Self-Exam

by G. Sax

No, not like a breast examination, but like a work-sponsored set of tests and measures meant to make me a better G. I often blanche at such things, because I’ve seen the efforts wasted by management who see it as a tool to get the troops in line rather than an opportunity to get themselves on a more effective track.

There are elements of that in this round of “discovery,” but not through and through like I’ve felt before. Something different. Better installation. Most importantly, better self-attitude.

I’m a Big Boy Now

by G. Sax

I have to take a personality test for work. After I take the test, I’m going to take it to heart. I know I have some pretty decent strengths. Like my ability to organize. Like my loyalty. Like my confidence in craft or my ability to get you to read whaletime.net. I haven’t done much advertising my strengths and my website lately. I’m going to change that. Obviously, I want to be seen and heard. Which is why I’m taken aback by my backgroundy, shoegazing ways.

It’s the editor in me. The referee. The event planner—the less you know I exist, the better. But I’m not all that. There’s a little bit of Kanye in me. I’m an egotist. I don’t just want to make beats for other people.

So you’ll be seeing me trying to enhance my strengths, both here and in person should you want to hang out sometime.

I again have that good feeling of being on the precipice of something great. Maybe it’s the holidays. I’m one of those rare birds that gets up entirely for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Family drama is often unavoidable. Overspending, overeating…avoidable, but, like, yeah, right. One of my strengths is my zest for life. Which is why I don’t understand why my pessimistic side flourishes when something unplanned puts me on the sidetrack. Watch me grow.

One Exit

G. Sax

Have I mentioned that I work one exit away from my apartment? I hop on Hwy. 169 and right the eff back off. Five-minute commute. Almost as good as working from home. I shouldn’t brag too hard. Carly’s not thrilled with her length-of-the-metro commute to St. Paul. We’ve done a role reversal from our Novato, CA schedule. It’ll change again someday. Here’s to hoping the new digs fall somewhere in the middle for once. (2008 Update: Not even close. We moved to St. Paul. My commute is near its California levels. Carly eats lunch at home everyday, and I’m boondocking. At least the weekends make more sense.)

2 Months in 60 Words

by G. Sax

Arrived in Minnesota in April 2006.

Settle into…

Edina,

Hopkins,

St. Louis Park,

Eden Prairie,

…and western suburban Minneapolis places formerly unknown.

Carly and I acclimate to new jobs and patterns.

I work down the street (ride bike, still no car).

Many friends, family. My kids!

Watch season finales.

Taylor wins! “Lost” finishes strong.

Play softball. Twins! Saints! Duluth!

I’m fat.