Decisions, Decisions

It's that time again...time for the (semi-) monthly post. This month's topic - career-related decisions.

For some of you, making career-related decisions is a speck in your rearview mirror or a non-issue. I am envious. As the designated money-earner in our household, I am tasked with finding a way to earn money. I don't have a problem with earning money, but deciding where and how to do that is another story. Let me tell it to you.

I recently received a job offer from an environmental consulting company in Edmonton for the type of position for which I've been trained (Ecologist). After working with the company for 10 days at the start of September, my impression of the company and the people associated with it was positive. The work itself would likely be relatively enjoyable and the offered salary is adequate (it would be great in Manitoba, but real estate prices in Alberta are stupid). Sounds good, eh?

The downside to all this is that accepting the job would require a move to Alberta (feel free to gag now). I'm not an Alberta kind of guy...it's too big, fast, and full of money for me. More importantly, moving to Alberta requires leaving family and friends behind, which is not something we're keen on doing. We love our community of friends where we are. We love being close to family. Also, both Heidi and myself are ready to live in a more rural setting. While staying in Winnipeg doesn't accomodate that, neither does moving to Edmonton.

After I inform people of this, the next question I get is: Can you get a job like that here? The answer: Possibly, but I've yet to be offered on here, and they're harder to come by here compared to Alberta.

So the questions are: Do we sacrifice closeness with family and friends on the alter of career? Do I look for work outside of urban areas, even though it may not be in a field in which I've been trained? Would we survive in Alberta without a new pick-up? These are questions which must be answered, and they must be answered by next Friday (Sept 28).

On an infinitely more joyous note, here's more pictures of world's happiest and cutest baby.

Friesen Camp 2007

For all you Friesens out there, this blog's for you. Thanks for another great FC.

This last one was actually taken a couple weeks back, but it fits so well into the camp theme I thought I'd include it anyway.

Defend Your Honor, You Yellow-Bellied %$#)&$)#!

It's defense time. D! ###! D! ###! (my lame attempt at replicating the football game chant...the number signs just don't quite cut it). This Thursday I defend my thesis and, while I don't think I have much to be worried about, it is the final test of my knowledge regarding my masters degree, so a certain unease (which I have) does not seem out of place. Fortunately, my committee members all seem to be reasonable people who have enough self-esteem that they don't need a ego booster shot by trying to make me feel like an idiot. Hopefully the heat doesn't leach all energy from me before then.

Of course, as soon as people learn that I'm done my degree, that great inevitable question will follow - "So, what now?" or "Botany degree...what are you going to do with that?" The correct answer to both questions is, of course, "I don't know." Alternatively, I could answer "I'll sell my great expanse of knowledge and expertise to the highest bidder", but that might be drifting from humility, so I'll stick with "I don't know" for now. It seems that there is a common misunderstanding out there regarding university education. University education is generally focussed on promoting general knowledge and various skills such as reading, writing, and critical thinking. It's primary focus is not preparing a student for a specific job, other than perhaps the Education program. Community colleges, on the other hand, prepare students for specific jobs (eg: you complete the "Plumbing" program so you can plumb). So my education did not prepare me to hold a specific job, though there a variety of jobs out there which I may be qualified to do, thanks to my education. Which one will I pursue? See above for the correct answer.

Here's more pictures of Ivan.

This last picture is of my folks with their grandchildren (William, Austin, Ivan, and James).

You Gotta Love Ivan...and Flowers

Because I know you all care, this is Geum triflorum, or if you prefer a common name it's three-flowered avens, or old-man's beard, or prairie smoke. These are the seed heads. It's quite a common native wildflower. This was taken at the Rotary Prairie patch on Regent Ave in Winnipeg.

More Pics

How typical of a new parent - just can't stop shoving pictures of my kid down your throat.

The Monthly Post

Well, it's that time again, time for the montly post. This schedule is quite unintentional, but it seems that once a month is about how often I get around to putting something here. In this case, it's another picture of Ivan.

One thing I've experienced since Ivan was born is an intensity of emotion when I'm holding Ivan that is unprecedented in my life. It is an all-encompassing feeling of love and bondedness that is nearly overwhelming. All expressions of this emotion, including tears, which are typically indicate pretty strong emotions especially for a guy, are monumentally inadequate at expressing it. Being a parent really is like having your heart living outsite your body, and I'm not used to it, perhaps one never is.

Smiley Ives

Always ones to give in to popular demand, here's some more pictures of Ivan. Enjoy.