Chopperspotting

"Let me know if I'm coming too close to any power lines," the chopper pilot said. "Or one of the other helicopters." 

I told him I would.

And that's why I'm here today. 


 

Cat on a Wire

Here is Alex the cat getting into some mischief behind Mom and Dad's house sometime back in the 1990s. He escaped unharmed. 

Dolt Man Soars

Today Sean asked me to use Microsoft Paint to draw Dolt Man (Paladin of O.R.D.E.R.) flying over some transmission lines. Here is my attempt do obey Sean's wishes. 

Cat on a Wire

Knowing what I know now about how animals cause power outages, this old shot of the Woods family cat, Alex, makes me a little nervous. It's sort of a wonder he got away with this...

The Electric Kool-Aid Keyboard Jockeys

All was quiet in
Cubicle Row save for
The insistent clacking of fingers on keys
Stomachs rumbling silently
Wordsmiths locked in servitude to their
Silicon masters
Writing poems that don’t scan when they should be chasing stories about power lines

Dreaming of Release

Last night I dreamed my boss asked me to write a press release about the re-opening of the original Gaiety Theatre in Leduc. I wasn’t sure what the re-opening had to do with our work, but I dutifully wrote the release. Instead of e-mailing it to news outlets, I had to carry the release to the top of a transmission tower and hang it there for broadcast.

I made the climb with no safety equipment whatsoever, but at least it was a gorgeous, sunny evening. The press release itself was framed in this metal thingamajig I had to hook to the top of the tower. That part went without a hitch; there was a hook on the tower obviously meant for the press release holder.

I was pretty amazed by the technology of the release itself; the tower radiated waves that beamed the print on the release out to recipients all over the globe. I waited around to watch the sun set, and felt guilty that I’d failed my duty to refuse unsafe work.

I didn’t experience the climb back down in my dream; I just found myself in the theatre getting popcorn and looking for a seat. It didn’t look like a lot of money had been spent on renovations, but I was happy to be there. My ran into my friend Pete in the aisle; he was carrying a giant soda, about twice the size of a 7-11 Big Gulp. The theatre was packed beyond capacity.

I was talking to Pete when suddenly everyone started screaming; they were pointing at something on the screen. I started to turn my head to see what it was, and caught a glimpse of something nightmarish and otherworldly emerging from the screen, some formless horror from beyond space and time.

I woke up at that point. I’m annoyed that I missed the movie, whatever it was.

At the Electric Company

Today was my first day at Atco Electric, where I now serve as a Communications Advisor. I'm very excited; the work looks challenging and creative, and the people are wonderful. I'm eager to contribute to a company that plays such a huge role in Alberta's economy, especially one that clearly cares about its employees and giving back to the community.

A number of people made it possible for me to reach this new career milestone, while others helped me earn a living during my transition. Still others provided crucial moral support or sent me job opportunities. So in no particular order, I'd like to thank Brian, Neil, Leslie, Andrew, Rick, Amanda, Kim, Tanara, John, Steve, Jeff, other Jeff, Mom and Dad, Sean, Dr. David Swann, Kent Hehr, Tracy, Karen, Colin, Pete, Kyle, Mike, Scott, Nik, Michael, Susie, Jackie, daveberta, the many fine people who endorsed me on LinkedIn, and of course Sylvia, who supported me through twelve months of job-seeking and the precarious tides of self-employment.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support and assistance. You helped me begin this new chapter.