Monday 8 March 1999
Pic of the day: A diploma, which I once got in my job, after I qualified as a software instuctor. I keep it for entertainment value; but the second time they heaped diplomas on us, I threw mine in a conveniently located wastebin during the ceremony. The day I need diplomas from overpaid bureaucrats, it is time for me to get myself a real job.
Let me explain: I've written better software than what we use. I've done so on my spare time, under MS-DOS 3, on a monochrome screen. I'm not kidding about this. The day I can't compete with any given branch of Norwegian government with regards to software development, that day is a black day of my life. How so? Because in government, talent is nullified by design. Every talented person has at least one level of non-talent above him/her. And the talentless person has to make modifications to justify his (it's usually a he) higher pay, so he will remove what he cannot understand. Add a couple levels of this, and only the amazingly talentless will be approved.
On the bright side, working for the government means you don't actually need to think on the job. There will always be some kind of pre-digested routine that you can follow. And you don't lose your job even if it becomes redundant. Not unless you go crazy and come with weapons to off your boss. (Happened with a coworker of mine, once. Our boss got warning and escaped, though.)
Meanwhile, back on earth: Not my best day, but not my worst either. I didn't feel too well in the morning and lost a couple of hours. Been a bit dizzy part of the day. And of course tired, but that's a given. Played "One and one" on my CD player (yes, I have one at work too, and dozens of CDs, as is good and proper). "1&1" is a really cute song, delicious melody and a hopelessly romantic text (if I've understood it at all). "After all is said and done, one and one still is one." Yeah, right. Matter is, today, one and one is three. And that's before any kids are factored in. My life, your life and our life. We have to schedule a meeting dear, let me find my pocket organizer.
On a slightly unrelated note, I just had a talk with my best friend, the lavalamp of my life and what not, the notorious Supergirl. She's back from the hospital, healing super-fast after the surgery. Yay!! Good news are sweeter than honey. She sounded relieved and content (as did I, I guess. I was a bit nervous for a while). If all goes well, I shall meet her in Oppegaard (near Oslo) on Freeeday, after which it is safe to assume that there will be no .jpg diaries for a few days.