Encountered some asbestos singles yesterday while looking at a new job.  I wasn’t sure until I called my Uncle who after I described them said “asbestos”.  Even though the state allows contractors and homeowners to remove the shingles, provided they are in good condition I just want to stay away from them.  The regulations for handling and disposing are fairly strict.  Couple that with the homeowner’s new born child its just too risky.

I wrote to the owner that I didn’t want to get involved with the shingles unless they test them and find there to be no asbestos.  I hope I’m not being too cautious.  As thrilling as mesothelioma and asbestosis sound I think I’ll avoid the possibility.
Its amazing how many products they used to put asbestos in.  Everything from microwaves and ovens, to curtains and insulation.  I believe it is still used in brake pads but I’m not sure.

I’m still trying to wrap my head around the recent tell all book by former Press Secretary Scott McClellan. Am I the only one who’s dumbfounded at the assertion that this President lied to us during the run up to war? ‘Course there was that troublesome absence of WMD, but I’m sure they’ll turn up. After all, there was enough to annihilate the world, they must be hiding somewhere in all that sand.

Wrote this just prior to leaving the corporate world:

Now that the word of my departure is getting out there seems to be a flood of people coming to me saying they’re thinking about leaving too. I’m so confident in my decision to leave, I just get a little thinking that there might be a stampede towards the door come January 1st. People are feeling abused, not respected and poorly paid.

Nothing of the sort happened but when I get together with the old gang they still complain a lot about work.

Among the handful of shows I watch regularly, Top Chef at the moment ranks at the top. This season has been great but from the start it has been Richard’s to loose. He sets the bar for his fellow chefs. Despite strong competition I’d be surprised if he didn’t win.

Lisa was never a stand out in my mind but her performance at the judges table in episode 10 revealed her true colors calling Andrew out on his use of ingredients which were in conflict with the rules. It was a desperate act from someone who knows they’re chances are slim. Resorting to tactics instead of good food to win is not the sign of a Top Chef.

Andrew may be a weirdo but I liked him and I think he can cook. More importantly though, week after week he showed a passion and zeal for his craft that went unmatched. I’ll miss Andrew going forward and I’m eager to see Lisa hang.

Episode 11 saw Dale hang for being a poor leader and a bad team player. I think it could have easily been Lisa though. She is smug and seems flabbergasted at criticism from the judges. Bourdain hated her Laksa. Why she thought that was a good idea when Tony was judging shows her lack of thoughtfulness. I’m projecting her to be kicked off tonight.

Spike has to know he is also skating a fine line. If he can pull off something really special he’ll make it another week. If he’s out of tricks, he’s done. I’d be very surprised to see Stephanie, Richard or Antonia off tonight.

Update: Had a strange feeling earlier today that Antonia could be the one to go…

Since last I posted, October 2007, much of my life has completely changed. One of the original purposes of this blog was to track the progression from the cube to my new life. I’ve been remiss in the trackage but I can happily report, from the other side, that life beyond the cube is good.

I’m now running a small contracting company with 1 employee. My angle and inspiration is to use “green” products and techniques whenever possible. I’ve had good luck using bamboo flooring, low VOC paint and have enjoyed recycling old cabinets and doors. I’ve also endeavored to plan with extra vigilance on the front end which helps reduce waste on the cutting floor.

By some ridiculous stroke of good fortune I’ve been busy from day one back in January. Thus far I completed the following:

• Bathroom face-lift
• Full kitchen remodel
• Another bathroom face-lift
• Tile back-splash
• Painting the odd room here and there
• Banister
• Cedar screen inserts for a porch

In the pipeline I have decks, kitchens, siding galore, and possibly an addition. I’m hoping that the work continues to come in and am more confident every day that leaving my desk job was the best decision I’ve ever made.