Mixed emotions at work...

Well, that last post went well. ;-) Oh well, it is what it is.

So today I had a "woohoo!" right next to a "what the..?" moment.

(1) Our company was selected as a finalist for a new potential projects. We're all a little on edge due to current economic conditions, so this is a bigger deal than usual. Plus, it's interesting work (slightly different than one of our typical projects) in my region, and I'm one of the key consultants bid on the project.

(2) We bid on some interesting follow-up work to on of our previous projects (a feasibility study) with an existing client. We got generally positive feedback on that work, but this was the response to our most recent proposal, and I quote "Regrettably, (your company) was not chosen as the apparent successful bidder. While the evaluation team all scored your firm at the top prior to the meeting, when it came time to mark the ballot the group voted for (your competitor). I must say that I was quite surprised by this especially in light of the expert work (your company) performed in generating the Phase I report." Seriously? Is that not an absolute failure in integrity, stewardship, and judgment? (Note: that the gentleman responding to us is the project manager and was not involved in the proposal evaluation.) For a little context, I conducted most of the analysis and wrote the report for the initial project and I wrote much of the follow-up proposal. I'm going to try not to think about this anymore. It's infuriating (just like the 7th grade Dennis Middle School science fair - don't get me started).

--Mike

Welcome back

Well, some day I'll be able to develop this into a good habit, but it seems I've been a bit too busy lately.
There have been a number of dramatic changes in my life since my last post over a year ago, but I don't want to dwell on that. If I'm ever to get this blog running, I want it to be a place for lively, and forward thinking rational thought. I don't need to ramble on autobiographically.

Right into more meaningful posts - (you should really read this one)

I have had the opportunity to tell most of you (especially my close friends and family) in person, but now its time to share the news with a wider audience.

I recently got engaged to Ashley Anne Dawson (her blog), absolutely the most wonderful woman in the world. Of course, that last part is simply my own personal opinion, but does anyone else's really matter? Exactly.

Ashley and I have known each other for nearly 14 years. We both attended the same high school (Richmond) and the same university (Purdue). Though we had literally not been in touch with one another for about six years when we began talking again, it was like no time had passed at all. We swiftly rekindled some delightfully nostalgic feelings from high school, but (through ongoing dialogues) we were astonished to discover how thoroughly we compliment one other. I honestly couldn't have imagined how happy I am. Fortunately, I don't need to describe her here. Those of you who are a fellow alums probably already know her and the rest of you can ask me personally.

If any of you live nearby and are disappointed that I didn't tell you in person first, well maybe you should have made more of an effort to hang out with me in the past two weeks or so (you know who you are ;-).

We don't have a wedding date, but don't worry, it won't be anytime soon. Some fairly significant life changes (e.g. move across the country, confirm future employment) need to happen first. That'll definitely be one of my foci this year.

For you ladies out there, here is a link to the picture of the engagement ring (a small note: we're getting the white gold version).

Super Bowling

Well, I figure I'll try to get back in the blog groove with a relatively mundane post.

Yesterday's Super Bowl was glorious. Even though (American) football is not my favorite sport, Super Bowl XLII was fantastic. It portrayed everything that is heroic and inspiring in sports. Sure, it was a thrilling game and, sure, I'm a Colts fan, which meant that a Patriots loss would be second only to a Colts win. But my love for humanity and its indomitable spirit would have drawn me into this passionate game even if I had no interest in the outcome. For once, the game itself overshadowed the commercials. I hope all of you had the time to enjoy it.

Seriously Informed Commentary

If you have any interest in the direction of this nation, in this year's political contest, and some seriously insightful commentary on it, watch this video. It's an interview by Charlie Rose with former Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman. Before you jump to conclusions about party, I can honestly say that Mr. Mehlman does not promote party line issues and he does not take political stances in this interview. He does a fantastic job talking about the pertinent issues facing our country right now and about various potential solutions. It's a terribly good interview and I typically hate media coverage, punditry, and spin. This kind of interview can actually be inspiring. Check it out.

Notable News

So, as rumored over the last few weeks, my girlfriend will be flying out to visit in February. If you live in the Puget Sound area and fain to consider yourself a good friend of mine, I expect that you will spare some time meet her. Yeah, that's right. If you don't, your friend status will be lessened. However, I will make as many social opportunities available as possible.

Without further ado, Ashley will be flying in on February 14th (no, that's not a coincidence) and leaving early in the morning on February 18th. I know some people's schedules are fluid, but this should be enough notice to carve out a little time. I'm posting here to help find out when people are available. Possibilities include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening (Monday is President's Day holiday), as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoon (though I'll have a soccer match to play sometime on Sunday). I expect there will be board games, role-playing games, movies, meals and possibly other outings as well. Send me an e-mail, a MySpace message, or post a comment here and let me know what the best times are for you so I can schedule the shindigs to accommodate as many people as possible. I'll be e-mailing some of you who have already expressed interest directly, but hey, it never hurts to get the information twice, right?

A little more politics...

I honestly didn't think I could dislike her any more than I already do, but I was wrong: Race Card