John van Gurp

I’ve been pissing people off all over the place the past couple of weeks,

starting with some Herald myConnect writings in the Direct From Afghanistan blog and possibly in my own myConnect blog, Quinpool Kid. Some folks have been supportive, others very puzzled about why I feel there’s an issue with a DND Public Affairs officer postging in a community blogging site, and a very few have been downright hostile.

I’ve also pissed off some friends because of some blunt and tactless comments about the band I have been jamming with *or more accurately not jamming with* lately. Oh well they are tough enough and can deal with it. Lord knows the shoe has been on the other foot a few times as well. I know there is still friendship however and everyone is entitled to vent from time to time.

The reason for all this might just be because of last month’s suck-up campaign at work. I’ve been over the top good, and kind of enjoying it in order to be a good employee and get some kind of promotion. You know, the kind that is handed out to people with 1/4 my experience but who benefit from a crazy recruitment program by being promoted without competition. So far it’s worked and I got an acting promotion, which is fantastic and takes away some of the sting of watching these other people boosted up the ladder without effort. I could go on, but really, work is great. I have no complaints. The salary is good and I have plenty of benefits and the work is midly interesting. My greatest satisfaction comes from my interactions with the public, especially when I know we have struck a deal on something that is good for them and good for the employer and complies with all the rules in a fair open and transparent transaction.

Other than all this I am writing constantly about a few different topics, am working on planning for the Samba Nova dance party and several other important band activities. Also doing some renovations. Most of it is done; there was a wall to plaster and paint and a door was hung and trim installed and another couple of walls demolished, etc. My bike is ready to go except for the battery, which is being charged for the first decent day.

I started taking Lipitor this week as well to control my cholesterol. HDL was too low and LDL was too high. I tried fish oil and almonds and low fats etc etc and it didn’t help. My doctor says it’s genetic and there’s really no solution other than medication and that if I don’t take it there is a medium to high risk of arterial sclerosis - no thanks. That’s what happens as one gets older I suppose, and I’m not complaining as I feel really great, but these things must be watched and dealt with or else. God knows I have too many friends with poor health - it’s smart to listen to one’s doctor.

That’s all for now - a rambling narrative.

Cheers,
John