Onix

I've officially moved my web server to a Plug Computer. The SheevaPlug is a cool little machine:
In the plug computing model, network-based software services from a desktop or laptop computer are simply moved to a more efficient device that can be left on all of the time, at ten percent of the cost.

For my non-technical friends, Subversion is a tool for keeping track of changes to files and documents. It's free and it's very good. You can find it at http://svn.collab.net/. For my more technical friends, there's some interesting features that take some work to configure. I'm going to talk today about hooks.

Hooks

This past Sunday, I was called to be the 2nd Councilor in the Valley View Ward bishopric. It was a surprise to me, since I expected the incumbent to be around for a while - it's only been a year since we reorganized the wards.

I was 2nd Councilor in the old 7th Ward when it was dissolved. So I have some experience with the calling. The year between has been good for me to experience a few things first hand. Plus, the ward has gotten to know me better, so I think they'll be more supportive. Not that they shouldn't be, but I think it makes the transition easier.

This vinaigrette was something that I made to satisfy a craving for a rich flavoured and sweet dressing that didn't rely on sugar or other junk. It's a relatively quick recipe and the Balsamic vinegar adds a deep flavour to it.

I've got a new manager at work, Monty Ghitter. I liked my old manager, Phil Brien, but the company wanted something different than what he offered. I'll miss Phil. I consider him a good friend.

So anyway, Monty asked me basically what turns my crank, or what makes me want to go to work in the morning? Along with that, what do I like and what don't I like.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

I spent the morning packing. As always, something gets left behind that you really need. This time I forgot wallet to pay for gas. That was sorted out and the wallet retrieved, but I discovered later that I also forgot the hose for the propane tank. I had picked it up, saw something else I needed, set it down again, and promptly forgot about it. I tend to do that. Once, I packed my wallet into a container and spent the next half-hour hunting for it. I almost had everything unpacked before I found it. I need to find a solution for my mental lapses.

I've had some fun with my assignments in the stake, but it was time for some changes. After some evaluation of the scouting program, they needed to make more adjustments. As a result, I'm now the Scout Leader for a combined Elliston Park / Valley View troop. I was sustained and set apart just on Sunday. I'm looking forward to working directly with the youth again. My oldest son will be joining the troop soon, so it will be an extra benefit to me.

My new calling is official. I'm first counselor in the Stake Young Men's Presidency. Cory Fisk is President, and Shane Steward is second counselor. I'm also working with my brother, Brad, who is the secretary.

It's exciting to work with these guys. Pres. Fisk has a lot of ideas and drive to help the Young Men's organizations thrive. We're there for training and support of the ward Young Men's programs.

We've had several meetings already and have a lot of work ahead.

Sunday was a busy day. We had our regular Sunday meetings and then at 4:00 PM, we had a special meeting to reorganize the East Stake from 6 wards to 5. All of the wards except Strathmore were dissolved and then recreated with new boundaries and names. Where I live used to be 7th Ward. We're now in the Valley View ward. It takes in portions of 11th and 9th wards and stretches through the SW part of the stake.

I've participated in a couple of fun runs lately. You can read about the Santa Shuffle and the Resolution Run on The Greep Vine.