my alley. I would love to help them with this and will if it works out schedule wise, I just need to get sewing again!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Eve of change...
On this, the eve of great change in the world powers and American Politics I want to take a moment and congratulate all those that I know in the United States. You have done something that has been long overdue, not only in my eyes but in the eyes of many world wide. I myself am not one for politics but truly think that the changes occurring tomorrow are for the better and that other wold powers could learn a thing or more (not just a thing of two) from what you all have helped create.
I raise my hat, my glass, my design tools and dpn's to you all and to your president elect!
***
I will also be undergoing some change here at work as well.
In February we will be starting a cycle of twelve hour shifts so I am going back to the full time nights for the time being but it is just for the interim. This schedule change will permit me to be able to get caught up on a multitude of knitting and design items backlogged in my brain, as well as get caught up with friends.
It also allows me to get back to helping friends out with photoshoots in terms of styling. In fact I have to do just such a thing later this week.
Now... I know I promised some pictures and they are on the way, as well as sample pics of a few design ideas floating in my head. I am thinking of calling the first sample bag the "Gweninator" for my good friend and fellow Canuck Gwen, of Lime & Violet production fame. I have already begun the fundamental work for these bag designs but reworking clothing items into accessories other than pillows, etc., can be a bit of a logistical nightmare at time.
In regards to the just mentioned sample I am a bit stuck though on lining choice/colour, as well as coordinating fabric choice/colour. I guess Friday morning will be spent at Fabricland, a home away from home.
Until next time, happy everything and congratulations for the start of change.
-D
I raise my hat, my glass, my design tools and dpn's to you all and to your president elect!
***
I will also be undergoing some change here at work as well.
In February we will be starting a cycle of twelve hour shifts so I am going back to the full time nights for the time being but it is just for the interim. This schedule change will permit me to be able to get caught up on a multitude of knitting and design items backlogged in my brain, as well as get caught up with friends.
It also allows me to get back to helping friends out with photoshoots in terms of styling. In fact I have to do just such a thing later this week.
Now... I know I promised some pictures and they are on the way, as well as sample pics of a few design ideas floating in my head. I am thinking of calling the first sample bag the "Gweninator" for my good friend and fellow Canuck Gwen, of Lime & Violet production fame. I have already begun the fundamental work for these bag designs but reworking clothing items into accessories other than pillows, etc., can be a bit of a logistical nightmare at time.
In regards to the just mentioned sample I am a bit stuck though on lining choice/colour, as well as coordinating fabric choice/colour. I guess Friday morning will be spent at Fabricland, a home away from home.
Until next time, happy everything and congratulations for the start of change.
-D
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Does one still use the Urn of Osiris and doe blood for re-animating a cyber corpse?
*beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep*
*beep.... beep............ beep....beep*
Alright I know, I know! It has been ages my darlings of design and I profusely apologize for it.
**awaits to have the cyber wooping of a lifetime**
Are you done yet?
Ok. Let's see.
Well when we last left this blog I had announced the winner of my contest and the names of the Norse Gods that I would be designing items for. Chris I am so sorry that your package has had a rough time of getting to you and don't know if the last time I was able to track it was the last anyone saw it. I am hoping that it makes it to you this time.
The items are still in the works people please keep in mind that this is not my full time job right now but I am trying my hardest to make these items absolutely perfect for public consumption before informing you all that they are ready for download on Ravelry.
What else?
Well the hotel I do work at for my means of employment finally did get sold near the end of September to a past owner. Much money is being invested in updating and upgrading the facilities which is a very good thing and very much needed. The last few months have been rather chaotic around here because of everything changing at ever turn one can make. More are on the way as well which I am hoping don't affect me all that much but one can never truly tell at this stage of the game.
What knit/crochet projects did I get done in the time from my last blog entry until now? A few. Not as many as what I had hoped, most got sent to Kermit in the frog pond. In amongst this time my digital camera literally melted in my hands when I was taking pictures of things to update my ravelry page and therefore all those pics of items were lost. What didn't help matters was some of them were gifts so I am going to have to get pictures sent to me! What I did manage to finish were:
200 Scarf, Crochet, for moi
War Wyvernns for moi
the year long socks for moi
a few other pairs of stockinette socks, for me and friends
a multitude of baby items
What am I still working on from 2008? Well...:
MS4
Vinnland socks
Bellatrix
Fire Wyvernns
Water Wyvernns
Pointed Plait socks
FLS
Hemlock Ring blanket in babyweight
a few pairs of mittens/gloves
There were more projects that I did start, but lost interest in/was not happy with the look of the items so off they went to visit Kermit.
I made a wonderful New Years resolution though to myself this year that I am sticking too fairly well so far. I am going to finish any and all things on the needles from 2008 first before I start into anything for 2009, of which will be Christmas items first and then personal. I know, guttsy of me isnt it?
Ok. I know some of you are going to comment about how brief I am being with the updates of things here but honestly, do you think I can remember it all? It has been over four months afterall! *giggle*
Now for the real design stuff that makes me feel a bit more complete. My designs.
"What are you working on now Dave??" you might ask. Well... I am working on a few bag designs and several other things which are going to be fixture components of my personal and home section of my design repertoire. Duvet covers, blankets, pillows, some furniture (another love of design of mine) are all being worked on. And I know I am starting to sound like Miss Violet of Lime & Violet fame but I have been like this for some my entire life when it comes to projects.
I have also done a couple of commissioned garments over the last few months and am still working on getting my clothing line designed and worked on when time permitts, which right now is not that often.
Enough of the babble and get to the bags! I know, I know. For now I am only going to say that I have the thoughts in my head as to what I want them to be like and have not actually worked on them yet in reality. One of the thoughts for them though is reclaiming materials, especially knitwear, for them. Afterall all we knitters know that it is horrible and scandalous when one can't repair their favourite sweater/blanket/scarf/hat due to too much damage and are not wishing to part with it. That bag thought is a bit of a challenge as do I put forth a call for said things for custom orders or do I scavenge at the Goodwill etc? Logistics I tell you.
And yes thoughts of opening an Etsy store are running through my head so who knows folks. The aforementioned bag idea may be a good thing. *readies to cower under pressure of orders*
Thank you all for being patient and not turning me into a puddle of gunk for not updating the last few months but I promise that things will go more smoothly now that I have revived the blog of my design loins.
I promise that once I have some prototypes started of the bags I will get pics, new camera, and post them for you all to see what I am concocting in this shaven little head of mine up here in snowy Stratford.
Toodles poodles!
D
*beep.... beep............ beep....beep*
Alright I know, I know! It has been ages my darlings of design and I profusely apologize for it.
**awaits to have the cyber wooping of a lifetime**
Are you done yet?
Ok. Let's see.
Well when we last left this blog I had announced the winner of my contest and the names of the Norse Gods that I would be designing items for. Chris I am so sorry that your package has had a rough time of getting to you and don't know if the last time I was able to track it was the last anyone saw it. I am hoping that it makes it to you this time.
The items are still in the works people please keep in mind that this is not my full time job right now but I am trying my hardest to make these items absolutely perfect for public consumption before informing you all that they are ready for download on Ravelry.
What else?
Well the hotel I do work at for my means of employment finally did get sold near the end of September to a past owner. Much money is being invested in updating and upgrading the facilities which is a very good thing and very much needed. The last few months have been rather chaotic around here because of everything changing at ever turn one can make. More are on the way as well which I am hoping don't affect me all that much but one can never truly tell at this stage of the game.
What knit/crochet projects did I get done in the time from my last blog entry until now? A few. Not as many as what I had hoped, most got sent to Kermit in the frog pond. In amongst this time my digital camera literally melted in my hands when I was taking pictures of things to update my ravelry page and therefore all those pics of items were lost. What didn't help matters was some of them were gifts so I am going to have to get pictures sent to me! What I did manage to finish were:
200 Scarf, Crochet, for moi
War Wyvernns for moi
the year long socks for moi
a few other pairs of stockinette socks, for me and friends
a multitude of baby items
What am I still working on from 2008? Well...:
MS4
Vinnland socks
Bellatrix
Fire Wyvernns
Water Wyvernns
Pointed Plait socks
FLS
Hemlock Ring blanket in babyweight
a few pairs of mittens/gloves
There were more projects that I did start, but lost interest in/was not happy with the look of the items so off they went to visit Kermit.
I made a wonderful New Years resolution though to myself this year that I am sticking too fairly well so far. I am going to finish any and all things on the needles from 2008 first before I start into anything for 2009, of which will be Christmas items first and then personal. I know, guttsy of me isnt it?
Ok. I know some of you are going to comment about how brief I am being with the updates of things here but honestly, do you think I can remember it all? It has been over four months afterall! *giggle*
Now for the real design stuff that makes me feel a bit more complete. My designs.
"What are you working on now Dave??" you might ask. Well... I am working on a few bag designs and several other things which are going to be fixture components of my personal and home section of my design repertoire. Duvet covers, blankets, pillows, some furniture (another love of design of mine) are all being worked on. And I know I am starting to sound like Miss Violet of Lime & Violet fame but I have been like this for some my entire life when it comes to projects.
I have also done a couple of commissioned garments over the last few months and am still working on getting my clothing line designed and worked on when time permitts, which right now is not that often.
Enough of the babble and get to the bags! I know, I know. For now I am only going to say that I have the thoughts in my head as to what I want them to be like and have not actually worked on them yet in reality. One of the thoughts for them though is reclaiming materials, especially knitwear, for them. Afterall all we knitters know that it is horrible and scandalous when one can't repair their favourite sweater/blanket/scarf/hat due to too much damage and are not wishing to part with it. That bag thought is a bit of a challenge as do I put forth a call for said things for custom orders or do I scavenge at the Goodwill etc? Logistics I tell you.
And yes thoughts of opening an Etsy store are running through my head so who knows folks. The aforementioned bag idea may be a good thing. *readies to cower under pressure of orders*
Thank you all for being patient and not turning me into a puddle of gunk for not updating the last few months but I promise that things will go more smoothly now that I have revived the blog of my design loins.
I promise that once I have some prototypes started of the bags I will get pics, new camera, and post them for you all to see what I am concocting in this shaven little head of mine up here in snowy Stratford.
Toodles poodles!
D
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