Wide Open Spaces

This reminds me that I have my road trip to Orlando to look forward to in 2 weeks. Yeay!

In August 2004, I went to Las Vegas to celebrate Cyndi's 30th birthday. On one of those days we rented a convertible and drove out for a day trip to the Grand Canyon. We took the interstate most of the way to save time, but every once in a while we'd change over to Rt 66 for some nostalgia. It was worth it. I love to drive as long as the road is open, the weather fine, gas cheap and the music good.

Be the change

As I go through my morning ritual of reading email, horoscope, twitter feeds and e-learning blogs, I came across the T+D Blog and this particular article.

Although unemployment is at an all-time high, you should not assume that employees "should be just happy to have a job." They need a purpose, a reason to work and they need to feel like the work that they are doing is meaningful and valuable to the company.

This is exactly how I feel right now. I don't feel that it's good enough to just have a job. I don't want a job, I want a career. I want to be proud of the work that I do. I want to be able to show it off and say "Look what I can do!", I want to hang my gold star on my refrigerator to show my dog.

I wish I could anonymously send a link to this article to the top dogs of my company. But I don't think it would change anything, and really, I'm not interested in change here anymore. I'm more interested about the change in me and what I care about.

I will be finishing my Masters degree in Education in a few weeks. I say that as if it's going to magically happen, but the reality is that I still have a lot of work to do on my final project. I'm using that milestone as the catalyst to start looking for another job. Time to move out of Project Management and on to Instructional Design. For the first time in my life, I will actually take a job in the field that I went to school for.

Advanced Personality Test

Another personality test at Youniverse.com

Intellect: Thinker
Skills: Listner
Emotions: Theorist
Dynamism: Grafter

Your Core Skills

You are highly academic with a love of complex intellectual challenges that require you to really use your brain and an impressive ability to absorb and synthesise very detailed material. You find comfort in philosophical theory and abstract conceptual thinking. You're very compassionate and understanding and so your colleagues often come to you to share their problems or ask for advice. You are regarded as a sensitive and empathetic team-player.

Potential Areas Of Weakness

You have a low tolerance for inefficiency or lack of clarity which means that you sometimes resist involving colleagues in your thinking in case it slows you down. You may sometimes come across as detached or reserved and it's important that the need to communicate doesn't get overlooked when you are engrossed in analytical work. You have the potential to be an effective thought leader but don't always demonstrate the necessary confidence.

Areas You Might Want To Work On

• practice public speaking in front of the bathroom mirror
• ensure that your natural role as facilitator or mediator does not mean that you fail to express your own opinion
• make a conscious effort to involve others in your work and enjoy the positive impact on your mood and creativity

Careers That May Suit You

data analyst computer programmer research scientist focus group facilitator

Your Detailed Personality Assessment

You are able to apply yourself successfully to pretty much whatever takes your fancy. You owe it to yourself to make sure that your work environment offers you maximum stimulation and satisfaction. You are at your best when you are energised by serious brain-work. Focus on setting out a clear career plan and developing a set of powerful self-promotion techniques that will give you the confidence to step up and achieve your goals.

When it comes to leadership, you are a firm believer in conviviality. You like to be a friend as well as a boss. Job satisfaction lies in building strong relationships with the people you work with. But it's important to always be careful not to blur those boundaries.

You have a very good eye and are naturally attuned to aesthetic beauty. You appreciate craftsmanship and understand the value of true mastery. You have strong ambitions and like to push yourself.

As far as you're concerned, hard work is the best way to achieve your goals. Short cuts to success are just a false economy. You tend to be quite traditional in your perspective and like to have a clear sense of your career milestones. You believe that effort should be rewarded and that if you put in the hours you'll reap the benefits. However that doesn't mean you always follow your own wisdom. It can be hard to maintain intense levels of focus all the time.

Life may feel quite bleak to you right now. It seems like there's not much on the horizon and you could really use some inspiration and positive vibes to propel you into the next phase. It's not surprising you're feeling fraught. Work is taking over your life and it seems that things may be starting to get on top of you. You could really use some time and space to think. Maybe it's time for a change.

The way you approach each day can have huge implications for your success in the workplace. Positive mental attitude comes naturally to you. You definitely seem to have your priorities right in life. You have a strong sense of self and know what you need to feel good. It's just important that you make sure that you can always summon the motivation that you need to pursue your goals with ambition and determination.

The Future

Maybe you've outgrown your current job or perhaps you want make your mark with a big career move. You may not be ready to make a change just yet, but you're definitely thinking about your options and you understand the value of doing lots of research and thinking so that you make the right move when the time comes. Life an feel like a bit of an endurance race sometimes. It's all about making sure that you have the stamina and commitment to go the distance. You seem to be quite pragmatic about the fact that work has its ups and downs, and this is a really healthy way to be, as long as this doesn't dampen your natural enthusiasm for life.

My Creative Self

I took Chelsea's lead and did the Creativity quiz on Youniverse. Here are my results:

Hands On
About Me
For you, creativity is all about getting physical. You like to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Being able to make something with your hands is an important expression of who you are. Art is probably a big part of your life. And you like to use your natural flair for creativity at work and at home. You particularly enjoy the feeling of seeing a project through from start to finish. Nothing beats the sense of satisfaction that comes watching your own creation evolve and grow. Chances are you really appreciate the special skills that you have -- its a wonderful gift to be able to express yourself this way. Bright lights and red velvet. You really enjoy conjuring a true sense of occasion, highbrow and high emotion.

How I Create
You've got a creative head on those shoulders. You grab any opportunity to record bright ideas as they strike. It's all about form, man-made just can't beat the beauty of nature. You're the type that can think better in wilderness. Your strength lies in your ability to record what we all see, but from your own perspective.

How I Think
Deep down you have a curious spirit and like exploring new places and ideas. You seek out your creativity by grabbing opportunities that come your way. Unexpected challenges invigorate your mind and inspire you to new levels.

Explorer/Director

Your Major and Minor Personality Types

Characteristics of all four personality types can be found within each of us, but there is almost always one personality type that is dominant. We call this the major personality type.

The Chemistry Profile also identifies your minor or secondary personality type. You exhibit some aspects of this personality type, though not to the same degree as with your major type.

* Your major personality type = Explorer
* Your minor personality type = Director


You are an EXPLORER/director

You are a skywalker. You love adventure, both intellectual and physical. And you greet new challenges with passion and bravery.

When you get interested in a project, you can become extremely focused on it, sometimes to the exclusion of all around you. You complete it carefully and thoroughly, often with great originality.

And because you have a lot of energy and tend to be enthusiastic about your ideas, inventions, and projects, you can be very persuasive.

You tend to like to collect things, experiences or ideas. And you are eager to make an impact on those around you, as well as the wider world.

Although you enjoy people and can be charming and humorous, you are not very interested in routine social engagements or boring people. You are comfortable being by yourself, pursuing your own interests.

People probably call you a non-conformist, an original. You like to have good conversations on important topics. People tend to admire you for your innovativeness. You make an exciting, though at times distant, companion.

(Taken from the Chemistry dating site.)

Yaaaaaaa!

I love hippopotamuses... or is it hippotomi? Whatever, hippos. You know what I mean.

I can only imagine the cringing and rolling of eyes the momma hippo as her little one screams in her ear.

"Mom? Mom? Mom? Mommy? Mom? Mom? Can I have a cookie? Mom? Mom? Mom? Mom? Timmy's looking at me! "

Sigh.

Flashback: 2/10/2002

I bought my new journal today because my old one is almost full. I got myself another Moleskin square ruled journal. I love it.

I always carry a journal around with me to capture thoughts that can't wait until I put them in my blog, or are just too personal.

To celebrate my new journal, I thought I'd take you back to an entry from seven years ago today.

2/10/2002
Michele's all moved in.

I went in on a Saturday afternoon to help her unpack.

I took the train in from New Brunswick. I hadn't been in NYC since September. As I passed Newark and looked east at the skyline, my heart hurt -- as it always does. But I was able to put my arms around it now.

Growing up in the 80's, it was all about excess. If you did anything, you did it over the top. Expensive toys, loud clothes, high hair. It was always more, more, more.

Well, when I looked at the alien skyline, I realized: there was just too much sky.

Once I got to Penn Station, the familiar smells came back to me. I think the popcorn guy was the same one. The black karaoke guy was still there next to the news stand singing those corny songs, wearing the same hat, jacket and shiny shoes. It was comforting to still see him there. The world could fall down around me, but as long as that guy is still there singing to a captive crowd of commuters, then the world will be ok.

I got on the A/C/E downtown. There were still signs on the subway and in the station for World Trade Station. I took a picture. I transferred to the L train and all I could think of was David Reynolds singing "There ain't no party like an L train party!"

I got off at 23rd and wandered around. I had to ask a cop where I was going because I got a little disoriented. Didnt' have those familiar towers to guide me. I passed a firehouse and looked at the cards, signs and flowers that were still on the sidewalk.

I found Michele's apartment building. It's right on the edge of Gramercy Park. It's fantastic. I'll be coming here a lot.

I have more to write, but I'm tired and I want to go to bed.

The weekend is over too soon.

[musical notes] "I still love you New York" [musical notes]

[sketch of the NYC skyline with the Twin Towers and Statue of Liberty]

I've got a little secret

I'm being intentionally vague.

I didn't expect to have an interest, but now that I do, I can't seem to ignore it.

At first it was...well, not really shocking or unexpected, but unintentional. The reconnection was comfortable and easy. Hours quickly passed before I realized that it was time to go. In one swift action, the balance shifted. After a few days of contemplating it, I realized that yes, this was something that I was curious to pursue.

The next time was even better than before. Again, there was an easy familiarity. Again the time passed too quickly. But unlike before, the end was not shocking, but sweetly anticipated.

The last time... didn't happen. Drama, miscommunication, unexpected visitors. The perfect storm to dampen an otherwise perfect day.

Patiently waiting, but I struggle. Patience is not one of my virtues. I'm about 'now' and 'dive in head first'. Time, distance and bits & bytes all seem to get in the way.

Dammit all to hell!

Photo by Rainbeaux

Today's Horoscope

This is my horoscope for today:

A blast from your past will offer a pleasant and much-needed distraction for you today, and it will inject your life with new energy and new ideas that will reawaken you to a real sense of possibility. This person's stories are just as amusing as ever, and more inspiring than ever. Make sure you get as much time in with this person as possible. They have a lot to teach you, although they might not be comfortable being in teacher mode. You might have to push them to share their knowledge.

I wonder if the universe is off by a day or two?

Pretty Procristanation

I had every intention to be productive, but that went to the wayside when I found Wordle.

Take any block of text and make pretty word clouds. Mine is of the lyrics to Springsteen's "Thunder Road".

Where I draw the line

I saw this Momversation video on Dooce's blog about where the line is drawn about what she would blog about.

So I posed the question to the Twitterverse: Bloggers, where do you draw the line on what you post?

I guess I have to answer that now, huh?

First, I won't post anything that matches a person's full name with something that will get them arrested, fired or completely embarrassed. Like herpes and tattoos, digital is forever.

I will generalize to my heart's content, and I will complain about work, stupid drivers, Republicans and bad hair-dos as much as I want. But I won't personalize it. If you think you see yourself when I bitch about the mullet-wearing dumbass, talking on the cell phone while driving that Hummer with the Bush/Cheney bumper sticker, well that's your problem. Not mine.

Finally, now that my blog is accessible from places that use my real name, I have to be more thoughtful about what I post. Some things just aren't meant for the digital public: personal rants, intimate details, etc. So I save those for my journal 1.0, my trusty Moleskin. I've gotten called out before on something I had posted and that wasn't fun.

My interview

My call to meme was answered. Essentially Me sent me the following questions:

1. What types of photos do you find yourself snapping a lot of?
   I've always enjoyed photojournalist style shots. Freezing a moment of daily life in time. When I go on my photo safaris, I like to find mundane stuff and shoot it from a different angle from what the typical person would see it at. The close-up details of architecture, art, nature... it all resonates with me.
   
   
2. If your life was a crazy soap opera, what crazy plot line do you think you'd be tangled up in?
   I'd be the coma patient, stuck in a miserable situation. Everyone around me thinks that I'm unconscious, but I can hear everything going on around me. I'm just waiting for that dramatic moment when I regain consciousness and restart my life better than before.
   
   
3. You recently went on a roadtrip in Canada. What was your favourite city to visit and why?
   In Canada, Quebec City was absolutely lovely. I would definitely go back and do more exploring, but when its Summer. Overall there are a few. In the U.S., New York City is my favorite, hands down. New Orleans is also magical. In Europe, I fell in love with Florence's architecture and food.
   
   
4. What is one thing you hope to accomplish without a second thought in 2009?
   First, I want to finish my masters degree. I'm taking my last class now, so if all goes well, I'll be all done in March. Then the student loan repayments start up. A second accomplishment would be to change my career from project management into instructional design. Now that I'll have a shiny new degree, I might as well use it.
   
   
5. If you had to get rid of watching television or reading books, which would you gladly cut out of your life and why?
   Without question, I'd toss the tv out the window. I've already gotten rid of the cable expanded package and now the only tv I watch regularly is the news when I get home from work and The Office. Anything else I can catch online. I am always reading and have a book on my bedside table at all times. Right before I go to bed is usually the time I reserve for reading. I'm catching up on some classics now. I'm loving Jane Austen and I'm currently reading 'Hard Times' by Charles Dickens.

That was cool. Anyone else?

A new day

Inauguration, 2009
Originally uploaded by michaeldeangelis

On every news station, from every reporter, it is said that today marks a moment in history that will never be forgotten. It marks a turning point in our nation's history where people are seen as who they are, rather than what they are.

I along with hundreds of millions of people around the world watched the face of American politics change. I sat in my office cube watching the live video stream of the Inaugural ceremony. And when the network got bogged down and the video stalled, I streamed the radio station who was broadcasting the swearing in and Obama's inaugural address.

What was amazing to me was not that Obama is the first black president, but the outpouring of emotion his new position has made in the people of America and around the world. There are tons of cliches that will be used: a new dawn, a new hope, (which sounds like a Star Wars movie) there is a truth to it. I feel like a deep cleansing breath has been taken by my country.

I make no claims to have any great insight as to how his administration should fix our problems, or naive enough to think that progress will come overnight or without any setbacks. But like so many, I am optimistic today. Even though one man can't change the world on his own, he can inspire each person to stand up and do his or her part to better the world around them -- from a few blocks, to a few miles, to a few countries away.

I listened to his speech, waiting to hear the words that will serve as the prologue to his term as president. There were fantastic lines, but the one which most resonated with me was this:

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

The world has been waiting, now it's time to shine.

Quality work "Gauranteed"

Somehow, I don't think this sign will get anyone any jobs.

Just photos

The title of this blog is 'as seen through the lens'. I think it's time to post some more random, daily photos.



These were taken as I was driving to work the other day. The start of the bitter cold snap that has taken most of the country by storm.


Barry patiently sits like a little man on my chair, waiting for me to take his coat off.

I propose a meme...

I saw this idea on Essentially Me's blog where the blogger gets to interview her readers by asking them 5 questions.

I like it. And, I'm out of any new ideas for posting. None that I want to make public right now, anyway.

So here are the rules:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Do it!

Meeting Notes

Captain Obvious made an appearance at the meeting I was in again. His hero ability is to restate what is glaring obvious in attempt to look like he something valuable to contribute.

I'm Superman

Just got back from my Canada road trip yesterday. I was glad I went. Quebec was beautiful, but f'n COLD!

The best part... jumping on the hotel beds and taking pictures in mid-leap.

You can see the rest of the pics here.

p.s. more to come...

I do want to write a recap on 2008, just like Chelc and Viv did, but I need some time to really think about it and form those thoughts into words. And I certainly can't do that while in a hotel in Canada while my cousin sleeps in the next room. Right now I'm focusing on how to squeeze in the sights of Montreal in 4.5 hours before we start the drive up to Quebec City.

So know that they're coming. Soon.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes to you in the new year!