Work Hangover?

After a series of supervising shifts, I've spent the last two nights (as well as tonight) as night time manager. Things were a bit hectic but my obsession with "no OT" paid off as I managed to send everybody home on time. I had to spend some time on the floor myself as supervisor but somehow I managed. I hope I can end my "Friday" tonight on an easy note.

Golf Hangover?

As predicted, I can barely move from my 41 rounds of golf yesterday.

Golf, Golf and More Golf

In an act of sheer lunacy, Michael and I drove to the Avalon Golf Links in Washington State (exit 236) and played in their "all you can play" thing, mainly because on Wednesdays Canadian dollars are at par! So as it was we paid $40CDN plus $20 for the cart. We ended up playing 41 holes of golf from about 10:30am to 8:00pm! My body is starting to ache and I'd hate to think how I'm going to feel in the morning. But it was worth it. We also had dinner at the Tulalip Casino afterwards before driving home. Michael made a bit of money on craps, and I just walked around and watched.

Miss Universe 2006

How can Miss Japan not have won?

johnnymc

It was nice to hear from my friend Johnny after all this time. I hope things turn out well for you. Hopefully I can come visit in October, or even sooner if I can put together some consecutive days off. Keep well.

Off to work now.

Hot

Thank goodness I live in a basement. Yeah, it's freezing in the wintertime but in the summertime, I can sleep like a baby. I feel bad for my landlords, as they've said that they're in an oven upstairs in the attic where their bedrooms are.

A Question

As a casino manager (or any manager for that matter), what is more important... pleasing your fellow managers or pleasing your staff? Think about it. I'm trying to answer it myself.

The Devil Wears Prada

Since I've become somewhat of a fashion "guru" at work (both customers and staff have complimented me on some of my suit/tie/shirt combos), I figured it was my duty to watch this movie. Also, I've heard a lot about how wonderful Meryl Streep is in the role of Miranda Priestley. And might I say she definitely was. She reminded me a lot about Glenn Close as Cruella DeVille in 101 Dalmatians. Ms. Streep was bitchy enough that they might just give her another one of those Oscar nominations. Her character also reminded me of some people I have worked with (no names of course!).

I was surprisingly touched by some of the plotlines in the movie, about getting so caught up in your work that you forget your family and friends. I've noticed that since my managing shifts have increased, my family gatherings have decreased. And I see less and less of my friends. I know I must change this. Yes, I must pay attention to work, but I must not let it consume me.

Consecutive Days Off (Maybe)

Well it's been a wonderful week. The car runs wonderfully and work has been hectic but fun. Although not all of my managing shifts are stress-free, I still enjoy them immensely. Last night was no exception. Things went wonderfully even though I had to try some strange things.

Unfortunately after my possibly two consecutive days off, it's back to supervising for four shifts in a row. After all the managing I've done in the last month it will be interesting (boring?) to go back to walking around four tables (instead of the whole casino).

Jason Feng, Car Owner

Yes, at last, I shelled out a big down payment but now I'm the owner of a new car, the 2007 Honda Fit Hatchback. It's a nice Blue Pearl color. I'll take some pictures when there's light out.

80's Memories

I may have found my favorite website in the world! It shows a bunch of vintage 80's videos, some of which I haven't seen in ages. They sure bring back a lot of memories. Making Love Out of Nothing at All (Air Supply) and Don't Answer Me (Alan Parsons Project) were silly videos but they almost brought a tear to my eye. Johnny, I know you'll love this site! Anyways, the link is below.

80's Videos

Disregard Previous Post

So much for two consecutive days off. I was awakened from my slumber yesterday, as my services were needed for yet another closing shift (instead I was to get today off). That meant out of the last 18 days, I was closing manager for 9 of them.

It was a busy night and I avoided giving out OT for the most part. But two little hiccups meant there was 30 minutes handed out. But all in all it was an OK night. Now HOPEFULLY I can relax tonight.

Consecutive Days Off!

Unbelievably I have two days off in a row (Monday Tuesday). Mind you, that can change anytime. The last THREE weeks I've had split days off (Sunday/Friday, Monday/Saturday, and the weird Thursday/Saturday). I've had mostly night shifts but they threw in a day shift on the Friday of my "days off sandwich". Hopefully I can find time to relax, get that car, show it off to Jack, and then who knows. And now to hibernation I shall go.

Captain Jack Sparrow

I was one of the many people who braved the long lineup to watch Pirates of the Caribbean 2 on Friday. I did not really have high expectations for the movie, as I did not find the first one that spectacular. Perhaps I'm just not a big Johnny Depp fan.

But then the first scene of the movie featured one of the most beautiful creatures in the world, Keira Knightley. She was breathtaking. But unfortunately even she couldn't get me to say I really liked the movie. In fact, I found myself taking a little nap in the middle of the film.

I did find the love triangle interesting (although you could argue it was really a love rectangle with that other guy in it too), does Elizabeth Swann choose the dashing and handsome Will Turner or the brash rogue Captain Jack Sparrow? Well, I guess we'll find out in Part 3.

Relief

After all those night shifts, I had a relief shift tonight, and I must say it was full of drama. Good things and bad things happen but in the end, I think it was a good night for me. Now I get one day off followed by the ever-so-rare daytime managing shift, then another day off. How do I keep track?

July 4 and Beyond

Happy Belated Independence Day to my American friends and readers.

I had another closing shift tonight, that makes 7 out of 8 closing shifts. I made a little mistake on one of the tables (which I won't get into here as it won't make sense) but other than that running the floor gets easier and easier. I think I'm actually getting the respect that I'd so long desired. But it still takes time. I've even started looking a bit grumpy now and then, just so they don't think I'm Mr. Happy Go Lucky.

On July 7 I have a daytime managing shift (9am!). That will be weird and I hope that Red Bull can keep me going throughout the day.

Life is Good

I had probably the best night ever as a night manager. Things worked out so perfectly, even though I was afraid of giving out overtime earlier in the evening, and the casino was busy. But Somebody upstairs was watching out for me and the tables closed perfectly. I was left with two pits of four tables and roulette. It couldn't have been any better. Back to business in 16 hours, I can't wait.

Weekly Movies

I forgot to mention that last week I went to see Adam Sandler's new movie, Click. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. The most amazing thing of all is that the last half of the movie was quite sad and hit very close to home. It was very reflective for me as there were a lot of parts that affected me. And as well, Kate Beckinsale was in the movie and she was about as hot as humanly possible.

I also went to see Superman Returns. I did not expect much from the movie but it was pretty good nevertheless.

News from Work

Big news at work. The top shift manager was promoted to GM at our casino up North in Dawson Creek. This means of course that there are now more shifts available for me. But I sense that one of two things will happen: 1) a current manager will transfer from one of the other locations 2) there will be promotions for floor manager. Option 2 sounds more plausible as other locations have also lost managers to promotions (I believe each location is now one short). So we'll see. Meanwhile my schedule is now officially mixed up, with day shifts and night shifts and miscellaneous days off. But that paycheque is gonna be nice.