This year the company I work for had an additional project at the US Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Our software was to be used on the Concessions side of the tournament; they have been using our software for 10 years prior on the Retail side. I was heading up the project alongside Matt (a co-worker) and teaming up with the NCR Retail Division. Now I am not a golf nut by any stretch, but my dad was and much of my family are. I spent many Saturday’s as a boy as my dad’s caddie; I picked up an appreciation of the game and built one of the few fond memories of my childhood.

Needless to say I was pretty excited to be finally going. It was my first trip and from all accounts from those I went with, I’d have an opportunity throughout the week to at least see a little golf.

The week and a half was phenomenal. The project itself was roughly 14-hour days; we’d get up at 5am to be there at 6 and hopefully be done at 9 or 10pm. Once the initial setup and training were out of the way, it was mostly a week of supervision, correction and ad-hoc analysis for the people calling the inventory movement shots. I took plenty of ideas to improve upon next year but that’s work related, I wont bore with the details.

What you want to hear was how freakin’ cool the golf course was! How amazing it was to be almost able to reach out and touch Tiger Woods. Or Phil Mickelson. Or Greg Norman. Watching Greg Norman birdie the 8th on the 2nd day, the only guy I saw reach the green in two (par 5). The thrill and excitement that was Phil Mickelson on the first nine on the final day. Or the three way playoff for the Green Jacket; the eventual winner having hit a tree on one playoff hole and seeming completely out of contention.

Yes it was an amazing week, one of the best things I have ever done and fingers crossed for another opportunity next year. I took a number of photo’s with the guys while out on the course, you can see them in the Gallery link below.

  Photo Gallery

Listening to Man On The Moon by R.E.M. on Automatic for the People.

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When Jenifer got word that her brother Jesse was getting married we knew we had to get her over to the States for the second time in a year. For a second wedding in a year.  The previous was Josiah and Sarah’s wedding, the timing on that occasion wasn’t good for a family trip so Jenifer and Hayden went alone. This one wasn’t ideal either; the boys would have been in a new school year all of a few weeks before the big day. With reluctance we planned for Jenifer and Hayden only to venture over again, alone.

When Jenifer’s mum had left Australia after Hayden’s birth it affected Nevan pretty deep. He wanted very much to visit his uncles and grandparents again so when he pleaded to go this time we began to entertain the idea. I could work from the office, beautifully placed in Jenifer’s hometown. The boys could take a schooling packet with them and make the trip educational. We could see everyone and everyone could see us. We hatched the plan.

Roll forward to the evening of February 17th, 2009. Jenifer entered the side door of her parents house; as expected and welcomed after her long trip. Everyone obviously pleased she was there safe and happy to have her home. I took the boys around to the front door and knocked…

The scenes were exciting and fun as David almost fell over backwards, Jeni’s dad was dumbfounded, everyone thrilled and in disbelief. The trip was for a month, our first as a family for nearly 2 years. Jenifer and the boys got a lot of much needed family face time while I got what I needed on top of some productive times in the office. Seeing my co-workers again after a year was great as well.

The wedding was superb, held at the in-laws, well organized and a treat to be a part of. Jenifer was a Bridesmaid for the first time in her life and we all just adored the bride’s family. A bond was made in the few days by all before we all went our separate ways to various parts of the earth.

Listening to I’m A Believer by Smash Mouth on Smash Mouth.

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Not so bad. In truth, I feel and act like I am 18. Jenifer would be standing to the side, pointing at me and nodding. We’ll chat next year. Surprise 30th’s are all the rage apparently and mine was a doozy; BBQ brekky at the rellies in Sydney before heading off to the game with members tickets.

The breakfast was delicious, always good to catch up with my family. We opened some presents, caught up with each other and prepared for the next leg, the real birthday present.

Ben, Robert, David, Steven, Joel and myself all head out to the SCG to watch Australia take on New Zealand. How on earth my cousin Ben was able to land members tix to the game is beyond me. The seats were sensational, easily the best vantage point I’ve ever enjoyed. Brad Haddin scored his maiden one day century and Australia smashed the Kiwi’s. David’s outburst to a talkative Joel in the car later that night was priceless.

Hats off to Jenifer, Michelle, Tracy and anyone else who worked hard to plan the day. And a special thank you to our insider Rachael who was the mastermind behind the tickets.

As for plans for the upcoming year? A massive USA trip around the corner. Plan for the family and friends to return the following year for Jenifer’s turn. Think of business ideas to run with little to no involvement; internet based.

Listening to Watch Over You by Alter Bridge on Blackbird.

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Just a year to go until we have a double digit child. How did it come to this? We’re not even thirty yet (those astute will realize I will be in four days… it matters not).

This was a quiet birthday compared to previous years. It’s not that we didn’t want to celebrate hard, it was more like taking a breath before something big. We were about to show up, un-expected at the doorstep of family in the USA and they didn’t know it.

That was part of Nevan’s present. And Liam’s. And Jenifer’s. And in the end mine, though I went to work in the office (which is always so welcome for me; people to talk to). More on that event and how it played out in a following blog.

In the here and now, we all went to our favourite restaurant on the beach for breakfast and gave Nevan the video game he really wanted. Buzz! Jungle Party, a kind of four-player family competition where you feel like you’re in a quiz show competing for prizes or something. It’s fun, and I am glad he asked for this and not some single player game so we can all join in.

Happy Birthday Nevan!

Listening to Going Down in Flames by 3 Doors Down on Away from the Sun.

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In January we had the opportunity to stay with some friends at Sussex Inlet; a beautiful spot about two and a half hours south of where we live. Their parents own a beach house with a private jetty into the inlet, our friends (Riley & Cindy) own a boat and we were set for a great long weekend!

What was particularly cool was how many kangaroo’s freely went about their business down there. Unlike the city where it’s rare to see them, they roam free and in number in the quieter places. Jenifer and the boys got a kick out of seeing them in the “wild” and being able to get so close. We’d wake up at the crack of dawn, sip a coffee and watch the kangaroo’s hunt for food as water and sky would separate with the emergence of the sun. 

While Jenifer relaxed back at the house with Cindy I went out on the water with Riley, his boys, our boys and a few neighbourhood boys for some knee-boarding and tubing. It was an absolute blast! Nevan got right into it; Liam might still be a little young but enjoyed his slower turns all the same. And once the big kids got on, Riley gunned it and ensured some sensational stacks followed. A collection of fun photo’s can be found in the gallery linked below.

 Photo Gallery

Listening to Without You Here by The Goo Goo Dolls on Let Love In.

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As I near 30 I am finding myself reflecting on all sorts of things and they tend to be organized in lists. Achievements, regrets, disappointments, hopes, dreams, even silly things like favourite songs in my 20’s. I think over the coming months I’ll write a lot of these things down, so I think a good place to start is something a bit light ‘n easy.

Influential, inspirational, or just pure melody orgasm; whatever it is everyone has certain sounds they love and I think all of us have a list that we keep and this is mine, in no order. I’ve probably missed something, but these would be real close.

Iris – Goo Goo Dolls – 1998

There’s something about this song that I love. The stringy guitar start and finish, the powerful middle that really builds, I don’t know what it is but this is one of those songs I can safely say I have never skipped forward when it came on. It turns out that it is the longest charting number one single in Billboard Hot 100 Airplay history with 18 consecutive weeks in the number one spot. So a lot of people agree with me.

My Immortal – Evanescence – 2003

A song about separation – I’ve never had someone so loved by me leave, but if they ever did this is the kind of song that would stir the emotions and re-hash scars cut deep. Amy Lee has the most amazing voice and if I was to ever fall in love with a voice hers would be it.

With Arms Wide Open – Creed – 1999

Creed has had it’s fair share of ups and downs, critics and naysayers but let’s face it – for a time (when they were going multi platinum and winning Grammys) a lot of people digged them. I did too; if there was ever a song to shed a tear and celebrate the birth of your son this was it.

“Well I just heard the news today, It seems my life is going to change…” and
“I’ll show you love, I’ll show you everything, With arms wide open…”

I remember the day vividly when Jenifer walked up to me holding a pair of baby shoes. She was coming to tell me something I had never heard before. Powerful. I’ll show you EVERYTHING.

Wake Me Up When September Ends – Green Day – 2004

My heart breaks for anyone who has lost their mum or dad or wife or brother or sister; I could go on, this song makes me almost grieve for something that has never actually happened to me! No, this isn’t about September 11 though in that context the song remains powerful. This is truly the songwriters pain of remembering when he lost his father and in the face of such a traumatic event, never fully recovers. Crushing.

Photograph – Nickelback – 2005

Listen to the song; think about high school, think about hanging out at lunch time, think about mates long gone, think about your first girlfriend, think about home, about things from your adolescence. “I miss that town, I miss the faces…” are surely words that burn into anyone who has moved far from home like we have.

We Believe – Good Charlotte – 2004

Word so powerful right off the bat; a woman’s only son has died and as many do, questions God. Elsewhere in the world life goes on, but she is still there with her daughter crying. Amidst all this we’re reminded we’re all the same, looking for love and that the world truly is crying out for much more than what it’s getting. There’s also a message about war and how can those responsible for waging it sleep at night?

Wonderful - Everclear – 2000

The story of divorce as seen by a child. Early on he tries to block it out and as he grows starts pretending to his friends that everything is alright. It was tough for me to choose between this and Father Of Mine (also by Everclear), the story of a father who leaves the family when the writer was a young boy. Both songs gut me and stir a passion within to be the best father I can be to my boys. I want to coach them, wrestle them, eat McDonalds ice-cream cones with them, swim with them, play video games with them and never leave them.  

100 Years – Five For Fighting – 2004

A man on his deathbed looks back at life to assess whether he really lived. It gets me thinking every time, especially as I near 30, about where I am in life. I get disappointed with some things but am so grateful for others; I have a wonderful wife and three healthy, amazing boys. I’ve traveled to far places in this world, I’ve played sport with a passion and am starting to coach my sons. I’m luckier than so many and will try so hard not to take life for granted.

Shadow Of The Day – Linkin Park – 2007

A song that has been taken a few different ways; a war ravaged world (as in the video) with carnage all about and people fighting for freedom; of suicide; or perhaps someone terminally ill. I think it comes down to dealing with a situation that has no answer or solution. “Sometimes goodbye is the only way…” is a line that I think I would like to say on my deathbed. When that day eventually arrives the sun will set for me and I will let my loved ones know that everything is okay, it’s my time and sometimes goodbye is the only way. Just a gorgeous song.

Lose Yourself – Eminem – 2003

I actually have few songs that have explicit lyrics; I’m a husband and father and I personally find that explicit lyrics tend to promote anger and hate. This one is an exception for me as first I own the non-explicit version, but second easily fires me up in certain situations. Sport. The song applies to the real life of Eminem and the hardships he faced rapping, the insults received for being a white rapper and the troubles of an alcoholic parent.

“Feet fail me not, this may be the only opportunity I got…” are inspirational to me as I prepare to bat. You never know when your lucky break will come, for most of us it never happens but you need to put yourself into the position and remind yourself that you could be noticed by anyone at any time. Apply yourself with 150% energy always and chances are you will succeed.  

Listening to Kiss from a Rose by Seal on Seal (1994) [?]

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This year was baby Hayden’s first Christmas and while it’s just bright colours and fascination with wrapping paper for a 7 month old it’s still a precious time for the parents of a baby. We were fortunate again this year that my Dad was able to come down and spend it with us, helping the boys with all their present opening while spending time with his new(ish) grandson. Dad met Nevan when he was a year and a half, he met Liam when he was nearly four. He’d never spent time with a “baby” of mine.

Once the bomb scene was cleared we all headed up to Sydney for another dose of carnage. This year 39 Doigs & Co gathered at my grandparents for the yearly Family Christmas. There were babies galore as many of my cousins have had babies this year, a total of 5 precious little ones spelling out that the next generation is well and truly here. It had to be good for Nan & Pop and I hope that one day I will be so lucky to have so many loved ones coming to spend the Holidays with me.

We actually stayed the night in a little cabin; spent much time eating, swimming, running, playing cricket, remote control helicopters, I could go on and on. It was a great way to spend Christmas, the boys came home buzzed and I know they too got a lot out of the day. Good times.

Listening to I’d Come for You by Nickelback on Dark Horse [?]

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Recently we took advantage of a bright sunny day to goto the beach with some friends. They had already been down there surfing and body boarding so I ordered the troops to get their togs and boards and down we went. I took the opportunity to get some really great shots of the boys playing and Hayden’s first real experience at the beach.

After a bit Nevan and Liam joined their mate Hugo in the water for some body boarding, Jenifer played with Hayden at the water’s edge and I continued taking pics of the boys getting smashed by waves (that were big to them). And shortly thereafter we heard a piercing scream and saw Liam come out of the water screaming, clutching his leg.

He was in shock, managing to blurt, “Something bit me, something bit me” over and over again. The initial reaction and feelings are pretty terrifying, a quick look at his leg and finding a blue bottle washing up onto the beach right where he was confirmed he had been stung by a blue bottle.

Now, I’ve been too far removed having been overseas for so long that I forgot if a blue bottle was poisoness, if it was potentially harmful or fatal or what. Quick clarification from our surfing mate who was a local confirmed that he would be okay while Jenifer raced Liam to the Surf Lifesaving club. There they performed the typical application of salt water, followed by warm water and intructions to get some sting ointment and follow that up with a warm bath.

We were to expect Liam to calm down and be right after a couple hours. He was brave and had resumed normal Liam behaviour and activity after 45 minutes. Crisis averted, nice welts all over his leg as proof!

Some information according to Wikipedia:

Stings usually cause severe pain to humans, leaving whip-like, red welts on the skin which normally last about forty-five minutes after which it should subside. However, the venom can travel to the lymph nodes and may cause, depending on the amount of venom, more intense pain. A sting may lead to an allergic reaction. There can also be serious effects, including fever, shock, and interference with heart and lung action. There have even been deaths, although this is rare. Medical attention may be necessary, especially where pain is intense or there is an extreme reaction.

Note: A blue bottle is not a jellyfish, though likened to one I decided to leave it there as we stereotypically thought it is as most people do.

Listening to If Everyone Cared by Nickelback on All the Right Reasons [?]

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I’m going to try and post some fun tech gadgets I’ve played with or am playing with recently and give a little write-up of each.

Lately I’ve been a bit more obsessed than normal with trying to get all the stuff I like to look at on one page. This could be via iGoogle, MyYahoo! or whatever. I’ve also been doing some web work for my cricket club and am back in that mode of making sure the site looks the same cross-browser. I’ve been looking at various browsers again and will talk a little about my latest look-in.

MySpace Comments RSS Feed

I hate logging into MySpace and being forced to see who’s completed the latest retarded survey. But I do get gems in my comments from time to time that are worth hanging on to. I found this great script online that allows you to enter your MySpace address and generate an RSS feed:

http://makedatamakesense.com/myspace/comment/

Enter your address, click Create Feed of Comments and copy the URL of the page that is generated. The page will look ugly; if you look closely you’ll notice that it appears to be an un-formatted plain text generation of your recent comments. Fear not, it is in RSS compliant XML and can be added to your RSS reader! I added it to MyYahoo!, tweaked it to show the 5 recent comments and set Headline only. Gold.

Facebook Friend Updates Feed

I actually had to look around a bit to find this one. Initial searches on the net led me to instructions to broadcast my own updates, but I don’t care to have a feed of myself! To locate the RSS feed of your friends status updates, do the following:

1. Login to Facebook
2. Click Friends from the top menu
3. Click Friends’ Status Feed in the left menu under Subscribe
4. Copy the URL and to your RSS reader

Similar to the MySpace feed described above, the page will appear to be an un-formatted plain text generation of your friends recent status updates.

Butcher Cricket Feed

While on the feeding frenzy I decided to write my first ever feed, taking the recent news articles posted to our cricket site. Each week various members of the club write Match Reports of the previous weekend’s action in our five Grades of cricket; I’ve written PHP and MYSQL to generate my own compliant XML RSS feed.

http://www.butchercricket.com/feed

Google Chrome

So Google has developed their own Browser! There’s not much left in the Marketplace for them to cover is there? I’m trying it out, really really really (I said really) enjoying the minimalistic approach and browser rendering, and was pleasantly surprised how seamlessly Firefox Bookmarks and Stored Passwords came across! Stored Passwords is one reason I hate switching browsers.

I do have a couple items on my wish list:

• Tab Controls are minimal – I want to be able to set all addresses entered in the address bar to open in a new tab but can’t.
• I also want to cycle through my tabs with hot keys, such as F2 back and F3 forward. Can’t do it. Let’s just say tabbed browsing is still limited.
• Where’s my Ad and Script blocking options? I want to be able to easily configure safe and untrusted sites.
• Javascript Rich Text Editors on webforms don’t work, probably because they’re hard coded for IE 6.0+ and FF 2.0+. Still, I want it to work.

I’ll probably find more things to be disappointed in, but right now I continue to use it as my main browsing browser but not my developing browser.

And that’s it for now. Will try and follow up with more stuff I play with next month.

Listening to So Much to Say by Dave Matthews Band on Crash [?]

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I am going to predict that Hayden has an attention span somewhere between both boys; Nevan is active and needs to change things up to stay interested, Liam can play for hours with a stick. He adores his brothers, simply loves watching them play. We ask the boys that when they play with their toys they do it near Hayden because he just digs it.

Hayden also possesses a heart warming smile that is on a switch! Almost anything triggers a grin from ear to ear, making us feel we have a happy baby. And that’s a great thing to see and feel.

I’ve added some recent photo’s here:
http://mike250.com/gallery/v/year/2008/october/

Listening to Everybody Hurts by R.E.M. on Automatic for the People [?]

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