Long long time ago

Wow. I can't believe it's been 5 years since I began my career as a media monitor. The date was September 10, 2001, that was the day I first began listening and writing about the news. I have to admit that I really do like my job a lot even though many people don't understand it or others find it boring. I guess I am an infophile and having a job where I am getting bombarded with new information everyday is really pretty darn exciting.

So it was 5 years ago that I entered the 10th floor office of Bowdens Media Intelligence in downtown Ottawa. It was a pretty uneventful day that I remember very little of, because as you may know things were gonna get a lot more exciting on my second day, what with September 11th and all. I think it was probably very beneficial to have such a major news event take place on the second day of a monitoring job. Anything that would follow that event would seem like child's play. It could also have made the job seem more mundane and dull and let me tell you those moments exist, but I guess its my love for information that just keeps me coming back each each and every day.

When I was studying history and political science at Carleton University or radio broadcasting at Algonquin College there was never a time that I thought wow I could get paid to just sit in front of a tv or radio and write what's going on . But the job actually exists.

The time I have spent as a media monitor has led to some of the best friendships I have ever known and maybe that is why I like the job so much. There have been some tough times during my time with the company, but my friends have always been there to help things along.

I spent my first 4 and half years with Bowdens working in Ottawa and the job finally allowed me to meet some quality people in the city that I know will be friends for life. There is of course Mo who has been one of the most important people in my life to date. She has been a tremendous friend and has tried to help me from the first day. There is also Rob, who without his influence I may have never been able to enjoy as many Ottawa Senators games as did last season. Who else is there? Of course I cannot forget Em. She is a wonderful friend who always gives me a reason to smile. There are a few others in that office who are great people and I'm glad I had a chance to get to know them. Mitch, Lan, G-Money, The Mats, Marlene, Murial and Mel are some of the interesting characters I had a chance to meet during those halcion days. What's with everyone having an M in their name anyway?

Of course the good times in Ottawa did come to an end and I headed west to check out how the playas in Calgary roll when it comes to media monitoring. Well let me tell you these cats are whacked. There is a great group of people in the office out here. The atmosphere in the office is very positive and I hope that I will form the same bonds I had in Ottawa out here.

Well I just wanted to reflect a bit on my anniversary. 5 years is a long time, but it has been a good time.

I want to dedicate this post to Rob, Mona and Emilie, the Bowdens co-workers who made my time at that place so much easier.

You all rock

I'd like to end this post with a song

What would you do if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song,
And I’ll try not to sing out of key.
I get by with a little help from my friends,
I get high with a little help from my friends,
I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.
What do I do when my love is away.
(Does it worry you to be alone)
How do I feel by the end of the day
(Are you sad because you’re on your own)
No I get by with a little help from my friends,
I get high with a little help from my friends,Oh,
I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.
Do you need anybody,I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybodyI want somebody to love.
Would you believe in love at first sight,
Yes I’m certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see hen you turn out the light,
I can’t tell you, but I know it’s mine.
Oh I get by with alittle help from my friends.
I get high with a little help from my friends,
Oh I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends.
Do you need anybody,I just need somebody to love,
Could it be anybody,I want somebody to love.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mm I’m gonna try with a little help from my friends,
Oh I get high with a little help from my friends,
Yes I get by with a little help from my friends.

Thanks a lot! You've been a great crowd!