Robert Eckman's Personal Blog

Well, it's been a while since I've updated my Blog... I am just too busy or tired to do it. I've also been somewhat really reclusive lately and whatnot. Vague, I know.

For starters, I bought some new Ice Skates last week. The Bauer One95s (The current top of the line model) for over $400; the most I've spent on a pair of skates since the last time I bought skates (then, Bauer Supreme 7000s) some eight years ago. I figure that I'm really only spending $50 a year for one of the best skates you can play in. The difference is clear when I step on to the ice with my new skates. Nothing to dish about my old skates, they were great and done me a great service, but they were completely worn out from my constant use of them. In the end, the blades needed replacement again, and they aren't avalible anymore unless I got a new liner (the thing that holds the blades) which would cost at least $80 or 90 to install. Plus it needed rivets, had peeling leather, and well, after skating in them for 3 times a week, year after year, you get the idea. It was time for a replacement... and since I intend to keep skating till I drop, I figured a little upgrade would do no harm.

Well, four games into my new skates, and I've got eight goals; scoring at least one talley in each contest. Who says you have to feel pain and get blisters on your feet when breaking in a pair of new skates? I haven't had any pain what so ever, thanks to having my skates baked so that it forms to my feet. I've got my balance quite down, but these put me slightly higher, so I haven't found found my perfect push off and power stride yet, but I'm quickly narrowing that down. I go a lot faster in these definately! I'm able to do a lot of things faster now, that I'm almost having trouble catching my breath. Maybe my confidence is too high on these skates, but I feel like I can really fly in them.

But I do have to say, the laces that came with the skates feel like they're made of steel, because they rip into my fingers when I'm lacing up. I like to have my skates laced real tight, but when I pull on these laces, the fabric actually cuts into my fingers, but they stay tight the whole time.

Now all I need is a new stick (ack, there goes a hundred bucks) as I suspect my current one is nearing it's breaking point after four months. But hey, whatever! I enjoy playing my favorite sport, Hockey!

Once again, I haven't been posting much of anything on this thing, but my oh my; a lot has happened since my last post!

Well, they say you shouldn't blog about work, but I'm confident enough that it won't come back to haunt me.

First of all, I finally decided to leave my Manpower position in the Datacenter at SMDC for greener pastures. I was frustrated there for many reasons, but I'll keep them private for now. However, since everything I do is a learning event for me; I picked up some real good work experience and gained some valuable lessons while there. One thing for sure, I can appreciate how difficult it is to run a datacenter... so many variables and things to worry about, you have to be organized and pay attention to every detail if you want things done right. I feel bad for them now, because since I've left, they have had to do more with less. I heard that a temp they hired after me apparently worked for only one day before quitting. And a quick look at the job posting today shows 3 open positions now instead of none open when I worked there.

Since December 1st. I work at 50 Below as a Senior Builder and I really enjoy it! I am so fortunate to have found this job locally and so quickly in such a dismal economy here. I work on websites for our clients, and already recieved positive feedback from one of our clients. I enjoy it so much, that it doesn't even feel like work! And the difference from my old job and my new job (pardon my pun but) is literally night and day! Not only do I get to bed each and every night, but I enjoy coming to work in the morning. In fact, I take the bus since it's right downtown and parking is expensive. Riding the bus is something I'm used to doing in Seattle; so since I've started riding again, I've been able to read more often. The people there are very friendly and I feel really appreciated. Case in point, my birthday which was last week... I got a card signed by the whole department, and a cake! Sure, I was one of 3 birthdays that week, but I didn't tell anyone about my birthday, so I was genuinely surprised to get a card. In fact, this job most closely resembles my old job at Microsoft. Sure they're not as "rich" as Microsoft, but they have talent and ideas and the know-how. They also have opportunities for advancement to those willing to seige it. I'm not saying they're perfect, (hell, no company or person is perfect), but they have a lot going for them, and I really enjoy working there.

Well, that's about all the time I've got for now to blog. Hopefully I won't regret this post.

Well, it's that time of the year again, where the leaves turn color and begin to waver. Actually, quite a lot of leaves have already fallen, and we're only in the second week of October. It's been a while since I've updated the blog/website, so I figured now was as good of a time as any other.

I'm still working at SMDC, though still as a Manpower contractor. I've been working there for over a year now and yet I'm still a temp. It's rather frustrating for me to write about, so I'll just leave it at that. However; I know that eventually, I'll find something much more rewarding and satisfying if I keep a positive outlook.

Speaking of positive outlooks, the NHL 2008-2009 season finally started last week and the Detroit Redwings look like they're ready to defend the Stanley Cup! After a great off-season, where they picked up two great players from Pittsburg (Hossa and Conklin) and only lost two players (Drake and Hasek) to retirement, I finally got a chance to see the team in action Saturday night when they played Ottawa. For a while, it looked like they were going to lose down 2-1 in the 3rd period even though they were the better team but then Frazen "the Mule" goes and just shoots the puck into the net like magic... not once, but twice to win the game. So far, he's scored 30 goals in his last 34 games (including up to the end of the season and playoffs.) Now that's amazing!!

And speaking of hockey, I've got my TwinPortsHockey.com League going.... We're playing games already, though I have to do a bit of work on the website. Currently the pickup game schedule is as followed:
Games every Tuesday & Wednesdays at Superior Ice arena (SAHA) 10:15pm - 11:25pm
Cost: $10/per skater or pre-pay month plan at about $7.50 per game.
So far, we've had a good turnout... in fact, I may have to start limiting who can play by a first-come/first-play policy.

Although I’m currently working at SMDC’s DataCenter, I still moonlight as self-employed computer wiz. Some of the services that I provide to my clients include:

Backup & Restore
Don't lose all those precious family photos or your business client’s data because you didn't make a backup. Allow me to create a customized & automatic backup solution plan for your home or small business computer network today!

Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware Protection
Do you currently use outdated Anti-Virus software? Do you think (or already know) that you have a virus? Are you concerned about Spyware getting on your computer? With over ten years of experience in thwarting viruses and cleaning infected machines, be rest assured that I can help you. In addition, get a year of protection from Viruses and Spyware with the installation of my top recommended anti-virus and anti-spyware software suites.

Data Migration
Want to use your old computer settings, programs, and data on your new computer? Data Migration is the answer! Service limited to Windows clients.

Hardware & Software Upgrades
Have a great older computer that just needs a tune up? Or maybe you need more storage space (hard drive) for all those pictures, music, and games. Whether it's installing a new Graphic adapter, replacing a Power supply, or upgrading your OS to a newer version; I can do it all.

Secure Home Networking Setup & Deployment
Do you have an ad hoc or home network? Are you concerned about hackers getting into your network? Keep your network secure and operational with proven techniques and best practices. Wireless network configuration included.

Catastrophic Data Recovery Service
Depending on the situation, I can provide data recovery services on crashed or formatted hard disks or flash drives.

Special Projects
Want to have your own website but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’d like custom built computer system for yourself. Or perhaps you’re a small business and want your organization’s computers to be audited for compliance and security. Whatever the project, I can help take you up the right path!

Call Robert Eckman today for your free computer service quote at (218) 310-4742! My rates and prices are reasonable and the quality of work is excellent. In addition, References are available on request. Please let me know in advance if your request is for a business or a home.
Note: These services are only available for local customers within the TwinPorts (Duluth/Superior) area.

Hello, my name is Robert Eckman, and welcome to my Blog!

I'm not quite sure where I'll be going with this, but I hope to make this blog as friendly and professional as possible for everyone, including family, friends, clients, and potential employers. As time goes by, I'll post various informative tibits, links, and resources that I've found helpful for myself and others. In addition, there might be times when I'll comment about the NHL Hockey season, or rant about the price of gas. Either way, this Blog should help me foster and develop my writing skills as I journey thru my life.

Feel free to stop by often as this page will be updated frequently over time!

Sincerely,
Robert Eckman