C Note(s)

I've started this blog entry several times, but still have difficulty posting it. You see, I have some bad news / good news to announce.  "Bad" news first so that the good news will help alleviate the bad news. As of Friday, 11/27/15, yes Black Friday, it will be my last day at Costco Travel. That'll be the end of 13 and a half years at the company. In this day and age of constant job change for one reason or another, this type of tenure is unheard of. I've been told it's quite an accomplishment. To me, though, it reinforces the type of person I am, and work ethic.  A pessimist would tell me that I simply tolerated what I couldn't change, and I couldn't find a way out.  An optimist would tell me that I am a loyal employee to a fault. I smirk - it's neither. I loved my work (still do), and loved the people and company I worked with / for. If you know anything about me whatsoever, you know this is simply the only acceptable explanation. Fri...

DJ Swarlos is simply my stage name in which I rarely use. If I’m the DJ / MC / hired entertainer I simply go by Carlos. Maybe when I have “arrived”, on a main stage somewhere or a regular fixture at a club, I’ll reference Swarlos. However, I digress. I wanted to announce that with enough gigs, and saving my cheddar from these gigs I finally have all the gear needed to be independent DJ. I don’t have the best in the business but it gets the job done. In the end, just like photography, it’s not the gear but the professional using it. There. I said it. Professional. My intent was to post about moving up from a novice / rookie / amateur but comparatively speaking … I’m a professional! I really do earn the money, and street cred that comes with my gigs. Despite any on-site challenges, or however chaotic the itinerary becomes, I get the job done with a high level of professionalism. My clients have given positive feedback, gratuities and requests to have me back next year. Only professio...

Several years ago, I was introduced to the world of $1 bets by my bro, Scott. BEST. THING. EVER. Especially since most $1 bet disputes can be easily answered with a smartphone or computer access to the itnerwebs. Besides, I coined it a level of confidence as an answer. "Are you sure?" It's a flimsy yes. "So are you $1 bet sure?" So I've recently introduced my work team to the wonderful world of $1 bets. At first my new teammate was not initially understanding. As we understand it, it's a nominal amount but enough to keep you accountable. Yesterday I proposed a $1 bet to the other ICS (teammate) I ended up losing the best so I attempted to pay but she wouldn't accept my outstretched arm with $1. She declined it! Flat denied it. I offered twice then put it away. Today? One of my managers proposed another dollar bet. And this time I won! But so did Taryne. I eagerly accepted my manager's dollar while Taryne was reluctant to accept. I wan...