CabucoJuice's Xanga

Path of Destruction

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:40:32 GMT

Yesterday I was contemplating on whether or not I should remain a Computer Science Major or change it up to something else, but before we get into that, let's talk about the chain of events that led up to that workshop.

The day started out pretty much the same, woke up late, still got to my first class before my professor arrived, not that he'd care if I showed up tardy anyhow. I took a seat and fiddled around with my iphone as I waited for class to start. Sure enough our professor arrived late again and all was well. Here's a little fact before I go much further...

There was a day at work in which I thought Robert Stephens was going to drop by so I did everything in my power to ensure that I was working that day, even if it meant I had to dress up in full uniform and wear it in class (which I did). My philosophy class was now fully aware that I worked for the Geek Squad...

Well, why does that tidbit matter? I was sitting down with Gagan minding my own business when I see the Professor and a student standing near the classroom's computer with puzzled looks on their faces. You know that line where someone passes out and says, "Is there a doctor in the house?". Well that happend only they asked for someone who was good with computers. Segway to all eyes on me...Here we go again I think to myself. I get up and have a look thinking it was something minor, but low and behold I see a dreaded BSOD. The girl who needed the computer up and running had a presentation to do in front of the class. The professor bought me time by doing a minor lecture to the class while I tried to see what was up with the computer. I figure hrmmm maybe not fix it now, just do a quick work around aka, reboot! I restart the thing from the BSOD and it goes straight into disk check. I figure eh I'll just skip that too. I try to hit the keyboard thinking I could skip the check, to no avail. I power off the unit and it appears as if either the Keyboard has stopped responding or it maybe got unplugged. I end up on the floor trying to pull the computer out to examine it further but its locked down and no one's got a key. Long story short, I couldn't get to the computer so I couldn't do much about the situation. My conclusion about that situation was that since I could hear the HDD grinding and it went into disk check, plus a BSOD, most likely the HDD is crapping out.

Diag only, Mission Complete. My next instance actually comes into play at the workshop about how to pick a major. Our presenters were showing a slide show and I guess they couldn't get the projector to work. I had explained to them that I was a 'techy" since they asked me appitutide like questions and they asked me to get the projector fixed. Looks like the lens cover was on the fritz so I knocked it back into place and as was well.

My final class for the day, I walk in and see my CS professor working on her projector too. Luckily she fixed it herself.

All in all, I enjoyed my day. The life of an Agent seems to still "WOW" me I suppose. Computer Science it is.

Damnit, I should have said HI >_<

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 06:59:11 GMT

It was incredibly dead again at the Precinct tonight. Not a single customer and it felt as if I had been working for well over 10 hours. During the calm, I remembered that I've been meaning to purchase an adapter so that I could listen to the songs that are on my iphone in my car. I even had the sku ready to go for me to check the pricing, but I kept putting it off, or actually I just kept forgetting. Anywho...

So I finally decide to ask the guys, "Hey, you guys want anything from the front lanes?" just so I could head down there and get rung up for the FM Transmitter. So there I am, standing in line, next to go. I check out who's in front of me as I wait anxiously for my turn and then I noticed something...It was HER! At first I didn't really believe it. I would try to inconspicuously look up at her to see if it was really her...and sure enough it was! She still looked pretty cute, had her hair in a way that was different than I remember, but yea, I was positive it was her!

Maybe the fact that she kept looking up at me. I mean we did make eye contact quite a few times, but I was just in awe and basically froze in my spot. I SHOULD have said HI! Or hrm, maybe its best I didn't say a word. Afterall the guy she was waiting with could have very well been her boyfriend. Nonetheless, it was rather refreshing seeing her again. Now I know what a "flash from the past" feels like at least.

On another note,

I will never take a piss or shit at the store ever. I have learned my lesson and will now hold it from now on. I'll get you back, don't you worry. I guess the other funny thing is having your own manager get sick in such a way that his voice is incredibly high pitched like a "girly man". It was just far too hliarious hearing previously intimdating words come from his oh so not intimidating voice. That was pretty great.

Oh, I almost forgot. That FM Transmitter I got, I failed to check that it apparently requires another cord to hook up to my phone so that it doesn't broadcast from the iphone's onboard speakers -_- Now I have to buy one more accessory. Greaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.

I can't friggin wait for my baby to come in. :(

That is all.

Midterms...;_;, GH3, and I think I've fallen in love.

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 07:02:28 GMT

I hate them. 10 Page Essay nearly complete. I'm on the 7th page amidst being constantly distracted by Guitar Hero. I just sit there staring at the guitar as it taunts me with its oh so shiny buttons. I can't help but pick it up and start playing. I tell myself I'll only play one song, but before I know it I've played 5. ;_;

This week is going to put a toll on me. Work sucks. I clock in nowadays only waiting for my time to clock out and for what? Politics....stupid petty immature pathetic politics. What ever happend to just taking care of your clients? If this is what I have to do to move up in the world, efff that, but alas, I need the college reinbursement and I still love my team. My team keeps getting better and better, but why do I want out so much? :( Although there was a bright side to today's events. It was Halloween after all and I thought I had lost all spirit.

To my surprise, about 6 people came into the precinct today and shockingly they were all wearing GS Uniforms. How exciting! I think I saw maybe 2 girls and the rest guys all in these home made uniforms complete with big shiny plastic badge on the waist, high water black pants, ties with "gs tie pins", and of course, two big cardboard cut outs of GRides". It was awesome! I gave them my card so that hopefully they'd email me the pics. I have yet to receive them :(. I hope they give me a link rather than sending the actual photo as I have a hunch it won't fit in my inbox. :(

Tomorrow I face my CS Midterm and I haven't studied for it at all, not that I need to as its all embedded in my head by now. In my apparent "idle" time I've stumbled across a few things. After receiving a much sought after belt loop keychain from Paul, it occurred to me that I could use an upgrade...

Ah, my fair Leatherman Surge, you've served me well. Come November, its time to upgrade to something lighter, something more elegant, something that will satisify my cravings for having a nice multitool to rely upon...yes my friends...I've come to meet my new love introducing...the Skeletool CX. It's such a beauty, I've fallen in love with it. Too bad its not out yet...hopefully it comes soon. :(

Things I still need to do:

Finish up the Intel Quizzes
Get an Oil Change
Take my WST (Friday)
Finish my WOST Midterm (Saturday)
Attend the D&B Event (MAYBE)

So much to do. Maybe I'll just limit myself to a maximum of 32 hours a week. Who knows? Damn sorethroat is killing me along with the snuffed nose. Something got me ill. No sir, I don't like it.

Cheater

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 06:27:48 GMT

SafetyandRelief (12:23:58 AM): it's time for you to update your blog

Cabucojuice (12:23:27 AM): wth lol

Cabucojuice (12:23:31 AM): no its not

SafetyandRelief (12:24:12 AM): yep

SafetyandRelief (12:24:14 AM): i bloge

Cabucojuice (12:23:37 AM): its only been 5 days.

SafetyandRelief (12:24:15 AM): d

SafetyandRelief (12:24:19 AM): so it's your turn

Cabucojuice (12:23:44 AM): yea but u didn't blog in hella days

Cabucojuice (12:24:03 AM): i blogged when u didn't

SafetyandRelief (12:25:21 AM): stop cheating

SafetyandRelief (12:25:23 AM): your turn

Cabucojuice (12:24:55 AM): lol wth

Cabucojuice (12:24:58 AM): no count my posts

Cabucojuice (12:25:28 AM): i have 3

Cabucojuice (12:25:30 AM): u have...

SafetyandRelief (12:26:30 AM): 253

SafetyandRelief (12:26:31 AM): go

SafetyandRelief (12:26:35 AM): you have 250 more to go

Cabucojuice (12:26:03 AM): wtf

Cabucojuice (12:26:07 AM): no lol

Cabucojuice (12:26:10 AM): u can't count those

Cabucojuice (12:26:13 AM): only count oct

SafetyandRelief (12:26:52 AM): of course i can

Cabucojuice (12:26:29 AM): u only have 3 posts

Cabucojuice (12:26:39 AM): the "chat" pastes don't count

SafetyandRelief (12:27:51 AM): of course they does

SafetyandRelief (12:27:55 AM): you should do the same

Cheater

So my vacation begins today...with a profound realization!

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 22:16:22 GMT

I haven't been inside a church for a while now. Finally had to step inside one today for Joanne's Wedding Ceremony. I felt incredibly anxious as I ended up going alone since all the people who I invited found some way to bail out of it. It's a bit strange walking into a big place where everyone else socializes and you haven't a word to say since you don't know a single person that well. With no one to relate to all I could really do was find an isolated spot and just wait for the ceremony to end. I did want to show my support though and I made sure that the people who mattered saw me, so mission accomplished.

Funny how it feels like I live in a completely separate world. Thanks to myspace I saw a lot of familiar faces that of which I've never met before and didn't say a word to. I can't help it if I'm anti-social. If I don't feel I have a purpose or a real reason to say a word I will clam up. That's just how I am. So here's a few things about me that you'll probably have to get used to.

1) I rarely, no strike that, I never call anyone just to socialize. - My phone is strictly for needs, so if I call you about somethings its always because you have something that I'm trying to find out more about.

2) I tend not to say hello - Don't be offended, unless you go out of your way and say hi to me, don't expect a hello. I'll just go about my own business completely focused on what I have to get done. Even when I do repsond, I don't socialize, I try to do those quick "Wassup" and walk about my way.

3) So if I don't socialize in those atmospheres I have to socialize somewhere, right? - Right, that's on AIM. If you REALLY want to know me, I have to talk to you hidden behind a screen name. I don't know why that is, but I'm more comfortable and seem more outgoing online. Those who know more about me tend to find all that out as they chat with me on aim.

If you haven't caught on by now, I really hate small talk. Even when its someone I'm interested in, I always just like getting straight to the point. I guess that's why I have fast check ins. I SOMETIMES get annoyed when clients come into the Precinct when all I asked was, "So, what's up with your computer?" they'll tend to give me their whole life story when I got a line stacked up with more than 12 people that doesn't even really help me find out what's going on. I have to ask more questions to get to the bottom of their problem.

I guess it builds raport with the client, but c'mon, if they really wanted their computer fixed, "help me, help YOU". I just need to know what you're experiencing, not your whole life story. Now, on that same line, there's those other customers who just tell you too little -_-

For example, "So what's wrong with your computer?"
"Oh, its broken"
"Right, so well what does it do?"
"Hrmm well, it just stopped working."
"Does it power on or..."
"I DONT KNOW ITS JUST BROKEN"

-_-, that's really helpful. I mean I'm already trying to turn on the computer, I see it get into the desktop fine, so what's not working? Yea yea, most people are already frustrated before they even set foot inside the store, so having to wait in line, then having to explain a situation when they probably tried explaining it to other IT Support or "Timmy" friends doesn't really seem to make life easier.

In any case, I certainly need a break from it all. I've vowed a few things to do in order to make sure I have a healthy vacation.

1) No OWA enabled phone use. Strictly going to be my iPhone.
2) I'm not picking up the phone at all if the phone number starts with like a 510441 sorry.
3) Even if you leave a voicemail asking me about a problem, you won't get a response.
4) That goes for texting too.
5) AIM is going to be restricted too.

So with that being said, I should have a pretty chill vacation. Hopefully I have a precinct to come back to. We'll see...

It's a game of Chess...

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:57:57 GMT

Politics...that's what it is. That's what I have to deal with. That's what I have to overcome. I still cannot believe I managed to finish writing up all the Agent's reviews in such the hectic chaos. I managed to get it done! I was also hit with a 40 hour restriction challenge that I was not to work more than 40 hours, which I have no problem doing at all. I would actually prefer working less than 40. 32 would be fine especially with school, but everytime I try to leave, either a manager or another agent has me staying longer. Anywho, I've been contemplating a lot lately about which route I'd want to take up...

Maybe I should become a Double Agent and join the ranks of my mentors Kwong and Chua. You know, hit the field, the one place I've been so afraid to conquer. I've gotten so comfortable in the store hiding behind carwash blinds always falling back to a manager should I feel a situation is getting out of hand that I'm starting to lose grasp of what its like to be in full control of your situation. Anywho, I'm actually very glad today. I almost lost my prized possession only to be picked up by one of my coworkers. Totally gotta thank her for that!

That's bout it for now...I suppose.

Here's to Agent Phan

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:26:14 GMT

     Don't think I didn't see your new blog Will. I'm a man of my word and when I say I'm going to do something, I'm going to get it done! It's certainly been a long, long while. A few changes have come into play. I've got a new SSM who's incredibly kick ass to say the least. I feel he's been getting a lot of things done and definitely been an incredible aid in helping me develop not only as a senior, but someday a future Supervisor and it feels great! Not only that, but I've finally returned to college! I'm taking it a bit easy by only taking up a few classes, but that's not what's exciting...

     As it stands right now, its currently about 3:15AM. I'm supposed to be Off today due to classes, but I'm coming into work to do a weird split shift of 6AM - 9AM then headed out to the campus to do my Phil Class at 10AM - 11:50, then back to the precinct at 12:30ish - 3:00PM ish, and then finally back to the campus at 4PM - 5:50PM where my day should end. If you think that's the hard part, try taking into consideration that the start of my day was actually yesterday as I have not yet had a single wink of sleep. As I type this I have been up for well over twenty four hours. Why? Well, I'm far too excited as our Chief Inspector may possibly be stopping by my own Precinct! I've been dying to meet him and this is my chance. If I have to put myself thru hell to meet this guy, then by all means I'm going to do it and it's going to be totally worth it!

     I've been trying to keep myself busy in all of this anticipation. I've found some solace in my iphone as well as a bit of frustrations. Much like the good updater I am, I've been constantly updating my iPhone with the latest firmware updates, but being the phone n00b I am, I forgot that doing so actually can cause problems. I had a lot of third party applications installed on my phone that I absolutely loved. After the firmware update, I was no longer allowed to have these programs, so I spent the duration of my night downgrading my firmware, but I simply forgot to backup ALL the pictures I took today and all the previous pictures I took with my iphone. Sadly, I've lost them all. Oh well...

     At least I got my ringtones back...

I've also set a deadline for myself. I'm making it my personal mission to try and find my team an additional Counter Operative Agent as I don't want to stress out my current one too much especially going into the holiday season. We're going to be royally screwed if we don't get our all star team together by mid October. There's so much training that has to go down, but I can tell you this...I'm fairly confident that we'll be able to pull everything together especially with our current leadership in place. I have high hopes and a damn near all star team at my side. I want to dominate this season!

Ugh, there's like zero people online that I can talk to right now. I need to find a night owl friend who'll stay up with me in times like this. I think that'd definitely help in keeping me sane. I must equip myself with as many Red Bulls as possible if I'm going to surivive this day. I am definitely not going to consider myself coverage today as I plan on hunting down individuals with a quick sum up of interests/abilities/ambitions. I am determined to recruit more able bodies. If I plan on achieving World Domination, I must be swift, I must take action, and I must lead this team to the best of my abilities. Next time, I plan on putting out a post that will contain pictures. I had SO MANY and had planned on posting those, but I restored my phone without backing it up like an idiot...ugh.

Alright, enough rambling for this post. I think it's time to finish reading and thinking about that final assignment for my Philosophy class now.

Guilt & Grief

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:26:06 GMT

Today, was completely overwhelming to say the least. A lot of ups and downs and to think, it all started with a text message that I thought I'd be happy to receive. I actually had to question myself and think long and hard about all I've done only to come up with, "Is this what I really wanted?"

At this point, I'm still in shock. I nearly spent all of last night and nearly all of my morning trying to get a story straight. I pride myself on knowing all the facts first before I even make a decision as to what I will support. I can't help but know that I am responsible for some of the acts that have taken place on this day. I ask myself, was it really for the best?

On the bright side, I know I had some good news today to share. My hold for my classes has finally been released. Alexis even showed me a class that I could take online. That was perfect. Totally made my day. On top of that, I've overcome my ignorance and am now actively speaking with Crystal. Will it matter much now? Probably not, but the fact that I can keep a conversation with her is an amazing feat for me to say the least. I'm sort of relieved. I honestly did not think I could do it, not one bit. It took a huge event to force me into looking deep into the situation and realize what was right.

That event still didn't change the fact that I've got so much running thru my mind right now I don't even know where to start. I'm a bit relieved and its a slight calm that I feel when I close my eyes and just sit there thinking about all the "What Ifs" that could have made me a stronger leader. In my eyes, I've failed. Not only have I failed myself, but I failed those who needed me most. Where was I in all this chaos?

I'm supposed to be a leader.

Sheer irony that everytime I clock myself in on a daily basis, I'm the one with all the answers. When I question myself, who can I goto for guidance? There's so many questions that I don't have the answers to.

For some, a job is just a job, but for me, I make sure I put in 100% into everything I do. I've finally got around to patching some things up, but I got there too late. If it weren't for my immature actions, maybe things would be better, but I'll never know now.

Sorry if this post is a bit vague. It's meant to be. What'd you expect? This is a public posting after all...

Geek Squad

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 22:08:40 GMT

It's been one hell of a ride. My last blog post was about how I would start my Geek Squad Career. I'm posting to reflect upon all the events that led me this point.

As it stands now, I am currently the Senior Counter Intelligence Agent of Precinct 144. I went from a Part Time CIA > Full Time CIA > and now I'm the Senior which is technically 2nd in command.

I've been looking for ways to keep myself sane. I mean I've run a group of technicians before, but now I'm running a Squad of Agents for a professional repair company, not some starting pack of high schoolers who fix minor things for teachers at a school. It's quite a drastic leap to say the least. I've been contemplating back and forth trying to decide how much longer I plan on pursuing this Geek Squad Dream of mine.

As some of you may already know, our Squad has run into a huge change. We've lost our Deputy of Counter Intelligence. That's right. Deputy Daniel Kang's final day as a DCI was yesterday. I do feel it was a big loss as Daniel constantly helped me get thru some sticky situations. He was also a big factor in why I even decided to turn down Geek Squad Store 921. In times when I did feel my morale was at an incredible low, he'd just have a little talk with me and I'd definitely feel good enough to want to continue pushing forward. Now that he's gone, I don't know if I can handle being a Senior anymore.

I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I didn't think I'd be a Senior without a DCI so soon.

With one loss, we're also taking on a much welcomed addition to our team. My college buddy, William Phan. He's joining the ranks of my Squad and hopefully he'll add some flavor to our crew.

I've got a strong team on my hands and my only hope is that I can be a strong enough leader. I won't even hide the fact that I did have a nervous breakdown in front of one of my managers. The pressure was just so overwhelming. I keep describing it to everyone by referring to that one scene in the movie "Bruce Almighty" where he starts hearing all of these prayers in his head all asking at once. I can assure you, that's quite frustrating especially when you have your own agenda to take care of.

I still look up to our now Double Agent Raymond Kwong. I know he was my former Senior, and to this day, I still wonder and strive to be more like him. I'd always say, catching a Kwong mistake is like finding that Rare Holofoil 1st Edition Charizard Pokemon card because it really is rare to find a mistake from him. I constantly wonder how he coped with the hectic day to day issues that come from a Precinct and how he handled all the constant questions that required all the quick responses.

I mean, I just turned 22. I'm one of the younger guys at my own Precinct and I have less experience in Geek Squad than the majority of my agents. I still cannot understand how I even gained all of their respect knowing all of this. I came from the Ground up to the top and I just am in complete and utter awe that I've come this far. If there's one thing that's keeping me going, its the fact that I do not want to let my guys down. I know how it feels to be let down by a leader, how it feels when your own lead just gives up and leaves you hanging. It sucks. My only hope is that if I'm going to push and continue to try and bring our Squad back up to the top, I'm hoping my Squad will want to persevere along with me.

So many obstables to overcome...

Alright, enough of this random babble. I haven't blogged in ages. Just had to get a few of my thoughts off my mind. Maybe if things go right, I'll continue to post once again, but for now, I'm going to spend the last few minutes before my shift trying to hit the Geeky lucky number of 42 in World of Warcraft.

For Gnomeragon!

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Sat, 24 Sep 2005 20:47:43 GMT

http://www.myspace.com/cabucojuice

I don't think I'll be using this as much as myspace anymore.

This will still be open though.

Who knows, maybe I'll return.

CabucoJuice