That's Youth

So, I'm listening to a lot of Bouncing Souls and Mighty Mighty Bosstones this week, and it's making for a pretty lively commute on the train. It's cool how a few minutes with the Bosstones brings so many fond memories of my life in Massachusetts from ten years ago. Speaking of which, I'll acknowledge the assistance of Linkedin, which has put me back in contact with one Nat Urqhart, my best mate in Boston. We hit a lot of shows there, spent loads of time in pubs, and pretty much had a ripping time.

10 Years on, we're still having a ripping time, and I'm personally glad to know he's back in Blighty riding Vespa's and getting the youth of tomorrow educated with Britpop. Talk to you soon, Nat.

No, I'm not yet riding Vespas, though from time to time, the idea does cross the mind. However, since I've almost been hit by a bus a couple of times, lately, I'd rather stick to the sidewalk for now. And, I'm not about to take off the ipod or turn the music down (which would have likely avoided my embarrassment of jaywalking in front of a large bus)

As reported last week, I had a good day at work, and was fortunate to have a second good day right at the end of the week. Total count for week 4: 2 good days.

I celebrated by going to the pub the next two evenings and getting pretty silly. Whatever possesses me to think I can stay out til 3 and 4 in the morning two days running is completely beyond me, but I must say it was pretty fun.

Of course, that meant Monday was a bit rough, and all the worse since I had to take an early flight to Brussels for an all day meeting, where I sat in a conference room with about 20 people for the purpose of explaining to the customer for the umpteenth time that we should not proceed with a "cash on delivery" service in Germany. Hopefully the point was finally accepted, and yet another example of having to involve way too many people in a decision. I did have a few Stella in the airport, though. That was OK.

Yesterday started pretty rough, and I was pretty busy throughout the day, but we hit a record day of repair output, which went over very well with the customer. Thus, another good day at work. (That makes three, now!)

Like every other Tuesday, I headed to the pub after work, and celebrated Stefan's birthday with several friends. Simone can in for her weekly pub visit, and all in all it was a pretty good night. I wisely skipped the 2nd, 3rd and 4th round of shots, and woke up this morning feeling OK.

Sure, I wish I'd remembered that I was supposed to be in an all day workshop today, but I've managed to get some work done while sitting in this conference room.

I'd forgotten what it was like to have good days at work, so I'm particularly thrilled that I'm accumulating a few, though I'm well aware that I'm still in single digits. With a little luck, I'll hit 10 before too long, and from there, we'll see.

Meanwhile, I'll keep plugging along. Young McKee is preparing to head over for the weekend, so perhaps I should do a bit of cleaning in the flat, lest he think that I'm nothing more than an overworked program manager who spends a fair amount of time in his local. Hell, I might even put some food in the fridge this week.

keep the faith
bryan

soundtrack:
MMB - The Impression that I get
Bouncing Souls - That's Youth

El loco de la calle

I was sitting on the train last night listening to some Spanish rock and roll, probably with a goofy expression on my face, and suddenly, I realized that I was smiling. I thought to myself, "You know, Bryan, today was a pretty good day."

The incident is worthy of a blog post simply because I honestly can't remember the last time I smiled at work.

Truth be told, it felt pretty fucking good.

2007 for me pretty much ended in shambles: work stayed crazy, and I was completely unable to enjoy myself during my two week "vacation" to Spain. Everything caught up with me in Valencia, and I spent a good portion of my time at Lynne and Fran's sick in bed, or at least unable to get out and do much.

It was certainly unfortunate, and no one feels more sorry than I that it wasn't the most brilliant of holidays. Lynne, Fran, and Daniel were fine, of course, but I certainly put a damper on things.

There were a few decent moments, which I'll touch on in a future post.

Up until yesterday, 2008 was looking pretty shitty, but a few things have clicked, and, while I'm quite sure that it's not all about to turn into an easy ride, I think I might have seen a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm not getting my hopes up, I'm just taking it a step at a time.

I have recently learned a couple of new things in German, which has enabled me to speak a little less like a bozo, and that's a really good thing, cos' sometimes I think I'm starting to forget English.

Friends are coming and going here in Frankfurt, and it's a little interesting how my relationships seem to be going up and down.

I'll skip that drama for now; there's no need to spoil my mood.

keep the faith
bryan

soundtrack
Alkaline Trio - Fine Without You
Alkaline Trio - Don't Say You Won't
El Ultimo de la Fila - Dulces sueños