At least I don't have to worry about a costume for work.

Apparently the department has decided to go as '101 Dalmatians' on Halloween. Everyone is being asked to bring a white t-shirt (and pants if wanted) to work next Tuesday where we will be having a 'spotting bee'. Ears and tails will be provided for those who are interested.

Funny. Not much chance of my winning the 50,000 Air Miles that the company is giving to the best costume across the country, but a good way to bond with my workmates.

I seem to be settling in here nicely. I've been chatting with coworkers, sharing candy, winning draws (I won four club-level tickets to a Hitmen game in our United Way raffle last week)... and, of course, actually getting some work done.

Everyone seems pleased with me so far. This is one of those environments where everyone works extra long with little provocation, so working like a dog is just enough to keep up.

At least it's work I can do so far. A little design, a little content, and little JavaScript, a little DHTML... Either stuff I'm very comfortable with, or stuff that stretches me just enough to keep me learning without feeling over my head.

Outside of work, I did make one truly horrendous mistake in the last few days. I forgot my parent's anniversary.

Mom even gave me a hint - she invited the two of us over for a roast beef dinner. Mom never cooks a full roast unless it's an occasion, so I should've guessed.

I don't think I've remembered anyone's birthday, anniversary or anything in my whole life. It's completely awful of me. I've tried to keep a calendar, but that doesn't work - paper calendars always get lost or thrown away, and my digital note keeper died a sad and horrible death just when it would have been useful. The only reason I remember my Mom's birthday is because it is one week after mine.

(Note: This doesn't count Lisa's birthday or anniversary. The sheer terror of forgetting one of those had imbedded it in my gray matter.)

It doesn't end with birthdays however. My memory is truly awful. Last night while I was removing my contacts, Lisa asked me to bring a new box of Kleenex with me when I was done. Despite my best intentions, the whole concept slipped out of my forebrain. In fact, when I went back to get it, I forgot what I had gone for entirely, and had to go a third time.

Mom always says it's simply how important things are to me that I remember them, that I always remember the things I want to do. But that's only partially accurate. I forget to post to my email games. I forget to post here. I forget to tape shows I want to watch. I would forget tons of work related deadlines if I didn't have a notepad with me every second.

I'm don't have ADD or anything (or so I think), but I have so much trouble keeping things in my head from one moment to the next. I'm more like your absent-minded professor, who can't remember if his socks match.

Anyway.

Happy Belated Anniversary Mom and Dad. Love you both.

Addendum: While I wrote this entry this afternoon, I'm posting it jsut before I crawl off to bed. Why? I sent it home to post when I got there. Guess what? I forgot all about it.

Mom Rating: 2 out of 5. Go figure.

New Job - New Identity

Fat Man Out

Take me home, big fella